Swords

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December 1, 2011

FIRST KILL: Local author holds launch for his first novel See Page 2

Swords must be united again – Ryan Q MIMI MURRAY

A CONSTITUENCY boundary review, following the 2007 General Election, which saw parts of Swords transferred from the constituency of Dublin North to that of Dublin West, has left affected residents feeling cut off from the rest of the community.

That’s according to Dublin North TD Brendan Ryan, who has made a submission

to the Constituency Commission calling unequivocally for “Swords to be reunited within Dublin North”. At present, the Rivervalley, Boroimhe, Ridgewood and Knocksedan areas of Swords are currently in Dublin West.

“The General Election of 2011 brought into sharp focus the different concerns of the people in Rivervalley,” said Deputy Ryan.

Full Story on Page 6

Followers of fashion: Enjoying an event at St Finian’s GAA NICKY Gray, Mary Geraghty and Lisa Ryan were looking very stylish when they attended local GAA club St Finian’s annual fashion show in the River Valley Community Centre.

The ladies looked very happy to be

there, and why wouldn’t they with some fantastic clothes on display as well as getting a close look at the Hurling League Cup and Sam Maguire trophies.

Full Story on Pages 8-9

2 SWORDS GAZETTE 1 December 2011

FCC: STEPS TAKEN FOR WINTER

EVENT P J Callahan holds book launch for his first novel, First Kill

Council ready for big freeze Q MIMI MURRAY malahide@gazettegroup.com

WITH fears that the arctic-like conditions that paralysed the country last year could still be on the cards, Fingal County Council has said a massive stockpile of salt has been stored at various points within the county to ensure the safety of national and non-national roads in the county.

According to the council, a number of steps to prepare for winter weather 2011/2012 have been taken. These are mainly under the three operations areas, and in water services.

“With the establishment of localised services in each operations area, services are targeted and resources are maximised. Up to 2,200 tonnes of salt is assigned for use on national roads, and is supplemented with an additional 3,200 tonnes for use on non-national roads throughout the county. Road salt is stored at a number of facilities at different geographical locations around the county to ensure it can be distributed as quickly as possible when required,” the council said.

With regard to water supply during the winter period, throughout 2011, FCC has replaced over 30 kilometres of older pipe network, the ones more prone to bursts and leaks, where and when their resources permitted, and priority has been given to areas heavily impacted during the last freeze.

Any advice to members of the public in relation to clearing paths and driveways will be in accordance with national advice and a useful source of information is www.winterready.ie, established by the Department of Defence’s Office of Emergency Planning specifically to provide useful advice for homeowners, schools, businesses and motorists.

Author P J Callahan with fan, Caroline

Local author off to a flying start ALBRIGGAN pilot, P J Callahan, recently held his official book launch at Ardgillan Castle for his first novel, First Kill. The retired former captain was joined by family and friends and members of his writers group who came to show their support. First Kill tells the story of 17-year-old Linda Garcia who, instead of being at home in Miami qualifying for her private pilot’s licence is instead sent to Highlands, a remote summer activities camp in Scotland. She is bitterly disappointed and resentful but things become much worse when, one night, she is abducted by armed men.

B

John Kelly, Joan Fitzgerald and Cora Kelly

First Kill, by P J Callahan

Siobhan Garvan, Mary McNamara, Pat Garvan and Sarah Walls-Leech

Author P J Callahan

PJ’s wife, Carol and their daughter, Orla

1 December 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 3

ARTS Promising young artist’s work on display

LOCAL LIONS Collecting food for the needy SWORDS Lions Club will be holding its Annual Christmas Food Appeal in local supermarkets over the coming weeks.

Each year the club is a familiar sight in the runup to Christmas collecting non-perishable food items for the needy in the Swords area. This year the collection points will be in JCs Supermarket from December 1 to December 3, and in the Pavilions at Superquinn and Dunnes Stores from December 8 to December 10.

Generosity

Artist Richard Hearns with his wife, Rapeepan

Hearns return with stilllife exhibition at library Q MIMI MURRAY

swords@gazettegroup.com

RENOWNED local artist, Richard Hearns, will be bringing his latest exhibition to Malahide’s beautiful public library this December.

The exhibition will showcase Hearns’ most recent still-life oil paintings, composed during his residency in Westport’s Custom House Studios.

Following a successful solo-show on First Avenue in New York City, Hearns has returned to Ireland with a still-life exhibition in his hometown of Malahide. His New York show displayed many of the artist’s landscape and still-life work and resulted in commissioned portraits of New York’s Archbishop and a leading judge.

“I have been living out

west for four years but had a show in New York a couple of months ago. I am getting ready for two more there in 2012. The show was held in the Dillon Hall and I was showing Irish landscapes and still life. It was an excellent show and 25 pieces were purchased, with three pieces bought by the Director of Madison Square Garden,” the popular artist told the Gazette this week.

“I also got two big commissions whilst I was there, one is of a portrait of the New York Archbishop and the other is of a really prominent judge, Milton Rose. I will be back in New York to do those as well as a rotating show on Staten Island for the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the other one is on the Lower East Side.

“This current show

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

‘This current show comprises of mostly still lives made since New York. They are mostly in exquisite renaissance style but some are more modern, based on objects in my studio’ --------------------------

comprises of mostly still lives made since New York. They are mostly in exquisite renaissance style but some are more modern, based on objects in my studio,” he said.

Described as one of Ireland’s most promising young artists, Hearns’ work began to

blossom during time spent living in southeast Asia. Born in Beirut, he was adopted by Irish parents and raised in Ireland.

His work captures an idyllic, yet simple, island lifestyle and set Richard on a path of expressive painting and discovery that ultimately led him home and across the Irish landscape.

Investment

“I am hoping to sell a lot of my work and I think it would be a great investment for people.

I am also hoping to get some commissions out of this as well,” he said.

The Show, Objects of Desire runs until Friday December 9, 2011.

Richard Hearns’ work can be found on his official website and blog. http://richardhearnspaintings.blogspot.com

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“In past years, the generosity of the local community to this very worthy cause has been outstanding. For example, last year 34 laden trolley loads were collected,” Lions Club President, Michael Clince, said.

He is appealing to shoppers to give as generously as possible this year.

4 SWORDS GAZETTE 1 December 2011

DEBATE: MONSTER PROJECT

Pavilions: Top award for centre

Minister to review sewerage plant

IT was a great night for The Pavilions Shopping Centre recently when they won the Marketing Excellence Awards, sponsored by Crowne Plaza, at the Fingal Business Excellence Awards 2011.

The ceremony showcased and recognised the best enterprises and reward business initiative in every sector.

Speaking about winning the award, Deirdre King, marketing, said: “To be nominated for the Marketing Excellence Award is an incredible honour, particularly given the extraordinary strength of the field this year, but to win against such strong competition is just amazing. I must pay tribute to the enormous contributions made by the Centre Management Team – security – cleaning without which winning this award would not have been possible.

Pictured are Fingal Dublin Chamber President, Siobhan Moore; Joe O’Donnell, Pavilions; Eliane White and Steven Cowie, Crowne Plaza; Emma Clusky; Ian Hunter, centre manager and Deirdre King, marketing.

Q MIMI MURRAY

A REVIEW of the proposed sewerage treatment plant planned for North Dublin has been committed to by the Minister for Public Expenditure, Brendan Howlin.

Responding to Fianna Fail Senator Darragh O’Brien, who had urged the Minister to revaluate the project, Minister Howlin said: “Senator O’Brien made some constructive points. The issue of the greater Dublin drainage scheme has been raised on a number of occasions. I am giving an undertaking now to the Senator that I will have it investigated.

There is a propensity for engineers to have big schemes. I have given the Senator an undertaking that I will have the matter reviewed.”

Senator O’Brien had said the project simply did not “stack up in terms of value for money”.

Value

“Under the greater Dublin Strategic Drainage scheme, it is envisaged that a monster sewage treatment plant will be constructed in north County Dublin, which is not required, at a cost of between €2.3 billion and €2.7 billion. I urge the Minister to re-evaluate that project, which does not stack up in terms of value for money. Localised plants are the way forward rather than a massive Ringsend II,” he said.

Following the debate, Senator O’Brien said he was pleased that the Minister had “given this public commitment to review this scheme. I am now calling on Fingal County Council and the Greater Dublin Drainage Project Team to suspend all planning and administrative work on this scheme immediately pending the completion of this review”.

FIGURES: A HUGE DISPARITY BETWEEN SCHOOLS IN THE SWORDS AREA

Schools league table is ‘shallow and distorted’ Q MIMI MURRAY swords@gazettegroup.com

SCHOOLS’ league tables present a shallow, incomplete and distorted picture of the work of schools.

That’s according to the ASTI General Secretary Pat King who said that it was crucial to recognise that schools league tables do not tell us about the real performance of schools.

Figures published last week revealed that, in Swords, there is a huge disparity between schools in the area.

In Loreto 70% of students went on to do high points third-level courses. One-hundred and

ASTI General Secretary, Pat King

twenty-two students sat the Leaving Cert and, out of those, seven went to UCD while eight enrolled in courses in TCD. Eighteen were accepted into DIT while 25 are at college in DCU. Meanwhile, in Fingal Community College 91 students sat the Leaving

Cert while only 37% went on to take up high-points courses. One student went to UCD while four went to TCD. Two enrolled in DCU while nine took up courses in DIT. In Colaiste Choilm, 64% of their 112 students enrolled in high-points courses. Four went to

UCD while one took up a course in TCD. Sixteen started classes in DCU and 26 enrolled in DIT. In St Finian’s, out of 96 students who sat the leaving cert, 48% of those took up the courses, one in each TCD and UCD while ten enrolled in DCU. In DIT 12 students took up courses.

Speaking following the publication of the latest figures King said: “League tables which focus solely on college and university entry, ignore the fact that a school that empowers a pupil to attain a pass grade in a subject, or to complete the Junior Certificate or the Leaving Certificate, has contributed as much or

more as another school that empowers a pupil to attain A grades.

“The best ty pe of school is one which provides a broad and holistic education which seeks to empower all students, of all levels of ability, from all kinds of backgrounds, and who face all kinds of challenges in their young lives.

Homogenous

“League tables treat students as one homogenous group rather than as unique individuals, each with their own set of goals, interests, talents, abilities and life experiences.

“League tables are damaging to education

because they can distort the priorities of schools as teachers come under pressure to jettison aspects of holistic education which do not contribute to an improvement in a school’s position on the league table.

“If we want to improve the quality of education in our schools, then we must provide adequate funding and resources. Even before the recent education cuts Ireland was investing less of its GDP in education than all but three out of 28 OECD countries. It has never been more necessary to protect schools and education. Sustainable economic recovery depends on it,” he continued.

1 December 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 5

R1

OPINION Improvements to channel at Kinsealy

AS YOU are aware, I have consistently been involved with flooding issues. I am chairperson of the Environment sub-committee of Dublin Airport Stakeholders Forum.

The impact of runways and buildings, etc, at Dublin Airport have continuously been on the agenda of that committee. The f looding in Kinsealy village in August, 2008, originated in a major way at Dublin Airport. I argued that attenuation under Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) should be extended to cover existing runways, in any new development.

“With the construction of T2, major attenuation was introduced. Fingal County Council and the OPW had also carried out improvements to the channel of the Sluice River at Kinsealy, and also followed up on landown-

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

‘The attenuation at Dublin Airport seems to have worked well, and there was a lesser impact on the Sluice, Cuckoo, and Moyne Rivers than as happened in 2008’ --------------------------

ers on their responsibility.

“I checked out the Sluice River on the evening of October 24.

The attenuation at Dublin Airport seems to have worked well, and there was a lesser impact on the Sluice, Cuckoo, and Moyne Rivers than as happened in 2008.

Unfortunately, with a high tide at about 11pm,

a problem arose in Old Portmarnock – the sluice gates closed – where some property flooding occurred, and also a protected historical church was under water. The issues relating to Sluice River from Old Portmarnock to Baldoyle Estuary still needs to be resolved.

The FEM FRAMS report refer to that area.

“I refer to the Aspen Drive (Kinsealy Court) situation in the FEM FRAMS report. I was involved closely at all stages with the report, and attended special workshops, where I highlighted problems in Kinsealy Court. It is unfortunate that the grant provided by the OPW in September had not started. The Operations Department commenced work there o n F r i d ay, November 4.

Peter Coyle Labour

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Towering deals: Irish offers to help celebrate at Christmas

W

Sluice River problems must be resolved

Councillor Peter Coyle, Labour

TRAVEL PAGES 22-23

6 SWORDS GAZETTE 1 December 2011

CARLTON: APPRENTICE COMPETITION

Ross is ready to win contest A RECEPTIONIST at the Carlton Hotel Dublin Airport has set his sights on winning the prestigious hotel group’s apprentice competition.

Ross Ahmed, who attended St Finian’s in Swords, works on the reception desk at the hotel and hopes to become the overall winner in the 2011 Cartlon Apprentice competition.

In 2010, The Carlton Hotel Group were the main sponsor for the Irish version of The Apprentice with Bill Cullen, and their first task was to sell Carlton Gift Vouchers through corporate sales and in shopping centres.

The show was such a success for the hotel that the CEO Michael Kearney, decided to run his own apprentice competition. The Carlton Apprentice took place last December for the first time and one member from each hotel was chosen to represent their hotel as the Carlton Apprentice.

The candidates went head-to-head on selling gift cards in shopping centres and through corporate sales. From the ten candidates in 2010, five have progressed into sales and marketing roles within the group. Michael Kearney decided to make it an annual competition to increase the interest in his staff and also allow for his employees to further their careers.

Ross currently works on the reception desk at the hotel and is hoping to move into the sales and marketing department. He has spent the last couple of months making face-to-face sales and now has a major task to make as many sales as he can at the Jervis Centre on December 9 and 10.

Anyone who would like to support Ross and is unable to make it to the shopping centre is welcome to call the hotel directly on 01 -866 5600 and ask for Ross.

On the crest of a wave: Local family company wins Sustainability prize at Food and Drink Industry Awards BORD BIA presented its biennial Food and Drink Industry Awards at an event in Trinity College Dublin recently. Based on a four-gen-

eration family farming tradition, Country Crest (based in north County Dublin) won the Sustainability Award. Pictured here are Kevin Knightly, CEO, Rabobank, Simon Coveney, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Michael Hoey, managing director, Country Crest and Michael Carey, chairman, Bord Bia. The company prides itself on its strong environmental and sustainability ethos in all aspects of its business from farming 2,000 acres, growing and packing 500 tons of potatoes and 120 tons of onions to producing 80,000 prepared meals per week. In total, eight Irish companies were honoured at the Bord Bia Awards, which attracted over 220 senior representatives from the food and drink sector.

RIVERVALLEY: RESIDENTS FEELING DISENGAGED FROM THE REST OF SWORDS

Call for Swords to be put back with Dublin North Q MIMI MURRAY swords@gazettegroup.com

A CONSTITUENCY boundary review, following the 2007 General Election, which saw parts of Swords transferred from the constituency of Dublin North to that of Dublin West has left many residents feeling cut off from the rest of the community when it comes to public representation.

T h a t ’s a c c o r d i n g to Dublin North TD Brendan Ryan, who has made a submission to the Constituency Commission within the Department of Environment calling unequivocally for “Swords to be reunited

Dublin North TD Brendan Ryan

within Dublin North”.

At present, the Rivervalley, Boroimhe, Ridgewood and Knocksedan areas of Swords are currently in Dublin West.

“I made a detailed a n d c o m p r e h e n s i ve submission to the Constituency Commis-

sion seeking the full restoration of Swords within Dublin North.

The General Election of 2011, and the very recent Dublin West byelection brought into sharp focus the different concerns of the people in Rivervalley and other partitioned areas of Swords from the people in Dublin West.

“Whilst Dublin West residents are concerned with the Metro West project and James Connolly Hospital among many other issues, the r e s i d e n t s i n R i ve rvalley are concerned about Metro Nor th, inadequate bus services, overcrowding in local schools and not

least the disconnection they feel from the rest of Swords due to them being in Dublin West.

“I met many residents of Rivervalley during the recent byelection and it is striking how disengaged the people in Rivervalley feel from the rest of Swords on the matter of public representation.

“Swords is a town which has grown to a very large population in recent years. However, it still retains the strong community ethos of a village. It is a town united by common concerns, common issues and a shared common history and experience.

“Matters such as Metro North, the over-

crowding of schools, wastewater treatment, bin collections and water shortages affect Rivervalley residents as much as they affect other residents of Swords.”

Meanwhile former Fianna Fail TD, Michael Kennedy, and councillor Darragh Butler, have called on Brackenstown Village and Park Avenue residents, who had to vote in Dublin West in the last General Election, to have their voices heard by making a submission to the new Constituency Commission.

Councillor Butler confirmed that both he and Michael Kennedy had delivered a preprepared submission

that residents just need to sign and submit before the January 10 deadline.

Kennedy said that residents need as many submissions to go in as possible.

“Councillor Butler and I will be sending in our own overall submission shortly and we encourage all Swords Dublin West voters to do likewise. Now is our chance to get this crazy decision reversed. The fact that Brackenstown Village and Park Avenue voters had to drive to River Valley to vote instead of simply crossing the road to St Cronan’s is crazy and we need to get this corrected,” he said.

1 December 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 7

EVENT Handover of new state-of-the art facilty

FastNews Winter wonderland

Mayor Gerry McGuire and county manager, David O’Connor, with staff of Fingal County Council’s community department

Residents delighted with new centre Q MIMI MURRAY swords@gazettegroup.com

A STATE-OF-THE-ART new community centre was officially handed over to the people of Swords in a special ceremony last week.

Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Gerry McGuire, was on hand to hand over the keys of the Applewood Community Centre on November 22 to the ecstatic Swords residents.

The centre is part of a new “shared facility” involving the Gaelscoil Bhrian Boroimhe, Swords Educate Together National School and the Community Centre.

Speaking at the handover event, the Mayor said that Fingal County Council was “proud of its role that allows the deliv-

Handing over the keys

ery of facilities through the Fingal Schools Model. This innovative initiative continues to provide greatly needed facilities to communities across Fingal”.

The Fingal Schools Model was developed as a way of fast-tracking the delivery of schools and community facilities throughout the county.

In 2006, Fingal County

Unveiling a plaque to the new centre

Council signed an agreement with the Department of Education and Skills whereby the council identifies school sites and assists in their acquisition.

This arrangement enables modern facilities to be provided to both the school and the local community.

The Applewood Community Centre comprises

meeting rooms, a dance studio, a children’s activity room and a kitchen facility.

Also included is a large multi-purpose Sports Hall, which the schools utilise during school hours and after which the community has access.

The facility will be managed on a day-to-day basis by a Shared Facility Executive that will

comprise representatives from the schools, the community and Fingal County Council.

Also speaking at the event was chairperson of the Shared Facility Executive, Seamus Seaghach, who said: “The benefit of the shared facility model means more than access to enhanced facilities for everyone involved.

“The fact that the facil-

ities will be in constant use means the investment is more than worthwhile.”

The official opening of the community centre and the school will take place in early 2012.

The community centre is currently taking bookings for groups and organisations and the centre manager can be contacted at 01-8079582.

A WINTER wonderland will descend on Swords this week when Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Gerry McGuire, does the honours and turns on the town’s Christmas lights.

Swords Le Cheile is calling on local restaurants, bars and businesses to get into the festive spirit and come along to the turning-on ceremony.

“Bringing people who live and/or work in Swords together is the main aim of Swords Le Cheile and we want to generate a renewed sense of community for the many thousands of men, women and children in the town,” Tony Lambert, CEO of Fingal Dublin Chamber said.

“We are completing this year’s work with the turning on of the Christmas lights for the centre of Swords at 5pm on Thursday, December 1 at County Hall. All local townspeople and their children are invited to come along.”

Social welfare services URGENTLY needed extra social welfare services are to be made available in Balbriggan, Fine Gael TD, Alan Farrell has said this week.

Speaking to the Gazette, Deputy Farrell said that people from Dublin North, looking to claim supplementary allowance, are currently required to go into the office of the Arrears Support Unit on Gardiner Street to process their application.

“For this reason I called on the Minister for Social Protection to explain why people who are already stretched to capacity are required to travel 30kms into the city centre at a cost of €7 return on Dublin Bus. “The Minister has, accordingly, requested that the Office of Public Works acquire alternative and more suitable accommodation in Balbriggan to provide this service.”

8 SWORDS GAZETTE 1 December 2011

EVENT St Finian’s GAA Club enjoy their annual fashion

Enjoying a feast of fashion OCAL GAA club St Finian’s held its annual fashion in the River Valley Community Centre show recently with a special guest list in attendance. The centre was packed out with club members of all ages who came to support the club and to enjoy a display of creative and colourful clothing.

There was also appearances by the Hurling League Cup and Sam Maguire trophy.

It was the second fashion show organised by the club following the success of the inaugural event last year. The event is one of the biggest fund raising events of the year for the club and proved a very popular night with all who attended.

L

Mark Deonan and Pat Farrell

Nicky Gray, Mary Geraghty and Lisa Ryan

Caoimhe Keogh, Melissa Corrigan, Aura Sinead Ilovan and Sophie Gilshenan. Pictures: Una Williams

Bernie Hazzard and Linda Kendrick

1 December 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 9

fundraising night in the River Valley Community Centre

Emma Brady, Bridget Hammond and Nicky Gray

Kevin Hammond, Phil Lennon and Sean Halpin

YOUR

Charlott Brooks, Ruth Daly and Aishling Keogh

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10 SWORDS GAZETTE 1 December 2011

EVENT At the inaugural Dance Honours Awards 2011

Directors Tina Fitzpatrick and Nikki Fitzpatrick

Dancing on air after an award

OCAL Dance and performing arts academy, Back Street, have won Best Hip Hop School 2011 at the Dance Honours Awards 2011. The event was held in the O’Reilly theatre in Dublin City Centre and is the first event in Ireland. Tina Fitzpatrick, from the academy, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for us as a business and for the Fingal Community.”

Back Street is now one of the biggest and best Performing Arts Academy in the country and has been the home to a number of Ireland’s funkiest kidz and Hip Hop Champion dancers for over four years.

Chrissie Fitzpatrick, David Fitzpatrick, Tina Fitzpatrick, Croia Fitzpatrick, Nikki Fitzpatrick, Aimee Fitzpatrick, Tony Fitzpatrick, Jayden Whelan and Gavin Whelan

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Jayden Whelan and Croia Fitzpatrick

Nikki Fitzpatrick, Jayden and Gavin Whelan

Debbie Mc Quillan, Sally Ann Burke, Chrissie Fitpatrick, Nikki Fitzpatrick, Croia Fitzpatrick, Aimee Fitzpatrick, Tina Fitzpatrick, Kelly Tina and Tony Fitzpatrick

Arnold, Niamh Carroll and Amy Burke

1 December 2011 GAZETTE 11

12 GAZETTE 1 December 2011

Competition: Win Lady Gaga Monsters’ Ball concert DVDs THE incredible talent that is Lady Gaga is releasing a new DVD of her Madison Square Garden concert earlier this year, and we have five copies to give away.

Simply answer the following question: What is Lady Gaga’s real name?

Send your answer to competition@ gazettegroup.com, with the subject line “Gaga”, before Friday, December 2, or log on to our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/gazettenewspapers, post your answer, like and share the Gaga post on your wall.

A golden opportunity: A chance to win €5k just in time for Christmas AS PART of Bulmers’ Doing Our Bit

campaign, 17 golden apples, each worth €5,000, are being hidden in Christmas promotional packs of Bulmers’ cans and long-necks.

Consumers are being called upon to check packs closely, as each of the 17 lucky golden apple winners will win €2,500 for themselves, in addition to €2,500 for a community project of their choice. Doing Our Bit is a series of initiatives, some small, some more significant, all intended to make a contribution toward making life in Ireland that little

bit better.

Speaking at the launch, Stephen Kent, director of marketing at Bulmers said: “We appreciate that times are tougher than ever for many people, which is why we want to do our bit by giving something back. The Doing our Bit campaign is central to all Bulmers’ initiatives and, for Christmas, we want to recognise and reward the vital role that local communities play in Irish society.”

Pictured are Bulmers’ orchard workers Liam and Isabelle with Orchard manager, Tom.

1 December 2011 GAZETTE 13

14 GAZETTE 1 December 2011

GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY

Edited by Dawn Love

Enjoying the launch of new moisturiser range T

Exchanging old empty lotion bottles for one of Vaseline’s new range

HOUSANDS of women descended on Dundrum Town Centre last weekend as beauty fans turned out to celebrate Ireland’s first Vaseline Bottle Amnesty.

The Amnesty invited women to bring along their old empty lotion bottles and in exchange they received a free bottle of Vaseline lotion from the new Essential Moisture body lotions range.

The centre was teeming with Vaseline fans, all there to recycle their way to softer skin.

Lauren Brooking, from Vaseline Ireland said: “We’re delighted with the success of Ireland’s first ever Vaseline Bottle Amnesty and it demonstrated our confidence in this great new range.”

The new and improved Vaseline Essential Moisture body lotions range combines pure natural

extracts and Stratys-3 technolog y, infusing moisture deep down and absorbing quickly for soft, healthy looking skin.

The range includes Essential Moisture, Aloe Fresh and Cocoa Radiant. Aloe Vera fresh, the lightest-feeling body lotion of the three, leaves skin feeling fresh and revitalised.

Essential Moisture, containing nourishing oat extract, leaves skin feeling soft and looking healthy.

Cocoa Radiant has a rich texture and leaves skin with a radiant, luxurious glow.

The Vaseline Essential range is available at

supermarkets nationwide. The RRP for the 400ml is €5.34 and €3.91 for the 200ml.

Find out more about Vaseline products at w w w.facebook.com/ Vaseline

Out with the old

Lycon adds to its skin care collection LYCON, Australia’s premier wax, has increased its collection of skin care products with its new scrubs and lotions collection. Maintain healthy skin and glowing skin, even after your wax, with Lycon deep clean scrub and ultimate moisturing lotion. Using nature for inspiration, the collection is

a sensory, as well as visual, delight.

All that and effective too.

The collection is available in Brazilia salons as well as leading salons nationwide. Scrubs costs €19.95 and the lotions are €15. From now until Christmas, Brazilia is doing a gift pack of the scrub and lotion for only €30.

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1 December 2011 GAZETTE 15

EVENT

Week-long campaign focusing on proper parking

2011 National Accessibility Week launched L O CA L A u t h o rity National Accessibility Week 2011 was launched this week and the weeklong campaign will coincide with International Day of Disabled Persons, which is taking place on December 3, 2011.

National Accessibility Week is a continuation of the 2010 campaign, which was designed with a particular focus on illegal and inconsiderate parking, poor parking behaviour and the difficulties and access issues that are caused by parking on footpaths, blocking entrances, etc.

The campaign aims to create general awareness of these issues on both a

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national and local level.

National Accessibility Week is being supported and promoted by APCOA Parking, who provide a parking management service on behalf of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, South Dublin County Council and Fingal County Council.

Delighted

Commenting on the launch of National A c c e s s i b i l i t y We e k , APCOA managing director, Neil Cunningham, said: “We are delighted to be involved with the three Dublin County Councils in highlighting poor parking behav-

iours which impact on disabled people. APCOA traffic wardens can be approached at any time for advice or information on accessible parking.”

The week is being coordinated and supported by the Local Authority Access Officer Network and the LGMSB National Disability Steering Committee.

There will be a display on Planning and Accessibility available throughout the week in the South Dublin County Hall Concourse. This will include information on the Disability Access Certification process.

On Thursday, December 1, from 10am to 4pm,

National Accessibility Week is being supportedby APCOA Parking, who provide a parking management service on behalf of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, South Dublin County Council and Fingal County Council

South Dublin County Council and the National Mobility Centre will have an adapted car on display at County Hall, Tallaght.

There will be an information stand and a driving

instructor on hand to answer queries.

From Monday, December 5, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council is hosting the Let’s Get Arty exhibition in

the concourse of County Hall. The exhibition will feature works from disabled artists who live in the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown area. The council, together with Dundrum

Shopping Centre, will be promoting the business argument for making your business accessible.

A full list of activities can be found on the councils’ websites.

16 GAZETTE 1 December 2011

GazetteMUSIC MUSIC RERELEASES: ANNIVERSARY BRINGS REWARDS

Corgan’s smashing rock revolutions Q ROB HEIGH

It seems that we live in a year when the anniversaries of events and releases genuinely represent the advent of new watermarks in music, and deserve the acclaim they have received over the years. It’s fascinating to note how many are 20th anniversaries: Nevermind, Achtung Baby, Out Of Time, Screamadelica, Loveless, Ten, The Black Album, Original Gangsta, the first Lollapalooza, to name just a few... wow, 1991 was an amazing year for music.

One of the sometimes

overlooked gems from that era and its successor are getting a well-deserved remastered re-release this month. Smashing Pumpkins’ debut release, Gish, and their sophomore release, Siamese Dream, are returning to remind us about what a fantastically exciting and innovative band they were at the time, and how their influence is as important and prevasive as those other records that defined the year.

Gish slipped out quietly in the May of that year, the band having sneaked out of the suburbs of Chicago to record with

Nirvana producer Butch Vig, a process that saw lead Pumpkin Billy Corgan push the envelope for recording a record in the grunge genre. Whereas most bands would turn up and crank out their songs onto tape in a matter of days, Corgan wanted the space and time to work on the dynamics, textures and harmonies that immediately marked the band out as more innovative and creative than most of their contemporaries.

Leading off with Jimmy Chamberlain’s drum pattern and Darcy’s bass lick, before exploding into a

frenetic guitar fireball, this is, and was, something special and unique from the outset. Admittedly using the quiet-loud-quiet format throughout, there was more intelligence at play here than most, and a meshing of unique influences - Queen, ELO, 60s’ psych-rock, psychedelia and flat-out hard rock all came together to create an unique and brave debut.

Siamese Dream also leads off on a circus-like Chamberlain fill, but what follows was more expansive and ambitious than Gish, if that were possible.

Corgan’s imagination ran wild and Vig ran with him,

The first two albums from Smasing Pumpkins are a reminder of their power

allowing him to record multiple overdubs of guitar parts that makes the album sound like nothing else, but which also saw other members of the band removed from the recording process.

Nursery rhymes and nine-minute wig-outs are peppered throughout Siamese Dream, and it’s a dramatic and important record.

Both albums deserve their place in the collections of anyone who loves music - they are both packed with more ideas and energy seldom found these days - and also try to seek out the recent BBC Radio 1 Masterpieces documentary about the making of Siamese Dream, where Billy Corgan gives a fascinating insight into the proc-

ess that gave birth to the record and saw the end of the band as a group entity.

They also come with the benefit of accompanying discs of bonus recordings that are in some cases as good as what appeared on their parent releases.

Neither record sounds remotely dated, and both deserve their place among the list of great releases from their time.

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1 December 2011 GAZETTE 17

GazettePETS PETS

Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA

THE FACTS: FAILING TO KEEP YOUR PET UNDER CONTROL COULD SEE YOU GET A FINE

The best leads for your dog HIS week, I’m going to give you a lead (pun absolutely intended) on, er, leads; doggy ones that is.

You see, like ladies’ shoes and handbags, dogs’ leads are available in many designs, colours and styles, from the useful to the absolutely ridiculous, and I have seen them all.

Dog leads are also a very necessary accessory and should be used to allow your dog the comfort to have some personal space when he wants to roam a little, sniff and make new friends, as well as, and most importantly, to control and keep your dog safe.

T

At this stage, I must point out that under the Control of Dogs Act 1986, as amended by the Control of Dogs Act 1992, local authorities have the power to introduce bye-laws relating to dog control. However, here’s a general guideline.

A dog owner who does not keep their dog under effective control can receive an on-the-spot fine of €30 payable to the local authority, and failure to pay this may lead to prosecution in the District Court with a maximum fine of €1,904.61 and/or three months imprisonment.

As I said, this is just a guideline and penalties in your area may differ and may even be higher.

Leads are vital to keep your dog safe

Ok, I’ve done the civic duty bit and informed you of the legal requirements, now let’s get down to the important business of accessorising a gal’s best friend.

The Basic Lead This is normally around six feet long and, in my opinion, is the best type of lead to have. I’ve a brood of doggies, all

robust, all lead pullers and I find the basic lead best for walking and in an emergency, for use as a muzzle; although I have never faced an emergency with any of my dogs… yet.

The Retractable Lead I use these when walking my dogs in the woods.

I always like to be in complete control of them.

However, I absolutely hate this type of lead for its drawbacks.

It consists of a thin cord that’s wound onto a spring loaded device inside the handle and, as your dog walks in front of you, the cord unwinds and retracts, depending on which way your dog walks.

There’s a flip button on the handle to allow you control how much extension you wish to give your dog.

So, why do I hate them?

If you’re inexperienced or have multiple dogs, your pet may still be able to get far enough away from you and run into oncoming traffic; the cord can break if your

dog takes off at speed or she can become entangled in the lead resulting in cuts to both of you.

As these handles are bulky, your dog can easily pull the lead out of your hand. I have small hands and have to keep an extra firm grip when using retractable leads, especially if I have to wear gloves during cold weather.

Long Leads This is a very long lead, usually made of nylon or leather, and can vary in length from 10 to 60 feet.

They’re normally used for dog training in order for you to keep control of your dog while maintaining a distance.

Always limit the use of

this type of lead to dog training or in safe areas like fields and away from busy roads.

Harness For the heavy duty dog, i.e. the puller, get a harness. This provides security, giving your dog no chance of pulling out of his collar, leaving you standing with an empty lead in your hand.

I would recommend the one called “gentle dog”.

Pet parents who own Patterdale Terriers will know what I mean. They’re a cheeky breed with oodles of personality but can be very domineering.

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

18 GAZETTE 1 December 2011

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS IMWA announce the cars of 2012 THE Kia Rio has been voted Continental Irish Car of the Year 2012 by the Irish Motoring Writers’ Association (IMWA). The announcement was made at an awards ceremony held recently in the Convention Centre Dublin and attended by leading figures from the motor industry.

It marks the first time that a Korean car brand has taken the title in the 35-year history of the awards.

The Irish Motoring Writers Association judges awarded points on the basis of criteria ranging from innovation and safety to space, comfort, build quality, driving quality and value for money.

Presenting the award to James Brooks, managing director of Kia Ireland, Paddy Murphy of sponsor, Continental Tyres Ireland, commented: “From a great crop of entrants for this year’s award, the Irish motoring writers have selected an exciting model

to carry the 2012 title and no doubt the Continental Irish Car of the Year accolade will provide a great badge of honour for the Kia Rio to help it in the competitive Irish market next year. The Rio’s victory is a measure of the progress which Korean manufacturers have made on the car market in a very short time.”

Awards were made in five categories, reflecting the diversified nature of today’s car market in Ireland.

RESULTS: Small Car of the Year: Kia Rio Compact Family Car of the Year: Ford Focus Family Car of the Year: Peugeot 508 Executive / Luxury Car of the Year: Range Rover Evoque Performance Car of the Year: Mercedes-Benz SLK

Model Hannah Devane and James Brooks, managing director of Kia Ireland. The Kia Rio was voted the Continental Irish Car of the Year 2012

1 December 2011 GAZETTE 19

9th generation of the Civic THE much-anticipated ninth generation Clean Dynamic Honda Civic will arrive in Honda dealer showrooms around Ireland in time for the January 2012 market.

The new Civic builds on the successes of the previous model, while addressing the criticisms, and will continue Honda’s progression towards modern premium.

The result is an evolution in the car’s modern styling, excellent performance and advanced technologies that makes it eco-friendly and even more cost-efficient to run.

Developed over four years, nearly all components are new to the Civic. It’s available as a five-door model only and there are currently 11 models from which to

choose between petrol and diesel; four different grades and three different engines.

Prices start from €20,995 for the i.4 SE petrol and from €23,995 for the SE diesel models.

The main emphasis was on suspension developments of the new Civic to improve ride and handling over the diverse demands of European roads.

The designers also focused on maintaining the class-leading interior space of the eighth-generation Civic, while improving the overall packaging, quality of the interior and space efficiency. This led to a new exterior design, improved aerodynamic performance and a reduction in weight to raise the car’s overall performance.

RoadSigns Road Signs AN EXCITING RETURN TO FAMILIAR TERRITORY FOR TOM O’CONNOR:

The new Honda Civic range is due to arrive in Irish dealerships in January of 2012

The new Civic is lower, wider and longer than its predecessor, with a styling that further highlights the sporty and futuristic elegance of the new Civic.

According to Frank Kennedy, sales and marketing director, Universal Honda Limited: “We

have sold over 42,000 Civics since the launch of Honda in Ireland in 1985, and yet I cannot remember a more anticipated launch than the revolutionar y ninthgeneration which goes on sale in January next year. The new Civic

was exclusively developed for the demanding European motoring environment.

“We are cer tainly pleased with a range of Tax A band diesel options, which are such an important market in the Irish market,” he said.

MOTOR Distributors Limited has announced the appointment of Mr. Tom O’Connor to the position of dealer development specialist for Mercedes-Benz.

In his new role, Mr. O’Connor will have responsibility for dealer development matters for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and commercial vehicles.

A well-known and experienced figure in the Irish motor industry, Mr O’Connor was for many years a member of Motor Distributors staff, where he held the position of sales manager for Volkswagen cars.

Welcoming him back to the company, Mercedes-Benz chief executive Stephen Byrne said that Mr. O’Connor returns to Motor Distributors in what is a challenging new role in which he will be able to draw upon his very considerable experience in the motor industry and develop the Mercedes-Benz dealer network.

20 GAZETTE 1 December 2011

GazettePROPERTY PROPERTY PHIBSBORO: THREE-BEDROOM STYLISH VILLA FOR €395,000

Veritable paradise on O’Connell Avenue DECORATION: NEW OFFERS FOR SEASON

Christmas Dealz on decorations

Dealz stores in Blanchardstown are offering a new line in budget Christmas decorations that will add a touch of style to your festive scene this year.

Whatever colour theme you are going for this year, you will no doubt want to make the house look magical and impress your guests, and Dealz has the answer.

Dealz is a new shopping experience where shoppers are guaranteed to find quality, with over 17 shopping categories, 3,000 products including over 1,000 top brands, all high-quality products retailing for €1.49.

You can visit their website at www.dealz.ie, or on Facebook at DealzIreland, or their Twitter page, @DealzIreland

MCGUIRK Beggan Property present 3, O’Connell Avenue, Phibsboro, Dublin 7, a charming yet stylish three-bedroom split level Victorian double fronted villa, to the market for the asking price of €395,000.

This one-of-a-kind property which extends to 1,200 sq ft, is in a highly desirable location and with an impressive interior, and is ready for immediate occupation.

Transformed throughout to the highest specification by its owner, this home has been skilfully paired back, refurbished and upgraded from top to toe with great sensitivity, flair and imagination.

It has been finished to exacting standards and combines the best of contemporary design and high-quality finish, whilst still retaining and sympathetically restoring some of its period

features, most notably its two stunning original cast-iron open fireplaces.

The accommodation comprises spacious entrance hall with high ceilings and walnut wood floors. From there, there is direct access to the formal living room and to the third bedroom.

Steps from the hall lead down into the casual living room.

The living room features a restored cast-iron original open fireplace and walnut floors. The room is further enhanced by the high ceiling.

There is a smaller double bedroom, or perfect study/home office, which also features walnut floor.

On the lower ground floor is a bright living space with restored cast-iron open fireplace, stylish Egyptian marble tiles and down lighting.

There is also a TV point

Number 3, O’Connell Avenue is on the market for €395,000

and access through to the kitchen, downstairs bathroom and to the rear garden.

The kitchen features an extensive array of white, modern fitted eye- and f loor-level units, integrated oven, hob, fridge/freezer and dishwasher. It also features Egyptian marble tile flooring, tile splash back and down lighting,

and ample room for dining.

The downstairs bathroom comprises bath, WC, WHB, marble tiled f loor and par t tiled walls.

The first floor contains two carpeted double bedrooms, which have direct access to a shared en suite.

The rear garden is fully walled with pedestrian

access to a private laneway. It features a paved patio area, railway sleepers bordering the raised lawn.

The property is available for viewing, which can be arranged through Sinead Beggan at McGuirk Beggan Property on 01 419 0600.

For more information, see www.mcguirkbeggan.ie.

CLONSILLA: TWO-BED DUPLEX APARTMENT FOR €139,000

Tranquillity at Station Court SHERRY Fitzgerald in Castleknock are bringing No. 17, Station Court Hall, Clonsilla, Dublin 15, a spacious and immaculately presented two-bedroom own-door first-floor duplex apartment, to the market for an asking price of €139,000.

Concealed behind a large private entrance, Station Court is a small, tranquil development of apartments and duplex apartments set amidst a variety of plantlife and shrubbery maintained to the highest standards, coupled with extensive parking.

The accommodation,

Number 17, Station Court in Clonsilla is on the market for €139,950

which extends to 54 sq m, comprises entrance hallway with semi-solid maple flooring, an openplan living and dining room, which also features semi-solid wooden flooring, and steps lead-

ing to large private balcony.

The kitchen has fitted wall-to-floor birch kitchen units, graniteeffect worktops, a fitted Whirlpool oven and hob, a fitted chrome extractor

hood, and partially tiled walls.

Both bedrooms feature fitted wardrobes, while the master is en suite, featuring an WC, WHB and shower, as well as having tiled flooring and

partially-tiled walls. The master bathroom also features a WC, WHB and shower.

The apartment has a service charge of €785 per annum.

The property offers a south-facing balcony, which has extensive views of the surrounding countr yside and stunning grounds creatively manicured and maintained to the highest standards.

Viewing can be arranged by contacting Michelle Curran at Sherry Fitzgerald on 01 8201800, or via email at castleknock@sherryfitz. ie

1 December 2011 GAZETTE 21

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS Interview: Niall Ryan, Ryan’s Garage in Blanchardstown

Keeping the family business running NIALL Ryan started working in Ryan’s Garage Ltd, a family-run business in 1996.

The garage was established in November 1963 by Tim Ryan, Niall’s father, at its present location on Main Street, Blanchardstown. Over the years they have built up a superb reputation for quality of service and customer care.

“We are Dublin 15’s longest-established garage. If you are looking for a garage you can trust this alone should give you peace of mind,” Niall says.

Niall invites customers to visit the garage and see the full range of Seat vehicles on offer and to experience their excellent aftersales facilities.

Remembering last winter, Niall advises drivers to make sure that they “don’t get stuck this winter”.

“Right now, we’re running a special offer to have a free ‘Winter Health Check’ carried out on your vehicle (all makes). We also now have a full range of ‘all-weather tyres’ in stock for all makes of car.

“All-weather tyres are specifically designed to create more traction and makes it safer to brake in wet, snow and icy conditions below 7°C. They have many more delicate cuts in the tread which are designed to absorb snow, allowing the tyres to maintain their grip when driving over snow-covered roads.

“Other great offers include our Bronze, Silver or Gold service packages, where you can have your car serviced and given a free ‘Health Check’ from as little as €95, includ-

Q: What was your first job?

A: Serving petrol here at Ryans Garage

Q: And your first pay cheque?

A: Very small!

Q: Have you ever done a job you loathed?

A: Not yet Q: When did you start your present job?

A: 1996 Q: What is the best thing about your job?

A: Meeting lots of different people every day

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

A: Still trying Q: What part of your working

FastBiz Rock solid Christmas gifts from Hennessy & Byrne at National Crafts & Design Fair

Niall Ryan, of Ryan’s Garage in Blanchardstown

ing oil change and filter replacement, fluid checks and a 10-point safety check,” Niall said.

Niall says that your first step for safe winter driving should be to get your vehicle serviced to ensure it is fit and safe. Secondly, you should carry out regular checks on the vehicle.

You should: • Check for wear and tear on

wiper blades and replace them as soon as they start to smear rather than clean windows • Keep tyre pressure at the manufacturer’s recommended level and check you have at least 3 millimetres of tread depth • Make sure all vehicle lights are working and clean and • Top up with anti-freeze and screen wash

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

A: Footballer

Supported by AIB

day do you ‘delegate’?

Q: What’s currently on your desk that shouldn’t be?

A: Lots

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

A: Don’t think so Q: What sport do you follow?

A: GAA, rugby and golf Q: What sport can you play?

A: Gaelic football and golf Q: What habits would you like to lose?

A: Slow morning starts Q: At the moment, what are you looking forward to?

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

A: ABBA Q: Who best represents modern Ireland – David Norris or

Jedward?

A: Neither I hope Q: What music/pictures/movies do you have on your iPod/ iPad? A: U2 more U2 and some fam-

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own?

A: Nowhere near as many as the other people in my house!

ily photos

Q: What was your worst holiday experience?

A: A rainy week in the West of

Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook?

A: Not a big user of either I’m

Ireland when I was very young.

I remember we gave up after 3-4 days and came home.

afraid

Q: Describe your dream holiday?

A: In the sun by the sea with

Q: What was your last tweet/ status update?

A: See above Q: Describe your dream meal?

A: Hard to beat a nice steak Q: Who would you rather have dinner with – Enda Kenny or Dame Edna?

A: I think I’m busy that day!

Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously?

A: Locally (not too frivolously though)

family/friends and a nice cold beer in my hand.

Q: What would be your dream job?

A: Probably designing cars for Ferrari

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

A: Travel would be very high on the agenda

EVERY savvy Christmas shopper knows that the National Crafts & Design Fair at the RDS until December 4 is the first port of call in the quest for the perfect Christmas gift. And for those looking for unique Christmas offerings that have been imagined, designed, and handcrafted in Ireland, they need look no further than the Hennessy & Byrne range of giftware on display at this year’s show.

Based in Dunboyne, Co. Meath, Hennessy & Byrne uniquely specialise in handcrafting gift items and tableware from Connemara Marble, Kilkenny Limestone and Wicklow Granite.

Their range of napkin holders, candlesticks, tea lights, Cheeseboards, salt & pepper sets, and clocks were first unveiled last December at Ireland’s leading Christmas Craft and Design event and were an instant success. One year on, and Hennessy & Byrne have marked their first anniversary in business at this years’ National Craft and Design Fair by unveiling a selection of new Christmas gift ideas as well as a sneak preview of some their new products to be officially launched in 2012. New products to watch out for at the fair include elegant cheese slicers, stylish salad spoons and cake knives with handcrafted stone handles, some smaller Christmas ornaments, as well as exciting additions to the Hennessy & Byrne tableware range.

“It has been an amazing year for our new start-up business. We were a bit nervous launching our products onto the Irish market in December 2010, especially in the economic times we are living in; however, the public really seemed to identify with our designs and with the story of behind our range,” says Eric Byrne, a second-generation stonemason and designer/maker of the Hennessy & Byrne range. Visit them at Stand B60 at the National Craft & Design Fair until December 4, visit www.hennessyandbyrne.com, or email hennessyandbyrne@gmail.com.

22 GAZETTE 1 December 2011

GazetteTTRAVEL

Celebrate Christmas Dunbrody House served up a treat in ‘JFK country’ MIMI MURRAY

The airy, comfortable Atrium at The Westin is a perfect place to enjoy a special G and Tea

A delightfully relaxing way to enjoy A Most Peculiar Afternoon Tea at The Westin Dublin FOR something that little bit different – if not verging on the absolutely eccentric – why not try A Most Peculiar Afternoon Tea at The Westin Dublin?

Taking advantage of its team of award-winning mixologists, The Westin Dublin has created a quirky afternoon tea, in partnership with Hendrick’s Gin, serving a classic high-tea menu, alongside an innovative cocktail “tea” to complement the distinctive cucumber and rose petal essences of Hendrick’s Gin. The pot of Hendrick’s G and Tea also provides a perfect foil for delicate sandwiches – cucumber with cream cheese and chive, watercress and egg, and oak-smoked Irish salmon with spinach – as well as freshly-baked fruit scones, banana bread and signature chocolate brownies, all served with fresh cream and jam.

Delightful sweets Delightful sweets include luxury lemon tartlet, white chocolate and strawberry tartlets, and chocolate truffles.

However, if this G and Tea is a bit too “out there” for your taste, try the classic tea, with a glass of Taittinger Brut nv Champagne.

Served in the airy but intimate surroundings of the Atrium at The Westin, where the pretty surroundings perfectly complement this elegant tea, A Most Peculiar Afternoon Tea is available from 2.30pm until 6pm daily, at €24 per person.

To book a table, call 01 645 1000, or, for further information, see www.thewestindublin.com.

I HAVE always wanted to visit JFK country – not Hyannis Port or Martha’s Vineyard, although that would be nice, too, but the old homestead in County Wexford.

On a chilly November day, my husband and I decided to make the vigil to New Ross to see the birthplace of Patrick Kennedy, John’s great, great-grandfather.

Jack Kennedy also made that same journey in 1963, and spent time there as a young man.

We stayed in the delectable Dunbrody House, which is close by, and can be tricky to get to, especially after dark, so make sure you have good directions or a reliable GPS. The house, which dates back to the 1830s, is set on 300 acres of garden and estate. We arrived in the early evening and were welcomed with some freshlybrewed tea, served in pretty

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

‘The house, which dates back to the 1830s, is set on 300 acres of garden and estate. We were welcomed with some freshly-brewed tea, served in pretty bone china. Our room was straight out of Downton Abbey.’

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

bone china – very civilised.

Our room was straight out of Downton Abbey, and I gave a wry smile as my husband, Brian, pointed out that we had been placed in Her Ladyship’s Suite. “How apt,” my husband laughed!

There was some lovely classical music playing in the background, and a long hot bath was most definitely required after the three-hour drive.

We dressed for dinner and went to seek out the beautifully restored Champagne Seafood Bar for an aperitif.

We were greeted by one half

of the celebrity couple who own Dunbrody, Catherine Dundon.

She dashed about, chatting to guests, giving that little bit of personal care to everyone.

The Harvest Room restaurant, which is a vast drawing room, has high ceilings and a beautiful open fire, with turf crackling away. The menu features some firm favourites.

We started with an amusebouche of potato and lemon soup, which was delicate and creamy, and perfect on a wet November night.

My starter of scallops were so fresh you could taste the

Dunbrody House, which is close

sea, and were perfectly cooked, whilst Brian’s pork belly was melt-in-the-mouth, with delicious crackling.

For our main, we settled on the rib of beef, which is cooked for two. It came with a bearnaise sauce, as well as a beef cheek sauce served in a separate saucepan.

It was delicious; perfectly cooked and, as my husband

Rugged Donegal could hold the key to a super

Solis Lough Eske Castle is set in a wonderful location by Lough Eske, with Donegal’s ruggedly beautiful landscape adding to its great appeal

1 December 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 23

Edited by Mimi Murray

on Irish shores

to New Ross, is a perfect venue with delicious food, creating a perfect spot from which to explore the historic region

pointed out, you could dine out on the beef cheek alone.

We apologised to Catherine for not being able to finish, as the portions were rather hearty.

We retired to the bar for afterdinner drinks, and got sucked in to a small wedding that was taking place in the house. Kevin Dundon, the other half of the proprietor couple, was also

at the bar with celebrity chef, Richard Corrigan.

I’m a fan of both, and had to tell Richard how much I loved his appearance on the Great British Food Revival series on BBC2 recently. Apparently, the price of mackeral has sky rocketed since his appearance.

I told him I wasn’t a fan of the fish, but, being a persuasive man, I have promised to give

it another try, if only for the Omega 3.

Next morning, we dined on a scrumptious breakfast before setting off in search of the humble beginnings of one of the most historical families in the United States.

We took the tiny roads that lead to the old Kennedy compound – a far cry from Hyannis Port, and the myth of Camelot

surrounding the Kennedy clan.

It was hard to believe what a momentous day that must have been for the people of New Ross, to have that handsome young man, who was also president of the United States, step onto his home turf and take a cup of tea with the locals.

For more details on Dunbrody, go to www.dunbrodyhouse. com, or call 051 389600.

Christmas break in stunning Solis Lough Eske FOR A festive season to remember book into Solis Lough Eske Castle this Christmas, and enjoy a magical Irish holiday in Donegal.

To start things off, guests can celebrate the onset of the Christmas season with the Annual Switching-On Ceremony on Sunday, December 4, where the festive lights will be officially switched on to launch the holiday season.

Not only does this

event mark the beginning of the hotel’s Christmas celebrations, but it also launches the hotel’s charity drive to assist disadvantaged children and families in Donegal, by collecting food items, so that they can have a happy Christmas, too.

To add to the festivities, guests can enjoy a delightful seasonal twist on the traditional afternoon tea, on December 4, and again on December 11 and 18, with a

special Teddy Bear’s Tea Party, where children have a chance to get a photograph with Santa Claus, while enjoying finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and a range of festive pastries, including mince pies and Christmas cake, all washed down with your choice of a cup of tea or a glass of champagne.

For those in need of more than the pre-Christmas build-up, and the chance to totally escape

the stresses and strains of the festive period, why not experience the Lough Eske Castle Christmas Festive Package from December 24 to 27?

With daily cooked or buffet breakfast; two, three-course table d’hote dinners, and a delicious, traditional Christmas day lunch – complete with all the trimmings – you definitely won’t go hungry.

In addition to the copious amounts of food, fun outdoor activities on St

Stephen’s Day for all ages and nightly festive entertainment and more, will ensure that boredom is not an option.

The Christmas Festive Package is available for guests staying from December 24 to December 27: Courtyard Guestroom, from €635 per person sharing; Deluxe Guestroom, from €670 per person sharing.

For further information visit www.solislougheskecastle.ie

Splash out on a lovely break with the tranquil surrounds of Lough Erne Resort in Co Fermanagh LOUGH Erne Resort is a beautifully tranquil setting at any time of the year, but it is particularly gorgeous at Christmas.

Two- and three-night Christmas packages combine all the finest elements of a stay at Lough Erne Resort, with many extra treats.

On arrival, a seasonal fruit basket awaits you in your room. Enjoy mulled wine and mince pies by the open fire after a wonderfully brisk walk on The Collop Walk, within the grounds of the hotel, and offering stunning views over the Fermanagh Lakelands and Lough Erne Resort’s championship 18-hole golf course, The Faldo Course.

With carol singers providing pre-dinner seasonal music on Christmas Eve, there will also be charming music from the resident harpist and resident pianist during some meals and in the evenings.

Of course, children will not be forgotten – they, too, will have some very special treats to look forward to, including gifts from Santa Claus.

A two-night festive stay at Lough Erne Resort, including full Irish Breakfast each morning, mulled wine and minced pies on arrival, Christmas Eve dinner, transfers to local church services, Christmas Day lunch and Christmas Day evening buffet, costs from £170 per person per night, based on two people sharing.

The three-night Christmas packages rates start from £150 per person per night, based on two persons sharing.

For further information on this lovely break, call Lough Erne Resort on +44 (0)28 6632 3230, or see www.lougherneresort.com

24 SWORDS GAZETTE 1 December 2011

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT 1GoingOUT PAVILION 01 231 2929 John Spillane WITH Christmas fast approaching, The Pavilion is showing no signs in letting up on its roster of outstanding musicians, with award-winning John Spillane coming to the Dun Laoghaire venue. Well-known for his engaging performances, and, of course, his superb music, the Irish singer-songwriter will be supported by Lisa O’Neill, another fine singer from Cavan’s heartlands. Catch the show at 8pm on Friday, December 2, with admission costing €19.

MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 The Spirit of Christmas PRESENTED by the perenially popular Drawing Room Opera Company, The Spirit of Christmas will celebrate the season in superb musical style on Sunday, December 4, with a number of festive favourites and operatic pieces creating an event to savour. As if that wasn’t a tempting enough treat, a special meal deal with Roly Saul’s restaurant sees a two-course meal for two, bottle of wine or complimentary third course, and two tickets for the show on offer, all for just €110. Non-dining tickets cost €27.

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 CREATEability AS PART of its engagement with all of the community, and families, Draiocht’s CREATEability event should be one not to miss. This unique family day for children with special needs, between the ages of 8 to 13, will see Draiocht’s artists joining families to work together and create art in a hands-on way, exploring different themes and various artworks in the galleries. For further information, contact Sarah at 01 809 8029. This free event runs at Draiocht on Friday, December 2, from 1.30pm to 2.30pm.

Having a Ripley moment ... When faced with a cunning, murderous, shapeshifting alien that’s stalking the remote Antarctica base she’s trapped on, plucky scientist, Kate (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) does what any sensible person would do – reach for a flamethrower ...

Some Thing weird Who ya gonna call? Gho-Oh, wait, the scientists in this film have to face an otherworldly horror by themselves Q KATE CROWLEY

WELL folks, here we are again – December, AKA the month that I can reliably expect Mr Crowley to start humming “Christmas is coming and the goose is getting fat” whenever I get dolled up for a night out.

Still, knowing perfectly well what a (Christmas) cracker Mr Crowley pulled on his trip down the aisle, I ignore any such gibes on his not-exactly-slimhimself-either part, as we in the Crowley household all look forward to some annual festive cheer.

Speaking of goose – or geese? – it brings to mind someone whose goose is in danger of being well and truly cooked in this week’s film, with another plucky protaganist who seems to have curiously lemming-like instincts for survival once things start going bump in the night.

Or, rather, once some ... Thing starts messily

FILM OF THE WEEK: The Thing +++ (16) 102 mins Director: Matthijs van Heijningen Jr Starring: Joel Edgerton, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Ulrich Thomsen, beardy scientists in grave peril

OUR VERDICT: NOT, perhaps, what many would see as a traditional Christmas film for the season, this gory horror film is an interesting feel-bad film. It rachets up feelings of tension, stress, fear and panic on a remote Antarctica base, where there’s snow escape for a group of scientists – AKA “dinner” – as a shapeshifting alien hides among the group. But who (and how many) among them is now The Thing?

bumping her colleagues off in the night, in the day, in the snow, in the base she’s trapped on ...

This may almost sound like a jolly update of Cluedo, but, to give you a better clue about what this film is about, I’ll nod (like the filmmakers) towards The Thing.

You remember it, right?

That old 1980s film starring Kurt Russell, which was itself a remake of the classic 1951 film, starring Nobody Who Anyone Remembers Now? Well, sorry folks, it ain’t that Thing, but this The Thing is kind of almost

a remake of the former Thing, not the latter Thing.

I Thing we’re all getting confused now, so let’s get on with the Thing to hand – The Thing – and its connection to cooked geese.

(Bear with me, folks.)

It’s Tuesday, 1982, and brainy science lady Kate (Winstead) is called upon to head off to a remote base in Antarctica, where a team of Norwegian and American scientists have discovered something, or some... Thing.

Actually, it’s a spaceship, which has a frozen extraterrestial, or ET, in it.

(Sadly, it’s not the kind that likes telephones and messing about on bikes during moonlit flits, but the human-slaughtering sort instead.)

Kate, and pals, haul the ET back to base, where, after retrieving a tissue sample, there’s much celebration at their discovery – at least until the ET, or The Thing, as we’ll call it from now, defrosts, wakes up, and sets about assimilating the scientists and then, presumably, conquering the world.

Followed by, presumably, messing about on moonlit flits on bicycles.

However, quicker than you can say “Science will save us now!”, Kate and pals realise that The Thing is trying to pick them all off, one by one; that the parasitic entity has the ability to absorb and then perfectly mimic any life-form, be it animal or man; that at least one of the people on the base is now, in fact, a murder-

ously cunning alien bent on killing (and copying) them all, and that there’s some Thing very fishy going on.

“Science! Science will... err... not maybe work as well as a nice flamethrower,” Thing the scientists.

Cue paranoia, panic, mistrust and rampant fear, as through various attacks by The Thing, and by the dwindling survivors upon each other, every Thing just goes from bad to worse, leading to their geese being well and truly cooked.

Trapped and isolated in a place where anyone and everyone around you could be some Thing you really don’t want to be stuck with, Kate’s forced into an increasingly nightmarish situation – yet one that turns out to be leading directly to the events seen in the 1982 film, and that film’s load of disgustingly gory special effects.

Hurrah! So, it’s not all bad news, then.

1 December 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 25

GazetteGAMING GAMING Tiles of style in this new Windows phone SHANE DILLON

BENDING the rules of this page just a little – and because I’m also very interested in tech news and kit, and sometimes cover such content – I thought I’d take a look at a serious contender for the near-ubiquitous iPhone – and what better than the HTC Radar , running Windows’ Mango OS? In urgent need to replace my ever-faithful, but quite basic (and by now, geriatric) Nokia 6300, I was considering a number of smartphones, before the HTC Radar, well, crossed my radar.

There have already been a number of Windows Phones, with each iteration of the OS driving it – in this case, Windows Phone Operating System 7.5, or Mango, to use its user-friendly title – evolving to keep up with user trends and espectations.

Given Apple’s near dominance of media headlines, with Android phones also slugging

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

‘What it does well, it excels at, and the Windows OS really made me regret not upgrading my phone sooner’ --------------------------

it out for market share, Microsoft really needed to up its game in offering an OS that could compete.

Thankfully, Mango, coupled with HTC’s hardware, seems like a very natural fit, and fit for the challenge.

Firstly, speaking of a natural fit, the phone itself has a lovely build; ergonomically, it feels extremely comfortable to hold and use, and, as smartphones go, I imagine this will fit most users’ hands somewhat better than similar phone.

Compactness is, for

many, a negative point in phones, rather than a positive.

Personally, I prefer a bit of heft in a handset, rather than jabbing at something that’s seemingly designed for pixie hands, yet the Radar also slips perfectly comfortably into my pocket. So far, so good.

However, the Radar’s real selling point is, of course, the Windows’ OS that drives it, as phones stand or fail on their software.

I know that Microsoft have been keen to point out hundreds of additions and improvements to its latest OS over previous versions – however, I just wanted to see what Mango does, rather than know what it was.

And what it does well, it excels at, and its OS really made me regret not upgrading my phone sooner.

Taking a different stance to the “apps” functions of other phones, Mango’s (user-customisable) Tilebased interface cleanly

shows whatever information you’re looking for – I quickly and easily pulled apart the default layout to push “my” content to the fore, chief among that being social content.

After all, its People Hub pulls together all the information on my friends and contacts that I’m interested in, giving me updates on what’s going on, while letting me filter out other content.

It’s pretty neat, seeing content from, say, Twitter, Facebook and MSN neatly integrated into one space, rather than spread over disconnected apps.

Of course, being a Microsoft OS, it also neatly pulls in what’s connected to my XBox Live gaming account, with a Marketplace section connected to the phone, while, perhaps more seriously, there’s also a dedicated Office Hub. That’s likely to be a key selling point for, say, many students and business users, as the office software, and its integra-

tion with other platforms, would be very important for many users.

Coupled with the Cloud-related SkyDrive storage, which provides a lot of gigabytes of storage, and that’s an awful lot of brain- and storage-power to slip into your pocket, which would also link very well to its comprehensive calendar functions.

Something that I liked a lot is the “threads” function, as messages remain grouped together, leaving naturally flowing conversations – complete with nicely integrated picture messages, where relevant – all of which is quite a change from my faithful old phone (now retired to a bedroom drawer)!

Coupled with all of the bells and whistles you’d expect both HTC and Microsoft to cram into a handset (which includes a pretty decent camera), and the HTC Radar, running Windows’ Mango, seems like a pretty tasty smartphone to pick up.

Saying Halo to a fondlyremembered classic AS MENTIONED last week, I’m taking a look at Halo: Anniversary, which should interest gamers allied to pretty much any console.

Available exclusively on the XBox 360, the title marks the ten-year anniversary of an iconic gaming title, and series, and also marks an almost unheard of event in gaming – reheating and reserving an old title for modern tastes.

However, the game hasn’t been simply dusted off and shoved out into the shops again, as the (re)developers have taken the original game, slapped a HD and re-modelled gloss over it to compete with modern titles, and then brought it to market.

The interesting thing is that, at any point during the gameplay, the player can press a button and swap back and forth at will to see what the level/game looked like in the original engine.

It’s quite a shock, seeing today how ... simple the orginal title looked, especially when the more intricate modern version looks so much prettier.

Still, the original Halo, as now with its “reheated” version, still holds up very well, with some excellent AI, imaginative locales, challenging environments, and quite simply, lots of fun.

I’ve had quite a blast – literally – by running around as the title’s hero, jumping around glossy alien landscapes and

Halo: Anniversary is a great tribute to a ten-year-old title

spaceship interiors, and then swapping back and forth to see their practically prehistoric equivalents in the ten-year-old original engine, all the while facing the exact same enemy AI. Of course, the Anniversary title comes with some cool attractions in the package,

such as some great multiplayer maps, and a number of other “upgrades” to look out for.

For my money, the orginal Halo was the best in the series, and this finely executed tribute is both a fitting testament to the game it honours, as well as a great game in its own right.

The HTC Radar, running Windows’ Mango OS, is available from a number of outlets in classic grey (above, or white, depending on availability). It comes with 8GB of internal storage, and has a wide range of features, ranging from 3G connectivity to a 5MP camera and flash, ZUNE player and HTC Watch.

GAZETTE

26 SWORDS GAZETTE 1 December 2011

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1 December 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 27

28 SWORDS GAZETTE 1 December 2011

GazetteSport Sport

Barry Holland and Callum Riches get in close.

Steven Daly v Andy Beirne. Pictures: www.eventphotosireland.com

Action from Patrick Ferguson v Conor Sheils

Charity Boxing

Fight night for Hope Source YSTIC Fybrosis charity, the CF Hopesource Foundation, held a very successful fundraising white-collar boxing evening at the Wright Venue in Swords last weekend.

The charity, which is working to create isolation beds for cystic fibrosis patients in Temple Street hospital, were delighted with the turn-out for the 15-fight card, which saw local fighters battle for bragging rights in a fun event.

Ways to make donations and more information about the charity’s efforts can be found at http://www.malahidecffightnight. com/.

The organisers wish to thank all the support they received from friends and families of the fighters.

Action from the bout between Lorcan Gibney and Jack Brennan

The ref keeps a close eye on Ger Byrne and Ritchie Hogan

C

Alison Beirne v Lisa Foran

Colm Hanratty v Alan Lee

1 December 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 29

in association with

RALLY: INTERNATIONAL SERIES RETURNS TO IRELAND

2011 DUBLIN SPORTS AWARDS NOVEMBER WINNERS IN ASSOCIATION WITH

STARof theMONTH GARY THOMPSON THE North Dublin star of the track has been marked as a possible F1 star of the future, and continues to impress with his progress on the Asian circuit, shining on the Japanese F3 championship over the last two years, with his appearance behind the wheel in endof-season trials in Formula Nippon another affirmation of his potential.

TEAMof theMONTH LUCAN SARSFIELDS THE 12th Lock side made Dublin history this month when they claimed the last of an impressive run of camogie titles at Parnell Park; the club’s ladies now own the Under-13 to minors’ crowns in the county. With the smallball code in the ascendancy at the club, their achievement is a tribute to the youth section at the club and the young players.

NOVEMBER is just gone and still it’s like the middle of autumn — but that hasn’t stopped some exceptional Dublin sports stars emerging to take their honours.

Gary Thompson is slowly but surely building a significant career in motor racing, and his appearance behind the wheel in Formula Nippon in Japan puts him in the footsteps of Michael Schumacher and Eddie Irvine. It is only a matter of time before we see Gary moving into the realms of world championship racing.

The Lucan Sarsfields’ camogie section have achieved a massive and

historic success this year, winning all of the juvenile age-level titles in Dublin. With hurling at the club a huge success, it was inevitable that the camogie section would follow.

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.

Rally Director, Bobby Willis at the announcement of the Circuit of Ireland rally

Challenge in place for 2012 rally race sport@gazettegroup.com

NORTH county rally star Robert Barrable is set to return to the roads of Ireland next year when he takes part in the famous Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally which will be part of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) series.

The 13-round IRC series will travel Europe with the Circuit of Ireland being the only British or Irish round on the calendar, which will be hosted in its traditional Easter slot of April 6 and 7.

Broadcast across

Europe, Asia, A frica and the Americas by Eurospor t, the IRC series last year boasted a global viewing audience of 79 million and affirms the Circuit of Ireland’s arrival once again on a worldwide sporting stage.

Irish drivers have competed well on the IRC series in recent years, which was won by Dungannon’s Kris Meeke in 2009 and last year featured Irish drivers, Jonny Greer (Carryduff), Craig B r e e n ( Wa t e r f o r d ) , Robert Barrable (Dublin) and Alastair Fisher (Trillick).

Bobby Willis, event

director of the Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally said: “The country can look forward to hosting a truly world-class sporting event in 2012, a rally that will captivate the fans and the general public alike as we bring the rally to the people.”

Dungannon driver, Kris Meeke, who won the IRC series in 2009 said: “Hosting such a high-profile event here is unbelievable and is fantastic news for rally fans in Ireland.

“A s a n y o n e w h o watched the series over recent years will testify, it’s highly competitive and makes compulsive

viewing.

“I’m certain the reigning IRC champion, Norway’s Andreas Mikkelsen and all the competitors and teams will receive a warm welcome here next Easter from the thousands that will attend.”

Precise details surrounding the rally will be launched in the next few weeks, but Willis has promised another super special stage in a new host city which is sure to showcase the skills of the IRC and Circuit of Ireland competitors.

For more information go to www.ircseries.com or www.circuitofireland. net

Leo’s tickets launch: to see UCD in friendlies Win Leinster star releases book

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 LEINSTER matches atcaptain, the Belfield former pions Bowl against Scotland’s Blackrock College player, and League. As well as this, they have a wide Stproud Johnstone FC on July holder of the Heineken range 10,Cup, and Leo Spain’s Villarreal Cullen, was picturedof talented footballers at their disposal CF on July 16. last week , at the D4 Berkeley St Johnstone finished Hotel, with his family atwith the Barcelona target and eighth in the SLP last launch of A Captain’s Story, former Manchester United player, Giuseppe season, andof have long2010/11 his diary theaepic Rossi, on the top of the tradition in Scottish season that led to another list.and football.

Former players historic success in Ireland GazetteSpor t and include Sir Alex Ferguson Europe. Picture: inpho.com 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 1 December 2011

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

Fingal’s barren season continues at ALSAA FINGAL’S wait for a first Leinster senior league win continues as YMCA’s claimed their fifth success of the campaign that saw them narrow the gap to a point at the top of hockey’s division one as they plundered a 3-1 victory at ALSAA. Fingal had won the equivalent fixture in the Neville Cup two months earlier but they were stung early on as YMCA built a twogoal lead.

Marcus Richardson stole the ball on the 25, drawing the goalkeeper before playing in Jamie Tobin for the first goal.

The second was similar with Richardson intercepting, passing to Richie Pedreschi who returned the favour for Richardson to finish off his fifth goal of the campaign.

Eamon Bane got one back just before halftime, sweeping home from the injector spot from breaking ball.

It was an eventful corner as David Bane and Ian McHugh collided, leaving the former in serious difficulty and needing a hospital visit.

The Fingal talisman had been injured in similar fashion earlier this season and was knocked unconscious by the collision but was cleared to leave hospital.

Stephen Parker got the clinching goal with a quarter hour to go when he swivelled on Andy Walker’s swept pass while Fingal’s best chance to level had fallen to Simon McKeever.

His initial shot chipped over Iain Walker but spun away from goal with McKeever himself retrieving the ball only to flash a reverse across the face of the goalmouth.

It leaves Fingal tied at the bottom of the table with just one point from six games to date.

They face a battle against Monkstown in Rathdown on Saturday afternoon before playing Corinthian in their final league game before Christmas this year but will be looking forward to a Neville Cup semi-final date with Railway Union.

SOCCER: LOCAL SCHOOL LOSE OUT TO LATE WILSON’S GOALS

Swords Celtic’s LSL Sunday Senior side continued their winning streak against St John Bosco

Celtic keep up winning ways sport@gazettegroup.com

SWORDS Celtic continued their unbeaten run last week in the LSL Sunday Major when they beat St John Bosco to make it seven games without defeat in the division.

Swords went one down after 42 minutes with a slick one-two move from Bosco that slid past keeper Steven Caul.

A minute later, Caul pulled off a world-class save to deny Bosco a second and, just on the halftime whistle, Dan Smith rolled a ball across the box to Neale Fenn who controlled and rolled the ball through the keeper’s

legs into the bottom left corner for 1-1.

Into the second half, Swords limited Bosco to half-chances and the defending from Conor McNeill and Ben McQuillen was top-drawer.

On 78 minutes, Celtic played a nice move with Mark Scully involved around the 18-yard line only for McQuillen to step forward and send the ball into the back of Bosco’s net.

And they sealed the deal in the final minute when Caul pin-pointed a ball to Si Madden’s head.

He flicked on for Smith on the left and he ran to the edge off the box and

Styling on Sam: St Finian’s host fashion event at clubhouse ST FINIAN’S GAA club recently held

a Fashion Show at their Rivervalley base, and the night proved to be a great success. On hand to celebrate the night was Dublin’s All-Ireland trophy, Sam Maguire, seen here being supported by club men Mark Deonan and Pat Farrell.

For full gallery, see Pages 8-9 Picture: Una Williams

slid a nice pass to Fenn who, yet again, hit the back off the net.

Elsewhere, late goals from Megan Gould and Ciara Wilson denied Loreto Swords a share of the spoils from their FAI Schools Leinster Division 2A tie with Wilson’s Hospital in Greenogue.

Caoimhe Morris’ 48thminute goal had placed the Swords’ side well in contention as she cancelled out Lauren Payne’s early effort but the division 2A laurels ended with the Westmeath side as they netted a double in the closing ten minutes.

Loreto Captain Caoimhe Morris won the toss

and opted to play against the strong wind in the first half but it was Wilson’s who took the lead 20 minutes in when Payne put the Multyfarnham girls in front.

After the half-time restart Loreto were much more in control with Morris aided by Orla Keogh and Niamh Rickard.

Wilson’s keeper Jessica Shekleton needed to be alert to pull off a fine save from a strong Swords shot before Morris levelled.

Swords quickly won possession and Morris used her skill and judgement to score a perfect goal; her chip over the retreating Shekleton put

Loreto back in the game at 1-1.

Aisling O’Brennan was now a lively presence on the field as she partnered left forward Megan Gould upfront. It was Gould who got a quick break from midfield. Although only in third year Gould had enough experience to make it all the way to the Swords’ 18-yard box where she buried the ball and gave WHS the lead.

In the final minute Laura McCullagh got a low cross in from the right to Clara Wilson’s foot.

Midfielder Wilson took her first ever goal and finished the match with a 3-1 score line.

1 December 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 31

in association with

FOOTBALL: PLAY-OFF DEFEAT DROPS FINGALLIANS

CLUB NOTICEBOARD FINGALLIANS THE senior footballers were beaten

com/mospace/1361558/ if you wish to

by St Mark’s and will now contest

donate.

the Intermediate championship next year.

For the first time in over 20 years, Fins is preparing to enter two teams

Tickets for the club car draw are

into the camogie leagues start-

now on sale. Distribution or further

ing next March. We now have over

sales information can be obtained

30 girls training every Thursday

from Declan Brady at dbrady01@

evening from 6 to 7pm. Some are

eircom.net.

absolute beginners, while others

The club shop will open on Sunday, Ddcember 4 and 11 from 11am to 12pm in addition to the Saturday opening hours.

have trained with the junior hurling teams in Fingallians.

We are looking for new members of any age group to come down, have

Moustache Gala Night in the club

some fun, learn new skills, get fit

next Friday, December 2. Mo of the

and make new friends. We would also

Month will be announced; music, food

welcome any individuals who can

and craic. 27 club members are now

help support training the girls in any

closing in on their €3,000 target. Fur-

aspect of the game. Come down any

ther information to follow this week.

Thursday and join in the fun (training

Please check out http://ie.movember.

equipment is provided).

FINGAL RAVENS WELL done to our minor team on a Fingallians exited the senior football championship after a 57-year tenure with defeat to St Mark’s

End of an era as Fins depart senior level SFC RELEGATION PLAYOFF St Mark’s Fingallians

3-8 1-10

Q sport@gazettegroup.com

FINGALLIANS’ 57year tenure in the Senior Football Championship came to an end last Sunday in O’Toole Park when their bogey side, St Mark’s, produced an allround performance that snuffed out the Swords’ men’s best efforts.

With Laois intercounty star Brendan Quigley and Dubs’ AllIreland winner Paul Flynn both missing for Fins, former Dublin hurler John Kelly took centre stage for the Tallaght side.

He kicked 1-3 and was Mark’s go-to man throughout, while Wayne Daly weighed in with a couple of goals, and Patrick Murphy added a trio of points to the mix that saw Mark’s over the line.

Fingallians had taken an early lead when they

moved 1-3 to 1-2 up but Mark’s were finding routes through their defence and their second goal put them 2-4 to 1-4 ahead at half-time.

Daly’s second goal was crucial and, while Fins got back to within two points at times, trailing 3-6 to 1-10 at one stage, Mark’s closed out the game with a pair of points with Danny McCann and Tadhg Adderley also to the fore.

It leaves the bizarre scenario that sees Fingallians drop to intermediate level, having the knock-on effect of pushing their AFL6 side down to the Junior A championship.

With the Lawless Park club set to contest the promotion play-offs with a place in AFL1 up for grabs, next year could see the odd sight of a side in the top league taking on Division 5 teams in championship action.

To that end, Fins have been paired with Cuala – perhaps one of the main contenders at inter championship level, after their two consecutive final appearances in the AFL 2 play-offs.

Currently, Fins are hoping to get Flynn back in shape in time for the game, but a spanner could be thrown into the works with the Dubs’ celebratory holiday season coming up soon.

The Dalkey side could also be shy of Mick Fitzsimons in the coming weeks, a factor which might see either club requesting the fixture be pushed back if deemed an eligible reason for

postponement.

They are penciled in to meet at 11am on Sunday morning in Lawless Park.

Fins were confirmed as third place finishers in the regular AFL2 season following Skerries Harps victory over St Anne’s completed the play-off line-up last Sunday.

Cuala ended the season level on points with Fins and the pair drew when they met back in March, 2-3 to 1-6 at Hyde Park.

Fingallians confirmed their place in the playoffs with victory over Naomh Fionnbarra three weeks ago.

60th.

good win over St Maur’s in the semi-

Pub quiz in Kettle’s Hotel last week

final of their championship on Sun-

was a great success. Thanks to

day.

everyone who supported this fun-

We wish all involved the very

draiser; to everyone who donated

best of luck next Sunday morning,

prizes; to Kettle’s Hotel; to Carl our

December 4, in the final against

quiz-master, and to Alan and Mick

Castleknock in Somerton, and we

for organising the night and to eve-

ask everyone to come along and

ryone else who helped out.

support the lads.

Also, best of luck to our U-21s in the semi-final of their championship on Saturday, December 9 vs Thomas Davis or Ballinteer St John’s.

We are hosting a 60th birthday

Copies of A Rare Auld Season are available to purchase for only €18.

Contact Desy on 087 995 7429.

Our children’s Christmas party will take place on December 11, from 3 to 5pm in Kettle’s Hotel.

party for Pat McDonagh on Satur-

We will also be holding a Christmas

day, December 3 at 8.30pm in Ket-

raffle on December 17, with some

tle’s Hotel. All past and present

excellent prizes; turkey, hampers,

members of the club are asked to

spirits, wine and lots more, see any

come along and wish Pat a happy

committee member for tickets.

ST FINIAN’S THE fashion show was a great night

clean unwanted clothes, bed linen,

again. Many thanks to all our spon-

duvets, pillows, towels, also bags,

sors and to everyone who made the

belts and soft toys. Please drop

night such a success. DVDs of the

bags off to clubhouse at following

event can be pre-ordered through

times: December 6 to 9 from 7.30 to

the club office.

9pm, December 10 from 10.30am to

The AGM of the camogie section will

12.30pm. All bags will be collected at

take place on Monday, December 5,

1pm. This has the potential of being a

at 9pm in the club house. All players,

big fundraiser with minimum input.

mentors and parents are invited to

Our Christmas Fair is also tak-

attend. Eve Talbot, Camogie Develop-

ing place on Saturday, December 10

ment Officer from the County Board

from 11am to 3pm in the clubhouse.

will speak at the meeting. Hoping to

Attractions include Coffee Shop,

see as many there as possible.

Cake Stall, Book Stall, Christmas

Brothers Kevin and Liam Ryan have been named on the Dub Stars hurling

Cards, Craft Stalls, Jewellery and, of course, Santa’s Grotto.

team which will take on an Anthony

Come and support your club and

Daly selection on New Year’s Day. The

get into the Christmas spirit. A raffle

two lads have been in great form all

will also take place with some great

season. Well done, lads.

Christmas fare, including a Christ-

Clothing collection on Saturday, December 10. Please donate all your

mas cake and pudding baked by our own Rose Curran.

ALL OF YOUR SWORDS SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 28-31

CAUGHT OUT: Fingallians fall to defeat and relegation from top flight P31

DECEMBER 1, 2011

DUBLIN SPORTS STARS November winners are announced inside P29

GazetteSPORT

Paul Flynn celebrates after Dublin’s success in the All-Ireland final at Croke Park, but admits he played against his doctor’s advice

Flynn fought through pain to lift All-Ireland Fingallians’ star was close to pulling out of squad for Croke Park decider after hamstring doubt swordssport@gazettegroup.com

PAUL Flynn says he came close to pulling out of the All-Ireland senior football championship final in September and he almost told Pat Gilroy that he would not be fit to play against Kerry in the match that brought Sam Maguire back to Dublin for the first time in sixteen years.

The Swords’ man’s hamstring remained touch-and-go after Flynn sustained a blow to the leg in the semi-final victory over Donegal, which meant he sat out a lot of training in the build-up to the decider.

It led to big fears he would not be able to play in the final, the medical team icing the damaged muscle up until the eve of the AllIreland decider.

But he decided to take painkillers in the build-up to the final and played just over 50 minutes before Kevin McManamon took his place, en route to the famous victory for the

Dubs.

“The day beforehand it was so sore, I was nearly going to ring Pat and say I wouldn’t be able to play,” Flynn said last week at the announcement of Aer Lingus as the new airline partner of the Dubs.

“Definitely, I wouldn’t have been playing if it was any other game. Even the physio was telling me, ‘You do know that after this game it could be off the bone or anything. You could really damage it’.

“I was like, ‘I don’t care, this is it for me.

If this is the last game I play, and we win, I wouldn’t mind’.

“That is how much it meant to me.”

Celebration The Dubs’ squad will head out to Orlando, and subsequently to the Cayman Islands, this week for a two-week holiday as part of their celebrations for winning Sam Maguire for the first time in 16 years.

On the trip, the Dubs will play a challenge match against an amalgamation of local, expat clubs in the Caribbean, but Flynn adds that it will not be a serious game, while his hamstring status is such that he may still be receiving treatment when he is on the victory holiday.

“The last thing the lads want is to bring their football gear on holidays!”

The trip has been contrasted with the hard graft undergone11 months ago, when the Dubs undertook pre-work training sessions in January, sessions, Flynn says, were central to the bonding process.

“At the time when we were out there in the dark, you’d be thinking, ‘this is crazy’, but it builds a character in the group.

“It built a bond among the group that we held and carried with us throughout the championship. I personally really enjoyed those sessions. You get it out of the way early,” said Flynn.