Swords

Swords GAZET TE FREE

‘The scenery is just part of Carrig House’s many charms’ TRAVEL: P14.

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YOUR COMMUNITY • YOUR PAPER

INSIDE: At a benefit night in aid of Childline P8

Soccer: Local star helps Under-19s to UEFA semi-final Page 32

Sports Awards: July’s nominees are announced inside Page 29

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ......................8 PETS............................. 11 TRAVEL..........................14 ENTERTAINMENT ......... 16 MOTORS ....................... 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26

28 July - 11 August, Aug g 2011

BABY, BABY: Our special guide to everything for your little one P17-23

Metro a good idea, Leo tells Deputy Q MIMI MURRAY

TRANSPORT Minister Leo Varadkar has said he believes plans to build the multimillion euro light rail system Metro North, which is set to transform the lives of thousands of North Dublin commuters if it goes ahead, remains a good idea. That’s according to Labour’s Dublin North TD Brendan Ryan, who met with the Minister last week.

“He (Minister Varadkar) said to me directly, ‘I know how good a project this is’ and I do believe him. If the project doesn’t go ahead it will be for good reason - not good reason but because of the dire financial situation we are in.

“It is all about the spending review and it could very well be October before he is aware what is available to him,” said Deputy Ryan.

Full story on Page 6

It’s all Wright on the night: Popular venue’s celebrations IT WAS a night full of revelry at The Wright Venue recently when the popular spot celebrated its second birthday with some world-class entertainment provided.

Fire-breathers, ariel acrobatics,

carnival dancers and some top DJs ensured that this was an event to remember. Pictured looking stylish at the celebrations were Michael Sharpe and Jackie Rafter.

See Page 6

2 SWORDS GAZETTE 28 Jul - 11 Aug 2011

EDUCATION: 55 FORMER SR TECHNICS WORKERS WILL NOW BE INCLUDED

Fresh start: Zumo bar reopening AREA MANAGER for Zumo, Charlotte Glancy, and Centre Director, Ian Hunter, were present when Zumo Juice Bar opened its newly renovated juice bar in Swords Pavilions. To celebrate the renovations the juice bar had a taste comparison competition on Saturday, July 23, to see if people really can taste the difference between the fresh, real and natural juice Zumo uses and the juice you buy in a store.

Labour TD, Brendan Ryan

BA courses for former workers in scheme Q MIMI MURRAY swords@gazettegroup.com

A BA course in All Hall ow s C o l l e g e b e i n g attended by 55 former SR Technics workers will now be included under the student grants scheme, Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn announced last week.

The move has been welcomed by Labour T D, B r e n d a n R y a n this week. “In practical terms this means that students currently undertaking the course on a full-time basis can apply to have their eligibility for a student grant assessed.

“Student grants are means-tested and applicants must also satisfy the terms and conditions of the student grant scheme relating to age, nationality, residency and progression.”

Qualifying students may receive a maintenance grant and have their fees or student contribution paid on their behalf by the State.

Students already in receipt of the Back to Education Allowance, or V TOS Allowance ,do not qualify for the maintenance element

of the student grant.

However, subject to satisfying the terms and conditions of the student grant scheme, such students may have their fees or student contribution charge paid on their behalf.

To have eligibility for a student grant assessed, students must apply to the local authority in the area in which they normally live.

“This is the result of continued pressure and lobbying by myself and fellow Labour Party TDs on behalf of the former workers from SR Technics.

“We placed a number of possibilities to the Minister for helping the students once the EU Globalisation Fund ends in September. One such option was to include the BA in Personal and Professional Development within the student grants scheme “I will continue to work with the former workers from SR Technics to ensure they are made aware of the scheme now available to them and to give them every possible help in finishing their further education,” he said.

TRAVEL: REAL-TIME BUS INFORMATION SIGNS TO BE INSTALLED

Minister welcomes new bus stop tech Q LAURA WEBB and

PAUL HOSFORD

COMMUTERS across Dublin will soon getting real-time information on their buses following the announcement that electronic bus signs, showing when the next bus is coming, are set to be rolled out in over 500 locations.

Over 40 of these are set for north Dublin.

Welcoming the news, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar said waiting for a bus, and not knowing when it’s going to arrive, “can be quite frustrating”.

“We’ve all been in situations where we drop into a shop to buy a newspaper, or to grab a coffee, while waiting for a bus, only to find that the bus has gone.

“T his is going to change; when the electronic bus signs are up and running you will be able to see when the next few buses are due to arrive. These signs are being rolled out to 19 locations across Dublin 15.

“These signs are already in place across the city centre and have proved very popular, and very useful. Con-

tracts will be signed next month to install them throughout Fingal, including Dublin 15, and the signs should be in place by the end of the year.

“During the next phase, passengers will be able to find out when the next bus is coming using an application on their smartphone, or via an SMS text message.

“So you won’t even have to leave the house to find out when a bus is due,” Minister Varadkar said.

Deputy Brendan Ryan (Labour Party) broadly welcomed the plans.

The plan is to introduce over 40 real-time passenger information units in the Fingal area, with a great deal of these units planned for Dublin North.

Pleased

“I am pleased to see the planned roll-out of real-time passenger information units for Dublin Nor th,” said Deputy Ryan “I have been impressed with these units in Dublin City centre in recent months and I have spoken with the Minister about the need for such units in Dublin North.

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar said waiting for a bus, and not knowing when it’s going to arrive, “can be quite frustrating”

“Given the size of our region and the distance some buses need to travel between towns, these RTPI units are especially needed in Dublin North,” said the Deputy.

Although welcome, Ryan did feel that cer-

tain areas could benefit more from the screens.

“Although I am broadly pleased with the plans unveiled by the Minister, I do feel there are a number of gaps in the plans.

“I feel that Strand Street, in Skerries, and

the train station in Lusk/ Rush are two prime locations which would benefit from RTPI units.

“I will be writing to the Minister to ask that these two locations are added to the list already put forward by his Department.”

28 Jul - 11 Aug 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 3

BOOKS Cllr O’Donovan looks into good reads

Truly tempting reading for the summer hols

A Getaway: The luxury of The Radisson Blu Roe Park Resort

THE summer holidays provide ample opportunity for a spot of reading, whether on a foreign beach or in the back garden at home. Labour Cllr Michael O’Donovan

A QUICK glance at the bestsellers list shows that Irish writer Sheila O’Flanagan is, once again, the people’s favourite. Her latest offering, All for You, is now resting comfortably on top of the fiction charts, and her loyal fans will love it.

Staying with the ‘easy reading’ side of things, I see that Maeve Binchy’s hit of last year, Minding Frankie is now out in paperback and is back in the bestseller lists. I seem to recall Maeve announcing her retirement a couple of years ago. But she is still churning out very readable stories.

Still on the fiction side, I am, at the moment, half-way through Colum McCann’s award-winning novel, Let the Great World Spin. This book has won the world’s richest literary award and has been acclaimed by the critics on both sides of the Atlantic. Again, it’s a matter of personal taste. If you like a gritty narrative set in the run-down hous-

ing projects of Brooklyn, this is the one for you.

Another surprise bestseller of last year was The Slap, by Christos Tsiolkas. A man slaps a badly behaved youngster at a garden party and this incident affects the lives of everyone who sees it.

Serious, but very readable.

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

‘Let the Great World Spin has won the world’s richest literary award and has been acclaimed by the critics on both sides of the Atlantic’ --------------------------

Those who like Anita Shreeves work will probably have already bought her latest novel Rescue, so-called because the main character is an ambulance paramedic.

I didn’t think it was one

of her best – certainly not as good as Testimony, her hit of last year.

On the non-fiction side of things, the Celebrity Chefs just can’t lose, particularly if their book is tied in with a TV series.

Jamie Oliver’s ThirtyMinute Meals has been a bestseller over the last few months. It’s well laid out and well illustrated and it’s ideal for those who want to cook something stylish but not spend all day over a hot stove.

Finally, if, like me, you are really into 20th Century history, I recommend Nemesis by Max Hastings. It covers the last two years of the War in the Pacific and provides a superb insight into the strategies of both sides, particularly of the Japanese military. You’ll need to put aside a good chunk of time for this one.

So there you are in the back garden – barbecue tongs in one hand, novel in the other.

All you need is the sunshine!

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looks at some of the more promising titles on offer in the bookshops.

Labour Cllr Michael O’Donovan looks at some promising titles in the bookshops

TRAVEL PAGE 15

4 SWORDS GAZETTE 28 Jul - 11 Aug 2011

OPINION: WATER METERS ARE UNSUSTAINABLE

What’s the story: Heritage week ALIESHA Smith (7), Max Kelly (4) and Yasmin Kelly (10) pictured with Irish Children’s author Tom McCaughren, at the launch of National Heritage Week 2011 in which over 1,300 events are due to take place nationwide from August 20 to 28.

This year will see the old Irish tradition of storytelling being celebrated as the first day of National Heritage Week (Saturday, August 20) designated National Tell Tale Day. Whilst Heritage Week in itself tells the rich and diverse story of our heritage, over 100 specific storytelling themed events for children and adults will take place across the country during the week.

For updates on events throughout the week, log on to www. heritageweek.ie or follow us on Twitter @ heritageweek or the Heritage Week Facebook page.

Councillor Tom Kelleher

The real problem is ignored CLLR TOM KELLEHER

THE Minister for the Environment’s plan to push ahead with a national household watermetering scheme is unsustainable, no matter which way you look at it.

Ho u s e h o l d w a t e r metering was introduced in Denmark with the specific intention of saving water supplies. In a country renowned for its environmental consciousness, where alternative energy sources are used to the maximum, the total reduction in water usage brought about by metering was a lowly 12.5%.

If the intention of the Minister is to cover the cost of the production and distribution of water he is totally under-estimating the cost of installing meters. The figures being mentioned by the engineering sector are close to €1 billion.

W hile attention is focused on the question of metering, the dilemma of water shortage on the east coast is being ignored. There is a grave shortage of supply avail-

able to the most densely populated counties in the country.

There is an absence of a secure supply of water for drinking, for ordinary domestic usage and particularly for business and manufacturing. We are never more than a dry fortnight away from a crisis.

There is only one source of water available to the capital and several of the surrounding counties, that is the water treatment plant on the Liffey at Leixlip.

Meanwhile, one hundred miles to the west, there is a never-ending supply of water. There is a wide choice of lakes and the mighty Shannon.

We have the resources to harvest, store, treat and distribute this water. We should do so immediately.

Minister Phil Hogan should get his priorities right. The people who live and work on the east coast provide the vast bulk of the taxes being paid to the Exchequer. The least they might expect is the availability of drinking water.

CRIME: CLLR CALLS FOR MORE GARDA SURVEILLANCE IN THE AREA

22-year-old appears in court on rape charge MIMI MURRAY swords@gazettegroup.com

A 22-YEAR-OLD MAN, who was charged with the rape of a teenage girl at The Jacko in Swords, appeared in court this week.

Gardai at Swords investigated the alleged assault of a 14-year-old girl which occurred at around 2.30pm in Rivervalley Park on July 16.

A follow-up investigation resulted in the man being arrested last week where he was held in Swords Garda Station under section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act. The man was subsequently charged in relation to the incident and appeared at Balbriggan District Court on July 21. The man appeared at Cloverhill Court on Tuesday.

There have been a number of other assaults in Rivervalley Park.

A woman, was attacked in spring whilst out running in the park.

A man ran off after a passer by came to the woman’s aid.

At the time, gardai warned people to be vigilant and go to the park at times when it was busy.

T he gardai added that bike patrols would

be in the vicinity of the park over the summer months.

Labour Councillor Gerry McGuire is now calling for more Garda surveillance in the area.

“By and large the park is safe, but is any place safe? You can be walking down the street and be attacked. I don’t mean to be flippant, but that is the case,” he said.

In terms of park rang-

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ers, he said: “They are not there to prevent against attacks or acts of vandalism.

“However, we have found that where there is a Garda presence for a while, this can act as a deterrent and then they withdraw. I know the Gardai are up to their tonsils, but having them on mountain bikes could act as a deterrent,” he said.

LOCAL

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28 Jul - 11 Aug 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 5

COURTS Caught handling stolen property

Man has his sentence reactivated A MAN who had received a partly suspended sentence for a bookies robbery has had a portion of the suspended term reactivated after he was caught handling stolen property.

Arthur Creedy (26) with a temporary address at Gardiner Street Upper, had pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to attempted robbery, robbery and possession of an imitation firearm on October 3, 2008.

He was one of a group of men who had attempted to rob a B&Q store in Swords, but managed to take €1,000 cash from a nearby Ladbrookes in an “opportunistic” raid a short time later.

Judge Katherine Dela-

hunt had sentenced Creedy to five years, with the last two suspended on strict conditions.

Garda Alan Roche told Judge Martin Nolan that the case had been brought back before him because Creedy has since been convicted at the District Court of handling stolen property worth €1,800 on May 18, last.

He agreed with Mr T homas Pearse BL , defending, that, apart from this offence, Creedy had not come to garda attention since his release from prison and had been engaging with The Probation Service.

Judge Nolan accepted that there was “some hope” for Creedy before he reactivated 10 months of the two-year suspend-

COMMUNITY: €190K TO BE INVESTED IN FINGAL

Mobile library service funds Q MIMI MURRAY

swords@gazettegroup.com

Dublin Criminal Court

ed sentence.

Garda Shane McGrath told Judge Delahunt at the initial sentence hearing in November 2009, that the young masked robbers were “certainly not criminal masterminds” and “panicked” when the alarm went off in B&Q, before they managed to get in through an exit.

He told Mr Fergal Foley BL, prosecuting, that the gang fled the scene in their silver Rover car but later robbed €1,000 cash from a near-

by Ladbrookes with the imitation firearm.

Gda McGrath said a number of garda cars were already in the area because of the earlier attempted robbery and soon tracked down the raiders heading towards Malahide in a black Mazda car.

He said locals in an estate close to Ladbrookes had reported a group of young men getting into the Mazda after abandoning the Rover, which was discovered

burnt out.

Gda McGrath told Mr Foley that his colleagues noticed the Mazda occupant throw an imitation handgun from the car before it was stopped on the Malahide Road.

He agreed with Mr Paul McDermott SC, defending Creedy, that his client told gardai he got involved in the plan the previous day but had “bottled out” of the B&Q robbery until an “opportunistic alternative was taken”.

AN investment of €190,000 will be made in mobile library services in north Dublin, Fine Gael TD Alan Farrell said last week. The announcement was made by Minister, Phil Hogan.

“The Minister has announced a €5.8 million new Library Programme for libraries around the country, and I am delighted to learn that €190,000 will be invested in a mobile library facility within the Fingal area.

“This is the first time in two years that Fingal have been included in the Capital Programme for Public Libraries. This project will yield huge benefits in terms of personal and community development for people of all ages and backgrounds.

“The ongoing provision

of a free library service is a particular importance to me, having officially reopened public libraries in both Malahide and Garristown after extensive works during my term as Mayor of Fingal.

“Libraries contain a wide variety of training facilities, specifically ICT and language training.

These are particularly beneficial for people in the jobs market. The availability of internet access and Wi-Fi are also very useful tools for library users.

“I am pleased to note the substantial increase in library users in the past number of years, with upwards of 16 million visits in 2010. I expect this will boost library usage further within the Fingal community and would hope that all residents will be made aware of this positive initiative.”

6 SWORDS GAZETTE 28 Jul - 11 Aug 2011

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TAKING GOOD CARE OF YOUR BABY

The Gazette brings you your very own guide to everything for your baby.

Being a natural mama and baby, swimming and balancing your career – all inside.

SUPPLEMENT, PAGES 17-23

RENT SUPPLEMENT: UP TO 18 WEEKS FOR PEOPLE

TRANSPORT: MINISTER’S ‘BELIEF IN METRO NORTH’

Keeping staff will halt crisis says Daly Q MIMI MURRAY swords@gazettegroup.com

AN emerging crisis in the rent supplement unit in Santry can be aver ted by retaining staff, Socialist TD Clare Daly said this week.

She said vulnerable people are being left waiting up to 18 weeks for rent supplement applications due the successive non-renewals of staff contracts at the rent supplement unit in Santry.

“The processing of rent supplement applications is due to be transferred from the HSE to the Department of Social Protection in October.

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

‘These delays are jeopardising the securing of accommodation for many people as landlords are unwilling to wait up to four months before an application is granted’ --------------------------

“No provisions have been put in place to transfer the contract staff working at the rent supplement unit in Santry to the Department of Social Protection where they could seamlessly perform the work they have been trained to do,”

Deputy Daly said.

“Instead, these 26 staff are being steadily let go in stages in advance of the transfer of the unit to the Department of Social Protection.

“This running down of the Unit in Santry is resulting in backlogs of dealing with applications, ranging from ten to 18 weeks.

“Many of the clients include v ulnerable groups, including the homeless, and recently released prisoners striving to make the transition to independent living.

“T hese delays are jeopardising the securing of accommodation for many people as landlords are unwilling to wait up to four months before an application is granted.

“This is a situation that will only get worse if the staff cuts are not ended and reversed.

“I call on the Minister for Social Protection and Minister for Health to see to it that the transfer of the rent supplement unit is done on a proper basis that protects the jobs of the contract staff and ensures that adequate resources are put in place to ensure rent supplement applications are dealt with speedily.

“I call on IMPACT to whom the staff in the rent supplement unit belong, to back the workers in their struggle to maintain jobs and services instead.”

Labour TD says Minister backs Metro North

Labour TD pushes plan

A Wright good night: Local venue celebrates it’s second birthday MICHAEL Sharpe and Jackie Rafter were looking very stylish as

they joined nearly 5,000 guests who turned out to celebrate the Wright Venue’s second birthday. A host of famous faces turned out to help celebrate in style, including model Hayley Ryan, Faye Rooney,Rachel Wallace as well as Emma Quinlan and Jackie Rafter. Owner Michael Wright said: “It has been an amazing two years”. The party also included an appearance by Absolute Carnival, with some extravagant theatrical entertainment, a carnival atmosphere with fire breathers, stilt walkers, aerial acrobats and lots of fun. In it’s first two years the venue has won The Licensing World award for best nightclub, it has been listed in The Top Red Bull Clubs Worldwide list and it has also won the Boutique Design awards for Best nightclub in 2010.

THE merits of Metro North are well-known to the Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar, and he has told north Dublin TDs that he believes it is a good project.

This is according to Labour TD, Brendan Ryan, who met with Minister Varadkar last week, along with other north Dublin TDs whose constituencies will be affected by the project.

It comes as Labour TD for Dublin North East, Sean Kenny, put his weight behind a DART spur from Clongriffin DART station to the airport, something Deputy Ryan says is no alternative for the Metro.

Deputy Ryan, along with Joe Costello TD and Roisin Shorthall TD, said that getting the message to Minister Varadkar on the importance of Metro is not necessary.

“He (Minister Varadkar) said to me directly, ‘I know how good a project this is’ and I do believe him. The hand he has in terms of funding is very hard. If the project doesn’t go ahead it will be for good reason - not good reason but because of the dire financial situation we are in.”

Deputy Ryan said the purpose of the meeting was to push the case for Metro and to get an

update from the Minister.

“As far as the case for Metro is concerned, it was clear from the Minister that he had no doubts about the merit of the project. It is all about the spending review and it could very well be October before he is aware what is available to him.”

In relation to a DART spur to Dublin airport, he said: “It is not an alternative to Metro North and I think it would get in the way,” he said.

However, his Labour colleague Sean Kenny TD said Metro North is simply too expensive.

“While no final decision has been made, it is clear that adjustments to the capital spending budget will have to be made. The fact is that there is a clear and much less expensive alternative method of connecting Dublin City by rail to Dublin Airport, that being the DART Spur from Clongriffin DART station to the airport.

“In recent weeks, the Government has sought a cost outline from Irish Rail for a link-up to the airport by DART, and I have welcomed that and supported the proposal for the link from Clongriffin to the Airport. This project would cost €200m, less than a tenth of what Metro North would cost,” Deputy Kenny said.

28 Jul - 11 Aug 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 7

DEMESNE The Gazette takes an exclusive tour

EVENT: PRINCE CONCERT

Malahide getting set for a royal visit Q MIMI MURRAY

Staff have just finished cataloguing the botanical gardens and plan to source all rare plants and reintroduce them back into the garden

Growing nicely Q MIMI MURRAY malahide@gazettegroup.com

WORKS at Malahide Demesne are progressing at a steady pace and the exciting new gardens interpretive centre and restaurant will be open by next April.

The gardens have been developed over the last 800 years and were inherited by Milo Talbot in 1947. However, they have never garnered the visitor numbers they could easily achieve once the update is complete.

Talbot, a British diplomat, travelled extensively all over the world for work, but his main passion was for horticulture and plant collection.

The Gazette took an exclusive tour of the gardens recently and were shown the planting that is taking place and the cleanup that is underway.

Head gardener, Barbara Cunningham, says that

the staff have just finished cataloguing the botanical gardens started and maintained by Lord Talbot - a massive undertaking.

“It took 18 months and we listed every plant in the garden. Now we are comparing what’s in the garden today to what was done in 1973.

“We are going to source all the rare plants and reintroduce them back into the garden. We have a brilliant plants man coming to work with us, Peter Cuthbert.”

On the first part of the tour, Barbara explains about tree ferns from Australia that have been planted in the wooded area.

“We planted about 44 and packed them with straw so we only lost about five over the harsh winter. This will become a lovely wooded walkway,” she says.

Next it is into the walled garden, which is very well

manicured.

“The restaurant will be behind the old rose garden and they are going to punch holes in the wall so you can see through to the Ladies’ Garden from the new restaurant.

“All work will be finished by April of next year so, right now, we are trying to source plants and to look after plants that suffered a harsh winter this year. We lost one species that we have 300 plants of, an Australian native and we can’t get it anywhere in Europe. We have some in the green house that we will propagate from.”

Barbara says many of the plants are flowering in profusion this year - a survival technique.

“This is because they had such a near-death experience last winter. For example, we have a lemon tree and we often frighten it into flowering.

“In spring we get a penknife and remove a sliver

of bark half-way round the branch and that interrupts the sap flow.

It thinks it’s in trouble so grows lots of flowers so it can make fruit in order to reproduce.”

At the moment the staff are mainly concentrating on cleaning up and replanting.

“We are also getting bales of straw to pack the dead growth, which will protect the new shoots coming up, but plants are very slow to come back because of the bad summer.”

Barbara explains the new layout: “Where the Fry Model Railway used to be, there will be double doors and you’ll come through the interpretive centre to the green-house, which houses the most important plants in the garden.

“Every plant was planted by Lord Talbot and tells a story. There is one that he collected in Mexi-

co and we know its entire history. The glasshouse is one of the worst ever made and is a very cheap design. He was property rich and cash poor and it was probably all he could afford.

“We are getting a new state-of-the-art glasshouse with much better ventilation and climate control. We have a specific project manager just for glasshouses and they know the importance of getting it right.”

B a r b a r a s ay s s h e believes Avoca, which will be taking over the restaurant, will be an excellent fit with the gardens.

“I think they are very good at what they do.

I know people who wouldn’t be great shoppers but they would always go to Avoca. I think we have a great location with the proximity to the airport, we have a fantastic botanical garden and the castle. Hopefully,

the people who come to Avoca will come through the garden.”

Barbara says the council will start spending in the Tasmanian area of the gardens.

“Interestingly, the Talbot family have a castle in Tasmania called Malahide House, and it is located in an area called Fingal Valley. We are going to dig up the whole area and completely revamp it and I was off today looking at plants for it. We’ll try to keep it filled with plants from the southern hemisphere, but Tasmanian plants aren’t suited. Malahide is very suited to Chilean plants so we will probably plant mostly that.

“The whole area will be gravel but bound when we are finished. Currently it is dreadful for people trying to push buggies and for wheelchairs but, once we have finished, they will all be very accessible,” she says.

PRINCE is set to take Malahide by storm this bank holiday weekend.

The stage was being set up early last week and fans and locals alike eagerly awaited the return of the Purpleone.

Locals within a one-mile radius were set to receive free tickets through a lotto system and the money Fingal County Council makes from the concert will be ring-fenced for use in and around Malahide Demesne.

The concert is set to commence at 6.15pm with gates opening at 4pm. The site is at the immediate south of the Castle and a short distance to the south-west of the central car park.

Access to the site will be via the main entrance to the park on the Back Road and from the Bridgefield car park.

The Back Road entrance will accommodate the majority of vehicular movements and will form the access to the on-site car parking. The Pavilions car park on the Back Road will facilitate access for concert goers travelling to the concert by coach.

Access for pedestrians to Portmarnock, Swords and Malahide will also be facilitated. The Dublin Road entrance at Bridgefield car park will be the main pedestrian access for rail passengers.

The concert will conclude by 10.45pm, with a fireworks display finishing off the evening.

A specialist company has been employed to clean up the event site, car park and approach roads to Malahide Castle during, and immediately after, the concert.

In addition, the council will augment the street cleansing with an ongoing presence on Saturday afternoon, evening and Sunday morning.

8 SWORDS GAZETTE 28 Jul - 11 Aug 2011

PICTURES Gazettephotos.com Can you spot anyone you know?

Rachel O’Brien, Natalie Dineen, Jenny Leavey, Shirley Leavey, Noel Leavey and Sean Dineen

1 T Mary’s Secondary School, Baldoyle, held a Wear Red Day in order to raise funds for The Irish Heart Foundation, which has sponsored Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training for all Transition Year students by supplying practice models for each student. The Wear Red Day also generated significant awareness of the

S All smiles: Roisin Walsh and Adrienne

Madidison Ní Hamhsaigh

Evers. Pictures: Peter Doyle

and Jonathan Prunty

Aoife Coyle and Orla Jennings

2

value of CPR and the work of the Irish Heart Foundation.

The Wear Red Day was a nonuniform day in which students wore something red instead of their normal uniform. The Irish Heart Foundation supplied Red T-shirts for the Senior Prefects who collected the student contributions. Overall, €645 was raised – great achievement!

4

3

Red-hot efforts 1. Roisin Long, Deputy Head Girl for

3. Pauline Griffin, organiser, Maureen

2011-2012; Sophie O’Kelly; Terence

O’Sullivan, TD and compere

Flanagan, TD; Pauline Griffin, Organiser of Wear Red Day; Sophie

4. Spanish Students, Maria Labarta

Preston and Lauren Fitzpatrick, head

and Maria Alvarez

Girl for 2011-2012

5. First Years with Shauna Hayes, Brian Kiely, Noel Leavey, Gavin Cosgrave and Sean Dineen

Ready to be a Rose IVERVALLEY girl Roisin Walsh, who is this year’s Swords hopeful for the Rose of Tralee Festival, held a benefit night at The Peacocks Bar and Lounge in aid of Childline, which helps in the prevention of bullying.

Roisin currently works in a theatre group that specialises in teaching young people about the dangers of cyber bully-

R

2. Pauline Griffin, organiser, and

Sixth Year and First Year Prefect, in

Senator Avril Power

centre

5

ing. Choosing Childline as her charity was very important to her and all the proceeds from the night go to the charity.

The night kicked off at 9.30pm with a pub quiz, followed by a karaoke session, with food also served. The Peacocks Bar and Lounge is Roisin’s sponsor for the Rose and is helping to support her in her journey to Kerry.

We are adding more and more pictures to our site, log on to have yours delivered direct to your door

www.gazettephotos.com

28 Jul - 11 Aug 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 9

10 SWORDS GAZETTE 28 Jul - 11 Aug 2011

GazetteContacts SNAPSHOT Dublin’s stories of the day Block 3A, Mill Bank Business Park, Lucan Tel: 01 6010240 Fax: 01 6010251 Managing Director: Liam Holland email: lholland@ gazettegroup.com

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Editor: Cormac Curtis email: ccurtis@ gazettegroup.com

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News Editor: Dawn Love email: dlove@ gazettegroup.com

Sports Editor: Rob Heigh email: sport@ gazettegroup.com

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Ready for music festival DUBLIN City Council’s Arts Office is presenting the fifth Northside Music Festival, which will take place across north Dublin city from August 1 to 18.

The festival offers a range of free summertime musical events at exciting venues around the area. It includes a rich array of Irish and international talent, as well as a diverse assortment of music.

This year’s programme will be held in a variety of distinctive settings, such as city parks, community centres, churches and civic spaces that will strengthen existing audiences and attract new audiences.

Supported by The Arts Council, this year’s festival will feature more family-orientated events, with three concerts by the Whitleblast Quartet and the Speks specifically for children.

An exciting workshop programme, lead

by Wassa Wassa Drum Collective for youth groups, will take place across the city. The aim of these workshops is to directly engage young talent with the highest level of professional expertise while celebrating intercultural activity.

Admission to all performances is free.

Booking is required for all indoor concerts through Artscope, telephone: 01 5059582 or e-mail: info@artscope.ie.

See www.dublincity.ie/RecreationandCulture/ArtsOffice for details of events.

Pictured at the recent launch of Learning to reach out: Young people, mental health literacy and the Internet, a new study conducted by ReachOut.com, were (l-r) Derek Chambers (ReachOut.com), Ms Kathleen Lynch TD, Elaine Geraghty (ReachOut.com), Denis Vavasour and Susan Whyte (ReachOut.com Youth Ambassadors).

The event took place at Dublin’s Science Gallery.

Thank Dylan it’s...

THE DYLAN Hotel, just off Baggot Street, is launching a new addition to Dublin’s social scene, its Thank Dylan it’s Friday (TDIF) initiative. This new series of events aims to support its clientele in achieving greater work/ life balance, by hosting relaxing, fun events on select Fridays throughout the summer.

The first TDIF event is Summer Sounds, the perfect way to relax, unwind and kick-off the weekend. Summer Sounds offers a specially created BBQ menu, signature cocktails and smooth Motown hits by Dylan’s resident DJ

from 7 pm every Friday. The perfect escape in the heart of the city, Summer Sounds will be held at Dylan’s luxurious outdoor terrace, a stylish, all-weather space which can be covered if the weather lets us down!

Summer Sounds’ specially created BBQ menu includes gourmet burgers and hot dogs, while Dylan’s summer cocktail menu sees classic cocktails with a contemporary twist created by Dylan’s award-winning mixologists, including delicious Dressed Pimm’s, refreshing Summer Spritzer, Dylan’s signature Gin and Tonic and Dylan’s Marmalade Cocktails. See www.dylan.ie for more info.

28 Jul - 11 Aug 2011 GAZETTE 11

GazettePETS PETS

Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA

THE FACTS: TIPS FOR EMPLOYING THE SERVICES OF A DOG TRAINER

Learn to be the leader of the pack AVE you ever a r r i ve d h o m e to find your dog has ripped apart his bed, bungee jumped from the net curtains and shredded hubby’s favourite shirt? Sound familiar?

Thankfully this hasn’t happened in our house yet. However, it has happened to a few of my readers who’ve written to me asking for advice.

So, with that in mind, this week I thought I’d try and tackle pet training and behaviour, God help me!

As someone who works with animals I understand their behaviour can be varied. There are cats that will hide, or compulsively groom themselves, and dogs

H

who jump up on people, knocking them over, or who suffer separation anxiety when left alone and may either pee everywhere, or set about ripping the furnishings once your back is turned.

It’s no secret that behaviour differs, but one thing’s for sure – they greatly impact on the owner’s quality of life and, if this happens, then, sadly, this can very often lead to the abandonment of the poor, troubled animal – when, in fact, it’s not the animal’s fault at all.

Let me explain.

Dogs are pack animals and require and thrive on leadership and, in most Irish households, there are leaders and there are followers and you need

Dublin SPCA Dog Trainer, Alex Petrilli and friends

to step up, be positive and decide which you are going to be when it comes to Fido.

Why? I hear you ask.

Well, let me put it like this, if you don’t assume pack leader your dog, if he’s the dominant type, could easily slip into this

slot and take over because to him, leaders enjoy all the privileges.

This leadership assertion from you needs to begin when your dog is a puppy because, remember, your pet lived with his litter until he was eight weeks, so he’s already

learned dominant and subordinate behaviour with other dogs. Now you need to let him know you’re the leader of this family pack.

So, what do you do if you want to head off potential problems with your dog?

Simple, you engage the services of an exceptional dog behaviourist such as our amazing Dublin SPCA dog trainer, Alex Petrilli, whom, in my humble opinion and in my capacity as a seasoned pet parent, is an excellent communicator, one of the most important factors when it comes to dealing with pets and their parents.

However, if those pet parents are kids, as in your teen, even better as

the interaction between child and dog is one of the most important relationships your son or daughter will ever develop because he/she will grow up to become a responsible pet owner. And Alex explores, guides, nourishes and tutors this through his bespoke K9 Junior Training Summer Camp held here at the Shelter Campus.

So, if you’re a dog owner who wants to get more involved with their pet, or if you’ve got kids and want to encourage their sense of loyalty, compassion, confidence and exuberance for their new best friend, then read my top tips below for employing the services of a dog trainer.

• Don’t choose the

cheapest – choose the best, the one who delivers results. If it was a heart specialist, would you hire cheap and cheerful or would you go for the professional who guarantees a first class job?

Go for the best. Your dog is worth it.

• Secure a behaviourist/trainer who is recommended by a friend or a vet, and ask if he/she has experience treating similar issues/problems (you’ve discovered with your pet), and never, ever, use one who recommends using inhumane shock collars.

Communication is the key, but don’t take my word for it. Give Alex a ring on 01-4994725 and learn how to be a good pack leader.

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GazetteTTRAVEL Breathtaking journey to Carrig House MIMI MURRY

THE correct way to circumvent the Ring of Kerry is anti-clockwise, according to Terry Wogan. It most certainly is not wise to try and make up time by driving inland, especially when a grey cloud the size of Munster is descending over the McGillycuddy Reeks and there are only sheep as far as the eye can see.

However, that is what my other half and I did on a recent trip to the Kingdom. We had arrived late at our accommodation – the lovely Carrig House, situated on the shores of Caragh Lake. It was 3pm and dinner was booked for 8 pm, so we decided to attempt the back roads to Sneem, a lovely spot along the Ring.

We decided to go for an all-out fish fest and the mussels and crab starter were so fresh, you could definitely still taste the sea.

My scallops, set on a fennel broth, were delicious, as was my husband’s poached haddock laid on a moreish curry risotto. Coffee and dessert were equally good.

Our helpful hostess raised an eyebrow when we said we would attempt the back roads and warned us that to get off the beaten track was sure to get us lost.

Speeding by

Never ones to listen to the voice of reason, we ploughed on past Carragh Lake and up some miniscule roads with neer a signpost or another car in sight. After driving in circles for about an hour, we were sure our eyes were deceiving us when a squad car came speeding by. They would lead us out of the maze we had become entangled in and get us to Sneem.

What followed felt like a high-speed car chase with me holding on for dear life as my husband swore blind we weren’t breaking

Spectacular

Carrig House situated on the shores of Caragh Lake

the law if the boys in blue were demanding that we follow.

What followed was some of the most stunning scenery I have ever seen and was most certainly off the beaten track. The McGillycuddy Reeks imposed upon us

from both sides and I yelped as my husband almost collided with a mountain goat. After our almost fatal brush with livestock, it was straight the whole way to Sneem.

From there up to Waterville and past Skellig is magnificent, breath-

taking scenery. There is the odd pretty little cove dotted along the coast, which would be good for sunbathing or some swimming.

Hungry, my husband got us back in time for dinner. We enjoyed a quick drink in Carrig

House’s very comfortable and pretty drawing room, which was filled with visitors and locals enjoying Saturday night dinner.

The view from our table was extremely pretty and quite ethereal, looking out over the lake.

Our room had a spectacular view, with big windows overlooking the lake. The next morning, we sat and watched fishermen bob past on a little boat through a haze that Kerry folk fondly call the Irish mist. It might be rain to the rest of us, but who are we to argue.

For more details of Carrig House go to www. carrighouse.com/

TIME OUT Jet off to beautiful Malta this summer TAKE a break with a difference this summer and jet off to beautiful Malta where there are countless events and concerts taking place catering for all tastes and ages, from the Delicata Wine Festival that takes place from August 4 to 7, to the Gozo Music Festival, which gets into full swing on August 21.

Malta boasts an extensive range of activities, from cultural to adrenaline-fuelled. For those who want to relax, there are countless hidden beaches scattered across the island and Gozo is a must.

Ryanair operates direct flights from Dublin five times a week on Mondays, Tuesdays and Saturday. Special offers are now available on return flights for as little as €131 return, including taxes.

28 Jul - 11 Aug 2011 GAZETTE 15

Edited by Mimi Murray

A relaxing weekend in a luxurious Radisson HIROMI MOONEY

THE Radisson Blu Roe Park Resort in Limavady, Co Derry, is the ideal place to stay for a trip to Northern Ireland.

The hotel sits on 155 acres of land, which is both an 18-hole golf course and a beautiful 18th-century parkland.

It has 118 guest rooms that include five luxury rooms, three suites and three superior rooms.

The hotel also has leisure facilities such as a fitness suite, swimming pool, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi, as well as The Roe Spa. With the sea and forest a few minutes drive away, and the shopping and nightlife a half-hour drive to both Derry and Coleraine, there is plenty to do during your stay.

After driving for more than three hours and missing a few turns along the way, we were relieved when we found the hotel.

Given a warm welcome by the friendly and helpful staff, my sister Maria and I checked in to The Lilac Room.

And, yes, there was nothing that didn’t spell out luxury in this room, from the glistening chandeliers to the king-size bed. The windows overlooked the golf course and brought a lot of light into the room.

There were two LCD TVs, two of the most comfortable couches I have ever sat on, a fridge and coffee machine. We even had a jacuzzi bath tub.

There were Elemis spa

products in the bathroom waiting to be used, and more pillows on the bed than I could count.

We didn’t want to move, but eventually forced ourselves get ready for dinner.

The hotel boasts two restaurants, so we decided to test them both out over the two nights that we stayed there. On the first night we opted for the fine-dining experience in Green’s Restaurant.

We both had the warm three-cheese tart, which was like a quiche.

My main course was as mouth-watering as it sounds. Five Spiced Duck Breast served with sticky Thai rice. Maria enjoyed the lemon and lime butter sauce on the Oven Roast Salmon, and devoured a large bowl of ice cream for dessert.

We enjoyed a less formal atmosphere the next night in The Coach House Brasserie. The breakfast is served in Green’s Restaurant, but has a totally different atmosphere in the morning. The self-service buf-

fet means that your eyes are bigger than your belly and you want absolutely everything on offer. It caters for everyone with fry-ups, cereals, porridge, juices, pastries, yogurt, fruit salads and toast.

The Roe Spa was the perfect place to relax and indulge in some self-pampering treats. They use Elemis products, which contain organic extracts, and the gorgeous scents make you drift away from the busy world.

A fter my facial, I noticed the difference immediately. All tension disappeared from my body after a foot and ankle massage, and the head, neck and shoulder massage. The two relaxation rooms were so peaceful and comfortable, I didn’t want to leave.

In short, the hotel caters for all ages, boasts a friendly team of staff with excellent service, and is the perfect place to unwind, relax and pamper yourself.

For summer deals and to make reservations, visit www.radissonroepark. com

The hotel sits on 155 acres of land, which is both an 18 hole golf course and a beautiful 18th century parkland

The Radisson Blu Roe Park Resort in Limavady, Co Derry, is the perfect place to unwind, relax and pamper yourself

16 SWORDS GAZETTE 28 Jul - 11 Aug 2011

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT 1GoingOUT PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 Plaza Suite TIME is almost up to see the final performances of Plaza Suite at the Pavilion, which comes to an end on Saturday, July 30.

One of Neil Simon’s most enduring and popular comedies, Plaza Suite sees the lives of three couples, as played out in the very same hotel suite at New York’s Plaza hotel. Nick Dunning and Eleanor Methven take the lead in the entertaining comedy, with tickets still available, priced from €17.60 to €25. For full details, see www.paviliontheatre.ie.

THE HELIX 01 700 7000 The Wizard of Oz THE timeless tale of Dorothy and friends gets a new twist, with a series of “Oz Camps” throughout July and early August, preparing budding actors and students to put on a memorable performance.

Running from Tuesday, August 9 to Saturday, August 13, the Oz Camp graduates will showcase what they’ve learned in what promises to be a show to remember.

Tickets are still available, priced from €15/€50 family.

For full details, see www.thehelix.ie.

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 Past and Present DUBLIN 15-based artist Desmond Kenny brings his range of work to the ground and first-floor galleries, with his free exhibition showcasing his skills, until August 27. Desmond’s exhibition will have a particular focus on abstract painting, with a retrospective of his earlier work also on show.

A brave Borrower, Arrietty (Saoirse Ronan) faces the human boy, Sho (Tom Holland) who has come to learn of her race’s existence, as they co-exist in an ordinary house together. However, regardless of their sizes, they both face some big challenges, ahead...

Borrows your interest A little race of people are likely to make a big impression, thanks to a delightful film from expert Japanese animators Q KATE CROWLEY

BACK at my post in Gazette Towers, following an unrequested groundcranium-interface incident – or tripping over a bag left halfway down a flight of stairs last week, in other words – I may have had some breath knocked out of my lungs, but not any common sense.

As such, despite my irrational tendency to generally like Kevin “King of Queens” James, I declined to take my recuperating to see his latest comedy, Zookeeper, which shall doubtless please any fans of that curious sub-genre of Average-chump-learnsthat-animals-can-talkand-not-only-that-theyalso-have-advice-onhow-to-improve-his-lovelife! films. This one stars James as – well, the clue’s in the title, folks.

And, as much as I have a weakness for anything starring supernaturally-

FILM OF THE WEEK: Arrietty ++++ (G) 94 mins Director: Hiromasa Yonebayashi Starring: The voices of Saoirse Ronan, Tom Holland, Mark Strong, Olivia Colman

OUR VERDICT: ANOTHER lovely tale from Studio Ghibli, Arrietty is a gentle yet entertaining tale from the Japanese animation masters, who certainly have a yen for creating memorable films that do great business around the world. With its message that size is less important than courage, and character, it’s also a thoughtful and welcome addition to more predictable CG-animated fare.

powered Nazis – a storytelling staple of everything from The Twilight Zone to Star Trek to Indiana Jones to another newly-released film (Captain America: The First Avenger) – I don’t fancy reviewing any Nazi films for a while.

So, rather than review a Nazi film, here’s a rather nice one, instead.

Arrietty is a Japanesefiltered tale inspired by Mary Norton’s classic, The Borrowers (which enjoyed a big-screen film in recent years, starring Jim Broadbent and a host of British talent).

Here, just as in The Borrowers, our world is shared with another race of tiny, sentient beings – little people, who secretly live in secretive harmony with the “vast” world of the humans above, upon whom they rely.

After all, humans have lots of things for the tiny folk to “borrow”, with everything from sugar lumps to paper clips finding new uses in the world of the “Borrowers” – and there are few Borrowers as charming, curious and resourceful as Arrietty (Saoirse Ronan), the film’s titular character.

She lives with her family in the space below an ordinary Japanese house, relying on borrowing things from the house and world above to carry out their little lives, which are still full of the same big hopes, dreams and fears that the humans have.

After a while, a boy, Sho (Tom Holland) comes to stay at the house, under the care of his great aunt, Sadako, while he waits to have an important operation in the city.

After seeing a cat chasing something, he soon finds Arrietty, which breaks the most sacred rule of Borrowers – to never reveal their existence to humans.

A r r i e t t y ’s p a r e n t s decide that, now that they’ve been discovered, they’ll simply have to move, even though Sho and Arrietty have struck up an unlikely but fond friendship.

But both human and Borrower alike face diffi-

culties and dangers, with Sho facing his operation, and Arrietty’s family stirring the curiosity of the household’s maid.

Where Arrietty may need to borrow Sho’s help for her family’s sake, Sho may need to borrow some of their resourceful courage, as they all face their uncertain futures ...

As always, Studio Ghibli have delivered a charmingly animated (with some dashes of CG trickery, here and there) film, free of some of the frantic pace of most animated films.

It’s a charming, familyfriendly, traditionallyanimated film from the Japanese masters of the genre, who’ve previously delighted Irish, and Western, audiences with films such as Spirited Away and Ponyo, to name but two of their hits.

Arrietty may be little, but the film is likely to leave a big impression on smaller minds.

28 Jul - 11 Aug 2011 GAZETTE 17

WATER BABIES

Baby BABY SOOTHING REMEDIES

GETTING TO KNOW KIDS

W

R1

YOUR GUIDE TO EVERYTHING FOR YOUR BABY

Be a natural mama and baby Q DAWN LOVE

Mums are turning to beauty products packed with natural and nourishing ingredients

WITH up to 60% of what we put on our skin reportedly absorbed into the bloodstream it’s no wonder that mums are turning to beauty products packed with natural and nourishing products.

Top natural brand, Burt’s Bees, have a range of products that are ideal for new mums and babies too.

The skincare company says being good to you and to the planet sums up their ethos, and to care for baby’s delicate skin, their Baby Bee range includes 10 essential products made with natural moisturisers and natural emollients such as beeswax, to seal in moisture and help protect against external irritants.

All Baby Bee products undergo extensive paediatric testing (on babies between the ages of three months and 13 years) and are SLS-, phthalate- and paraben-free.

When it comes to bath time, try products made with natural ingredients such as oat flour, buttermilk, sunflower and coconut oil to care for baby’s skin. Baby Bee Buttermilk Soap (€5.95, 99g) is gentle and nourishing, leaving skin soft and silky. Made using buttermilk, which is richer in fats and emollients

than whole milk, these products are great natural skin cleansers.

And to ensure there are no tears at bath time, NEW Baby Bee Fragrance Free Shampoo & Wash (€9.95, 235ml), Baby Bee Shampoo & Wash (€9.95, 235ml) and Baby Bee Bubble Bath (€12.95, 350ml) are non-irritating, natural formulas that are gentle enough for everyday use.

And, of course, a comfortable baby is a happy baby, and Baby Bee Diaper Ointment (€8.95, 55g) helps to nourish skin, sealing moisture in and wetness out. Made with 100% natural ingredients, it is packed full of nourishing vitamins, zinc, oxide and beeswax, to protect delicate skin. Adding a sprinkle of Baby Bee Dusting Powder (€8.95, 127.6g) made with slippery elm bark, cornstarch and kaolin helps keep your baby

dry, happy and smelling fresh.

And, to ensure Mums don’t feel left out, try the Mama Bee range featuring Mama Bee Belly Butter (€16.95, 185g). Made with skin-loving natural ingredients such a Vitamin E and Cocoa Butter, this is the perfect product to help keep expanding skin smooth.

For when you’re legs and feet need a treat, Mama Bee Leg & Foot Cream (€14.95, 85g) is formulated with peppermint oil and rosemary extract to help relax tired muscles and moisturise your skin.

Or, if a therapeutic bath or massage is just what you need, the Mama Bee Body Oil with Vitamin E (€13.95, 115ml) is ideal to keep your body hydrated.

Made with sweet almond and lemon oils and Vitamin E, massage into your skin to help keep it supple and hydrated.

Burt’s Bees is available at selected pharmacies and health stores nationwide.

KidStuff The stroller to be seen with this year IF CELEBRITY endorsements are anything to go by, it would seem that the New Zealand brand, Phil & Ted’s, is the stroller to be seen with this year.

98FM’s Dermot Whelan and Dave Moore are the most recent Phil & Ted’s converts and join Jack Black and Sacha Baron Cohen in choosing the Explorer to propel their offspring around.

The buggy that has been beloved of parents all over the world, with its good looks, manoeuvrability and quality materials, Phil & Ted’s is the coolest way to get your precious ones from A to B. To find out what’s the best Phil & Ted’s for you, or if you know of a cool dad-to-be who may need some direction in the wheels department, check out www. cleverclogs.ie for more information and to find a stockist near you.

Dermot Whelan and

Continued on Page 22

his new Verve buggy

18 GAZETTE 28 Jul - 11 Aug 2011

BabyBABY YOUR GUIDE

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LOCAL BUSINESS

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TO EVERYTHING FOR YOUR BABY

Swimming is making a healthy splash IN A society increasingly promoting exercise and healthy eating in youngsters, the findings of a recent study – that revealed that more underfives know how to play a computer game than to swim – makes for sobering reading.

Besides the obvious safety benefits, swimming helps to get the heart rate going, keep children fit, and provide them with plenty of fun.

Carol McNally, who, with her sister, Therese, runs swimming classes for babies and young

children across Dublin, says it’s vital to get your little one into the pool as soon as possible.

Classes are suitable for babies from six weeks, which is usually when their mums feel able to bring them, says McNally, who adds that swimming is also excellent for stimulating your baby’s eating and sleeping patterns.

The multi-award-winning Water Babies’ course teaches using voice commands, and learning to respond to these is excellent for your baby’s mental development.

Lessons last half an hour, and, although they might look gentle, each provides your baby with a complete work-out – exercising and strengthening lots of muscles they’d never find on land!

To find out more about local classes, call 01 824 9987, or see www.waterbabies.ie.

Above, Holly and Georgia Brown, and, inset, Lynsey Whitchard with Harry Anderson, are all having fun exercising and bonding together by swimming

28 Jul - 11 Aug 2011 GAZETTE 19

Balancing a career and motherhood Q HIROMI MOONEY

A S E V E RY wo m a n knows, being a mum is a full-time job in itself, and balancing that with a hectic career as a highprofile TD is not an easy thing to do.

N ow t h e m o t h e r of three sons in their 20s, Children’s Minister, Frances Fitzgerald is refreshingly honest about working while raising three children and admits that, in the early days, she doesn’t know how she managed.

A former social worker, Fitzgerald says that her husband and family were hugely supportive of her and of her later decision to enter politics.

“T hroughout my career, I have been lucky, especially, when my children were young, in that I

was able to take extended maternity leave and at some points I job-shared.

This gave me a taste of the best of both worlds,” she says.

“It is certainly difficult to find the balance. Looking back, I’m not quite sure how I managed in the early days, but when I did hit that balance, I really enjoyed both my career, the opportunities and the learning experiences and being able to cherish the time I got to spend with my family.

“It would not have been possible for me to succeed in politics without the support of my family. My husband and my three boys have always been a fantastic source of strength and encouragement to me,” says Fitzgerald.

Fine Gael TD for Dub-

Motherhood and politics: Children’s Minister Frances Fitzgerald and Fine Gael TD for Dublin South, Mary Mitchell O’Connor

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

‘Looking back, I’m not quite sure how I managed in the early days but when I did hit that balance I really enjoyed both my career and the time I got to spend with my family’ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Frances Fitzgerald, Minister for Children

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lin South, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, has two sons aged 25 and 24. She went back to work as a school

principal just 10 weeks after giving birth and says it was very difficult for her in the early days.

“I think you hate leaving your baby with a minder – mind you, I had an excellent minder.

It was difficult to juggle, but I suppose, first of all in teaching, school hours are pretty short in comparison to what other working mothers have to do. Education then was huge for me for them.

I put a big emphasis on education for the two boys.

“I really didn’t get into

politics until they were well on their way towards their Leaving Certs. I just wouldn’t – their education to me was of paramount importance.

“I don’t know how mothers could juggle that or how they could – you know. You sacrifice something – be it yourself or be it your children.”

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BabyBABY YOUR GUIDE

TO EVERYTHING FOR YOUR BABY

Natural mama and baby Continued from Page 17

LOCALMATTERS SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZETTE CALL 60 10 240

Excessive dribbling, red cheeks and gums, a tendency to chew on things and, in some cases, vomiting, can spell one thing – that your little one is teething. It’s a period that every mum and dad dread because not only is their baby in pain, but it can mean plenty of sleepless nights for parents, too.

Nelsons Teetha teething granules €7.25 (top), are a homeopathic remedy for the relief of the symptoms of teething. They come in a ready-dosed granule that simply dissolves in your baby’s mouth,

where it gently helps to ease the pain of teething and relieves discomfort.

The active ingredient in Teetha is a 6c homeopathic potency of Chamomilla – a herb traditionally used to help relieve the symptoms of teething.

Chamomilla is often described by homeopaths as the first-choice remedy for teething.

Coughs can cause little ones a great deal of discomfort and disturb their sleep.

Coughs and teething can cause a great deal of discomfort and disturb baby’s sleep

Honey is well known not only for its great taste, but also for being a great natural remedy. In fact, a recent study has confirmed what many parents have known for

years, that honey can help with sore throats and night-time coughs in children. The study showed that honey helped at reducing the severity and frequency

of night-time coughs, so children can get to sleep more easily. So, it’s no wonder honey was one of the first ingredients that was put into Nelsons Sootha (far left).

The honey rich formula contains the 6c homeopathic potency of natural Bryonia, purified honey and zesty lemon juice – natural ingredients to help bring gentle relief to coughs. Bryonia, more commonly known as Bryony, is a yellow flowering climbing plant, which has been used in homeopathic tradition for the symptomatic relief of coughs.

Nelsons Sootha cough syrup is free of artificial colourings or flavourings and does not cause drowsiness. Suitable for children aged 12 months onwards.

Nelsons says it is important to identify what kind of cough your child has and, if your child has any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor: • Cough that is accompanied by any wheezing or breathing difficulties.

• A croup cough, which has a barking sound.

• A whooping cough that has a very distinctive sound: a severe drysounding coughing spell that lasts 20-30 seconds and is followed by a whooping noise as your baby draws breath.

C OM M ER C I AL FEATU R E

ARE you old enough to remember 1986? If so, do you remember what fashion was like then?

At name it they do. In 1986 one of the suppliers of Vero Moda, a Bestseller women’s fashion brand, accidentally sent out a shipment of jeans that had been made in small sizes rather than adult sizes.

This was the beginning of the adventure we know today as name it.

One of the sales people took on the challenge of finding customers for the jeans… and the rest is history.

And much has happened in those 25 years – a quarter of a century which the people behind name it have spent get-

ting to know kids, in order to come up with the best kids’ fashion possible.

The most important thing when designing for kids is to keep their needs in mind at all times. At the same time the team behind name it has to think about the parents too, because parents really only want the best for their children.

Over the years, this way of thinking has led to a lot of bright ideas. For example, all name it jeans have adjustable waists to suit kids of different sizes; there is always room for nappies when needed; and the price range is always reasonable, because name it knows that you need more than one nightsuit for

28 Jul - 11 Aug 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 23

your baby.

In some countries kids need outerwear that can handle the rough weather; and of course kids’ safety comes first, so all collections follow the rules and standards of the European Union.

Although name it is now 25 years old, there is no sign of slowing down.

In the future you will see more name it shops popping up around the world.

From birth to the age of 12, kids can get all their fashion needs covered, from underwear to outerwear, and name it will continue to offer a complete wardrobe.

As we move forward in this millennium you will also find name it more and more on the internet, so you can shop online and connect with name it fans on Facebook.

Look out for the many exciting events lined up for name it shops this autumn – and be sure to join us in the celebrations.

24 SWORDS GAZETTE 28 Jul - 11 Aug 2011

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs FIAT 500 TO PROMOTE PIXAR’S CARS 2: Disney

Pixar has chosen the Fiat 500 to help promote the new CARS 2 movie in Ireland. The Fiat 500 in question, a TwinAir Lounge model, has been covered in an elaborate promotional wrap, complete with windscreen “eyes” similar to those of the characters in the film.

One of the main storylines of the new film revolves around the character Luigi, which is based on an original Fiat 500. We meet Luigi’s Uncle Topolino and Mama Topolino for the first time when the World Grand Prix series arrives in his home town of Porto Corsa in Italy. Disney Pixar’s CARS 2 opened in cinemas across Ireland on July 22, while the Fiat 500 TwinAir is available from €14,295 (excluding delivery and related charges).

Citroen has extended its styling DS programme to include an updated DS4 based on the C4. The car has sporty style design and features

DS4 brings fun to Citroen Citroen has a new, slightly bigger, DS4 on offer with impressive performance which MICHAEL MORONEY found when he took it on a fast test T was a fun drive taking the new Citroen DS4 on the road, but its performance was such that I spent too much of my time checking the speedo. That, in some people’s minds, is a good result – the new Citroen sporty version of the C4 comes with huge performance levels for a car that’s compact and reasonable in size.

Citroen wants to make statements with the DS range. The DS4 is the next up in that regard, adding a little more space and aiming to compete with performance-type sports cars such as the Golf GTI. The car has very distinctive styling – the wheels add to the effect in a black alloy colour with flared sections to give a classic

I

SPECS: CITROEN DS4 1.6 Top speed: 235 km/hr 0 – 100km/hr: 7.9 sec Economy: 16.6 km/litre (6.4 l/100km) CO2 emissions: 149g/km Road Tax Band: C (€302) Euro NCAP Rating: 5 Star (2011) Warranty: 2 years Entry Price: €29,895

aerodynamic effect. This is a stand-out car – you’ll be seen in it no matter what colour it comes in.

I drove a white DS4, but I’ve seen photos of the red edition and I reckon that it would be more impressive. Colour aside, the car is packed with technology to give the performance car effect.

And it drives like a bomb as well. The 1.6litre, turbo-petrol engine has impressive acceleration giving a 0 to 100km/ hr acceleration time of just 7.9 seconds. That’s almost comparable with the Volkswagen Golf GTI performance from an engine that’s smaller, while delivering 200bhp.

The car seems lighter than the Golf, Audi TT, Honda Civic Type R or Peugeot RCZ, and that makes its performance feel lighter on the road.

It has real rear passenger space for three in reasonable comfort and its fivedoor format makes the rear seat accessible.

Getting in and out of the rear has its own hazards. I felt that the shape of the rear doors is posi-

tively dangerous with a spike type end to the design. I had the car for a few brief days and still managed some minor injuries, not life-threatening, of course, and avoidable with care!

The one feature that’s especially attractive about the DS4 is that, for the power and the specification on offer, it’s affordable. The entry price for the petrol-powered model is €29,895, which seems a lot of money for a mid-range car, but it’s way cheaper than the rivals mentioned above.

And, the other good news is that you can get a more thrifty diesel-powered version for the same price, without too much of a compromise on performance. The accelera-

tion from the diesel version is less than a second slower with the benefit of 20% better economy and a lower CO2 driven taxband rating.

There is room to seat five adults, but head room in the rear is a little tight.

The car has a reasonable size 359-litre boot which increases to 385 litres when you use the underfloor storage, making it bigger than many conventional hatchbacks.

The new model is claimed to be one of the safest cars in its class. It has been awarded a maximum 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating with a 97% score in the Safety Assist category. The standard safety features include ESP with Intelligent Traction Control, ABS with

EBD and EBA, six airbags and two Isofix mountings on the rear seats.

There are some nice luxury touches on the inside. The cabin area is modern with lots of dials and switches to give a more sophisticated look than the standard C4 car.

This new Citroen DS4 is available with three trim-level signatures – DSign, DStyle and DSport. The entry-level DSign comes with six airbags, ESP, Hill Start Assist, air conditioning, daytime-running LEDs, 17” alloy wheels, front fog lights with cornering function, six-speaker Surround Sound audio system and cruise control with speed limiter and memory settings.

More road tolls will erode Ireland competitiveness – IRHA THE Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) has expressed its concern at reports that eight new toll locations may be introduced on Irish roads. The Association has called for the establishment of a task force to examine all road tolling systems to ensure that all road users are taxed at appropriate levels.

Commenting on the fact that the National Roads Authority has commenced a process of examining means of generating additional revenue through new tolls on Ireland’s existing road network, Eoin Gavin, President of the IRHA, said that such increases in tolling would have major implications,

not only for the road haulage industry, but for Ireland’s overall competitiveness, which, he said, would be inevitably eroded.

Highest level

The Irish haulage sector is currently paying the highest level of road tax in

Ireland and also pays nearly the most in Europe in terms of fuel duty and carbon tax. Furthermore, a recent report by the Irish Exporters Association said that a number of EU Directives have been agreed which will impose €97.5million in added costs on Irish exports exiting Ireland.

28 Jul - 11 Aug 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 25

GAZETTE

26 SWORDS GAZETTE 28 Jul - 11 Aug 2011

SWORDSclassifieds

BATHROOMS

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28 Jul - 11 Aug 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 27

28 SWORDS GAZETTE 28 Jul - 11 Aug 2011

GazetteSport Sport

Karl McDonagh, James Collins, Brian Vaghan, Brion Dolan, Rob Merrigan and Shay Collins

Andrea Finnigan

Swords RFC All welcome as Swords set for 2011 S

WORDS RFC launched their 2011 recruitment campaign last week with a recruitment day at the Pavilions shopping centre in Swords with the Heineken Cup. Swords players and members were on hand to answer any questions about the club, and hundreds of people turned up to get their picture taken and chat about the club’s adult and youths programmes for the coming season.

Swords RFC PRO, Leo Price, said: “We couldn’t be happier with the turn-out. Everyone was delighted to get their picture taken with the cup and we received great support from the staff at The Pavilions and Lifestyle Sports who allowed us to use the space outside their shop.”

Swords Rugby Club pre-season training begins on Tuesday, August 2, at 7.30pm on the rugby pitches in ALSAA. All are welcome, from beginners to experts. The youths will start their training in September, every Sunday from 10.30am, at the new rugby pitch in Holywell for ages five to 12 years.

For more information, see www.swordsrfc. com.

Gary and Alan Spain

The Heineken Cup in Lifestyle sports

Keva Donohoe and Aiden Neill

The staff of the Cock Taverns and members of Swords RFC

28 Jul - 11 Aug 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 29

in association with

2011 DUBLIN SPORTS AWARDS - JULY NOMINEES

FastSport

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

+ STARof the

Harrington on hand to help launch Alliance

MONTH

JAMES MCGEE

SHEENA MCELROY

LORRAINE O’HALLORAN

JAMES McGee broke new ground last Saturday at the Fitzwilliam lawn tennis club as he defied the world rankings to win the Green Property Irish Open singles title with a 6-3, 6-3 win over French top seed, Charles-Antoine Brezac.

GRANGE golf club’s Sheena McElroy secured her third Irish senior title at Adare Manor when she defeated Pauline Walsh in the final of the national event, another accolade in what has already been a successful year.

LORRAINE O’Halloran, from Palmerstown, won a welldeserved gold medal in the 100m freestyle swimming final at the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens, registering a personal best time in the process to defeat the field.

DUBLIN HURLING

ROUND TOWERS

INSAKA FC

THE resurgence of Dublin hurling and its attainment of new heights was prevalent throughout July, when the senior, minor and Under-21 hurlers registered county victories that see them set to take on the All-Ireland challenge.

THE ladies of Monastery Road produced a winning performance to claim their first silverware in over a decade, defeating Clontarf by 2-8 to 1-9 in Parnell Park to claim the intermediate title to great acclaim.

THE fledgling club’s maiden double arrived in style when they claimed the Ronnie Bradshaw Cup and U-18 NDSL Premier titles this season, vindication of the management’s faith in their abilities and commitment to soccer

+ TEAMof the MONTH

WELCOME to the 2011 Dublin Sports Awards, as we mark our local sportsmen and women’s July sporting achievements across the capital and, indeed, across the nation.

We’re delighted to once again be able to celebrate the finest achievements in Dub-

lin sport, with some huge efforts at local levels coming to our attention in a variety of well-known, and some, less prominent, sports.

Ever y form of sporting achievement, at any level and in any sport, is valuable and gives an indication of the diversity of sporting commit-

ment there is around our fair city at all times of the year.

Let us know!

Let us know about your achievements in sport, so that the Gazette can tell the rest of Dublin — and give you, or your team, a chance of being one of our monthly stars.

Contact us on 01 601 0240 or sport@gazettegroup.com to tell us all about your successes, and follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/ gazettesport.

You can also check out the latest stories from GazetteSport at our new website, www.gazettegroup.com

STACKSTOWN’S superhero, Padraig Harrington, was on hand to help to launch the Dublin East Coast Golf Alliance with representatives of the clubs involved in the initiative.

The K Club, Powerscourt, Carton House, The Island and Druid’s Glen are all taking part in the alliance, which is giving golfers the opportunity to stay and play in some of the top hotels and courses in Ireland, with great deals on both.

Within easy access of Dublin airport, and with the buzz and atmosphere of Ireland’s capital on your doorstep, the Dublin East Coast Golf Alliance promises you the best of both worlds with the warmest of welcomes.

For more information, contact info@dublingolfalliance.com or call 086 854 1234.

30 SWORDS GAZETTE 28 Jul - 11 Aug 2011

GazetteSport Sport FastSport The two Sarahs win for Fins in Tullamore SARAH Murray and Sarah McCarthy both produced winning performances for Fingallians at last weekend’s juvenile track and field championships in Tullamore on the third and fourth days of the All-Ireland competition.

McCarthy took the high jump title with a leap of 1.60m in the girl’s U-17 event to add to the club’s haul, while Irish international Murray produced her win in the 200m girl’s U-19 race with a time of 25.61.

The event was a high-quality one, featuring recent youth world champion Kate Veale who broke the national record in the 3k walk.

Walsh wins road and time races in Italy FEMALE tandem pairing Catherine Walsh and Fran Meehan won both the road race and time trial to secure first place at the UCI P1 Europa Cup in Verolanuova, Italy last weekend.

Walsh, who hails from Swords, through this result has further helped Ireland’s Nations Ranking, a key factor in the country’s bid for places in the Paralympics in London in 2012.

Elsewhere, Colin Lynch finished second in Sunday’s time trial and third in Saturday’s road race to secure second place in general classification in the Male C2 Race.

Male Tandem pairing of Andrew Fitzgerald and pilot Con Collis secured Ireland’s highest Male Tandem finish in a UCI race,

taking third overall in general classification.

Cathal Miller’s third place in Sunday’s time trial shot him up the leader board to seventh in general C5 Category classification after the 11 man Italian team dominated Saturday’s road race, leaving Cathal in 13th position at that stage.

Swords Celtic holding their annual AGM SWORDS Celtic are to hold their club management AGM on Tuesday, August 16 at 8pm in the Balheary clubhouse.

The club wish to advise members that proposals and nominations must be submitted to the secretary seven days prior to the AGM. A revised club constitution is to be presentaed and ratified at the AGM, so all members are welcome to attend.

Shanghai surprise for Barry: Murphy disappointed LOCAL swimming star Barry Murphy bowed out of the 100m breaststroke event at the World Swimming Championships in Shanghai last week when he could only manage a time of 1.02.50 in his heat. The US-based swimmer was disappointed with his time, but can console himself in the knowledge that he has already swam the qualifying time for a place in the London 2012 Olympic Games.

TENNIS: DOUBLES ACE JAMES MISSES OUT ON RETAINING TITLE

Local tennis ace James Cluskey in action at the Irish Open tennis event at the Fitzwilliam LTC last week

Cluskey comes close in Open STEPHEN FINDLATER sport@gazettegroup.com

JAMES Cluskey came up just short in his bid to retain the Green Property Irish Open tennis doubles title he won in 2010 with Malahide’s Colin O’Brien.

Working this time w i t h C a s t l e k n o c k ’s James McGee, they were undone by bigserving French 19-yearold Albano Olivetti and Neal Skupski at the Fitzwilliam LTC in Ranelagh last Friday afternoon.

The latter is a current Louisiana State collegiate player, the alma

mater of Cluskey, and the visiting pair got off to a flying start, breaking the Swords’ man in the opening game with Olivetti duly holding.

But, in a helter-skelter set with little rhythm to it, the Irish pair ran up the next five games to move to the verge of winning the set.

However, the tide almost turned as quickly as Olivetti ran up the aces and some neat returning brought the match level at 5-5 and subsequently into a tie-break, which they took on the second setpoint.

And the momentum

carried through into the second set, grabbing the critical break in serve in the second game.

It remained on serve u p t o 5 - 3 , l e av i n g Olivetti to close out the game and, while a ripping Cluskey backhand gave the Irish pair the initial advantage at 0-15, the Frenchman responded in kind.

He arrowed dow n four unreturnable serves to close out the tie with minimal fuss and the title was comfortably assured on a 7-6, 6-3 scoreline.

It proved quite a week for the pairing who survived a couple of super-

sets en route to the final, coming into the draw unseeded.

Indeed, they only made it through round one with an 11-9 win in the third against English pairing Oakley and Gabb.

Similarly, their semifinal win over French top seeds, Julien Maes and Fabrice Mar tin, went to a decider, in which they prevailed by 10-6.

F o r C l u s ke y a n d McGee — recovering from a bug which had kept him out of the Davis Cup a week earlier — their progress was much more serene,

running up straight sets victories in their three preliminar y rounds, giving up just 16 games in six sets.

In the singles, Cluskey picked off an impressive three-set win over Simon Cauvard to make good use of his wildcard status as the doubles specialist threw his hat into the ring for a rare singles appearance.

H i s s t r o n g s e r ve helped him through in a third set tie-breaker, winning it 7-0, but Olivetti was waiting in round two and was again to prove his nemesis with a 7-5, 7-5 victory.

28 Jul - 11 Aug 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 31

in association with

AHL4: FINS BRING THEMSELVES INTO CONTENTION

CLUB NOTICEBOARD FINGALLIANS TEAM Durkan broke all records

bar by members with their cards

again last week with a fantastic

any evening.

hurling week in the club.

Congratulations to Sarah McCa-

Thanks to all those that made

rthy, Sarah Murray, Rachel Murray,

the week a success, with a special

Megan and Bronwyn Keogh, Caoimhe

thank-you to the Dublin hurlers who

Morris, Alanna and Catriona Quinn,

attended, and our sponsors, VHI

Fiona Tuite, Nickie Melia, Ann Marie

Swiftcare.

Tornsey and Ciara Chapman who

Check out the club’s Facebook page for the week in pictures.

Well done to the Dublin senior hurlers and reached the All-Ireland semi-final against Tipperary after an impressive win over Limerick.

Hurling and football tickets applications can now be made at the club

represented Fingallians and Dublin at the National Juvenile Track and Field at Tullamore over last weekend.

The current lotto numbers are 2, 7, 16, 25 and 35, and the good news is there is a bumper jackpot this week of €2,814.

ST FINIAN’S THE members of the club wish to express their sympathy to Audrey and Dermot Phelan and their family Fingallians were comfortable winners against Ballinteer St John’s at Marlay Park

on the recent passing of Audrey’s

Fingallians close in on promotion place AHL DIVISION 4 Ballinteer St John’s 1-10 Fingallians 3-9 STEPHEN FINDLATER sport@gazettegroup.com

FINGALLIANS kept their promotion hopes alive with a comfortable victory over Ballinteer St John’s in Marlay Park last Monday night, meaning AHL4 will go down to the final round of matches.

The Swords’ men got off to a flyer, Fingal star JM Sheridan catching David Markey’s lengthy clearance in midfield before racing 40 metres unopposed to slam home a fourth-minute goal, adding to a pair of early points.

It was a key moment as the rest of the half was reasonably even but Fins’ greater accuracy proved critical as the hosts ran up a series of wides despite decent chances going up the hill.

T hey did respond with four of the next five points, Niall Dunphy scoring a particularly

nice effort off his right shoulder from the narrowest of angles.

With Oisin Power finding his range, St John’s briefly got back to within two points.

To stay in contention, though, they needed Frank O’Donoghue to get through a lot of work at full-back as Fingallians dropped a series of bombs into the parallelogram.

From one Sheridan punt, Eoin Cullen rose highest and, while his attempted catch was misjudged, the sliotar broke backwards for Barry Mullane to whip in the loose ball.

It extended the lead to 2-6 to 0-5 at the interval, a surmountable deficit with the slope in Ballinteer’s favour, but they needed to find the target more often.

However, they passed the double figure mark in wides soon af ter the turnaround, while Fins only accrued five throughout the match.

It meant that a come-

back sputtered along despite James Kennedy’s effort and another couple from Power – he eventually ended with 0-6.

For the visitors, the intercounty experience garnered from the Fingal regional side showed in the hurling of Peter Daly and Dermot Vaughan in their quality in the clinches.

Sheridan’s 65 maintained a six-point margin before the tie was put to bed in fortuitous fashion in the 46th minute when Dowling bundled in from close range after Ballinteer failed to clear

their lines.

An innovative Colm G i l l i g a n o v e r- t h e shoulder pass did lay up Kennedy for a smashing major nine minutes from time but it was a mere consolation.

Power added another couple to bring in the arrears to four on the hour but a neat Sheridan free – ending the night with 1-4 – and Dowling’s crowning point secured the result.

It leaves Fingallians a point off the promotion spots in third, hoping for a slip-up from St Jude’s in the final series of games.

mother, Caroline Mahon. May she rest in peace.

The ladies’ football team can be

team play Clann na Gael Fontenoy.

Lotto: Numbers drawn were 5, 6, 8 and 22. There was no winner.

The €50 winners were Jim Shelly and John O’Sullivan.

Next week, the jackpot will be €5,900.

seen training regularly on the field.

There is a new lotto box at the

Brian Fetherstone has been look-

entrance to the clubhouse, so it’s

ing after the team this year and all

easier than ever to do your weekly

their hard work is paying off. They

lotto.

had another fine win in mid-week at

The hurling summer camp will take

home to Na Fianna in the league. They

place from August 16 to 19, while the

have an away match at St Mark’ this

football camp is the following week,

week.

August 23 to 26. Book your place

The adult football teams both have home games this week. The second team play Starlights while the first

ASAP. Check out the website for updates at www.stfinians.com

ST COLMCILLE’S A GREAT week of voluntary work in

come to attend. Check out the club’s

the club finished in style with Celtic

Facebook site for more details.

Fusion playing in the clubhouse on

League game on Thursday away to

Saturday evening - a great night

Na Fianna - meet in the clubhouse at

was had by all.

6pm sharp.

A big thanks to Adam Thomas and

The club is currently recruiting

his team for all their hard work

mentors to help with the juvenile

behind the bar.

section; full training will be provided

Also to the lads who helped trans-

in September, so if you are interest-

form the lounge — Tommy, Willie,

ed please let either Gavin or Adam

Melly, Nailor, PJ, Paddy, Johny and

know.

the rest of the lads for all the hard work put in last week.

A solid fundraising activity was completed on Saturday with our

Congratulations to the Dublin hurlers on securing a place in the All-Ireland semi-finals following a great win against Limerick.

scrap day - thanks to George Tho-

Membership for the year is due and

mas and his team for giving up so

an updated list is available on the

much of their free time to make it

notice board to check your current

happen.

status - bar staff are not respon-

Live music in the clubhouse next Saturday - no cover charge all wel-

sible for membership and can only follow the rules of the Executive.

Follow GazetteSport on Facebook and Twitter and at www.gazettegroup.com

ALL OF YOUR SWORDS SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 28-31

FINE FINS FIGHT: Fingallians play themselves into promotion contention P31

JUL 28 - AUG 11, 2011

AWARDS AHOY: July nominees named inside P29

GazetteSPORT

The Republic of Ireland Under-19 team, with Matt Doherty, pictured second from left, back row, have progressed to the UEFA semi-final

Doherty helps see Ireland into semi Swords star shines as national Under-19 side progress to face Spain in European championship STEPHEN FINDLATER swordssport@gazettegroup.com

SWORDS’ man Matt Doherty played a key role as the Republic of Ireland qualified for the UEFA European Under-19 Championship semi-finals after securing the runners-up spot in Group A, thanks to a goalless draw with eliminated hosts Romania last Tuesday night.

Following victory over Greece, and a 2-1 setback against the Czech Republic, falling to two goals in quick succession after leading for a long time, the group was poised on a knifeedge, with any two from four sides still able to go through.

But it was Paul Doolin’s side who held their nerve, defending well with Doherty at right full-back, to secure a place against Spain on Friday for a shot at the final.

It has been quite a roller-coaster for Doherty, the former Bohs’ man who secured a contract with Wolves after impressing in a pre-season

game against Mick McCarthy’s side.

In what has been a meteoric rise for Doherty — he had previously been part of a FAS course run in conjunction with the FAI which brought him to the attention of Bohemians — he has done his reputation no harm in Romania.

The hosts, off the back of a couple of defeats, had started in determined fashion, with Ionut Nastasie the source of the danger. First, he drilled wide having cut into the area, and then drew a save from Aaron McCarey from a similar position.

Ireland appeared to lack the energy they displayed in previous games, but nonetheless they probed for an opener. With ten minutes of the half remaining, Conor Murphy and Anthony O’Connor combined well, the latter providing a cross for Joseph Shaughnessy, who headed wide. John Egan’s subsequent effort from O’Connor’s corner produced a similar result.

The teams increased the tempo significantly after the restart and, after O’Connor had a goal

ruled out for offside, Romania broke up the other end and struck the top of the crossbar.

The action continued to flow and it was Ireland who almost stole in soon afterwards with Kevin Knight’s pass to the far post just avoiding Connor Smith’s outstretched boot.

Romario Benzar’s goal-bound blast from distance in the 66th minute elicited a smart save from McCarey as Romania continued to seek the all-important goal. They were to be frustrated again when Egan headed Sebastian Remes’ effort off the line.

Welcoming the result against Romania and qualification to the semis, FAI chief executive John Delaney said: “The players showed real commitment in very difficult, humid conditions to get a result. Despite being only his first year in charge, Paul Doolin has done incredibly well to get to this stage of the competition.

We are very proud of the players and the management team for their achievement in reaching the semi-finals,” he said.