Swords

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YOUR COMMUNITY • YOUR PAPER

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INSIDE: The long wait for Leaving NEXT STEPS: Our essential guide results is over P3 to your third-level options P17-23

Football: Fingallian Flynn set for Donegal semi-final test Page 32

Soccer: Rivervalley win local Under-9s tournament Page 28

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ......................8 TRAVEL..........................14 ENTERTAINMENT ......... 16 MOTORS ....................... 24 BUSINESS ................... 25 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26

Phones, internet mayhem follows crash Q MIMI MURRAY

SEVER AL businesses in Swords were forced to close their doors last week and it is predicted that several thousand euro in revenue was lost after phone lines were cut off and internet access went down following a road traffic accident in the town.

Businesses on Swords Main Street, Nor thside Business Park and the Cas-

tle Shopping Centre were left without any form of communications af ter a car crashed into an Eircom service cabinet on Thursday afternoon, and completely demolished it.

CEO of Fingal Dublin Chamber, Tony Lamber t said it caused “mayhem” in the town.

Full Story on Page 4

Dressed to impress: The girls just wanna have fun, Wright!

CATHY Haughey, Megan Farmer

and Katie Cronin were among nearly 5,000 guests who came to celebrate the second birthday of the Wright Venue in Swords. And there was plenty of entertainment

including, fire breathers, stilt walkers, arial acrobats and, of course, some fantastic music, to make sure that the event would live long in the memory.

Full Gallery on Pages 8-9

2 SWORDS GAZETTE 25 August 2011

ON TV: ERNST AND YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR – MEET THE FINALISTS

Filming finalists for new series Q MIMI MURRAY swords@gazettegroup.com

NORTH county Dublin got its very own taste of Hollywood last week when camera crews from RTE rolled into town to film an episode of the ever-popular Ernst and Young Entrepreneur Of The Year – Meet the Finalists series.

The series, which will air on RTE later this autumn, follows CEO of Dublin Aerospace, Swords man, Conor McCarthy, and each of the 24 finalists in the 2011 Ernst and Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards as they illustrate the varied and demanding life of a successful entrepreneur.

Presented by chairman of the judging panel and CEO of Aer Arann, Padraig O’Ceidigh, the episode will feature Conor and members of the team at Dublin Aerospace at work in their base at Dublin airport. The camera crew shot some fascinating footage during the visit that will allow the viewers to catch a glimpse into the important research, planning, and development work that is being undertaken by this hugely successful

aviation business on the international stage.

The series can be viewed on RTE One throughout September and October and will be followed by the televising of the Gala Awards Ceremony, which will be screened on October 20.

Strongest

The Ernst and Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Award is a global recognition programme, to identify, acclaim and support entrepreneurs. The programme is currently run in over 50 countries, across six continents.

The Irish programme has been identified as one of the strongest worldwide.

Each year, entrepreneurs throughout the island of Ireland are invited to participate and vie for the coveted award.

Following interviews and rigorous judging, 24 entrepreneurs are shortlisted in May. The finalists engage in a strategic programme of activities over the next six months, which culminates with a prestigious televised awards ceremony. An award is presented for each category, and an overall winner is announced as The Ernst and Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Award.

Players from the Swords Celtic team and Corduff FC (right).

Pictures: Brian Lawless / SPORTSFILE

Game on: An eFlow soccer tournament OVER 240 children will play in 40-game soccer tournament for kids aged between eight and 11 in Swords organised by eFlow. This is the second tournament in a series of community initiatives organised and managed by eFlow employees over the past few months.

Simon McBeth, director of eFlow Communications and Customer Relations, said: ‘Our volunteers are delighted to encourage sport and active citizenship in our local communities, helping kids to enjoy themselves and take part in events that promote fun and healthy living.”

Kids from local clubs, including Swords Manor FC; Swords Celtic; Corduff FC; Clontarf FC; Baldoyle United and Rathoath Harps are participating in the tournament.

BUSINESS: FINGAL BUSINESS NETWORK ANNOUNCES EVENT

Finding options to help finance your business Q MIMI MURRAY

THE Fingal Business Network, in association with Fingal County Enterprise Board, has released the details of the next Business Network Event, Options for Financing your Business, to be held at The Helix, DCU this September.

The event will focus on finance options for business start-ups and expansions, with a presentation

by Lar Burke of companymoney.ie. Lar’s presentation will address options on who to approach for finance, issues to be

aware of when applying for finance, how agencies will view the same project differently and it will also cover specific information that is needed to support a business application for finance.

There will be ample opportunity for attendees to ask questions relating to their specific area of business on the night.

Networking

The presentation will be followed by a speed n e t wo r k i n g s e s s i o n facilitated by Paul Murgatroyd, manager of the Fingal Business Network.

Attendees will have a set period of time to introduce themselves to fellow Business Network members and make a short business pitch before moving on to a new business contact.

Those attending should remember to bring an ample supply of business cards with them on the night, and come prepared to give a concise and clear picture of their business.

Commenting on the f o r t h c o m i n g e ve n t , Paul Murgatroyd said: “Following on from the success of last Network

event in June, which was attended by over 100 people, we are delighted to offer network members the opportunity to gain valuable advice regarding business finance, as well as the chance to network with other Fingal based business leaders.”

Feedback

He continued: “Our feedback from the last event showed that, in today’s business environment, networking plays an important role for companies of all sizes, and we are sure that our

speed networking session will provide a great opportunity for small business owners to get their message across in a structured but relaxed environment.”

The event is free to attend for Fingal-based businesses and takes place on Thursday, September 1, in the Gallery Room at T he Helix, DCU. Further information can be obtained from Fingal County Enterprise Board on 01 8900800 or by e-mailing info@fingalceb.ie or visiting www.fingalceb. ie/fbn

25 August 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 3

LEAVING CERTIFICATE School pleased with Maths

Daisy’s delight with her top exam results Q MIMI MURRAY swords@gazettegroup.com

THERE were celebrations all round when students at Fingal Community College received their Leaving Certificate results last week.

Four pupils got over 500 points and, overall, the school bucked the downward trend in the Maths results seen all over the country.

Principal Sharon McGrath described it as a very happy day for both students and teachers.

She posed for a picture with the school’s top pupil, Daisy Atsagb e d e w h o g o t 53 0

points.

Daisy now hopes to do BESS in Trinity College Dublin. The talented student had to get special permission to attend the college and a letter had to be written as she is only 16.

Daisy who was born in America to Nigerian parents said she was thrilled with her results saying: “I got what I needed so I am very happy.”

Speaking about the results, Fingal Community College’s principal said: “We are really pleased and many students surpassed expectations. We are equally pleased for students

who fulfilled their potential.

“We are particularly pleased with maths.

We have gone against the national trend and there was a huge drive with maths this year. It is down to the very hard work from students.”

T he nor th Dublin school principal said 70% of students who were anxiously awaiting the results had received them by 10.30am, however “the mood was very good and the sun was shining on the students both metaphorically and literally. Overall it is a very happy day and it is fantastic to see the young adults they have

FastNews Tidiest of towns THE country’s tidiest towns will be revealed next week when Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) announce the first round results of the annual anti-litter league.

Each year, towns and cities across Ireland roll up their sleeves to tackle litter black spots in a bid to make the ranks in the IBAL anti-litter league.

The results of the first round is scheduled for next Monday.

Car-boot sale

Principal Sharon McGrath with Daisy Atsagbede, who got 530 points

become. I met the sixth year students when they were only Junior Certs so it is a cycle for me as well. I’m not in any way sad and we have the new first years to welcome next week.”

And while there were many beaming faces on the day there were

inevitably a couple of students who were disappointed.

“One student is very disappointed and we are helping her to see there are other ways to do what she wants to do.

“She wanted to do something with ver y

high points but there are other ways of getting to the same spot. We have a guidance service in the school which will offer students advice as well,” she said.

She also commended the teachers who turned up on the day to support their students.

ST COLUMBA’S Parish is holding a car-boot sale in aid of the parish every Saturday from 11am to 2pm. If it’s time to clear out the clutter, then head along to the Old Borough National school on Church Road in Swords. The gates will be open for sellers from 10am.

Admission for cars is €10; 7-seaters/estates €15 and vans €20.

So, go along and turn that clutter into cash.

4 SWORDS GAZETTE 25 August 2011

CRIME: FIGURES RELEASED

Working hard: For the area

489 thefts in first six months

KEEPING Swords tidy is no easy task and Swords Tidy Towns are hard at work making their community a more cleaner, colourful place to live and enjoy.

They are always looking for like-minded people to come on board the Tidy Town wagon to contribute their knowledge and experience.

Swords is a great town in which to live, but there is room for improvement, and it is voluntary groups such as the Swords Tidy Towns leading that charge to improve the Swords environment.

If you have time to spare, and would like to get involved, please contact Ken on 086-6008313.

Q MIMI MURRAY swords@gazettegroup.com

ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENT: BUSINESSES ARE FORCED TO CLOSE THEIR DOORS

Phone lines and internet access cut after crash Q MIMI MURRAY

swords@gazettegroup.com

SEVERAL businesses in Swords had to close their doors last week and it is predicted that several thousand in revenue was lost after phone lines and internet access was cut off following a road traffic accident in the town.

A car crashed into an Eircom service cabinet on Thursday afternoon, completely demolishing it and it left most businesses on Swords Main St, Northside Business

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Park, and the Castle Shopping Centre without any form of communications.

CEO of Fingal Dublin Chamber, Tony Lambert said it caused “mayhem” in the town.

Senior spokesperson with Eircom, Dearbhaill Rossiter, said Eircom staff was doing everything they could to get the communications back online before the end of last weekend.

“The accident was reported to us at 2.30pm on Thursday.

The car crashed directly

‘It’s a very serious matter and needs to be investigated. I heard someone say they were going to get their hair done and went to the bank machine and they couldn’t get money. The banks were very badly hit as they depend on going online’ --------------------------------------------------------

into the service cabinet, completely demolishing it.

“Around 250 customers were serviced by the cabinet and both phone

lines and internet were affected.

“Our engineers were out straight away and assessed the damage, which was quite bad.”

She said staff had worked on the box all day Thursday but it looked like it would be the end of the weekend by the time the problem was fixed.

“We have had a small number of people calling us. Because the damage is pretty bad, and it was completely demolished, it is taking a while to fix. It isn’t just a case of switching people on to another system.”

Cut-off Tony Lambert said the cut-off caused “may-

hem” on Thursday and Friday with banks having to close their doors and ATM machines not being able to dispense cash.

“It’s a very serious matter and needs to be investigated. I heard someone say they were going to get their hair done and went to the bank machine and they couldn’t get money.

“The banks were very badly hit as they depend on going online.

“The security of supply and access to the internet must be a priority,” he said.

CRIME figures released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) for the Swords area show that 489 thefts were carried out in the area in the first six months of 2011.

It is their highest reported offence so far this year as it has been the case for the past three years.

The figures show that 966 similar offences occurred in 2010.

There were a total of 159 controlled drugs offences in the first half of this year compared to 317 for the whole of 2010.

Public order offences totalled 159 so far this year, which looks to be on track for a significant drop from 2010, when 542 offences were recorded for the whole year.

T h e r e we r e 15 8 reports made for damage to proper ty and to the environment in Swords.

In 2010, 330 reports were made to the gardai.

Burglaries reported totalled 123 in the first six months of 2011. For the 12 months in 2010 there were 269 reports.

Fraud There were 54 reports of assault or harassment in the north Dublin town, while crimes of fraud and deception reached 38. The figures for these in 2010 were 132 and 64.

Forty-four dangerous or negligent acts took place, compared to 129 for the whole of 2010 whilst robbery, extortion or hijacking offences reached 18 for the first six months. There were 30 such crimes in 2010.

Finally, there were eight reports of weapons and explosive offences compared to 22 in 2010.

25 August 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 5

6 SWORDS GAZETTE 25 August 2011

IT’S YOUR STORY Teachers and students from St Mary’s travel

Making a difference in Africa A HIGHLY successful and important visit was made by teachers and students from St Mary’s Secondary School, Baldoyle, to Mary Aikenhead Open Community School, Lusaka, Zambia this year.

Over the next two weeks, the Gazette is running an extensive report and photographs of the trip, kindly submitted by Pauline Griffin, Green School Coordinator.

A group of five students – Ericka Andrews, S a m a n t h a Mu r p hy, Aisling Penrose, Louise McAteer and Daria Wolska along with two teachers from St Mary’s Secondary School, Pauline Griffin and Sue Tully, have just returned from a two-week visit to Mary Aikenhead Open Community School, Lusaka, Zambia.

T hey were accompanied by Maureen O’Sullivan, TD and Kate O’Neill, both former teachers in St Mary’s.

Fundraising and Fifth Green Flag St Mar y’s Secondary School has been fundraising for the past two years to help support the teaching of girl street children in the school in Lusaka, Zambia.

The fundraising formed part of the efforts towards the fifth An Taisce Green Flag for European and global citizenship.

St Mary’s Secondary School supported this

Sister of Charity school in Zambia by fundraising €18,000 over two years.

The fundraising included cake sales, marathons, sponsored walks, non-uniform days, Halloween parties, fun quizzes, variety shows, church collections, fun bingos, carol singing, raffles and talent competitions.

The money has been used to put a new floor in the computer room, furnishing the Home Economics room and science equipment and helping to pay the teacher’s salaries.

Arrival in Lusaka The group arrived in Lusaka Airport on June 30 following a ten-hour flight from London.

They were met by the Principal of the Mary Aikenhead School, Sr. Mary Roche, who drove them in her truck to the convent for tea.

They were then taken to a hostel, which would be their home for the next two weeks.

Living conditions were very basic with cold showers and draughty doors and windows. The next day we travelled by local bus to the Mary Aikenhead school.

The buses were very old mini buses and were packed to capacity. The currency in Zambia is kwatcha, with 6,000 kwatcha equivalent to €1. T he fare was 3,000kw.

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‘Over 67% of the population of Zambia lives below the poverty line. Poor families live in compounds outside the city and parents tend not to educate the girls because they cannot afford the fees in the government-run schools. The girls tend to marry young and or have children at a very young age’ --------------------------------------------------------

Visit to Victoria Falls On arrival at the school, the group were greeted by a Cead Mile Failte - Welcome to our visitors from Ireland, hand written sign made by the students.

They met the teachers and worked out a time-table for the next week where they would be teaching computers, maths, science, art, english, music, and games.

On Saturday, July 2, as the school was closed for two public holidays on the following Monday and Tuesday, they all went on a eight-hour bus journey to Livingstone where they spent three nights in another hostel.

On the way, the bus broke down twice and they were stranded on the side of the road for two hours and then another hour.

O n S u n d ay, t h e y went to the local Mass where they were made feel very welcome and

all the people sang in harmony and with great conviction.

God and education are the priorities in Zambia.

In the afternoon, they went to visit the Victoria Falls by public bus.

This is one of the wonders of the world, twice as deep and as long as the Niagara Falls.

The locals call it, The Smoke That Thunders.

The noise of the falling water can be heard from a great distance away.

They all had to don two large raincoats to walk across a K nife Edge Bridge and despite the coats they were all drenched. Afterwards they descended a steep tropical rainforest gorge inhabited by many monkeys, to view Boiling Point where the river Zambezi runs in three directions.

Safari T he following day they all went on safari.

They boarded a truck

Visiting the Mary Aikenhead School

in the village and were driven into the Livingstone National Park where they saw elephants, giraffes, Kampala, wilder beast, buffalo, zebras, monkeys and white rhinos.

The white rhino was the most spectacular.

They walked into the bush accompanied by two rangers armed with rifles. The following day they returned to Lusaka by bus. Thankfully, the bus did not break down on the return eight-hour journey.

School Day Every day from then on, they taught in the school from, 8am to 4 pm.

The school has over 600 girls from grade t wo t o g r a d e n i n e .

The senior girls attend school in the morning and the younger girls in the afternoon.

All the girls are single or double-orphaned due to HIV/Aids. Their day begins with prayer and a bowl of porridge

made from maize, milk and sugar, which, for some, is their only meal of the day.

After completing their education, the girls are sponsored to enter grade ten in government-run schools, which require fees to be paid. The facilities in the school were poor, with toilets having no running water.

Poverty Over 67% of the population of Zambia live below the poverty line.

Poor families live in compounds outside the city and parents tend not to educate the girls because they cannot afford the fees in the government-run schools. The girls tend to marry young and, or have children at a very young age.

Many are raped as they are perceived to be free from AIDS at a young age. Pauline Griffin and three of the students visited a compound by one of the

local women working in the school to meet her family.

Children came from everywhere, dressed in rags and no shoes. Cardboard shops lined the way into the compound where people sold their wares and food, some of which consisted of charcoal black mice and fish heads.

Despite this, the people were very welcoming and had a great community spirit helping each other out in times of need. They greet you with a kiss on both cheeks and are very humble people.

T hey also noticed groups of youths hanging around with nothing to do.

Un e m p l o y m e n t i s huge in Zambia. The streets are very dirty with rubbish thrown around everywhere and there seemed to be no bins or rubbish collection except in the shopping centres.

Continued next week

25 August 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 7

to Zambia on a highly successful and important visit

A stunning view of Victoria’s Falls

Enjoying a trip through the African landscape

Visiting Victoria Falls

Cardboard shops lined the way into the compound where people sold their wares

On arrival in the school, the group were greeted by a hand-written Cead Mile Failte sign made Children playing in the streets

Charcoal black mice

by the students

8 SWORDS GAZETTE 25 August 2011

EVENT The Wright Venue, Airside, Swords celebrated their

A night to remember in Swords EARLY 5,000 customers turned out to celebrate the Wright Venue’s two-night 2nd birthday.

Guests were treated to a live performance by Ryan Sheridan in the main club, while Sheridan later treated VIP guests in the Penthouse to an intimate live session. Also providing entertainment over the weekend were Djs Al Gibbs, Frank Jez, Adrian Kennedy and Ben Murray.

The party also included an appearance by Absolute Carnival, with an extravagant theatrical entertainment, a carnival atmosphere with fire breathers, stilt walkers, Arial Acrobats and lots of fun. A host of famous faces turned out to help The Wright Venue celebrate in style including Model Hayley Ryan, Faye Rooney, Rachel Wallace as well as Emma Quinlan and Jackie Rafter.

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Kim McDonell, Tara Jones, Imelda McDermott and Eve Crowley. Picture: Brian McEvoy

Holly Carpenter and Eamonn McGill

Seline Regazzoli and Grace McAleese

Kate McCormack and Dearbhle Gough

Avril Kelly

Sandra Blakeney and Lisa Nolan

25 August 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 9

second birthday with a huge two-day weekend party

Anna Donegan and Laura keenan

Rachel Wallace

Aileen King,Hannah Coen and Elsa O Regan

Bianca Oltean, Emma Quinlan and Hannah Maye

10 SWORDS GAZETTE 25 August 2011

EVENT Celebrating the launch of the new Carlton Hotel

The Toronto Rose and Audrey McDonald, from Aer Lingus

Finalists fall in to help out

Germany Rose and Sunderland Rose, with Declan Curtis, general manager, of The Carlton Blanchardstown

HE Rose of Tralee International Festival 2011 finalists helped celebrate the launch of the new Carlton Hotel in Blanchardstown recently.

Formerly The Plaza Hotel, Tyrrelstown, the Carlton Hotel Blanchardstown was launched in the company of the 32 Roses.

The Carlton Hotel Group is one of the main sponsors of the Rose of Tralee, and every year the Roses begin their Official Rose Tour at the Carlton Hotel Dublin Airport. They began their tour last Sunday, but this year the location of the Ball was changed to the new Carlton Hotel Blanchardstown to coincide with its launch.

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Peter Cooke, Carlton Hotel Blanchardstown, Sean O’Brien, Leinster Rugby player, Clare Kambamettu, The Wexford, Laois, Roscommon and Texas Roses

Rose of Tralee 2010, Devin Toner, Leinster Rugby player, Michael Kearney, CEO Carlton Hotel Group

Rose of Tralee 2010 Clare Kambamettu with Darren Kearney, sales and marketing executive, Carlton

The Boston and New England Rose, Philadelphia Rose, Big Apple Rose and

Tipperary Rose and Declan Meagher, general

Hotel Group

Queensland Rose

manager, Carlton Hotel Dublin Airport

25 August 2011 GAZETTE 11

12 GAZETTE 25 August 2011

GazettePETS PETS

Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA

THE FACTS: EXOTIC PETS RETAIN NATURAL PREDATORY AND DEFENSIVE INSTINCTS

it’s difficult to provide for the physical, psychological and behavioural requirements

Owning an exotic pet XOTIC animals are unsuitable companion pets.

Honestly, I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve said this to people.

And why are they unsuitable? I hear you ask.

Because, once in a captive environment, it’s difficult to provide for the physical, psychological and behavioural requirements of these unique animals and, in my opinion, this makes for an irresponsible, dangerous situation – even if exotic pet owners believe otherwise.

I mean, regardless of your belief on this issue, you don’t have to be Sherlock Holmes to realise that owning an exotic animal can prove dangerous for you and for the animal because you can never predict their behaviour…EVER!

E

Also, with the vast variety of companion animals available to potential pet parents, and who are at this moment sitting in rescue shelters waiting for good homes, you know, gorgeous f luffy cats, majestic, loyal dogs, cute, cuddly bunnies, et al, I have to ask myself why so many people still insist on seeking out these wonderful, yet highly unsuitable, creatures as pets.

You see, domestic animals are bred by humans over thousands of generations. They are dependant, predictable and controllable.

Howe ve r, d e s p i t e several generations of captive breeding, wild, exotic animals continue to retain their natural predatory and defensive instincts. Prey species become anxious during captivity, making them dangerous and unsuitable to living in an envi-

ronment with other animals and humans.

So, let’s ask ourselves the question: What is an exotic animal and how is it different from keeping a companion animal?

An exotic animal is a wild animal taken out of its natural habitat and bred in captivity. It may be sold as a companion animal, but it can never truly be a companion to a human being.

The Dublin SPCA understands the needs of companion animals and the veterinary care and specific requirements important to their wellbeing.

Suffering

Exotics often suffer immensely because most people don’t have the resources or knowledge to properly meet their requirements.

The exotic pet trade is big business and many

teens buy them as socalled status symbol pets or as novelties.

However, owners must remember exotic animals cannot perform tricks, they ignore their owners and are difficult to care for.

When selecting an exotic, people don’t consider how large they will grow and how long they will live. For example, animals such as macaws and box turtles can even outlive their human owners.

Also, when the novelty of owning an exotic diminishes, the reality of the high-care cost, lack of interaction, increase in responsibility, not to mention size, soon sets in. This leads to the animals being abandoned or surrendered to a welfare shelter such as the Dublin SPCA. If you insist on owning an exotic animal, despite

what I’ve advised, then have a look at my checklist below: • Will the animal create unpleasant smells?

• How long will this animal live?

• How large/long will this animal grow?

• What is the specific diet of this animal?

• How much enjoyment/pleasure will I get from owning this animal?

• What are the environmental requirements of this animal?

• Will this animal be a danger to me and others?

• What are the legal requirements of owning this animal?

• How can I provide specific veterinary care for this animal?

chlamydia, giardia, hepatitis A, rabies, ringworm, tuberculosis and scabies from owning certain exotic animals? And no, I’m not auditioning for Mastermind. I’m trying to inform all you wannabe exotic pet owners that keeping an exotic is bad for your health, not to mention your social life.

Some of the above

are very serious and some may even prove fatal, but one thing’s for sure – they’re all bound to diminish your list of Facebook friends faster than you can say Albino Burmese Python.

For more info log onto www.dspca.ie, consult your vet or email me at miriam.kerins@dspca. ie

And Another Thing…

Did you know you can get such diseases as salmonella, herpes B,

Unfortunately, some exotic pets can also carry exotic diseases, requiring extra attention from owners

25 August 2011 GAZETTE 13

GazetteGAMING GAMING Digging into a world of wonder For example, by attacking a tree with your bare hands, you can break off raw wood.

This wood can then be split to create sticks, or combined to create, say, a rudimentary wooden axe (to chop down trees faster), or a basic pickaxe.

With a pickaxe, the player can then mine some stone from the ground/hills, creating a stronger pickaxe, or mining blocks of stone.

By following this basic pattern of splitting some materials, or combining others, and by experimenting with combinations of raw materials, the player can rapidly create a wide range of tools and objects.

So, whether the player simply wants to build a tiny cottage, or a vast city – and teams of people

This randomly-generated Minecraft world is just waiting for the player to make their mark, whether by planting more trees, digging for treasure, building a canal or even an entire city – whatever the player wants

all over the world have created some truly vast cities and exotic worlds – Minecraft has more than enough scope to do so.

And, considering that the coders say that it’s clever enough for a single Minecraft world to be many times the size of the

surface of the earth, the players need never see, or do, the same thing twice, per “level” or world.

Started as a single programmer’s experimental dabbling with worldbuilding, Minecraft has, in a couple of short years, spiralled into a small

team of coders, programming and modifying this world-building program – it’s debatable if it can even be called a game – that has seen tens of millions of users pay for their own pre-release copy.

With games regularly lambasted as being too

violent, or mindless, repetitive and numbing, it’s a pleasure to highlight one of several titles that celebrates creativity, and one that is as unique as each individual user.

For further details, or to sign up, see www. minecraft.net.

gazette

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

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WITH a whole world of gaming to dig into, where to begin with a regular column? Well, by looking at a world that’s all about digging. Literally.

Minecraft has taken the widely-used gaming terms “open world” and “sandbox” to create a single genre of its very own on PC (with an IOS version also in the works).

Some clever coding randomly, yet procedurally, generates worlds that are made by uniformlysized squares, each of which has a different texture – such as for grass, earth, sand, etc – along with different physical and, in some cases, physics-related properties.

By wandering around the world like a modernday Robinson Crusoe,

Minecraft continues to create the world you’re wandering in.

Rivers, lakes, forests, seas, lava flows and more form as the player moves, complete with vegetation and wildlife, while day and night cycle through, and the weather changes, depending on whether you’re in a desert, forest or snow area.

And yet, the expansive surface of the world is only part of the Minecraft experience, as the world also generates vast cave and tunnel systems underneath, where coal, iron, gold and diamonds wait to be mined, and then used.

“Minecraft” relates to the way that the world works – by mining (or processing) away, the world is permanently reshaped by your actions.

www.

SHANE DILLON

14 GAZETTE 25 August 2011

GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel Cruising the Arabian Gulf with special travel packages from Thomas Cook Cruises CRUISING the Arabian Gulf is sure to conjure up exotic images in the minds of even the most seasoned of travellers, but a special package from Thomas Cook Cruises this December makes it a very accessible option for the everyday holidaymaker.

On board the distincAl Jahili Fort at sunset tively grand Brilliance of the Seas, the voyage takes in the famous names of this most alluring part of the world, starting in Dubai, moving on to Fujairah followed by two days in Muscat in the Sultan of Oman. Then it’s on to Abu Dhabi and back to Dubai. With endless sunshine and endless pre-Christmas shopping, a visit to the Emirates at this time of year makes for a complete getaway.

The 10-day trip from Thomas Cook Cruises includes flights from Dublin and an overnight stay in 4-star Hilton Hotel in Dubai, as well as port taxes and gratuities on board. For the December 5 departure, prices start from just €1,059 per person.

All Thomas Cook Cruise bookings are fully bonded so money is secured.

To book or to order a brochure call the Thomas Cook Cruise team in Dublin on 0818 200 101, or visit your local travel agent.

Discovering the cultural hotspots of Scotland MIMI MURRAY

STEEPED in history, Scotland is the perfect place for a whistle-stop tour of its many museums, cultural sites and iconic buildings.

We decided to pack our three-day trip with as much culture as possible and made our way from Edinburgh, to Stirling and back to Glasgow, devouring as much as we could.

There are a surprising number of brand new cultural hotspots that have opened or will open in Scotland in the next couple of months and visitors with an interest in arts and culture will be spoilt for choice this year.

We started out in Edinburgh, during the Fringe Festival, so the city was absolutely buzzing with creativity and excitement.

We were treated to a sneak preview of the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, which will re-open on November 30, St Andrew’s Day, after a closure of two years. It is being massively upgraded and redevel-

oped in a project that aims to restore and reveal much more of the building than ever before.

The gallery will be able to show many more works of art, introducing a new, regularly changing display programme. The many iconic figures on show include Mary, Queen of Scots, William Wallace and Sean Connery.

Later that day, we stopped into the National Museum, which has undergone a multimillion pound refurbishment.

This is an awesome building, which is a perennial site to visit for locals and will be jaw-dropping for visitors.

This massively popular museum has reopened after a £46 million refurbishment with a new layout. This will enable much greater access to the collections, an improved visitor experience, as well as a greater appreciation of the iconic Victorian building.

An exciting display for kids are the flying animals and mammals. Other

An exciting display of flying animals and mammals in the National Museum of Scotland. Picture: Rob McDougall

highlights include Egyptian mummies, precious rocks and stones, as well as a mishmash of truly interesting artefacts that, in some way, connect to Scotland and its rich history.

The following day we made our way to Stirling.

It has just been given city status and the old town, which is on a steep drive to the castle, is extremely pretty.

The castle is very striking and majestic and locals say that if you held on to Stirling, you held on to Scotland. From the castle walls, you can see the iconic bridge where William Wallace launched his famous battle against the English and, even though the Scottish were outnumbered, they routed the English.

Mary, Queen of Scots, was born in the palace, which has been brought back to its former glory and re-enactments take place in the castle throughout the day. Our friendly guide told us that, in the morning, the staff regularly find an indentation on the bed in which Mary’s mother, Mary of Guise, would sleep. Every castle needs a ghost and this one sounds benevolent!

The £12 million project has returned the six ground-floor apartments in the castle’s Renaissance palace to how they may have looked in the mid16th century. The work has already uncovered fascinating historical finds and insights into this peri-

The spectacular Riverside

od of history, including the remains of what may have been a 15th-century knight killed in battle and buried beneath the floor of a previously unknown royal chapel.

Next it was on to Glasgow and the spectacular Riverside Museum, which was designed by star architect, Zaha Hadid.

This was her first major public commission in the UK and the characteristically bold, flowing shapes of the building are already winning fans. It houses the Transport Museum, which really is one of the most interesting and wellthought-out exhibitions I have ever been to.

Some nice places to eat in Edinburgh include Lancers Brasserie in the more upmarket area of Stockbridge. Di Maggio’s is great for families in both Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Stravaigans in Glasgow’s West End is great for brunch and the Ubiqitous Chip is definitely worth a look. We flew to Scotland with Aer Lingus, which operates several flights to and from Edinburgh and Glasgow each day.

For more information, go to www.visitscotland. com/surprise.

25 August 2011 GAZETTE 15

Edited by Mimi Murray

WeddingTravel Helping remove the hassle of planning a wedding abroad

National Museum of Scotland. Picture: National Museums Scotland

Museum, designed by architect, Zaha Hadi. Picture: Rob McDougall

National Portrait Gallery. Picture: National Museums Scotland

WHETHER you wish to marry in the beautiful Old Town of Dubrovnik, or at one of Cyprus’s romantic beachfront locations, Concorde Travel can offer assistance with arrangements and remove the hassle from the most important day in a couple’s lives.

The new Concorde Wedding brochure includes the ever popular destinations of Cyprus, Croatia, Montenegro and Malta and the new exciting wedding option of the Algarve in Portugal. Understanding that every wedding is unique and that organising a wedding abroad can be time consuming and demanding, Concorde Travel aim to offer a personalised service that is focused on making your day unforgettable and stress free.

The typical starting price for a wedding package abroad is €4,000 and includes wedding fees, travel and hotel for bride and groom, catering for 30 guests, photography, music, flowers, bridal hair and make-up. Visit www. concordetravel.ie to inquire or book your wedding with Concorde Travel today.

16 SWORDS GAZETTE 25 August 2011

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT 1

GoingOUT GoingOUT PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 Treasure Island BALLET Ireland’s annual summer school sets sail for the Pavilion Theatre with a twist on the classic tale of Treasure Island, which is being presented by the participants of the summer school.

Four highly-skilled dancers from Ballet Ireland’s core company are leading the participants, preparing and training everyone for the grand finale. Running this week, and concluding on Friday, August 26, the final show promises to be a wonderful treat for all ballet and dance fans. For full details, see www.paviliontheatre.ie

THE HELIX 01 700 7000 Summer Films AS PART of its summer season of family films, The Helix still has a number of favourites for all to enjoy. Running at 2pm, and priced €6, €4 conc, or €20 season ticket (phone booking only), Fantastic Mr Fox plays on Saturday, August 27; and Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory on September 3, with both films promising to bring a great conclusion to the enjoyable season.

THE MILL 01 296 9340 Mountains to the Sea DLR Book Festival 2011 ALREADY proving to be one to watch out for, The Mill is gearing itself up for the upcoming Mountains to the Sea DLR Book Festival 2011, which will take place at the popular Dundrum venue on Wednesday, September 7 and Thursday, September 8, and will see authors such as Roddy Doyle taking part. For full details of the festival’s events, see www.milltheatre.ie.

Jim Sturgess and Anne Hathaway cross paths, again and again and again in One Day, just one of a number of new films on current release

A mixed bag of films Still in the lull of late summer, there’s a variety of passable films out there, yet nothing especially eye-catching, says Kate KATE CROWLEY

IT OCCURS to me that, now that the school holidays are finally ending, and with colleges also soon to resume, we grown-ups will finally have a bit more peace and quiet at cinemas, once the bloomin’ kids are packed off to one educational institution or another.

So, as much as I’ll miss darling Crowleyetta once her studies resume, I’d like to flag up a whole range of films that a postsummer audience may wish to avail of – or to avoid, in some cases.

And, if any of your childer are still enjoying time off – or, indeed, if you’re one of our lovely young readers with an interest in cinema – there are a couple of films here which they may be interested in ...

Spy Kids: All the Time in the World (PG, 89mins, ) is one that only the least demanding of chil-

FILMS OF THE WEEK: Various to (PG to 16) Directors: Various Starring: Spying children, an inventive Death, a Lovely Girl, one vengeful barbarian and lots of tuneful young people

OUR VERDICT: WHILE Cowboys and Aliens has been chasing, roping and then beaming up plenty of audiences at the Box Office recently, several other films have also charged onto the screen, with Kate warning that some are particularly avoidable, while the rest are merely passable. Still, she says: “It’s the summer season, so what else can we expect at the cinema?” Quite.

dren could warm to, as the long-running series gets reheated for, what, its 5th film? The 17th?

Cinemagoers can surely spy better family- and child-friendly films than this tired addition, which is full of clumsy editing, shoddy effects, noise and confusion. Spy Kids – it’s time to retire.

Moving on from children to teens and young adults, and Final Destination 5 (16, 92mins, ) is another franchise sequel.

Once again, some lucky youngsters somehow miss an accident

that was supposed to kill them – only to then find that Death has inventive ways of finishing them off, one by one, in unlikely scenarios.

Admittedly, this sounds like a carbon copy of the four prequels, but – sssh – that doesn’t seem to bother fans, directors, or the studios that keep bankrolling the sequels.

So, for those looking to see annoying characters struck by debris from an airplane, this is the film for you.

One day, we’ll be free of such cozily formulaic films – and, speaking of

cozily formulaic, here’s One Day (12A, 107mins, ), the latest Anne Hathaway rom-com vehicle attempting to persuade audiences to hand her the Lovely Girl crown.

Time and again, regular gal Hathaway crosses paths with posho Jim Sturgess on the same day, year in, year out, until they gradually come to realise that perhaps sweet, sweet love is why they keep meeting. Awww.

I expect this film to do marvellously, though I suspect that it’s a film that Mr Crowley, and his ilk, would have to be forced at gunpoint to attend.

He’d probably say much the same in reverse about Conan The Barbarian (15A, 112mins, ), which is continuing Hollywoods’ interest in rebooting old franchises or individual films.

Best summarised as “Single barbarian, seeks vengeance”, Conan wan-

ders through typically brutal fantasy lands, battling henchmen, monsters, a sorceress and Ron Perlman.

I can’t dislike anything with Ron Perlman as much as I should, so I’ll let this Barbarian pass.

Finally, Glee: The 3D Concert Movie (PG, 84mins, ) is one of those films that is practically review-proof, and review-redundant, as, much like a banana, everyone knows what Glee is, and what to expect.

As such, the hit TV show takes a turn on the big screen, with its stars delivering a concert experience that fans will doubtless love and enjoy, but not quite certain cinema reviewers.

And there you have it – a mixed bag of not especially tempting offerings, but not to worry, as once the school holidays are behind us, we can always bank on more interesting films being released.

25 August252011 August SWORDS 2011 GAZETTE 17

COLLEGEOPTIONS OPTIONS

Exploring THIRD-LEVEL education

| HIGHER EDUCATION |

New life begins for students Q DAWN LOVE

IT’S been a tough year for thousands of second level students in the Greater Dublin area.

Firstly, there was the build-up to the Leaving Cert, then the stress that comes from actually sitting it and then the weeks that follow, waiting anxiously for results.

T his week, in our s e ve n - p a g e C o l l e g e Options guide, we feature some of Dublin’s top colleges, including Maynooth University, Senior College in Dun Laoghaire, IT Blanch and St Laurence’s College.

Gazette reporter Hiromi Mooney recalls

LOCAL

MATTERS SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS Access to higher education means a level playing field for students as they consider their options

her daunting first days at university, and some of our best-known TDs talk about their college years.

While many students will have obtained the

results they wanted, some will have missed out on their chosen courses and degrees.

This week, we speak to the President of USI, Gary Redmond, about

his top tips and advice if you didn’t get the points and the course you had hoped for.

He also gives some sterling advice on how to get through the first

few weeks of student life.

And, whatever course you decide on over the coming weeks, we wish all our students the very best of luck.

ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZETTE CALL 60 10 240

18 GAZETTE 25 August 2011

COLLEGEOPTIONS OPTIONS AIB launch a new student website AIB have announced they are launching a dedicated student website, www. stuff4students.ie, which will be offering exclusive discounts and offers for students, not only in first year but in all years in college.

The site will also contain information on managing finances for students.

One of the key components of AIB’s 2011 Student communication campaign is the ongoing dialogue with students through www.stuff4students.ie.

Some of the key features of the site will be the budgeting tool, weekly/ monthly competitions, relevant articles with advice and blogs on surviving your college years.

Exploring third-level education

| WHAT NEXT? |

Dun Laoghaire centre is the place for answers

Solid choices: Good advice from DIT SIOBHAN O’Donnell, a furniture design graduate at DIT, is just one

of the many graduates from the college pushing the envelope of their careers after attending the institution.

Students have never had such a range of CAO options to choose from, or so much advice from every quarter, and Head of Admissions in DIT, Frank Costello, said: “Before accepting an offer, be sure that you know what’s involved in the programme and that you are enthusiastic about undertaking it – after that, start looking forward to your college career!”

STUDENTS who have recently received their L e av i n g C e r t i f i c a t e results and are asking, “What’s next?”, can find answers galore in a new publication from Dun Laoghaire Youth Information Centre called What’s Next?

It provides information about the types of grants available, a list of colleges and courses, and where to repeat your Leaving Certificate.

The guide also contains information for former students who want to get a job instead of going to college, or who want to take a gap year, which can provide a breathing space or time

out from the pressures of studying.

The free publication explores all these options, and is available from the Youth Centre on Library

They have also produced information leaflets on student finance, accommodation and evening classes, as well as student guides to the

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

‘The Centre is holding an exhibition on What’s Next? throughout the months of August and September’ --------------------------------------------------------

Road, beside Playcentre, in Dun Laoghaire .

Dun Laoghaire Youth Information Centre is also holding an exhibition on What’s Next? throughout the months of August and September in the Youth Information Centre.

Dun Laoghaire area.

For more information, contact the centre at info@youthquest.ie, or call them on 280 9363.

The centre is open every weekday, and the staff will be happy to help with any query you may have.

WE HAVE 146,000* READERS EACH WEEK *based on standard industry measurements

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO OUR READERS CALL 60 10 240

25 August 2011 GAZETTE 19

Essential reading for Leaving Cert students

Homeopathy workshop

| VIEW FROM THE USI PRESIDENT |

Next steps for college success Q GARY REDMOND

ALTHOUGH it has only been a matter of weeks, secondary school, and the stressful ordeal of the Leaving Certificate, must seem like a very distant memory.

The unbearable anticipation and long wait for the results has finally ended. In recent days, you’ve probably either been online or opened that all-important CAO letter. This represents a new chapter in your life.

So, what should your next step be?

If you’ve secured your place in college, the next

thing you must do is check if you qualify for a maintenance grant. All the information you need, including the application form, can be found on www.studentfinance.ie.

On this website, you will also find other helpful information on scholarships, bursaries and other financial assistance that may be available.

If you qualify for a grant, either download the form or complete it online, enlisting the help of your parents if necessary. Get your application in as soon as possible, so that you will receive your grant payment in good

time. The earlier you return the form, the more likely you are to receive your first grant payment close to the start of the college term.

Last year, due to a number of factors, many students didn’t receive their first grant payment until after Christmas and, in some cases, as late as March or even April.

If, on the other hand, you didn’t get what you expected either in your Leaving Cert results or in the CAO – don’t panic.

If you didn’t get your top choice on the CAO consider accepting a lower choice if it was

Gary Redmond is the president of the Union of Students Ireland

offered as you may still get offered a higher choice in the following rounds.

On the other hand, there are many PLC courses that will allow you entry into to college next year, and repeating the Leaving Cert is always another option.

The good news is that there are many differ-

ent options out there, so take the next few days to relax, think things over and seek advice from your career guidance teacher.

The key to college life is that you will reap what you sow, so get involved as much as possible: take up a new sport, join some college societies and try something that you’ve

never done before. Your student years will probably be the best years of your life - expect action, fun, but also stress!

And, through it all, bear in mind that you can drop into your students’ union at anytime and they’ll be happy to help keep the experience as memorable as possible.

Best of luck!

THE Irish School of Homeopathy will be running a Get Started in Homeopathy workshop at Milltown College in Ranelagh on September 4.

T h e wo r k s h o p i s designed for those who would like to use homeopathy at home for themselves and their families.

During the workshop, participants will be taught how to prescribe for common acute complaints (sudden and short-term conditions) such as coughs, colds, flu, and first-aid remedies. Also covered are children’s remedies for teething, stomach bugs and exam nerves.

For further information, contact Angie Murphy, Irish School of Homeopathy, on 01-8682581, or email info@ish.ie

20 GAZETTE 25 August 2011

COLLEGEOPTIONS OPTIONS Dioplóma sa Ghaeilge offered THE popular Dioplóma sa Ghaeilge programme at NUI Maynooth resumes this autumn.

Students of the course can expect to vastly improve their level of Irish through discussion and debate in classes, attendance at lectures on various aspects of Irish language and culture and a weekend in the Kerry Gaeltacht.

This course is suitable for people who already have reasonable competence in the language.

For those who may not be ready for this year’s enrolment, the Language Centre’s Teastas Eorpach na

Gaeilge (TEG) learning system will bring prospective Dioplóma students up to the required standard.

Assessment

TEG is a system of Irish language learning and assessment at five levels, from beginners to advanced.

This year, TEG Level B2 was given official recognition by the Department of Education and Skills as meeting the Irish language requirement for the colleges of primary education.

For further information, see www.nuim. ie/language or www. teg.ie.

Exploring third-level education

| ASHFIELD COLLEGE OPENS ITS DOORS |

Students welcomed THIS September, Ashfield College will open its doors to a new cohor t of fif th year, sixth year and repeat Leaving Certificate students from Lucan.

Not only will there be a new intake of students, there are other new faces at the college - and some less new than others.

With maximum class sizes of 25 students, Ashfield College, Templeogue, is building on its longstanding reputation for offering students the very best tuition in a friendly, and student-focused environment, with the return of the school’s founder, Joe Griffin, a familiar name throughout the local community.

Ashfield College has a fine track record of academic success

Griffin has 40 years experience as an educationalist and has been a mentor to thousands of students in their studies. From the beginning, Joe Griffin has put a focus on small class-sizes and individual student attention from top-class

teachers. Griffin says he is delighted to return for the 2011/2012 academic year.

“A s h f i e l d C o l l e g e has traditionally been a popular choice for Leaving Certificate students from Lucan,” said Griffin. “Since the school’s

foundation over 30 years ago I have had the privilege of seeing so many students from all over Ireland reach their potential under the guidance of some of the finest teachers in the country.

“It is an honour to witness a new beginning

for such a wonderful resource. I believe that now, more than ever, Ashfield College is the logical choice for ambitious Leaving Certificate students.”

Students will also be able to avail of comprehensive study notes covering the entire syllabus, which are provided on the first day of term, as well as video classes and class notes available online through Ashfield Online, the school’s e-learning portal.

Philip Burke, the new chief executive, who was a student of the school from 1990-1991, says that the community atmosphere he experienced during his Leaving Certificate year is integral to the school’s teaching ethos and success.

“When I prepared for my Leaving Certificate in Ashfield College in the early 1990s every teacher knew every student by name, and everyone was on first-name terms,” explains Burke. “The key to the school’s success is in its philosophy of individual attention. Every student is an individual, with their own specific requirements.

Potential

“Every teacher is a gifted communicator who is expert at helping students maximise their potential for exam success. It really is a community and that makes all the difference at such an important and often stressful time in young people’s lives.”

Founded in 1977, the school is situated on acres of landscaped gardens in a peaceful south Dublin location, away from the distractions of the city centre but easily accessible by public transport. It has been fully refurbished with state-of-the-art facilities, including specialised teaching rooms for all 21 subjects offered.

25 August 2011 GAZETTE 21

Essential reading for Leaving Cert students

Respond to UCD’s housing studies course Q news@gazettegroup.com

THE Respond! Housing Association, in partnership with University College Dublin (UCD). is set to offer mature students the opportunuty to study for a Bachelor of Social Studies in Housing & Community Studies (BSS), a parttime four-year degree.

The course is designed

for adult learners, who wish to return to education while maintaining a positive work life balance.

The Respond! offering is the only degree of its kind in Ireland.

T he BSS employs a multi-disciplinar y approach in its analysis of housing, community development, social policy and aspects of

management.

The degree is accredited by University College Dublin (UCD) and students gain professional membership of the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH), with access to work placements throughout the degree.

Lectures are delivered two days each month in Dublin at the Respond!

campus in Drumcondra, or the UCD campus in Belfield.

Tutorials are held in various venues in order to accommodate students.

Further information about the course can be obtained by visiting w w w.respond.ie, by contacting 0818 357901 or emailing bsscourse@ respond.ie.

A wide range of information technology courses are on offer at Dorset College

| CAREER OPPORTUNITIES |

Consider a future at Dorset College IN THESE challenging times, students need to consider things beyond the score of their immediate preferences when considering what courses to do in college.

Dorset College is striking out to meet the needs of students and future employers in its offerings, and the courses reflect the current requirements of the workplace and provide excellent prospects and career development opportunities.

In the information technology space, Dorset College is offering courses to enhance career opportunities, and meet the needs of the shortage of

personnel in the expanding Information Technology sector, from Beginner to Advanced level.

Options

With the likes of courses in Computer S y s t e m s E n g i n e e ring, Cloud Technology Professional, Oracle Java Programmer, Oracle Database Associate Administration, or taking the CompTIA A, +CISCO CCNA or Microsoft Server Administrator courses, there is a wide range of options for students.

Students also need to consider and ensure that they get the right quali-

fications to commence their career paths with security, financial rewards and mobility.

The full-time HETAC Higher Certificate in Business Level 6 will provide students with a strong foundation in a range of specialised business areas such as Business Management and Organisation, Information Technology, Finance and Law. The FETAC Nursing Studies, FETAC Social Studies and the Multimedia Production Courses provide an opportunity to acquire new skills, competencies and knowledge leading to a career path in

that field.

As an alternative to repeating the Leaving Certificate, these courses provide direct entry to third level Certificate and Degree programmes in the Institutes of Technology and Universities in Ireland.

The college’s suite of full-time programmes also includes the ACCA Diploma in Accounting & Business, ACCA Qualification, and Computer System Engineer (CompTIA A+ & CISCO–CCNA).

For further details, contact Dorset College at 01 830 9677 or log on to www.dorset-college.ie

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

22 GAZETTE 25 August 2011

COLLEGEOPTIONS OPTIONS

Minister for Children Where did you go to school?

I went to the Dominican Convent, Sion Hill in Blackrock Where did you go to college?

I did a Degree in Social Sciences, in UCD. A few years after that I did a Masters in the London School of Economics in Social Work and Social Administration.

Your first job after college?

After UCD, I worked in a small children’s hospital called St Ultan’s which has since closed. While there I worked with disadvantaged families whose children were being treated in the hospital. After that, I went on to do my Masters and to get Certified as a Social Worker.

Developing the skills for life LAST month saw the third set of Leaving Certificate students attend The Homework Club, and the club’s founder, Dr Naoise O’Reilly, is starting to see a pattern developing in the approach needed, to not only survive the trials of the exams, but succeed in your dreams.

“We feel everyone is not only good at something, but can use this experience to do anything,” said Naoise. “We try to develop the skills for life.”

The Homework Club, based in Main Street, Blanchardstown, takes a

more holistic approach to study.

“Before starting with each student, together we assess their strengths, aptitudes and potential to guide the students towards an achievable goal, one they desire and enjoy.

“We don’t believe in cram-learning and unnecessary stress,” says Naoise.

“The best analogy I can give you is making an omelette. If you wanted to make an omelette you wouldn’t worry about what goes in to it, you just simply open the fridge and see what’s to hand.

We never worry about learning off cookbooks.

For everyday meals we simply know from experience what works and may just check a few details like the temperature and cooking time.

“Study is exactly the same, regardless of the subject. If you understand it, and can relate to the material in a way, there is no need to learn off endless information.

You simply need to develop your own skills to remember the important details, like the cooking time! The rest will come naturally.

“Similarly, in this cur-

The Homework Club aim to deliver skills for all students’ working lives

rent climate it’s possible that you will get slightly challenging exam papers in June. This has happened for a number of years now, and seems to coincide with the increased pressure in the education system. We try to develop coping strategies in our students so they can survive in these situations. To go back to

our omelette analogy, you should find yourself in a position in the exams to simply open the fridge in your mind and pull out whatever ingredients you need.

“Being able to stay calm and focused, work your way out of the situation and relate what you do know to the questions you are being asked.

These are not only skills for the Leaving Certificate but for life after.

“We have seen almost all of our students thrive in the last three years with this very simple outlook.”

For more details on The Homework Club, contact Naoise at 085 1129660, or visit their website at www.homeworkclub.ie

gazette

photos

.com

Frances Fitzgerald TD

| THE HOMEWORK CLUB |

www.

Q&A

Exploring THIRD-LEVEL education

Joan Burton TD Minister for Social Protection Where did you go to college?

I went to UCD on a scholarship What did you study?

Bachelor of Commerce and then Chartered Accountancy.

What was your first job after leaving college?

Trainee Chartered Accountant with Price Waterhouse What advice would you give students heading to college for the first time this year?

Enjoy every moment and work hard!

Seen yourself in the Gazette?

All our galleries are now online for you to buy

Buy photos online now!

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25 August 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 23

Essential reading for Leaving Cert students

| COLLEGE LIFE |

Facing your first year Gazette Reporter, Hiromi Mooney, recalls her first few days at University RIGHT, now that you’ve got your Leaving Cert and have gone through the CAO process, it’s now time to face your first year in college. Yes, it’s a big step – new surroundings, new people, and sometimes a new home.

I began my life in college two years ago. Of course, there are both advantages and disadvantages to whether you commute or live on campus. I chose to stay at home and commute by two buses – two hours each way. It was tiring and took a lot out of my day, but it was cheap and the journey was made shorter when I had an iPod – when the battery hadn’t died.

I went to college on my first day on my own and I knew nobody. A few people in my class knew each other or were from the same area, so they established their cliques very quickly, and I was completely out of my comfort zone.

It was very nervewracking. But the more I got talking to people, I realised that a lot of them were just like me – scared, feeling lost and wanting to make friends. And we did.

I then discovered that college life makes you completely responsible for everything you do.

You now have no teacher chasing you for your homework, or have your parents nagging you to study for your tests.

On your own

You are now in charge of making it to those 9am lectures, meeting deadlines, making your own notes and study plan, and, if you’re living alone for the first time, you have to start cooking your own dinners and doing your own washing.

But this gives you great independence and freedom. Plus, there’s a great social life in college.

When you hear college

Gazette reporter, Hiromi Mooney

people say “join clubs and societies,” take their advice on board. They can help you make new friends outside of your classes in college, take up a new hobby and learn some new skills – whether it’s dancing, juggling,

radio or surfing. Get involved and try something new.

Now I’m starting my final year in college and, looking back, I have achieved so much in the past two years. I have made a new circle of

friends, I’ve been able to balance the time between projects, social life, work and all that.

So, what’s my advice?

Embrace college life with open arms, enjoy every moment and make the most of it. Good luck!

24 SWORDS GAZETTE 25 August 2011

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs TOYOTA TOPS US BRAND SATISFACTION INDEX : GENERAL Motors’ Cadillac brand and Toyota’s Lexus range topped the recent American Customer Satisfaction Index’s annual ranking of car companies. Toyota was the only nonpremium brand in the top five, tying with Cadillac and Lexus with 87 points on a scale of 100, followed

by Lincoln and Mercedes-Benz with 86.

BMW was in 11th place receiving 83 points, dropping three points to its lowest mark since an 80-point ranking in 1997. Volkswagen’s ranking showed the largest percentage increase, while the Ford brand also rose.

Among the seven Asian brands in the index, all but Mazda recorded an increase.

Honda, Hyundai, Kia and Nissan all recorded increased rankings.

Toyota’s new Verso S is a practical and easy-to-drive mini MPV. The car has a petrol engine-only option that’s a big sluggish on the road, but the entry price is competitive at €16,995 for the basic version that has all of the safety features.

The practical Verso S If you are thinking of downsizing your motoring then the new Toyota Verso S may well be a car worth giving more attention to, as MICHAEL MORONEY reports following his recent test drive OYO TA’ S n e w Verso S was a car that I quickly got comfortable with.

I mean that, once behind the wheel, it was easy to drive and all of the controls were logically and conveniently placed. That gave me an instant good feeling about the car.

I found that I got used to this car easily and it was comfortable to drive.

The high seating position gives great visibility for everybody on board.

This new Verso neatly fills a gap in the Toyota range left after the small Yaris Verso of the past.

The new car is slightly bigger, more modern looking and uses a newer petrol engine.

T

SPECS: TOYOTA VERSO S 1.33 Top speed: 170 km/hr 0 – 100km/hr: 13.3 sec Economy: 18.1 km/litre (5.5l/100km) CO2 emissions: 127g/km Road Tax Band: B (€156) Euro NCAP Rating: 5 Star (2011) Warranty: 3 years or 100,000km Entry Price: €16,995

Toyota offers only one engine option for the new Verso S. This is petrolfuelled, which is a bit surprising as over 70% of all new cars sold are now diesel-powered. Toyota has some good diesel engines in its line-up, but not for the Verso S. The engine is a

1.33-litre, four-cylinder unit – it’s reasonably smooth and quiet in operation. It is rated at 99bhp and, like many petrol engines, needs to rev to 4,000 rpm to get the maximum torque.

When that is linked with a six-speed gearbox the car should be lively and thrifty. My test drive found the car not as lively as I had expected. The engine needed to go to 3,000rpm, even in sixth gear, to reach 120km/hr on the motorway, and that meant that it was not as thrifty as I had expected.

Relative to the competition, the acceleration performance at 13.3 seconds for a 0 to 100km/

hr race is reasonable. I found it somewhat sluggish from behind the wheel.

My test run of about 580km used a full 42-litre tank of fuel. That meant that I achieved about 20% less than the rated economy level of 18km/ litre (51mpg). That bit disappointed me because, if I had achieved the rated performance, the car could have driven on for over 200km more!

Some of that difference may be due to my driving style and the varied road conditions. Despite all of those variables, I was less impressed with its economy figures.

The CO2 rating at 127g/km puts the car

into Band B for road tax purposes and that means an annual road tax rate of just €156. Again, that’s as good as it gets for a small petrol-engine car.

Relative to the competition, which includes the Honda Jazz, Hyundai ix20, Opel Meriva and Nissan Note, the Verso S was the class leader in economy terms.

Everything else about the car impressed me. The second-level specification Luna version, which I drove, included the new Toyota, 6.1 inch, full colour, touch screen system called Toyota Touch. This provides drives with a comprehensive multimedia interface. It incorporates an AM/FM radio,

a CD/MP3 player, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, a USB port for the connection of portable music players, a trip information screen and a rear view camera.

The Verso S has a comprehensive safety package on board. The car has seven airbags, driver and front passenger airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, front side airbags and full-length side curtain shield airbags.

The Verso S comes with a three-year warranty and a service interval of 20,000km or 12 months. Those features will ensure low running costs, as servicing this petrol car should not cost more than €150.

Volkswagen is the new partner to Irish Rugby Team VO L K S WAG E N I r e l a n d h a s announced that it will be the official motor partner of the Irish Rugby football Union (IRFU) until 2016. This partnership complements Volkswagen’s existing relationship with Leinster

Rugby. The partnership also includes supporting the IRFU tag rugby programme, alongside Volkswagen’s Leinster rugby summer camps.

As rugby reaches fever pitch in September, Volkswagen will host a series

of Breakfast Roadshows prior to the games within various Volkswagen retailers across the country. These events will give Volkswagen customers the chance to watch the games with selected rugby heroes. The Breakfast

Roadshow will also include a competition, where Volkswagen customers will be in with the chance to bring five friends to an upcoming match involving one of Volkswagen’s brand ambassadors.

25 August 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 25

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS Interview: Stephen Morrissey of Bathrooms Complete

Making bathroom dreams a reality STEPHEN Morrissey runs Bathrooms Complete, located in Blackrock village. It is a successful, familyowned business that has established a reputation for quality and excellence over the last 30 years.

Stephen saw that home improvement jobs can be a daunting prospect for most people, particularly when there are numerous trades involved.

That is where his experience enables him to find the right design and solution for bathroom designs.

A bathroom renovation by Stephen and his team always starts with the removal of the old bathroom and the preparation of the room with the highest standard of workmanship, seeing the job right through to the end with the minimum of disruption.

The average bathroom is fully renovated within five days, and, once it is complete, the client can relax with the peace of mind that Stephen’s commitment to quality materials and workmanship carries a Bathrooms Complete five-year guarantee.

Stephen’s showroom is open to customers, and he offers the latest designs in high-quality sanitary ware, shower enclosures, bathroom furniture, accessories, tiles and wood floors from leading European brands such as Grohe, Roca, Heritage, Jacuzzi, Merlyn, Dansani, Sonia and Boen wood floors.

Stephen’s technical consultants will call to a client’s home to carry out a free survey and help design a dream bathroom.

For full details, visit their web site at www.bathroomscomplete.ie or call them on 01-2832244.

Q: What was your first job?

A: Picking strawberries Q: And your first pay cheque?

A: 5p a punnet Q: Have you ever done a job you loathed?

A: Yes, picking strawberries Q: When did you start your present job?

A: 20 years ago Q: What is the best thing about your job?

A: Receiving compliments about our workmanship and finished product

Q: Have you achieved anything that you once thought you could not pull off?

A: Yes, getting my wife to marry me Q: What part of your working day do you ‘delegate’?

A: As much as possible Q: What’s currently on your desk that shouldn’t be?

A: Stuff that I forgot to delegate

KEEPING DOWN THE TAX BILL ON A RENTED PROPERTY Q – I bought a house a few years back but moved away with work. I’m now renting out the house. I was told that I can deduct a certain percentage of the contents insurance value as an expense, thereby saving on my tax bill. Is this true? Stephen - Killester A - Yes, you can offset the purchase of your contents for your rented property as an allowable expense.

This does, however, also open a can of worms because, once you rent your residential property, you MUST make returns to the revenue each year by October 31 whether you are making profits or not.

There are a number of requirements, most of which can be offset against your Rental Income Tax Liability (RITL) including: • Registering your property with the Private Tenancies Registration Board (PRTB - costs €90 for the tenancy and must be registered within 31 days or the fee doubles to €180.

Multiple tenancies in one property costs €375) • Non Principal Private Residence Tax (NPPR - you pay €200 annually for every residential property that is NOT your home)

Stephen Morrissey, of family-owned Bathrooms Complete

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

A: I wanted to be a binman when I was 4

ANSWERS TO YOUR PERSONAL FINANCE QUESTIONS

Q: Is there anything about yourself that you would like to set the record straight on?

A: No. It’s all true Q: What sport do you follow?

A: Golf

Q: What was your last tweet/facebook status?

A: Don’t have time for either Q: Describe your dream meal?

A: I’m very fond of a good Irish steak

Q: What sport can you play?

A: Golf

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

A: I’d prefer to eat alone

Q: What habits would you like to change?

A: Missing three-foot putts

Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously?

A: What money?

Q: At the moment, what are you looking forward to?

A: The weekend and spending time with

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own?

A: I have a few

my family

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

A: The music of REM Q: Who best represents modern Ireland – David Norris or Jedward?

A: David Norris Q: What music do you have on your iPod/iPad? A: Rolling Stones, REM, True Gritt Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook?

A: No one

Q: What was your worst holiday experience?

A: Christmas day in Lanzarote with my family in the hospital with a tummy bug

Q: Describe your dream holiday?

A: Driving a camper van across Australia

• Mortgage interest - you can claim 75% of the interest against your RITL • Maintenance - any expenses incurred in the upkeep of your property, eg changing the boiler, new taps, broken glass etc • Service charges - this generally incorporates buildings insurance for apartments and landscaping, et al • Buildings insurance - if it is not an apartment and stand-alone house insurance • Furnishings - you can offset the cost of your furniture, fixtures and fittings by 12.5% (or 1/8th) each year for eight years (keep the receipts) • Management charges - you may employ someone to look after your property. They may charge between 9% and 12% of the annual rent each year – this can be offset against your RITL.

with my family

Q: What would be your dream job?

A: Professional golfer Q: What do you plan to do when you retire?

A: That’s so far in the future I haven’t even thought about it

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

GAZETTE

26 SWORDS GAZETTE 25 August 2011

SWORDSclassifieds

To advertise, call us now on 01 60 10 240 Email us at sales@gazettegroup.com

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CLASSES SEWING CLASSES/ CURTAIN MAKING Beginners and Improvers 6 week Sewing Classes on Dress Making and Curtain and Roman Blind Making Starting Mid-September.

Half Day workshops also resuming in October. Book your course on www. sewgreat.ie, or call 01 822 7650. Curtain and Roman Blind making service at competitive prices. We reline and re-pleat all curtains; full selection of poles and rails available.

DIVORCE SERVICES DIVORCE BY CONSENT Separated 4 years ? Agree on all matters ? We will draft and process your divorce documents for Court. From as little as €600 per couple.

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Highly trained security dogs for sale. References available,watch our dogs in action and read our many references at www.topdogtraining.com or phone 087 0514467

JSD PROPERTY MAINTENANCE LTD Your one stop shop for: B.E.R Certs, Underfloor, Heating, Plumbing, Carpentry, Electrical, Tiling, Extensions, Grants (Sei no.12603), Key Holdings , Approved Reci Engineers, Approved Bord Gais, Engineers, Fully Insured, No Call Out Charge, €200 Boiler Scrappage. Phone John on:0872854670 Malahide Office:01 8452344 email: jsdonovan@ eircom.net www. jsdheating.weebly.com

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Free Quotations. No job too small. Very reasonable prices. References available on WWW.MARKCOMPANY. IE find us on FACEBOOK Please phone Mark on 0879442445

RECRUITMENT SALES ADVISERS required to sign up Electricity and Gas customers to discounted rates. No exp necessary, full training provided. OTE €500/Week. john@billsave.ie or call 016619505 ANN SUMMERS RECRUITMENT EVENING Want to earn €4,300 in the next 3 months? Join me at the Ann Summers recruitment evening on August 31st at 7pm in the Ardmore Hotel Finglas.

Interested in booking a party? Contact Sandra on 083 4093964 & receive your free party bookers goody bag.

PLANNING NOTICE FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL Planning permission is sought by Jerry O’Sullivan for the construction of a single storey garage/workshop to the side of the existing dwelling all with associated site works and the replacement of a window with a patio door arrangement to the front elevation of the existing dwelling at The Old Stables, Commons East, Drynam Road, Swords, Co Dublin.

The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the PlanningAuthority during the public opening hours of 9:3016:30, Monday - Friday at Fingal County Council, Fingal County Hall, Main Street, Swords, Fingal, Co. Dublin.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a fee of €20, within the period of 5 weeks, beginning on the date of receipt by Fingal County Council of the Application.

13376

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25 August 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 27

GazetteSPORT

LONDON IN FOCUS: Exclusive interview with David Gillick on his 2012 hopes: Page 29

GAA: ETIHAD EXPAND BEST CLUB CONTEST TO AUSTRALIA FOR MATCH OF A LIFETIME

Fancy a trip Down Under to represent GAA? sport@gazettegroup.com

ETIHAD Airways, the UAE’s national airline and sponsor of the GAA Hu r l i n g A l l - I r e l a n d Senior Championship, is looking to send one club to Australia to play the challenge match of a lifetime.

Etihad is asking clubs around the countr y to tell them what their greatest achievement is.

Achievement comes

in many forms, not just silverware. Etihad wants to reward one special club for their greatest achievement; whether that is being the focal point of their community, or managing to keep the club going against the odds or even growing their club in recent times.

The winning club will get its first team flown all the way to Australia, where they will train with GAA legend

Nicky English ahead of the challenge game of a lifetime.

On October 28, the Best Club Down Under will play an Australian select team as the curtain raiser for the International Rules match between Ireland and Australia in the Etihad Stadium, Melbourne.

Lucan Sarsfields were the Best Club Under The Sun in Dubai in 2009, after netting the prized honour in that

Lucan Sarsfields were voted best club under the sun in 2009, and are seen here in Dubai

year’s equivalent competition.

Oz adventure Justin Warby, Etihad Airways Country Manager Ireland, said: “The GAA and hurling has spread far and wide across the globe and

is particularly strong in Australia. We, as an airline, are about connecting people around the world and the Best Club Down Under competition marries both these elements perfectly. We hope to see clubs from every corner

of the country entering The Best Club Down Under.”

As part of Etihad’s sponsorship of the GAA All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 2011, every club in the country is invited to nominate itself to become

The Best Club Down Under and the public will then be asked to vote for the club they feel deserves to win.

To enter this year’s competition just log onto www.etihadgaa.ie and fill out the form to nominate your club.

28 SWORDS GAZETTE 25 August 2011

GazetteSport Sport

Goalkeeper Riain Fagan with the spoils of victory

Soccer

Captain and midfielder Mayowa Adedokun

Defender Dean Rooney shows what the win means to him

Rangers romp to victory IVERVALLEY Rangers’ Under-9s came out victorious in the first ever E-Flow tournament, which was held at Swords Celtic’s ground in Balheary last week.

The tournament saw players from Rangers, as well as Swords Manor, Corduff FC and Mountview Boys compete in the group stages.

Rivervalley stormed into the semi-finals winning all three of their group games to face Swords Celtic.

Rangers defeated Celtic 7-0 to set up another clash with Swords Manor.

The final took the same path as the semifinal, as Rangers dominated from start to finish, running out 7-0 winners to cap a superb week of football for the young side.

R

Defender Christian Atiba lifts the cup

Midfielder Cian Nolan celebrates

Rivervalley Rangers’ Under-9 side

Defender Evan Gilroy

Coaches Alan Rooney and Paul Kelly

25 August 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 29

in association with

Running for the dream again David Gillick took the tough decision to bow out of athletics to regroup for the 2012 Olympics , and ROB HEIGH found he is ready for the challenge TAKING a step back from an intensive training programme and admitting defeat is a galling thing for any competitor in any sport, but no more so than for an athlete of the calibre of David Gillick.

The Dundrum man has been the flag-bearer for Irish 400m running in recent years, twice winning the European indoor title and appearing in prestige events worldwide in recent years as he prepared to take on the ultimate challenge of the Olympic Games in London in 2012.

With that goal in mind, David decided to leave his base in Loughborough in England last winter to work with ath-

letics legend and coach to many of the leading lights in sprint, Lance Brauman, in Florida.

Brauman was the man who helped Tyson Gay rise to the upper eschelons of 100 and 200m running.

But a combination of circumstances have conspired to lead David to make the decision to bow out of competition for the season, and miss out on a place at the World Championships in South Korea, one that he explains he did not take lightly when he spoke excusively to Gazette Sport last month.

“I made the decision with medical advice, and with a view on London coming around. I felt that if I was to continue

David Gillick at Lucan Harriers recently

doing what I was doing, and hope that something would turn around, or skip the Worlds and race toward the end of the season, I was jeopardis-

and the times were not good again, and I knew there was something wrong.

“In my mind, I was thinking, “I’m not right,

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

‘Qualification is well within my capabilities. I am getting into the training that I know is going to take me to London next year.’

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

ing my health for next season. If I was in a hole now, I didn’t want to dig myself in any deeper. By making this decision, it gives me more time to get myself right, mentally and physically.”

David went on to explain the circumstances behind his diminished form this season.

“I tore my calf at the end of February, which put me out for about eight weeks. By the time I got back into full training on the track, it was the start of April. When I came back, I didn’t have much time, I only really had six weeks to regain my full fitness. I attacked it and did everything I could, but I had more niggles. But I raced anyway, and my times were going backwards.

“I knew in myself that I wasn’t right - I would be waking up in the morning and I would have pains in my legs. So I then raced in early July,

this isn’t good”, and mentally, you begin to panic. Especially with the Worlds coming up.

Two years ago I was sixth, and anything less than that would have been a failure.”

The experience of training with Brauman was one that was filled with positives, but there were also downsides to being so far from home and in a new training environment.

“I wouldn’t change what I did in the last year, I learned an awful lot from Lance, and I will bring that into my training going forward. Being in a group with Tyson Gay and Steve Mullins, world-class athletes, you pick up a lot. It’s positive as well to see the mental aproach from these athletes just how professional they are in how they approach things. It gives you a lot of hunger.

“I relocated to just outside Orlando back in

October 2010, to a new group and a new coach, and I was injured for that length of time. It was very depressing, not being able to do what I normally would be doing, and being away from home and the support network, the infrastructure of family and friends, and my own medical team I had built up, made it increasingly difficult.

“In America, I missed my friends, my family, and I missed Dublin.

“So I made a decision that I won’t be going back to America. I’ve decided I’m going to split my time between here and Loughborough. Coming into Olympic year, I want to be somewhere where I know it works.

I’ve a good relationship with the group, the coach in Loughborough, and that’s where I want to be.”

With less than 12 months before the start of London 2012, what are David’s thoughts on the year ahead?

“I’m taking a confident view on it. I know I’ve run within the A standard for the last four years.

Ideally, I would like to have done it this year, the year before the Games, like I did for Beijing. But I feel that the time is well within my capabilities, so it’s a case of getting into the training that I know that is going to take me there.”

FastSport

Power plays fundraiser for Temple Street kids DARTS legend, Phil “The Power” Taylor was in Donabate recently to take part in an exhibition tournament at the Waterside House Hotel.

Having recently won his fourth European title, Taylor pitted himself against 15 darts fans who had raised funds for Temple Street Children’s University Hospital for the opportunity to step up to the oche with him.

By his side, was another darts legend, Denis ‘The Menace’ Priestley.

Over 200 darts fans descended on The Waterside House Hotel to watch these champions in action, and a great fun evening was had by all.

30 SWORDS GAZETTE 25 August 2011

GazetteSport Sport FastSport Leinster champs: Portmarnock crowned in Senior Cup PORTMARNOCK Golf Club were crowned Leinster Senior Cup winners for 2011 when they defeated Hermitage in the final round, 3 and 2, after beating Skerries and Ardee to reach the play-off at the K Club last week.

Picture: Pat Cashman

McBride pride of The Island after U-16 win

LADIES FOOTBALL: JACKIES BOW OUT IN SENIOR QUARTER-FINAL

JOHN Ferriter, honorary secretary of the Leinster Branch, Golfing Union of Ireland, recently presented Paul McBride of The Island Golf Club with the Under-16 trophy after his victory at the Titleist Footjoy Ireland sponsored 2011 Leinster Boys’ Amateur Open Championship at Bray Golf Club.

McBride carded a 297 in the event, 13 shots behind eventual winner, Ryan McKinstry of Cairndhu Golf Club.

Also pictured are Keith Bardon (Titleist Footjoy Ireland), Jerry Grant (President, Bray Golf Club) and Derek Gallagher (Captain, Bray Golf Club).

Celtic girls Swords RFC show Swords’ call for new strengths recruits SWORDS Celtic’s Under-11 girls’ team took part in the recent FAI Harmony cup at Sportslink, showing the talent at that level in the club.

This event was the first time the FAI had brought girls’ teams together at these ages and saw teams from Balbriggan, Skerries, Lourdes Celtic, and Shelbourne compete in a game which used small pitches, multiple goals and used squads of four players.

The Swords Celtic girls won three games and drew the fourth in the first round before being sent to the finals where they beat Skerries before being defeated by Lourdes Celtic.

SWORDS RFC’s dedicated pitch at Holywell will play host to the club’s first youth rugby session of the new season on Sunday, September 4.

With that in mind, the club have extended an open invitation to any potential players and coaches who may be looking to get into rugby.

No experience is necessary as the club will arrange coaching courses for all its minis’ coaches and will provide guidance through its network of experienced coaches and referees.

For more information, see www.swordsrfc.com or contact the club at info@ swordsrfc.com.

Dublin were broken by a late rally by the Rebelettes, coming back from seven points down to claim the semi-final place on offer

Dubs denied as Cork catch up LADIES’ ALL-IRELAND FC Cork Dublin

2-14 3-10

sport@gazettegroup.com

THERE was heartbreak for Fingallian’s Amy McGuinness and the Dublin Ladies this weekend, as they lost their AllIreland crown in dramatic fashion against Cork in Birr.

With 16 minutes left, Dublin led by 3-10 to 2-7, but seven unanswered points from the Rebels saw them over the line to reach the last four.

For much of the first half, Dublin were excellent, crowding out the Cork attack to deny them

space while at the other end their shooting was deadly accurate, with no wide registered by the Leinster side until the 27th minute.

In contrast, Cork were finding it difficult to register scores, only scoring once from play before the 29th minute, but amazingly they still managed to lead by a point, 1-6 to 0-8, at half-time.

Full-forward Sinead Aherne had been excellent for Dublin, scoring six first-half points, while Cork’s troubles were heightened by the loss of Valerie Mulcahy to a yellow card in the 12th minute, but, just before she

was due to return, Dublin lost Niamh McEvoy, who had been excellent alongside Denise Masterson in midfield.

With the extra numbers, Cork began to play and Rhona Ni Bhuachalla had a fine point before Mairead Kelly found the net with a looping shot over Cliodhna OConnor.

Nollaig Cleary added another point to put Cork two ahead, though Aherne’s free cut the gap to the minimum at halftime.

The start to the second half was manic, however, as, first, Noelle Healy and then Aherne both scored goals in the opening two

minutes to turn the game, though Ní Bhuachalla responded with a Cork goal at the other end to leave it 2-8 to 2-6 for Dublin.

Lyndsey Davey extended the Dub’s lead, but, in the 39th minute, Cork got a great chance to equalise when Grace Kearney was fouled inside the large rectangle.

The resultant penalty hit the post and bounced across goal and wide, however, and Cork were doubly punished when Davey struck for a goal moments later, her shot to the roof of the net giving Elaine Harte no chance.

Dublin eased into a

commanding lead of 3-10 to 2-7 but, slowly, Cork began to get on top, coming at Dublin in waves as the reigning champion’s early intensity began to catch up on them.

Two from Mulcahy and then one by Healy left a goal in it, and, while Dublin were trying to defend doggedly, they could not withstand the siege.

The momentum was firmly with the Rebels now and the comeback was completed in the 57th minute when Murphy scored her fifth point, Cork playing keep-ball in the closing stages to run out the clock and claim a semi-final spot.

25 August 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 31

in association with

AFL 2: TOWERS HAVE PROMOTION FATE IN HANDS

CLUB NOTICEBOARD FINGALLIANS POSITION available: The club is look-

Captain’s Day (John McNally Per-

ing to recruit a Games Development

petual Trophy) of the club golf soci-

Officer (full time position). Please

ety is on September 2 in Donabate

see the club website under general

golf club. A timesheet is up in the

news for further information: www.

club with slots from 1 to 3pm. Visi-

fingallians.ie

tors welcome.

Congratulations to Fingallians’

Diary date: Football and Hurling

U-11 hurling team on winning the

Academy for boys and girls from 4

Division 1 Camaint shield in Parnell

to 6 years will recommence on Sat-

Park last Saturday, overcoming St

urday, September 10 at 10am in the

Sylvester’s in the semi-final, and

club ground. For more information,

beating Naomg Barrog in the final.

contact Padraig Durkan on 087 256

Dublin v Kerry ladies: U-16 All-Ireland final has been fixed for Saturday, August 27, in Nenagh at 5pm.

Well done to the ladies’ Dublin B team who beat Galway last Mon-

2965.

All Stars 2011: There is now an All Star prediction competition available in both hurling and football at €3 per entry from the club bar.

day in the Aisling McGinn Cup with

Well done to the Fingallians’ ladies

outstanding performances from

who as athletes took part in 10-mile

our own Aoife O’Reilly and Denise

road race in Phoenix Park on Satur-

McKenna.

day morning.

FINGAL RAVENS Fingallians left Round Towers in their wake as they edged closer to a play-off place

Fins’ fine form makes play-off place closer AFL DIVISION 2 Fingallians Round Towers

0-15 1-9

sport@gazettegroup.com

FINGALLIANS scored the first and last five points in this cracking match in Lawless Park last week to emerge with a vital victory, keeping their AFL2 promotion dreams alive, while pegging back the ambitions of well-placed rivals Round Towers.

An incredible Towers’ 1-4 blitz in five minutes early in the second half, inspired by Ciaran Carr and Cathal Carty, threatened to turn the tables on a brilliant Fins’ opening salvo.

But the Swords men rallied and will now take a lengthy break as they wait for talisman Paul Flynn to return from Dubs’ duty for their final two league ties, which they need to win to secure a play-off place.

Towers should make it there, too, but this setback looks likely to leave St Maur’s out on their own

in the promotion play-off place.

Towers initially looked a long way off the pace as Laois star Brendan Quigley and midfield partner Danny Campion marauded forward from midfield to sublime effect.

Bursting forward, they combined for four points of six in a remarkable opening nine minutes which saw the hosts 0-6 to no score ahead and looking likely to extend the margin.

Left boots were to the fore for the majority of their scores and Donal Farrell’s outer-boot slider was the pick of this early thrashing.

But Towers rallied, not delaying in subbing in Eric Finn and Paddy Stines, and Carty got them on the board with a powerful rush, shaking off a couple of markers before flashing a white boot for a fine point.

Carty has been a major influence since returning from his travels in lift-

ing Towers up to second place, taking over the fullforward mantle from John O’Brien with a measure of dash. Ian Ward was equally forceful and they steadied the ship to head into the break down 0-9 to 0-3.

There were enough signs of recovery for Fins’ manager Dan Davern to introduce Carl McAllion and Barry Clarke. For the former, though, it was a luckless night, injuring his ankle within a couple of minutes of his introduction forcing a third sub in 120 seconds.

Despite Farrell’s third point, it unsettled Fingallians and the visitors took the opportunity to pounce. Carty’s pair of frees were reward for a more aggressive stance, forcing Quigley to take a more subdued role, while Stephen Gibney and a Carr’s effort reduced the margin to two.

And they had the lead for the first time when Derek Murray ghosted

a ball into Carr and he seemed to surprise even himself when he clipped and exquisite shot into the top right corner of Rossa Kelleher’s goal.

But a string of frees allowed Fins to level and they had a gilt-edge chance to finish Towers when Farrell’s goal-bound effort was foot-blocked.

David Killeen clipped the ensuing penalty over the bar, holding his head in his hands at the miss, but it proved a vital score, retaking the lead.

And, while this bruising affair saw five minutes of extra time, Fingallians held their shape to give little room for Towers to counter and gleefully celebrated Farrell’s fourth point and a further insurance score from Conor McLoughlin.

Their Sunday tie with O’Toole’s was pulled on the intercounty rule, it being one of Fins’ final two games, leaving them in good shape for the challenges ahead.

BEST of luck to our ladies team who

night from 9 to 10pm in the bar of

play O’Toole’s away in the champi-

Kettle’s Hotel.

onship this week.

Well done to the senior team on

Advanced summer camp last week

their f ine lea gue win over Bal-

was a great success, a big thank

lyboden St Enda’s last Saturday

you to the coaches Paddy Chris-

evening.

tie, Eamon Fennell, Gerry Seavers,

Congratulations to Garzy and Sue

James McCarthy, Eoghan O’Gara,

Kinsella on the birth of their son,

Paul Flynn, Stephen O’Shaughnessy,

Adam.

also thanks to Alan, Mick and Paul for organising the camp.

Anyone that ordered tickets for the All-Ireland Football Semi-Final can collect them at the clubhouse this Thursday 7.30 to 8pm, or Friday

Duck race and a cross-country challenge for all age groups will be held on Sunday, September 25, at Kinsella’s Bridge, Lispopple.

Please remember to support your club lotto each week.

ST FINIAN’S THE members of the club would

Members who wish to be included

like to express their sympathies to

in the draw for allocated hurling

Doreen Dervan and family follow-

final tickets should give their names

ing the sudden passing of Justin.

in to the clubhouse ASAP.

Justin, a former chairman of St

The hurling camp was a great

Finian’s was a lifelong supporter of

success; thanks to James Devlin

the club. He will be sadly missed by

and his team. Thanks also to club

all his friends within both club and

member and Dublin senior hurler

community.

Liam Ryan who came along to offer

The club would also like to express

his advice and make some presen-

sympathies to Paddy Finnegan on

tations. Liam was at full-forward

the recent passing of his father,

in the recent All-Ireland semi-final,

Joe, and to Pauline Daly on the

and he and his team mates have

passing of her sister.

lifted Dublin hurling to new heights

All-Ireland final tickets: The club

this season.

is holding a 300-ticket draw at €5

Good luck to Michael Keating and

a ticket. There are two prizes: Two

Eoin O’Connor who are part of the

premium tickets to senior hurling

Dublin U-16 team. They will face

final and two premium tickets to

Westmeath in an upcoming tourna-

the senior football final. First name

ment final.

out has choice of which prize. Tick-

The club will be bag-packing in

ets go on sale this week in the club-

Dunnes stores on September 2 and

house and the draw will take place

3. We need as much help from adult

on Friday , September 2.

members and players as possible

ALL OF YOUR SWORDS SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31

WINNING WAYS: Victory over Towers keeps Fingallians in sight of promotion P31

AUGUST 25, 2011

LONDON CALLING Exclusive interview with David Gillick P29

GazetteSPORT

Fingallians’ Paul Flynn will aim to climb above Donegal this Sunday and lead Dublin into an All-Ireland final

Flynn aiming to get the job Done’ Fingallians forward set for Donegal clash and a win that would put Dublin into their first All Ireland final since 1995 swordssport@gazettegroup.com

PAUL FLYNN and Dublin stand just 70 minutes away from the All-Ireland final, with the Fingallians’ man and his team-mates aiming to end a 15-year wait for Sam Maguire’s return to the capital.

After a less than impressive passage through Leinster, which saw the Dubs keenly tested by Kildare and Wexford, and regain the Delaney Cup on a subdued day in Croke Park, the boys in blue then thoroughly outclassed Tyrone in the All-Ireland quarter-final to set up a date with Donegal this Sunday.

Flynn impressed on the day, putting in a typically industrious shift and picking up two points before being withdrawn in the 65th minute.

He might have even put the game to bed sooner had he taken a goal chance, but his impressive display has fans from all across the country sitting up and taking notice of the

work he puts in.

Flynn has made himself at home in the Dublin half-forward line, his style of play a perfect complement to Pat Gilroy’s system.

Speaking to national media recently, Flynn said that he knows Donegal will pose a big threat.

“Donegal are a great side and have done well all year.

“We won’t get any space. It’ll be so tight, they work so hard and they counter-attack very well.”

Classy Connolly Flynn also made special mention of his forward partner, Diarmuid Connolly, who led the way against Tyrone.

“He was excellent. We all know how good he is, it was just a matter of time before he exploded onto the scene. He did it all in the league when he was excellent. Maybe he had a small blip in form over the last two games,

but he’s back.

“He’s consistent week-in, week-out in training. It was just a matter of some things not going your way some days. Last day he didn’t have his best game but, today, he showed what he can do.”

As for the quality of the Dubs, Donegal captain Michael Murphy knows that Flynn, the Brogans and Diarmuid Connolly can wreak havoc on the Tír Chonaill backline if given the chance.

“Dublin are a great side. They bring a lot of important traits to the table. They are very organised in defence, they are big and athletic around the middle and they have serious firepower up front.

“We have to extinguish those threats as best we can and go on and try and play our own game. It is a massive proposition. Dublin are raging hot favourites and all we can do is concentrate on our performance and see how that goes.”