Swords GAZET TE FREE
RECYCLE THIS COPY. KEEP DUBLIN TIDY.
YOUR COMMUNITY • YOUR PAPER
INSIDE: Enjoying the positive energy at local launch P8-9
October 6, 2011
YOUR PENSION: Our essential guide
for planning your future See Pages 19-22
True-blues: Fans get a visit from Sam THERE was a sea of blue jerseys
Football: Flynn receives an All-Star nomination Page 32
on show as the students and staff of St Michael’s House Special National school in Skerries waited for some honoured visitors recently. Dublin captain Bryan Cullen arrived with the Sam Maguire cup, making the day unforgettable everyone. Pictured with Bryan is Jamie O’Brien, left, Darragh Starr and Neil Farrell, right. Picture: Paul Mohan
Full Gallery on Page 2
Soccer: Swords Celtic prosper on rainhit weekend Page 30
ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ............2, 8-10 TRAVEL......................... 24 BUSINESS .................... 18 MOTORS ....................... 23 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 25 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26
Hogan raises spectre of fewer councillors Numbers may be cut for the next local elections
Q MIMI MURRAY
FINGAL County Council could be facing a reduction in elected members by the time the next local elections are held in 2014. A plan to reduce the number of councillors in the country was mooted by the Minister for
the Environment, Phil Hogan, at a meeting with local Fine Gael representatives in recent weeks. Malahide-Howth Cllr Anthony Lavin, who was in attendance, said the plan was put forward but added that it was “not something he would be getting too hot under the collar about” just yet.
“I think there will be a reduction in some instances but I’m not sure how it will affect Fingal. He (Minister for Environment) did mention County Cork where there are a lot of town councils and the ratio of councillors to the electorate would be quite high. Full Story on Page 4
2 SWORDS GAZETTE 6 October 2011
CEREMONY: WI-FI
EVENT Dublin captain brings All-Ireland to school
Fleet Connect wins award A FAST-GROWING broadband access company, which specialises in passenger transport Wi-Fi, has won a business pitching battle to win an Enterprise Award in Swords. Fleet Connect, set up in 2008 by Patrick Cotter, provides passenger Wi-Fi services for major transport companies North and South. They were presented with the award at a ceremony held on the penultimate day of Fin-
gal Enterprise Week, which is organised by the Fingal County Enterprise Board. The Blanchardstownbased company, had to “pitch” their enterprises and present business plans to an experienced judging panel: Bobby Kerr, from Insomnia; Ben Dunne, from Ben Dunne Fitness Centres and 11890’s Nicola Byrne. The ceremony took place in front of 200 guests at the Europa Academy in Swords.
Dublin captain Bryan Cullen with Jamie O’Brien, left, Darragh Starr and Neil Farrell, right. Picture: Paul Mohan
Sam pays a visit
HE students of St Michael’s House Special National school, Golflinks Road, Hacketstown, Skerries, got a rare treat recently when they got their hands on Sam Maguire. Dublin captain, Bryan Cullen visited students with the famous trophy proudly in hand. Staff and students alike were decked out in their Dublin GAA jerseys to welcome their hero who as part of the Dublin team who beat Kerry at Croke Park in the senior football final.
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Grace McGrane with Dublin captain Bryan Cullen
Philip McCormack with the Sam Maguire cup
Dublin captain Bryan Cullen with staff and students from St Michaels House Special National School
6 October 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 3
SOCIAL Council, FAI launch new innovative ‘Stay Active’ programme
Council to cut water supply
Teaming up with free events to aid jobless men, women Q MIMI MURRAY swords@gazettegroup.com
FINGAL County Council have teamed up with the FAI to launch a new innovative Stay Active programme aimed at men and women aged 18-50 years who are job seekers, unemployed and particularly long-term unemployed . This free programme will take place at three locations across the county and is run over three phases, starting with week-day recreational five-a-side football, progressing to FAI Coach education courses for interested participants and finishing with linking to local clubs to assist with coaching underage teams. Co-ordinated by Fingal County Council/ FAI development officers Paul Keogh, Michael Pender and Sharon Boyle, the programme will be rolled out in B a l b r i g g a n , Swo r d s and Mulhuddart, and is fully supported by Fingal Leader partnership, Community Gardai, and Rapid in Blanchardstown and Fingal County Council’s sports unit. Capture
Chief Executive of the FAI, John Delaney, said: “The Stay Active League pilot scheme is one that I hope will capture the interest of people who are currently out of work. As we all know, the unemployment rate is increasing and we are happy to use our game,
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‘‘The Stay Active League pilot scheme is one that I hope will capture the interest of people who are currently out of work’ ’
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John Delaney, FAI chief executive
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in partnership with local authorities, to address this difficult social issue. Sport, and the motivation it provides, has an important role to play in assisting people, who, through no fault of their own, find themselves without a job. If the pilot schemes prove successful we hope to be able to roll it out in other areas through our co-funded development officers.”
proven health and social benefits of sport and active lifestyles can help reduce these issues in a positive manner. Fingal County Council fully support this initiative.” The programme will start in Glebe North All-Weather, Balbriggan on October 12 between 12pm and 1.30pm and will run every Wednesday. Contact paul.keogh@fai. ie or call 086-0444435; Rivervalley All-Weather, Swords starts October 12 between 12pm and 1.30pm and runs every Wednesday. Contact mpender@fai. ie or call 087-1273258. At Mulhuddart All Weather it begins on October 27 and runs every Thursday from 12pm to 1.30pm. Contact Sharon.boyle@fai.ie or call 087-1323260.
Q MIMI MURRAY
swords@gazettegroup.com
Giovanni Trapattoni, FAI Coach
Benefit
Commenting on the programme, Marion Brown, Principal Sports officer with Fingal County Council said: “We can’t underestimate the huge social benefit of an initiative such as this, which allows people to develop and improve their sports and fitness skills, and encourages them to become involved in their communities. Unemployment, particularly long-term unemployment can be damaging to people’s confidence and self-esteem, and the
RESOURCE: WARNING
Giovanni Trapattoni, oversees team training
THERE will be disruption to the water supply in North Fingal in the coming days, Fingal County Council said this week. Due to essential major emergency works on the water supply network in north Dublin there will be an unavoidable disruption to water supply in the north city fringe and parts of rural north County Dublin over the weekend of Saturday October 8 and Sunday October 9. Water consumers will experience reduced water pressure or total water loss at times while the essential work is carried out. Areas adjoining the main area may also experience some disruption. The areas likely to be affected are Ridgewood, Boroimhe, Cloghran, Turnapin, Killeek and St Margaret’s. Areas that could possibly be affected are Clonshaugh, Balgriffin, Baldoyle, Sutton and Howth. Fingal County Council and Dublin City Council strongly advise consumers in all affected and nearby areas not to stockpile water under any circumstances as this severely depletes storage reservoirs and can add significantly to the delay in restoring normal water supply to all users when the emergency work is complete. Attic storage tanks will provide adequate water for essential short-term use and available water should be used sparingly at all times. Static tankers will be provided in the areas most at risk of prolonged loss of supply and the locations and times of these tankers will be advised on Fingal County Council and Dublin City Council websites during the disruption. Every effort will be made to complete the works in the shortest possible time to minimise the inconvenience to water consumers the council said.
4 SWORDS GAZETTE 6 October 2011
POLITICS Electoral area change
STRETCH: DUBLIN’S VERY FIRST ANTI-GRAVITY YOGA EXPERIENCE
Just hanging around for your health Minister suggests cut in council size
MIMI MURRAY swords@gazettegroup.com
THE number of elected members in Fingal County Council may be cut by the time the next local elections roll around in 2014. A plan to reduce the number of councillors in the country was mooted by the Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan at a meeting with local Fine Gael representatives a couple of weeks ago. Malahide-Howth Councillor, Anthony Lavin, who was in attendance, said the plan was put forward but added that it was “not something he would be getting too hot under the collar about” just yet. “I think there will be a reduction in some instances but I’m not sure
Extracts of letter from Dublin Regional Authority to Minister Hogan “The ratio of public local representation to citizens in Dublin, which averages 1:10,000, is the lowest in Ireland with 130 local Councillors serving 1,270,603 inhabitants (2011 Census). Comparing this to other counties in Ireland shows Cork City with a ratio of 1:8,300 with 48 Councillors serving 399,216 inhabitants; Westmeath County 1:3,700 with 23 Councillors serving 85,961 inhabitants; and Leitrim County 1:1,400 with 22 serving 31,778 inhabitants. “To further exacerbate the point, there are individual electoral divisions in the Dublin region where the ratio is more than 1:12,000. Looking at the rate of public representation in other EU countries, Dublin is also low in comparison. “Given that Dublin is Ireland’s Capital City Region producing the highest percentage of income tax in the country and responsible for the provision and management of the country’s key economic and social resources, the rate of local representation should be considered an important democratic aspect.”
how it will affect Fingal. He (Minister for Environment) did mention County Cork where there are a lot of town councils and the ratio of councillors to the electorate would be quite high. It was a broad ranging meeting and this matter was only
discussed for about two minutes. Maybe there will be something in Fingal, but it is still up there for consultation. If there is a reduction of TDs and the Senate perhaps there will be a reduction in the numbers (of councillors). Some change is needed but how it will affect Fingal, I don’t know,” Cllr Lavin said. There is currently one councillor to 11,000 constituents in Fingal, which is well on the way to being a TD’s representation, according to Labour Councillor, Peter Coyle. “Councillors need to be full-time if that is the case. Is a company prepared to give employees all that time off that they would need to carry out the workload? How are they going to attract young professionals to this? In some counties there is one councillor to 1,100-1,200 people but in Fingal there is one to 11,000,” he said. The Dublin Regional
Authority has already expressed concern about the ratio of councillors to constituents in the Dublin Region and has requested a meeting with the Minister.
Government In relation to the cuts to local government, Minister Hogan said: “The Minister intends to bring recommendations to Government for comprehensive policy decisions on local government structures at regional, city/county and sub-county level. “He is also considering wider proposals to renew and develop the local government system in line with the Government’s programme and building on relevant research and analysis already undertaken in this area. No decisions on structures or the numbers of councillors have been taken; any such changes will, ultimately, be a matter for Government.”
MIMI MURRAY swords@gazettegroup.com
THE hottest place to hang around in Dublin right now is the Yoga4All Studios in Airside Enterprise Centre in Swords, where Dublin’s first antigravity yoga classes started last week, seeing dozens of eager fitness fans suspended upside-down, while learning the latest new celebrity work-out. The fashionable yoga studios, just around the corner from the celebrated Wright Venue, is owned by Suzanne Kenny, one of the few yoga teachers in Ireland trained in anti-gravity yoga by the American creator of the exercise regime, Christopher Harrison. Anti-gravity yoga is a fun fitness regime, designed to improve overall health and physical agility, without straining the body in any way. Using a silk hammock suspended from the ceiling, anti-gravity yoga combines aerial arts, dance and movement, calisthenics, core conditioning and pilates, all within the yoga discipline. Aerial performer Christopher Harrison, a former gymnast and Broadway choreographer, created the new exercise regime fourteen years ago, and travelled to Ireland last year to specifically train Irish teachers. Suzanne Kenny, a yoga teacher of seven years who trained with Yoga Therapy Ireland, was so impressed with the new style work-out that she opened her own yoga studios, Yoga4All, in Airside Business Park in Swords, in order to install 16 antigravity hammocks. According to Suzanne, anti-gravity yoga is actually one of the easiest
Anti-gravity yoga is a fun fitness regime, designed to improve overall health and physical agility
forms of yoga to master, on account of the support provided by the hammock, and the sense of exhilaration in performing the exercise sequence. “Yoga is an amazing exercise form, helping with fitness, flexibility, energy and relaxation. “Anti-gravity yoga goes even further, almost rejuvenating people, and it’s a really fun class to take. “It’s surprising how quickly people adapt to the hammock and, even over the course of my own teacher training, a number of my students found anti-gravity yoga had a measurable impact on their health and wellbeing,” the Dublin yoga teacher said.
Benefits Suzanne, who appeared on the RTE health programme, How Long Will You Live, with Dr Mark Hamilton, says there are medical benefits to be had from performing these yoga moves in a suspended state.
“It is low-impact, it’s great for circulation, it lengthens the spine unlike any other form of exercise, and the effort of finding balance using the hammock is great for core strengthening, and for balance and agility,” she says, pointing out that she has had students suffering from bad backs and sciatica who all found their condition improved greatly after a course of anti-gravity yoga classes. Yoga4All in Airside in Swords has seven antigravity yoga classes a week, each scheduled for 90 minutes. Classes are running six days a week, with morning and evening classes available. A 20% discount is currently available for booking a course online; five classes for just €80, instead of the regular €100 course fee, places are limited. Information is available on www.yoga4all. ie or by calling Suzanne Kenny on 086 845 3210.
6 October 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 5
FastNews
Champs drop by: Hospital visit
Restaurant launches menu ROGANSTOWN Hotel and Country Club are currently holding Restaurant Week, which runs until October 9. They launched their new menu in McLoughlin’s restaurant this week, and, for every dish ordered, they will offer another dish, of the same value, free of charge. The offer is valid for all starters, main courses and desserts. For more information contact 01 8433118 or go to www.roganstown. com.
CORK’S newly crowned
Ladies’ All-Ireland GAA football champions continued their celebrations with a special visit to the children and staff at Children’s University Hospital, Temple Street. All-Ireland winning star Annie Walsh, is pictured showing the Brendan Martin Cup to five-year-old Mark Laurence, from Swords, and four-yearold Dillon Curry, from Glasnevin. Captain Amy O’Shea and fellow All-Ireland stars Annie, Orla Finn and Orlagh Farmer shared the joy of their success with all the children and staff at the hospital as they paraded the Cup and stopping to meet some young fans and their families.
Planning permission
UPDATE: MINISTER GIVES REPORT ON FIRST 12 WEEKS OF SCHEME
JobBridge programme proving very popular FINGAL Dublin and D15 Chamber were updated on the first 12 weeks of the JobBridge internship programme by Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton TD last week. Up to 2,420 opportunities were available on the JobBridge website and 1,470 individuals have commenced their work placement Since its commencement, a variety of measures have been introduced to protect an intern and safeguard the scheme from abuse. In order for an application from a host organisation to be approved, it must meet a number of criteria to ensure that the potential internship is one of quality. The JobBridge team has a strict vetting process in
place to ensure that proposed internships meet the quality requirements. Commenting on the success of the scheme to date, Minister Burton said: “JobBridge is a central pillar in the Government’s Jobs Initiative strategy as it assists those seeking employment to gain valuable experience while enhancing their prospects of securing employment. “I am delighted with the current high level of interest from companies in the JobBridge scheme. “At the time of JobBridge’s launch, I issued a call to action to the companies and I am very pleased that so many have actively engaged with the programme. “As there are in excess of 2,400 internship
opportunities currently available on the JobBridge website, I am now calling on prospective interns to seriously consider participating in the JobBridge scheme. “There are internships available to individuals of all skill levels, ranging from those who left school early to highly qualified graduates of third level. “The beauty of JobBridge is that it can offer a diverse range of jobseekers an opportunity that will, at the very least, enhance their employability.” The Steering Group for the National Internship Scheme recently reviewed the participant eligibility requirements for JobBridge and decided that time spent
PLANNING permission has been granted to Lorand Szanto for the extension of a private members card club at the Mall in Swords. Fingal County Council granted planning permission at Unit 22 in the Mall at the end of September. The extension will include a change of use from offices to private members club with total extension of 53 sq m, for use as ancillary to existing private members club to include additional toilets, tea/coffee area and amusements area.
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Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton TD
on Back to Education Allowance, VTOS, FAS/ Failte Ireland Training courses, Youthreach, FIT, Community Employment Schemes, TUS, the Rural Social Scheme, Back to Work Scheme, FAS Job Initiative or Job Assist may count towards the 78-day qualifying period. To avail of the JobBridge internship scheme following a training
course the person must have a live claim on the Live Register. This change came into effect from last Monday, September 26. Commenting on this change to the qualifying criteria, Minister Burton said: “Moving from training to work placement is a natural progression and will fur ther enhance the
‘The beauty of Garth Brooks tribute show JobBridge is Start will host that it can offer HOME a Garth Brooks Tribute a diverse range Show fundraiser at Fingallians in Swords this of jobseekers October 8. Start is a charan opportunity ityHome which offers support, that will, at friendship and practical to families with the very least, help young children in their enhance their own homes in Swords. It is celebrating two employability’ years operating in --------------------------
individual’s prospects of gaining employment. “I would urge those on the relevant schemes to look at the JobBridge website with a view to putting the skills they have learned into practise by taking up an internship.”
Swords and to support the work of the Swords Home Start a fund-raiser has been organised. The show will feature Marcus Prouse, and doors open at 8.30pm. Tickets are €10 and are available at the door from Valerie at 0879462302.
6 SWORDS GAZETTE 6 October 2011
INVESTMENT: JOBS CREATION
EVENT Discussing issues of concern to older people
Vital funding boost for Dublin North DUBLIN Nor th has received some muchneeded direct funding for job creation, according to Fine Gael TD, Alan Farrell. “Fingal County Enterprise board will receive extra funding for job creation over the coming months,” Deputy Farrell said whilst commenting on the announcement by Minister for Small Business, John Perry, this week, that a further €3.1 million will be allocated to City and County Enterprise Boards for direct investment in job creation, as a result of savings in his department this year. “This is great news for the Fingal County Enterprise Board, who will be in receipt of an extra €175,000 this year, which, in turn, will create up to 18 jobs in Dublin North. “Having previously served as both director and a member of the Fingal County Enterprise Board, I find it very encouraging that there is sufficient demand from projects in Dublin North to justify these requests, and this shows that the start-up spirit is alive and well in the area.
Support “The provision of this additional funding to support businesses is further evidence of the Government’s commitment to the small business sector. “If we are to get out of this crisis, it is crucial that we strive in every way possible to encourage the start-up and expanding businesses that will create the jobs of the future. “The County and City Enterprise Boards around the countr y have a key role to play in providing muchneeded capital for these businesses,” he said.
Minister for Health, James Reilly, attended the event which launched Fingal as an age-friendly county
Fingal County Council first for age-friendly FINGAL County Council has become the first county in the Dublin region to go age-friendly and will support any future developments under its new age-friendly county initiative. A special event at the Europa Academy in Swords, and hosted by RTE’s Miriam O’Callaghan, launched Fingal as an age-friendly county. On the day, representatives from Active Retirement/Senior Citizen’s and Over 55 groups, and representatives from statutor y
and state-funded agencies and organisations attended the event, where it discussed issues of concern to older people and explored new ways of dealing with these concerns. T he initiative is described as a new opportunity, both for Statutory and StateFunded Agencies, Community and Voluntary Organisations and older people themselves, to plan differently by consulting with older people and by delivering on services for older people in the county in a col-
laborative way. Fingal County manager, David O’Connor thanked everyone for their commitment to the initiative. He assured participants that all of the issues, concerns and ideas raised as part of the day’s event would be considered and acted upon where possible. He promised that Fingal County Council, in collaboration with State and State-funded agencies and community and voluntary organisations, were committed to delivering on an age-friendly
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‘It is only through consulting that we really know what older people want, but that this should not just be about older people, but for all of Fingal to ask’ --------------------------------------------------------
strategy for Fingal. Minister for Health, James Reilly reminded participants that Ireland was going to have substantially greater numbers of older people in the future and that we needed to challenge the assumption that this might be a negative
prospect. “Playing our cards right, means having age-friendly policies and programmes in place so people enjoy the possible quality of life as they grow older; older people should be able to live healthily and independently.
They should be active par ticipants in their own communities,” said Minister Reilly Noel Mulvihill, HSE, assistant national director of Services to Older People, welcomed the collaboration of all statutory, voluntary and private agencies coming together with a shared vision to make age friendly happen in Fingal. “It is only through consulting that we really know what older people want, but that this should not just be about older people, but for all of Fingal to ask.”
6 October 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 7
8 SWORDS GAZETTE 6 October 2011
R1
EVENT Celtic Healing hold the opening of their brand new
Positive news on healing HERE was good news for those wishing to unlock positive energy and clear energy systems when bio-energy experts, Celtic Healing, opened their Dublin treatment centre at the Sands Hotel in Portmarnock. Guests at the launch included former Minister for Health Dr Michael Woods, acclaimed author Bernadette Bohan, Today FM DJ Tony Fenton, personal trainer to the stars Paul Byrne and wife Siobhan, beauty guru Triona McCarthy and Miss North County Dublin, Rebecca Maher. Bio-energy is a complementary therapy and works in conjunction with conventional medicine but it can speed up healing time on all injuries, sports, accidents, minor and major.
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Peter Woods, Sinead Woods, Noreen Hanna and Paddy Dalton . Picture: Brian McEvoy
Stephen Bateson and Anne Marie Elliott
Valerie Roe and Fauve Chapman
Patricia Roe and Jenny Roe
Rita Costello and Sinead Woods
Alison Canavan
6 October 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 9
Dublin treatment centre at the Sands Hotel in Portmarnock
Ruth Duffy, Laura Mulcahy and Natalia Arnaiz
Peter Woods, Michael Woods, the former Minister for Health, and Paddy Dalton
Caroline Dalton and Catherine Longul
Helen O’Dwyer and Paul Ryan
Roz Flanagan and Jeanette Sung
10 SWORDS GAZETTE 6 October 2011
TAKE TWO Another look at The Global Party in the Wright Venue
Ali Chawke and Charlie Chawke
Niall O’Farrell and Aisling Alcock
Liz Dunne and Natalie Rossiter. Picture: Brian McEvoy
Suzanne Deegan and Aidan Deegan
Linking the world for a worthy cause ITH so many stylish and glamorous people attending the recent Global Party night at The Wright Venue, we decided to bring you some more fantastic photographs from a memorable night. The Global Party was a party of global
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proportion, for vital global causes, with ongoing global benefits. Eighty parties took place in 80 of the world’s most spectacular cities, in 80 of the world’s most illustrious venues, all within a 24-hour period. The Wright Venue was selected as the only venue
Lauren Hendricken and Michelle McGeady
in Ireland, with all proceeds on the night going to a selection of charities. Super Star DJ Roger Sanchez performed to a capacity crowd on the highly anticipated night, with a host of socialites and celebrities arriving in their finery.
Stephen Bateson and Rebecca Cat O Broin and Shane Gillen
Martin O’Neill, Brendan McCuskar and Salvo Liberander
Maher
Debbie McQuillan and Nikki Fitzpatrick
6 October 2011 GAZETTE 11
GazetteNUTRITION NUTRITION FEEDING THE BODY AND MIND: LEILA JOHARI EXPLAINS HOW FOOD EFFECTS MOOD
Kick the autumn blues with some healthy eating LEILA JOHARI
F O R m a ny p e o p l e autumn can be a gloomy time. Summer has ended, holidays are over, days are getting darker and colder. There is not much to look forward to and often people feel slightly depressed and low. Autumn doesn’t have to be this way. It can be seen as a second new year. It is the perfect time to rev up your energy levels and prepare for those winter months. Poor eating habits can lead to lack of energy, anxiety and depression. By understanding balanced eating, it is easy improve your energy levels and boost your mood. To function properly, your body needs a daily intake of a full range of essential nutrients, including a variety of fruits, vegetables, pulses, whole grains, lowfat dairy products, lean meats, fish and healthy oils such as olive. The foods we eat contain two main categories
of nutrients. Macronutrients include proteins, carbohydrates and fats, and provide energy. Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients found in fruit and vegetables. They play a critical role in maintaining the body’s normal functions and processes. The key to achieving a healthy, well-balanced diet is to eat a wide variety of different foods. Raw materials
Levels of depression are higher among people eating mostly junk food. These foods are heavily processed and contain additives. People who eat lots of junk foods tend not to eat enough healthy food. In simple terms, your body and brain are made from the foods you eat – if you don’t give it the basic raw materials then nothing will work the way it should. If you put unleaded petrol in a car that runs on diesel the consequences would not be good! So, what foods are best
to avoid and what foods are best to eat in order to achieve optimum health? A high-sugar diet can affect our mood. While high levels of sugar in the blood make us feel better temporarily it is followed by a sugar crash that causes a severe dip in mood. Instead of snacking on sugary foods, such as cakes and biscuits, choose foods, such as oatcakes, which help balance blood sugar levels by releasing energy slowly. Junk foods contain saturated fats. Such fats are unhealthy and on digestion can release a lot of toxins into your body. Saturated fats are found in foods, such as red meat, cheese, butter and cakes. There are certain nutrients that are particularly beneficial for keeping the brain, and so our moods, healthy. Iron is essential for healthy brain development and is found in lean red meat, chicken, turkey, green vegetables, such as
spinach and pulses. Antioxidants help to protect the body from toxins and keep blood vessels healthy. The best sources of antioxidants are fresh fruit and vegetables. It is the perfect season for apples which help fight the effects of bad cholesterol and prevent heart disease. Next time you want dessert, why not try a stewed apple with cinnamon? Omega-3 fats are essential for healthy brain function. They can be as effective as some antidepressants in treating mild depression. Oil-rich fish such as mackerel, salmon and trout are good sources. Finally, B vitamins, especially thiamine, improve mood. The best sources are B vitamins are found in high-fibre foods, such as whole grain cereals and bread, and in fortified milk and yogurt. This autumn don’t let your mood fall like the leaves!
The Gazette’s new nutrition expert, Leila Johari
12 GAZETTE 6 October 2011
WEDDINGS
A big day at Green Isle Hotel THE Green Isle Hotel Dublin offers an innovative and elegant wedding programme with a trained, professional team to ensure that every wedding is truly memorable. A combination of excellent menus and wines, the loveliest linens and floral arrangements and a choice of banqueting suites make choosing the perfect venue easy. The team will work tirelessly to ensure the big day is a special one for all involved. The staff will help choose the best menu to suit every budget, and, with their years of experience, can advise on entertainment, wines or ideas on table decorations and photography. All-inclusive packages, such as a wedding reception for 100 guests for only €3,300, are available. Call 01 4593406 to make an appointment to meet the team and see the room set for a wedding.
EDUCATION Student spends six weeks in Singapore
An internship of a lifetime Q PAUL HOSFORD
FOR any 18-year old, spending six weeks in a foreign country is an intimidating prospect, but for Seth Smith the chance to spend the summer after completing his Leaving Cert in Singapore was one that was too good to refuse. The confident youngster, who begins studying Computer Science in Trinity this month, was part of the Digital Life Academy (DLA) an intensive six-week programme designed to inspire young people to start up their own companies. Even so, he bristles at the notion of being labelled an entrepreneur. “I think an entrepreneur is someone who takes on a risk. It’s a word that is thrown around a lot, but I would like to be a successful businessman. “To be completely honest, it was quite random becoming involved. My friend got an email from his brother about the internship and I looked at it and thought it sounded
amazing. “So I went home and made a video presentation and sent it off. “Then I got a few missed calls and checked my email at about midnight and there was one saying I’d got the internship.” Given that Singapore has spent S$1 billion setting up the Technopreneurship Investment Fund (TIF) to attract and encourage companies to undertake risks of backing promising ideas, it is the ideal place to kick off the DLA and a place Seth had no problem going to. “I’ve always been an independent type and I quite like that. I’m currently looking for an apartment myself for college.” The DLA aims to educate a new class of entrepreneurs, who thrive on the usage of social media. Interns are given training in areas like company formation, fundraising, product development, marketing and financial management. Talks feature key figures in internet
and business, including Yahoo! Inc’s David Gowdey, Google’s Julian Persaud and Ocean Group International’s Timur Sardarov. The whole experience is one that left Seth in awe. “It was mind-blowing. There was 33 people from 17 different countries and the atmosphere created was a serious buzz. “We were all running around, working on various projects and it was amazing. “I think Singapore is much more upbeat. We’d work from 9am to 8pm and you wouldn’t even notice. We’d all go for dinner and then go back to work. It was never forced on us, but we felt obliged to do it because we enjoyed it. “The DLA is an unforgettable experience that will change your whole perspective on what it takes to start a company. I feel so fortunate in being given the opportunity to work with like-minded individuals who share the same passion as myself. Hopefully,
I will work with people like this in the future. “ T h e DL A is going to be repeated between January and March and I will be very involved and, hopefully, we’ll have an Irish person involved.” For more, see here http://w w w.digitallifeacademy.com/ about
Dubliner Seth Smith took part in a six-week programme with the Digital Life Academy in Singapore
6 October 2011 GAZETTE 13
Wedding bliss: Ideal location for the big day EVERY one wants to be somewhere special for their Wedding Day. The five-star Radisson Blu St Helen’s Hotel is very special, centered on a fine 18th-century mansion set in four acres of formal gardens. Guests get all the advantages of a world-class, five-star hotel with all of the character of a Georgian stately home, with stunning photo opportunities! For that special wedding day, be it an intimate or large, traditional gathering, the Radisson Blu St. Helen’s Hotel can cater for both in the perfect surroundings of the magnificent garden. The hotel recently hosted a Wedding Fair including a fashion show on the lawns that featured newly crowned Miss Ireland, Holly Carpenter. For further information contact Radisson Blu St Helen’s Hotel, Stillorgan, on 01 218 6000 or visit www.radissonblu. ie/sthelenshotel-dublin, or see their facebook page on www.facebook.com/ radissonblusthelensdublin.
14 GAZETTE 6 October 2011
GazettePETS PETS
Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA
PETS AND FAMILIES: DON’T FORGET, THERE IS MORE TO OWNING A DOG THAN WALKS
Kids, do you have what it takes to own a dog? S A small child, I grew up with dogs, and, as an awkward, geeky teenager, most of the time the only friend who totally understood me was Kimmie, my beautiful, faithful, chocolate brown Wheaten Terrier whom my dad bought for me when I came home from hospital as a one-year-old toddler. Kimmie remained my
A
Almost all kids dream of having their very own dog, but answer our questions to see if they have what it takes to take care of their new best friend
faithful best friend until his death from testicular cancer when I was 17 years old. So, it’s fair to say I love dogs; (regular readers will know this), and I always knew when I became a mom, my kids (now adults) would have dogs and would be brought up to love, care, nurture and cherish them, just as I was. And, no, we’re not the Brady Bunch; we’re more like The Simpsons. So, when parents ask me if I believe kids and dogs go together, my answer is always going to be a resounding YES! But I also ask the parents if they personally want a dog and if the answer is “NO,” then I advise them to consider asking their child who will “absolutely love and walk and care for the dog,” the following questions in order to help them plan effectively for their new best friend. So, if you’re a kid who’s trying to prove to your parents you’re capable of taking care of a dog, see how many of the following questions you can answer: • Am I kind and gentle
someone needs help and
• When you take your
do I help them?
dog for a walk you must
• During the past
pick up the poo. You
week, how many times
must carry poo bags
and ways have I been
and you must bin them
responsible?
properly. • Dogs shed hair.
And then… I know I’m responsible, but how do I let my family know I’m responsible enough to have a dog as a pet?
• Dogs can vomit.
• Tell them about a time
carpet.
when you were kind to
• Dogs can jump up
an animal. For example,
and down on your new
did you help an injured
clothes and chew your
animal? Did you feed
favourite toys.
the birds who visit your
• Dogs need to be taken
garden?
to the vet, they need to
• Decide how much time
be groomed and bathed
you’ll have to spend with
and they need their nails
your dog and tell your
clipped.
mom how you plan to
• Dogs get worms, ear
spend it. How much time
mites and fleas.
will you have to walk,
• Dogs can run away
groom and play with
from home so they must
your dog?
be microchipped.
• Find out what type of
• Dogs need to be put
food you’ll feed your dog
into boarding kennels
and how much it will cost
when you go on holiday,
each week.
or they need a pet sitter.
• Read the Dublin SPCA’s
• Dogs need lots of
special information
things, like leads,
on the importance of
collars, a kennel, a bed
spaying and neutering
for the house because
your dog.
a dog must be allowed
• Ask your family if
access to your home; he
everyone else living in
cannot be left outside all
the house is happy to
of the time.
have a dog.
• And… the saddest fact
when it comes to dealing with animals?
• During the past week, how many times and
• Puppies are cute but
ways have I shown
they grow into big dogs.
kindness to people and
Not all dogs grow big but
animals?
some do; so check with
• Am I responsible? (This
your vet and find out
means, that I can think
what type of dog is likely
for myself).
to be large and what
• Do I know when the
type is likely to remain
right thing needs to be
small.
done and do I do it?
• Dogs bark. Some bark
• Do I know when
an awful lot of the time.
to spend with a dog?
furniture; especially a teething puppy. • Dogs can pee and poo and make a mess on the
of all kids; some day,
When your child has read and understood the above, ask them to keep the following in mind:
• Have I got lots of time
• Dogs can chew
sadly, your dog will die.
So, boys and girls, you’ve answered all of the above and are happy you still want a dog as a pet. Wonderful. Get Mom to get in touch with the Dublin SPCA; at www.dspca.ie we’ve lots of cuties just waiting on their forever homes. For more information email me at miriam.kerins@dspca.ie
6 October 2011 GAZETTE 15
GazetteMUSIC MUSIC INTERVIEW: DUBLIN 15 BAND LEARNING THE ROPES ON THE ROAD AND ONLINE
Magic and hard graft the keys to music success Q ROB HEIGH
THE playing field for new bands keeps changing as new media avenues open up, but one thing that stays true is that hard graft and dedication will get you to the next level. This is especially true of local band, Last Second Magic, who are travelling to Canada next week to take part in Toronto Indie Week for the second consecutive year. The hardest working band in Dublin 15 have built up a dedicated following across the city and across the wider world with their melodic stylings, exciting gigs and inspired cover versions. But their ongoing success is based on more than just those strengths, as GazetteMusic found out when we spoke to lead singer, Paul Hosford. “More and more people are getting interested in the band. We’re keen to make sure we know and understand what is working for us, because there are thousands of bands out there, and you need to be smarter about that kind of thing to make sure you are seen.” The band came from the ashes of Blanchardstown band, A Careless Thief, and the collective have seen a number of personnel changes, which have led to a settled lineup who are reaping the rewards of hard work and understanding how to reach their audience. “Since we went to Toronto last year, we have had a lot of change; we have had a member leave and two new ones join us, so we are a different band in many ways, including the way we approach making music. “We were looking at
our sets, and we have only two or three songs that are still in the set from this time last year. We are still playing to our melodic and clever strengths, but there is a more crafted approach in what we do. “This will be our third Indie Week, as we did Toronto last year, Indie Week Ireland in March and now back to Toronto. We’re playing a gig in Niagara Falls, and there will be a week of gigs for us. “We learned a huge amount the last time we were there as a band. In terms of the business side of things — PR, design, how you portray yourself in the media and social media, getting things organised.” The band came back
inspired by their last trip to Canada, and recorded and released their last EP, We Miss You, Black Stalin, and the expectation is that all they have learned since then, together with another great experience in front of international audiences, will see another burst of creativity and career building. “T he last EP was recorded with Lee Boylan, drummer with Fight Like Apes, and taking time to put a bit of effort and care into what we do is really important, as we learned in Toronto last year. “When we come back, we’re planning to record a full album. We have a set of songs that we’re happy with, and our enthusiasm and energy is rising with
Last Second Magic are on their way to Toronto to take part in the Indie Week showcase
16 GAZETTE 6 October 2011
GazetteGAMING GAMING Bytesandpieces Masterpieces re-released in HD TWO “new” PlayStation 3 titles have been rereleased that are practically reason enough to buy Sony’s console. Conveniently bundled together, Ico and Shadow of the Colossus (below) are two titles that, individually and collectively, come as close to defining pure genius in gaming as anything else in the past 30-odd years or so. Both titles were released on the PlayStation 2 several years ago to universal acclaim – and universally underwhelming sales. Critics adored the titles, but gamut the general gam ing public ignored them (as the comprehensive reviews of both titles on Wikipedia may explain). However, with both titles constantly appearing near the top in critics’ Best Games of All Time lists, Ico, and Shadow of the Colossus, have been re-released in HD. There’s no highly-polished redesign; the games re-use the same assets – but, presented in crisp, widescreen glory, there’s no excuse for PS3 gamers not to grab a copy now of these two singularly memorable titles. My reason to just buy a new PlayStation 3 has hit the shelves ...
A highly-polished Gears SHANE DILLON
ALTHOUGH I certainly don’t want to get in the habit of returning to previously mentioned titles, or to seem like I favour one console over another (as I don’t), I’m returning tto Gears of War 3, as I said I would do so in my previous column. p By now, Gears has swept aside all opposittion in the charts, which was a sure-fire certainty w ffor Microsoft, with Gears being a key franchise for the XBox in ways that, say, the Metal Gear Solid franchise is for PlayStation. So, having blitzed through the single-player campaign, as well as stormed through the multiplayer modes, how does this conclusion to the trilogy play out?
Fortunately, the series has reached a satisfying conclusion, along with all of the manic set pieces and all-out action fans could expect, with an hour spent with Gears generally providing more action than many a film director’s entire canon. And yet, lest nongamers or mildly curious readers dismiss the game as just another frantic shooter, there’s a noticeably thoughtful undercurrent underpinning the trilogy’s conclusion, thanks to the series writer, Karen Traviss. Sensibly deciding that, even in such a hectic action game, the good guys don’t always win – and that heroes die just like everybody else – she’s given emotional and intellectual depth to the conclusion, for those
Things don’t look good for Marcus and his friends as mutated Lambent attack, in a fairly typical scene from Gears of War 3
who look behind the visuals and gameplay. And what gameplay. The single-player mode is, of course, packed full of memorable pieces, but the mutiplayer is pretty striking, In addition to the usual player-vs-player, team-vs-team modes, the most interesting, Horde,
sees a random group of people team up to fight through progressively tougher waves of enemies, requiring teamwork, skill –and a little luck. I have to make special mention of the multiplayer maps, with some, such as the Overpass level, providing superb visuals.
The artistry of Gears’ “destroyed beauty” in its environmental design has simply never looked better. In short, while gamers wait for the likes of Battlefield 3, and Skyrim, Gears of War 3 is a frantically entertaining title for adult gamers to enjoy.
6 October 2011 GAZETTE 17
OPINION A candidate’s Presidential vision
‘It’s about all of us working together’ I AM running for President of Ireland because I want to do for jobs and enterprise what President Mary McAleese did for peace. Fourteen years ago, Mary McAleese chose building bridges as her central theme and she used her background, work history and life experience to help to build and consolidate peace on our island, despite there being no political or constitutional role for President McAleese to do this. I have a background in farming and agriculture, youth and community work, public service, enterprise and entrepreneurship. I have worked hard to overcome many challenges, including unemployment and a visual impairment. Yet, I have always focused on what I can do and what I am good at. When I travel around the country, as I have done for the past few years, mentoring, advising and supporting groups of young people, those unemployed, business
Sean Gallagher
networks, entrepreneurs, community, voluntary and advocacy groups, my message is always the same: We all must put our strengths to work to achieve our goals. When I decided, to run for the Presidency, it was because, after years of challenging others to be leaders in their own communities, I felt I had to stand forward myself. After I launched my website, www.seangallagher.com in July and I embarked on a listening tour of the country. I wanted to hear from people in community groups, in businesses, in shopping
centres and at festivals what they wanted to see in their next President. It has been a wonderful journey. I have visited 22 counties, over 60 locations and travelled almost 20,000kms. Those I met have told me of their greatest concerns and that has been for their jobs and for their families. They have told me that they want a President who will believe in them and in the future of our country. I heard that people want a President who is beyond politics, who is truly independent and who will be the voice and face of Ireland – not just now, but the Ireland we want to see in the future. As President, I want to focus on what we do well. I want to highlight and celebrate the work done by enterprise groups, business networks, Chambers of Commerce, those supporting unemployed people and entrepreneurs. I want the excellent work that is being done to inspire others to create jobs in their local towns
and villages. These jobs provide the glue that holds the community together – it provides money to keep the school open, the services running and the sports team on the field. Abroad, I want to use my enterprise background to lead trade missions to help open new markets for Irish businesses, attract tourists and bring foreign investment to Ireland. All of this has the potential to increase jobs at home. I believe that, as a country, we must focus on what we do well, including food production, tourism and new innovative industries such as technology and pharmaceuticals. We need to tell the world the story of our success and stop wallowing in our failures. That is why I want to put enterprise at the heart of the next Presidency. While this focus on enterprise and job creation is important, it is even more essential for what it can do for our local communities. As our economy has suffered,
so have our communities. Yet, what I have seen on my listening tour is a fantastic reliance and a giving spirit as people have more time to offer. Just last week, I was at a World Suicide Prevention Day with Pieta House, and I was heartened by the work and energy of the volunteers who were coming together to support those in real distress. These are the real heroes in country, who need to be commended and celebrated as they can inspire such great work in others. I am not a politician and I do not have the war chest or resources of a political party behind me. That is why I value those volunteers who are coming forward to work on our campaign, to canvass and fundraise. This campaign is not about me, it is about all of us working together to secure the Presidency for the people.
Sean Gallagher Presidential Candidate
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18 GAZETTE 6 October 2011
GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS
Supported by AIB
HEATING: TOP TIPS FOR KEEPING THE FAMILY WARM THIS WINTER ANSWERS TO YOUR PERSONAL FINANCE QUESTIONS
DROPPING THE MORTGAGE GUARANTOR Q – Seven years ago, my mother, who is now 76, guaranteed my mortgage – I was a little shy of the required income level then but the bank insisted she be put on the mortgage. Even with a recent salary reduction, I am nearly at the level where my own income now is sufficient for the mortgage while I also have
The team at Topaz Local Fuels is ready for a busy winter
savings that could reduce my mortgage to even more acceptable levels. I now want to take my mother off the loan while my mortgage is also on a fixed interest rate with my bank. What’s the best way to proceed with this ? Jenny – Malahide A - Hindsight is a wonderful thing – accepting a 69-year-old mother to guarantee a daughter’s 30+ year home loan should never have been allowed in the first place. You have a number of steps to take : Make an appointment to meet your lender ( the sooner the better ) Bring your P60 from 2010, your last 3 pay slips and ideally an up-to-date status employment note from your employer First you should request that, based on your current income and job security, your mortgage be placed solely in your name and that Your mother’s name be deleted from the mortgage deed – with the repayment and loan amount to remain the same If they deem your income insufficient to warrant the request ( and parameters are changing all the time ), ask them what level of borrowing would satisfy them based on your current income that would allow your mother’s guarantee to be waived ? If you have savings, offer to either pay off the amount to the level they desire – the bank should be delighted with the lump sum - or if they are going to charge a fee for breaking the fixed rate, then place that amount in a deposit account with the bank when they can attach a lien as security for the mortgage until the fixed rate matures and it can be repaid against the mortgage at that stage. In the interim, ensure you are receiving top deposit rates with that bank. If you are allowed to repay without penalty, it will also reduce your monthly mortgage pro rata. Better for your cash flow. You will need to brief your solicitor to make the necessary legal changes.
Contact John Lowe 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
IF YOU’VE felt the chill that has crept into the autumn air over the last few days, you know that winter is well and truly on its way. There are even predictions that there will be a cold snap as early as October, this year. Last year, many people did not realise that their oil tanks were so low and the increased demand during the cold snaps put pressure on oil companies, meaning many people had to endure the harsh cold while they waited days or even weeks for their delivery. With this in mind, the message from
fuel distributors nationwide is strong and simple. Prepare and order early. With Christmas edging ever closer on the horizon, getting the expense of home heating out of the way now will ensure you are in a much better financial position come the festive season, not to mention the reassurance it brings that you and your family won’t be experiencing a truly cold wintry night. First things first, get your boiler serviced. An efficient boiler will save you considerable money over the winter months. Next,
Don’t be left out in the cold this winter make sure that draughts are eliminated. Often, we waste more heat than we enjoy. Finally, set your thermostat to a pleasant background level, somewhere between 18 – 20 degrees. Reducing temperature by 1 degree can decrease fuel usage by 10%. Also, set your timer so you can enjoy the benefits of a warm house. You should
be able to rise in the morning to a chill free bathroom and kitchen. And if you are out all day, is there anything more enjoyable than returning to a warm, welcoming home? Last winter, Keith McGouran, the Depot Manager for Topaz Local Fuels, Dublin took the decision not to let any of their customers endure
the freezing temperatures. A lot of learnings were gleaned from last year’s experience and Topaz Local Fuels have pulled out all the stops to ensure their product offering has diversified to cater for the worsening economic and weather climates. Visit www.topazlocalfuels.ie or call 1850 250 650 for more information.
New legislation affecting couples living together NOREEN MULDOON
FROM January 1, 2011, the Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010 came into effect. There are over 120,000 co-habitants in Ireland who are possibly affected by this Act. This new act allows unmarried couples apply to court for financial relief similar to that allowed under the Judicial Separation and Divorce Act. To qualify the adult individuals must have been living together as a couple for a period of: Two years or more in the case where they are the parents of one or more dependant children Five years or more in any other
case. Under the Act an “ex” may now look to court for an order of maintenance, pension and/or an interest in a property (property adjustment order). They must meet certain criteria. For example, they need to show they have been financially dependant on the other party as a result of the relationship. An application must be brought before the court within two years “save in exceptional circumstances” from the time of the breakdown of the relationship regardless of how the relationship ends. A party can also apply to court to look for a share of a deceased partner's estate, although there
is not an automatic entitlement to this. To stop rights being established a “co-habitant agreement” can be entered into, which can set out any financial arrangements between the parties. If a couple decide to opt out of the provisions of the Act and draft such an agreement, independent legal advice needs to be obtained from a solicitor by both people. Also be aware that, if such an agreement is fundamentally unfair and unjust, a court can set the agreement aside or vary it. In summary, it is important to note that previously unmarried couples had no legal rights to the assets or the estate of their partner; now, however, couples
living together can automatically obtain rights under the Act even if they have not taken steps to register their relationship. Maguire Muldoon Solicitors Clonskeagh Dublin 14 Tel (01) 296 4266 www.maguiremuldoon.ie
G A Z E T T E G R O U P N E W S P A P E R S
13 January 2011 GAZETTE 19
OCT 2011
YOUR
PENSION YOUR GUIDE TO PLANNING FOR YOUR FUTURE
GETTING THE RIGHT ADVICE: Are pensions still a good option? Page 20
Jedward factor: Roisin Ni Mhorain THE FAMILY on how there BUSINESS: are far worse Providing for role models than the your company’s twins from Lucan future Page Page 2229
Safety first for pensions in 2011 Q SUSAN GIBSON Head of Pensions, Irish Life Retail
FOR most people starting a pension was just something we did when we started working or when we set up our business. It just seemed sensible to start putting money by while we had it, to take account of the years ahead when we wouldn’t have it! Saving for a more secure future
Despite the challenging financial environment we all face, the critical fact remains – saving for our retirement is as important and as sensible as ever. And, for those who put plans in place, the
benefit is immediate. A recent study by Amarach Research showed that people who are saving for their retirement with a pension were twice as confident about their future compared to those who weren’t putting anything by. Know your pension options
It’s important to understand that not all pension plans are the same. There’s actually a range of options to choose from when investing into a pension plan. So you should be able to choose from safer, lower-risk options right the way though to more adventurous ones. Then, as your circumstances change over time, you should be able to switch
between funds easily, whenever you need to. At Irish Life we’ve a wide range of options so we’ve got something to suit all tastes. Put your pension in good hands
More than 1 million people choose Irish Life to help them look after their financial futures. In fact we currently manage pensions and investments of over €31 billion. As Ireland’s leading provider it may not surprise you that we look after the pensions of most of Ireland’s leading companies. However, you may not be aware that seven of the 10 biggest US companies choose Irish Life pensions for their Irish employees.
Get some advice
Getting your pension sorted is one of the most important decisions you can make. With so much at stake, choosing your pension provider, and understanding all the options available, has never been more important. For advice on planning for your retirement, talk to your independent broker, or contact your local Irish Life Financial Adviser to help you plan ahead for a more secure future.
Information is correct August 2011. Pensions are long-term savings plans that can only be taken at retirement. Irish Life Assurance plc is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
Susan Gibson, head of pensions, Irish Life Retail
20 GAZETTE 6 October 2011
YOUR
PENSION
YOUR GUIDE TO PLANNING FOR YOUR FUTURE
l G ET TI NG T H E R I GH T A DV I CE l
A pension? I’d be better off in the Post Office DAMIAN EVANS
Fingal Financial
OVER the last few months, I have heard a number of discussions relating to the continued use of private pension plans. This is usually related to the falls in fund values, negative sentiment regarding global economies and taxation changes. My advice is that, for most people
funding long-term for retirement, pensions are still the best game in town. Some of the key points to remember are: 1. Security
IT IS important to remember that insurance companies are not banks. The liquidity requirements for insurance companies are much, much more onerous than for the banking sector. An insurance com-
pany must at least match assets and liabilities and, indeed, most insurers exceed this. If you have a Self Administered Fund with a Pensioneer trustee, your assets are held in a ring-fenced trust, so should the Trustee company face difficulties or indeed become insolvent, your assets are protected. 2. Investment Performance
YES, it has been a pretty torrid time for global equity and bond markets. The credit crunch that started in the US has now turned into a European Sovereign Debt Crisis and we have had our own property and banking problems along the way. Advisers can’t pretend to be able to predict the future; however, we can plan a portfolio and guide our clients through the various behaviours of assets so that there are fewer surprises. Investment markets will rise and fall. It is their nature. You can, however, have a lot of influence over how your overall investment portfolio rises and falls comapred with global market benchmarks.
3. Investment strategy
MATCHING your invest-
For most people, pensions are still one of the best options for saving for your retirement
ment portfolio to your investment term, and taking into account your attitude to risk, should lead to fewer surprises when receiving your fund valuations. There have never been more investment options out there, ranging from 100% capital protected to riskier leveraged investments, and everything in between. 4. Tax Benefits
TAX relief at up to 41% is still available. Ignoring charges and investment performance, to accumulate a fund of €500,000 outside of a pension, it would cost you nearly €850,000. Compare that to saving into a pension
plan where the equivalent cost would be €500,000 and you can access 25% of that tax-free upon maturity. 5. Review – Regularly
INVESTMENT markets change. Attitude to risk changes. In my experience, during the boom years, investors became overly aggressive about their own capacity for risk and many have subsequently come to realise this, to their cost. Experieneced independent professional advice can offer diversification solutions and offer an impartial view to ensure that both the investment growth potential and risk
profile are within specific agreed criteria. Damian Evans is Account Director with Fingal Financial. He can be contacted at 018404012 or damian@fingalfinancial. ie Not all recommendations are necessarily suitable for all investors and Fingal Financial recommend that specific independent advice should always be sought prior to entering any financial contract, based on the particular circumstances of the individual. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future returns. The value of investments and the income from them can fall as well as rise. Any person acting on the information contained in this article does so entirely at his or her own risk. All estimates, views and opinions included in this article constitute Fingal Financial’s judgment as of the date of the article but may be subject to change without notice.
What, exactly, is QROPS? ON moving abroad, many British expatriates will have left their UK pension rights retained in their existing arrangements. These private pensions remain subject to UK pensions law with the effective requirement to purchase an annuity at a later stage (and in any case no later than attaining 75 years of age without the later prospect of huge tax charges otherwise). Additionally, UK taxation may be suffered on pension payments. Under UK legislation introduced in 2004, effective from April 2006, expatriates or UK residents who have a demonstrable intention to reside outside of the UK may transfer the value of their UK pension rights to a non-UK pension scheme and thus avoid all the normal restrictions imposed on the pension fund if it remained in
the UK. The transfer must be made to a Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme (QROPS for short) that is approved by HMRC. Do I qualify for this scheme?
Cases should be examined on an individual basis but the basic rules are: The pension holder must become non-resident of the UK and remain so for at least five complete UK tax years. The existing UK pension scheme can be in drawdown (i.e. benefit is being paid from the fund directly – an approach now referred to as “unsecured income”) before transferring to a QROPS. However, there are restrictions and, if the permitted lump sum has been taken, no further lump sums are allowed.
Characteristics of QROPS
QROPS are established so that the underlying investments are not subject to tax and, with careful planning, the pension fund can be continued until retirement date on a tax-free basis. The other principal benefit in transferring a UK Pension to QROPS is that the member can use the pension fund for his lifetime and any remaining balance can be passed on to their heirs upon the member’s death. What do I do next?
If you have worked in the UK and left your pension behind, please contact Imperius Asset Management by telephone: 01 437 088 or by email: office@ImperiusAM. com, to find out how to take advantage of the benefits that may be available to you.
6 October 2011 GAZETTE 21
l F I NA N C I AL S E R V I CE S l
Hardiman’s offer real choice and security THE Hardiman name is a tried and trusted one in financial services, where Pat Hardiman has been providing financial advice since 1976. Pat says: “The most important point that we want to make customers aware of is: Reviewing where your pension is invested could make a substantial difference to the value of your retirement fund. “Do you know where your pension is invested? “We will review your attitude to risk and invest
your pension accordingly. Daniel Hardiman, Chartered Accountant and Qualified Financial Advisor, who has recently joined the team has observed various types of investment strategies used by the leading fund managers in his career to date and will ensure the investment funds selected will be suitable to the individual’s age and risk profile. Example
“For example, it is important that when an individual is approaching
retirement, their pension is invested in a low-risk secure fund. “We now have a platform to invest individuals’ pensions in a range of 100% Capital Guaranteed investments. For example, our customers can now invest their pension in the best deposit interest rates on offer in the market and get a guaranteed return of 4.5% AER and not expose themselves to any investment risk. For lowrisk individuals, we have access to invest pensions in banks who have made
the top 50 safest banks in the world. “There are some good reasons why Hardiman’s free reviews should be considered: “The process for our review is quite simple and we do not charge our customers an initial consultation fee. If we can’t improve your existing arrangements, or reduce the charges on your pension, we will make you
aware of this from the start. We will provide our clients with a concise report tailored to your personal circumstances, which will outline our recommendations. “We can arrange house appointments at a time convenient to you. Call 0877662657, e-mail us at info@hardimans.ie or visit our website www. hardimans.ie for further details.”
Finding someone you can trust to help you with your pension needs is extremely important
22 GAZETTE 6 October 2011
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PENSION
YOUR GUIDE TO PLANNING FOR YOUR FUTURE
l PL A N N I N G FO R T H E F U T U R E l
Taking care of family firms DO YOU own a family firm and worry about providing for the future? Is your pension fund significantly depleted and/ or property portfolio now floored? “It’s time to act to ensure you get the business disposal tax relief, which may be reduced in next Budget.” Business owners who are over 55 years of age, and over 10 years in business, can currently avail of substantial tax reliefs when selling their business or passing it on to family members. How-
ever, these are under attack. Currently, if a business owner sells his or her business (within guidelines) for up to €750,000, there is no Capital Gains Tax (CGT) payable – but it is likely that the tax benefits will be reduced in the next Budget – possibly down to €500,000. Businesses held by husband and wife could avail of €1.5m. Over the last three years in particular, many people have seen their pension funds significantly eroded and many own-
ers of small family firms despair of ever being able to afford to retire. “But there is a very viable way to enable business owners to retire even if their pensions are substantially diminished,” says Gerry O’Reilly, of Newmarket Partnership. One of Gerry’s clients, who he helped with this problem, is Moneywise. ie – a boutique wealthmanagement family firm. Moneywise was established by Owen Morton in 1986 and, in more recent times, he and his two sons shared owner-
ship with each owning a one-third share. Owen was approaching retirement but, like many people over the past three years, his pension fund has suffered badly. Although the business is sound and profitable, neither of his two sons – Alan and Richard – had the money to buy out his shares from him. “Richard and I were really stressing about this as we wanted to enable Dad to retire when he chose to do so – safe in the knowledge that he would have adequate resources with which to enjoy his retirement. The company had some reserves, but, having a young family, we had no spare cash personally to buy him out. So we spoke to Gerry O’Reilly at Newmarket, who has been advising Moneywise for a number of years now. We had known about the relief – as, in a twin strategy with pension funding, we had advised clients on it ourselves but Gerry really approaches the problem in an innovative way,” says Alan. Future
“Gerry advised us how we could use the company’s current reserves and future cashflow to fund Owen’s retirement. “He said there were several ways to structure this, but bottom line is that Owen ended up with a good fund over time and Richard and I ended up in control of the business. We agreed a value on the shares and are paying him this in regular monthly installments – tax-efficiently, thanks to CGT Retirement Relief. Gerry calls this WIN, WIN, WIN and we agree. “My Dad’s retirement
Owen Morton, of Moneywise.ie, client of Gerry O’Reilly of Newmarket Partnership
issue is significantly eased –WIN. We get to take over the business with little outlay –WIN. The outcome is tax friendly – WIN. Collectively, Richard and I and the Company save the tax my Dad would have paid on PAYE – WIN. In summary, Newmarket saved our family €750,000, which certainly makes for a better quality retirement for Dad. This was not something we ever envisaged a relatively small company could achieve.” Complex
However, Alan warned that it is not as simple a transaction as it sounds. “It’s actually pretty complex,” he says, “and this is why we needed Newmarket’s thorough knowledge of the Taxation Code, as well as good legal advice to guide us through share-
holders’ agreements, and what would happen in the case of default for whatever reason.” Gerry O’Reilly comments: “We used the Capital Gains Tax Retirement Relief for this transaction. This means that people can sell their business without incurring tax up to a maximum value of €750,000 once they are over 55 years of age, have worked for 10 years or more and are a shareholder/director in the business. “This is ideal for small family-owned businesses in particular. In certain circumstances, people have found they have not actually retired but just passed on their shares to the next generation and realised some or all of the value.” However, Gerry warns that this €750k figure
could be reduced to €500k in the next Budget as the Government has to claw back money from wherever it can. This measure will particularly affect business owners who have seen their pension fund substantially reduced in value, or who were relying on a property portfolio, which is now in negative equity.” So the advice to owners of family businesses who want to retire, or want to plan their retirement, is to act now. “Don’t leave it until near the end of the year and Budget time, as you need to allow time for the complexities to be worked through,” Gerry concludes. Gerry O’Reilly can be contacted on 01 429 3600 or by email: gerry.oreilly@ newmarket.ie or log on to www.newmarket.ie for further information.
6 October 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 23
GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs
VOLKSWAGEN ANNOUNCES NEW TIGUAN MODELS:
The new Renault Grand Scenic is a competitive people carrier with an entry price of €26,790
Renault’s space machine The market for family cars that have more than five seats remains as strong as ever. MICHAEL MORONEY reports on the Renault Grand Scenic HEN it comes to our children’s safety takes priority. And, for many families, that means that when you sit down to look at what’s on offer in the MPV market you need to start by considering cars with three rows of seats. No matter what options you examine the Renault Grand Scenic will almost always come into the final running. And that’s why I took the Grand Scenic for a test drive. The Grand Scenic is a family oriented car. It is a big car as it’s longer and wider than most of the
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SPECS: RENAULT GRAND SCENIC 1.5 Top speed: 180 km/hr 0 – 100km/hr: 14.3 secs Economy: 20 km/litre (5.0l/100km) CO2 emissions: 124g/km Road Tax Band: B (€156) Entry Price: €26,790
competition. I took it with the slightly higher power 110bhp 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine for a recent test drive. It was the TomTom version so it had all of the best features, especially the TomTom satellite navi-
gation system. And the car was fitted with Renault’s six-speed automatic gearbox that delivers extra driving comfort. The test car was the ultimate in the Grand Scenic range, called the top-of-the-range TomTom model. This car comes with a TomTom satellite navigation system as standard, along with an impressive host of extra goodies. The seating is very flexible and easy to use. The second row of seats consists of individual seats, all of which can slide and fold individually to suit the needs. They can be
folded forward for extra boot space. And, while the third-row seats are not really for adults they are very suitable for children or short runs. You can be sure that with a Euro NCAP five-star rating for the car they will all travel in safety, with proper seat belts and IsoFix fittings for baby seats in the middle row. The third row of seats is easily folded to give a flat boot area. That makes it more spacious than the Opel Zafira or Toyota Verso. Renault is using an easy-to-read digital type layout for the dash infor-
mation, with speed and other features clearly visible for the driver and passengers. Radio controls are on the steering wheel stalk for added safety and there is an iPod connection for those who want their own music. I’m glad to see that Renault still fits a space saver space wheel in all Grand Scenic models, which is the only option in our road conditions. Renault uses a 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine in the Grand Scenic where there is an option of either 95bhp or 110bhp without much compromise in performance or economy.
The car has reasonable acceleration at 14.3 seconds in a 0 to 100km/hr dash. It’s not the fastest midrange MPV around but you can hold a steady 120km/hr on the motorway at just over the 2,500rpm figure on the engine. The Renault Grand Scenic has impressive safety features and the seating is comfortable and supported by a good suspension ride. The car is reasonably thrifty, and very spacious while being good to drive with the benefit of the automatic gearbox.
Honda boosts the Accord range with a new Type S HONDA in Ireland has introduced a new 180bhp Type S diesel version of the Accord for 2012. The car aims to be an alternative to the BMW and Audi options with a more powerful engine and improved driving feel and plenty of extras as standard for a list price of €39,465, plus delivery charges. The exterior of the Type S 180PS, with its 18-inch alloy wheels and aero bumpers and side sills, has a sporty look that reflects the power under the bonnet. The car is equipped with a high beam sup-
port system with Bi Xenon headlights and active cornering lights. Standard features include leather seating and electrically adjustable heated front seats. The car has an advanced dual-zone climate control linked to the satellite navigation system to detect the position of the sun and set the temperature accordingly. Cabin noise has also been reduced through a new floating sub-frame structure with insulated carpets, all adding to an enriched driving experience. Type S 180bhp is combined with a six-
speed manual gearbox. Honda claims that the aim of the engine and transmission development was to maintain the high-performance driving experience whilst improving the overall efficiency of the engine and resulting in lower running costs. Power output is at 180bhp at 4,000 rpm while peak torque is 380Nm at between 2,000 and 2,750rpm. That delivers an improved acceleration performance of 8.8 seconds in a 0-100km/ hr race and a top speed of 220km/h. Despite the extra power the CO2 emis-
sions are below Euro 5 levels at 147g/km putting the car into Road Tax Band C with an annual road tax cost of €302.
VOLKSWAGEN’S latest version of the company SUV, the four-door and five-seat Tiguan is now available in the Irish market, with prices starting from €27,995. The Volkswagen Tiguan features a new look dominated by horizontal lines on the front grille, bringing the model into line with other new Volkswagen models. The Tiguan once again bears a strong resemblance to the bigger Touareg. At the rear, new two-part light clusters give the Tiguan a distinctive appearance. Again, similar to those of the Touareg, they form an ‘L’ shape, while the lower border of the lights also follows a horizontal geometry. Volkswagen offers three trim levels, Trend and Fun, Track and Field and Sport and Style. All will be available with Blue Motion technology diesel engines ranging from 2.0-litre 110hp, 2.0-litre 140hp and 2.0 litre 140hp BMT 4Motion. They all feature Stop/Start and battery regeneration systems to enhance fuel economy and reduce emissions.
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24 SWORDS GAZETTE 6 October 2011
GazetteTTRAVEL What’sOn
Tourism Ireland’s Brian Harte and Mark Henry celebrate reaching a half-million Facebook fans
Land of a thousand welcomes reaches 500,000 Facebook fans TOURISM Ireland has reached a half-million fans on Facebook, making it the third most popular tourism board in the world on the popular social networking site, after Australia and the UK. Social media played an important role in increasing the impact of high-profile TV programmes featuring Ireland this year, including BBC’s Terry Wogan’s Ireland and Monty Halls’ Great Irish Escape; as viewers were tweeting while they watched, Tourism Ireland communicated with them, highlighting some of the great places to visit that featured in the programmes. Mark Henry, Tourism Ireland’s Central Marketing Director, said: “For Tourism Ireland, effective use of social media is about building online communities and starting conversations that allow word of mouth about Ireland as a holiday destination to reach a truly global audience. “When you consider that each of our fans has in turn an average of 130 friends, this fan base for Ireland means that we can potentially engage with 65 million people world-wide each day,” he said. Tourism Ireland took the top eMarketing award at the Marketing Institute of Ireland’s All-Ireland Marketing (AIM) awards in May, primarily for their social media successes.
Organic beauty brand VOYA arrives at The Ice House THE Chill Spa at The Ice House in Co. Mayo drew a host of familiar local faces to the official launch of VOYA last week. Almost 100 people attended the event, with general manager Claire O’Sullivan welcoming guests and treating all to a sophisticated soiree. Spa specialists, including Chill Spa’s award-winning thera-
pist Elaine Armstrong, showcased the new VOYA products and treatments and treated guests to complimentary mini treatments, including mini-manicures, hand, arm and head massages. VOYA expert Michelle Roche was on hand to demonstrate the amazing VOYA Seaweed wraps. For full details on all treatments and offers please see www.theicehouse.ie or phone Chill Spa at 096-23500.
Edited by Mimi Murray
BREAKAWAY: TAKE A SHORT TRAIN RIDE THIS AUTUMN
Rail-ax in style - head north EAVE t h e c a r at home this autumn and enjoy a relaxing break in Northern Ireland from only £75pps* and avail of 1st Plus rail travel on the Enterprise. That is the message from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) following the launch of a selection of short breaks that include breakfast and NIR Travel. People can sit back and relax on the Enterprise from Dublin Connolly to Belfast Central Station, enjoy accommodation in a selection of 3, 4 and 5-star hotels across Northern Ireland and three days unlimited Metro, Ulsterbus and NI Railways travel. “The launch of the
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rail breaks from only £75pps* not only represent an affordable way for visitors to enjoy a short break in Northern Ireland, but also provide a relaxing way to get there given that rail travel is included. “Travelling 1st Plus on the Enterprise is a fantastic way to start a short break as you can really relax in style and even enjoy a nice meal and a glass of wine,” said NITB’s market manager (ROI) Fiona Cunningham. “There’s a great selection of hotels available across Northern Ireland with something to suit everyone, for example visit Belfast for a cosmopolitan city break with a spot of shopping, Portrush and Bushmills if you
Fiona Cunningham, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board’s market manager, is encouraging people to leave the car at home this autumn
would like to explore the breathtaking Co Antrim coast; Derry to find out more about the historic City Walls or Newcastle to enjoy a short break by the seaside. “With breakfast and three days unlimited NIR travel included in the price, visitors will
be spoilt for choice on where to go and what to do, and they can really take the time to explore more of Northern Ireland at their leisure,” Fiona said. To find out more information on these great value breaks, or for further information on
things to see and do in Northern Ireland, check out the free booking and advice service and callsave 1850 230 230, visit NITB’s Tourist Information Centre in Suffolk Street, Dublin 2 or click on www.discovernorthernireland.com. * Subject to availability
Frightening fun at Westport House HAVE A howl of a Halloween this year at Westport House’s annual Halloween Fest, which runs for the duration of the mid-term break from October 29 to November 6. A total of 5% of all proceeds from the freaky festival will be donated to Childline. Families with monsters will have a hauntingly good time as they experience the thrills ‘n’ chills of the Pirate Adventure Park – they will board the eerie Westport House Express train ride, get into high ‘spirits’ on the swinging ship and swan boats on the lake, have a devilish time on the cannonball run slide, and take an exciting trip on the log flume water ride.
To really bite the Halloween apple, guests will step into the stunning 18th-century Westport House, which will be transformed into a (not too) scary haunted house for the week. The little devils will be mesmerised by the captivating White Witch’s story time, while Scrooge and his friends will paint their faces to ensure they’re looking frighteningly good for the family workshops that are taking place all day. Not only that, but for guests who are there over the October Bank holiday weekend, there will definitely be a treat in store (no tricks, promise) with an explosive Fireworks
Extravaganza and haunting Halloween dance on the front lawn of Westport House. Make sure to dress to impress and look scarily good if you plan on joining in the fun, as you could be in with a chance to win some fantastic prizes in the costume competition – adults too! All of these additional activities are included in the regular Westport House & Pirate Adventure Park ticket prices, other than the fireworks extravaganza, making Halloween Fest and the Fireworks Extravaganza fantastic value for the family. For further information see www.westporthouse.ie
6 October 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 25
GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT 1
GoingOUT GoingOUT MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 We’ve Only Just Begun
THE enduring beauty of the songs left behind by The Carpenters will be expertly brought to lilfe by talented singer, Kim Dickinson, and her band, in a show set to delight Carpenter fans, with everything from Yesterday Once More, We’ve Only Just Begun, (They Long To Be) Close To You and many, many more for fans to listen out for. The show is at 8pm on Friday, October 7, with tickets priced at €18/€15.
DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 My Way
Johnny English (Rowan Atkinson), MI-7’s greatest spy, has a licence to – well, ineptly stumble through one crisis after another, as he attempts to save the Chinese premier’s life in the face of a deadly conspiracy, with English’s “skills” just one of many obstacles to beat
Just hasn’t a Clouseau This isn’t the sequel that Atkinson fans have Bean waiting for, as the bumbling spy genre has been better done in other films Q KATE CROWLEY
READERS may recall that, a few weeks ago, I reviewed Tinker, tailor, Soldier, Spy - the masterful tale of the spy game played out in the 1970s by icily-cold spymasters. Well, the 1970s – just like a few weeks back – was aaaaages ago, and the spy game’s moved on a lot since then. Right along to Johnny English, it would seem – or so the filmmakers would have you believe. A curious sequel to the 2003 film that started this series (not that I’m entirely convinced that a two-film series is really a series, any more than someone riding a bicycle expects to see any further developments or wheels appearing at the back), this sees Rowan Atkinson returning to the role of a deadly, if incompetent, British spy. After all, it’s not like we haven’t seen spy spoof tales before, right, dear readers? (Let’s ignore everyone who starts shouting out that spy spoofs have been a lazy cinematic cliche since the likes of television’s Get Smart show – from 1965 – or even
FILM OF THE WEEK: Johnny English Reborn ++ (PG) 101 mins Director: Oliver Parker Starring: Rowan Atkinson, Rosamund Pike, Dominic West, Gillian Anderson
OUR VERDICT: PERHAPS best described as a sequel that nobody was looking for, Johnny English returns with a mildly amusing – yet highly derivative – spy spoof tale. Deadly villains? Check. Ingenious gadgets? Check. Explosions? Check. Audience interest? Err ... It’s difficult to see how English can return after this adventure, which, much like English, stumbles along, but isn’t quite as entertaining as similar spoofs.
Morecambe and Wise’s The Intelligence Men, from the same year. Hush, Mr Crowley, hush.) Reprising his role as the brilliant but bungling British superagent, Atkinson returns as English – the only man who could take on J***s B**d and win – albeit not without
lots of chaotic messing about. Perhaps in a nod to the slightly long gap between the films, the film sees MI-7’s (see what they did there, folks?) top agent living life away from the agency, having retired to Ye Olde Monastery in deepest, orangest Asia.
There, English can meditate, learn more about who he is – and train in pretty predictable ways, messing up ancient oriental skills as he goes. Oh, English! However, with this new-found affinity with Asian ways, English seems to be MI-7’s best hope of getting to the bottom of an impending catastrophe, as a plot against the Chinese premier’s life is uncovered, with deadly assassins on the loose for nefarious reasons. Semi-retirement can wait, as the agency’s best spy is needed back on the beat, with – shock, horror –a sinister conspiracy at
work within a number of intelligence agencies. With the clock working against him almost as much as his lack of skills, English has to uncover the truth before an allimportant heads-of-state conference, at which the premier’s life is at risk. Now, pay attention, English! It’s very much more of the same for this sequel, with Atkinson mugging, glaring, staring and stumbling his way as the frosty agent who, despite everything – including his own ineptness – manages to get the job done, thanks to his super gadgets, super sidekicks, and a super amount of luck.
GARVAN Gallagher’s commendable exhibition examines the “invisible” status of older citizens, with a diverse range of work examing the status and self-image of our elders. Whether personal texts, short films, or even fashion shoots replacing younger models with more mature citizens, My Way is an excellent, diverse project underlining how valuable our “invisible” citizens are. My Way runs at Driaocht’s ground floor gallery until Saturday, November 5.
PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 When Jolie Met Christie
THIS imaginative production marries the music of the late, great Christie Hennessy with the legendary Al Jolson. As a boy, Hennessy was fascinated with Jolson, and this toe-tapping production reunites the two in Heaven, where a meditation of their lives – and music – can play out in what’s described as “a quirky, funny and sometimes dark meditation on the price of fame”. Catch the show on Friday, October 7, or Saturday, October 8, at 8pm, with tickets priced at €19/€17.
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26 SWORDS GAZETTE 6 October 2011
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and freely. Every THURSDAY 8.00pm - 9.00pm. COLÁISTE CHOILM (Kindly granted). DUBLIN ROAD SWORDS (No charge and non-denominational) ALL ARE WELCOME Speakers: Herbie Jennings Stephen Landon. For more information or to arrange a private talk at a mutually acceptable time and place, feel free to phone Herbie on 087 752 5214
LOCAL MATTERS
RELIGION INVITATION TO BIBLE TALKS The story of Jesus and teachings from God’s word are being told simply
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GazetteSPORT
SEPTEMBER STARS: This month’s Dublin Sport Awards winners announced Page 29
GAA CHARITY: AFRICA AID ORGANISATION TRAVELLING TO ASSIST IN ETHIOPIA
Playing for Life gets backing as official charity sport@gazettegroup.com
GA A stars past and present lined out at Croke Park recently to declare their support for the GAA’s official charity for 2011, the Playing For Life organisation, when it announced the launch of its next project in Ethiopia. Dublin’s Eamonn Fennell, Niall Corcoran and Barney Rock attended the launch along with Limerick’s Gavin O’Mahony
and Kilkenny hurler, Tommy Walsh. Playing for Life has worked in Tanzania, Kenya and Malawi since 2005. The charity’s work focuses on self-development by providing education facilities, skills training and HIV/Aids awareness through sport. Tracy Piggott, founder of Playing for Life, said: “As a team, we are extremely honoured, proud and pleased to have been named as an official GAA
charity. Over the years, we have had tremendous support from the GAA community throughout the country. “On both a national and international level, Playing for Life’s success is a tribute to the support and sponsorship it receives; we are so thankful to the GAA for providing us with a platform this year to ensure that this success continues.” Having been selected as an official GAA Charity
Dublin footballer Eamon Fennell with nine-year-old Behailu O’Chonaill, of Ballyboden St Enda’s, at Croke Park
for 2011, Playing for Life’s Ethiopia Trip will take the opportunity to bring Irish and Ethiopian communities together. While the two countries may seem worlds apart, there is an uncanny similarity – a passion for hurling! In Ethiopia, a similar
game is played with a wooden hurl-like stick and a ball, called Karsa. The Irish GAA players and the Ethiopian Karsa team will challenge each other to what is bound to be a thrilling hurling match on Ethiopian soil. Criostoir O’Cuana
lauded the work undertaken by the Association’s newest official charity and wished it every success in its on-going endeavours. “It’s worth noting the plans that Playing for Life has for the remainder of 2011 are most worthwhile and I hope we can sup-
port them in a tangible way with this excellent work. If you are interested in joining in the charity’s efforts on this charity trip of a life time, log onto www.playingforlife.ie or email info@playingforlife.ie.
28 SWORDS GAZETTE 6 October 2011
GazetteSport Sport FastSport
RUGBY: MALAHIDE SHOW NO MERCY WITH AWAY VICTORY
Fins’ Flynn one of 12 Dubs on All-Star list FINGALLIANS’ man Paul Flynn was named among a dozen Dublin nominees on the GAA GPA All Stars, sponsored by Opel, 45-man shortlist. Just four members of Dublin’s All-Ireland starting team did not make the nominations list – Mick Fitzsimons and James McCarthy in defence, along with captain Bryan Cullen and Barry Cahill in the forward division. Super-sub Kevin McManamon has been rewarded for the influence he had in the All-Ireland decider and semi-final as well as his league displays, with a nomination in the half-forward sector. After the Dubs, beaten All-Ireland finalists, Kerry, come next in terms of representation with nine followed by Donegal with seven nominees, ahead of Mayo and Kildare with five apiece, league champions Cork with three, Tyrone with two and Wexford and Derry with one each. Flynn was included on the list along with player-of-the-year elect Alan Brogan with whom the Fins’ man dove-tailed with superbly this summer. Bernard Brogan is up for one of the fullforward berths while Kilmacud Crokes’ backs Kevin Nolan, Rory O’Carroll and Cian O’Sullivan are also up for a gong. It follows a few days after ten Dublin hurlers were short-listed for their equivalent honour. The Dubs had an impressive year, winning the Allianz NHL Division 1 and Walsh Cups and were narrowly beaten by Tipperary in the All-Ireland SHC semi-final. Goalkeeper Gary Maguire, full-backs Niall Corcoran and Peter Kelly, half-backs Joey Boland and Shane Durkin, midfielders Liam Rushe and John McCaffrey, half-forwards Conal Keaney and Ryan O’Dwyer, along with Paul Ryan in the full-forward line are the Dubs nominated.
Malahide RFC scored a comfortable and impressive away win against West Offaly Lions last weekend
Offaly Lions tamed LEINSTER LEAGUE 2A West Offaly Lions Malahide RFC
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MALAHIDE continued to thrive in Division 2A last Sunday with their first away trip of the campaign, travelling to Ferbane to face West Offaly Lions. The overnight rain saw the visitors greeted with the sort of heavy pitch which does not suit any style of running rugby, but Malahide got the sort of start that always eases the pressure. After an exchange of early territorial kicks, Malahide decided to counter with ball in hand, flanker Sean Power joined the line and his pass put wing Dave Murphy clear. He made light of the heavy underfoot conditions and sprint-
ed clear of the visitors’ defence to touch down under the posts. Ten minutes in and Malahide ran the ball from lineout possession, Rory O’Driscoll joining the line to create the extra man, and his pass again set Murphy free to repeat his earlier feat and move the visitors into a 14-point lead. Malahide continued to enjoy the better of the game, but the slippy handling conditions were making it difficult to retain possession. Using the boot was always an option and, from one such downfield kick, centre Brian Geraghty put in a big hit on his opposite number, and outhalf Mat Barnes pounced on the loose ball and was able to evade the despairing tackles of the home defence to score
his side’s third try. As West Offaly tried to fight their way back into the game, the errors started to creep in, and from one such error on 25 minutes, Brian Geraghty pounced on a loose ball, and his quick pass again found Murphy in space. The wing completed his first half hat-trick as he left a trail of West Offaly defenders in his wake to score the away side’s bonus-point try. Malahide made a number of changes at the break, and it took their new personnel a little time to get into their stride. Eventually, on 65 minutes, a decent break from Brian Geraghty saw a maul develop on the West Offaly line. Malahide were able to slowly force their way over and replacement prop Wayne
Hilder had the simple task of touching down for the try. Malahide made up for their slow start to the second half when, straight from the kick-off, they moved the ball wide and a break from full back Colin Corkery enabled him to set Eoin Barber free. Barber showed great pace to score in the corner. Replacement scrumhalf Brendan Carpenter added the extras with a great kick from the sideline to move Malahide to the 40 point mark. Malahide continued to press and, when Corkery made a break down the short side, Brian Geraghty was in support to cross for Malahide’s seventh try. Malahide played the remainder of the game, comfortably controlling things, but never
really adding that edge to further push the score along. The only blow to the away side was the loss of influential No 8, Keith Harrell, to injury. For the second week in a row the Malahide performance was underpinned with some strong set piece work. Ciaran Brophy, Anthony Colbert, Eamonn Gleeson and Austin Kennedy all performed well in the tight, while Eoin Crowley, for the 40 minutes he was on the pitch, put in some great tackles. Malahide know this division will get much tougher than the two games they have already had, and will expect that change to be evident next Sunday when they take on a Kilkenny side away who are just a point behind in second place.
6 October 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 29
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2011 DUBLIN SPORTS AWARDS SEPTEMBER WINNERS IN ASSOCIATION WITH
STARof theMONTH
DEIRDRE RYAN DUNDRUM South Dublin athlete Ryan secured her berth at the 2012 London Olympics, reaching the A standard in Daegu where she claimed sixth place in the high jump world championships this month, against the best athletes in the sport, and the people she will face when chasing the gold medal in London next year.
TEAMof theMONTH
DUBLIN FOOTBALLERS
THE sons of Dublin football finally achieved their potential on the national stage when they put 16 years of hurt behind them to lift the Sam Maguire trophy at Croke Park in front of a jubilant home support. Stephen Cluxton’s icecold last-minute free to claim the title in front of a jubilant Hill 16 will be one of the most memorable moments of the year in sport.
THE INDIAN summer has been and gone, but the sun is still shining for our star and team of the month for September. In a year such as this, they have achieved two of the highest possible achievements in sport - a place in the London Olympics next year, and the highest honour in the land in Gaelic games. Deirdre Ryan’s success at Daegu was impressive, not only for the fact that she will be going to London next year, but also that she achieved sixth place in the world against the best competitors in the high jump.
Dublin have been on the cusp of Sam Maguire success for several years, and they finally took the honour at Croke Park last month with an epic performance.
Let us know! Let us know about your achievements in sport, so that the Gazette can tell the rest of Dublin — and give you, or your team, a chance of being one of our monthly stars. Contact us on 01 601 0240 or sport@gazettegroup.com to tell us all about your successes, and follow us on Facebook at facebook. com/gazettesportII.
Schoolchildren taking part in the Fingal Athletics League will take part in the finals at Morton Stadium next year
Fingal league ready to run this month sport@gazettegroup.com
The Fingal Athletics League, organised by Fingal County Council’s Sports Office in partnership with Athletics Ireland, is set to start this year on Tuesday, October 11, in Porterstown Park for schools in the Dublin 15 area, and on Tuesday, October 18, in Balheary Park for schools in the north Fingal area. The league has been running for five years, with the number of schools participating increasing every year. Last year, 26 schools took part in the league,
w i t h a p p r ox i m a t e l y 1,000 students participating. Already this year, 30 schools have registered to take part in what will be the biggest league to date. Schools will have four race meets in their respective venue before a Fingal Athletics League Finals Day next May 2012 in Morton Stadium, Santry, which sees both leagues coming together to race at Ireland’s premier athletics facility.
Fun phys-ed Niall McGuirk, Senior Spor ts Development Officer for Fingal
County Council, said: “This programme was aimed at creating a fun environment for children to become physically active. “It is important that at this stage of a child’s sporting development that the emphasis should be on participation and learning fundamental skills, rather than competition and elitism. “I have to give special thanks to Bart Rodgers from Athletics Ireland, who works tirelessly on the project and I’d also like to thank the teachers for getting involved, promoting athletics
and who are all developing a strong sporting ethos in their respective schools.” Schools can enter a maximum of 50 pupils, both boys and girls from third to sixth class, with race distances ranging from 300 to 600 metres, depending on the age group. Race days star t at 11.30am sharp and finish at 1pm. Places are still available for schools to take part in the league, and to register or, for more information, contact Niall McGuirk at niall. mcguirk@fingalcoco.ie or 01-890 6232.
Barking for to see UCD in friendlies Win tickets charity: Dublin ladies walk on
Villarreal finished UCD AFC have announced recently that fourth in last seasons La they will host two friend- Liga and so are qualifiers for next season’s Chamly matches the Belfield DUBLIN at Ladies’ Gaelic Football, in associapions League. As Bowl against Scotland’s tion with our official charity, Irish Guide well as this, theyclubs, have a wide St Dogs, Johnstone FC on all JulyDublin is inviting ladies range of talented 10,teams, and Spain’s Villarreal players and mentors to join in the footballers disposal CFGuide on JulyDogs’ 16. Family Dog Walkatontheir Saturwith Barcelona target St Johnstone finished day, October 8. and former Manchester eighth in the SLP last Dublin LGFA are encouraging clubs to United player, Giuseppe season, and have aguide long dogs sell the official high-viz wrist Rossi, on the top of the tradition in Scottish bands to players and members in order to list. football. Former players raise funds for the charity. For more inforGazetteSpor t and include Sir Alex Ferguson mation, see www.guidedogs.ie UCD are giving lucky and Ally McCoist.
readers the chance to win pairs of tickets to these matches. Simply answer the following question: Where was Villarreal striker Guiseppe Rossi born? Send your answer, together with your name, address and mobile phone number, to sport@ gazettegroup.com, with “UCD Friendlies” in the subject line of the mail.
UCD’s Robbie Benson
30 SWORDS GAZETTE 6 October 2011
GazetteSport Sport FastSport
SOCCER: SWORDS, RIVERVALLEY RECORD BIG WINS IN TIES
Power out at Citywest this week for Grand Prix CITYWEST Hotel is hosting the 2011 World Grand Prix darts tournament this week, which features the best in the oche business, including nine-time champion, Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor. The PDC World Grand Prix has been running since 1998 and has been a fixture at Citywest since 2001. The format is double in, double out, and the format has made the tournament ripe for shocks early on, as illustrated by Phil Taylor’s performances over the years. The Power has either gone out in the first round or won the title. Tickets can be purchased by calling 01 401 0505, and for more information, contact darts11@citywesthotel.com.
Summerfest set for next weekend THE 2011 Tesco mobile SARI Summerfest, the largest intercultural soccer tournament in Ireland, is set to take part this year at the Garda and Camogie Sports Grounds, in Phoenix Park on September 10 and 11 from 11am to 5pm each day. The Summerfest will also coinciude with the CONCERN kitefest, where kite flyers from around the world will display their kites and give kite workshops for children. The two-day festival also includes a wide array of entertainment for all the family.
For more information, see www. facebook.com/sarireland.
Castleknock Celtic seeking ladies talent CASTLEKNOCK Celtic FC’s ladies and girls section are recruiting new talent to the cllub for the soccer season starting later this month. If you were born in 1996 or earlier, visit the club’s website at www.castleknockceltic.com, and pass on your name and contact details in the How To Join section provided on the site. The club are also looking to recruit girls born in 2001/2002 to play soccer in the DubliGirls Soccer League.
Swords Celtic U-18 Premier side took their FAI Youth Challenge Cup against Drogheda Town by 4-1 at Balheary
Locals sparkle in rain sport@gazettegroup.com
SOAKING underfoot conditions curtailed local action last weekend, with ten of Swords Celtic’s games cancelled, and only four matches being played. Conditions, though, did allow for a stunning result for the club’s NDSL U-18 Premier side when they pushed on in the first round of the FAI Youth Challenge Cup, with a comprehensive 4-1 victory over Drogheda Town at Balheary. Tony Murphy put Celtic ahead in the first half, but the home team were unable to widen the gap before the break.
Gavin Purcell came on as a second-half substitute and headed over the bar within the first minute. Second time around, he made no mistake scoring the first of his two goals. The fourth goal was scored by Graham Callen, when he showed nice skill to weave past a number of Drogheda defenders before burying the ball in the net. It provided a major highlight for the weekend, while the club’s U-17B team picked off victory in a goal-fest as they grabbed a 7-5 success against Raheny United. Vitor Kylin scored four goals in the game, the second time he has scored
St Finian’s stars raise €40,000: Charity cycle for St Francis MEMBERS of St Finian’s GAA
club, including Martin Halpin and two former club men, Brendan Gleeson and Gus Keane, recently supported An Garda Siochana in their charity cycle from Dublin to Kilkenny, raising in excess of approximately €40,000 for St Francis Hospice.
four times in a game this season. At Rivervalley Rangers, they had a productive weekend in the ties that went ahead, with wins for the U-9As and Ds over Dunboyne and Dunshauglin Youths respectively, with the U-10G side produced a thumping 9-0 away win over HHFC. The weather, though, wiped out much of the older grades with the U-11 B side seeing their match with Malahide United abandoned at half-time. Elsewhere, the NDSL football campus at Oscar Traynor Centre welcomed Ghana FA Technical Director Francis Oti Akenteng and Researcher
and FIFA Master Ernest Yeboah Acheampon where they met Tony Gains, Mitch Whitty and Zuby Ufoh. During the visit Akenteng expressed a keen interest in setting up a twinning arrangement between the Ghana Football Academy and NDSL structures. Akenteng said of the proposed link-up: “‘The people of Ireland have shown great solidarity with the people of the African Continent over the years. While much of our natural mineral and human resources have been exploited by colonial interests, we have unlimited cultural capi-
tal to offer the world in a spirit of peace. “Now that the Irish Republic is in economic decline we are here to explore opportunities to support social developments in civil society. One way we can do this is through the medium of sport. “With the assistance of Sport Against Racism Ireland and Insaka AFC of the NDSL we have launched the NGO Sport Aid from Africa with over 40 coaches working as volunteers in communities across the island of Ireland.” For more information, contact Ken McCue on 085 105 6134.
6 October 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 31
in association with
FOOTBALL: FINGAL PEG BACK BODEN FOR REPLAY
CLUB NOTICEBOARD FINGALLIANS Sam Maguire will be in the club on
The club have secured the use of a
both Thursday and Friday evening.
pitch at Holywell. It is now available
With over 1,000 members we have
for all teams to train or play games
dedicated Thursday evening from 7
on. Further information is available
to 10pm to our juvenile section and
for the adult and juvenile boards.
on Friday evening for adults only,
First up to use it last weekend were
from 8pm until late. Padraig Durkan
the U-14 hurlers.
hopes to have the cup in all 13 schools
Congratulations to Sarah McCa-
in Swords this week. Tickets will be
rthy, who won gold in the All-Ireland
available on both nights only in the
schools last weekend and will now go
club for a raffle for a signed, framed
on to represent Ireland in Scotland
Dublin jersey.
in December.
Our senior footballers were beat-
The club wishes to acknowledge the
en in the championship play-off and
large number of Fins’ ex-pats who
have two league games remaining
visited the club over the All-Ireland
against O’Toole’s and Naomh Fion-
weekend. From the US, and repre-
nbarra, with two wins guaranteeing
senting Long Island Gaels/Brooklyn
a play-off position. Further details
Shamrocks, we had Packy Murray
to follow on the dates and times.
and Padraig Broderick; from neigh-
Fins’ U-15s are in B championship
bouring club, the New York Dubs, with
semi-final Sunday week v St Maur’s.
Joseph McKittrick popping over from
Venue looks like Fins, but to be con-
Chicago. Canada sent home Thomas
firmed.
Casey.
Fingal Ravens’ Warren Finnegan scored six points that kept his side in the match against Ballyboden St Enda’s
Ravens keep one talon in SFC hunt DUBLIN SFC ROUND 3 Ballyboden St Enda’s Fingal Ravens (AET)
0-12 0-12
sport@gazettegroup.com
B A L LY B O D E N S t Enda’s complex route through the Dublin senior football championship will take yet another detour after they played out a nerve-shredding, extratime draw with Fingal Ravens last Sunday in Lawless Memorial Park. The Boden men went nip-and-tuck with the Rolestown outfit for the duration of their tie, despite the sending off of Dublin star Michael Darragh Macauley for a second yellow card, Wa r r e n F i n n e g a n proved a thorn in their side throughout and denying them the win that would have seen them into the last 16 of the competition. A f t e r t h e l e n g t hy delay that resulted from
St Mary’s initial ejection, and subsequent reinstatement, to the competition and that led to last Wednesday’s delayed second-round t i e a g a i n s t M a r y ’s , ’Boden are still waiting to see if they can break into the next round to face St Peregrine’s. It is likely to lead to another set of mid-week and weekend ties in an already compacted route if they are to emulate the 2009 vintage. Ravens made much of the early running in the contest, with a trio of frees putting them three points clear in the opening 20 minutes, before Andrew Kerin got one back with his first free – the Ballyboden man ending with a tally of five points. Frees were the order of the day on a damp af ternoon following Saturday’s downpour, with 19 of the 24 scores coming from dead balls.
A couple of quick points from Boden saw the sides back level, and another Boden free got them in front for the first time, a lead they held until half-time, 0-4 to 0-3. After the break, Finnegan levelled once more before a massive Declan O’Mahony free from around the 45 nudged the southsiders back into a narrow lead. But Ravens kicked three-in-a-row to take a small, but potentially crucial, two-point advantage going into the closing stages of the match, one which looked even more significant when Macauley received his marching orders. But Boden plugged away, tying the match at 0-8 each with five minutes of normal time to play, only for a 50-metre Finnegan free to put one Ravens’ talon in the next round.
Kerin, however, had other ideas, and nabbed the leveller with the final kick of normal time. Boden took that emotional fillip into extratime, with O’Mahony and Kerin building a two-point wedge, but frees from Finnegan and Alan Casey — his fourth — made it level once more. O ’ M a h o ny ’s f i f t h score again edged Boden in front, but Finnegan continued his heroics with his left boot to level, and earned Fingal Ravens a second shot at progression. Elsewhere, Ballinteer St John’s run came to an end at the hands of O’Toole’s, when Paddy Carton’s goal just before half-time proved a turning point as Pearse Corcoran and Johnny McNally’s trio of points each proved in vain in a 2-12 to 0-8 defeat in O’Toole Park.
FINGAL RAVENS LOTTO: Numbers drawn were 13, 19,
Daly, Eamon Fennell, Paul Flynn and
29 and 30. There was no jackpot win-
Bernard Brogan. A special thanks to
ner.
Butsy for organising the lads and to
The following each receive €20: I
Drew for bringing the cup.
Flangan, C Flanagan and Berni and
Hard luck to both our junior teams
Declan. Next week’s jackpot will be
who lost out in their championship
€2,600.
games on Sunday, and well done to
Last Wednesday evening we had
our seniors, who played out a draw
Sam up at our pitch. A wonderful
after extra-time with Ballyboden St
evening was had by all, juveniles and
Enda’s.
adults alike. A special thank-you to the Dublin players that attended - Darren
Congratulations to Richard and Deirdre who were married on Saturday.
ST FINIAN’S CONGRATULATIONS to Paddy Hattie
do it the next time you visit the club
who recently won Player of the Year
house and don’t forget.
with his club, St Finbarr’s in Perth,
Lotto: Numbers drawn were 1, 8,
Australia. Paddy was a stalwart
9 and 23. There was no winner. The
of our hurling and football teams
€50 winners are Paraic and Mary
before he left for Oz. He has helped
and Maureen Reen. Next week’s
his new club to league and cham-
jackpot will be €1,700.
pionship victory in recent months.
Martin Halpin: Just to thank eve-
Andy McDermott and James Burke
rybody in St Finian’s who support-
have recently departed for Aus-
ed An Garda Siochana in raising in
tralia, and we wish both the lads
excess of approximately €40,000
well.
for St Francis Hospice.
The lotto box inside the door of
Boot swap is up and running again.
the club house is still suffering
If your child has outgrown his or her
from lack of usage. The box plays an
boots don’t throw them away. We
important part in keeping the club
offer a swap facility. Once the boots
functioning. Please help by deposit-
are clean and in pairs bring them
ing your lucky envelope in the box on
upstairs to the club house. You can
a weekly basis. Make a promise to
exchange them for a bigger size.
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ALL OF YOUR SWORDS SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31
DRENCHED: Local sides see plenty of
fixtures washed out but Celts prosper P30
OCTOBER 6, 2011
SEPTEMBER STARS Sports Awards winners are announced P29
GazetteSPORT
Paul Flynn could cap a superb year with an All-Star following his inclusion on the short-list for the top individual honour
Flying Flynn gets an All-Star nod Fingallians’ man has been named on the shortlist for the 2011 All-Stars after a stunning year in Dubs’ half-forward swordssport@gazettegroup.com
FINGALLIANS’ Paul Flynn took a step closer to claiming 2011 All-Stars as Dublin’s fine year for hurling and football was reflected in a bumper 22 names on the two shortlists. He was included on a 45-man list of the GAA GPA All-Stars contenders following a superb year in the half-forward line which ultimately contributed to the reclaiming of Sam Maguire. Just four members of Dublin’s All-Ireland starting team did not make the nominations list – Mick Fitzsimons and James McCarthy in defence, along with captain Bryan Cullen and Barry Cahill in the forward division. Super-sub Kevin McManamon has been rewarded for the influence he had in the AllIreland decider and semi-final as well as his league displays with a nomination in the halfforward sector. After the Dubs, beaten All-Ireland finalists,
Kerry, come next in terms of representation with nine followed by Donegal with seven nominees, ahead of Mayo and Kildare with five apiece, league champions Cork with three, Tyrone with two and Wexford and Derry with one each. And Uachtaran Chumann Luthchleas Gael Criostoir O Cuana congratulated all award winners on the occasion of the first announcement of both All-Stars nominees and Players of the Month (Football) under the new joint scheme between the GAA and the GPA. He said: “I heartily congratulate the 45 players who we have named here today as nominees for the GAA GPA Football All-Stars sponsored by Opel. “Their inclusion on this list is recognition of the excellent campaigns they had and the contribution they made to our championship this year. GPA CEO Dessie Farrell added: “The coming together of the GPA and GAA Football
awards this year is a reflection of the strengthening partnership between both Associations. I’d like to thank everyone involved in making that happen. “It was a wonderful and dramatic football championship and we’re all looking forward to seeing the final GAA GPA Football All-Stars team selection.” On the hurling side, it was a remarkable year in which a lengthy wait for the National League and a Walsh cup title were added to by a run to the All-Ireland semi-final, and that performance was reflected in the nominations. Goalkeeper Gary Maguire, full-backs Corcoran and Peter Kelly, half-backs Joey Boland and Shane Durkin, midfielders Liam Rushe and John McCaffrey, half-forwards Conal Keaney and O’Dwyer, along with Paul Ryan in the fullforward line, were the Dubs nominated. The final team of 15 players will be presented at the banquet event at the Convention Centre Dublin on Friday, October 21.