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INSIDE: Fingal Student Enterprise Awards 2012 P4
March 8, 2012
REFERENDUM: Making their case
for a Yes or No treaty vote Page 10
Gala night: Group put on a show Soccer: Former Sporting stars back in LoI Premier League Page 32
THE Moore School of the Performing Arts, pictured backstage at a recent Celebration of Life Variety Gala Concert at The Helix in aid of St Francis Hospice in Dublin. The group put on a fantastic performance to the delight of the audience. They were joined by some of Ireland’s leading talent who gave their all to help raise funds for a worthy cause. Picture: Conor O Mearain
Full Gallery on Pages 8-9
Swimming: Local athletes shine in national competition Page 28
ALSOINSIDE: GALLERY .........................8 BUSINESS .................... 19 MOTORS ....................... 20 TRAVEL......................... 22 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26
Seizure of two guns is ‘very worrying’ Gardai discover firearms and ammunition
I MIMI MURRAY
THE seizure of two guns from a 40-year-old man in the Applewood area of Swords is a “very worrying” development, according to the Mayor of Fingal, Gerry McGuire. As part of an ongoing oper-
ation targeting the activities of a north Dublin criminal gang, gardai arrested a male and seized two firearms last Saturday, March 3. Gardai from the Organised Crime Unit stopped the man, who was on foot in the Applewood area, at approximately 8pm. They found two
firearms (subject to examination) and a quantity of ammunition in a bag. “I would like to see more garda controls going into Applewood, as there are two schools and a new community centre there,” Cllr McGuire said. Full Story on Page 2
2 SWORDS GAZETTE 8 March 2012
CRIME Swords man arrested as part of an ongoing gardai operation
Seizure of two guns a ‘very worrying’ development MIMI MURRAY
THE seizure of two guns from a 40-year-old man in the Applewood area of Swords is a “very wo r r y i n g ” d e ve l o p ment according to the Mayor of Fingal, Gerry McGuire. As part of an ongo-
ing operation targeting the activities of a North Dublin criminal gang, gardai arrested a male and seized two firearms last Saturday, March 3. Gardai from the Organised Crime Unit stopped the man who was on foot in the Applewood area at approxi-
mately 8pm. They discovered the man had two firearms (subject to examination) and a quantity of ammunition in a bag. Stopped
Cllr McGuire said this kind of activity must be stopped from permeat-
ing down to younger people or things could end up like an “estate in Limerick” well-known for gangland crime. “This is very worrying, as it is a newly populated area and has a young community. “This type of activity is going to end up giving
the place a bad name. I would like to see more Garda controls going in to Applewood, as there are two schools and a new community centre there. You don’t want things like this permeating down to younger youths. It could end up like that estate in Limer-
ick if it does,” he said. “I commend the Gardai for making this apprehension, especially with limited resources,” he said. He said Applewood is a much sought-after area and that people are just trying to get on with their lives.
The man was taken to Swords Garda Station where he is currently detained under the provisions of Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act. The firearms and ammunition have been forwarded for examination.
Council is seeking further information FINGAL County Council has sought additional information from Gannon Properties in relation to the construction of 224 dwellings at Oldtown in Swords. The residential development comprises 73 four-bedroom houses, 83 three-bedroom houses and seven twobedroom houses, ranging in height from two- to two-and-a-half storeys. The plan also includes four three-bedroom owndoor maisonettes, eight three-bedroom common-access duplex units, 45 twobedroom apartments and four one-bedroom apartments in blocks ranging in height from two to four storeys. The commercial element is all locat-
ed at ground level around a new public square and comprises a convenience foodstore with ancillary off-licence of 830sqm, a shop of 180sqm, a shop of 122sqm, a restaurant with hot-food takeaway of 185 sq m and a creche of 193 sq m. The development includes all associated site works and infrastructure, which includes a new road connection and ancillary works to the Rathbeale Road, landscaped open space, internal roads, paths, cycle-paths, public lighting, utilities, drainage and surface water attenuation. This application is accompanied by an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
Reform and renewal: Fianna Fail Ard Fheis LOCAL politicians Michael Kennedy and councillor Darragh Butler pictured at the recent Fianna Fail Ard Fheis in the RDS. Speaking at the event, Councillor Butler welcomed the new rule changes introduced at the Ard Fheis, in particular, the change from three delegate votes per
cumann to a new one member, one vote system that allows all active members of Fianna Fail a say in the future of the party. “Along with the tough new ethics rules introduced, this is most welcome and it was great to see such an emphatic endorsement,” he said.
NATIONAL INITIATIVE: PERMANENT ACCOMMODATION
Government grants for local schools MIMI MURRAY
SIX north Dublin schools will finally get permanent accommodation, it was announced last week. Naul National School, Scoil Phadraic in Donabate, Realt Na Mara in Skerries, St Peter and Paul’s National School, and St Teresa’s in Balbriggan, and St Colmcille’s in Swords have been offered Government grants to replace existing prefabricated units with permanent accommodation, as part of a national initiative undertaken by the Minister for Education, Ruairi Quinn TD. Brendan Ryan,
Labour Party TD for Dublin North, said the move is “very positive”. It sees the Department of Education offering grant aid to over 200 schools nationwide, including seven in north County Dublin, for the purpose of replacing prefabs with permanent classrooms. A total of €35 million has been allocated for this scheme in 2012, which will also help create local construction jobs during the building phase of these projects. “My Labour Party colleague, Minister Quinn, has today announced the biggest initiative e ve r u n d e r t a ke n t o replace rented prefabs
in our nation’s schools; 200 schools will be offered grants to build permanent accommodation this year – over a third of all schools who currently rent prefabs. “Many parents all over north County Dublin will welcome this announcement af ter putting up with inadequate, cold, damp and dilapidated prefabs for far too long. “It must be noted that this is only the beginning of the initiative to end the scourge of prefab accommodation for our school children. A five-year plan targeting larger school building projects will be announced by the Minister very soon.
“At a time when this c o u n t r y w a s aw a s h with money, previous Governments failed to invest in permanent classrooms for our children, instead opting for the cheap and ‘temporary’ prefab option. Often foisting these prefabs on reluctant school principals who knew these prefabs would be anything but temporary. This scheme is a step towards tackling the awful legacy of prefab classrooms left by previous governments. It is very encouraging that this Government is investing in our children’s future even during a time when departmental budgets need to be tightened.”
8 March 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 3
IT’S YOUR STORY Working with Nurture Africa
Planning refusal
College group’s Ugandan trip of a lifetime LAST month, a group of ten students and four teachers from Fingal Community College, Swords, went on a trip of a lifetime to Nansana in Uganda where they worked with Nurture Africa, a charity founded by Dublin man Brian Iredale. Nurture Africa aims to nurture the mental, physical and emotional growth and well-being of Ugandan HIV/AIDS infected and affected orphans and vulnerable children by providing health care, education, food, clothing and shelter. The students, Rebecca Cooney, Calvin Dooney, Claire Fox, Andy Savage,
JJ McCormack, Michael Hayton, Ciara Masterson, Saroja Bhanderi, Scott Gaughran and Eddie McLoughlin, were accompanied by teachers Mairead O’Halloran, Eamonn Burke, Eimear Mullin and Claire Scanlon. While in Uganda students and teachers assisted the work of Nurture Africa by participating in building projects on the charity’s recently-opened paediatric clinic. The Fingal students also assisted teaching in Ugandan classrooms where their teaching skills benefited 776 Ugandan children over the two-week period. They provided Maths, English, literacy and pro-
nunciation lessons as well as enhancing Ugandan children’s educational experience through music, dance, art and sport. It was a very proud moment when they presented Fingallian jerseys, kindly donated by Fingalians’ GAA Club, to a disadvantaged rural school in Mendes. Students and teachers had the privilege of visiting children supported by Nurture Africa in their homes, where they witnessed first hand the challenges faced by children living with HIV and extreme poverty. The Uganda adventure gave the volunteers the opportunity to visit the Equator, where the boys
WAREHOUSE
The group visiting the Equator in Uganda
played soccer with the locals. They also took a short safari and a boat trip on the River Nile. Fingal Community College Volunteers would like to extend a huge thanks to all who sponsored the group. It was wonderful for them to see how the proceeds were used by Nurture Africa to support
vulnerable children. They also wish to thank those who donated clothes, books and toys as these were greatly appreciated by the charity. A special word of thanks is extended to Dr Greenan’s surgery in Swords, JC’s and Fingallians’ GAA Club for their tremendous support to the volunteering
project. This trip would never have become a reality without the belief and hard work of Fingal Community College teacher Claire Scanlon. All the students and teachers wish to thank her wholeheartedly as it certainly was an experience of a lifetime.
L I N DR A K E D e ve l opment Ltd, has been refused planning permission for the development of a warehouse and distribution building at St Margaret’s. The development is on a 3.10 hectare site on the townland of Sandyhill on the eastern side of the R122. It consisted of the construction of a 5,389 sq m warehouse and distribution building, including 1,204 sq m of ancillary offices and staff facilities over two floors; an attached 174 sq m vehicle maintenance facility; internal circulation roads and service area; 89 car parking spaces (including five disabled parking spaces); 48 no cycle parking spaces; new vehicular access/ egress point to the R122 including entrance feature and gates and the widening of 190 linear metres of the R122 to facilitate access to the development.
4 SWORDS GAZETTE 8 March 2012
Planning withdrawn A PLANNING application for a residential development consisting of four detached dwellings at Kinsealy Lane has been withdrawn by C & M, G, C & L Crawford. The detached dwellings were to come with detached garages, and were to be 2.5 storeys with attic accommodation. The proposed development formed part of the Broomfield Local Area Plan. Planning permission was also sought for a new vehicular access road and footpath from Kinsealy Lane, associated site development works, landscaping and boundary treatments. The development was also to be served by a new proposed foul sewer to link the site to the Swords Road, Malahide as follows: 2.2kms of (110mm diameter rising main) sewer from Connolly Avenue pumping station to Back Road, to Malahide Road (R107) and onto Swords Road (R106).
EVENT Fingal Student Enterprise Awards 2012
Schools bid to win share of €10,000 I LAURA WEBB swords@gazettegroup.com
A RECORD number of school companies from across Fingal will compete for a share of the €10,000 prize fund at this year’s Fingal Student Enterprise Awards. This, the 11th annual final, takes place in the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Blanchardstown, on Friday, March 16, with 18 secondary schools and nine primary schools, comprising 60 companies in total, all competing for an award. “This year’s Fingal Student Enterprise Awards will showcase our largest
number of student entrepreneurs yet, highlighting a growing interest in enterprise amongst young people,” said Oisin Geoghegan, CEO of Fingal County Enterprise Board. “The key objective of the Fingal Student Enterprise programme is to encourage students to learn about the world of business so that they can discover the excitement and dynamism of running an enterprise. We are also welcoming three new secondary schools to the Fingal Student Enterprise programme for the very first time, making the Fingal programme the largest
programme in the country this year,” he added. The programme involves nearly 2,000 primary and secondary schools students showcasing their companies. The budding entrepreneurs get an opportunity to research and set-up their own business from September to March, with support of business mentors from the local Enterprise Board. A total of ten prize categories will be announced at the ceremony, which will be hosted by RTE 2FM’s Rick O’Shea, with support from Fingal County Council, County Dublin VEC, the Blanchardstown Centre and Xtreme.ie. Winners of the Enterprising School Spirit Award at primary and secondar y level will receive a laptop computer from County Dublin VEC, which is also sponsoring the County Dublin VEC Enterprise Award. The category winners and runnersup will all receive Blan-
Jill Groome, Alex Farrell, Ryan Douglas, Noelle Leonard and Conor Carey from St. Joseph’s Rush, finalists in the County Final of the Fingal Student Enterprise Awards 2011 for their project Bright Bands
Pictured at the Fingal County Enterprise Board offices in Swords, launching the 2011/2012 Fingal Student Enterprise Programme was Killian Tol, Oisin Geoghegan, CEO, Fingal County Enterprise Board and Andrew Ennis
c h a r d s t ow n C e n t r e vouchers, glass trophies and certificates. A prize draw for students and teachers will also take place on March 16, with adventure packages sponsored by Xtreme.ie from Balbriggan. The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Gerry McGuire, will be presenting the senior
category prizes this year, which includes an educational trip to Barcelona for the winning students and their teacher. The secondary school winners will go on to represent Fingal at the National Student Enterprise Awards in Croke Park on Wednesday, April 18. Last year ’s Senior Category winner from St Fintan’s School (Sutton) and Intermediate category winners from Colaiste Choilm (Swords) went on to win prizes at the
National Student Enterprise Awards in April. Participating Primary Schools include St Cronan’s National School Swords, St Oliver Plunkett Malahide, Balbriggan Educate Together, St Catherine’s National School Rush. Secondary Schools include Balbriggan Community College, Loreto Secondary School Swords, Skerries Community College, Colaiste Choilm, St Fintan’s SS and St Joseph’s Secondary School.
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SCHOOLS: PERMANENT FACILITIES ARE APPROVED
COUNCIL
Calls to halt flytipping
Funding for classrooms I LAURA WEBB news@gazettegroup.com
DUBLIN West schools running out of prefabs received a welcome boost this week, as funding is being allocated to build new, permanent classrooms. St Francis Xavier NS in Coolmine, St Philip the Apostle NS in Clonsilla, and Holy Family NS in River Valley, Swords will receive grants to replace prefabs with permanent classrooms. The grants are part of a €35 million initiative announced by the Minister for Education, Ruairi Quinn, to replace prefabs at more than 200 schools across the country. This initiative is part of the Government’s €430 million education infrastructure plan for 2012. Welcoming the news, Dublin West TD, and
Minister for Transport, Sport and Tourism, Leo Varadkar, said: “This is very welcome news for the three schools, and means that more pupils will be taught in permanent classrooms. “The last Government relied far too heavily on prefabs, when it should have provided permanent school buildings. Although prefabs can sometimes be necessary in the short-term, they also have considerable drawbacks. “Prefabs are uncomfortable, difficult to heat or keep cool, and will never be a viable alternative to a permanent classroom. “The new, state-of-theart classrooms proposed for the three schools represent a considerable saving, after many years of expensive rental,” said Minister Varadkar.
Star performance: Jodie’s joy at winning annual talent competition JODIE Morris, pictured with her principal, Sharon McGrath, was the winner of Fingal Community College’s annual talent competition, The F-Factor. Jodie sang her way to the top prize but she is also a very talented dancer and, in addition to the F-Factor,
she starred at the interval of the school’s Fashion Show last year. The F-Factor top prize is called the Tony Keeling Award. This trophy is an acknowledgement of the commitment to the College of its former principal, Tony Keeling.
CALLS have been made for several prominent signs that would discourage dumping in north Dublin, particularly around the airport area. Labour councillor Tom Kelleher, said he is now going to ask Fingal County Council to put up some prominent signs, giving drivers a number to call if they should see anyone flytipping or dumping. “Around the airport is filthy, and dumping is a disgrace. There should be a half-dozen signs saying that there is a penalty for dumping. In almost every field there is a huge amount of dumping and it is up to the farmers to get it removed themselves. Everyone has a mobile now so all someone would need to do is call a number and give the registration number,” he said.
6 SWORDS GAZETTE 8 March 2012
EVENT Eagerly anticipated festival for March LAUNCH:
FINGAL ROAD RACE
Huge crowds expected for event
Sorcha Gillett, of Dandelion Day Dreamer Vintage, with Mayor of Fingal, Gerry McGuire
Seting up shop: New additions to Plaza SC THERE will be an exciting and diverse range
of Pop-Up Shops in Unit 2 of the Plaza Shopping Centre this spring. In March, Dandelion Daydreamer, which stocks a unique range of vintage clothing and accessories sourced from France, will fill the space. Starting in April, Qualitaly.ie, will stock authentic Italian food and products; in May, Camille on Kids will take the space. This is a children’s vintage boutique selling hand-crafted and renovated furniture, jewellery, decorations, accessories and toys. Anyone who is interested in becoming a potential tenant should contact FCC on 01 8905670.
300 film fest ideas THE inaugural Fingal Film Festival has attracted nearly 300 submissions from budding film makers at home and abroad, with some making their way to the events’ exciting line up. The eagerly anticipated festival will take place in March for three days. The festival celebrates the art and business of making films and aims to bring the Fingal community together
with national and international film-makers. Over the past few months, festival officials have been inundated with creative and interesting submissions for the three-day event. “We have received nearly 300 submissions from Ireland, Fingal, America, Brazil, Nigeria, India, all over the place really,” Dave Byrne, creative director, Fingal Film Festival said. “There are really some good ones in it. A lot of documentaries and feature films, the standard is very high; we have selected the submis-
sions for screening and the winners were notified on Saturday.” The public will have to wait until next week to find out the festival’s exciting line-up, when the festival puts up the schedule online. “I am really proud of the schedule. It’s going to be an interesting three days.” During the event, the festival will also host a number of masterclasses and workshops for film enthusiasts. BAFTA award winner Aisling Walsh (Song for a Raggy Boy), Film Producer Arthur Lappin (In
the Name of the Father, The Boxer) and Emmy nominated Film Composer Joseph Conlon (Behind Enemy Lines) are just a few of the confirmed guests. “Next year we hope to invite distribution companies, financiers and producers to come over and sit around a table and get deals struck up,” Dave said. This event takes place from March 21 until 23. Visit www.fingalfilmfest.com to keep an eye on the schedule, get further information or become a member of the festival.
A ROAD race, which will be held for the first time in Fingal this July, will be launched in Fingal County Council’s offices in Swords next Monday. The 10km race, which is part of the Dublin marathon race series, is expected to be attended by thousands and will bring many athletes into Fingal for the day. The launch will be attended by several dignitaries, including the Mayor, Cllr Gerry McGuire and race director of Dublin Marathon, Jim Aughney. Socialist councillor, Eugene Coppinger, who is in no small way responsible for bringing the race to Fingal, says they will hold race clinics in Portmarnock, Swords, Balbriggan and Blanchardstown. “We hope to get people up off the couch with this. We are trying to make it as inclusive for people as possible and we hope to have members of the Travelling community taking part. We are targeting Fingal residents and the Community Section of Fingal County Council will be promoting it. “We will have three senior athletic clubs in the county involved - these are Fingallians, Metro St Bridged’s and Clonliffe Harriers. “We will be organising events in conjunction with the Dublin marathon crew.” Jim Aughney, race director for Dublin Marathon and the Race Series, is expected to attend as well as the county manager and the Mayor. The race, which will be held on July 22, is expected to finish on Main Street, but Cllr Coppinger says they have not yet made a final decision on the course. In terms of sponsorship he said there are a number of companies who would be willing to come on board. The race will be advertised nationally and they expect at least 1,000 people to take part.
8 March 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 7
8 SWORDS GAZETTE 8 March 2012
EVENT Stars shine at the Celebration of Life Variety
Clare Connolly, Hannah Ring and Sally Ann Grassick
At a gala concert The Moore School of the Performing Arts
Laura McDonnell, Annette Weir, Maria Farmer and Hannah McDonnell
WARD-WINNING actor Brendan Gleeson was just one of the attractions at a recent Celebration of Life Variety Gala Concert’ in aid of St Francis Hospice in Dublin. The event was held at The Helix and saw some of Ireland’s leading talent on show to raise money for the hospice and the building of a new hospice in Blanchardstown.
A
Singers Rebecca Storm and Virginia Kerr, entertainer, Syl Fox, The Moore School of the Performing Arts, Riverdance and the Mount Sackville Choir were all in attendance to support this worthy cause. Brendan and his sons performed an extract from Dubliners, while RTE presenter, Marty Whelan, was MC on the night.
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8 March 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 9
Gala Concert in aid of St Francis Hospice in Dublin
Sr Margaret Cashman, of the St Francis Hospice, and Ethel McKenna, CEO of St Francis Hospice, with Domhnall Rebecca on stage
Rebecca Storm and Syl Fox
Deirdre Lonergan and Jean Fearon
and Brendan Gleeson
Catherine and Pat Bulman
Sinead Flood, Anna McGerr and Anna Flood
10 SWORDS GAZETTE 8 March 2012
OPINION The Fiscal Compact Treaty; how should we vote?
Seize the opportunity and reject this Austerity Treaty S O f a r, t h e Government has come up with lots of reasons for us to vote Yes. We should vote for ‘economic stability’ and for ‘economic recovery’. Unfortunately, the Government never deals with the actual content of the Treaty. This is a Treaty to institutionalise austerity in Ireland and across Europe into the future. Article 3 of the Treaty requires all countries to meet a severe ‘structural deficit’ target of 0.5%. This will be locked into our law and an automatic ‘correction mechanism’ will be triggered if we don’t meet this target
– this means automatic cutbacks and extra taxes. The Department of Finance estimates our ‘structural deficit’ in 2015 will be 3.7%. Meeting the target in 2015 would mean an additional €5.7 billion worth of cuts and extra taxes. That means more unjust taxes, further attacks on social welfare and pensions and it means more drastic cuts in health and education. If the European Commission gives us a longer timeframe to meet the target, it simply means an extension of that austerity over a longer period of time. Austerity has already
destroyed the economies of Ireland, Greece, Portugal and Spain and threatens all of the eurozone with recession this year. This sort of savage austerity implemented simultaneously across Europe would dramatically deepen the economic crisis. Article 4 of the Treaty is a provision written for the bankers, bondholders and speculators who caused this crisis. It is a demand to reduce every country’s debt to GDP ratio to 60% at a fast rate. In Ireland’s case, unless there is economic growth (unlikely because of the austerity policies demanded by
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Article 3), it will mean being forced to pay back €4.5 billion to the bondholders in 2015, on top of the €9 billion in interest payments we will be paying to them! T h e Tr e a t y e f f e ctively rules out significant public investment by the state. At a time when private sector investment is collapsing (despite profits increasing for big business), massive public sector investment is needed to create jobs to get hundreds of thousands off the dole. This will be effectively made illegal by this Treaty. T he Government’s scaremongering about
Ireland being outside of the euro and the EU should be rejected. This is a stand-alone Treaty. We must choose whether we want to join this Austerity Club or not. We should seize this opportunity to reject austerity at the ballot box. Doing so will open a debate and struggle across Europe about what kind of Europe do we want – one for the millionaires or one for the millions.
Paul Murphy MEP Paul Murphy is the Socialist Party / United Left Alliance MEP for Dublin www.paulmurphymep.eu
Paul Murphy MEP
Vote ‘Yes’ in referendum LAST T week An Taoiseach Taois announced that he will referendum be putting a referen to the people of Ireland on the EU Treaty. The Treaty is about a reinforcing existing EU rules rul to reduce Government deficits and debts. By signing it, we will wi be joining other Eurozone GovernGov ments in an official agreement agreeme to live within our means. We have already committed to behaving responsibly when it comes to our finances, this Treaty would be rubber-stamping that commitment. This Treaty will not affect our existing spending plans or tax rates. We know all too well the fallout of fiscally irresponsible governments – we are suffering that fall-out today. If this Treaty were in place in 2007, for example, the then Government would not have been able to introduce the measures which over-stimulated the property market and were part of their General Election campaign promises. I will be voting ‘yes’ in the referendum and am asking you to vote ‘yes’ too. By supporting this Treaty we will be gaining access to additional ‘insurance’ funds should we need them. We will be putting an end to the excesses of domestic and international boom-to-bust cycles and sending a clear message of stability and fiscal responsibility internationally. We depend on this in order to attract multinationals
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald
to our shores and to forge trade links with countries, including China, who’s Vice-President has just completed a very positive trip to Ireland. This Treaty makes official what we are already doing – it gives us the opportunity to grow trade links and rebuild our international reputation. The Treaty is based on the common-sense approach that we must run budget surpluses in good times so we can run deficits in bad times. It aims to maintain a debt/ GDP ratio of about 60% except in ‘exceptional circumstances’ such as recessions like the one we are in at the moment. All countries who are signed up to the Treaty will have to act responsibly. The progress we have made in the last year has resulted in investment by companies like Eli Lilly and Abbot Pharmaceuticals. We have seen these results here in our own area with investment by Microsoft, Pfizer and Google in Grange
Castle Business Park. We depend on our international reputation in order to attract this level of investment, which creates local jobs and spin off trade. If we pass this Treaty and manage our public finances responsibly we will be protected against market speculation from the new Eurozone Rescue Fund. This ‘insurance’ fund is a €500 billion European Stability Mechanism. If we don’t pass this Treaty we will be locked out of this fund but will still be bound by the EU fiscal rules. We are already signed up to the conditions – it makes total sense for us to sign up to avail of the insurance fund too. If you are undecided about how to vote; inform yourself. If you are unsure about the issues the best way to gain clarity is by reading the Treaty itself. This Treaty is only ten pages long and far less complex than previous European ones. I have put a link to it on my website, www.francesfitzgerald. ie and you can download it from there. The Referendum Commission will be publishing unbiased information explaining what the Treaty sets out, every household should receive this information in the run-up to polling day. A ‘yes’ vote is a yes to progress.
Frances Fitzgerald Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
8 March 2012 GAZETTE 11
PEOPLE Hollywood history-maker’s talk in Dun Laoghaire
A Brave task to talk about Brenda’s hit CV IBAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN
DUN Laoghaire’s Pavilion Theatre played host to a Hollywod historymaker recently, when film director Brenda Chapman held a two-day seminar. In 1998, Brenda became the first woman to direct an animated feature for a major Hollywood studio with The Prince of Egypt and her CV is full of other blockbusters, including Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, WALL-E and Up. Brenda is also the original writer and director of Pixar’s upcoming feature, Brave. The seminar made up
part of Brenda’s time as a Fellow in the National Film School in IADT. T he Pavilion was packed with students from colleges all over the city, questioning Brenda on her career and seeking advice. Because she’d been stung by big studios in the early years she advised the assembly to become more “law savvy” as to contracts and protection of ideas. Brenda is from a very small farming community in Illinois where her time was occupied by drawing and making up stories. “There wasn’t much to do,” she said, adding that she has her own fam-
ily and tries to strike the right balance. She tried to stay at home for a while when her daughter was born but soon realised that she needed to feed her creative side too. “I did miss [my creative side} myself and I wanted to give my daughter a good example too. “I’ve always been respected as an artist. I was originally hired because I was a woman. Executives responded to the fact that I was a woman but my peers responded to my work. “And, despite the communication dispute with Pixar, I still have incredible respect for that ani-
Brenda Chapman (right), writer of Pixar’s upcoming film, Brave (above), addresses local students at the Pavilion Theatre
mation community.” That “commuication dispute” revolves around the film Brave, which Chapman based on her daughter but which she is no longer working on. She refuses to be drawn further on the matter as it is in legal limbo. “Right now, I’m just taking a break. I’ll spend
a bit of time with my daughter. “I grew up in a really small town and the thing I really wanted to be was a hermit and part of me is like, yeah, I’d still like to do that.” One theme of the seminar was female involvement. The Pavilion auditorium held a
great number of female students and these were Brenda’s primary questioners. “I’m very excited to see so many women in there. Because when I was at that point, there were three or four women in my class. But now, it’s still not quite halfand-half but it’s getting
there.” In answer to why she chose animation as her lifelong career, Brenda has no doubts as to it being the right choice. “I love to tell stories and I love to draw and I love fine art, and all that, so the only way I can combine the two sides is through animation.”
12 GAZETTE 8 March 2012
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NEW PLANS PROPOSED
Making water meters pay I PAUL HOSFORD
news@gazettegroup.com
A NEW report has suggested giving financial incentives to people who instal water meters to help boost the local economy. The plan is one of many proposals contained in a document called Water Sector Reform by South Dublin Chamber, which was presented to the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government last week. T he proposals are based on the recent Government Position Paper and the 2011 Irish Water Phase 1 Report by Price Waterhouse Cooper. T h e Wa t e r S e c t o r Reform document also calls for the State’s proposed new water services utility to bear the cost of phased water meter installation. Peter By rne, chief executive officer of South Dublin Chamber, said the incentive would be a boon for struggling local economies in particular. “This incentive would boost the local economy and lessen the burden on the State to roll out the metering process.”
Patrick’s Day: It’s time for the party favours CELEBRATE in style this St Patrick’s Day
with a little help from Tesco Ensure you are kitted out for this year’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations by popping down to your local Tesco store where you can pick up an array of fun items available at great value prices. Decorate your home or workplace for St Patrick’s Day by picking up the Tesco 23 Foot Ireland Bunting at just €6.99 or some Ireland Flags available for just €1.49 each – perfect for decorating your St Patrick’s Day parties. For the St Patrick’s Day parade, why not pick up a fun Leprechaun Hat with Beard, the trendy Tesco Green, White and Gold Trim Cowboy Hat or the Tricolour Jester Hat for just €5.99 each? For the ladies, the Glitter Mini Hat with ribbon and feather is just €3.99, the Leprechaun Hairband with Green Hat is just €2.49 or the funky Black Shamrock Tights are just €5.99. And there’s also the St Patrick’s Day novelty tie at just €3.49 or the St Patrick’s Day Rosettes for just €1.99. Tesco also has a great range of accessories including the St Patrick’s Day Inflatable Sticks (2 pack) €1.20 or the St Patrick’s Day Vuvuzela Horn just €1.99 which are sure to finish off your Patrick’s Day attire. For details, visit www.tesco.ie
8 March 2012 GAZETTE 13
14 GAZETTE 8 March 2012
GazetteHEALTH HEALTH& &BEAUTY Blood pressure – keeping it down!
A new heavenly collection CONIC supermodel Helena Christensen was in Dublin last week to officially launch her exclusive Triumph Essence Spring/ Summer lingerie collection, and Gazette Beauty went down to take a closer look. She has been in the business for over two decades and is still as stunning as she was starting out. The former Victoria Secret model has moved to the other side of the lens. She is now a photographer, and is an in-house photographer at Oxfam. The international fashion icon greeted guests and posed for photographers at Brown Thomas, when she showed off her lingerie collection recently. Wo m e n a n d m e n packed the lingerie room at Brown Thomas in Grafton Street to see what her collection offered, but really most just wanted to see what a real supermodel looks like, and hearing whisperings by customers behind me saying: “Oh, my God, she looks amazing” and “look at that body”, they weren’t disappointed. The Danish super-
I
BLOOD pressure is essential for us all to survive - without it our blood vessels would collapse. Hypertension, on the other hand, refers to blood pressure above a defined safe limit. Hypertension forces the heart to work harder and it is the single most important risk factor for coronary heart disease and stroke. Symptoms
Because hypertension generally has no symptoms it is essential that you attend your doctor or local pharmacy to get your blood pressure checked on a regular basis. With thanks to the staff at Lucan Village Pharmacy Helena Christensen (left) has officially launched her exclusive Triumph Essence Spring/Summer lingerie collection
model joined forces with Triumph Essence to design a sensual collection that includes a lacy bra and stunning bodyhugging skirt with subtle shaping properties and sexy string. For Helena, it’s essential for lingerie designers to get the woman’s perspective because women have to wear them, and what most women want is to feel sexy, yet comfortable in what they are wearing underneath their clothes. “For me, it’s essential for a lingerie company to have a female perspective. After all, women are wearing these pieces and it’s all about what makes you feel good. And these sophisticated styles definitely do that.” The model, who is not a big fan of g-strings, says creating the perfect piece of lingerie for women is “basically a science” because everyone has different bodies. Whether you want to treat yourself to a lavish lingerie collection, or you are looking for something extra special for that extra special dress, be it a wedding or ball gown, the Triumph Essence Collection has a stunning collection of
GOT A STORY? WE WANT TO KNOW! Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240 or email news@gazettegroup.com
Each Triumph Essence piece is developed to provide a blend of perfect fit and precise craftsmanship
8 March 2012 GAZETTE 15
Edited by Laura Webb
from Helena flattering designs to suit most body shapes. The Delicate Essence series combines lace and soft elastic fabric for charming and subtle shaping effects. The Charming Essence series stands out with delicate lace in striking geometric pattern. Decorative tassels, peek-a-book details, fine Guipure embroidery and flirty straps made of pleated mesh are playful details every fashionenthusiast admires. The Precious Essence series is a dream come true for brides-to-be because of its feminine look, which is available in a creamy white.
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‘For me, it’s essential for a lingerie company to have a female perspective’
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Helena Christensen
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Each Triumph Essence piece is developed to provide an uncompromising blend of perfect fit, precise craftsmanship and care for the small details that make all the difference. This is true luxury. And these are the qualities Triumph
has refined throughout over 125-years of lingerie excellence. The Triumph Essence collection, with designs by Helena Christensen, is available in The Lingerie Rooms at Brown Thomas Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick. Brown Thomas resident fitters are on hand to help solve all lingerie dilemmas, offering personal consultations to help weary lingerie shoppers to find their optimum shapes and styles. Book your personal lingerie and shapewear fitting appointment in The Lingerie Rooms Dublin at 01 – 617 1114.
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16 GAZETTE 8 March 2012
GazettePETS PETS
Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA
THE FACTS: HELP PREVENT POTENTIALLY UNWANTED AND ABANDONED CATS AND DOGS
Spaying or neutering your pet AS THE country’s leadi n g a n i m a l we l f a r e organisation, we at the Dublin SPCA understand and appreciate the importance of spaying and neutering animals. In fact, for 172 years this Society has assumed a leadership role in advocating and offering affordable spaying and neutering in order to help prevent the cruel and inhumane slaughter of unwanted, homeless, abandoned and neglected cats and dogs. In Ireland, as in every other country in the world, there are homeless animals. Many of these end up in rescue shelters similar to the Dublin SPCA. Through our very strict re-homing policy, we manage to rehabilitate them with loving, caring families. They are the lucky ones. Tr a g i c a l l y, m a ny, many, more, throughout the world, though healthy, wonderful and companionable they may be – face the pros-
pect of being euthanised due to a shortage of new homes and this is the only future they can look forward to. But it’s not just abandoned animals that are left at shelters. No, it’s the offspring of beloved family pets. Let me explain: For example, I wish I had a euro every time somebody visits our clinic with a pregnant pet explaining she “managed to get out of the garden, went missing for only half an hour and came back pregnant”. And, even if the “accidental” offspring manage to get adopted, it’s still possible for them to be placed in a rescue shelter due to them being “too big,” “not great with the kids,” “doesn’t fit in with the new decor,” or “too difficult to handle.” Yep, we’ve heard it all. So, in order to avoid this happening to you and your pet, because, let’s face it, no family wants an unwanted
pregnancy – I thought I’d make readers aware, or shine a little spotlight if I may, on World Annual Spay Day – it usually falls around the last week in February but you can visit your vet at any time. He/she will be thrilled to advise you regarding your pet because having your animal altered is the only effective 100% method of birth control. And, FYI, for those pet parents who are in receipt of social welfare payments, it’s advisable to drop into the Dublin SPCA mobile veterinary clinic at any one of our four Dublin locations, (details on www.dspca. ie/mobileclinic and have a chat with our vet). However, proof of social welfare is an absolute strict condition of this affordable, low-cost service. Neutering: The Facts.
• Castrating your dog prevents more than unwanted litters – it can help prevent testicular and prostate cancer,
Having your pet spayed or neutered is the only effective 100% method of birth control
which is common in unneutered dogs. In addition to this, if the dog is neutered before he reaches adulthood, he will not naturally develop the types of territorial behaviours un-neutered male dogs develop, i.e. aggressiveness, marking territory, roaming, etc., • Neutering is also a routine, relatively lowrisk surgery with a swift recovery time. Serious complications are rare and owners can usually take their dog home on the same day surgery is performed, having him back to his old self in no time. Spaying: The Facts.
• Spaying your female dog eliminates the problem of stray males camp-
ing on your doorstep and decreases her own desire to roam and breed. In addition, there are many health benefits attached, such as a marked reduction in the risk of her contracting ovarian cancer, mammary gland tumours and the procedure helps reduce aggression. The Myths:
• Spaying/neutering will make my pet fat. Nonsense. Owners make their pets fat! Failing to provide an adequate, healthy diet and daily exercise will render your pet fat. • Bitches should have one litter. This is of no benefit at all and simply an old wives tale. • Spaying and neuter-
ing is cruel. Look, we, as humans, domesticated animals and brought them into our lives and homes. The environment we created for them is far removed from their natural one and we have made them dependent on us; therefore we are responsible for their care. What is cruel, in my opinion, is allowing your bitch to have litter after litter and then dumping the puppies in a black sack on a deserted roadside, leaving the poor mites to fend for themselves and the mother heavily burdened with milk, with a serious risk of developing mastitis and dying from lack of veterinary care ... do you get my point?
• My dog’s personality will alter. Oh grow up! Neutering/spaying has absolutely no negative affect on your dog’s personality. Be positive! This procedure will make your animal more amenable, less aggressive and less likely to pick a fight! So, to those of you who whine, “it’s not normal,” or “my bitch deserves to have a litter,” my response to that is, get a clue, save a life; spay/ neuter your pet immediately or as soon as practicable. Contact your local vet for details. For more information log onto www.dspca.ie or email me at miriam. kerins@dspca.ie
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GazetteMUSIC MUSIC FastTunes with Radio Nova’s Dee Woods
REVIEW: BACK TO THE FUTURE WITH FORMER REPUBLIC STARS
Cars Love Girls love... I ROB HEIGH
GOT last year’s mud scraped off your wellies? Ready to reveal your pasty pins in a pair of shorts (no matter how blue the cold makes your legs go.) Have a hankering for something cooked in a van? Then you’re ready for festival season. And with musical meccas cropping up on seemingly every grassy knoll this year, there are plenty of chances to check out bands you love and possibly discover new ones. We may be without Oxegen but we do have electricity. The Electric Picnic in Stradbally starts on August 31 and its line-up this year is a melting pot of acts and activities that includes multi-platinum artists like The Killers and The Cure, to festival staples like Christy Moore and Glen Hansard, and up-and-coming talents like Jonathan Wilson and Ed Sheeran. I’m already charged! Listen to Dee Woods from Radio Nova every weeknight from 7pm to 12am on 100.3FM
CARS Love Girls are set to launch their debut album, Skip School, this week and having heard the album, my goodness, you had better be at the Workman’s Club this Thursday. If you’re not lucky enough to be there, then you ought to rush out and buy the album immediately. When we spoke to lead singer Bres last summer, he was keen to get the band out into the public arena, but he was equally keen to make sure that the band took time to perfect every flick and twist, and that is clealy what Cars Love Girls have done. The slow gestation and polishing of every track here bears great fruit, and
is no small tribute to the quality of the songwriting and musicianship of the band, as well as the final touches provided by one of the most prominent names in mastering, Bernie Grundman, who worked on Carol King’s Tapestry, Steely Dan’s Aja and Prince’s Purple Rain. Whatever way you turn, there are inflections of some of the classiest pop in history throughout this record, and that’s no bad thing to wear on your sleeve when your influences are the best in the business. Opening with the Prefab Sprout-esque overture of What’s On My Mind, Skip School melts the day around you as you get drawn into its velvet sheen.
Cars Love Girls open up their account with a top-class debut album
There’s a pure pop sensibility that runs through every note of the album, and CLG’s way round a melody is refreshing, to say the least. Debut single, Lose Your Mind, langorously grooves it way out of the speakers,
while Never Gonna Get It wears its Prince influence on its sleeve, a combination of choppy guitar and synth lines that throw you all the way back to the heights of 1999-era Rogers Nelson. Cars Love Girls (the
track) is a Steely Daninfluenced west coast classic, another reinforcement of the feeling that this is the kind of music should be listened to in a convertible on a freeway driving next to the ocean. A fine debut all round.
8 March 2012 GAZETTE 19
GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS
Supported by AIB
Interview: Sandra Taylor, founder of Angelic Touch
A holistic touch to help resolve anxieties SANDRA Taylor had a very successful career in IT, but found that in recent years, it wasn’t getting her out of bed in the morning, and she struggled to figure out what she wanted to do. This struggle went on for a number of years until she had the luck to end up working in the same company as a woman who shared the same struggle. They started talking about what they wanted to do with their lives, started doing courses together, and six years later are the best of friends Her journey from there has had its highs and lows, with part of the journey to heal her own issues so that she could help her clients heal themselves. Sandra suffered panic attacks, fears and anxieties, fear of flying, mild agoraphobia, hated crowds and questioned whether her new path in life was the correct one – was an IT consultant job easier? For her, it would have been the easier path but not the correct one, as she felt that she wasn’t put on this planet to be an IT consultant. She underwent various therapies to help heal and resolve issues that caused
the panic attacks and anxieties and, today, she is feeling really good. However, she knows there are a lot of people out there that struggle like she did. As Sandra says, we live in stressful times; we often suffer from stressrelated health problems. Stress acts on the body and the mind and, therefore, on our whole being, causing us to battle through life. Sandra believes that adopting a holistic and natural healing approach is the best way to balance the body, mind and soul, allowing the body to use its natural ability to heal itself. She achieves this by using a variety of therapies that she is qualified in. In addition to helping clients resolve fears, phobias and anxieties, she is also a qualified reflexologist and massage therapist, and often uses a combination of therapies to help treat the mind and the body. Sandra also hosts talks/seminars by well-known speakers on holistic health. For more information about Angelic Touch, or to attend a “Detox Your Mind” event, see www.angelictouch.ie, or call Sandra at 086 838 4134.
the UK taxpayer. Investors are guaranteed up to €100,000 per person (and if sterling, the equivalent of € 100,000 so funds sent across the Irish Sea or up to the North of Ireland would be covered to this threshold) by the UK Financial Regulatory Authority. You may also remember Ulster Bank took over the engagements of ( i.e. bought ) First Active plc, formerly First National Building Society. Other institutions covered by the UK authority include Investec Bank, Leeds Building Society and Nationwide UK Building Society. KBC Bank, Rabo Bank and Danske Bank guarantee their respective subsidiaries here.
INCOME PROTECTION OR SERIOUS ILLNESS COVER Q – I took out a serious illness policy four years ago. I am a 36-year-old widow with two young children in professional employment, earning in excess of €85,000 per annum. The monthly contributions for this insurance are sizeable and with my current health good, seems to be a big waste of money. A friend of mine suggested I would be better off with income protection. What would you advise? Jenny – Blackrock
Sandra Taylor
A – Your friend could be right. Serious illness cover,
Q: What part of your working day do you ‘delegate’? A: None. I’m a one-man-band,
Q: What habits would you like to lose? A: Saying ‘You know’ at the
Q: What was your first job? A: Mortgage administrator in
so if it’s doing my treatments, designing/printing my brochures and flyers, updating my website, organising talks/ seminars/courses, I have to do it myself – but I love it
end of every sentence
Q: Have you ever done a job you loathed? A: No Q: When did you start your present job? A: October, 2009
ment guarantee? Alan - Mulhuddart
of Scotland (RBS) who, in turn, are owned 84% by
Q: When you were a kid, what did you want to be? A: PE teacher
Q: And your first pay cheque? A: My memory isn’t that good
Q – Is the Ulster Bank covered by the Govern-
A – The Ulster Bank is owned by the Royal Bank
Q&A
Irish Permanent
DEPOSIT GUARANTEES
Q: What’s currently on your desk that shouldn’t be? A: ITEC Teaching Diploma assignments – I really need to get the assignments finished
Q: At the moment, what are you looking forward to? A: Expanding my business
that the last body of the Tit Bonhomme victims was recovered
or critical illness only covers you in the event of contracting a serious illness (the big four in particular are cancer, heart attack, stroke, MS) but you could be incapacitated for any reason outside of these
Q: Describe your dream meal? A: Diep Le Shaker, Pembroke
“serious” illnesses and not be compensated. With
Street with hubby
tion be more suitable, but the premiums you pay
two young children, not only would income protecattract tax relief at your full marginal rate (which in
Q: What is your guilty music/ TV or movie pleasure? A: The Champ, or Shemar
Q: Who would you like to have dinner with – Enda Kenny or Dame Edna? A: Dame Edna, without a
Moore – AKA Derek Morgan, from Criminal Minds
shadow of doubt – at least he/ she would be a bit of a laugh
Q: What music/pictures/movies do you have on your iPod/ iPad? A: I tend to listen to chill-out,
Q: Describe your dream holiday? A: Somewhere near the sea
covers 75% of your monthly salary (less any social
with my husband and kids, not too hot, with lots of activities, yet lots of treatments to help unwind
Some serious illness or critical illness cover can be
Q: What is the best thing about your job? A: Working for myself, look-
Q: Is there anything about yourself that you would like to set the record straight on? A: Redheads have a bad
ing after my clients and seeing their quality of life improving following treatment
reputation of having a fiery temper – not true! We are just passionate souls!
Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook? A: Kilmacud Crokes GAA,
Q: : Have you achieved anything that you once thought you could not pull off? A: Getting my first diploma at
Q: What sport do you follow? A: Football, rugby, GAA and
Louise Hay, Deepak Chopra, CoWorkinn
MotoGP
the age of 43 – in Anatomy and Physiology. It’s never too late!
Q: What sport can you play? A: Football.
Q: What was your last tweet/ status update? A: Shared great but sad news
relaxing music most of the time
your case would be 41%). Put another way, a golfing partner once confided to me that he missed out on a payout from his serious illness policy because he only had one stent put into his heart (apparently the minimum is two!). Essentially, income protection welfare payments) until your incapacitation ends or your pension kicks in – whichever is the sooner. considered as part of an overall mix of health cover. It is important you obtain independent and professional advice.
Q: What would be your dream job? A: Managing my own beautiful
Contact John with your money questions at
holistic treatment centre
www.moneydoctor.ie. John Lowe, Fellow of the
Q: What do you plan to do when you retire? A: Enjoy it
Institute of Bankers, is founder and managing
SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS
ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZET TE CALL 60 10 240
jlowe@moneydoctor.ie or visit his website at
director of Money Doctor
LOCAL
MATTERS
20 GAZETTE 8 March 2012
GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs GETTING MORE MILES FROM SKODA:
SKODA’s Dublin dealerships are giving away 300km of free fuel for every person who visits the dealership between now and March 16, and takes a test drive in any SKODA model. SKODA will also reward anyone who orders and registers a new SKODA before March 31 with an additional 3,000km Topaz fuel voucher. This latest offer from SKODA’s Dublin dealerships is part of a nationwide testdrive campaign where SKODA intends to give away up to twomillion kilometres worth of free fuel. Announcing the offer, Ray Leddy, marketing manager of Skoda Ireland said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the people of Dublin to save some hardearned cash and avail of this free fuel offer.”
A recent survey has shown that 46% of all cyclists have done things like breaking red lights, while nearly three quarters don’t wear a helmet
Nearly half of cyclists break rules of the road HILE the majority of cyclists heed the rules of the road, a roadside survey in Dublin has shown that nearly a half (46 percent) break the law on Dublin’s streets. The survey by Semperit Tyres was carried out over two days at a number of locations around Dublin city and environs. Paddy Murphy, from Semperit Tyres Ireland, said: “Safety is key for
W
us in Semperit and that was the motivation for us to carry out this survey. The good news is that the majority of cyclists are careful and law-abiding but there is a significant minority who don’t obey the rules and it needs to be brought home to them that their behaviour is not only a safety hazard for themselves but also for other road users. “From my own experience, I know that cyclists
don’t have it easy on Ireland’s roads; badly designed and badly maintained roads, insufficient cycle path provision and aggressive driving habits, all combine to make life difficult for cyclists. However, as the most vulnerable class of road user, they really need to heed all of the rules of the road in order to stay safe.” The main infringements highlighted by the survey included cycling
on footpaths (21 per cent); breaking traffic lights (15 per cent); and cycling against the flow of traffic or wrong way on a one-way street (14 per cent). And although they are not obligatory, nearly three-quarters (73 per cent) of cyclists do not wear a protective helmet. Helmets have been shown to significantly reduce head injuries for cyclists in the event of a collision. At opposite ends of the
scale, the survey showed that teenagers proved to be the least observant of rules, while over-50s were the least likely to break the law. Exactly two-thirds (66 per cent) of teenagers were seen to break the law with a significant number commiting multiple infringements within a short space of time (e.g. breaking a red light and then cycling on the footpath). W h i l e t h e s u r ve y was being carried out,
a cyclist who broke a red light while pedestrians were crossing, was challenged by a pedestrian and the cyclist was heard to shout: “Traffic lights are for cars, cyclists don’t have to heed them.” However, under the terms of the Road Traffic Act, a bicycle is considered to be a vehicle, and thus, similar to car drivers, cyclists are obliged to obey the road traffic laws.
MINI making a statement in the commercial van world MINI are set to reveal a new stand-outfrom-the-crowd concept at Geneva International Motor Show 2012 – The MINI Clubvan Concept – a compact van for business and leisure, and the first premium model in the small carbased van segment. According to MINI, the Clubvan Concept proves that style can also be
practical. The MINI Clubman-based concept car combines all of the driving fun and distinctive design for which MINI is renowned, with an increased load-carrying capability. The Clubvan concept opens the door to a completely new market for MINI, premium small businesses who want to combine sharp driving dynamics with
low-cost of ownership, while also making a style statement with their company van. The Clubvan Concept is a five-door car with a twist. Two front doors for the driver and front passenger, two sidehinged rear doors and the rear-hinged Clubdoor on the right-hand side all create useful access. The Clubdoor gives
owners the option of loading smaller items from the side of the car as well as the rear.
8 March 2012 GAZETTE 21
Edited by Cormac Curtis
WHITE VANS
TomTom looking to improve Freight safety TOMTOM has launched a new partnership with the Freight Transport Association (FTA). The link-up will see TomTom provide their support for the FTA’s Van Excellence programme, which aims to promote best practice through selfregulation. TomTom and its network of fleet consultant resellers will promote best practice in van fleets across the UK and Ireland. The local representatives will use the FTA’s best practice guides to help van managers strive towards Van Excellence, using TomTom’s technology to underpin efforts to achieve this status. “We are delighted to join forces with the FTA, as the Van Excellence programme represents a significant move to raise standards throughout the industry,” said Giles Margerison, of TomTom. “The programme offers an ideal fit with TomTom Business Solution’s own values in promoting greener, safer, more efficient drivers. Self-regulation is important in ensuring high levels of operational best practice and our technology can help to provide the framework companies need to maintain those standards.” More than 40 organisations have already signed up forVan Excellence and members will be accredited through a robust auditing process. The programme is designed to improve safety and efficiency among van drivers, and help to scrap the outdated “white van man” image. Businesses interested in signing up for the programme should contact the FTA on +44 (0)8700 202 021.
The new Honda Civic, which has been hailed as one of the safest cars on the road
Civic safety supreme T HE new Honda Civic has received a five-star Euro NCAP Overall Safety Rating and Advanced NCAP Award for Safety Innovation. The new Civic has been rated one of Europe‘s safest cars, according to new independent crash testing results from Euro NCAP. In addition, Euro NCAP have announced that they are extending Honda’s Advanced NCAP reward for its Collision Mitigation Braking Sys-
tem (CMBS) technology to include the new Civic. The new Honda Civic has been awarded Euro NCAP’s maximum five-star rating. The rating scheme focuses on the vehicle’s overall safety performance which gives consumers an easy-to-understand single score. The system considers occupant protection, child protection, pedestrian protection and the availability of driver aids. Since the introduction of Euro NCAP’s new rating scheme all
Honda models tested have achieved five stars. Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP Secretary General, commented “The ninth generation Civic impressed and achieved high scores in all areas of assessment, putting it on a par with its rivals in this competitive market segment. The car scored well in Safety Assist and is also fitted as an option with Honda’s Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS).”
Euro NCAP also announced that they are extending Honda’s Advanced NCAP reward for its CMBS technology to include the new Civic. The reward recognises Honda‘s CMBS technology as amongst the best available safety innovations, offering research proven benefits. Euro NCAP Advanced is an initiative developed in response to the rapid development of new safety technologies, for which there is no independent assessment.
This Tourneo aims to beat competition THE new Ford Tourneo Custom Concept will make its global debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in March, bringing a new level of energy and style to the European personal use vehicle segment. Previewing the introduction of a completely new range of people movers, with commercial vehicles to follow, the Tourneo Custom Concept showcases a dramatic new look that will appeal to customers seeking style,
functionality and space. “One look at the Tourneo Custom Concept is enough to tell you that it will inject an exciting new spirit into the personal use segment,” said Stephen Odell, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe. “Our forthcoming new range gives us the opportunity to appeal to new customers with a fresh new direction, and we have seized that opportunity with both hands. “The Tourneo Custom Concept will preview of
a host of exciting new features, which give the vehicle strong car-like appeal. “These include an allnew interior design with driver-focused cockpit, and a luxurious, fully trimmed cabin which has the ambience and highquality materials of a modern multi-seat saloon car.” Ford says the Tourneo Custom Concept “communicates very clearly a dramatic new design direction for Ford’s commercial vehicle range”.
The new Ford Tourneo, which will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show
22 GAZETTE 8 March 2012
R1
GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel
Leopards, temples and culture ... it can only be lovely Sri Lanka SRI LANKA conjures up images of tea plantations, beaches, sacred temples and exotic wildlife, and the island will not disappoint those looking for a holiday of exceptional variety this year, with an exceptional escorted tour available, from €2,139. Once landed, you’re in a different world, with a night in the vibrant colonial capital followed by a visit to cave paintings, en route to the ruins of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. History is everywhere, as shrines and temples punctuate this part of the tour, along with opportunities for an elephant-back safari and a visit to an elephant orphanage. A cultural evening is then followed by a trip to a tea plantation on the way to Nuwara Eliya, and then on to Yala National Park, where you can look out for leopards and other exotic creatures as part of a two-night stay there. Two relaxing days at the beach at Bentota, with visits to local towns, round off the 12-day adventure. The full escorted tour starts from €2,139 ex-London, which includes breakfast on most mornings, dinner on seven nights and lunch at the elephant sanctuary. Connecting flights from Dublin can be arranged. To book, visit your local travel agent or call the Thomas Cook Ireland team in Dublin on 01 514 0316.
A spacious Tara Room suite at the Trinity Capital Hotel on Pearse St in the heart of Dublin
CITY BREAK: A FOUR-STAR HOTEL THAT DARES TO BE DIFFERENT
Step into another world at the Trinity Capital JESSICA MAILE
I THINK its important to state that not all four-star hotels are the same. I’m sure we have all been in hotels where the decor and atmosphere makes them all feel similar. The Trinity Capital Hotel breaks that mould. Walking off Pearse Street and into the reception area, you know you have entered a hotel
with a difference. The subtle lighting and cosy selection of extremely tall Winsdor-like chairs makes you want to just sit back and watch Dublin pass by or marvel at the amazing chandeliers. The interior design makes you feel so warm and at home, as the dark, yet warm, colours give off a cosy, but exotic, atmosphere and you can certainly see why the hotel has achieved it’s four-star status. As we made our way to our room, the journey down the purple and magenta hallway was relaxing (it sounds a bit much, but with the low lighting, it really worked) and made us wonder what the inside of the rooms was going to look like! The Tara Rooms may have been at the end of this inspirational corridor, but the best was definitely left to last. It was a hard choice between the huge bed, or the wonderfully modern
The lavishly decorated bar
sofas that invited you to take the pressure off your legs after a day’s shopping in the capital city. The carpet, cleverly designed to look like floorboards, and the bare brick gave the room a modern, yet homely feel that would be suited in any docklands warehouse apartment conversion. As evening approached, it was time to sit back with a refreshing pint in the lavishly decorated bar and enjoy the buzz of conversations and the exotic music playing in the background. The soft lighting from the internal courtyard provided a
warming glow and actually made us feel like we were in a much warmer climate. The Cafe Cairo restaurant provided a wonderful choice of meals to suit our building hunger, and our friendly hostess even helped with a recommendation for which wine to choose. The delicious lamb kebabs, with a tangy cucumber and mint sauce as starter, just stirred up my appetite as I knew the Surf and Turf was next for the main course. The succulent steak, and large tiger prawns, did not disappoint, but I
had to make sure I still had room for the blackcurrant cheesecake to top it all off. The combination of a full stomach and warm ambience combined to make us feel ready to waddle back to our large, comfy bed for a peaceful night’s sleep. The central location of the Trinity Capital Hotel makes it an ideal venue to appreciate all that Dublin has to offer. It was just a short walk before we were right in the heart of Dublin shopping district, as Grafton Street and O’Connell Street were just a stroll away. T he Trinity Capital Hotel offers all that you would want from a city hotel, but with that something extra special that you will want to take home with you, especially if it’s one of those oversized armchairs for your front room! For more information see www.trinitycapitalhotel.com.
8 March 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 23
Edited by Mimi Murray
SAFARI: LUXURY BREAK TAKES IN SPECTACULAR NATURAL SIGHTS
Kenya find a better getaway in Africa? THE itinerary of the Kenya Migration Safari has been specially designed to put you at the heart of the annual wildlife migration. Visitors to this beautiful country will experience three very different regions while on safari, including Sambur u, which is rugged and beautiful and is renowned for predators and elephants; Nakuru, which is located in the Great Rift Valley, and is most famous for its flamingos and rhino, and the Masai Mara – world famous for its rolling grasslands and vast migrating herds. Enjoy this magnificent country as you drive on its rugged roads through rich farm land. Samburu Reserve lies 300km north of Nairobi, on the hot and arid fringes of Kenya. You arrive in time for lunch, followed by a game viewing drive. The Ashnil Samburu is separated from the reserve by the Uaso Nyiro River. The reserve lies within the lands of the Samburu people and is home to wildlife rarely found elsewhere in Kenya, including Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, and beisa oryx, which are found only north of the equator. The graceful gerenuk – an antelope with a characteristic long neck – spends much of its time in a bipedal stance, seeking relaxation in the sparse scrub that grows in this harsh terrain. This dramatic landscape is blanketed by the hot equatorial sun for most of the year. Relief comes from the cool waters of the Uaso Nyiro River, which rises to the west on the foothills of the Aberdares and which vanishes beyond Samburu in the soggy expanse known
Flamingos flock to Lake Nakaru in their thousands – just one of Kenya’s many stunning natural sights
as the Lorian Swamp. Sweetwaters is a sheltered oasis, clustered around a water hole and set in the pristine and private Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Game here includes elephants, giraffes, zebras and impalas and you will also visit the 200-acre chimpanzee sanctuary, established by Kenya’s Wildlife Service and the Jane Goodall Institute. More than 20 orphaned and abused chimps reside here, while becoming rehabilitated so they may be reintroduced to the wild. Sweetwaters also boasts almost 400 bird species. Nakuru is perhaps the most famous of Africa’s great soda lakes, and Lake Nakuru is home to hundreds of thousands of greater and lesser flamingos and many other water bird species. Built in a natural dais, overlooking one of the world’s greatest ornithological spectacles, the Sarova Lion Hill Lodge impresses with its panoramic views of Lake Nakuru. The lodge is surrounded by natural flora and fauna and you can enjoy the vista from the privacy
of your own veranda. One of the great natural features on earth, the Rift Valley is visible from outer space and stretches 5,500km, spans two continents, and runs from Jordan, through Kenya to Mozambique. In the Masai Mara, with the reserve borders between Kenya and Tanzania unfenced, the wildlife is free to migrate, and the Mara is probably best known for its annual wildebeest migration. Lion, cheetah and leopard are often spotted; however, it is the vast herds that will leave you spellbound. The cost is €2,195pp – ground only – and €2,718pp, including flights. The price of this trip includes all transfers, accommodation, meals and game drives as indicated, private transport
while on safari with a naturalist driver/guide, and National Park and transit fees. International return flights to Nairobi are not included, and will be priced on application to ensure the best fare. Kenya visa fees are USD$50 per person. Travel insurance, and tips to drivers, porters and bellmen are not included. The Kenya Migration Safari is only available from July 1 to October 31, so book now to avoid disappointment. This package can be booked as is. However, it is best combined with a beach stay of four or six nights in a resort along Mombasa’s sandy shores. This can be arranged upon request. For more information, or to book, visit www. gohop.ie.
You could easily see some of Samburu’s elephants
TravelBriefs Exciting new wedding package on offer at the luxury four-star Slieve Russell hotel in Cavan THE Slieve Russell hotel in Cavan has launched its exciting new wedding package. The four-star luxury Slieve Russell Hotel, located on the Cavan border, has created a great wedding package that is budget-friendly, covering 100 guests for €5,000, with this offer valid on all Fridays and Saturdays during the months of January, February, March, November and December, 2013, and all midweek dates in 2013 (excluding December 27 to 31). Set in 300 acres of magnificently landscaped gardens, including 50 acres of lakes, the hotel ensures the perfect setting for your wedding day. Inspirational gardens with vibrant and unique surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for those all-important wedding shots. For further information, contact the Slieve Russell sales office on 049 952 6444, see www.slieverussell.ie, or email slieve-sales@ quinn-hotels.com.
24 SWORDS GAZETTE 8 March 2012
GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT
GoingOUT THE PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 Carthaginans
CONTINUING with The Pavilion’s run of strong, memorable drama, Frank McGuinness’ striking play, Carthaginans, runs on Friday, March 9 and Saturday, March 10. Influenced by Bloody Sunday, and delving into certain facets of The Troubles, this production, set in a graveyard, both helps to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Bloody Sunday and provides some thought-provoking entertainment for theatre fans. Catch the show at 8pm, with tickets costing €20/6.
MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 The Field
GLENCULLEN Musical and Dramatic Society will bring the intimidating figure of Bull McCabe to life in their production of the classic John B Keane play, The Field. Marking the tenth anniversary of the acclaimed playwright’s death, the imposing tenant farmer will stalk the rural setting of a remote Irish village, while tragedy builds like billowing stormclouds over a simple field ... The show runs nightly at 8pm until Saturday, March 10, with tickets priced at €15/€12.
CIVIC THEATRE 01 885 2622 Love’s Last Shift
PRESENTED by Bull Alley Training College, the sights, sounds and mores of 1696 will be brought to life in a broad farce inflluenced partly by the Restoration period’s values, and theatrical tastes. When a virtuous wife’s longabsent rake of a husband returns to London, yet no longer remembers her after all his time spent with the bottle and the brothel, she resolves to trick him, thus showing him the error of his ways ... The play runs at 8.15pm until Saturday, March 10, with admission costing €10/€7 conc.
DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 The Picture of Dorian Grey
YOU’LL be Wilde about this production of the classic play, with Oscar’s masterpiece being brought to life with ease by the expert players of Wonderland Productions Limited. Gate Theatre regulars Michael James Ford and Michael Winder will be joined by the RSC’s Simon Coury for an exquisite dinner theatre 90-minute show at 7.30pm on Saturday, March 10, with tickets priced €40/€35 conc, which includes a three-course meal.
Although audiences may not have been quite as enthusiastic, there was near universal critical acclaim for The Artist, which claimed several titles at the recent Oscars’ ceremony, including the widely-expected wins for Best Actor, for Jean Dujardin, and Best Picture
Let’s look at Oscar Kate’s invite was lost in the post – but not to worry, as here’s a look at some key titles from this year’s awards I KATE CROWLEY
THERE’S no accounting for taste – something which my readers would probably hiss each week, but never mind. I mean, I take what you both think very seriously indeed, but I don’t always follow what general audiences, rather than my readers, are interested in. Take The Woman In Black, for instance, which I part reviewed last week, and noted that it was a decidedly twostar film. (Space prohibited me from revealing at the time that one star was given to star, Daniel Radcliffe’s whiskers.) However, audiences have begged to differ – in Britain, at least – where I see that the film has become the most successful horror film, like, ever. Yikes. Unlike the film, that’s rather scary ... Well, sticking with the audience for now, let’s follow ’em right on over
to The Oscars. Oh, sure, I’m a week late – but, on the other hand, this way I get to look at some of the winners, rather than sitting here with egg on my face from predicting likely winners from the week before. The Best Picture Oscar went to The Artist, which, in retrospect, wasn’t exactly the greatest surprise in the world. Although I never got around to reviewing it here, it’s a fine choice for best film, with the preceding year not having any particularly outstanding titles. Perhaps something of an acquired taste, it still stands out as an expertly made, yet entertaining look back at the fine old traditions of cinema itself, while its shameless mugging and over-the-top acting still has plenty of wit and warmth, making it a good, if somewhat safe, choice for that Oscar.
Not just one Oscar, of course, as it scooped up several others, with Jean Dujardin’s energetic performance seizing Best Actor, while other Oscars included Best Director, Best Original Score and Best Costume Design. Not bad going for a silent film. Hugo, which I did review, also did quite well, taking another impressive haul with such winners as Best Visual Effects, Best Sound Editing, and Best Cinematography, all of which helps to show that it’s not just a great, if thoughtful kids’ film, but also something that looks and sounds great, making it an audiovisual treat, and was a pretty good win for what is Marty
Scorcese’s first children’s film. Of course, Meryl Streep took yet another award, sweeping onto the stage to take Best Actress for The Iron Lady. Another non-surprise, as who on earth would argue with Margaret Thatcher – well, Meryl – on her way to the stage? I’m assuming thatMer yl’s downstairs loo – or wherever she keeps all her gold awards and statues – now has more bling than the window at Appleby’s. Something that was almost as golden was the highlyemotional acceptance speech by Octavia Spencer, given her Best Suppor ting Actress win for The Help;
a film I didn’t quite take to, but which was a hit for many. Christopher Plummer was gracious with his simple speech for his win for Best Supporting Actor for Beginners, while his rivals looked on from the rank-and-file filling the auditorium. Otherwise ... well, it was a mixed bag of largely unsurprising wins, while Billy Crystal’s shtick went down as well*/terribly* as usual (*delete as appropriate). And that’s yer lot. There were some great winners, some worthy ones, bizarre choices and curious omissions – same old, same old – creating an Oscars show, and selection, that was straightforward enough. And now, the Oscar award for the Best Suddenly Off To The Shops Film Critic goes to ...
In tribute to this year’s Best Picture winner, here’s a monochrome Oscar
8 March 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 25
GazetteGAMING GAMING Bytesandpieces Could chain soon face Game over?
It’s early notice, but gamers will welcome the news of the release date for Bioshock Infinite, with its floating city-state setting of Columbia (above), echoing many of the architectural designs and societal mores of Chicago’s 1893 World Columbian Exposition (right)
Prepared for an Infinite adventure in Columbia? SHANE DILLON
BEING something of a nerd in many fields, and not just in gaming, I know lots of useless stuff – such as … did you know that the world’s first Ferris Wheel was Irish? (Keep reading – this is going somewhere, I promise.). Yes, indeed, the humble ferris wheel first made its appearance in Irish Town
– just one of the many national locations found within the vast, sprawling and pretty amazing 1893 World Columbian Exposition (also known as the Chicago World’s Fair of 1893). Amongst other gems, Irish Town featured a fine example of Irish steel and iron, which the ironmongers had crafted into a giant spinning
wheel with carriages, with which to raise visitors for a view over the vast site. So far, so … informative, yet what, one might ask, has the little-known wonder of the 1893 Chicago World Fair’s sights got to do with gaming today? It’s pretty simple, really, as the release date for Bioshock Infinite has
Anotherweebyte... Chilling news for Blizzard’s staff MANY readers will be aware of the jobs lost in Cork recently when Blizzard Entertainment announced that 200 jobs were to go at its division there, in a move that’s a personal tragedy for all involved, but a step that’s unlikely to have been very surprising for industry watchers, or, indeed, for many of Bliz-
zard’s user base. World of Warcraft, Blizzard’s international role-playing game, has peaked, plateaued and begun to lose subscribers, with a subscriber base standing at 12 million in 2010, but dropping to 10.2 million by the end of December last – a 15% drop that was set to inevitably hit staff numbers at the firm’s global operations. There’s absolutely no pun intended, but
Blizzard’s cuts are just another sign of the chill winds that continue to blow through the Irish and global economy. Hopefully, the staff at Blizzard’s Cork operations will benefit from the support available from IDA Ireland and other such bodies, and, with World of Warcraft set to be part of their past, I’m sure we all hope there’s a world of opportunity ahead for the 200 staff ...
just been announced – October 19 – and, for those who know of such matters, it’s easy to see Bioshock Infinite (or B3, as I’ll call it, being the third in the Bioshock series) as a setting that’s been heavily influenced by the architecture and stylings of the 1893 fair, coupled with the mores and habits of turn-of-thecentury America. Indeed, even by name alone, B3 seems influenced by the 1893 Fair, as its setting – the floating city of Columbia, traversing the sky with all manner of turbines and wind balloons holding it aloft – looks quite similar in look, and concept, to her earthbound Chicago counterpart. In B3, faced with the task of roaming through now largely lawless Columbia, which is feared by those lands below the anarchic floating city, the player will constantly endeavour to find, work with and
ultimately escape with Elizabeth – a mysterious women with barely controlled psychic powers, who is an essential part of Columbia’s destiny, and a character at the centre of several rival factions’ plans – and not all of them human ... So far, so Bioshock, as previous fans of Bioshock’s way of presenting story alongside gameplay will know to expect a first-personshooter that’s presented with interesting undertones to exercise their grey matter, alongside their trigger finger. Despite Columbia being set to be a very unwelcoming place for visitors on October 19 gamers will certainly be on cloud nine once they step forth into the floating city, where Elizabeth and all manner of wondrous sights, intimidating gangs, political rivalries – and terrifying falls to the distant landscape, below – will await …
I DIDN’T expect to be covering Game’s fortunes again quite so soon after last week’s side story on the retailer’s announcement it would not be stocking a significant new Wii release. However, the retailer has been making news for all the wrong reasons yet again, as its share price suddenly tumbled 15% at the end of last week. Continuing its ongoing trading difficulties with distributors, it was reported that Game was unable to reach agreement with EA over credit terms for stocking the imminent and keenlyanticipated cross-platform EA release, Mass Effect 3 (ME3) and, consequently, won’t be stocking ME3 at its stores upon its release this Friday – despite ME3 being one of the key “flagpole” releases for 2012 for all games retailers, and a lucrative money generator for all concerned. The failure to stock such a key title amounts to even more of Game’s balance-sheet blood in the water, as the retailer struggles to restructure its finances and credit sheet, and reach agreement with its significant trading partners. ME3’s war should have been a nice little earner for Game – or at the very least, helpful in addressing some of its ongoing credit issues – but, instead, gamers, shareholders and business correspondents could be forgiven for wondering if it’ll soon be Game over for the ailing chain …
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GazetteSPORT
STARS IN YOUR EYES Dublin Sports Stars winners for February are announced: Page 29
SPORT SCIENCE: NUTRITIONAL BENEFIT OF MILK FORMS PART OF NATIONAL CAMPAIGN
Basketball Ireland and NDC hold seminar sport@gazettegroup.com
BASKETBALL Ireland, in conjunction with the National Dairy Council (NDC), recently held a Nutrition and Coaching Seminar for coaches at the National Basketball Arena, as part of the Milk it For All It’s Worth campaign. Dr Tom Hill, a senior lecturer in Nutrition at Newcastle University, led an interactive discussion, supported by
the nutritional team from NDC. Dr Hill has extensive experience of working on diet and nutrition issues with players, athletes and teams across a variety of sports, ranging from soccer to rowing. T he NDC interest is fuelled by the growing body of scientific research showing milk can play a very positive role in a number of aspects of sports nutri-
tion. Specific areas of focus include the effectiveness of skimmed milk as a rehydration drink after sports, in addition to research highlighting the beneficial role of milk and milk-based products in recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage. The beneficial role of milk in these areas has been attributed to the natural nutritional composition of milk.
Dr Tom Hill, Caroline O’Donovan from the National Dairy Council, and and Martin McGettrick, Basketball Ireland
A c c o r d i n g t o D r. Hill, coaches should be encouraged to initiate basic nutrition strategies with their squads. “Proper sports nutrition will help athletes to train and compete harder and to recover more quickly, so that they are better able to take on their next train-
ing session or competition,” said Dr. Hill. “The few hours before, during and after exercise are critical times for ensuring players eat and drink properly and coaches can play a role in giving encouragement to players around this. “During sport last-
ing more than 30 minutes, fluid intake may be required. Adequate rehydration after sports is vital to replace fluids lost via sweat.” Fluid requirements should also account for the ongoing sweat loss that occurs during the recovery period after exercise. In summary,
food and drink after sport, which replaces the carbohydrate stores, provides some protein and helps replace the fluid and electrolytes (sodium and potassium) lost in sweat is recommended. For more information on the campaign, see www.ndc.ie
28 SWORDS GAZETTE 8 March 2012
GazetteSport Sport FastGAA
SWIMMING: LOCAL STARS SHINE AT LONG COURSE CHAMPS with Setanta’s Senan Connell
Dublin should learn from Laois experience DUBLIN starred in a game of two halves at the weekend against Laois. The Dubs looked comfortable at all times, even at 0-4 to 0-1 down by the 10th minute; they re-grouped and, from then on, went on a scoring rampage. From a Dublin point of view, they played the better football in the first half. Pat Gilroy’s men had acres of space, though to Justin McNulty’s delight, Laois did go on a slight spur in the second half. They went from being 0-10 to 0-6 down to 0-10 to 0-8 but then Ross Munnelly missed a kickable free, which would have closed the gap to just one point. Alan Brogan then went up the other end and kicked a score for Dublin. Small margins at that level make all the difference. Eoghan O’Gara had a stormer, hitting 1-5 from play. He has obviously been working on his strength and conditioning and has been building on his form for DCU in the Sigerson Cup. However, crucially, he is free from injury, which has not been the case the last few years. Himself and man-of-the-match Diarmuid Connolly up front were remarkable at times and certainly provide answers to critics who say that Dublin are over-reliant on the Brogan brothers. Dublin now face the challenge of Armagh at Croke Park this weekend, in a double header that sees the hurlers take on Cork. Senan Connell is a pundit with Setanta Sports, broadcasting 14 exclusively live Allianz League matches this season. Setanta Sports Satellite customers can subscribe for just €8.49 per month to get this great GAA plus 33 Premier League games, FA Cup, European soccer and World Class Rugby. Subscribe at Setanta.com/gaaoffer or call 0818 20 30 40.
Portmarnock swimmer, Karl Burdis, qualified for the European championships at the National Aquatic Centre last weekend
Burdis Euro-bound sport@gazettegroup.com
PORTMARNOCK man, Karl Burdis, qualified for the European Senior Swimming Championships in Debrechen, Hungary, on Day two of the Carlton Irish Open Long Course Championships and Olympic Trials 2012. The European Championships, which take place in May, will be mark the last qualification event for the London Olympic Games. Portmarnock and NAC High Performance swimmer Burdis won the final of the men’s 100m backstroke in a time of 55.90. Melanie Nocher (1:01.92) won the women’s event, going under the European qualifying time for the second time this week.
Speaking af ter his race, Burdis said: “It’s my first senior championships I’ve qualified for in a long time, I only haven’t swam the Senior Europeans, and Olympic games so it’s nice to get one of them knocked off and maybe at European’s I can get the other one as well.” He added the 50m breaststroke title with a comfortable victory over the field, 25.78 seconds clear of Bangor’s Jordan Sloan. Fellow Portmarnock man, Jack Cobain, grabbed second in the 200m backstroke final, missing out to Williams Ensor from ESB. In the men’s 400 Individual Medley, NUIM’s Niall Wynn had a comfortable win touching in 4:32.81, ahead of Aer Lingus’ Sean O’Brien
(4:34.56). Indeed, it was a strong weekend for the men from Aer Lingus took gold in the final of the 4x200m Freestyle Team Relay in a time of 8:04.87, while the ladies from Lisburn (8:59.79) fought off ESB (9:00.51) to secure gold in the women’s event. Conor Turner was one of two Irish people to qualify for the Europeans from the men’s 1500m final, finishing with a time of 15.56.40 as well as Brendon Gibbons (Athlone) who qualified in the 800m split of the 1500m. On day three, another Aer Lingus man, Andrew Meegan, finished just ahead of Turner with a time of 3.59.71 in the 400m freestyle in a thrilling finish. He went length for
length with NUIM’s Seamus Stacey but was just out-touched by 0.6 of a second. Turner came in third a couple of seconds further back. Atlantis man, Botonde Solymossy, won gold at the same meet with a time of 23.23 seconds for the 50 freestyle, finishing ahead of City of
Derry’s Ian Gaynor. Club-mate Rodrigo Bardi struck again, winning bronze for the 50m breaststroke with a time of 30.78 seconds. It was a great weekend for Atlantis with all of the club’s swummers competing making finals while achieving a series of personal bests across the board.
Botonde Solomossy, centre, took 50m freestyle gold
8 March 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 29
in association with
GIFT OF SPORT: CELEBRATION AT ST ANN’S CHURCH
2012 DUBLIN SPORTS AWARDS FEBRUARY WINNERS IN ASSOCIATION WITH
STARof theMONTH
LESLEY O’HALLORAN THE South Dublin tennis ace has had a lengthy and prestigious career in the sport in this country, and brought two gold, a silver and a bronze medal back from the San Diego International Tennis Federation (ITF) Senior World championships, claiming Ireland’s first-ever team title in world tennis in the process.
Dublin gives thanks sport@gazettegroup.com
THE Annual Ecumenical Service of Thanksgiving for the Gift of Sport will be held in St Ann’s Church on Dawson Street on Sunday, March 25, at 7.30pm. Sixty-three years ago the first service of thanksgiving for the gift of sport took place in Dublin in 1949 in St Peter’s Church, Aungier Street, long since demolished. The idea for holding such a ser vice arose following discussions between the Revd
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THREE ROCK ROVERS
THE Rathfarnham side travelled to Malatya in south-eastern Turkey to claim promotion from the EuroHockey Indoor Club Champion’s Challenge II, getting back into the top tier of the indoor competition in Europe by virtue of a second-place position in the competition, achieved in spite of some tough breaks on their way to the tournament.
WHAT? It’s March already? February ended on a high with the showing of the Dublin Sports Awards show on Setanta Ireland, and keep an eye out for more repeats of the show throughout this month. Not only that, but there were some huge achievements on the world stage by our stars of the month. World number two at her age level, Lesley O’Halloran brought a handful of world championship medals back to the capital after her great success in San Diego. Equally far afield, Three Rock
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TEAMof theMONTH
Rovers achieved their Turkish delight and obtained promotion to the EuroHockey Indoor Club Champion’s Challenge I for the 2013 season.
Let us know! Let us know about your achievements in sport, so that the Gazette can tell the rest of Dublin — and give you, or your team, a chance to be one of our monthly stars. Contact us on 01 601 0240 or sport@gazettegroup.com to tell us all about your successes, and follow us on Facebook at facebook. com/gazettesportII.
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George Crummy and Bob Graves, the Irish r ugby international. Since then the ser vice has developed into an annual ecumenical event, held in the evenings, to allow for maximum attendance from the sporting fraternity The service continues to be the focus of thanksgiving for all men, women and young people whose lives have been enriched and blessed by the gift of sport, whether through active par ticipation, patronage or through the media of radio, tel-
evision or attendance at sporting events and fixtures. Over the years many prominent sportspersons of note have spoken at the service and, this year, the address will be given by Tommy Carr, the former Gaelic football player for Dublin and All-Star winner in1991. He has also managed a number of other county GAA teams since his retirement as a player. The collection is donated each year to a charity and, this year, Pieta House has been
chosen. Pieta is involved in assisting people at risk of suicide and self harm. Unfortunately, those who participate in sport are not immune from such tragedy and sadness as most recently highlighted by the death of Garry Speed in Britain. For further information, contact Robert Prole, member of the ASU (Association of Schools’ Unions ) Service Organising Committee by telephone on 01 2889565 or via email to rdeprole@eircom.net.
30 SWORDS GAZETTE 8 March 2012
GazetteSport Sport FastSport
Local juvenile athletes honoured at awards FINGALLIANS’ Sarah McCarthy and Sarah Murray were both recognised for their outstanding achievements in 2011 at the recent Athletics Ireland Juvenile Awards ceremony, sponsored by Tipperary Crystal. McCarthy was awarded the Bill Battersby award, which is presented to the athlete who produces the best performance in the long jump in 2011. McCarthy was crowned National Champion in her age category in both the national indoor and outdoor championship titles. Murray, meanwhile, was awarded the Athletics Ireland Juvenile All-Star award. Murray, an accomplished sprinter, claimed an impressive four national titles during the 2011 season, including the Woodie’s DIY Juvenile National Indoor Championships 60m and 200m events, and the the 100m and 200m title’s at the Woodie’s DIY Juvenile Outdoor Track and Field Championships.
SOCCER: SWORDS’ GREAT CUP RUN CONTINUES AFTER WIN
The Swords and Templemore captains prior to the kick-off of their Under-12 SFAI cup tie
Celtic storm Temple in cup U-12 SFAI NORTON CUP Swords Celtic Templemore
2 0
I sport@gazettegroup.com
SWORDS Celtic advanced to the quarterfinals of the Norton Cup when they got the better of Tipperary’s Templemore with an excellent second-half showing, to make it through the seventh round of the competition. The first half was scoreless and could have gone either way, with the visitors to Balheary unlucky not to have scored having put a shot just past the Celtic post. But Swords also had a
number of first-half near misses, and the tie didn’t stay scoreless for long in the second half. Paul Roche broke through and scored the opener shortly after kickoff, and had a second ruled out for offside before Karl Stanley scored the game’s second and final goal. Celtic are now lined up for a quarter-final home game against St Kevin’s Boys. Elsewhere, it was more cup delight for the club’s U-13A team when they got the better of Premier side St Columban’s, following up their extra-time victory over Corduff, in
The Daly show: Ravens’ Dublin star welcomes Sam FINGAL Ravens’ and Dublin senior foot-
baller, Darren Daly, had a very special guest recently when the Sam Maguire trophy came home to visit. Darren, right, is seen here with his father, Daniel, and grandfather, George. Darren was a positive influence in the Dublin side that defeated Laois last weekend in their NFL encounter when the Dubs claimed their first points in the league with a 1-12 to 1-9 victory away in O’Moore Park.
the Joe Kirby Cup. Swords proved an equal match for the Premier visitors, and the game went in at half-time scoreless. The deadlock was broken 15 minutes into the second half when Gavin Ward broke down the left wing and put in a high shot from the sideline. The keeper, dazzled by the strong sun, was unable to stop it going over his head into the net. Within two minutes, Columban’s equalised when a huge bounce of the ball went over the home keeper, making it 1-1 at full time. Extra-time came and went without further score and on it
went to penalties. Swords coolly and calmly slotted their shots into the net, earning a semi-final place in the process, while the Columban’s players twice hit the post. Elsewhere, the club’s Under-18 B team beat Portmarnock 8-3, with Brian Kavanagh scoring a hat-trick and the Under17 Premiers continued their unbeaten league run with a four one win over Ratoath to hold their position as Premier league leaders. At Under-18 Premier level, there was a point to be made in the tie of the round. Ratoath
were the opposition and, in the away fixture; two weeks ago, Celtic handed Ratoath an easy and uncharacteristic 4-0 defeat. Ratoath currently sit at the top of the league, unbeaten in 11 games, having scored 47 goals and only conceded six until now. Shane Geddes opened the scoring for Celtic — nothing was going to stop him powering through the Ratoath players to score the first for the team. Jamie Hoare added the second, with Gavin Purcell and Hoare again on hand to complete the win.
8 March 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 31
in association with
FOOTBALL: LOCAL PLAYERS MAKE MARK IN TIES
CLUB NOTICEBOARD FINGALLIANS A big thank you to the big crowd
8:30pm. A full attendance is required
that attended the Thursday evening
as we will be introducing the new
launch of the coaching and games
members of our coaching team,
development program. All members
Simon Lambert, Micheal O’Sullivan
are now fully aware of the impor-
and Aine Shannon. Our new team will
tance of the Car Draw and selling the
be running some practical workshops
remaining tickets by the end of the
which will be helpful for you and your
month.
team.
Hurling started back over the week-
Poker Fans will be delighted to hear
end and the U-15As returned to Div 1
that Texas Hold-em comes to the club
with a win, while the U15Bs drew.
on Friday, March 23. Further details
Check out our new look web site,
to follow.
www.fingallians.com. A big thank you
Our “Oíche Pocar tri Ghaeilge” was a
to Colm agus Oisin for all their hard
great success. Special thanks to win-
work on this project.
ner Seán Mac Domhnaill who donated
On March 9, we will be hosting our first coaching workshop of 2012 at
his winnings to the juvenile development fund. Maith thu, a Sheain!
FINGAL RAVENS CLUB membership for 2012 is now due,
Emma Colgan, from St Margaret’s, played her part in Dublin U-16 ladies victory over Kildare. Picture: GAApics.com
Young Jackies show early season promise sport@gazettegroup.com
DUBLIN’S young Jackies were in action last weekend, and both sides started their Leinster championship campaigns with comprehensive victories against Kildare at O’Toole’s. The Under-16s manager, Fearghal Brennan, must have come away from last Saturday’s Leinster championship game with Kildare delighted after his young charges dismissed the Lilywhites on a scoreline of 9-19 to 2-4. Although Dublin recorded a comfortable victory, Kildare must have been aware that they were coming into this encounter facing a stern challenge from the reigning Leinster champions, Kildare, having made the move up from Leinster B championship to top-flight football this season were always going to find the step up in levels a taxing challenge.
In front of a sizeable home crowd, Dublin gave a solid performance, dominating every sector of the field. One concern for the Dublin management team would be the missed openings in front of the Kildare posts, but this result can be looked on as a good opening and a learning experience. Being the early part of the season, the Jackies have plenty of time to work on tweaking their football and scoring skills with four additional round-robin fixtures still to be played. The Dubs can look forward to a trip down to Wexford on March 24, the Model county girls registered a comfortable away win over Meath in their opening round game. Wexford will relish the visit of the Dubs and they also have the potential to cause an upset; Dublin will have to hit top form if they intend to keep their unbeaten run in Leinster
intact. At the same ground, the Dublin Under-14 girls commenced their Leinster championship with a comprehensive win over Kildare. The girls in blue were apprehensive prior to the start of the game, but the nerves quickly disappeared as they entertained their supporters and the Dublin U-16 ladies’ team with some fine, fast-flowing scores from play. To date, this Dublin side have played challenge games against Waterford and Galway, and they dominated the first half of the Kildare encounter, claiming the majority of possession and leading at half time by 4-4 to no score. It is a credit to the current management team that all 29 players available made a contribution to the game and nine of those players made a contribution to the scoreboard to secure a final score of 7-5 to 0-4 in
favour of Dublin. The Dubs have the opportunity to attend a couple of mid-week training sessions to develop their skills before they travel to Wexford on March 23 to compete in the second round of the Leinster campaign. DLGFA wish to extend a word of thanks to Rhonda and her colleagues in O’Tooles for the hospitality shown to both teams on Saturday and wish a speedy recovery to the Kildare midfielder who required medical attention in the first half.
War away on Sunday at 12 noon.
please get your membership forms
Well done to Junior A on their win
from any committee member or team
over O’Dwyer and the Junior B on
mentor or they can be downloaded
their win over Round Towers of Lusk.
from our website. All membership
Anyone looking for a DVD of the box-
must be paid by March, as agreed at
ing must text their order to Declan on
the club AGM, non-paid up members
086-8587231.
(adult and juvenile) will not be permitted to play after March.
Anyone who ordered tickets for the Dublin Vs Armagh (football) and Dub-
Next week Div 1 team play Bally-
lin Vs Cork (hurling) in Croke Park on
boden away on Saturday at 4.15pm,
next Sunday can collect them in the
Div 4 team play Castleknock at home
bar of Kettle’s Hotel from 9 to 10pm on
at 4.15pm and Div 10 team play Man O
Friday next.
ST COLMCILLE’S League campaign commenced on
allow for maximum benefit from the
Sunda y af ternoon with a home
trainer and the sessions.
game vs St Margaret’s. After a slow
Next weekend is cup action with
start, the team rallied in the sec-
an away fixture to the Naul, with
ond half to turn around a six-point
throw-in at 2pm. Meeting in the
deficit to secure a hard-earned
club at 12.45pm sharp.
draw. A good team performance in the second half. Turn out for training was disappointing last week and an improve-
Club lotto is at €9,000 and the draw is held every Monday night at 10pm. Envelopes cost €2 per line or €5 for three lines.
ment is required for this week, with
The club are seeking support to
adult training on Tuesdays and
help kick start the juvenile section
Thursdays at 7.30pm. A full turn-
- any help welcome - if interested
out from the squad is required to
please let Adam know.
ST FINIAN’S IT WAS a really busy weekend for the
famous trophy. Lots of these photos
club with lots of events and matches.
will be in the Photo Gallery section of
We hosted an indoor U-10 camogie
our website (www.stfinians.com) over
tournament on Saturday with St Fin-
the next few days.
ian’s girls coming out as winners. Our
Our white-collar boxers have start-
adult hurlers won the first match on
ed their training for the fight night on
our new pitch in Ridgewood and our
April 13. We are looking to get as much
minor footballers and U-15 hurlers
sponsorship as possible for the fight-
also had good results on Sunday. On
ers so please let the event organisers
Saturday we had wins for our U-9s
know if you have any contacts that
and 14s.
would like to sponsor the event.
We also had the visit of Sam Maguire
The club will be participating in the
on Sunday afternoon when every
St Patrick’s Day parade in two weeks
team had their photo taken with the
time.
ALL OF YOUR SWORDS SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31
TEMPLE TOPPLED: Swords Celtic Under-12s progress in Norton Cup P30
MARCH 8, 2012
FEBRUARY FAVES: Dublin Sports Awards winners announced P29
GazetteSPORT
Conan Byrne, seen here celebrating for Sporting Fingal, is back in the Premier League after Shelbourne clinched promotion
Sporting chance for soccer stars Swords stars back in Airtricity Premier League as Shelbourne returned to the division after promotion swordssport@gazettegroup.com
SWORDS men Conan Byrne and Lorcan Fitzgerald returned to the Airtricity League of Ireland Premier Division last Friday night after a year out. They were both key members of the Sporting Fingal project that dissolved early in 2011, but they were subsequently taken on by Shelbourne and duly aided the side’s promotion push. Both were retained — among a group of 16 whose contracts were renewed for another season by Shelbourne — to see them back in the top tier of football in the country. Their first night back ended in disappointment, however, when FAI Senior Cup holders Sligo Rovers nabbed an equaliser at the death from the head of Jason McGuinness. Philly Hughes had put Shels in the driving seat with his 42nd minute free-kick and, with Sligo down to ten men, the north Dublin club looked in decent shape to grab a result.
Byrne – a former Swords Rovers youngster – was causing plenty of problems, working with Fitzgerald down the left to harry possession and whip in decent crosses. The former had been one of the central figures in the rise of Sporting Fingal, the winger netting 36 times in just over a 100 games with the club, while also working for them on the development side of things following a stint at UCD. Ultimately, he helped the side to an FAI Senior Cup winners medal and European football before dissolution. Fitzgerald, a former Republic of Ireland U-17 international skipper, moved back to Dublin in 2009 from West Ham and has since established himself as a top-drawer left full-back. He signed for Shelbourne in March 2011 to help the promotion push and reach this stage once more. But their dream return to the Premier division was denied by a Sligo side who kept plugging away to nab the draw.
Nonetheless, Shelbourne boss Alan Matthews was moderately pleased with the start his side made on their return to the top tier. “We’re very disappointed to have lost the goal in such dramatic fashion at the end of the game. “Overall, though, there were more positives to take out of it than negatives. “The players worked really well, we got a smashing goal. A good crowd, a good atmosphere and two sides trying to play good football in the right manner. “An assessment of the game would see that Sligo could have got a goal earlier, but Dean Delany made a few good saves. “We needed to keep the ball a bit better in the second half and sat a bit deep. We can work on those things, eradicate those issues and, hopefully, win those games. “Focusing on the positives, and a lot of hard work, will make sure we don’t miss out at this stage again.”