Swords

Swords GAZET TE FREE

‘Relaxation rooms work wonders at modern spas’ SEE BEAUTY: P15.

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YOUR COMMUNITY • YOUR PAPER

INSIDE: Whole new read in store at Cafe Libro P10

Soccer: Swords Celtic youths claim four cup titles Page 32

Football: St Finian’s stun contenders with SFC victory Page 31

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ................8-10 MOTORS ........................18 BUSINESS ................... 20 TRAVEL......................... 23 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26

May 12, 2011

FIGHT NIGHT: Local actor starring in new Bailey’s Theatre show Page 4

Council job cuts to total 300 by 2012 Q MIMI MURRAY

JOB cuts at Fingal County Council (FCC) will total 300 by the summer of 2012, the council confirmed this week.

FCC said that they have already reduced staff numbers by 251 since 2008 and added that they also made a 17% reduction in annual payroll costs in the same period, from €86.3m to €71.6m.

While the majority of local politicians praised the council

for the cost-saving measures taken, Socialist Councillor, Matthew Waine, said there had been a “human cost”.

He also questioned what the reduction in staff numbers would mean in terms of the delivery of services.

However, Labour Cllr, Ciaran Byrne, said it was time to get a “grip” on the economic reality, which “we are being forced to deal with it by reducing staff”.

Full Story on Page 2

With good cause: Swords Rose Roisin does her bit for charity RIVERVALLEY girl Roisin Walsh, this

year’s Swords hopeful for the Rose of Tralee, held a benefit night at The Peacocks Bar and Lounge in aid of Childline recently.

The benefit night kicked off with a pub quiz, followed by a karaoke session, and many of Roisin’s friends and

supporters, including Adrienne Evers (pictured), came along to show their support.

The Peacocks is Roisin’s sponsor for the Rose and is helping to support her in her journey towards the Kerry finals, which take place in August.

Full Gallery on Pages 8-9

2 SWORDS GAZETTE 12 May 2011

RI

TRANSPORT Idea a ‘soft option’ for providing transport to airport PRESIDENT:

Councillor calls DART railway spur talk ‘kite flying’ Q MIMI MURRAY

TALK of a DART railway spur from Clongriffin DART station to Dublin Airport is “kite flying”, according to Labour Councillor Tom Kelleher.

The Swords councillor said he hoped the alternative that was spoken of by the Minister of Transport, Leo Varadkar last week, was not a soft alter-

native before they say no to Metro North.

“I think the Minister knows the DART option is just not on,” Cllr Kelleher said this week.

Having spoken to several engineers and members of Fingal County Council, he said: “The idea that a spur from the DART train can facilitate Dublin airport is out of the question. It’s being

put forward as a kind of a soft option in terms of providing transport systems to the airport, but it’s not on. There would be problems with the DART line intersecting with the heavy rail line going north.

“In order to create a viable DART line to the airport, we are talking about creating four new lines going right through

Clontarf, so you would be talking about a massive land and building take.

Imagine trying to get a clear pathway through Clontarf.

“There is no way it could happen and I have spoken to quite a few people on this. It is just not viable. At least the existing route has been cleared and it’s fairly sanitised. The idea of being

able to create a four way highway through builtup areas just wouldn’t work.

“It’s a bit of kite flying really and we just hope it’s not someone offering a soft alternative before they say no to Metro, but I think the Minister knows that the DART option is just not on. I spoke to engineers and people in the council who did some

consultation on it and they said there is no way.

“They spoke to people who run the DART and asked what would you need to provide this, they said that to get away from the logjam that’s caused by the railway line going north, they’d have to create a new line right through Clontarf into the city, which is a definite no.”

BUDGETS: CUTBACKS SAVE FCC €16.5M OVER THE PAST 15 MONTHS

Total job losses at Fingal County Council to total 300 Q MIMI MURRAY

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STAFF numbers in Fingal County Council (FCC) are likely to be reduced by over 300 by this time next year, it was revealed at a County Council meeting this week.

Council officials said that they have already reduced staff numbers by 251 between 2008 and 2011.

They have made a 17% reduction in annual payroll costs in that same period, from €86.3m to €71.6m.

The council saved €8m in payroll in 2011 and they said they will save €12.8m by 2014 when off-settable lump sum payments are disposed of.

T here has been a €3.5m reduction in overtime per annum and €9.6m savings in non-pay expenditure for things like plant hire, fleet management and energy costs.

Overall, the council has made €16.5m sav-

Fingal County Council (FCC) says it will reduce staff numbers by over 300 over the next year

ings in expenditure over the last 15 months.

Whilst most of the elected members praised the council for the measures taken, the Socialists berated the report saying that the savings were made by implementing cuts.

“The manager outlined these cuts as if they were a positive achievement.

There is a human cost,” Councillor Matthew Waine said.

“What does it mean for the delivery of services,” he asked. He also said he felt the goodwill and attitude from staff was “wearing thin.”

However Councillor Waine was shouted

down by many of the councillors, with Labour Councillor Ciaran Byrne telling him to “get a grip on economic reality.”

“We have an €18bn annual shortfall and we are being forced to deal with it by reducing staff,” he said.

Cllr Tom Kelleher said that FCC was singular by trying to function on a far inferior income.

“There has been a new government in place for six to eight weeks facing a dreadful situation which is going to get worse.

“I’m not sure if any job is sacrosanct and all the rhetoric in the world is not going to fix it. No

organisation is going to escape,” he said.

The council gave a breakdown of how the savings were achieved.

“They said that, as a result of the moratorium on recruitment, 251 staff have not been replaced since the beginning of 2009.

“These included the non-filling of 86 vacancies at date of moratorium resulting in savings of €2.7m and the nonfilling of vacancies arising from termination of 39 temporary contracts, resulting in savings of €1.4m per annum.”

Non-filling of vacancies arising from retirement of 126 staff member’s lump sum payments associated with retirements distort savings in the short term.

Real savings of approximately €12m will be made by the end of 2014. By not recruiting 130 temporary summer staff, the council saved €1m per annum, whilst not replacing staff on maternity leave resulted in a saving of €0.6m.

SECURING NOMINATION

Members vote in favour of Norris Q MIMI MURRAY swords@gazettegroup.com

FLAMBOYANT Senator David Norris does not now need to make the trip to Fingal County Council in order to secure a nomination for the Presidency.

The elected members voted 12-6 in favour of nominating Norris, after Independent Councillor David O’Connor tabled a motion asking the council to support his nomination for the Presidency.

In his motion Cllr O’Connor asked: “In the interest of democracy and ensuring a vibrant and open election campaign that FCC hereby nominates Senator Norris to run for the office of President of Ireland 2011.”

Fingal County Council is the first local authority to nominate the outspoken Senator, who has campaigned on a number of controversial issues, including gay rights and the Iraq War. Fianna Fail Councillor Darragh Butler said he 100% supported the motion, saying his party leader had “given councillors a free hand to allow in voting”.

His party colleague, Cllr Eoghan O’Brien, said it was a “very valid request that needs support”.

However, there was one dissenting voice for the actual Office of the Presidency. Socialist Councillor Ruth Coppinger said that perhaps there should be a discussion about the abolition of the Presidency.

12 May 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 3

EVENT Local hopeful getting ready for the heats

Roisin hopes to be the next Rose of Tralee Q MIMI MURRAY swords@gazettegroup.com

RIVERVALLEY girl Roisin Walsh is this year’s Swords hopeful for the Rose of Tralee Festival taking place in Kerry this August.

Walsh, who is an actress and dancer, said she decided to put herself forward after she got a phone call from a friend.

“I sent off a form and the next day they said we’d love to have you as a Rose.

I had a pre-interview giving me a hint of the questions they would ask. It was just to show me what it was going to be like.

Over the next few weeks, we had a few social nights

and I got to meet all the girls. They are all so lovely.

They are full-figured, tall, small, but all with hearts of gold, and the people who are organising it are the same. It’s more of a personality competition.

Everyone who enters automatically becomes a Rose.

Tricky

“There are 60 girls in total taking part and we have the first heat of 20 girls next week. Later on that day, we have an interview on stage that takes three-and-a-half minutes, and, if you want, you can do a party piece. I think I’m going to dance and this is where it’s going to

get tricky. I love hip hop and jazz. You have to do it in your gown so I am going to get a gown made that I can whip the bottom off and wear a different costume underneath.

I don’t think it has ever been done before.”

Roisin studied acting for four years and now uses that platform to help make children and teens aware of the dangers of cyber bullying. The issue was brought into the media spotlight through the sad death, through suicide, of Phoebe Prince in the US. “In the final year, you are given a topic and you have to produce a play on that subject and go to dif-

Roisin Walsh, this year’s Swords hopeful for the Rose of Tralee Festival, with her parents, Frank and Sheila Walsh. Picture: Peter Doyle

ferent schools and educate the kids about that topic. I was given cyber bullying, as it is so topical at the moment with the internet and phones and Phoebe Prince’s story.

“When we researched it, you would not believe the number of people who are bullied. We do different scenarios to

show how the bullying happens and how to deal with it. There are lots of websites now for kids to go on to if they are being bullied as well.

“O2 also has a bullying service where you can block the number of someone who is bullying you. We have been doing this for over a year now

and have had so much interest in it, and we are going all over Ireland with it now. The Rose of Tralee people loved it and thought it was really interesting.”

Anyone who has been affected by cyber bullying can go to www.Watchyourspace.ie for confidential help.

APPLEWOOD

Planning 4 Real meeting RESIDENTS of Applewood and surrounding estates in Swords are invited to an exciting event taking place on Saturday, May 21, from 12 noon to 3pm, at the former Applewood Gallery, opposite the French Cafe on Applewood Square.

Planning 4 Real is a highly visible, hands-on way of consulting with the local community. The event, hosted by Fingal County Council’s Community Department, will give all residents a great opportunity to shape the future of their neighbourhood.

A model of the area has been constructed and will be used to consult with the local community on what are the priority issues in the neighbourhood.

For further information, please contact Rafe Costigan at 087-2203944 or email rafe.costigan@ fingalcoco.ie

4 SWORDS GAZETTE 12 May 2011

HOUSING

Meeting on pyrite issues THE issue of pyrite in north Dublin homes will be discussed at a public meeting to be held in the Milestone pub on May 12 at 8pm.

Socialist TD, Clare Daly said: “Thousands of houses in a number of estates in north county Dublin and Meath are affected by heave-inducing pyrite.

Major structural repair work is necessary but Homebond, the structural guarantee set up by the Construction Industry Federation, is stalling in getting houses assessed.

“Many of the builders have gone into receivership. This is a crisis and the victims, the homeowners who are affected, need emergency action.

Thursday’s meeting has been convened to let the politicians know the extent of the problem and to demand the establishment of a redress board to get the works done and go after those responsible.”

ACTING Theatre a comfortable place for McAnally

All of the hard work is paying off for Aonghus Q MIMI MURRAY swords@gazettegroup.com

Aonghus Og, who lives in Swords but grew up in Portmarnock, is currently starring in Fight Night in Bewley’s Theatre

WITH an acting legend for a grandfather, it might be daunting to attempt to tread the boards, but that’s not the case for Aonghus Og McAnally, the grandson of Ray McAnally.

Aonghus recalls one piece of advice Ray, who starred in My Left Foot and The Mission, gave to him. “A consistently high standard of work over a long period of time cannot go unnoticed.”

It is something he has taken on board and with 15 year’s experience under his belt, the hard work is starting to pay off.

Aonghus Og, who lives in Swords but grew up in Portmarnock, is currently starring in Fight Night in Bewley’s Theatre and the show and its star have already won awards.

His parents and grandparents met on stage, so the theatre was always going to be a comfortable place for Aongus Og. Having trained in Trinity College, he has been working consistently ever since.

“I was never pressured into the business, but the fact that my family worked in that industry opened up that world to me. A lot of friends got into it in spite of their parents, like they might have said, ‘would you get a real job’, but mine were not like that.

They told me that when it is bad, it can be very tough,

but I went into it with my eyes open. My parents can be tough critics and they are not going to flatter me if something isn’t great. Equally, if something is really good they will say it.”

Work

Over the years, McAnally has done a huge amount of work and a lot with the Abbey Theatre.

He even had Anne Hathaway come to see one of his performances at the national theatre.

“We were making Ella Enchanted and Anne and I got on like a house on fire and we got to hang out.”

He made his movie debut in the Nephew, with Pierce Brosnan and Donal McCann, an experience he describes as “amazing”.

Parallels have been drawn between the protagonist in Fight Night and McAnally’s own life.

Both come from successful families, in their respective fields, and both have had children recently and are attempting to master fatherhood.

He is based in Ireland, but says he would consider moving to LA or New York if the role called for it.

“It has not appealed to me yet and I have no desire to be another Paddy just off the boat. I have been very lucky here and have worked consistently.

I have a young family here also. Hey, if Brendan Gleeson can do it, then so can I,” he says.

Fight Night kicked off in Bewleys Theatre on Tuesday and runs for five weeks.

Aonghus Og McAnally

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12 May 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 5

RANKING Irish Business Against Litter 2011 launch

Retaining litter free status in Swords Q DAWN LOVE swords@gazettegroup.com

SWORDS will be looking to retain its litter free ranking when the results of the Irish Business Against Litter survey are announced later this summer.

The 2011 programme, which was launched by Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan last week, will for the first time see Dublin Airport and its environs join the league.

Speaking at the launch, IBAL chairman, Dr Tom Cavanagh said the Government should introduce a national Adopt a Road scheme where companies would sponsor the national road network and finance the cleaning of stretches of road in return for getting their name on road signage.

The IBAL Litter League has now been in action for almost a decade and organisers say cleanliness levels improved greatly throughout the country, with over 70% of towns deemed litter free compared to just two towns

back in 2002.

“However, studies show that approach roads and key routes outside of towns are most likely to be littered. Regular cleaning schedules, like they have in other countries, are what’s really needed for these routes, but we should also look at supplementary ideas, not least given the squeeze on the public purse and the lack of resources in county councils,” said Dr Cavanagh.

Scheme

“Adopt A Highway schemes have proven successful in other countries and should be introduced here. We want to see the Government spearhead this scheme on a national basis, to include County Dublin.”

IBAL is calling for the Minister to grant favourable tax treatment to new degradable chewing gums, so as to support their introduction on the market here. “Local authorities have told us they favour this move as a means of ridding our streets of conventional

MEETING: BISSETT’S STRAND PROTECTION

Safety measures for estuary users

Swords is looking to retain its litter free ranking in the IBAL Litter survey

chewing gum, the removal of which costs the State millions each year … if it happens at all,“ said Dr Cavanagh.

“The previous Environment Minister failed to stand up to the gum manufacturers on this, and we look to Minister Hogan to show greater resolve in confronting an issue which continues to dog our environment.”

The first results of the 2011 IBAL Anti-Litter League will be published in summer. Carlow was deemed cleanest town in Ireland in the 2010 programme.

IBAL is inviting people in Dublin to submit photos by mobile phone of litter blackspots in their neighbourhood as part of a “litter twitter” campaign to alert local authorities to local litterridden areas. Photos can be emailed to litterspotter.2010@twitpic.com and can be followed at twitter.com/litterspotter.

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SOME safety measures will be introduced at Bissett’s Strand in Malahide in order to protect estuary users a Howth/ Malahide area committee meeting was told.

Labour Councillor Peter Coyle said that measures should be introduced at the Fingal Sailing School in order to protect estuary users with sailing equipment who are crossing the

road at this location.

Fingal County Council said: “This location has been examined. A pedestrian crossing warning sign will be erected at Bissett’s Strand for traffic approaching from south of the junction with Texas Lane.

“A sign is not necessary on the approach from the north, as visibility is adequate.”

6 SWORDS GAZETTE 12 May 2011

SERVICES

11 fullytrained fire staff at Airport Q MIMI MURRAY

swords@gazettegroup.com

DUBLIN Airport Fire Service now has 11 fully-trained paramedics among their staff.

The Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) has also invested in a state-of-theart ambulance, designed and equipped to replicate all equivalent ambulances in the State.

Gerry Keogh, chief fire officer, said: “We are confident in the knowledge that we, the Airport Fire Service, can now provide an emergency ambulance and paramedic service second to none, of which we are very proud.”

The Dublin Airport Fire Service, from as far back as the 1940s, has provided an ambulance service, which over the years, has provided essential care for those who required it within the airport campus.

Assistance This included passengers, crew, airport employees and ancillary services that required assistance whether it was medical or traumatic.

In recent years, the need for a highly-trained professional medical response became a necessity at the airport.

In the early days, training for ambulance crews was limited to first aid training, advanced ambulance and, later, emergency first response training.

As an ambulance service, the Dublin Airport Fire Service is now governed by the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC).

This organisation oversees the training and educational standards of all pre-hospital emergency care professionals.

To this end, management at Dublin Airport Fire Service embarked on an ambitious programme to train ambulance personnel to the State-required standards, or paramedic standard.

COMMUNITY Successful food and crafts market

Markets’ magic to brighten up the gloom Q MIMI MURRAY

swords@gazettegroup.com

MALAHIDE local, Joyce Clegg, is bringing her exciting food and craft market to Portmarnock and Swords.

Joyce, a mother of two, launched the market in St Sylvester’s early this year and says it has gone really well, with lots of community interest.

She now intends to hold a market in the Carnegie Court Hotel in Swords on May 22.

“It has been fantastic, and the support of the local community has been overwhelming, and I think it is because it’s a community market.

“The majority of stall holders are from Dublin.

I try to mix up the stall holders so that people don’t feel that if you have been to one market, you have been to them all.

“It’s trying to keep an interest in all those entrepreneurs who don’t have anywhere to sell their products.”

With everything from shoes to strawberry jam, Joyce says there is something for everyone.

“We have a company, called Bump and Beyond; they went into liquidation and she sells designer maternity clothes.

“She is selling the clothes for half-price or less. We have the Stiletto Store, which is an online shoe business.

“Lynn sells stunning shoes and none costs more than €50. I bought a pair myself. We have the Big Red Kitchen – Nicola does all the jams, lemon

Former Dublin North Green Party TD, Trevor Sargent, officially opens the market,

Cecilia Kirke, from Bonbon.ie, displays some of her products at the recent market in Malahide (above) and (right) Jeane Maguire lays out her tasty array of goodies

curd and she makes those from scratch. It’s a fabulous product.

“We have different bakers doing cup cakes and I try to vary those each time in order to give everyone an opportunity.

“We have a home baker who does savoury pastries, as well as a lot of women who do crafts like children’s nameplates for their doors.

They go down a treat.”

Joyce says she now hopes to team up with Malahide Has It festival for the next Malahide market.

“With Malahide we are still trying to pin down a venue. Malahide is a tricky one and it is about trying to get the day right.

“I’m going to, maybe, run it on a Saturday afternoon and run it into the evening, like you would see any in busy tourist town in Europe.

People coming out for a pre-dinner stroll could pop into the market.

“I’m trying to facilitate the tourists as well as locals. I have to say the locals have really welcomed us as we are promoting the village.

“I hand out flyers for the restaurants so, when people come in and ask where is nice for tea and a scone or early bird dinner, we are promoting the business around.

“We’re not here to take away business from anyone. Portmarnock Leisure Centre did a raging trade the last time we ran the market there and they were delighted with it.

“The footfall from our market goes into the restaurants and coffee shops and I specifically don’t sell teas and coffees,” Joyce says.

Joyce is chairperson of St Andrew’s NS for last three years and has been a full-time mum since having her two sons.

“I have done loads of charity and committee work since my boys were born and with the recession hitting, “I said to my friends, ‘Come on, I’ll set something up’ and that’s how it started.

“Now I have seen where it is going, yes, I do see it as a viable business but stall fees will not increase.

“I didn’t start it as a money-making business

but as a way to showcase these people and to stop people talking about the doom and gloom of the recession.

“At least I can say I am doing something for myself and for strangers.

People are looking for some extra money for the household.

“I’m never going to be a millionaire but it is giving me some pocket money and might pay for a holiday six to twelve months down the line.

“This is purely about the community and I am happy with that,” she says.

12 May 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 7

winging its way to Swords and Portmarnock

Clockwise from above;

SCHOOLS

Safety crossing set to be examined A PEDESTRIAN crossing will be examined to determine what measures can be put in place to improve safety at the crossing from Holy well Crescent.

Labour Councillor, Peter Coyle, asked the council to recommend that safety barriers be placed at the pedestrian exits from Holywell Crescent onto the main R125 road in order to protect children, in particular, running out onto the main road.

some of the goods on sale at the markets,

Danger

from crafts, clothes,

He said that there was a danger of children following a ball out on to the road or people running for buses.

T he manager said the traffic department would look into this measure.

accessories and cakes; Anna Grogan and Keith Clegg get into the spirit at the market in Malahide which will soon be on their way to Swords and organised by local mum Joyce Clegg (above)

Portmarnock.

8 SWORDS GAZETTE 12 May 2011

EVENT

Rose hopeful Roisin Walsh holds a benefit night at

Aoife Coyle and Orla Jennings

John, Frank, Roisin, Sheila and Fran Walsh, with Adrienne Evers

Brian Kiely, Noel Leavey, Gavin Cosgrave and Sean Dineen

Frances, Phil and Paula Fusco

Evelyn and Tony Walsh

All smiles: Roisin Walsh and Adrienne Evers. Pictures: Peter Doyle

12 May 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 9

R1

The Peacocks Bar and Lounge in aid of Childline charity

Rachel O’Brien, Natalie Dineen, Jenny Leavey, Shirley Leavey, Noel Leavey and Sean Dineen. Pictures: Peter Doyle

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

R

Roisin currently works in a theatre group that specialises in teaching young people about the dangers of cyber bullying. Choosing Childline as her charity was very important to her and all the proceeds from the night go to the charity.

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

Sean Sheehan, Yvonne Dwyer, Derek Burke and Sinead McNally

Madidison Ní Hamhsaigh and Jonathan Prunty

Robert Black, Roisin Walsh, Naomi Mulvanny and Stephen Kane

10 SWORDS GAZETTE 12 May 2011

BOOKS Cosy new haven for book lovers at Cafe Libro

Jean and Enda Fitzpatrick take a break from a busy day’s shopping as they enjoy a good read and a cup of coffee at the newly-opened Cafe LIbro in Hughes and Hughes

Chillin’ in Pavilions OR those who enjoy a quiet read in Hughes and Hughes book store in the Pavilions, the new Cafe Libro has just opened up for business offering shoppers a place to chill out and relax.

The cafe offers something very different in the busy shopping centre – a haven where people can escape and enjoy a quiet read and a cup of coffee.

The idea for the haven is based on a New York cafe book shop where you grab a book from the book shop and put the feet up.

F Anna Lembicz and Regina NcCann, of Cafe Libro

Alec and Megan O’Mahony hide out at Cafe Libro. Pictures: Conor O Mearain

Megan O’Mahony

Swords resident, Joakim Ulsen, finds himself a quiet corner in Cafe Libro

12 May 2011 GAZETTE 11

12 GAZETTE 12 May 2011

GazettePETS PETS

Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA

THE FACTS: CHECK YOUR ANIMAL’S TEETH REGULARLY, AND BE ALERT FOR PROBLEMS

Brush up on your pet’s dental care ID you ever suddenly become aw a r e o f a n offending stench, and wonder where it’s coming from?

You get yourself to a quiet corner, and examine your shoes for something messy, or discreetly raise your arms above your head to check for nasty pit stains, and then realise: “Oh, thank God – it’s not me who stinks, it’s my dog’s breath!” Sound familiar?

Few pet owners make the effort to educate themselves in their pet’s oral hygiene, but did you know that dental disease is one of the most common disorders in our canine companions?

Keeping your pet’s teeth in check has lots of health benefits – the obvious being minty-fresh breath.

Remember, bad breath in dogs is rarely related to last night’s rich food!

D

More often, it’s an indicator of poor dental health, and/or an infection that needs investigating by your vet.

For example, did you know that if your cat or dog suffers an infection of the gums, teeth or oral cavity, this can spread via the bloodstream and into their heart and liver, and could cause additional health problems, such as kidney failure, endocarditis and abscesses in vital organs, possibly resulting in a shortened lifespan?

You didn’t?

Take precautions Well, now that you do, it’s time to take precautions.

Brush your pet’s teeth at home using a special brush and veterinary toothpaste, available from your vet.

Gently introduce your pet to the new taste by rubbing some of the tooth-

paste along his gums, and then repeating the process with a toothbrush.

Aim the bristles along the gum line of the upper back teeth, and angle them slightly upwards, making sure the bristles get right under the gum line.

Working back to front, make little circles; as you would with your own teeth.

However, remember, even with the best home care your pet may still require some professional dental de-scale and polish. *** Feed your pet a crunchy diet, and appropriate chew treats. It’s always worth checking with your vet before you change your pet’s diet; especially if the animal has breed-specific dietary requirements.

I would recommend you make these changes gradually; particularly

Remember – your pets and animals are relying on you to help keep them healthy

with puppies, and always try one food at a time.

Check your pet’s mouth regularly, and observe signs of an inflammation known as gingivitis. This can be seen as a reddening of the gums adjacent to the teeth. It will also cause bad breath.

Dental disease is not just a problem for dogs; other companion animals – such as cats and rabbits – suffer, too.

Conditions such as feline stomatitis – which is very painful, and can be life-threatening for many cats – can occur in all breeds, and at any age. *** Cats with this condi-

tion usually experience inflamed gums which, if untreated, can spread to areas at the back of the throat, making eating and swallowing difficult.

So, if your cat’s breath smells, get to the vet immediately and seek his/ her professional advice on how best to rectify your kitty’s condition.

Rabbits can also suffer.

This is usually due to a bad diet.

You may not know this, but rabbits need lots of fibre in their diet; so give those bunnies plenty of hay and help keep bad oral hygiene at bay.

A rabbit’s teeth continuously grow, and must

be checked regularly by your vet to ensure they are wearing down properly.

If a rabbit’s teeth are not kept in check, and go untreated, the poor creature will not be able to eat properly, and there is a danger it could starve to death.

For those horse owners reading this, did you know that a horse’s teeth will also grow continuously, so it’s important to keep an eye on them?

Your vet is the best person to advise you, regarding this, but if you notice your horse has difficulty chewing, is dropping more food than he actually manages to swallow,

and there are signs of undigested food in his poo, then it’s likely he may be suffering from dental problems, and you need to seek expert help.

So, you can see why proper dental care is a priority for all companion animals and, as prevention is better than cure, perhaps the next time you visit your vet, you’ll ask his/her advice as to the best way of examining your pet’s teeth so that you can keep an eye on his oral health.

If you’d like more information log onto www. dspca.ie or email me at miriam.kerins@dspca.ie.

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12 May 2011 GAZETTE 13

HEALTH Escaping negativity and unhelpful thinking

Are you a tonic, or are you toxic?

Q PATRICIA MURPHY

IT IS amazing how some people have the ability to light up a room when they walk in. Others light up the room when they walk out.

We allow other people’s moods and attitudes to have such a powerful influence over our personal wellbeing.

Sometimes we join in with the rise of the happy tide, and other times we get pulled down into negativity and unhelpful thinking. It pays to ask ourselves: ‘Am I a tonic, or am I toxic?’

It is very easy right now to pick fault with just about everything.

Nobody we know has escaped the negative effects of the struggling economy and political change. Nor should we ignore or deny the issues that challenge us daily and which need to be addressed.

But none of this is an excuse or a reason to carry a negative attitude with us into every interaction we have, including with our own selves. After all, we live with ourselves 24/7.

Left untreated, toxicity spreads, causing damage within and without.

What you really need is a daily tonic. Something to pep you up physically, mentally and emotionally. The ingredients are simple and available to us all.

Here are some suggestions to help you look and feel great every day.

Feed Your Body

Paying attention to

W

Mega Mini: Michael Moroney falls in love with the Countryman

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

‘Left untreated, toxicity spreads, causing damage within and without.

What you really need is a daily tonic.

Something to pep you up physically, mentally and emotionally’ ------------------------------------------------------

exercise and nutrition is essential to support the body.

Food nutrients supply us with the energy to carry out daily functions, including the repair and renewal of organs and tissues. The increase of oxygen during modestintensity exercise floods the cells with vitality and increases our ability to get rid of toxins.

It conditions the heart and lungs and even makes us smarter. Discipline is the essential ingredient here. At least 20 minutes of brisk walking, plus three balanced meals per day, is a must.

No excuses. Remember to keep it simple and include 6-8 glasses of water to keep you floating along.

Personal Care

A simple shower, clean clothes and a spray of scent can lift your mood by tenfold. It also makes it more pleasant for others to be around you.

Feed Your Mind

Include constructive thoughts and behaviours towards happiness and health. Step by step and easy does it. It is far more effective to change 100 things by 1%, than to change one thing by 100%. Smile

and keep your conversations upbeat, even if you don’t feel like it.

Act as if you mean it and, pretty soon, you won’t just be faking it, you will be making it.

Feed Your Spirit

Immerse yourself in the fun stuff for a few hours each week. Hobbies and recreational activities are a great way to give you something to look forward to and a break from the routine. Socialise with family, friends and work colleagues, keeping alcohol within the weekly recommended allowance.

Develop an Attitude of Gratitude

Sometimes we forget just how blessed we really are. Give thanks for the big things and little things that make our lives so special. Acknowledge your achievements, including your own valuable input into your happiness, health and wellbeing.

These simple lifestyle changes can have a really positive influence on how you look and feel day in, day out. The best predictors of your future happiness and health are the actions and attitudes that you are practising right now.

LOCALMATTERS SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZETTE CALL 60 10 240

Patricia Murphy can help detox mind, body and spirit

SEE MOTORING PAGE 18

14 GAZETTE 12 May 2011

GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY New face unveiled for Yves Saint Laurent fragrance BENJAMIN Millepied, the French principal dancer with the New York City Ballet and choreographer for the recent blockbuster, Black Swan has been unveiled as the face for the next male fragrance from Yves Saint Laurent, available from September, 2011.

Described as one of the most gifted dancers and choreographers of his generation, Millepied enrolled with the New York School of American Ballet at the age of 16 and became principal dancer at 18 with the prestigious New York City Ballet.

On his new role with YSL Millepied said: “I’m happy and proud to have been chosen by Yves Saint Laurent, one of the world’s most pres-

tigious brands. I admire the world of this House, its elegance and modernity. Monsieur Saint Laurent was a fashion genius, a lover of the arts, he also knew how to use his talent to serve the art of dancing.”

Benjamin Millepied will represent the new fragrance for men from Yves Saint Laurent, the 3rd facet of the men’s olfactive trilogy, alongside Olivier Martinez for L’Homme and Vincent Cassel for la Nuit de L’Homme.

Benjamin Millepied

Edited by Dawn Love

Confessions of a beauty addict This week the Gazette chats to media analyst Kathleen Rowley about her beauty addiction

MY life-long addiction began when I first clapped eyes on my glamorous air hostess Aunty Mary’s bathroom cabinet, brimming with shiny and expensive looking tubs of wonder.

On family trips, I would gulp down glasses and glasses of Coke, just so I could go up and investigate each tub, tube and bottle, carefully assessing the smell, texture and colour of each.

Less exotic potions were to be found at home, where they were kept out of reach from my grubby little hands following an incident at my weekly

teddy bear’s picnic, where Big Ted enjoyed a facial, compliments of Mam’s new Clarins cream and a more-then-healthy spritz of the ever-cherished Chanel No.5.

Big Ted was eventually donated to a Children’s Hospital, where I am sure he still is reeking of the classic scent. Mam’s potions were moved to the top shelf.

During my teens, a bagpacking job in Superquinn gave me the means to splurge in the Body Shop, where body butter and a bottle of white musk was the ultimate sign of sophistication.

For teenage discos a bottle of Exclamation and a frosted lipstick were my chosen weapons, as they were for most of the girls attending, resulting in the small community hall

still gives me the shivers when I get a whiff of it), I thoroughly enjoyed the role.

Working for renowned brands such as Armani, Lancôme and Pout greatly improved my knowledge of products but, even more importantly to a beauty junkie, my collection of samples became legendary.

Vichy Essentielles Kathleen Rowley

practically heaving with overpowering teenage fragrances, or maybe it was just the pheromones and teenage lust! If it distracted from my heavy Gallagher-like eyebrows and braces, I was in – ‘dramatic’ eye shadows and liners, along with an over-enthusiastic use of bronzer was the order of the day.

Despite a stringent budget and a barrage of feminist anti-beauty industry propaganda, my love of all things beauty-related continued

through college.

To fund a trip to the land down under, I got a beauty addict’s dream job, fragrance and cosmetics consultant on counters in Brown Thomas, Arnotts and Dublin Airport. I learned about the construction of a scent, along with skin types and the most up-todate make-up trends.

With the exception of a two-month stint standing freezing at the front of Brown Thomas spraying Stella McCartney’s perfume (to this day it

I was astounded at how this lightweight, quick-drying lotion kept my skin soft and moisturised 24 hours after application. With sensitive skin, this was ideal as the fragrance was gentle and ladylike without irritating my skin even after defuzzing the pins.

Model Inc Lip and Cheek tint

At €7.50, this is the recessionista’s answer to Benefit’s Benetint, giving you a nice burst of raspberry colour. The colour lasts on the cheeks, but was a little drying on the lips and the fragrance is strong and powdery.

However, for €7.50, it is a welcome addition to any hand bag.

Revlon PhotoReady

I’m a foundation slapper. I have tried them all, from Rimmel to Yves Saint Laurent, and can safely say I have found my perfect partner – smooth, long-lasting and reliable, this product delivers on its promises. My skin had a nice glow with medium coverage, thanks to the ‘photocromatic pigments’ and it evened out my skin tone without feeling too heavy.

12 May 2011 GAZETTE 15

FOOD: NEW BRANDING FOR BREAKFAST

Relaxation is never too far away in Ireland’s top spas Q DAWN LOVE

Radisson Blu Hotel, Galway

IRELAND is now widely recognised as one of the world’s gourmet capitals, but our luxurious spas are also making headlines. Set in some of the country’s most spectacular hotels and resorts, it’s easy to see why we our spas are fast becoming something of a Mecca for those on the lookout for top-class beauty and relaxation treatments.

This week, the Gazette’s Beauty pages takes a look at some of the country’s top spas and the luxurious treatments on offer.

At the Spirit One Spa in the Radisson Blu Hotel in Galway, they are famed for their Elemis Lime and Ginger Salt Glow and Cleopatra Milk Bath.

Scrub up for summer with their exotic exfoliation ritual designed to invigorate and revitalise the body. Elemis exotic Lime and Ginger Salt Glow deep cleanses, polishes and softens skin to perfection.

Druids Glen Resort, Co Wicklow

Just over half-an-hour south of Dublin, but an entire world away, set between the Wicklow Mountains and the Irish Sea, Druids Glen Resort’s beautifully natural surroundings will have you feeling calmer before you even set foot inside.

The atmosphere is one of calm, suggesting you take a deep breath and relax, settling into a place where you will find your own personal corner of pleasure – whether that is in the lovely spa, the pool, on the two championship golf courses, in one of the bars and restaurants, or curled into a comfy chair with a good book by any of the grand windows looking out onto the grounds, and the beauty of the changing seasons outside.

For the month of May, the spa at Druids Glen Resort is offering an Advanced Elemis facial, with a complimentary back massage, for just €99.

For more information, call 01 2870848, or visit www.druidsglenresort. com

Tradition After your body scrub, soak in the age-old tradition of the Elemis Cleopatra Milk and emerge drenched in moisture, scented like a dream.

There is also a full-day pass to the Thermal Suite, with full use of the swimming pool, outdoor hot tub and jacuzzi.

Price: All for €85 – normally €140 – save €55.

For further details on the range of treatments available call 091 538423 Treatments are available seven days a week.

Hastings Hotels

Spring is nature’s time of renewal and rebirth and the perfect time to rejuvenate your body and soul with a self-indulgent escape to one of Hastings Hotels’ fabulous Spas at Culloden Estate, Belfast, or Slieve Donard Resort, Co Down, and experience their world-famous ESPA treatments and therapies. To put a little extra spring in your step, they are also offering a £10 voucher off your next visit!

The Spring Spa Experience includes: • ESPA Welcome Foot Ritual • ESPA Upper Back, Shoulders and Neck Massage • ESPA Boutique Facial with Indian Head Scalp Massage • Delicious light lunch in the Juice Bar • Full use of all the spa facilities • Use of robe, slippers and towels • £10 voucher off your next spa treatment Offer available until May 31, 2011. For more information, visit www. hastingshotels.com.

The Relaxation Room at the spa in Druids Glen Resort’s spa

Rudd’s take on new look IRISH breakfast meat producers, Rudd’s, are re-launching their traditional Irish brand with a modern new look, as well as adding new products to their portfolio.

The relaunch campaign is part of Rudd’s new marketing strategy for the brand. John O’Brien, commercial manager at Rudd’s said: “We’re delighted to announce the relaunch of our range to include some popular breakfast favourites, giving it a contemporary new look, while retaining our traditional values.

“We are proud to use 100% Irish pork, sourced from Bord Bia-approved Irish farmers to produce

the Rudd’s range, which now offers all you need to create the ultimate full Irish breakfast, while supporting Irish jobs.”

Bill O’Brien, managing director of Rudd’s said: “We understand the importance of supporting Irish jobs, therefore we continue to use only 100% Irish pork to produce our range which, we firmly believe, has been the best-kept secret in breakfast, until now.”

To support the Rudd’s re launch campaign, a number of tasting events will be taking place throughout Dublin this month. The tastings will take place from May 12-14, and again from May 26-28.

16 GAZETTE 12 May 2011

GazetteContacts

EVENT Festival returns to the Phoenix Park

Block 3A, Mill Bank Business Park, Lucan Tel: 01 6010240 Fax: 01 6010251 Managing Director: Liam Holland email: lholland@gazettegroup.com

General Manager: Michael McGovern email: mmcgovern@gazettegroup.com

Editor: Cormac Curtis email: ccurtis@gazettegroup.com

Production Editor: Jessica Maile email: jmaile@gazettegroup.com

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

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

Financial Controller: Carly Lynch email: clynch@gazettegroup.com

Advertising Production: Anita Ward email: ads@gazettegroup.com

Advertising Sales: 01 6010240

email: sales@gazettegroup.com

Gazette Group Newspapers Ltd. Terms and Conditions for acceptance of advertisements Reserve the right to omit or suspend or alter any advertisement(s) in any of its publications. We also decline any responsibility in the event of one or more of a series of advertisements being omitted for any reason whatever, nor do we accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement.

If your advertisement appears incorrectly, contact the Advertising Department immediately, as responsibility cannot be accepted for more than one week’s incorrect insertion. Responsibility cannot be accepted if the complaint is made more than two weeks after insertion. If one places an advertisement for more than one week and then cancels it after the first week, no refund or credit will be given for weeks cancelled. The advertiser undertakes to indemnify the Proprietors against any liability for any civil action arising out of the publication of the advertisement or any other matter printed or published in the Blanchardstown Gazette, Castleknock Gazette, Clondalkin Gazette, Dundrum Gazette, Dun Laoghaire Gazette, Lucan Gazette, Malahide Gazette and Swords Gazette. The placing of an order or contract will be deemed an acceptance of these conditions.

Pictured at the launch were Ella McSweeney, broadcaster and MC of the Chef’s Summer Kitchen at Bloom, with Flower Fairies (all aged 5), Isibeal Fitzpatrick, Ava Callan, Nessa Last and Kayla Cooke. Picture: Gary O’ Neill

It’s time to Bloom BLOOM, Bord Bia’s gardening, food and family festival returns to the Phoenix Park this June Bank Holiday Ireland’s largest gardening, food and family festival, Bloom, is set to celebrate its fifth year when it takes place this June.

At the heart of Bloom are 27 stunning large, medium and small show gardens, which will be judged by international independent judging panels, and gold, silver gilt, silver and

bronze medals will be awarded.

Dublin will be well represented at the event, which takes place between Thursday, June 2 and Monday, June 6, with a number of top garden designers creating some of the stunning show gardens.

Amongst those taking part will be John Sweeney, from Lusk, and Rachel Freeman, from the Blanchardstown Institute of Technology.

Meanwhile, from Dalkey, Sheena

Vernon will also be taking part, as will Brian Cleary, from Dundrum, and award-winning gardeners Liat and Oiver Schurman, from the renowned Mount Venus Nursery.

The event will also showcase the best of Ireland’s food industry with the new Bord Bia Food Village.

Bloom is open daily from 10am6pm. Advance tickets are on sale now from €15 – kids go free! Visit www.bloominthepark.com.

See feature next week

12 May 2011 GAZETTE 17

18 GAZETTE 12 May 2011

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs RENAULT VAN RANGE IS APRIL BESTSELLER: RENAULT, Europe’s best-selling van range, hit the number one best-selling spot in Ireland in April with 14.9% of the overall market, and featured on the podium in 14 counties, including number one in Cork, Kerry, Westmeath and Cavan.

With prices starting from just €8,990, with a five-year, unlimited mileage warranty across the range, it is not surprising that Renault is performing well each month. Renault now has three versions of the Kangoo, the new Trafic, with its increased performance 2.0-litre dCi engine and the all-new design Master, which comes in either front- or rearwheel drive specifications and has one of the lowest running cost in its segment.

Mini has grown up in size, accessibility and performance in the new Mini Countryman All4, but it’s pricey at €28,980 even though it’s still a great car to drive

Meet the Countryman MICHAEL MORONEY tested the new Mini Countryman across a range of conditions, but his heart won out over his head in his love for the new car INI’S first fourdoor car is the new Countryman, a car that has grown up in terms of size and stature. This is now the biggest car in the Mini range, and it brings a new opportunity to the BMW-owned brand.

I’ve had the All4, or four-wheel-drive version of the car, on the road and I’m impressed. I know that the car is expensive for its size, but it does drive superbly and retains that Mini car handling appeal from the past.

BMW has added lots of good bits to this new, bigger Mini. The engine is a new 1.6-litre BMW turbo-diesel engine that’s thrifty and lively. And, while I know that there’s

M

SPECS: MINI COUNTRYMAN ALL4 1.6D Top speed: 180 km/hr 0 – 100km/hr: 12.9 sec Economy: 20.4 km/litre (4.9l/100km) CO2 emissions: 129g/km Road Tax Band: B (€156) Scrappage Eligible: Yes Warranty: 2 years Entry Price: €28,980

a bigger 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine on the way, I found that the 1.6-litre engine was more than adequate and a dream to drive.

And that was after almost 1,400km on the clock, where I drove the Mini Countryman up

and down the country, national roads, motorways, and the occasional boreen were tried to test the car’s ultimate performance. The All4 system had to be tried and, luckily, the sun shone for me and crossing a dry field was effortless.

The four doors for the Mini Countryman make a huge difference in terms of passenger space and accessibility. The car now takes on a new image.

That, coupled with the larger wheels and Bridgestone Dueller run-flat tyres for mild, off-road use, makes the Mini All4 a very versatile car.

The test car had lots of kit included in the Chili pack that Mini offers.

This included 17-inch

alloy wheels and lots of multifunction kit with an impressive Bluetooth phone kit that was easy and clear to use. It also came with leather seats and Xenon headlights, which, in total, rounded the price up by an extra €8,000 – now that’s getting expensive.

Power

The engine power was impressive, with 112bhp pumped out at ease. On the motorway, the engine allowed the car with its sixth gear to cruise at just around 2,000 rpm.

That’s what delivers the good fuel economy figures. Despite being a bigger car than the standard Mini, it’s still economical. I returned

a figure close to the rated figure of 20.4 km per litre of diesel (4.9l/100km), which I consider to be a good performance, and I drove the car long and hard.

The economy figures are helped by the stop/ start system that stops the engine in traffic or at traffic lights. This, along with brake regeneration, gives a measure of the BMW EfficientDynamics technology to give good economy figures from the Countryman.

The car is rated in Band B for motor tax purposes, as its CO2 figure is 129g/km. Again, that’s a reasonable figure and gives an annual motor tax charge of just €156.

And, with all that, the

Countryman is lively.

The acceleration pace is as good as many bigger cars at 12.9 seconds in a 0 to 100k/hr race. So, while it may look like a hot hatchback car in design, it does not match that kind of performance on the road.

The power is, however, well-developed for the car allowing for the 270Nm of torque, so much so that the car is well able for all driving conditions.

The All4 off-road technology will have limited appeal, but it could have been useful in last winter’s frost and snow.

It adds about €2,000 to the price and provides a compromise of sorts without opting for a full heavy-duty 4x4 system.

Motor industry revs to a good start first 3 months of 2011 WITH a 14% increase in sales volume in first three months of 2011 compared to the same period in 2010, the motor industry has claimed pole position across all retail categories in Ireland to date.

The latest Consumer Market Moni-

tor has reported that the industry has experienced a major boost as 50,000 new cars have been sold right up to midApril 2011. No doubt the conclusion to the invaluable scrappage scheme in June has contributed to the motor industries

excellent start to the year; as has price discounting from dealers and distributors in order to encourage new car sales.

UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School and the Marketing Institute of Ireland (MII) released the

results, which detailed that, apart from the motor trade, the only other sector to experience any form of growth in Q1 is clothing, footwear and textiles, which experienced an increase of 2.6% in volume.

12 May 2011 GAZETTE 19

20 GAZETTE 12 May 2011

GazettePROPERTY PROPERTY KILDARE: FULLY RENOVATED AND EXTENDED COTTAGE IN SOUTH NAAS FOR €820,000

Magnificent Mill on market COONAN Real Estate Alliance are bringing Mill Cottage, an unique residence set on approximately 0.7 acres of land in South Naas, Co Kildare, to the market for an asking price of €820,000.

Surrounded by mature trees, lawns and hedges, Mill Cottage is a 19th-century thatched cottage, located in the tranquil country townland of Millicent, only 4km from Naas.

Rescued from dereliction by its current owners in 2003, Mercury Group Architects were commissioned to oversee the extensive conservation and extension of the cottage

to its present condition, a process that saw the renovators incorporating time-honoured traditional working methods and materials.

Extending to 3,300 sq ft, and featuring modern amenities such as a geo-thermal heat pump, under-floor heating and pressurised hot and cold water, Mill Cottage is a magnificent blend of old world and contemporary living under one roof.

Located only 25 minutes from the M50, this is an opportunity of a lifetime for the right purchaser.

Presented in pristine condition and finished to the highest stand-

ards, Mill Cottage is an ideal family home with a range of very attractive features and designs.

Listed Mill Cottage is a listed structure, circa 200 years old, and has been meticulously restored and maintained. It features a new oat and straw thatched roof.

Having been architecturally designed throughout, it is a bright and light-filled accomodation with rational timber windows and has the latest in energy saving and eco-friendly features built in to its design.

The area around

The impressive, renovated structure at Mill Cottage, South Naas, Co Kildare

Mill Cottage features an abundance of shops and the fine schools within easy reach, along with some of the most prestigious golf courses

Kildare has to offer.

The exterior of the property is also appointed to a high-standard.

Mill Cottage is totally surrounded by mature

lawns and shrubbery, with an attractive gravel driveway on both sides, and a south-facing garden.

For further informa-

tion, please contact Philip Byrne Coonan, of Coonan Real Estate Alliance, on 01 628 8400 or philipb@coonan.com.

GOATSTOWN: ASKING PRICE OF €425,000

A garden of Eden in Goatstown demense

LOCALMATTERS SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZETTE CALL 60 10 240

SHERRY FitzGerald are presenting No. 37, Eden Park Drive, Goatstown, a semi-detached family home in a highly-sought after area, close to the best of schools and within easy access of excellent local amenities, with an asking price of €425,000.

Built in the 1950s, this three-bedroom semi-detached family residence has airy, bright accommodation and a west-facing rear garden.

The property offers a spacious interior, including a hall, living room, dining room, kitchen, three bedrooms (two of which are doubles), bathroom and, outside, a garage to the side of the property offering prospective owners the potential to convert (subject to planning permission).

Overall, there is a good internal flow to the lay-

Number 37, Eden Park Drive, in Goatstown

out, providing an excellent balance of well-proportioned living and bedroom accommodation.

The Goatstown area the property is situated in is a quiet, leafy enclave, with both Stillorgan and Dundrum within walking distance.

Other amenities include the popular Dundrum Town Centre, local

shops, UCD Belfield, and excellent transport links, including bus routes, Luas and the M50. There is a good selection of schools close by, making this a desirable family home.

The property also boasts a large front garden with central driveway and lawn on either side with mature hedging. There is a private, triangular-shaped,

walled, west-facing rear garden with mature plants and shrubs and large side space and gated side access, with access to the garage.

The property can be viewed by appointment, which can be arranged by contacting Shane Desmond at Sherry FitzGerald Dundrum on 01 296 1822.

12 May 2011 GAZETTE 21

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS

Supported by AIB

Interview: Abdur Rahim, owner of Himalaya Tandoori Indian Cuisine

High standards at Himalayan Tandoori ABDUR Rahim was born in 1969 in Bangladesh and went to college from 1988-1992. He then started a job in Dhaka, which is the capital of Bangladesh and the principal city and one of the major cities of South Asia. Two years later he relocated to South Korea, where he got a job working in a factory.

While there, he thought of the possibility of working in a restaurant. He then came to Ireland and his first job was in an Indian restaurant, Eastern Tandoori, in Deansgrange.

Working there gave him a lot of practical experience.

Abdur took a job as chef and learned how to cook curry.

He then had the opportunity to experience a restaurant management at Meghna Tandoori Indian Cuisine in Terenure. There he gained more experience and met many people and learned how to attend to customers. Abdur found that it is important to serve good-quality food at all times and to always have the highest of standards.

Abdur then decided to open his own Indian restaurant, Himalaya Tandoori Indian Cuisine, in Clondalkin. The restaurant opened in July of 2005. They have a chef menu and also have good-quality wine. The restaurant offers a gift card and take-away service, with a 20% discount on the take-away menu.

He hopes to open more restaurants in other locations in the future and would like to thank his customers for their support.

Abdur Rahim

ANSWERS TO YOUR PERSONAL FINANCE QUESTIONS SHORT TERM DEPOSIT RATES Q – I have € 70,000 from the sale of my house and am not rebuying for at least 6 months to a year. Any ideas on where to put the money to make a gain for this short period ? I also need it to be safe. Maggie – Wicklow A - Safety and best rates – they are the two most important aspects to your query. Safety in that your funds MUST be guaranteed by the deposit taker to be repaid.

All the Irish deposit takers are currently guaranteed by Eligible Liability Guarantee Scheme for any amount up to the end of June this year, with any of the six main Irish deposit takers ( AIB, Bank of Ireland, Permanent TSB, EBS, Irish Nationwide and Anglo Irish Bank), while the Deposit Protection Scheme underpins this up to € 100,000 per person once the deposit taker is regulated by the Financial Regulator. This includes credit unions. Rabodirect have their own parent’s protection (Rabo Group – AAA rated, the highest rating a bank can have), while Nationwide UK and Investec Bank are guaranteed by the UK Financial Regulatory Authority up to the equivalent of € 100,000 per person.

The National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA), who look after the state savings on behalf of the government, offer safety and good value but their offerings are more long term.

Q&A

Take An Post’s Savings Bond – it offers 10% tax free after a three -year term, which is equivalent to receiving 4.42% each

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

A: Businessman

Q: What air carrier do you use when going on holidays?

A: British Airways

food and drink?

A: Indian curry and I like

do you own?

A: Five

year from a DIRT deducting deposit taker. In emergencies

drink a lot of plain water

Q: What car do you drive?

A: I love to drive my Ford

Q: And your first pay cheque?

A: Cash

Mondeo

Q: Who would you like to have dinner with – Brian O’Driscoll or Brian Cowen?

A: Brian O’Driscoll

Q: Where is your favourite holiday destination?

A: My homeland, Bangla-

NTMA investment with NO penalty.

Q: What was your first job?

A: Factory work

desh

your € 70,000, after six months, you would receive € 70,892.50

Q: Have you ever met Brian Cowen?

A: No

into your hand.

Q: How many people do you have to talk with every day?

A: Lots of people to talk to Q: What is the greatest thrill of your working week?

A: A busy Saturday

Q: Can you swim?

A: Yes Q: Would you ever bungee jump?

A: No Q: Do you play any sport?

A: I love to play football Q: What is your favourite

Q: How many times each year do you shop for clothes?

A: Three Q: What is the name of your favourite shop?

A: Debenhams Q: How many pairs of shoes

you only have to give seven days notice to withdraw from this

Q: When do you wish to retire?

A: At age 65 Q: What will you do then?

A: Spend time with family and friends

Best non-NTMA deposit ? 3.5% for three months fixed from Irish Nationwide Building Society – yields a net 2.555%. On

Well done on selling the house – not an easy achievement in this economy.

Contact John with your money questions at jlowe@ moneydoctor.ie or visit his website at www.moneydoctor.ie. John Lowe, Fellow of the Institute of Bankers, is founder and managing director of Money Doctor

Irish company is tackling clutter with their Smart Storage AN innovative Irish home company is quickly gaining momentum by eliminating excess clutter from around the home.

Smart Storage, which makes custom-designed, under-stairs storage units, which fit seamlessly into the unused space under any stairwell, has had fantastic feedback already.

The slide-out units promise to “stop you tripping over everyday items such as shoes, toys, sporting

equipment, and even the vacuum cleaner, and will see an end to the age-old argument; who causes the mess in the home?”

Smart Storage provides a range of Irish manufactured products, which also includes attic storage, and they will soon launch in the United Kingdom after 12 months of successful trading in Ireland.

The under-stairs storage solution ranges from a single drawer, a large

three-drawer unit to larger units, depending on available space. The three-drawer unit, which is the most popular, is custom designed specifically to fit into all homes. The units are installed by expert fitters around the country.

Each drawer is ideal for a variety of storage options and can accommodate 12 pairs of shoes, three large school bags, two small suitcases, a set of golf clubs or several bottles of

wine.

So, if the clutter in your home is caused by parents or children, the girls or the boys, Smart Storage has a common-sense solution.

Founder of Smart Storage, Paul Jacob, has worked in the construction industry for 20 years and found new ways to diversify within his area of expertise.

“Smart Storage enables people to maximise storage within the home

by utilising the unused space underneath the stairs to clear away clutter,” he said.

The process for installation is simple and involves submitting rough measurements of the area under the stairs to the Smart Storage website, www.smartstorage.ie.

For further information on Smart Storage, or to receive a quote, visit www.smartstorage.ie or call (01) 201 7676.

22 GAZETTE 12 May 2011

GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel

Jerusalem’s Dome of the Rock

With fabulous beaches and historical sites, Israel has something for everyone FROM the Judean desert and the saltiest sea on earth, the Dead Sea, to ancient biblical cities, covered markets and a high-rise metropolis, Israel is truly a destination with something for everyone.

Located in Western Asia, on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea, Israel’s temperate climate, fabulous beaches, archaeological and historical sites, and unique geography make this country an appealing holiday destination.

Explore the amazing cities of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, by combining an eight- or nine-night stay in both cities, with Concorde Travel.

Surprising Scottish summer road trips rays reach the eye. It is more of a Trompe L’Oeil, where the eye is fooled by the way in which things actually look.

While in Ayrshire, be sure to take a trip to town of Newmilns. This town has been thrust into the Hollywood spotlight, thanks to its famous mill – Morton, Young & Borland Mill, which is currently providing lace and fabrics for the hit HBO show, Boardwalk Empire.

Start out in Edinburgh and pay a visit to Rosslyn’s Chapel, which was used as location for Dan Brown’s, The Da Vinci Code, before making your way to Edinburgh’s Old Town, which was the backdrop for Chariots of Fire and Mary Reilly, featuring Julia Roberts, and Jekyll and Hyde.

Other places to stop on the way to Inverness include the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which featured in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets; Eileen Donan Castle near Loch Duich, which was the principal fortress of Christopher Lambert’s character in Highlander and the world-famous Loch Ness where the film

• 3-star Hotel Montefiore on a B&B basis, Jerusalem, from €870pp • 3-star City Hotel on a B&B basis, Tel Aviv, from €1,054pp • 4-star Grand Court Hotel on a B&B basis, Jerusalem, from €924pp • 4-star Grand Beach Hotel on a B&B basis, Tel Aviv, from €1,169pp

SPRING and summer is a great time to visit Scotland, when the days stretch out and the first blooms and wildlife appear across the gardens and in the countryside.

What better way to discover some of the surprising things Scotland has to offer than by car.

So, whether you’re into history or film, or simply want to enjoy the open Scottish road, there is sure to be a road trip to suit you.

VisitScotland has put together some of the most unusual road trips Scotland has to offer.

Visit www.visitscotland. com/surprise for further information and the bestvalue travel deals.

29th October - 8 nights

The Electric Brae

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• 3-star+ Prima Hotel on a B&B basis Tel Aviv, from €1,130pp • 4-star Prima Royale Hotel on a B&B basis, Jerusalem, from €854pp • 4-star Dan Hotel on a B&B basis, Jerusalem, from €830pp

Ayrshire lies in the south-west of Scotland and is home to some of the most beautiful sights in Britain. A must for any trip to this part of the world is the Electric Brae in Ayrshire. The Electric Brae is a quarterof-a-mile long hill where cars appear to be drawn uphill by some mysterious attraction.

The significant thing about this unusual phenomenon is that it is not what is commonly called a mirage, which is created by the way in which light

‘Monty Python fans should make a stop in Callander just outside Stirling home to Doune Castle, which was used in Monty Python’s Holy Grail’

Israel (Jerusalem and Tel Aviv or pilgrimage) - only three departures October 12, eight nights

Holy Land Pilgrimage €1,224pp

Two-centre (four nights Jerusalem + four nights Tel Aviv) from €1,174pp Package includes return flights from Dublin, accommodation and transfers. Concorde Travel offer direct flights from Dublin to Tel Aviv. Flightonly offers also available.

To book yourself in for your holiday to Israel, visit, http://www.concordetravel.ie/featureddestinations/israel/

Film location road trip: Edinburgh - Inverness

If one person likes history and the other is a movie buff, for a road trip with a difference, why not combine both on a

Lomond is surprisingly just 90 minutes from Glasgow and a little more than an hour from Edinburgh, so this road trip is perfect for visitors who want to get out of the city for the day.

This scenic route has many surprising sights and attractions on the way. Monty Python fans should make a stop in Callander, just outside Stirling, home to Doune Castle, which was used in Monty Python’s Holy Grail. Histor y fans should then take the A84 and 85 to Killin – via Balguhidder, home to the grave of Rob Roy – then follow this scenic section of loch around to Alexandria. If you have time pop

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meandering drive from Scotland’s historic capital of Edinburgh to Inverness and the heart of Braveheart country. With its breathtaking scenery and rich heritage, Scotland has been the perfect setting for many of Hollywood’s blockbuster films, such as Harry Potter and Chariots of Fire.

of the same title starring Ted Danson was made.

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs

Writers, artists and musicians have found inspiration in the rich landscapes of Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and the Trossachs for generations. Loch

over to Stirling and Stirling Castle for views over the Forth Valley and a chance to pay homage at the Wallace Monument.

W hen you finally reach Loch Lomond and are looking for a place to stay, why not spend the night in a wigwam? There are several locations to choose from, including

The spectacular view of

Strathfillan Wigwam Village, which is situated on a working farm right on the West Highland Way (near Loch Lomond) and has excellent on-site facilities and lots of farm animals to see.

Enjoy the open road: See Scotland by motorbike

For a fun and surprising way to see Scotland this summer, why not hire your own personal trike chauffeur. Trike Tours Scotland offer one of the most unusual ways to see the famously breathtaking scenery Scotland has on offer.

Trike tours can take you on trips to the mountains, lochs and glens of the Highlands via Perthshire, Stirling and the Trossachs National Park, Loch Lomond, Inverness and Mull.

See www.triketoursscotland.com

12 May 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 23

TravelBriefs

The Balmoral Show, King’s Hall, Belfast

There are plenty of fun things to do when you take time out to discover Northern Ireland STUCK for something to do? If so, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of exciting things to do in Northern Ireland during May 9 - 22. For more details on these and other events, Callsave 1850 230 230, visit Northern Ireland Tourist Board’s Information Office at Suffolk Street, Dublin 2 or click on www.discovernorthernireland.com/events • Hidden Treasures Children’s Theatre, Waterside Theatre, Co Derry, May 8 – 19. A festival featuring the highest quality theatre experiences for children and their families with local, national and international acts.

Eilean Donan Castle, which is situated by the picturesque village of Dornie on the main tourist route to the Isle of Skye

• Balmoral Show, King’s Hall, Belfast, May 11 – 13. This show offers an extravaganza of colour, competition and showmanship, along with daily displays of pedigree horses, ponies, cattle, sheep, poultry, pigs and goats.

• Third Annual Maguire History Weekend, Enniskillen Castle Museums, Co Fermanagh, May 13 – 15. This event will explore the aspects of the Maguire history of Fermanagh.

• An introduction to Basket Making, The Braid Arts Centre, Ballymena, Co Antrim, May 14.

Participants will be using sorted and soaked willow to produce baskets and learn new techniques.

A car on a single track road near the ‘Rest And Be Thankful’ Pass Argyll with Beinn An Lochan in the distance. Pictures: P.Tomkins/Visitscotland/Scottish Viewpoint

• Wild on Wildlife, Castle Ward, Downpatrick, Co Down, May 14. Fun-filled activities for all the family, including mini beast hunts, pond dipping, wildlife art workshops, speciality foods and craft stalls.

• International North West 200, Portrush, Portstewart and Coleraine, May 16 – 21. The International North West 200 is a motor cycle road race held over a nine-mile road circuit. It is a week-long festival of sport and attracts competitors from all over the world.

• Garden Show Ireland, Hillsborough Castle, Co Down, May 20 - 22. Advice abounds on how to make the most of your garden, from rearing chickens or keeping bees to growing vegetables, dining in style or even making jewellery out of flowers and plants you have grown!

The bridge across the River Ayr to the town of Ayr, which is a commercial and administrative centre on The Firth of Clyde, Ayrshire

Rosslyn Chapel, Roslin, Midlothian, Scotland

24 SWORDS GAZETTE 12 May 2011

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT 1

GoingOUT GoingOUT THE HELIX 01 700 7000 The Chernobyl Children’s Appeal Concert THIS year marks the ninth year in a row for the concert, which will see children aged from eight to 18 perform a wide range of songs in aid of the Chernobyl Children’s Appeal, with this year’s concert having a special significance as the world marks the 25th anniversary.

All proceeds will help to support the many children who continue to suffer ill health. With tickets priced at €15, the concert starts at 7.30pm on Saturday, May 14 in The Mahony Hall.

MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 The Shaughraun TANEY Drama Society are preparing to bring their extensive skills to bear on their production of The Shaughraun, by Dion Boucicault, which is often described as a touchstone Irish play.

The Society’s players will bring the tale of a wily Sligo poacher, called Conn, to vivid life, thanks to a large ensemble, a great set and period-appropriate costumes, with Victorian melodrama, romantic comedy and more added to the mix.

The Shaughraun runs nightly at 8pm at the Mill Theatre from Wednesday, May 18 to Saturday, May 21, with admission priced €18/€15.

CIVIC THEATRE 01 4627477 The Tinker’s Curse ANOTHER Irish-set production, The Tinker’s Curse, tells the story of Rattigan, a Traveller who climbs Croagh Patrick to do penance for the sins of a lifetime. Along the way, Rattigan’s relationship with his wife and daughter come to the fore, as he contemplates what it is to be a father, a husband, a Traveller, and a penitent ascending Ireland’s most sacred spot.

Written and performed by Michael Harding, with live music by Finbar Coady, The Tinker’s Curse runs nightly at 8pm from Thursday, May 12 to Saturday, May 14, with tickets priced €20/€16 conc, or €10 on Thursday.

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 Fingal County Youth Orchestra FCYO are sure to be a hit when its young – but highlyskilled – members play a wide range of concertos, pop songs, contemporary pieces and well-known favourites in this concert, which follows on from their magnificent performance at the prestigious Festival of Youth Orchestras at the National Concert Hall recently.

Founded in 1990 and based in Castleknock, the FCYO members, who range in age from 8 to 18, will delight audiences with their accomplished playing. Their concert starts at 8pm on Sunday, May 15 in the Main Auditorium, with tickets pirced €13/€11 conc.

PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 Young At Heart HELD as part of Beltaine, the DLR festival that celebrates older people in the community, a special showing of the life-affirming documentary movie, Young At Heart, will be held on Tuesday, May 17, at 7pm.

The smash-hit film follows a group of senior citizens, who, despite their advancing years, sing their hearts out with a wide range of classic and contemporary pop songs, with the bittersweet wisdom of age adding an extra dimension to some of the songs.

The documentary helps to show the creativity in older people, and how staying active can keep you young at heart, and is sure to be a welldeserved hit with the Pavilion’s audiences.

The film tickets are priced at €5.

Animal trainer Jacob (Robert Pattinson), centre, should look worried – he knows his circus boss, August (Christoph Waltz) probably suspects that he’s been throwing lingering looks at his wife, Marlene (Reese Witherspoon). But whatever Rosie the elephant knows, she’s saying nothing.

Send in the clowns!

Don’t talk to Kate about The Depression – she’s gloomily contemplating this bygone era-set manipulative movie ...

Q KATE CROWLEY

EVEN though The Simpsons long, long ago turned into a mirthless, plodding cash cow, I’m reminded of some of the many things it got right along the way.

Who can forget the regular appearance of deeply cynical focus groups, lawyers, accountants or product testers with clipboards, calculating exactly how to manipulate everyone in Springfield into coughing up for something useless?

Well, it seems that those clipboarders went to Hollywood, and have had a go at movie-making. With an elephant.

Hot to trot on the heels of the likes of, err...

Operation Dumbo Drop, Larger Than Life and, umm... Dumbo, here comes another film with an elephant as a star – for dumbo here, yours truly, to review.

But first, back to those

FILM OF THE WEEK: Water for Elephants ++ (12A) 119 mins Director: Francis Lawrence Starring: Robert Pattinson, Reese Witherspoon, Christoph Waltz, A Charismatic Elephant

OUR VERDICT: THE scratching noises that some viewers may hear during the film are probably from clipboard-wielding focus group managers at the back, scribbling notes on how well the audience is reacting to each obvious, manipulative point in this particularly calculated film. Five minutes with Krusty the Klown suddenly seems preferable. “Mind you, the elephant is lovely.” (Stick that on yer posters, mate.)

clipboard holders.

I’m presuming that they, or somebody, somewhere thought: “What if ... we got Reese Witherspoon, permanently dolled up to the nines like she’s in a Max Factor ad; that vampire guy, Pattinson, who all the girls ditched for the hunkier dude in that Twilight sequel, and made some kind of predictable, cliche-ridden, forbiddenlove film set in a honeyhued Depression-era circus? With an elephant?”

Bingo. I think I’ve just described a more interesting film than this

one, but, with half of my review – or space – yet to fill, let’s make a trunk call to find out some more ...

Thanks to flashbacks, an old man, Jacob (mostly played by Pattinson, as his youthful self) recounts the greatest tale of his life, back in the Depression, when his newly-penniless self hit the road – or, rather, a railway track, aboard a circus train – for an exciting adventure that would make the most of his veterinary skills.

August, the kindhearted, avuncular circus owner, is a gentle – oh, no, silly me, he’s a predict-

ably cold-hearted brute of a man, who’s married to the beautiful Marlena (Witherspoon).

She’s quite a dame, being able to ride horses, work with elephants, and throw lots and lots and lots of lingering gazes at the circus’s newest manure shoveller, who, naturally, throws lots and lots and lots of lingering gazes back, all of which gets noticed lots and lots and lots by August.

Send in the elephant!

It turns out that Dumb– whoops – Rosie the elephant responds very well to Jacob, who is soon assigned to train the circus’s new, star attraction, as well as helping Marlena to work with Rosie.

So, with plenty of gentle patting, ear-tickling, and soft-spoken words – and, yes, folks, I mean Jacob’s elephant-training skills – the stage is gradually set for a climactic, big top showstopper.

Now, you don’t sup-

pose that an elephant, two star-crossed souls, a jealous husband and a film finale could lead to a crazy climax, do you?

Although I was happy to note Jacob’s methods of working with big, dumb, forgetful animals (which I shall apply forthwith to Mr Crowley), I can’t say that I was so happy with the rest of the film.

Pattinson – not exactly the most charismatic of actors, shall we say – fizzles rather than sizzles opposite Witherspoon, as both throw their best thousand-yard-stares at each other, past the audience and out the door, towards their pay cheques.

Waltz is so over the top, one could be forgiven for looking towards the corner of the screen, in the expectation of spotting an old lady playing some penny-dreadful music on a piano each time he appears, cackling.

Two stars. And one’s for the elephant.

12 May 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 25

Some feel hacked off with Sony ADAM MAGUIRE

IN THE past fortnight, Sony’s Playstation Network – which lets PS3 and PSP users play games online – was hacked.

T he company has since taken down the network, and admitted that some of its users’ information has been stolen.

Not only is this a costly disaster for Sony, it is also a potentially expensive occurrence for anyone who has had their information swiped.

The hack According to Sony, at some stage between the April 16 and 19, someone gained unauthorised access to their network, and their 75 million users’ data.

They can be sure that

things such as names, addresses, passwords and dates of birth were stolen.

More critical information – such as credit card details – may also have been taken, and there are already reports of more than 2.2 million account details being sold online by hackers.

Those at risk Anyone who has an account with Sony’s Playstation Network may have had their information stolen.

In other words, if they have played online with

their PS3 or PSP, they have given Sony some personal information.

Naturally, a lot of those users are young, and would not have credit cards – though they may have used a relative’s information to buy something online.

Of course, credit card details are not the only thing that is dangerous to have stolen.

If hackers have a person’s login details and passwords, they can do plenty of damage, too.

How to protect yourself If you think that you, or someone in your family, gave information to the Playstation Network at any time, there are some immediate steps you can take to protect yourself.

Firstly, make sure that the password used there is not the same as the one used elsewhere. If it is, change it.

This will ensure that hackers cannot log in to the likes of your email and gain additional information.

Secondly, ignore any emails, phone calls or even letters you might receive purporting to be from Sony. They are a scam.

In fact, you should be extra vigilant of any attempts to gain sensitive information from you in such a way by anyone.

Lastly, monitor your credit card to see if anything unusual happens on it.

If you see anything odd going on, alert your bank straight away to have it stopped.

Garageband for the iPad Garageband for the iPad is an amazingly condensed piece of work that lets even the most musically-challenged person build an impressive piece of music.

Basically a streamlined version of the software that many popular artists use to record their music, Garageband for the iPad lets you build a song from scratch.

Users can sing into the iPad’s built-in mic, plug in a guitar and record what you play, or use the on-screen keyboard and drum-kit to lay down additional tracks.

There are also built-in loops that you can sample from and, with the right tweaking, you can layer it all together into a coherent piece of music.

However, even more However impressive are the “smart” instruments, which basically help you to play chords on the guitar, bass and piano without needing to know how to do so in the real world.

Effectively, this app can do most of the hard work for you, just like the expensive software that chart-topping (and autotuned) artists have been using for years.

In this regard, Garage-

band strikes the best of both worlds.

It is easy and fun to play with, but useful enough for those wanting to do something serious.

It just so happens to be a bargain, too.

Garageband is available from the iPad App Store for €3.99.

Visit teic.ie for the latest tech news, reviews and views.

GAZETTE

26 SWORDS GAZETTE 12 May 2011

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The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during the public opening hours of 9:30-15:30, Monday - Friday at Fingal County Council, Grove Road, Blanchardstown, Fingal, Dublin 15.

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12 May 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 27

GazetteSPORT

GOLD IN SIGHT:

James Scully aims for double successes: Page 29

CRICKET: LEINSTER CRICKET GIVES BACKING TO COUNTY-WIDE SCHOOLS’ CONTEST

O’Brien leads the line for the Leprechaun Cup sport@gazettegroup.com

WOR L D C u p h e r o Kevin O’Brien launched this year’s Leprechaun Cup schools’ cricket competition.

This year’s event will involve no fewer than 38 Primary Schools from various parts of Dublin and surrounding counties.

Leinster Cricket have announced that Precision Electric have become the new spon-

sors of this tournament, that will again reach out to hundreds of young cricketers in Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow.

Managing director, Karl Reid, is thrilled to be involved with Leinster ’s youth cricket programme: “We are delighted to be associated with this year’s competition and the whole concept of introducing boys and girls to the game of cricket.

“We will be closely

monitoring the results and look forward to seeing some of the stars of the future featuring in the coming weeks.”

Precision Electric’s financial contribution will not only supply schools with playing equipment, but will also help to provide more coaches for schools in order to further develop the game.

Coaches currently active within schools include Reinhardt Stry-

Kevin O’Brien (right) and Brian O’Rourke (Leinster cricket union development officer) are pictured with Castleknock NS students Iain Anders, Sarah McIntosh and Edward Vincent

dom, Andrew Leona r d , D av i d R u s s e l l , Theo Lawson and Bill O’Connor.

These coaching positions have also come

about through financial support received from both Fingal County Council and South Dublin County Council.

Matches take place

this week between Ballyroan Boys vs Taney NS (Dundrum) at Marlay Park, Castleknock NS v St Mochta’s NS (Blanchardstown) in Civil

Service or Porterstown Park, St Bosco’s (Cabra) v Castleknock ET at Cabra, and St Partick’s (Diswellstown) v’s Scoil Mhuire at Civil Service.

28 SWORDS GAZETTE 12 May 2011

GazetteSport Sport Rugby

FastRugby

MALHIDE RFC: ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER SEES HONOURS

Leinster hail the stars of the year ISA Nacewa was named the Leinster Players Player of the Year at the Annual Awards Ball held in the Burlington Hotel, Dublin last Saturday night.

Nacewa has been a stand-out performer for Leinster again this season having featured in all but one of the province’s games in both the Magners League and Heineken Cup competitions.

Just this week the 28-year-old was also awarded the IRUPA Player of the Year award and Coach Joe Schmidt hailed Nacewa’s outstanding performances over the course of the campaign.

Leinster coach Schmidt was among those to praise the one-time Fiji international, saying: “Isa’s durability, commitment, experience and rugby talent have seen him perform at a consistently high level in every match he’s played this season.

“As a leader, Isa is recognised by his peers as one of the benchmark players within the squad.

He is professional in all that he does; his recovery, strength and conditioning work, analysis of opponents, attention to detail to improve his own performances. He is utterly committed to the values of the squad and readily shares his knowledge and experience with the younger players.

“Never one to rest easily with personal accolades, I know that Isa will be keen to point out the efforts of his team-mates this year, but he should be proud of this recognition.”

Centre Eoin O’Malley, meanwhile, took the Powerade Young Player of the Year as the Leinster Academy graduate fought off stiff competition for the accolade.

Since overcoming a nightmare spell of injury, the Belvedere College SJ former Schools Senior Cup winner has made a positive impact in the senior panel, and his Heineken Cup debut was followed by his first Ireland Wolfhounds cap.

Richie Forbes, Rick Evans and John Melvin at the Malahide RFC awards dinner recently

Celebration of season sport@gazettegroup.com

MALAHIDE RFC held their annual Presidents’ Dinner last Saturday e ve n i n g i n E s t u a r y Road.

The dinner was wellattended with a large p l ay i n g c o n t i n g e n t present to mark what has been an excellent season for the club, with the first team winning Leinster League Division 3 and the second team capturing their second J4 league title in as many years.

Club president John Melvin welcomed all members to the evening at a pre-dinner champagne reception and Olive Ryan and her organising committee ensured that a great evening was laid on for

everyone.

A number of presentations were made on the evening, with club secretary Ciaran Foley receiving the Clubman of the Year award.

There were also a number of player presentations. Prop Darren Morrin collected the Most Improved Player of the Year; Darren is a product of the club’s youth system and made huge strides this year in his first season as a first team regular.

Learning the art of front-row forward play is something that always takes time and, no doubt, Darren will continue to develop and improve he continues to gain experience.

Young Player of the Year went to wing Eoin

Barber, who scored many a valuable try over the course of the league campaign.

Another player who has come through the club’s youth system and having played in most positions in the back line, this was the first season Eoin played in the left wing berth for a full year.

Speed and strength are two of the key attributes for any winger and Eoin demonstrated both of these qualities constantly over the course of the season.

The club’s Player of the Year went to Richie Forbes, another who was a regular contributor to the scoreboard over the course of the season.

In his first season with the club, Richie has

brought a stability to the midfield. The development of his partnership with fellow centre, Brian Geraghty, was a telling factor in the club’s league success as many an opposition found it difficult to make any ground through the heart of the Malahide backline.

The dinner was a great way to bring the curtain down on a successful

season and allowed all of the club members to get together and reflect on the year past and to take the opportunity to think of what lies ahead for the future.

A large thanks goes to Olive and the organising committee, who put in a lot of hours to ensure the dinner went smoothly for everyone and a great night was had by all.

12 May 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 29

in association with

Preparing for the big tests STEPHEN FINDLATER talks to mentor and coach David Malone about James Scully, Ireland’s most promising swimmer ahead of Paralympics 2012 NAC swim club’s James Scully was recently honoured as the Swim Ireland Disability Swimmer of the Year, capping a brilliant 2010 with a fourth-place finish in the 200 metre freestyle final at the world championships in Eindhoven.

But the young star is hoping that result is just a stepping stone en route to the London Paralympic Games in September 2012.

For now, though, juggling his high-performance training is sharing his preoccupation with his Leaving Certificate, making for a hectic couple of months.

Soon after Scully completes the state exams,

the 18-year-old will be straight back into competition, looking to secure a place for Ireland in the London Games through the European championships in Berlin.

ally carded athlete under the Irish Sports Council performance grants so, ultimately, James is preparing for the Leaving but also, just two weeks after, he will go to compete at

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‘We’re coming into the final bit of the plan. It’s a matter of getting the Leaving Cert out of the way, and then the priority will be London 2012’ --------------------------------------------------------

And club coach, as well as Irish team manager, Dave Malone says the major issue is getting the balance between the twin concerns just right.

“He’s an internation-

the European championships in Berlin. That’s a phase of qualifying for the London Games in September 2012.

“He’s risen slowly through the ranks in the

James Scully receives his Swim Ireland Disability Swimmer of the Year award

past three or four years to achieving that fourthplace finish in the world last year.

“Obviously the exams are incredibly important.

It’s quite a tricky year and James is at that age where he has really learned a lot over the last couple of years to get to this point.

“He’s been balancing the time management around studying and training to the standard of a performance athlete.

Balancing act “For James, its about balancing the books and getting the rest and recovery in as well and take in a bit of a social life too to keep the life balance together.

“It’s difficult to manage but James receives support from the Irish institute of sport, working with athlete executive, Ken Lynch,” said Malone Their plan for this tricky season has seen Scully compete closer to home, more recently entering the National long-course championship, held at his home pool in the NAC. While the event is an able-bodied gala, disabled entrants were allowed enter, helping get more experience of a large meet with high quality opposition – something which is hard to come by in the current period.

“It was an opportunity for him to swim in a high

level event. With the commitments at school this year, we’ve limited James’ travel exposure to events around Ireland. He competed in Limerick in February while he was due to take part in the Welsh championships but it was cancelled because of the conditions at the times.”

As for the route to London, individual qualifying proper begins on January 1, 2012 but countries are currently scrambling to secure places for their nations, a process which goes right up to March 2012.

Next month’s Europeans act as the first opportunity to gain an Irish place and Malone – one of Ireland’s most decorated Paralympians and a gold medalist – is hopeful over his protégé’s chances.

“With James, we’re happy with the way he has approached the last number of months and kept himself organised.

“He’s very much in line to qualify. It’s a major performance meet at the Europeans but to an end of preparing for London, this is just a stepping stone.

“We’re right in the preparation of a four-year plan but we’re coming into the final bit of that plan. James is very much on track and it’s a matter of getting the Leaving Cert out of the way and then the priority will be London.”

FastSport

Show your allegiance to Leinster (like the editor) WITH the last phases of the Magners’ league and the Heineken Cup final this month, fans everywhere (including Gazette editor, Cormac Curtis, pictured above right at the RDS last week) are going blue with anticipation, and can now show their support with teamcoloursonline.com.

Team Colour’s range of waterless, press-on temporary tattoos with Leinster colours and slogans are now available. Charities, sporting clubs and schools involved in fundraising can have tattoos commissioned with their own crest to either generate profits from sales or simply raise awareness of their brand.

For more information, see www.teamcoloursonline.com or visit their Facebook page.

Iconic camp set to take place in July BASKETBALL Ireland have announced that their popular basketball camp, Gormanston 2011, will take place in the week of July 10 to 15 at Gormanston College.

The camp will once again cater for residential and day campers and the cost will remain the same as in 2010.

The national basketball camps is renowned for delivering only the best in coaching with past coaches hailing from America, Canada, and Europe, as well as the best Irish coaches. Campers get a rare opportunity to experience the valuable knowledge

from some of the best in the game.

The camp has become renowned as the place to be each summer for prospective basketball stars of the future.

Some of Ireland’s top players have come through the ranks at the camp, and it attracts the best coaches from home and abroad.

Past coaches have included some of Ireland’s greats, including Danny Fulton, Joey Boylan, and Gerry Fitzpatrick, along with a medley of extraordinary coaches from abroad, such as Brian Hill, Lazlo Nemeth and Serge Clabau.

Attendance costs €375 for residential attendees, while day campers can take part for €200. For more information, see www. basketballireland.com

30 SWORDS GAZETTE 12 May 2011

GazetteSport Sport FastSport Ravens on the wing: Fingal side close in on league title FINGAL Ravens’s U-12 ladies footballers continue to go from strength to strength, recording their seventh successive vic-

Aer Lingus star takes place in youth Olympics AER Lingus swimmer, Sean O’Brien, has qualified for the European Youth Olympics after achieving the qualifying times in both the 200m and 400m individual medleys at the Irish Long Course Championships in the NAC recently.

The transition-year student at Portmarnock Community School completes an elite group of seven Irish swimmers travelling to the competition in Trabzon, Turkey, in July.

For more information on Aer Lingus Swim Club, see www.alswimclub.com

Fingal travel to London for semi-final FINGAL’S hurlers will meet London in the Ruislip grounds of the English capital on Saturday, May 21, in the semi-final of the Nicky Rackard Cup, following their 3-19 to 0-11 victory

over Sligo in Swords last Saturday.

Aodan McEnerney scored 1-4, while JM Sheridan cleared the bar six times and Andrew Richardson hit two goals in a comprehensive victory for Ben Dorney’s team.

Monaghan and Louth will contest the other semi-final tie.

tory this week when they overcame title rivals St Oliver Plunketts/ER. They ran up a 5-4 to 1-4 victory in Martin Savage Park and now sit top of the Division 4A ahead of a vital tie this Sunday against second-placed Garristown. Should they win, they will be in an unassailable position at the top of the table with one round of matches to be played.

NDSL LADIES CUP FINAL: SWORDS SIDE UNLUCKY IN TRAYNOR TIE

Swords Manor played a fine match but were unable to overturn the lead that Cloghertown had established early in the first half

Manor denied cup title U-15 NDSL LADIES CUP Swords Manor 0 Cloghertown United 1 STEPHEN FINDLATER sport@gazettegroup.com

Fingallians athlete takes national title in Belfast FINGALLIANS’ Roisin Anglim returned to form with a great performance, winning the 400-metres title at the National Universities ‘Track and Field Championships at Queen’s University, Belfast.

Roisin, who attends Dublin City University, capitalised on her good training times to come first in the race last weekend.

JENNY Dowling’s 12thminute goal proved enough for Cloghertown United to deny a brave Swords Manor performance at the Oscar Traynor Centre last Sunday to claim the NDSL Ladies’ Cup final.

She fired a rasping effort from the rightedge of the box that was too hot to handle for the impressive Tara Kenny.

It may have caused the heads of the Swords’ side to drop having previously lost heavily in the league

to the same side but they rallied well.

The marauding runs of Lorna Seagrave, aided by Sarah Lynch and Shauna McCormack, meant they had a chance on the break while, defensively, they performed wonders to hold out a forceful opponents.

Kenny had to come off her line a number of times to block at the feet of Emma Harford, Emer Moore and Lauren O’Brien.

When she was passed in the second period, the cover of Claire Hickey and Johanna Tyrala kept the raiding hordes at bay.

Cloghertown showed

their intent inside the first minute, earning a freekick in a dangerous area, which Hannah McNulty struck well, bouncing awkwardly in front of Kenny.

She kept her eye firmly fixed, though, and took the ball in comfortably.

McNulty’s next corner caused bedlam, and Moore just clipped wide.

The pressure told when Dowling stormed down the right flank but, from there, Manor got back into the game.

Seagrove’s trickery and pace foraged a channel down the left while the game opened out to allow United produce some intricate passing

up top to slip in Hayley McGuinness but Kenny smothered her drive.

Lynch’s through ball found Seagrove on the edge but her re-direction did not have enough pace on it to truly test Lauren Kiely.

Emma W hite was imperious at the back for Cloghertown, though, keeping the Swords’ girls at arm’s length while also providing an outlet moving forward.

On the second half resumption, the Naul side had their best chance to double the lead when Harford dribbled past Kenny only for Shauna Mulligan and Tryala to cover brilliantly, coming

from nowhere to slide in and block the rolled effort off the line.

From there, Cloghertown had plenty of territorial advantage but little in the way of clear-cut chances.

And Manor almost had a leveller with two minutes to go when Kayleigh Lynch set her sister Sarah through one-on-one with Kiely.

She won the battle for the ball but her chance agonisingly f lashed across the face of goal with neither of two onrushing forwards able to get a glancing touch.

It let Cloghertown off the hook to deservedly claim the title.

12 May 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 31

in association with

IFC ROUND 2: SAINTS POWER TO WIN OVER CUALA

CLUB NOTICEBOARD FINGALLIANS CONGRATULATIONS to Fiona Hudson

Gormley on 087 2200 500.

and Amy McGuinness on beating

The club is hosting our group of

Meath on Saturday and claiming the

the hurling feile, this Saturday, May

NFL Division 2 title.

14, from 10am to 5pm in Balheary.

Also to Sarah Deegan who helped

Our U-14 hurlers are grouped with

the Dublin girls’ U-14s overcome Kil-

Raheny, Erin Isle and Craobh Chi-

dare in the Leinster championship.

arain.

A very big thank you to all who

Both junior and senior ladies had good wins in cup this week.

Our senior and intermediate foot-

St Finian’s James Shelly shoots as the Fingal side put Cuala to the sword at Glencullen last week

St Finian’s finest form seals victory IFC ROUND 2 St Finian’s 1-10 Cuala 0-7 STEPHEN FINDLATER sport@gazettegroup.com

ST FINIAN’S gave one of their best performances of the past five years to stun Inter championship hopefuls Cuala at the stunning Glencullen venue last Wednesday night.

Twenty-four places and one division separated the pair on the league roster, with the Dalkey side’s run to last year’s championship final making them pregame favourites.

But if the senior championship’s opening phases have taught us anything, it’s what is put forward on the night that counts most, and Finian’s won all the major collisions.

They ran themselves into the ground, in particular Warren Hanley in midfield and Kevin Ryan at full-back pushing their bodies to full capacity.

The stylish Scott Brennan kicked a trio of quality scores, while playing a key part in a perfectly executed James Shelly goal in the 18th minute.

Cuala were without star man Mick Fitzsimons and county hurler Paul Schutte but, in John Sheanon, Scott O’Brien, Adam Hudson and Conor O’Brien, they had a nucleus of the side which claimed the U-21 A title back in 2009.

And they started reasonably, Scott O’Brien and Ronan Sweeney chipping in to nudge them ahead.

But scores from David Hattie, Ross Hainsworth, Darren Barry and Brennan put the Swords’ men 0-5 to 0-2 up on the quarter hour.

Brennan’s second was an absolute peach, using the wind – perhaps aided by the turbine on the valley-side of the pitch – to get a huge amount of bend.

Shelly had already drawn a brilliant save

low to the Caomhin O’Mhaoildearg’s left before Finian’s hit the net for a six-point lead.

Liam Ryan – the longserving Dublin hurler – used his quick wits to take a free quickly to the bombing on Barry Kavanagh. His pass found Brennan marauding down the left channel before pulling the ball back from the endline for Shelly to pounce.

His side was winning the breaks around the middle at this stage, Mattie McGrath feverish around the fringes, but two fine James Power scores meant Cuala had a sniff at the break, reducing the deficit to 1-6 to 0-5.

With the wind changeable and the Dalkey side emerging more fired up in the second period, substitute Conor O’Brien almost had a dream start, flashing through but Stephen McNally pushed his shot around the right post.

It could have been

a momentum changer but, after a torrid spell went unscathed, Brennan tacked on a free and Ross Hainsworth kicked a super score, the product of five quick handpasses.

And Cuala could not find their shooting boots, and were limited to just two second-half points, the first of which came 18 minutes into the half when Power cleared the bar.

Conor O’Brien added a fine effort from Sheanon’s top work but, with goals required and Finian’s defence doubling up, getting the scoreboard moving was an insurmountable task.

Indeed, Shelly went closest to a major, dinging the outside of a post while Dominic Harris – the former Fingal hurling captain – broke from defence to score the final point, again created through zippy hands, to round out a famous win for the Rivervalley club.

helped in organising a very successful golf classic last Friday.

ballers championship campaigns

The following athletes represent-

came to an end over the weekend.

ed Fingallians over the weekend at

U-13 footballers beat St Mary’s in

Tallaght in the Dublin Track and Field

the League.

League: U-10 Kate Donnelly, Ava Law-

The club are looking to create a

lor, Aaron Cullen and Hugh Lawlor;

database of volunteers to help with

U-11 Cian Bolger; U-12 Orla Kavanagh;

stewarding at inter-county games

U-13 Tara Wallnutt; U-14 Megan Finn;

and championship fixtures that

U-15 Ann Marie Tornsey and Emma

will be held at the club. Please email

Cunningham; U-16 Sam Martin and

fingallians@gmail.com or call Paul

Fiona Tuite.

FINGAL RAVENS ALL-IRELAND football prediction

ladies continued their unbeaten run

forms must be returned to any

this year with a win over Clannagael

committee member by next Sat-

Fontenoy last Wednesday.

urday, May 14; €500 for the winner,

Minor team play St Sylvester’s

please support this fundraiser -

at home in the league next Sunday

everyone receives a bye for the New

morning at 11am.

Congratulations to the girls’

York game.

Annual golf classic is on Satur-

U-12s who maintain their unbeaten

day, May 28, in Swords Open; €240

run in the league with a great win

for a team of four includes a meal

over Oliver Plunkett’s on Sunday.

in Kettle’s Hotel after, contact Pat

Well done to the girls’ U-14s who

Kinsella on 087-9313045 to book

had a super win in the league over

your tee times. Anyone interest-

St James’ Gaels last Friday.

ed in sponsoring a tee, donating

Div 5 team had two good league

spot-prize or giving a hand on the

wins last week, away to Craobh

day, contact Maura Norton on 087-

Chiarain on Tuesday and at home to

9936458.

Wanderers last Sunday.

We are very grateful to our Ladies’

Walk for your club - Himalayas

adult team extremely generous

climb, scheduled to take place

new sponsor, martinahanna.ie; the

August 2012 - open to all members.

ST FINIAN’S (SWORDS) WE ARE appealing to members to sup-

onship action this week at home on

port the weekly lotto on a regular

Saturday to Ballyboden. All support

basis. The weekly Club Lotto Draw is

welcome.

a vital fundraiser for the day-to-day

The U-13 footballers had a great win

operation of the club. A weekly ticket

over O’Toole’s at the weekend, and also

costs as little as €2 for one box or €5 for

the U-9 hurling team had a great win

three boxes. If every member bought a

over Trinity Gaels. Both of these teams

ticket it would make a huge difference.

played really well.

Standing orders are available from the

Following the success of our last

club office. You will be helping the club

clothing collection another date has

and also in with a chance to win.

been fixed for Saturday, June 11.

Lotto numbers drawn were 1, 11, 19

We need you to donate your clean,

and 24. There was no winner of the

unwanted clothes, bed linen, old

jackpot worth €4,700. The €50 winners

duvets, pillows, towels, including bags,

were Tom Kelly and David and Sinead

shoes belts and soft toys.

Sullivan. Next week, the jackpot will be €4,800.

Clothes can be dropped off to clubhouse at following times: June 7 to 10,

The intermediate football team had

from 7.30pm to 9pm, Saturday, June 11

a good championship win in Glencullen

from 10.30am to 2.30pm. This is a great

on Wednesday.

fundraiser with minimum input. Please

Our adult hurlers are in champi-

support.

ALL OF YOUR SWORDS SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31

FLYING FINIAN’S: Rivervalley side stun Cuala to reach IFC’s final sixteen P31

swordssport@gazettegroup.com

SWORDS Celtic enjoyed a bumper weekend claiming four cup titles as the DDSL and NDSL finals took place in the AUL and Oscar Traynor complexes, with the possibility of making it seven by the end of the week.

T h e i r U -15 P r e m i e r s rounded out the weekend with victory in the Molly Martin cup, Andy Dunne scoring the only goal of the game against Stella Maris for a richly deserved crown.

That goal came just four minutes into the time, beating a couple of players to shoot past the impressive

Stella ’keeper, Stuart Lumb.

For the most part, the Celts were on top but they struggled later on in the tie when reduced to ten players allowing the opposition in.

But they held out to secure a 1-0 victory, with Niall Grogan picking up the player-ofthe-match award.

It added to three other cup titles, including the U-17 Premiers, who won the Mary Farrell Cup, getting the better of Marino FC. James Cronin broke the deadlock in the 25th minute of the first half from the penalty spot before Marino levelled, but Richie Cray and Jack Hargan combined

DOUBLE DREAMS: Scully tackles Leaving and Europeans P29

Swords Celtic’s U-17 Premiers were one of four cup-winning teams this week

to make it 4-1 in the second half, the former netting a brace.

Again, it was a Swords’ man to take the game’s top performer gong as Evan Duffy was given the award by the referee.

The club’s first winners of the weekend were the U-10 Premiers, taking the O’Neill’s Cup 2-1 after extratime, with Reality Osouha and Jamie Condon on the mark against Ratoath.

Another of the club’s U-10 teams, though, could not be separated from Ratoath in the Muriel McCory Cup final, Joshua Little’s goal sending this game to a replay

on Thursday after Christy Dottia put Swords 1-0 up.

The U-8s got the better of Glebe North in the Eamon Ludden Cup, opening the scoring after just five minutes when a Jake Pope freekick found the back of the net.

Glebe were equal on 12 minutes and went ahead just three minutes later after a Celtic own goal. Cian Warren drew the sides level just before the half time whistle — just in time for the talk from managers Conor Warren and Paul Cibotar Swords were the better team in the second half and again took the lead just four

minutes after the break with Josh Flannagan scoring.

In the dying minutes of the game Cian Warren scored his second goal to give Celtic the victory and their fourth Cup final win of the weekend.

Swords now have finals to look forward to with the U-10 Premiers playing Maynooth in the final of the Daily Star Cup on Saturday at 3.30 pm while the Under17 Premiers will be trying for the double when they take on Navan Town U-18 Premier in the finals of the Carlton Cup. This match is on Sunday at 3pm.

GazetteSPORT

Sparkling Swords Celtic capture four cups

MAY 12, 2011