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INSIDE: Night to support local dance troupe P10

June 23, 2011

INTERVIEW: Joan Burton speaks

about her political career See Page 4

It’s party time: Local girl Trudy enjoys birthday bash Swimming: Murphy set for the World Championships Page 32

THERE were many reasons for

Trudy Keogh, pictured with her mum, Hazel, and sister Kristy, to be happy recently as she celebrated turning 21. The Rivervalley Community Centre was packed with family and friends awaiting the birthday girl, who was whisked to the party in style in a stretch limousine.

Picture: Siobhan Quigley

Full Galleries on Pages 6 & 8

Football: Fingallians keep up winning ways in AFL Division 2 Page 31

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ........ 6, 8 & 10 PETS..............................12 ENTERTAINMENT ......... 16 BUSINESS ................... 23 MOTORS ....................... 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26

€600,000 approved to start businesses Former SR staff are urged to act quickly or lose out

Q MIMI MURRAY

ALMOST €600,000 worth of grant aid has been approved for 48 individual start-up businesses that are being set up by former SR Technics workers who were made redundant in 2009.

The funding has been allo-

cated by the Fingal County Enterprise Board.

Enterprise Board boss, Oisin Geoghegan, urged other former workers who may wish to set up their own business that they will miss out on grant aid worth thousands of euro unless they act quickly.

“The value of each grant var-

ies from project to project, but a typical employment grant is in the region of €10,000, depending on the job specification.

There are also grants available for capital expenditure, such as buying new equipment, and these are available for up to 50% of the cost price,” he said.

Full Story on Page 5

2 SWORDS GAZETTE 23 June 2011

COUNCIL: SUMMER EVENTS

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CULTURE Annual celebration is a huge success

€50k for youth projects Q LAURA WEBB swords@gazettegroup.com

FINGAL County Council intends to spend over €50,000 on supporting a number of summer projects taking place throughout county Dublin.

A number of groups from across the county in Dublin West and Dublin North have applied for funding under the Community, Culture and Sports Division’s new summer projects funding scheme as part of activities funding.

A council report to councillors said the purpose of the project is to “provide a supervised programme of recreational and educational activities for young people during the summer period”.

The maximum funding available to summer project groups is €1,500 or €2,000 if the group is designated under the Activities funding scheme.

Some 40 youth groups have all been recommended to receive funding of some kind through the scheme.

A total of €57,293 is being allocated for funding the summer projects.

The report went on to say, “It is intended that each funded project will be visited by staff from the Community, Culture and Sports Division during the project with detailed evaluation forms for completion after the project has ended.

“The feedback gathered from these evaluations will play a large part in assessing funding for Summer Projects in 2012.”

Luttrellstown Golf Club was a great venue for Fingal Heritage Network’s annual celebration

Heritage Network’s night of culture and ‘craic’

Q JIM LACEY Gazette columnist

L

AST Friday week was a night of music, song, poetry, dancing and story for the members of Fingal’s Heritage Network of 14 historical and heritage societies who were assembled at Luttrellstown Golf Club for their annual celebration.

The many historical and heritage societies in Fingal numbering about 200 people attended.

They came from Balbriggan, Cloghran, Donabate, Garrristown, Howth, Loughshinney, Lusk, Malahide, Rolestown, Rush, Skerries and Swords. Hosting the

event were the two local heritage societies – Liffey Valley Alliance and Fingal South West Heritage society. Mary Eustace and her colleagues in Liffey Valley Alliance were responsible for the superb organisation.

Music

There were two traditional/folk groups – the Clonsilla-based Fionn Uisce headed up by Dave McClelland kicked off the proceedings with a series of Irish reels, jigs and hornpipes. Caroline Heery a member of the group gave a spectacular display of Irish dancing.

Bernadette Marks from Swords gave us a rendition of a poem cel-

ebrating the Fingallian language, the poem was written by Niall McCoitir of Fingal County Council. Bernadette also told a few humorous Swords stories. Pat Kelly from Lusk then recited some evocative poems relating to Lusk, accompanied with a beautiful selection of background music.

Diarmuid O’Cathasaigh gave a thrilling monologue relating to a famous race in Baldoyle Racecourse, he also sang a couple of songs as Gaeilge including Cill Chais. Cuimhneamh ar na focail i ‘Cad a dheánfaimid feasta gan adhmad? Ta deireadh na gcoillte ar lar”. I am pleased to report everyone joined in word- per-

fect, or so it seemed to me. Peadar Bates from Donabate frightened the life out of the audience with a couple of ghost stories. Brigid Heffernan sang The Rigs O’ Barley, a haunting Scottish ballad from the pen of Robbie Burns and a couple of contemporary pieces.

Her singing was absolutely beautiful and she brought the house down.

Variety

The Lusk Folk Group, on top form as always, entertained us with a variety of music and melody, including a couple of classical pieces. Cathal Moore from the Swords group sang a ballad about a Cabra man’s revenge on

a Portuguese man who ran way with his missus after seducing her with babycham.

Yours truly who was doing M.C. told a couple of yarns about growing up in north side Dublin in the 1950s/60s and some of the characters that frequented the area such as Bang Bang Johnny Forty Coats and Razor Blades and other knights of the road.

The gathering included Councillor Peadar O’Kelly from Balbriggan Town Council and Cllr.

Peggy Hamill, Eithne Loftus from Castleknock Ward and Cllr. Kieran Dennison from Mulhuddart Ward and Cllr. Ken Farrell Mayor of Fingal.

Cllr. Ken Farrell Mayor of Fingal gave a fine speech praising the work of the Fingal Network and thanked Heritage Officers, Gerry Clabby and Niall McCoiter, also of Fingal Heritage Network, for their efforts and hard work.

Speaking to Gerry Clabby afterwards he told me that it was not only a most successful night but it was very enjoyable and thanked all who organised the event and provided the entertainment.

Finally it was agreed by all that Luttrellstown Golf Club was a great venue and there was much praise for the management and staff who were very helpful.

23 June 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 3

RSA: BIKE WEEK

Blooming good fun: Enjoying garden festival

Online video to promote road safety

PICTURED at Bloom 2011 (from left to right) is Caroline Fitzpatrick, who is a horticulturist in Woodie’s DIY and Garden Centres, Swords, with her family, in one of the three Woodie’s DIY gardens at this year’s festival.

Speaking at Bloom, Ray Colman, CEO of Woodie’s DIY - sponsors of Supergarden, said: “The winner, Ken Byrne, really rose to the challenge and created a great garden that kept us on the edge with his down to the wire winning design.

“He created a unique supergarden which certainly has the ability to capture our imagination. Ken received a fantastic reaction to his garden at Bloom.”

This year’s RTE Supergarden winner, Ken Byrne, brought his winning design to Bloom where he was awarded a Bronze medal for his garden.

SOCIAL: ALLIANCE SLAMS MEASURES TO INCREASE AGE TO 68 BY 2028

Pension age plan will be ‘vehemently resisted’ PROPOSALS to increase the pension age in Ireland to 68 were “vehemently” resisted by the Socialist Party/United Left Alliance TDs. That’s according to Dublin West TD, Joe Higgins. The committee stage of the The Social Welfare and Pensions Bill was discussed last week.

An important provision in the bill could see the State pension age increase to 68 by 2028.

According to Deputy Higgins, from January 2014, around 11,000 workers who could look forward to receiving the contributory State Pension at 65 “will not get it” and will have to work for

another year until the age of 66. The pension age will rise again in 2021 to 67 and to 68 in 2028.

“This is a most reactionary and regressive bit of social legislation. Over a century and a half, the labour movement has conducted many costly struggles to reduce working hours and the working life so that workers might have respite and be able to retire at an age that gives them an opportunity to enjoy some leisure.

“That a Labour Party Minister should be proposing the reversal of some of these social gains is a statement of how far that party has gone in its betrayal of the core prin-

LOCAL

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‘It is simply cruel and inhuman to expect a worker to remain on building sites, or in industrial cleaning, until they are 68’

MATTERS SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

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ciples of worker solidarity.”

Deputy Higgins said the measure was a “betrayal of the Labour Party and no Labour Party deputy can consider himself/herself pro-workers’ rights if they support this Bill”.

Dublin North TD, Clare Daly added: “These measures will hit low-paid workers most and those in difficult and demanding employment.

“It is simply cruel

and inhuman to expect a worker to remain on building sites, or in industrial cleaning, until they are 68. What about nurses and teachers who are in work situations of acute stress?”

Joe Higgins and Clare Daly were joined by three United Left Alliance colleagues, Seamus Healy TD, Joan Collins TD and Richard Boyd Barrett TD in strenuously fighting the measure.

AN online video to mark RSA bike week puts cyclists and truck driver in each other’s shoes.

National Bike Week r uns this week until Sunday, June 26, and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is relaunching an online video that aims to educate cyclists and truck drivers on how to share the road safely.

Noel Brett, chief executive, RSA, said: “This online video is a great resource for cyclists, and truck drivers.

“It gives cyclists the opportunity to see and appreciate the challenges that truck drivers face in negotiating towns and villages due to the size of their vehicles and also provides advice on how to share the roads safely with these vehicles.

“Tr uck drivers can benefit from the resource as it provides a real understanding of the dangers from a cyclist’s point of view.”

The film is available to download from the RSA website (www.rsa.ie), RSA YouTube site, Facebook page (Road Safety Authority Ireland) and Twitter (RSAIreland).

ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZETTE CALL

6010240 Joe Higgins and Clare Daly are opposed to the move

4 SWORDS GAZETTE 23 June 2011

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POLITICS Joan Burton speaks about her political career

Reporter Laura Webb who interviewed the Minister

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In a sit down interview with the Gazette , the poll topping Dublin West TD admitted she was “surprised” and “bemused” not to be given a position within the Department of Finance. But, she says, she had no hesitation in getting her teeth stuck into her role as the new Minister for Social Protection -------------------------------------------------------

Joan Burton had no hesitation in accepting the post as Minister for Social Protection

Joan is both stimulated and challenged by her new role Q LAURA WEBB

SHE is a force to be reckoned with in Irish politics and, although, Joan Burton may not have been awarded the ministerial portfolio, she was widely expected to take up in the new Government, she says, tongue firmly in cheek, that she isn’t going anywhere and is keeping an eye on Finance.

In a sit-down interview with the Gazette, the poll-topping Dublin West TD, whose constituency includes parts of Swords, admitted she was “surprised” and “bemused” not to be given a position within the Department of Finance.

She had, after all been Labour’s Finance Spokesperson for over a decade, with many regarding her as a saviour of the party during its years in the wilderness, following the

demise of the Rainbow coalition.

But, she says, she had no hesitation in getting her teeth stuck into her role as the new Minister for Social Protection.

“In the Irish system, it’s the decision for the leaders of the political parties who are in government.

I accepted the request from Eamon Gilmore to become Minister in this Department, but I am keeping my eye on finance and on financial issues,” chuckles Burton, who is a former lecturer in accountancy.

Social Welfare “I have a strong interest in Social Welfare and in job creation, because, while banking and finance are critical to the economy, on the other side a really good social welfare system that is strong, and targeted at people who need support, is really

important for a civilised modern country.

“The one thing about a recession is, like booms, they come to an end and we need to assure people who have lost their jobs, or come out of school and can’t get a job, that they don’t end up so long on social welfare, that when the recession ends they really can’t compete against the new entrants coming into the labour market.”

So far, Burton says, she has found her new role both “stimulating and challenging”, but also exciting. “I have really had to come to grips with a whole new area, which counts for about €20 billion of spending. It pays income and money to 1.4 million people a week, so a lot of Irish families and individuals, rely in wholeness or in part for support on the Department of Social Protection.

“I am overseeing what I hope will be very exciting and effective changes in the Department, which is to bring in the community welfare officers into the Department and the Labour service side of FAS to make a one-stopshop where, if somebody

experience, that they can use on their CV and get a foot in the door.”

On a personal note, the mum of one says that while balancing motherhood and politics can be a “challenge” she still believes it’s vital important to encourage more

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‘I accepted the request from Eamon Gilmore to become Minister in this department, but I am keeping my eye on finance and on financial issues’ -------------------------------------------------------

Joan Burton, the new Minister for Social Protection

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goes into to get jobseekers, they will also be guided into advice about options.

“I have also been working on a new national intern scheme, which will offer people on the register more than three months, an opportunity to get six to nine months work

women to get involved in Dail Eireann.

She says that being part of a government cabinet with only three senior women figures, it’s clear that the gender balance is still not there “by a long shot”.

“I suppose Eamon Gilmore did try to com-

pensate, he appointed the Attorney General [Maire Whelan], the first woman to ever hold the post and my job, so there are two women coming from the Labour side around that table but I don’t think three women in all is enough; and he did of course, appoint Kathleen Lynch, Roisin Shorthall and Jan O’Sullivan as Ministers of State.”

Married to Pat, she says her husband is “very supportive” of her career choice, even if it means getting up early and coming home late.

On the recent State visits by Queen Elizabeth II and President Barack Obama, Burton says she felt “quite privileged to be there when both visits were taking place”.

She described the Queen as “very charming” and “very focussed on the visit”.

“I got the impression

that it was of enormous historical significance to her. She was extraordinary well briefed about the different events that I attended; I think there was a moment, when the Queen’s opening words [during her speech at the State dinner] were in Irish, it was a very strong indication of both her respect for Ireland and her determination to make the visit a success.”

As for American President Barack Obama, Burton says he is a “serious rock star” and thought that his wife was “stunning”. “I thought they were really a remarkable magnetic couple.”

“I felt quite privileged to be there when both visits were taking place, so, hopefully, that positive image of Ireland will tell a slightly different story to all the gloomy economic news.”

23 June 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 5

FINGAL Funds for former SR Technic workers

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

Former SR Technics workers at Dublin Airport who were made redundant can apply for grant assistance

€600,000 of grant aid made available Q MIMI MURRAY swords@gazettegroup.com

S TA R T- u p f u n d i n g of €600,000 has been approved for SR Technic workers who were made redundant in 2009.

The Fingal County Enterprise Board has confirmed that almost €600,000 of grant aid has already been approved for 48 individual startup businesses, which are being set up by former SR Technics workers in Fingal, Dublin City, Meath and Louth.

However, the Fingal County Enterprise Board has cautioned that other SR Technics workers who want to set up their own business in Fingal could miss out on grant aid worth thousands of euro and crucial business support services unless they act quickly.

Under the European Globalisation Fund

(EGF), former SR Technics workers at Dublin Airport, who were made redundant after February 12, 2009, can apply for grant assistance to fund the setting up of a new business.

The Business Start-Up section of EGF is being led

by Fingal County Enterprise Board and they’re encouraging former SR Technics employees, who might be thinking of setting up a business locally, to apply for assistance immediately.

The Enterprise Board in Fingal is warning that former SR Technics workers could miss out on valuable financial assistance and business support services, unless they submit their business proposals quickly.

Explaining the supports on offer, Oisin Geoghegan, the CEO of the Fingal County Enterprise Board, said: “The

value of each grant varies from project to project, but a typical employment grant is in the region of €10,000, depending on the job specification.

“There are also grants available for capital expenditure, such as buying new equipment, and these are available for up to 50% of the cost price.

“The Enterprise Boards also provide on-going mentoring assistance before, during and after the application process, advising former SR Technics workers around market research and business planning. So far, 60 workers from SR Technics have availed of start your own business training and mentoring support, through the EGF. To apply for funding under the EGF, SR Technics workers first have to submit a business proposal outlining their enterprise idea.

As the final deadline is only a couple of weeks away, Geoghegan is concerned that some SR Technics workers might miss out on accessing important grant aid, to help fund their business costs in the early start-up phase.

“Applications should be submitted to the Enterprise Board, and all applications are subject to appraisal by an Evaluation Committee to assess the business proposal.

“For successful applicants, the grant aid will help their business get up and running, and this early stage seed finance can help ensure that the business succeeds,” he said.

Information about the application process is available at www. fingalceb.ie/EGF or by telephoning the Fingal County Enterprise Board offices on (01) 8900 800.

6 SWORDS GAZETTE 23 June 2011

EVENT Trudy Keogh’s 21st birthday celebrations

Trudy with one of her “princes” Ger Ryan

Party time

Happy birthday Trudy

HE Rivervalley Community centre was the venue for a special 21st birthday celebrations for a very happy Trudy Keogh. Trudy was whisked to her party in style, arriving in a stretch limousine.

She was welcomed at the door by two “princes” who escorted her inside where she was greeted by her family and friends who had turned out to ensure that Trudy had a fantastic day. The centre was decked out in balloons and other decorations, creating a great atmosphere.

And, for the hungry guests, there was plenty of tasty treats on offer, including a fantastic birthday cake. The day finished with some great music for all to enjoy before heading home from what was a very enjoyable and memorable event. Gallery continues on Page 8

Trudy with mum, Hazel, and sister Kristy (Keogh). Picture: Siobhan Quigley

T

Melissa Fennell and Shauna Power

Gemma Lynsey and Keith Duffy

Trudy flanked by her “princes” Paul Doyle and Ger Ryan as she arrived at her 21st birthday party

Ann and Kim Morgan and Meghan Dunne

Trudy with her dad, Thomas

23 June 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 7

HEALTH Leaked cuts submission by HSE managers

Cuts proposed in maternity, other services SOCIALIST Party TD, Clare Daly, has spoken of her opposition to the leaked submission by HSE managers in Dublin and the North East, which outlined proposed cuts in maternity and other health services.

The draft submission proposed a range of cuts under consideration, including scaling back services for sexual abuse victims and introducing a waiting list service for pregnant women.

“The type of cuts being considered can only be described as barbaric,” Daly said.

“Waiting lists for services for pregnant women and newborn infants, and capping access to immunisation programmes, will result in the late detection of complications and possible deaths.”

The TD went on to say: “The proposed scaling back of services to victims of sexual abuse just beggars belief given that the climate has been created only in the last decade, where it is easier for victims to step forward and seek help. Cuts like this send a message that the State does not really take seriously the abuse they suffered.”

According to Clare, the €50 million deficit the HSE is grappling with is “frankly chicken feed” especially when compared to the bailouts, the interest payments imposed by the IMF/ EU deal and the amount of unearned wealth that could be progressively taxed to safeguard and improve services.

“These cuts under consideration, and the false alternatives posed in the submission, including the wholesale closing of hospitals must be actively opposed by communities, patients groups and health workers,” she said.

In response to the questions raised by the leaked submission, the HSE responded by highlighting the fact that the report referred to was labelled as “draft” and, therefore, should be treated a “work in progress”which formed part of a deliberative process which is ongoing.

“The draft report refers

to a significant volume of work underway to ensure HSE Dublin North East delivers on the level of services it is committed to in 2011, while remaining within the budget available. The proposals have not been approved by HSE and require further consideration before any decisions are taken.”

W

Q NATALIE BURKE

Family fun: Seat has added an ST version to the Ibiza range to give more space

Clare Daly is opposed to the proposed HSE cuts

MOTORING PAGE 24

8 SWORDS GAZETTE 23 June 2011

TAKE TWO Another look at a local girl’s milestone party

Trudy is welcomed by Paul Doyle and Ger Ryan

Birthday bash for Trudy

Judy Timmons, Katie Duffy and Zowey Byrne

Ross Guinan, Rachel O’Connor, Trudy Keogh, Carol Leahy and Tara Mooney.

Lauren McCormack, Jamie Macken, Ava Smith and Erin Smith

The birthday cake

Breda Houlihan and her mum, Phyllis Ward

The Keogh family: Back row, Thomas, Hazel, Kim, Lisa, Kirsty, Colin holding Taylor. Front, Jamie, Jack, Trudy and Alan

23 June 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 9

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EVENT Locals attend Jay Asolo School of Dance fundraiser for USA trip

Showing support HERE was a special fundraising night for a group of local girls who will be representing Ireland in Las Vegas on July 24 after securing second place in the Crew championships in Dublin in march. The Crew, representing the asolo academy of dance, will be flying out on July 21 and have been busy of late raising funds for the trip. Their next event, a River Valley has Talent night, is on July 9 at Peacocks Steakhouse Rivervalley. The group is looking for support and if anyone is interested they are asked to contact June on 087-4152161 or Lorraine on 0860846399.

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The local community came out in support of the Allstars team

23 June 2011 GAZETTE 11

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PETS Saving your sanity and furniture

Keeping those Kitty claws up to scratch MIRIAM KERINS Education Officer, Dublin SPCA

E V E RYO N E k n ow s that cats like to claw and scratch – that’s why I’m amazed when, very often, some people enquiring about adopting a kitten insist they don’t want one that will “scratch” their top- grain leather furniture. Oh, grow up!

It’s no secret that, as part of their daily routine, our feline friends instinctively pull the claws on their front paws through any surface that offers resistance – this unfortunately includes prized possessions like leather furniture! It’s a cat thing

– get over it!

A cat’s claws are the Swiss army knife of her tool box and an integral part of who she is – an exceptional hunter, climber and expert in personal defence. Kitty’s one paw swat is usually enough to send other cats running for cover, let alone the new family dog who swaggers onto her territory thinking he’s the dominant alpha male on the block. Big mistake!

A cat will also use her claws to communicate and leave messages for other cats by scratching on surfaces. You see, Kitty’s claws will engrave a visual territorial mark,

Cats instinctively pull the claws on their front paws through any surface that offers resistance

while the scent glands in her paw pads will brush on an olfactory mark signaling to other cats that she’s in da house!

Ok, if your cat is an outdoorsy type, then she’ll probably use tree trunks as part of her daily clawing ritual. But when she’s indoors, then she’ll go for everything from the curtains to the bed linen and beyond.

So, if Kitty is an indoor cat (and, here’s a bit of trivia - thanks to the invention of cat litter back in the 1940s, more and more felines are staying in, allowing them to live longer, healthier lives) she may be determined to feng shui your home in her own particular style of, er, “claw chic” well, then, what’s a pet parent to do?

• Encourage Kitty to use posts by scenting them with her favourite cat food, or hang or place toys in areas where she’ll climb. Also, gently rub your own hands on the scratching post’s surface and then gently rub Kitty’s paws onto the surface and praise her for using it.

• If your budget allows it, then get a multi-level scratching post that incorporates climbing and resting platforms with tree trunk-style stilts built in.

• Reward your cat every time she uses her scratching post. Remember, security is essential here, so make sure the scratching post is stable because if it topples or shakes, Kitty won’t want to use it.

• Cover objects that are out of bounds – better still, move them.

• If you manage to catch Kitty in the act of scratching a forbidden object, distract her by clapping your hands or by squirting her, very gently, with clean water from a child’s small toy water pistol. Never, ever hit her.

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

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Gazette Contacts Block 3A Mill Bank Business Park Lucan Tel: 01 6010240 Fax: 01 6010251 Managing Director: Liam Holland email: lholland@gazettegroup.com General Manager: Michael McGovern email: mmcgovern@gazettegroup.com Editor: Cormac Curtis email: ccurtis@gazettegroup.com News Editor: Dawn Love email: dlove@gazettegroup.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile email: jmaile@gazettegroup.com Sports Editor: Rob Heigh email: sport@gazettegroup.com Financial Controller: Carly Lynch email: clynch@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.

SNAPSHOT The stories of the day

Calling all snappers!

AN Taisce are inviting entries from Dublin to their annual Clean Coast Photography Competition, which was launched last week as part of Coca-Cola Clean Coast Week.

Dublin has some of the most beautiful and spectacular coastlines in Ireland and, last year, a photograph of Dollymount, taken by Jonathan Mallin, took third prize in the Under-18s’ category of the competition, while Jamie Saunder’s photograph of Dublin Bay took third prize in the Over-18s’ category.

The Clean Coasts Photography Competition is a key part of An Taisce’s Clean Coasts’ programme, which encourages communities to manage and conserve some of the 3,000 miles of Irish coastline.

There were over 600 entries last year with a very high standard of photography as

Annabel Fitzgerald, Coastal Programmes Manager with An Taisce commented: “The photography competition is in its second year.

“Last year’s competition was so successful, an exhibition of some of the entries has been touring Ireland, a real snapshot of the beauty

of Ireland’s coastline.”

The theme of this year’s competition is, I Love My Coast, and entries are invited under four categories: 1) Coastal Landscape; 2) Coastal Heritage; 3) Nature & Wildlife; 4) People & the Coast.

The total prize fund is

€3,000 and the chance to be part of the Clean Coasts Photography Exhibition.

If you would like to enter the Clean Coast Photography Competition, log on to the website www.cleancoastphoto.org The Clean Coasts’ programme is owned and oper-

ated by the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce and is supported by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, Coca-Cola.

To learn more about An Taisce’s Clean Coasts’ Programme visit www.cleancoastsireland.org

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GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT

A film ready to take flight Based on a ‘kind of’ true story, Ian Power’s directorial debut, The Runway, is a triumph for the whole family Q JONATHAN KEANE

Jamie Kierans and Demian Bichir star in Ian Power’s feel-good debut feature length film, The Runway, showing in cinemas now

THE Runaway is the partially true story of a small quiet town in rural Cork called Drumasheen, with little or nothing going on, spelling utter boredom for the children living there and particularly our protagonist Paco (Jamie Kierans). However, that all swiftly changes with, literally, a bang.

Ernesto, a Columbian pilot played by Demian Bichir, crashes his plane outside the town, and, lucky to survive, meets Paco who rallies the residents together to build

a runway for Ernesto to fly home.

Set in 1983, The Runway has all the hallmarks of feel-good film; the town is stuck in the doldrums of the recession of the 80s and this unlikely arrival is what brings the populace together, even if some have ulterior motives.

Some have looked beyond the goodwill of the other residents to get Ernesto home and see the situation as a PR and money-making gold -mine.

The different motives of these minor characters keep things a lit-

FILM OF THE WEEK: The Runway ++++ (PG) 101 mins Director: Ian Power Starring: Demian Bichir, Kerry Condon, Jamie Kierans, James Cosmo

OUR VERDICT: THE Runway is a simple family film filled with laughs and warming moments. There’s still plenty here for any age to enjoy from the development of the different relationships to various characters’ quirks. Ian Power has taken this true story, and well and truly, made it his with his own well-scripted subplots. The script and acting are solid and affecting, so there’s little to really fault with in The Runway.

tle more interesting as there is always something under the surface.

Director Ian Power keeps the plot simple overall and easy to follow from the opening to closing credits, which is the film’s greatest strength.

The relationship b e t we e n P a c o a n d Ernesto is the centrepiece of the film, striking a bond that is both heartwarming as well as funny when it needs to be.

Paco has been raised by his single mother (Kerry Condon) and the arrival of Ernesto marks something of a father figure for him, especially with Paco’s only knowledge of his father being that he “lives in Spain”.

Under this belief of his father’s whereabouts, Paco learns Spanish and when Ernesto lands in Dr umasheen, he attempts to establish a rapport with the Columbian stranger and soon finds himself acting as interpreter for the rest of the town.

This is Power’s debut feature film and it proves to be a more than impressive debut, with him taking this true story and mixing in and integrating his own sub-plots and quirks to the film.

It is easy to see why The Runway has been gathering acclaim, seemingly across the board ,including scooping up the gong for Best Irish

Feature Film at the Galway Film Fleadh.

The film has been likened to E.T. with an outsider entering a small community and bonding with a child, and the two building an affecting relationship. Spielberg’s influence is quite evident in Power’s work here.

Debut

Power is not the only debut here, as Jamie Kierans too is making his debut as the touching and cheery Paco.

It seems that Kierans adapted quickly and easily to Power’s plot, with the youngster depicting Paco with little or no flaws, and with ease, creating a character that the audience can relate to.

The star performance comes from Demian Bichir though, in his portrayal of the almost dark and reluctant hero of the film.

The Mexican actor is heavily acclaimed too, particularly in his role in Che (2008) and his presence in the cast gives the film just a little bit more credibility, for those perhaps reluctant to watch the film.

The Runway, as cliched as it sounds, is one for all ages, with its bubbly comedic moments as well as poignant scenes, and is certainly a victory for Irish film that shouldn’t be overlooked.

23 June 2011 GAZETTE 17

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Be the best best man on the day WHEN it comes to public speaking, most people would admit that they hate the thought of standing up and addressing any kind of a gathering.

The best man’s speech is almost as important as the wedding ceremony itself – everyone knows it’s going to happen, the preparations are desperately nerve-wracking, and there’s no escaping it once you’ve signed up to the event.

You’ll be honoured, of course, to be best man.

But, your words will not be forgotten. They will

be etched in everyone’s minds for years to come.

We can all remember the kinds of car-crash speeches we’ve heard in the past.

Advice

The best advice is to be yourself and remember what the speech is all about. You probably don’t do stand up-comedy for a living, so don’t try. Be humorous, but remember that the most important people in the room are sitting next to you; it’s their day and they should be the main focus.

l M UM S -TO - B E l

Serious style to dress your bump AT THIS time of the year there are so many wedding’s to attend, women purchasing fabulous dresses and men buying suits or heading down to Blacktie.

But what about mumsto-be? It is just as important they feel and look fabulous wearing a beautiful dress for their special occasion day.

That’s where Stylemama comes in, helping mums-to-be find that perfect maternity dress without the expense of buying one that may only be worn once or twice throughout their pregnancy. And, for a fraction of the price, they offer a fantastic collection of dresses by well-known designers, many of which are worn by some of our favourite celebrities.

Clients can browse through the collection of dresses at the show-

room, taking as much time as they desire. With the option of their mobile service – shopping for maternity dresses has never been easier.

The selection of Nicole Michelle dresses are a very popular choice this season, truly beautiful dresses made with luxurious lace, a fabric which gives a perfect silhouette shape and, of course, lots of comfort, too, and allowing you to show off your beautiful bump, not conceal it.

Dresses from this range of have been worn by celebrity Emma Bunton this year, and many more of our dresses from other designers have been worn by Myleene Klass, Danielle Lloyd and Tess Daly.

Mums-to-be will be really spoilt for choice when visiting Stylemama.

All-inclusive package from Green Isle Hotel THE Green Isle Hotel on the Naas road has just teamed up with wedding specialist Laura Leigh, and is excited to announce their new exclusive, and all-inclusive, wedding package.

The Green Isle Hotel offers an innovative and elegant wedding programme with a trained, professional team to see that every wedding is truly special. Exquisite cuisine and wines, the loveliest linens, floral arrangements and a range of suites all help to take the stress out of your big day. The Green Isle Hotel offers a convenient location for a wedding reception and will make for a very memorable occasion.

From the moment a couple decides to hold their special day at the Green Isle Conference & Leisure Hotel, the hotel’s team will be happy to assist; ensuring attention to detail is of the utmost importance. The hotel will work to create a wonderful and unforgettable occasion for the happy couple, their families and guests.

The hotel’s new all-inclusive wedding package features tea/ coffee, biscuits and mulled wine or fruit punch on arrival, followed by a sumptuous fivecourse evening meal for all guests.

Each guest enjoys one glass of wine with their meal, which is

enjoyed at tables featuring chair covers and floral centrepieces.

The happy couple enjoy one month leisure membership and a complimentary bridal suite.

This offer applies to minimum numbers of 100 people, Monday – Friday.

For Saturday weddings, a charge of €10 extra per person applies, and the offer includes and evening reception buffet, two guests bedrooms provided by the Green Isle Hotel.

Also provided by “I Do” Weddings – by Laura Leigh – is a choice of wedding gown from top designers, two bridesmaid dresses, tiara, veil and bridal

shoes.

Other wedding essentials, including a total of 60 day invitations, a two- or three-tier cake, photographer and album, videographer, one car hire and unity candle and stand are also included.

See www.idoweddings.ie for examples.

This offer is available from €9,500 and is subject to availability. Upgrades are possible at a surcharge.

For further information, please contact the hotel’s wedding coordinator, Suzanne McCabe, on (01) 4123708 or email sales@ greenislehotel.com.

23 June 2011 GAZETTE 19

l LO O K I N G A M I L L I O N D O L L A R S l

Planning your bridal beauty regime ARE YOU five or six months away from your wedding? While you’re addressing invitations and picking out bridesmaids’ dresses, it will definitely pay off to take some time to work on your beauty regimen.

Making an investment now will pay off big on your wedding day.

Skin Care Now is the time to start working on your skin. On your wedding day, you’ll be having your picture taken close-up and many people getting close to your skin as they hug and kiss you. Even a relatively nice complexion can get extra benefit from six months of stress-relief, proper nutrition, and added water-drinking.

First, start a good cleansing programme.

You should be using a multi-step system, including a good cleanser

(Sothys Morning Cleanser for all skin types) in the morning, eye makeup remover and cleanser and toner at night, daily moisturiser (Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream) and an exfoliant and mask once a week.

(Sothys Desquacrem and Oxyliance Mask).

If you can afford it, this is a great time to consult a professional beauty therapist. Tell them your wedding date, and your skin-care goals. They may recommend treatments such as microdermabrasion or regular facials that will help you have pictureperfect skin.

Examine how much water you drink daily.

Drinking up to eight glasses daily may help clear up blemishes and make your skin more luminous. Try filling a bottle and keeping it on your desk at work. Have another water bottle in

the TV room (or wherever you tend to relax at night). While drinking this much water may be a challenge at first, keep at it, and it will get easier and easier.

While you’re increasing your water consumption, it’s a great time to be decreasing your caffeine consumption. Not only will less caffeine help your skin, it will also help you to be less stressed out.

You know if you’re better off going cold turkey or decreasing gradually.

Body Treatments Regular body massages will help to relax you during this stressful time!

Most beauty salons offer massage therapy treatments.

As well as massages, salons and spas offer full body and beauty treatments for brides-to-be and their parties, so look around and see where

Take the time between now and your wedding to focus on your beauty health

offers the best value – you might think about taking a day off with your hens and pampering yourself before the big day.

All kinds of treatments are available, from Body

treatments, including Swedish, stone therapy, lymphatic and deeptissue massage, Holistic therapies, including Hopi ear candling, reflexology, aromatherapy and Indian

head massage – think about which one will be right for you, and enjoy the downtime.

Make-up At least a month before

the wedding, visit a beauty salon and ask about a trial make up.

It is best to get two each for hair and make-up to make sure you know what you are getting. And make sure your trials are with the people who will be doing your hair/makeup on the day You need to know exactly what your make up will look like on your big day, and taking the time to think it through with your beautician beforehand is a very good idea.

Consider using this make-up session when you get ready for your hen night – you’ll also get to see how well your makeup performs on a night out, good practise for the big day itself.

Remember it’s your wedding day, one of the best days of your life, so, once all the preparations are done, sit back and enjoy, and be beautiful.

20 GAZETTE 23 June 2011

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l HONEYMOON OFFERS l

A heavenly Honeymoon FROM lazing on a deserted Caribbean beach to gazing on wild African game in their natural environment, it is important that you get the right advice when choosing your honeymoon.

The run-up to a wedding can be one of the most exciting times in a person’s life, but it can also be quite stressful!

Once the happy couple have said their “I do’s” and partied the night away with friends and family, they are often exhausted from all of the anticipation and planning and are ready for the per-

fect honeymoon.

Tour operators and travel agents have cottoned on to the fact that honeymooners no longer want just a week on the beach somewhere, but are often after a once-ina-lifetime experience.

“We are talking to a lot of honeymooners who say that they want a week on the beach to relax followed by an experience, such as a wildlife safari or a blowout in Las Vegas,” says Stephen McKenna, Founder of GoHop.ie.

“Twin centre holidays are increasingly popular, with a few days in Dubai

followed by a South African safari and or Garden Route trip – a firm favourite” he says.

Asia is also another haven for honeymooners, thanks to the affordability of the resorts in Thailand and Bali. It is possible to get excellent value for money without having to scrimp on luxury. Lisa Byrne, Travelmood, comments: “More and more honeymooners are opting for all-inclusive package deals to Thailand or the Caribbean. There are lots of all-inclusive deals around that offer the very best value for money. After

After the big day, the couple want to relax without having to worry about money

the big expense of a wedding, the couple want to kick back and relax without having to worry about the cost of their honeymoon.”

In the run-up to the wedding, practical planning for the honeymoon can get overlooked. It is important to research whether you need specific visas or vaccinations for the countries you will be visiting. Remember, that for vaccines to have the maximum effect, it is important to get them

well in advance of the trip. The Tropical Medical Bureau have over 23 clinics nationwide.

Travel insurance is also another important factor when travelling abroad.

Multitrip.ie offers cheap travel insurance that provides comprehensive holiday insurance cover, and ,with prices starting from as little as €19.99, should definitely be a priority when planning.

Top Honeymoon Offers

1) Travelmood – Pat-

taya, Thailand. Ten nights at the 3-star Green Park Resort in a standard room from €875.50pp inc tax (€570pp without tax).

P a c k a g e i n cl u d e s accommodation on a room-only basis, return flights with SAS ex-Dublin.

Must book before July 14. Travel: October 2 2011. Quote Ref: 156376 Visit www.travelmood.ie or call 01 433 1040.

2) GoHop.ie – Tanzania & Zanzibar. Tanzania – Safari + Zanzibar Honey-

moon package price from €2,990pp sharing, including flights from Ireland.

Package price includes all transfers, accommodation, meals and game drives. Private transport while on safari with a naturalist driver/guide. Internal flights from Arusha to Zanzibar and from Zanzibar to Dar Es Salaam.

Visit www.gohop.ie or call 01 2412389.

3) Joe Walsh Tours Antigua. Seven nights in Antigua on an all-inclusive basis at the Grand Pineapple Beach Antigua from €1,320 plus tax.

Includes: Return flights from Dublin, seven nights accommodation at the 3-star Grand Pineapple in a standard room on an all-inclusive basis (all meals, drinks and entertainment included) and transfers. Visit www.joewalshtours.ie or call 01 241 0888.

4) Concorde Travel Croatia. Stay seven nights at the 5-star Hotel Croatia in Cavtat on a B&B basis from €930pp inc tax.

Includes; flights, accommodation and transfers.

Travel: July 17 and 24 from Dublin. Includes €100 off offer. Visit www. concordetravel.ie or call 01 775 9300 5) American Holidays – Hawaii & Las Vegas.

Stay three nights at the 4-star Treasure Island in Las Vegas and 7 nights at 5* Hilton Hawaiian Village on a room only basis from €1,729pp. Quote ref 712829. Visit www.americanholidays.ie or call 01 673 3840.

23 June 2011 GAZETTE 21

l FLOWER POWER l

Special flower, special meaning, special day SAY it with flowers, the old advertising slogan used to chime.

But, if you’re planning to get married soon, you should bear in mind that the flowers might have something to say themselves on your special day.

Flowers carry a special meaning, passed down from generations gone by and before you start choosing the make up of your bouquets and table decorations, you might take a moment to reflect on the messages that your marigolds and rhododendrons might be sending.

In ancient times, people believed that the car-

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rying of strongly smelling flowers and herbs and spices repelled bad luck and ill health on their wedding day. In early Roman civilisation, brides and grooms used to wear floral garlands to signify hope of fertility. But the syntax of your shrubbery came into it’s own during Victorian times, when lovers exchanged different flowers to pass on their messages to each other.

Each flower symbolised a special meaning, and the recipient understood the message as clearly as if it were written on a piece of paper.

Today, most people

don’t speak flower, but on a day as important as your wedding, placing emphasis on what your flowers are saying can add another level of meaning to the subtext of your special day.

Let’s look at a few of the most appealing wedding flowers and their meanings.

Roses Roses have always been the most regularly chosen flower by brides throughout the world. Roses come in many colours, each of them with their own different meanings. White stands for innocence, beauty and charm, while

them in their wedding arrangements. However, they might if they understood their significance – daisies stand for romance and an innocent spirit.

Roses come in many different colours, each with their own meaning

red expresses a bride’s zeal and unending love towards her man.

Dark pink denotes thankfulness towards God that the bride and groom are made the man and wife, and an ivy-

coloured rose represents fidelity in marriage.

Tulips There are over 500 varieties of tulips, and they are considered the best for spring weddings

and are well recognised for the undying love and affection that they represent.

Daisies Everyone loves daisies.

But not many brides use

Calla Lilies These graceful flowers are reminders of past generations when grace and beauty were the rule.

Associated with elegance and charm, a calla lily would be the perfect flower if you wanted to create a sophisticated atmosphere for your wedding.

They also come in many different colours and varieties.

All graceful. All elegant.

22 GAZETTE 23 June 2011

BRIDE& GROOM

D u b l i n ’ s co m p l e t e g u i d e to yo u r w e d d i n g

l P E D I C U R E T R E AT M E N T M A K E S A S P L AS H l

A fishtastic experience to remember Q ANITA WARD

I THINK I can safely say that I don’t give my feet an easy time of it.

So, when we were discussing the new fish pedicure craze that seems to be everywhere at the moment, the consensus was that I would benefit the most.

Considering that I have a love of high-heeled shoes and horse-riding in equal measures, I’m not surprised that my feet are in a state.

I spend the better part of my day walking around the office in anything from four- to six-inch heels, and then, come the evening, I change into leather jodhpur boots and proceed to sweat a lot in them for the rest of the evening – very attractive!

I don’t even give my feet the luxury of some TLC, because I’m not overly fond of actually touching my feet, or having them touched. In fact, I’ve never even had a pedicure before – I know, the shame ...

Ealu Spa However, I was ridiculously curious about whether it was worth the hype, and what it would feel like, so I headed over to the Ealu Spa Therapy Salon in Naas, Co Kildare, to see what the fuss was all about.

Entering Ealu from a deluge of rain, I was greeted by the friendly staff and stepped into a little oasis of calm.

I was quickly introduced to the pedicure fish – Garra Rufa fish, I

was informed – and just hoped they were hungry, because my feet were a banquet of dead skin!

These little guys don’t get too full, apparently, despite the pedicure, and they are very happy in their job.

Their tank is placed on the floor beside a very comfortable looking recliner chair, with a built-in foot spa.

I met the lovely therapist, and she asked me to get comfortable on the chair and take off my shoes, and proceeded to wash my feet.

Your feet have to be free from any creams or chemicals (so, fake tan is a big no-no), but nail polish is fine.

The 150 little Garra Rufas got very excited at the prospect of a slap-up

Despite counting her toes before and after lowering them into a tank full of hungry Garra Rufa fish at Ealu Spa Therapy Salon, our writer swears by the marvellous pedicure treatment that they gave

meal on my tootsies as I lowered them into the water ...

To say it is an unusual feeling is an understatement – it’s not quite like someone touching your feet; it’s not unpleasant – it’s just bizarre! If anything, I could describe it like hundreds of little mini-vibrations, all working away together in different places on your feet.

These fish don’t nibble

at your feet, a common misconception – they don’t have teeth; it’s more like a sucking action.

They went to town on my feet – oh, and not just on my feet, but on my legs, too. Your leg goes up to mid-calf into the tank, so the fish were more than happy to give my legs a good clean as well.

I was fascinated with the fish as they busied themselves, with some of them even getting right in

Part of the welcoming environment at Ealu Spa

between my toes or, even funnier, fighting with each other to get the best position!

Experience The therapist offered me a magazine or something to drink, but I was quite happy to sit and soak up the experience by watching the little guys go to work.

The treatment lasts about 25 to 35 minutes, and it was strangely relax-

ing. Despite my reservations, I was actually excited to feel my feet afterwards, once the fish had finished happily working away on them.

I didn’t know if I expected them to turn their noses up at my foul feet, or to have a taste and then keel over and die.

Interestingly, the therapist told me about the benefits for people with skin conditions.

On lifting my feet out of the tank, I felt like I should be thanking the little guys for all of their hard work. Already I could feel that there was something different about my feet.

I was treated to another foot spa wash, and a massage, from the comfort of the comfy chair, and I got to touch my new feet.

I say “new” because, I swear, it was like I had baby skin on my feet – they had been reborn!

The skin was soft and smooth, and felt absolutely brand new!

I was very proud to show off all of the hard work of the little Garra Rufa fishies.

Ealu Spa are experts at making this odd craze of having fish make-over your feet seem perfectly normal, and at putting you at ease, and are offering a great deal of just €10 for 25 minutes in the tank – so you have no excuse not to try it out for yourself.

23 June 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 23

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS

Supported by AIB

Interview: Grainne Lowe, Malahide Books & Gifts

Opening a chapter on local book excellence GRAINNE Lowe opened Malahide Books & Gifts in July, 2009. She opened the Malahide shop after the success of her shop in Ratoath, which she opened in 2004.

Grainne runs the shops with her husband, Ciaran, and they pride themselves on excellent customer service, which became clear when Malahide Books & Gifts won the Friendliest Business Award, 2009 from the Junior Chamber of Commerce.

Grainne and Ciaran are running a very successful business, selling schoolbooks, school stationery, art and craft supplies and gifts.

They offer an online service, and have also introduced a savings scheme to help parents with the financial burden of backto-school purchases.

ANSWERS TO YOUR PERSONAL FINANCE QUESTIONS WHAT WELFARE ENTITLEMENTS CAN A SINGLE MOTHER CLAIM? Q – I am a single mother, and am due my baby in five months. Can you confirm exactly my welfare entitlements, as there seems to be some confusion. I am also unemployed, having been made redundant six months ago – it was my first job, and I was only there for 10 months.

Sharon – Terenure A - CONGRATULATIONS on the baby, first of all.

Raising children is a costly exercise. Some of the benefits payable by the State are based on PRSI contributions you may have made, so some of these you will be ineligible to claim Presumably, you are still claiming Jobseekers’ Allowance, or unemployment assistance. However, there are currently three main payments due to you on the arrival of your baby. Firstly, child benefit is the most common payment to families with children.

You are entitled to it because you satisfy a habitual residency test, and will have a dependent child that meets the criteria. Currently, this is €140 per month for the first and second child, and slightly more for subsequent children.

Secondly, Early Childcare Supplement (ECS) was

Grainne runs the shops with her husband, Ciaran

a payment to families with children under five years of age. This was €41.50 per month, up to December,

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

A: I wanted to be a vet, as I loved animals and petted every dog and cat I saw.

Q: What was your first job?

A: I worked in Woolworths on Henry Street when I was in school.

Q: And your first pay cheque?

A: I think it was €5 per day from Woolworths.

Q: When did you start your present job?

A: I opened my first shop, Ratoath Books & Gifts, seven years ago, and I opened Malahide Books & Gifts two years ago.

Q: What is the best thing about your job?

A: I get great job satisfaction when things go well, and being my own boss is nice, too.

2009.

can’t pack a box – this is true!

Q: What sport do you follow?

A: Gaelic football and soccer (because my children play these sports).

Q: What sport can you play?

A: I was very athletic, in my day. I played camogie and basketball, and I was a sprinter, and I did the long jump. Unfortunately, I don’t have much time or energy for sport these days, but I hope to take up golf in a few years.

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

A: I love 80’s music; in fact, if you visit our shops, you will hear my favourites on my iPod. My favourite movie so far is Avatar; I could watch it over and over, and my favourite TV programme is Greys Anatomy.

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

A: I am not very good at

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

A: I would have to say David

shop displays and keeping things tidy, so, Amber and my daughter, Amanda, look after that side of the business for me.

There is a standing joke that I

Norris. I really enjoy listening to him on the radio, and I think his views are refreshing in these dire times. He would be a great ambassador for the

country if he made it to Aras an Uachtarain.

Q: What music/pictures/movies do you have on your iPod/ iPad? A: I have a good selection; mostly 80’s stuff, but I also have modern music on it, such as Black Eyed Peas, Bruno Mars, Katy Perry etc.

Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook?

A: Just my friends on Facebook.

Q: What was your last Tweet/ status update?

A: Beware of viruses.

Q: Describe your dream meal?

A: My favourite dinner is chicken with mushrooms and apricot in a brandy sauce – yum, yum.

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

A: Dame Edna, as at least I

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own?

A: Way too many.

Q: What was your worst holiday experience?

A: My worst holiday experience was the year my sister and I rented a mobile [home] in Wexford with our kids – I was six months pregnant, and got a tummy bug.

Q: Describe your dream holiday?

A: Somewhere that I didn’t have to lift a finger, and where I could eat and eat and not gain a pound.

Q: What would be your dream job?

A: You know, I have always worked, so I guess my dream would be not to work at all, and just potter around the house and garden, meet my friends for coffee whenever I felt like it, and cook and bake.

wouldn’t have to listen to more depressing news about our failing economy. Also, I could get a few fashion tips from her!

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

A: Potter around the house and

Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously?

A: On the garden.

garden, meet my friends for coffee whenever I feel like it and cook and bake!

But, [as official information has previously said], “from January, 2010, ECS will be replaced with a free pre-school year of early childhood care and education for all children between the ages of three years, three months, and four years, six months.

Details of this scheme are available from the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs; Locall 1890 30 30 39”.

Thirdly, One-Parent Family Payment (OPF) is paid to men and women in Ireland who are bringing children up without the support of a partner.

You must satisfy a means test, and a habitual residence test. Currently, this is for €188 per week.

If you are working, you can also get a OPF tax credit; you do not have to get OPF to claim this tax credit.

Finally, I would talk to your local social welfare office for definitive answers on your particular circumstances – I have always found them helpful.

Their web site is: www.welfare.ie. Best of luck next September.

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

GOT A MATCH REPORT? Call our SPORTS TEAM on 60 10 240 or email sport@gazettegroup.com

24 SWORDS GAZETTE 23 June 2011

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs HYUNDAI RESPONDS TO I40 REPORTS: HYUNDAI in Ireland has responded to reports about the specification and prices featured in this column last week for the new i40 car.

Hyundai emphasises that the prices quoted are not yet agreed and that the cars will come with a full five-year unlimited mileage warranty. Unfortunately, Hyundai will not be offering a full spare wheel, as reported, in the new i40, which will be available later this summer. And the company claims that the car does not replace the Sonata model, but in fact is geared for a different market segment.

Ibiza gets stretched for ST appeal MICHAEL MORONEY drove the Ibiza, and here’s his verdict I’VE had the Seat Ibiza ST, the estate version of the small Spanish-built car, out on test recently.

This is a stylish-looking small estate car built around the standard Ibiza model, with a new three-cylinder turbo-diesel engine as the power source.

The car scores well on style and design; it’s a Seat thing, they are now designing cars that look distinctive, even if they use the same engines and gearboxes as Skoda and Volkswagen cars. Those combined ingredients should make for a car worth having and a car that’s good to drive.

Add to that package the neat Volkswagen design 1.2-litre turbodiesel engine and you can expect thrift and low-cost motoring. And that’s just what you get.

This is a car that looks well and should be easy to buy and own. The addition of the estate concept gives more internal space for bigger loads, while built around the same wheelbase as the standard car.

The STversion is almost 200mm (8in) longer than the standard five-door hatchback and that’s significant enough when it comes to providing additional space.

Seat has added an ST, or mini estate version, to the Ibiza range to give more space and a family appeal

The rear seats fold down easily to increase the load area, making the car more attractive as a family choice where there are always awkward loads to be shifted, bikes included.

I liked the 60/40 split folding rear sears, roof rails in either black or chrome finish, a low load height

and wide rear hatch, a flat boot floor and some good storage areas throughout the ST’s interior, which allowed for ease of use on longer journeys.

That’s the outline of the Seat Ibiza ST package, which includes three specification options, either Reference, Style or Sport. Out on the road,

the car is more sluggish than I would have expected.

The 1.2-litre, three cylinder engine develops an impressive 75bhp, but you can feel that it’s doing the work. It’s a shade noisy and feels less smooth than you would like and this aspect of the car lets it down a little.

That’s a pity because this car has plenty going for it in terms of its space, flexibility and style. And the price is competitive too at €16,495 for the entry model, before delivery charges.

And while I don’t expect pace from such a small engine, its acceleration figure of 14.5 seconds for a 0 to 100km/hr race is reasonable. It’s just that it’s hard work getting there and there’s an unnecessary harshness to the car as a result.

This car scores highly in terms of value-for-money motoring with an impressive economy figure of 25 km/litre (4.0l/100km or 70mpg). That’s very good even in this segment of the market and it also helps the car to get into Band A for road tax purposes, giving an annual tax charge of just €104.

23 June 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 25

GAZETTE

26 SWORDS GAZETTE 23 June 2011

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GazetteSPORT

MAKING THE RULES:

Ireland get set for Aussie Rules international cup: Page 29

SOCCER: DO ONE THING UNHCR INTERNATIONAL EVENT TAKES PLACE IN DUBLIN

Fair Play Cup sees SARI side take the spoils sport@gazettegroup.com

WORLD Refugee Day’s Do 1 Thing soccer celebrations kicked off in style when the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Office in Ireland and Sport Against Racism Ireland (SARI) held its second annual Fair Play Football Cup in Dublin’s Law Society gardens.

On a day which also saw UNHCR commemorating the 60th anniver-

sary of the UN Convention Relating to Refugees, this year’s Fair Play Football Cup was won

by SARI Insaka when they beat the holders, Hot Press 1-0, courtesy of a first-half goal from Eddie Sirbu.

In a repeat of last year’s final it was SARI Insaka who started the brighter with early efforts coming from Sirbu and Chris Amour, with Hot Press, led by Niall Stokes, chasing the game. With very

little space or time given on the ball neither team seemed like breaking the deadlock until Sirbu popped up to score the decisive goal with a wonder individual low drive just before half time.

Hot Press chased the game after the restart, with Rafael Souto having their best opportunity but he blasted his shot just over the bar from close range, leaving the SARI Insaka captain Toheeb ‘Tiger’ Adigun

Action from the final between SARI Insaka and Hot Press at the World Refugee Day event last week

to lift the cup aloft after Newstalk’s Global Village presenter Dil Wickremasinghe presented the 2011 winners with the Fair Play Football Cup. “It was a brilliant tournament, we all really had fun, it’s not just about

winning but to take part was ver y impor tant.

Everyone really enjoyed themselves and we’re all looking forward to coming back next year to defend the cup,” said a jubilant Adigun after the final whistle.

Sophie Magennis, of

UNHCR Ireland, said: “We had a brilliant day today. It was great that lots of kids and families came down, and SARI Insaka were very worthy winners.

“It was also a great way to mark the 60th anniversary of the UN

convention on the status of refugees and we’d like to mark the importance of the convention in offering protection to refugees. But it’s also a day to mark the contribution refugees and asylum seekers make to Irish society.”

28 SWORDS GAZETTE 23 June 2011

GazetteSport Sport

St Finian’s

Crowd out for fun day

Girls look on at the various activities that happened all day

HE St. Finian’s (Swords) GAA Club Fun Day attracted a big crowd to the River Valley pitches again this year.

Events included the Cadbury’s Spots and Stripes, Puc Fada, Face-Painting, Obstacle Courses, Potato Picking, penalty shoot-out competition and barbecue.

The day began with a huge number of children taking part in the Juvenile Sponsored Cycle. The large number reflects the growth of the club in recent years.

The club thanks all the sponsors of the fun day as well as all of the club’s members for helping out.

T

The sack race proved to be great fun

There were activities for all interests

Some contestants were quite determined

23 June 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 29

in association with

Following Rules all the way to Oz

FastSport

Competing at the highest level in the sport, Ireland is sending a team to the International Aussie Rules cup in August, ROB HEIGH discovers

Touch squad heading for World Cup destiny

IRELAND is set to send a group of players to Australia later in the summer, who will compete for honours in the sport that the Australians themselves created — Aussie Rules Football.

The fast-paced, hardhitting and stamina-sapping sport so beloved in the Antipodes has been popular in Ireland for many years, and has been a fixture here since around 2000.

The links between the codes of Gaelic football and AFL are clearly defined, the clear connection being the compromise rules series that takes place between the two countries being very keenly contested.

However, playing the pure version of Aussie Rules was so appealing that the game has

spawned clubs across the country, with three teams based in Dublin, the South Dublin Swans, based in Bushey Park, the Dublin Demons, who are based in Islandbridge, and the North Dublin Saints, who play their games at Coolock.

Peter Ross, player with the South Dublin Swans and the Irish Warriors Aussie Rules Football team, spoke to Gazette Sport last week ahead of the serious preparation for the International Cup tournament, which takes place this year in Sydney from August 13 to 27.

“This year, the team will probably be the strongest ever sent to represent Ireland in the competition. We have rising stars, such as Richmond Tigers’ inter-

A team talk for the Ireland AFL team in London recently

national rookie and Westmeath GAA senior, John Heslin, playing for the Warriors, as well as David Stynes, a former Ballyboden St

the competitions, having previously won the event on its debut in 2002, and reaching the semi-final of the event in 2005 and 2008. The

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

‘A lot of young GAA players see Aussie Rules as an opportunity to become a professional player in a sport similar to the one they play already when they move there.’

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Enda’s man and brother of Dublin star, Jim, who has lived in Melbourne for a number of years.”

Fourth tournament This is the fourth running of the tournament, that brings together the biggest international teams in Aussie Rules outside of Australia.

Ireland are among the top-seeded sides for

Irish side are on a roll following their victory in the European championships last year.

“In Ireland, there is a lot of media attention as there are so many GAA players out there. A lot of young GAA players see Aussie Rules as an opportunity to become a professional player in a sport very similar to the one they play already when they move there.

“The game is a huge professional sport in Australia, the players are well rewarded, not the same as you would get as a professional soccer player, but about the same as a professional r ugby player would receive.”

Australia will be absent from the event, as Peter says: “It would be like Ireland taking part in a world series of GAA event.” However, the tournament will visit some of the most famous stadiums in the

world with games being played in Sydney’s ANZ Stadium (where the Sydney Olympics were held) and the most iconic ground of them all, the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Asked who the contenders for the crown would be in Sydney, Peter said: “There are some countries who are very strong in the sport, like New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and South Africa, which is seen as a big pool of talent for Aussie Rules. The AFL are looking to expand the game beyond Australia, and take it all over the world.”

When asked about what’s involved in playing the sport, Peter said: “Aussie rules is for allround athletes, and these countries produce very strong rugby players, but not everyone is built for rugby.

“Stamina is as important as strength, and there are a lot of players from these countries who are picked up by the Aussie Rules teams.

“T he average AFL player does a lot of catching and kicking, and will run over 14km per game. If you come to AFL from rugby, it’s a big shock to the system.”

To find out more about the sport in Ireland, see w w w.ar f li.com, and rishwarriorsaussierules. wordpress.com.

LOCAL faces from around Dublin will be competing against the best in the world this week when they take the field in Edinburgh at the 2011 Touch Rugby World Cup. Cllr Neale Richmond of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council presented the players, managers, coaches and physios with their jerseys at Bewley’s Hotel, Ballsbridge last Saturday.

President of the Ireland Touch Association, Michael Davies, has high hopes for the teams as they head over to Edinburgh this week.

“Coming home from last year’s European Championships with titles in the Mixed Open and the Men’s Over-40 divisions has provided a great foundation going into the World Cup,” he said. “Handing the green jerseys to the players is recognition of their dedication to training and their ability in the sport.”

Ireland will be competing in four categories: Mixed Open (men and women of any age), Men’s Open (men of any age), Men’s Over-35 and Men’s Over-40.

For more, see irelandtouchassociation.com

30 SWORDS GAZETTE 23 June 2011

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

Relay of smiles: at the Community Games SWORDS WEST’S U-15 mixed relay team

are pictured with their fourth place certificates at at the Dublin Community Games Athletics finals at Morton Stadium last weekend.

Over 3,000 children, from 53 areas around the city and county filled the ground with energy and excitement as they competed in the full range of athletics disciplines on track and field.

Tony Feeney, president of Dublin Community Games said: “Well done to everyone who participated, and we wish those who qualified for the National Finals in Athlone the very best of luck.”

SWORDS CELTIC: A WIDE RANGE OF TROPHIES AT ALL LEVELS Fingallians’ Niamh Richard in action for Dublin against Meath last weekend. PIcture: GAApics.com

U-16 Jackies claim the Leinster title once more FINGALLIANS’ Niamh Richard was one of the star players as she helped guide Dublin Under16 ladies’ footballing side to the Leinster title last weekend after a deluged and delayed final against Meath.

Twenty minutes into the tie, the mother and father of all thunderstorms broke overhead and there was a significant delay in proceedings.

Before the storm had begun, Dublin had opened the scoring with a point in the second minute from Ciara McGuigan, and Molly Lambe, from Kilmacud Crokes, added another shortly afterward.

The Royals levelled the score at two points apiece with two frees, before going ahead when Dublin conceded a penalty.

By the time the heavens opened, Meath were ahead by 1-3 to 5 points.

Then, there was a flash of lightning and the heavens opened. Dublin managed to register a goal and two points before the referee called a halt to proceedings until after the deluge abated.

On resumption, it was a different Dublin side which took to the field, and they took control of the game, finishing out the half at 3-7 to Meath’s 1-3.

The second half started with both teams firing on all cylinders, keen to establish themselves in what were wet and muddy conditions underfoot.

Dublin’s goalkeeper, Danielle Aylmer, from Ballyboden St Enda’s, made some fine saves to keep the Jackies in contention, including a brilliant double save out at the edge of the large rectangle, which kept Dublin ahead of the Meath chasers.

With only two points in the difference, Dublin thought they had a nailed-on goal in their sights, only for the shot to somehow go wide.

The last ten minutes, with both sides back to full strength, was played with gusto and Dublin did find that elusive goal to stretch the slim lead.

At the final whistle the tally went Dublin’s way with 4-9 on the board to Meath’s 3-5.

Swords Celtic were celebrating success on a wide range of levels as the 2010/11 season came to a close, including their Under-10B side

Celtic hail their young stars PETER CARROLL sport@gazettegroup.com

SWORDS Celtic are celebrating a successful season as they come to the end of the 2010/11 campaign.

This season will be remembered for victories, both on and off the field.

The club fielded 33 teams this year, which included up to four teams at some age groups.

The club’s underage selections racked up a sizable collection of silverware, which started with the Under-10s Premier team bagging a league and cup double, capped with a 1-0 win

against Ratoath in the O’Neill’s Cup final.

The Under-10Bs also defeated Ratoath, claiming the trophy by seeing them off on penalties in the final. They also reached the Star Cup final, but were defeated on the day.

The club enjoyed further success when their Under-17s also went on to cup glory against a tough Marino side, who they defeated 3-1. The Under15s also took their cup title in hard-fought final against Stella Maris with a 1-0 victory.

The Under-8s showed great passion on clinching their domestic cup also.

Three of the Under-14s panel won places as representatives for the NDSL side in the Milk Cup, which is to be played in Belfast at the end of July.

The selected players — Darragh Connelly, Patrick O’Neill and Mervin Soco — are now set to impress on the big stage.

This year, as well as their usual academy for children, aged five to seven, Swords Celtic also ran a coaching academy for players aged seven to nine, which proved to be a big success.

One of the highlights of the year was the club’s family day, where the community enjoyed five-

a-side matches, bouncy castles, penalty competitions, speed ball, music, face-painting and other entertainment, which was enjoyed by over 300 visitors.

This summer, the club’s summer camp will run from July 5 to 9. There are some places still available for anyone who may be interested, and the club suggest they check out the club website for more information.

New players are always welcome to pre-season training, which starts on Monday, July 11. The club tries to facilitate players to play at a level they are comfortable with, while

ensuring theirA teams are competitive at the highest possible level.

Next year will be a big one at the club, as they celebrate their 50th anniversary. A committee has been formed to organise events, including a presentation, a dinner-dance, a family weekend based around the club and there will also be a historical booklet printed to inform the community of the heritage of the club.

Swords Celtic wish to give Rene Gilmartin, Championship goalkeeper at Watford, a big thankyou for helping them with their awards presentation this year.

23 June 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 31

in association with

AFL 2: BRIGID’S BLOWN AWAY AS FINS’ FIND TOP GEAR

CLUB NOTICEBOARD FINGALLIANS A great week for the club’s adult footballers. The seniors beat St Brigid’s and drew with league leaders, St Maur’s.

The Junior 6 team continued their climb up the league table with a Fri-

friends.

Kick-off is 8.30pm, tickets are €5, including barbecue food.

Congratulations to Niamh Rickard and the Dublin U-16 girls on winning the Leinster final.

day night victory, and the Junior 9

Our Coiste na Gaeilge thanks eve-

team progressed in the Champion-

ryone that helped with Donabate’s

ship.

G-day recently. D’aistrigh an baile go

Summer party, Saturday, July 2:

Gaeilge ar feadh an lae. The club was

The club invites all to attend a barbe-

well represented. Our Ciorcal Comhra

cue to celebrate the end of a fantas-

is going from strength to strength

tic juvenile season and kick start the

each Wednesday at 9pm. Improve

summer holidays in style. We are also

your Irish by joining us. All free. More

taking this opportunity to unveil our

info from Liam on 086 3814422.

new team pictures. All juvenile and

Ann-Marie Tornsey stole the lime-

adult teams for the 2011 season will

light over the past week with wins

have their picture hanging proudly in

at Javelin, Hammer, Shot and Discus

the club, and support for each team

events at Dublin Community Games.

would be greatly appreciated.

Arren Cullen, Cian Bolger, Rachel

Everyone is welcome for this cel-

Murray, Sarah Deneher, Sam Martin

ebratory night in the club - play-

competed at Community Games for

ers, parents, mentors, family and

their areas.

Fingallians proved way too much for St Brigid’s at Russell Park in their AFL 2 encounter last week

Fingallians’ form too much for Saints

FINGAL RAVENS

AFL DIVISION 2

round of their championship, but

Ticket collection for the Dublin vs

lost in the league to St Maur’s on

Kildare match will be on Thursday

Sunday.

in the clubrooms from 7 to 7.30pm,

Fingallians 1-12 St Brigid’s 0-7 STEPHEN FINDLATER sport@gazettegroup.com

FINGALLIANS set up a mouth-watering, topof-the-table clash with St Maur’s this week when their accurate long game cut St Brigid’s open at Russell Park, keeping the north Dublin side within a point of the league leaders.

Indeed, they were comfortably clear from the moment Ciaran McLoughlin arrowed in a goal in the sixth minute, with Brigid’s only getting within a couple of points.

On nights in the season like this, with St Brigid’s filtering up AFL 2 players to the panel in the absence of their intercounty contingent, there was little similarity to the team that won promotion last season.

For Fins, Gary Donnelly won a huge portion of primary ball around the midfield, David Short kept Seamus Bonner and

Anto Briody largely under wraps with a swashbuckling performance.

Eddie Sweeney’s raking passes, meanwhile, caused umpteen problems with the forceful Donal Keane, David Killeen and Barry Keane feeding off his contributions and causing Brigid’s to turn on their heels.

An early trade of scores saw parity in place until McLoughlin strode through the Brigid’s defence from the half-forward line, and he drilled the ball low with his left across Eoin Lysaght’s bows.

A fine Killeen score kept three in the difference after Bonner had briefly pegged one back, before Brigid’s discipline began to cost them dear.

Four Fins’ frees to two from Brigid’s – Killeen kicking two of them – left a 1-5 to 0-4 gap between the sides at the turnaround.

With a slight crosswind picking up, the game was still in the melting pot, but neither side took

full advantage of their turns in the ascendancy, both kicking five first-half wides.The Swords’ side, though, was carving out the better opportunities as the hosts’ shooting came with a healthy dollop of pressure.

But when Fins hit their stride to clear the bar with their next four attempts, a vital momentum shift had taken place.

Killeen’s fourth of the night was a peach, completing a backs-to-front move while Keane bullied his way past a marker hanging off his shoulder to score with another fine effort.

When Killeen snuck another just over, the margin was at eight and, while Brigid’s rallied briefly, Briody ending an 18-minute scoreless spree with a pair in a minute, the game was up.

There was still time for another Keane beauty from McLoughlin’s soccer-style pass to the corner, while Chris Dorney’s night almost ended early as he was yellow-carded and ticked in quick succession.

Lysaght denied McLoughlin a second goal in the dying stages, but it was academic in a comfortable end-game.

SENIORS had a great victory last

Committee meeting this Thursday

Wednesday against St Vincent’s and

in Kettles Hotel at 8.30pm. A full turn-

were just beaten by two points on

out is requested.

Sunday by Plunkett’s.

Our Summer Camp takes place this

Junior team had a good league win

year from July 4 to 8. To book your

over St Anne’s on Friday, while the

place, please contact Mick Foley on

third team progressed to the next

086 814 8464.

Many thanks to everyone that sup-

and Friday in Kettles Hotel from 9 to

ported the fun cycle last week, which

10pm. All tickets must be paid for in

was a great success.

full when collecting.

ST FINIAN’S THE club would like to extend our sym-

The day began with a huge number

pathies to Mary White on the recent

of children taking part in the juvenile

passing of her sister, Claire O’Reilly.

sponsored cycle. The large number

Well done to Charlotte Brooks from the U-14 camogie team who has been

reflects the growth of the club in recent years.

chosen for the Dublin U-14 camogie

Thanks to the Sgt Brian Nolan from

development squad. We wish her well.

the Community Gardai in Whitehall

The U-13 hurlers had two good wins

and the Mounted Unit for providing

during the week, bringing them up

the escort. The events included the

there to the top of table.

Cadbury’s Spots and Stripes, poc

The junior footballers put in two

fada, face-painting, obstacle cours-

good performances but lost narrowly

es, potato picking, penalty shoot-out

in both. The Adult Footballers also lost

competition, and barbecue. The club

out in the Valley to a late point from

are very thankful to our sponsors

Clontarf, but drew with Clann Mhuire

for assisting in a great day. Cadburys

away.

provided the Spots and Stripes, the

The Holywell Educate Together

Dublin Meat Company kept everyone

School had their first sports day

fed with burgers and sausages. Cen-

recently which was co-ordinated by

tra and SuperValu were on hand with

GPO, James Devlin. There was a mas-

water, fruit, buns. A special thank you

sive turnout of kids and parents, and

to all the club members who gave a dig

we hope to see some of the kids fea-

out during the day. Local businesses

turing on our teams very soon.

in the community were very support-

The fun day attracted a big crowd to

ive with generous help from Richie’s

the Rivervalley pitches again this year.

Cycles, Halfords, Eurocycles and My-

Thank you to Fingal County Council.

Gym.

ALL OF YOUR SWORDS SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31

SEASON OF SUCCESS: Swords Celtic look back on a great campaign P30

RONAN MOYLES swordssport@gazettegroup.com

LOCAL swimmer Barr y Murphy will form part of a six-strong Irish contingent heading to the World Swimming Championships in Shanghai in July. Holder of numerous Irish long-course and short-course records, he is eagerly looking forward to the trip, where he will compete in the 100m breaststroke.

“Obviously I’m delighted; it’s always great to represent Ireland. I swim in a few different short and long-course events, but I’m concentrating on long course for the

Olympics.”

It has been an excellent few years for Murphy, who has seen his form improve spectacularly since he switched college teams from Tennessee to Michigan after the 2008 World Championships in Rome. He qualified for the 2012 Olympics after posting a time of 1:00.77 at a meeting in Indianapolis in March. At one stage, he was the fastest man in the world this year.

In Michigan, he trains under world renow ned sprint coach, Mike Bottom, and, only a few short months into their partnership in 2010, Murphy pro-

KICK IT! Ireland prepare for Aussie Rules tournament P29

Barry Murphy is preparing to shine in the pool in China in July when the World Championships begin

duced a personal best at the European swimming championships in Budapest “All I’m doing now is training, it’s a full-time job right now and I’m giving it my undivided attention. In Tennessee things like school got in the way. Now my sole focus is my international career.

“I set myself a target to keep getting faster every year and I’m on track right now.”

Medal glory Murphy will be targeting medal glory in China: “I’m always aiming for a medal but, obviously, that’s

easier said than done. Only a couple of guys have gone under a minute this year and I haven’t been beaten by many people, but we’ll just have to see.

“I’ve never reached these heights before so I’m confident.”

No matter what happens, though, Murphy plans to visit Dublin following the championships: “I’m coming home to visit friends and family for the whole month of August, I haven’t been in Dublin in over a year, so it will be nice.

“Then, it’ll be back to America and back into training for the Olympics. I’ve

achieved the speed criteria, now I just need to prove my fitness. I’m confident I can do so as I’m in great shape at the moment.”

The Dubliner is determined to be satisfied that he realised his potential fully when his career does eventually come to an end. “ I ’m n o t g e t t i n g a ny younger. I’m giving everything I’ve got at the moment.

I don’t want to have any regrets whenever I decide to hang up the aul’ Speedos!”

He has already given Ireland something that is in short supply — a real Olympic medal hope for London 2012.

GazetteSPORT

Murphy targets Shanghai podium finish

JUNE 23, 2011