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INSIDE: Penn’s new movie to open local film festival P5

March 15, 2012

EDUCATION: Discussing recent

decisions on DEIS Schools Page 6

Bidding to boost business: At a briefing event Rugby: Local star’s hopes for 6 Nations as ladies impress Page 32

THE Radisson Blu Hotel in Dublin Airport was the venue for the latest breakfast briefing held recently by the Fingal Dublin Chamber. The event was a great opportunity to meet and network with other businessmen and women in an informal setting. Pictured at the event were Tony Lambert, Chamber President Siobhan Moore with Dermot O’Leary and Karen Devine.

Picture: Fintan Clarke

Full Gallery on Pages 8-9

Football: St Finian’s claim derby spoils against Syl’s Page 31

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERY .........................8 BUSINESS .................... 19 MOTORS ....................... 20 TRAVEL......................... 22 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26

Concern after large rise in serious crime Mayor calls for people to ‘keep eye on the ball’

I MIMI MURRAY

A NUMBER of serious crimes, such as possession of a firearm and possession of drugs for sale and supply, increased significantly in the Swords/Malahide area in 2011.

Possession of a firearm

rose by 33%, from three to four in 2011, while sale or supply of drugs rose from 46 to 68 in 2011, a percentage rise of 47%.

Other categories of crime that showed an increase include theft from a shop, which saw 370 arrests in 2011 compared to 350 arrests in

2010, a percentage rise of 5%.

Mayor of Fingal, councillor Gerry McGuire, said it was a worrying trend and people needed to “keep their eye on the ball” so as not to let it get out of hand.

Full Story on Page 10

2 SWORDS GAZETTE 15 March 2012

TRANSPORT: INITIATIVE IS LAUNCHED FOR THE OVER-65S IN FINGAL

EVENT Over 1,200 participants in the

Swords gets Travel ready for St move is Patrick’s Day hailed festivities I MIMI MURRAY

A FREE transport initiative for the over-65s in Fingal has been welcomed by the Minister for Health, James Reilly this week.

Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Gerr y McGuire and Minister Reilly TD, attended the launch

by Fingal Senior Citizens Forum, on Friday, March 2.

This pilot transport initiative is a free Door-to-Door Health Appointment Transport Service for residents over 65 years of age.

Developed under the Age Friendly County Initiative by Fingal County Council and the Fingal Senior Citizens’ Forum, in association with Vantastic Ltd., this new 12-month pilot service is now available to residents of Fingal who live east of the M1 from Balscadden to Kinsealy.

T he launch event at Rush Librar y was hosted by the Kathleen O’Brien, of the Fingal Senior Citizen’s Forum, and also attended by county manager, David O’Connor, along with representatives from active retirement, senior citizen’s and over-55 groups and related State agencies.

The innovative trans-

port initiative was welcomed as a positive asset for the county, and an excellent example of collaboration between older people, statutory agencies and community and voluntary organisations to deliver services for older people.

Mayor McGuire opened the day’s proceedings and outlined the important work done

by FCC to support positive ageing and offered his continued support to future developments under the Age Friendly County Initiative.

The Health Minister said he was delighted to attend the launch in his own constituency and in the beautiful setting of the newly-renovated Rush Library. The Minister went on to say that, “for many years, transport to and from hospitals has proven costly for the HSE”, and that, “this initiative is the kind that my Department is delighted to support as it demonstrates that statutory agencies and NGO’s are working in a collaborative way to deliver services for older people in the community.”

For further information on this and similar Age-Friendly Initiatives

by Fingal County Council, contact: Anne-Marie Gargan, Fingal Development Board.

I MIMI MURRAY

swords@gazettegroup.com

SWORDS is gearing up for a truly festive weekend, as the second St Patrick’s Day parade gets set to hit the streets.

The parade proved to be an enormous success last year, with over 15,000 people turning out for a very special day for families in the area.

This year, the parade will start out from Dublin Road at 12 noon, and travel down Main Street and into North Street. There will be an official reviewing stand outside County Hall.

According to the mayor of Fingal, Cllr Gerry McGuire: “Swords le Cheile is an important civic initiative, supported by our council that has established a formal community platform for projects across a range of social, cultural and economic issues in Swords.

“As such, it a ver y important project in bringing local government and local civic and community bodies closer and will greatly enhance our shared ability to initiate and develop new pro grammes for the people of our capital town. I am looking forward to

another great day of community celebrations at the St Patrick’s Day Parade in Swords this year,” he said.

Many pubs and restaurants will provide music sessions and special offerings for families.

Swords le Cheile, and Fingal Dublin Chamber, are asking all businesses in Swords to make a special effort to create promotions and activities around St Patrick’s Day and to get customers and staff involved in making it a memorable time for the people of Swords.

Cllr McGuire will lead the VIP party on the reviewing stand. The party will include public representatives, Fingal County Council, local residents, Swords Community Council, Swords Tidy Towns Committee, Fingal Dublin Chamber, Swords Lions Club, Fingal Tourism and Pavilions Shopping Centre.

The parade will be led by a Colour Party from the LDF (formally FCA) followed by nearly 40 groups, including Swords Cricket Club, Swords Celtic FC, St Finian’s GAA, Swords Boxing Club, Irish Girl Guides, Kinsealy Boys FC, Seamus Ennis Centre, Swords Vintage Society, Fingallian’s GAA, Swords Rovers

FC, River Valley Rangers FC, Swords Basketball Club, Swords Judo Club, Rolestown Badminton Club, North County Youth Gym, Swords Pride of Place, Fingal Vintage Society, Swords Tidy Towns, Fingal Living History, Estuary Kennels, Danielle Moran Irish Dance Group, Swords Kettlebells, Swords Sailing Club, Swords Hockey Club, Backstreet Dance Group, Workplace Partnership FCC, Jack and Jill Giggles and Smiles, Airsoft, and many more.

The Civil Defence, Fingal County Council, Wrights Cafe Bar, Mastersons and Irish Military Vehicles will all have displays in the parade.

There will also be street performers, clowns, stilt-walkers, balloon-modellers and face-painters. T here will be over 1,200 participants in the parade, with more than 30 vehicles taking part.

The Pavilions Shopping Centre will have a special family carnival in their car park during St Patrick’s Week.

Swo r d s l e C h e i l e was formed by a group of people representing organisations in the capital of Fingal to look at ways of involving the community of Swords more in activities around the town

centre, and, as the name suggests, it is planned to get everyone together in Swords for a range of events during the year.

“The Chamber is absolutely delighted with the fantastic response from organisations throughout the area who have committed to taking part in this year’s St Patrick’s Day Parade. Over 1,200 participants will be marching in the parade with an expected crowd of over 15,000 anticipated to attend the day’s festivities. The local business community and the traders in the town are also contributing to the success of this great event and we thank those who have donated to making the

occasion a special day for everyone.

“Swords le Cheile wants to make 2012 even better with a longer parade route and more family activities.

Come along and be part of your community and make Swords, the capital of Fingal, your town, your place.

“Special thanks are due to Fingal County Council for their organisation and support of the parade, which will be there for all to see on the day.

“The Chamber also welcomes the opportunity for the business community to support Swords le Cheile and its work in bringing together all sectors of the community,” said Tony Lambert, Chamber CEO.

15 March 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 3

parade with more than 30 vehicles taking part

COUNCIL

Works on Ormond Avenue ARRANGEMENTS have been made for remedial works to be carried out on the grass verge beside the Spar shop at the Manor Mall shopping centre on Ormond Avenue.

Fianna Fail Councillor Darragh Butler asked the council to carry out the work at the request of the Swords Manor Residents Association.

Illegal

He said the space needs to be filled and replanted due to the illegal parking of delivery trucks, resulting in an uneven surface and added that it is a serious tripping hazard.

The council said that work would be carried out as soon as weather conditions permit.

Councillor Butler also requested that trees be planted on the grass verges on the Brackenstown Road, from Ormond Avenue to the Abbeyvale roundabout.

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Last year’s parade proved to be an enormous success

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4 SWORDS GAZETTE 15 March 2012

POLITICS: LOCAL POLITICIAN MARKS WOMEN’S DAY

Burton recalls year in office I LAURA WEBB

news@gazettegroup.com

INTERNATIONAL Women’s Day took place last week, with events around the globe inspiring and celebrating their achievements and one woman marking the occasion was local politician Joan Burton.

She topped the poll for Dublin West in the General Election on February 25, 2011, and was the first politician to be elected to the 31st Dail.

The Gazette caught up with the Dublin West TD and Minister for Social Protection in her constituency to talk about her first year in office, squash rumours on a leadership push in her party, and how she would like to see more women in government.

The last year for Burton as Minister for Social Protection has been “very exciting, exhilarating and demanding”.

“It’s a huge responsibility, particularly for the 438,000 people who are on the Live Register and finding ways of helping them get back to education, work and retrain. It is an enormous privilege to have responsibility for that, but it is also a huge challenge,” she said.

A critical policy for the Minister at the moment is “jobs, jobs, jobs” and, through the past year she has introduced a number of schemes that she hopes will help create jobs, including Jobsbridge and Pathway to Work.

“We launched the Jobsbridge programme and, in just nine months, we have met our quota of 5,000 places. I am now looking to expand the scheme; this is a volun-

tary scheme and we have had 8,000 employers offer internship places, and, in some cases, people having done the internship have been offered some employment or are getting employment – the feedback is quite positive.”

According to Minister Burton, a challenge for her first year was facing a tough first budget, and protecting basic social welfare rates was “really important” to her.

Asked about recent warnings that cuts to elderly benefits, like state pension, in Ireland is being considered by the IMF, she said: “I think it is very important that we maintain the income of older retired citizens and I have made that very clear to the IMF at discussions with them shortly after I became Minister. Many of our retired people, social welfare non-contributory old age pension is their income.

“There may be people who have very high pensions, we see politicians from the previous government retire with extraordinary pensions. If there are to be reforms in relation to pensions, let’s look at the people with very high incomes, like members of the former government – that is where I would start.”

As a woman in politics, it’s important to stand your ground and there is no doubt that the Deputy Leader of the Labour Party would eventually want to be Leader, but when asked whether that was sooner rather than later, she was quick to squash rumours she would push for leadership next year.

COURTS Ex-soldier head-butted garda in station

Man is jailed for violent attack AN ex-soldier, who took part in a violent attack on a man in a busy shopping centre and then headbutted a garda, has been jailed for two weeks as a “short lesson”.

Derek McLoughlin (47), of Ardgillan Lawns in Balbriggan, was one of six people who set upon Michael McDonagh at Ballymun Tower Centre on July 16, 2010.

Garda Ronan McMorrow told Shane Costelloe BL ,

prosecuting, that eye witnesses saw the men striking McDonagh around the body before knocking him to the ground.

They then continued to punch, kick and stamp on him as he lay in a foetal position.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that, during his arrest and fingerprinting, McLoughlin became violent and aggressive.

He rubbed black ink all over his face and refused to wash it off.

Gda McMorrow said McLoughlin then grabbed Detective Garda Adrian Mulligan by the throat and head-butted him.

McLoughlin pleaded guilty to violent disorder at Ballymun Tower Centre on July 16, 2010 and assaulting Det Gda Mulligan at Ballymun Garda Station on July 29, 2010.

The court heard that, at around 7pm on the evening of the attack, four men, including McLoughlin,

left the Penthouse pub on the nearby Sillogue Road and were joined by two other men.

Gda McMorrow said it was still bright at that time. He said the attack lasted no more than 25 seconds and by the time gardai arrived McDonagh was the only person remaining at the scene.

The victim did not attend hospital and he told gardai he was in fear and “did not want anything to do with the gardai”.

ENERGY: SOCIALIST TD AND LABOUR MINISTER CLASH IN THE DAIL

War of words over Interconnector I MIMI MURRAY

swords@gazettegroup.com

A WAR of words over the Eirgrid East West Interconnector broke out between Socialist Party TD Clare Daly and Labour Minister Pat Rabbitte in the Dail recently.

Deputy Daly was critical of the Minister’s refusal to intervene in relation to “the fact that it has emerged that Eirgrid submitted seriously inaccurate information during the oral hearing into the East West Interconnector and the very serious potential health effects for residents, especially children”.

Deputy Daly was questioning the Minister in relation to whether he was satisfied with the electro-magnetic field information submitted

by Eirgrid to An Bord Pleanala. She slammed his assertion that he had “no reason to believe that any relevant information in relation to Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF) had been withheld or misrepresented”.

“The Minister has every reason to believe that this happened. This information was brought to his attention, where Rush Community Council explained how Eirgrid had incorrectly stated during the planning process that the magnetic field would be static only. They

now admit that the actual magnetic field will have a time-varying component, and that they knew this all along, but try to say that this information is insignificant.

“This is absolutely not the case. The fact that one of the Government’s own former advisors, professor Anthony Staines said: ‘It now appears that the evidence as to the induced magnetic field presented at the oral hearing was seriously inaccurate... the potential adverse health effects of the cable system’s magnetic field have not been assessed... low-frequency magnetic fields increase the risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia,’ should be the decider in the Government demanding an immediate inquiry and full re-examination of the planning process.

“That Minister Rabbitte dismisses these concerns is an affront to the community of Rush. It is now up to the Minister for Health, Dublin North’s Dr Reilly to immediately take action,” Deputy Daly said.

In response, Eirgrid said: “It is EirGrid’s policy to design and operate the transmission network, which includes the East West Interconnector, such that it will always operate within the national, international and EU guidelines.

Socialist TD Clare Daly was critical of Minister Rabbitte’s refusal to intervene

“The guidelines are endorsed as being sufficient for the protection of public health by the World Health Organisation’s (WHO), International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (DCMNR) report published in March 2007.

“In 2010, Rush Community Council raised concerns regarding public health and the routing of the cable through the town of Rush.

“The Department of Communications commissioned an independent Health Expert Opinion on the Health Issues relating to High Voltage, Direct Current (HVDC)

Technology which was carried out by Eric van Rongen, PhD, a radiobiologist and an internationally recognised expert in health effects of EMF. This report, published in November 2010, concluded “…there are no indications that exposure to the static magnetic fields generated by the HVDC cable will in any way adversely affect human health, neither through acute nor through longterm effects”.

“To further address continued health and safety concerns from Rush Community Council, an Independent assessment was agreed to be commissioned. Rush Community Council nominated

leading International Energ y Consultants, KEMA, to carry out the independent study. It was in this way KEMA were commissioned to carry out a report for Rush Community Council and EirGrid.

“The KEMA report concludes that the East West Interconnector is obeying all assessed safety limits with a significant margin; compared to international experience with other HVDC and EHV AC cable circuits, the East West Interconnector is to be regarded as a very safe cable system; the magnetic fields generated by the HVDC cable can be considered to be very low compared to the ICNIRP guidelines.”

15 March 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 5

EVENT Fingal gets set for workshops and screenings

Penn’s new movie to open film festival I MIMI MURRAY

THE Fingal Film Festival will open with Sean Penn’s new film, This Must be the Place, part of which was shot in Fingal.

Scheduled workshops and screenings have been a huge hit with the public, and tickets are selling out fast.

The inaugural festival, which takes place from March 21 to 23, is hosting the Gala Opening Screening of the movie starring Penn and the young Irish actress, Eve Hewson, at UCI Cinema, Blanchardstown, on Wednesday, March 21.

All films will be screened in UCI Cinema

Blanchardstown, with masterclasses and Q&A Screenings taking place at Draiocht in the Blanchardstown Centre.

During the three days of the festival, leading industry names, including BAFTA winner, Aisling Walsh, who wrote and directed Song for A Raggy Boy; Academy Award winner and film producer Arthur Lappin; Emmynominated film composer Joseph Conlon, and Sylvia Stevens, internationally acclaimed documentary film-maker, will be taking part in masterclasses for budding film makers.

There will also be two surprise guests taking part, who will be announced in

the coming weeks.

Offering a platform for film-making talent, the festival received an unprecedented number of entries from all over Ireland, as well as many international submissions, from countries such as Brazil, Korea, Germany, Netherlands, France and Spain.

A shortlist of films will be honoured in an awards ceremony, which will take place on Friday March 23 at the Wright Venue in Swords.

A number of awards will be presented on the night, including Best Documentary, Best Feature Film and Best International Film, Best Animation

This Must be the Place, starring Sean Penn, was partly shot in Fingal

Film, as well as a special award for the Best Newcomer Writer and Director in Fingal award.

The managing director of the festival, Liz Kenny, says: “The Fingal Film Festival will showcase work produced by gifted filmmakers from across Ireland and internationally. It will also put a spotlight on the burgeoning talents in the

Fingal area.

“This is an ideal opportunity for anyone interested to learn and enhance their skills through the workshops or by coming simply to see the films that other people are making on the big screen.”

The festival’s creative director, Dave Byrne, said this week: “Selecting the finalists’ films was

extremely difficult and not all films made the final selection due to the number of days allocated for the screenings during the festival.”

Full details for the Fingal Film Festival can be found on www.fingalfilmfest.com.

Tickets can be purchased on http://entertainment.ie/tickets/fingal-film-festival.asp

EVENT

Night Football League THE completion of the first ever Late Night Football League in Lusk took place recently.

The competition, which was open to boys and girls aged 13-15 and 16-21, saw approximately 70 young people take part for four weeks, with the winners from each age group and a most sporting team going on to represent Lusk in the Dublin Finals, which took place on March 9 in Tallaght.

Niall McGuirk, senior sports officer, Fingal County Council said: “We’re delighted with the response from the local community. FCC, the FAI, An Garda Siochana, Lusk Utd and Round Towers GAA Club all worked together to provide a positive activity.”

For further information contact Niall Mc Guirk, senior sports development officer, FCC, 01-890 6232 niall.mcguirk@fingalcoco.ie

6 SWORDS GAZETTE 15 March 2012

OPINION No Deis schools to lose a teacher in September

Welcome for breakthrough on disadvantaged school posts THE recent announcement

by Education Minister Ruairi Quinn that no Deis 1 or Deis 2 school will lose a teacher next September is very good news indeed.

As a teacher, I have first-hand experience

of the great work taking place every day in schools in disadvantaged areas.

The latest Government announcement means that these schools will retain 235 posts which were under threat because of the

country’s deep financial crisis.

Even at a time when cutbacks are inevitable, it is vital that we continue to invest in education.

In the last week, we have had news from the IDA of huge new investments by multinational companies in new facilities in Ireland.

A low corporation tax rate, and a well-educated work force, are key elements of the decisions by the multinationals companies that invest in Ireland.

Pay Pal, for example, which is adding 1,000 jobs to its Irish operation, needs people with a high level of language and IT skills.

For individuals, education provides a passage out of poverty and we can take pride in the

fact that, over the last eight years, our retention rate to Leaving Certificate has risen from 82% to 88%, now one of the highest rates in the world.

This is a small, but important, victory for schools in our most disadvantaged areas and I congratulate the Labour backbenchers who went to Minister Ruairi Quinn and spelt out to him, in the clearest terms, the potential d a m a g e t h a t wo u l d result from these particular cuts.

In welcoming this particular victory, however, I don’t pretend that the education sector is escaping completely from the cuts.

The Capitation Grant for primar y schools is being cut by 3.5%.

This is the grant that pays for heating, lighting and photocopying, so schools will again be put to the pin of their collars.

But I am most concerned about the upcoming cuts to the guidance service at second-level.

If these cuts kick in from September 2012 onwards, it may mean that guidance councillors will have to spend a good deal of their time teaching exam subjects.

From my own experience in schools the work that the guidance people do in preparing teenagers for their college and career choices is really important.

Moreover, they are trained to provide a listening ear for students going through a difficult

Cllr Michael O’Donovan

patch. This is a cut I intend to work to reverse.

Michael O’Donovan Labour Party councillor

Education - the greatest MY good friend Joe Duffy - yes Live line Joe! reminds me regularly that the greatest gift, after life itself, that my late mother Rebecca gave me was “Education”.

But being married to a teacher for over 30 years, I have learned from Anne, my wife, how our education system has let some people down. Overcrowding, difficult family circumstances, poverty issues and children slipping through the system because of class sizes are all too familiar.

A recent national study of children, entitled Growing Up In Ireland, is the most significant of its kind ever to take place in this country, and it gave us insight into understanding all aspects of children and their development, including education.

The study was commissioned by the previous Government and is being carried out by a consortium of researchers led by the Economic and Social Research Institute and Trinity College, Dublin.

One of the findings of the report outlines that our children are our most important asset, and they must be valued and cherished appropriately.

This Government has placed children’s issues at the heart of policy-making by establishing a dedicated Minister for Children, my colleague Frances Fitzgerald TD. Another aspect of the Growing Up In Ireland study highlighted the impact of parenting on children’s outcomes in educa-

Fine Gael Dublin Mid West Deputy, Derek Keating

tion and it is here that the DEIS Schools play their part.

But the problem with the former Government’s answer was they threw money at everything without assessment or planning.

DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) supports various reports for both primary and post-primary schools, which include reduced pupil/teacher ratio in areas of disadvantage, the allocation of Administrative Principals, access to School Meals Programme, access to numerical and literacy programmes, a Home School Liaison service, enhanced library support reading programmes and Language

Support Service.

In DEIS, the reading recovery, which is a school-based intervention programme designed to reduce literacy problems within our education system and is an early intervention programme giving children, who have particular difficulties in reading and writing over one year in primary school, a period of intensive and individual teaching.

I have been very concerned recently following the news that Archbishop Ryan’s National Schools, both senior and junior, may suffer a loss of up to 16 teachers. I met with the teachers in the schools and the Principals and I have spoken directly to the Minister and his Department because of the lack of a DEIS status for Lucan schools.

This Government is committed to education and to children and this is clearly demonstrated by the fact that the Minister this week has announced new schools for Lucan, new extensions to schools in Lucan and I am confident that he will reverse the decision to reduce the teaching staff at the Archbishop Ryan’s Junior and Senior Schools.

I support the DEIS School Policy providing it is focused and flexible.

Derek Keating Fine Gael Dublin Mid West Deputy

15 March 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 7

EDUCATION 17 schools to be built or extended

New school programme is announced I MIMI MURRAY swords@gazettegroup.com

SEVENTEEN schools will be built or extended in north Dublin, as part of a major new school building programme announced by the Government this week.

A total of 275 projects will be completed between 2012 and 2016, creating 18,000 jobs nationally.

Local schools will include Holywell Educate Together, Thornleigh Educate Together, as well as several other schools in Rush, Lusk, Skerries and Balbriggan.

Minister for Health and Dublin North TD, James Reilly welcomed the news

this week.

“I am delighted that nine new schools will be built and a further eight will be extended in Dublin North as part of this major school building programme. Despite our difficult economic circumstances, the Government is determined to prioritise school building projects to cater for the projected increase in pupil numbers over the coming years.

“These projects will not only have a huge impact on the teachers, pupils and local communities across Dublin North that benefit from new and improved school facilities, they will also give a

significant boost in terms of job creation. At least 15,000 direct jobs and 3,000 indirect jobs will be created during the construction phase over the next five years,” he said.

“A total of €1.5 billion will be invested by the Government between now and the end of 2016 to provide these new and improved school buildings. This will include 106 new schools and 65 extensions at primary level, 43 new schools and 49 extensions at second level, and eight new special schools and four extensions at special schools.

“T he Government is acting now in order to prepare for the huge

Minister for Health and Dublin North TD, James Reilly welcomed the news

increase in pupil numbers expected over the next few years. It’s anticipated that there will be an increase of 45,000 children going to primary school, and 25,000 at second level between now and 2017.

“On top of the school projects announced, a further 60 schools are already under construction and are due to be

completed this year. It’s also expected that some additional school projects may be announced during the term of the fiveyear capital plan, to cater for increased demand in some areas.

“Education is being prioritised by this Government. Within extremely limited spending options we are taking the steps

to ensure that our children are educated in safe, modern facilities.

“In recent weeks, funding of €35 million was also announced to put an end to the wasteful policy of housing our pupils in prefabs which was pursued by the Fianna Fail Government for so many years,” Minister Reilly said.

COUNCIL

Opening hours extended IN a move that is sure to cement Fingal as a leading county when it comes to recycling, Fingal County Council has announced the extension of opening hours of Estuary Recycling Centre.

From Thursday, March 8, opening hours will be Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm and Saturday 8am to 6pm. The extended opening hours are possible due to the redeployment of staff from the council waste collection service which recently ended.

Environmental education officer, Edwina Dunford, said: “FCC hopes that by increasing the opening hours of this really important public facility, and especially by being open early in the morning and late into the evening, it will make it more convenient for households to use the centre and keep up the great levels of recycling we are known for in Fingal.”

8 SWORDS GAZETTE 15 March 2012

EVENTS No matter what’s happening around the city, The Gazette’s

Top tips to get ahead in business second runner-up, Kyla Sailani (blue dress) and first runnerup, Kate Monahan (white dress)

Wright on HERE was plenty of glitz and glamour at the Final of the 2012 Miss Wright Venue held at The Wright Venue in Swords recently. Rebecca Maguire was the eventual winner and was crowned with the title of Miss Wright Venue 2012. Rebecca was a runner-up in last year’s Miss Ireland but was pipped to the post by Holly Carpenter. She will now go on to the finals on April 28.

INGAL Dublin Chamber held a breakfast briefing in the Radisson Blu Hotel in Dublin Airport recently.

This event was one of many Business Breakfasts and Networking Events the Chamber is organising this year and was an opportunity to meet and network with other businessmen and women in an informal setting.

Dermot O’Leary, chief economist with Goodbodys, was guest speaker on the day.

He is a regular contributor to economic debate in the national media, is responsible for the economics output of the Equity Research Department and is also a member of the Asset Allocation Committee “The Chamber is providing the vision, the leadership and the commitment to promote and grow economic activity in the Fingal Region supported by informative briefings by speakers who are leaders in their field,” Siobhan Moore, Chamber President said.

F

Rebecca Maguire, Miss Wright Venue 2012, pictured with

T

Killian O’Sullivan and Lisa Siobhan O’Hagan and Faye Rooney

Nolan

Courtney O’Hara and Michael Sharpe Judith Troy, Daniel MacAuley, Suzanne Cashin and Lucia O’Riordan at the Fingal Chamber breakfast in the Radisson Blu, Dublin Airport

Rebecca Maguire

Tony Lambert, Siobhan Moore and Paddy Lonergan

15 March 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 9

far-ranging photographers have all the events and angles covered

John Lambert, Seamus Cardiff, Paula Harmon and Tony Lambert at the Fingal Chamber breakfast in the Radisson Blu, Dublin Airport

Tony Lambert, Siobhan Moore with Dermot O’Leary and Karen Devine

Andrea Molloy and Yvonne Dalton

Jock Jordan, Suzanne Cashin; Chamber President, Siobhan Moore and Chamber CEO, Tony Lambert

10 SWORDS GAZETTE 15 March 2012

R1

CONCERN Possession of a firearm and drugs increasing

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‘Citizens have the right to live in safety in our areas. There needs to be an immediate examination of these issues, and a reversal of recent cutbacks in Garda resources in the area.’

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Socialist Councillor, Clare Daly

Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Gerry McGuire said people need to “keep their eye on the ball”

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A significant rise in crime in Swords area I MIMI MURRAY swords@gazettegroup.com

A NUMBER of serious crimes, such as possession of a firearm and possession of drugs for sale and supply, have risen significantly in the Swords/Malahide area in 2011.

Possession of a firearm rose by 33%, from three to four in 2011, while sale or supply of drugs rose from 46 to 68 in 2011, a percentage rise of 47%.

Other categories of crime that showed an increase include theft from a shop, which saw 370 arrests in 2011 compared to 350 arrests in 2010, a percentage rise of 5%.

Searches went from 2,931 in 2010 to 3,393 in 2011, a jump of 15%.

But it was not all bad news, with public order detentions dropping from 699 to 529, a percentage decrease of 24%.

Robbery from a person also fell, from 30 in 2010 to 23 in 2011, a marked decrease of 23%.

Burglaries also fell by 3%, from 441 to 425, while criminal damage also showed a decrease from 554 to 528, a percentage of 4%.

The number of prisoners being detained dropped from 2,037 to 1,959.

These figures were released at a Joint Policing Forum held in Blan-

chardstown Council Offices on February 24.

Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Gerry McGuire said it is a worrying trend and people need to “keep their eye on the ball” so as not to let this get out of hand.

This report comes as there was an arrest involving firearms and ammunition in the Applewood area of Swords last week.

A man was apprehended on foot carrying two firearms and ammunition.

Abundance

“I don’t think there is an abundance of weaponry out there but I would have concern for the future.

“Gardai have to be commended for making the arrest and Gardai are satisfied they will have a greater presence out there.

“I am very concerned about the jump in drugs crimes but some of those were major hauls which may distort the figures,” he said.

Socialist Councillor Clare Daly said: “It is worrying and hardly surprising to see crime figures rising in the Swords/ Malahide area. This is an inevitable consequence of the downturn in the economy. Economic deprivation makes people more vulnerable prey to those peddling drugs or loans.

“Undoubtedly, when

cutbacks in Garda resources are also factored in, then the State’s ability to deal with the problems are also lessened. It is ordinary people and communities which end up paying the price. This is not good enough. The idea of gun seizures in Swords is something that would have seemed unbelievable a few years ago.

“Citizens have the right to live in safety in our areas. There needs to be an immediate examination of these issues, and a reversal of recent cutbacks in Garda resources in the area.”

The gardai have said that ongoing operations are continuing with checkpoints, surveillance

and searches carried out on a daily basis. A total of 12 Garda Reserves are allocated to Swords/ Malahide sub-districts, an increase of two since January.

“The overall detection rate for headline crime in Swords/Malahide subdistricts stands at 29%.

Investigations into major incidents are ongoing.

“Ongoing operations in the Swords and Malahide areas include targeting underage drinking and anti-social behaviour, with underage individuals returned home to their parents by these operations.

“Street Crime Unit concentrating on tackling burglaries and thefts from MPVs in Swords

and Malahide areas are in place, with special attention being given to public car parks.

“High visibility project has been implemented with the aim of increasing visibility in the district and involves dedicated operations to prevent and detect crimes in areas of high crime.

“Joint operations b e t we e n A n G a r d a Siochana and Fingal County Council personnel over Halloween were successful.

“A joint initiative between An Garda Siochana and Fingal County Council has been put in place to tackle anti-social behaviour on Portmarnock Beach,” the Gardai said.

15 March 2012 GAZETTE 11

12 GAZETTE 15 March 2012

LOCAL MATTERS SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

GazetteContacts Block 3A, Mill Bank Business Park, Lucan Tel: 01 6010240 Fax: 01 6010251 Managing Director: Michael McGovern email: mmcgovern@gazettegroup.com Editor: Cormac Curtis email: ccurtis@gazettegroup.com News Editor: Dawn Love email: dlove@gazettegroup.com

Sports Editor: Rob Heigh email: sport@gazettegroup.com Financial Controller: Carly Lynch email: clynch@gazettegroup.com Advertising Production: Anita Ward email: ads@gazettegroup.com

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

ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZETTE CALL

6010240

Advertising Sales: 01 6010240 email: sales@gazettegroup.com

Gazette Group Newspapers Ltd. Terms and Conditions for acceptance of advertisements Reserve the right to omit or suspend or alter any advertisement(s) in any of its publications. We also decline any responsibility in the event of one or more of a series of advertisements being omitted for any reason whatever, nor do we accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement. If your advertisement appears incorrectly, contact the Advertising Department immediately, as responsibility cannot be accepted for more than one week’s incorrect insertion. Responsibility cannot be accepted if the complaint is made more than two weeks after insertion. If one places an advertisement for more than one week and then cancels it after the first week, no refund or credit will be given for weeks cancelled. The advertiser undertakes to indemnify the Proprietors against any liability for any civil action arising out of the publication of the advertisement or any other matter printed or published in the Blanchardstown Gazette, Castleknock Gazette, Clondalkin Gazette, Dundrum Gazette, Dun Laoghaire Gazette, Lucan Gazette, Malahide Gazette and Swords Gazette. The placing of an order or contract will be deemed an acceptance of these conditions.

Showing a Lidl love: Pamper mum with wine and chocs this Mother’s Day MOTHER’S DAY is a time for pampering, so whilst you are in the

kitchen whipping up her favourite pancake brunch, let her sit back with her favourite tipple. Lidl has lots of great wines, bubble and liqueurs at incredible value. Opt for the smooth and luxurious Deluxe Irish Cream Liqueur as an extra special treat or, as Mother’s Day is a celebration, pop some pink bubbles such as the popular Freixenet Cava Brut Rosé. For something sweet, you can’t go far wrong than Lidl’s JD Gross Pralines Selection box.

For further information about Lidl and its products, or to locate your nearest store, please log on to www.lidl.ie or visit www.face book.com/lidlireland.

CHARITY: RAISING VITAL FUNDS

Taking part in the Cycle4life THE inaugural D.I.D Electrical Cycle4Life will take place on Saturday May 19, in Dunboyne, Co Meath.

Cycle4Life is a charity that has been set up

by D.I.D Electrical to help raise vital funds for Temple Street Children’s Hospital.

The event will take place over three routes to suit all fitness levels and for all grades of cyclists, from the complete novice all the way up.

Those interested in participating, donating or volunteering to help in the D.I.D Electrical Cycle4Life can log

onto www.cycle4life.ie.

There are training tips and advice available to improve your technique and assist you in reaching your overall goal, whether it’s to cycle 15km or 147km.

Temple Street Children’s hospital continues to rely on external support to assist it in the purchase of vital equipment.

With the money raised by the D.I.D Electrical Cycle4life, Temple Street aims to secure essential equipment that will provide the best possible environment for its young patients and purchase new specialist equipment

and technologies to assist in ongoing vital research.

By participating in the D.I.D Electrical Cycle4Life, those taking part are not only joining a fantastic event, but are also helping to make a real difference to the lives of the most precious patients at their time in need.

Register online now at www.cycle4life.ie or follow on Facebook for updates on upcoming events, useful tips and organised training sessions. There will also have an evening event in the Crowne Plaza that night and tickets are €100.

15 March 2012 GAZETTE 13

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GazettePETS PETS

Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA

THE FACTS: A GROOMING RITUAL MAY REDUCE COSTLY VETERINARY VISITS

Pampering good for pet health HERE are so many wonderful reasons to get a dog. Regular readers of this column will know I’m a gal who’s nuts about her mutts. Those readers will understand my annoyance when, through my job, I often have to deal with pet parents who have gone out and bought a dog in order to “enhance” their own lives. However, they’ve never taken the time or had the desire to enhance their pet’s lives by giving them a regular bath or treating them to a trip to the groomers.

When speaking to these self professed “dog lovers,” I have to ask: Do you enjoy the invigorating feeling of being clean and fresh?

T

Do you visit the hair/ beauty salon?

You do?

Great. Well your pets are no different.

Ok, every pet has his/ her own personality; some love to be brushed and fluffed, some don’t and I will hold my hand up and say one of my dogs, (great aunt Sophie, the 17-year-old, does not like being brushed anymore but she’s an old lady and this is her right; she doesn’t have the patience for it). Let’s just say our Diva Dog is a bit of a challenge these days; however, as her mom I know that regular grooming encompasses many aspects of companion pet care and even though Sophie is no longer as energetic as

When grooming your pet check for areas of bumps, tenderness, scabs or hair loss

she used to be, she is still in need of having a nice warm, gentle bath, getting her nails clipped, her ears cleaned, her anal glands squeezed, etc., And I do believe this regular ritual brings me and my dear old friend closer together…and can reduce costly veterinary visits.

Also, when I’m groom-

ing/petting my dogs, especially Sophie, I check for areas of bumps, tenderness, scabs, hair loss etc., because I do not wish them to run the risk of the following problems: Ear Mites: A parasite that lives out its life cycle inside your pet’s ear canal; causing severe irritation and itchiness. I use a

soft facial tissue around my finger or a cotton bud dipped in cool olive oil and very gently wipe around the inside of my dogs’ ears making sure not to insert too deeply. If the dog has an open wound or the ear is inflamed, it’s straight off to the vet.

Fly strike: Also known as Myasis – a maggot infestation. This is more common in warmer months where flies lay eggs that go on to develop into larvae that eat dead and rotting tissue on your pet. For example, vomit, skin infection, mated hair, diarrhoea, etc., This condition can be fatal if left untreated. Bathe and groom your pet regularly, treat your pet for diarrhoea immediately, and if

your pet becomes ill, keep them indoors away from flies. Always seek veterinary attention.

Anal Sac Impaction: Dogs and cats have anal sacs that can become impacted if not emptied properly. Ideally, anal sacs should empty with your dog’s normal bowel movements. You won’t even notice this, however, if your pet begins to drag his/her behind along the ground, take him/her to your vet. There could be other reasons for this dragging, such as a bothersome growth, matted hair, an irritation or diarrhoea. Only your vet can diagnose.

Minty Fresh Breath: When I’m rubbing my dogs’ faces I always take a

look inside their mouths to check for plaque build-up. If you do this and notice plaque, or bad breath, take your pet to see the vet for a dental check up. When there, ask your vet if he/she can demonstrate the correct technique best suited to your pet and follow the guidelines.

Please do seek your vet’s advice regarding any concerns about your pet and, if you don’t feel like grooming your new best friend yourself, there are plenty of professionals who’d be delighted to provide that service for him/her.

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

15 March 2012 GAZETTE 15

16 GAZETTE 15 March 2012

GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY Spoil your mammy at LA Academy LA CREATIVE Academy is offering complimentary eyebrow treatment with every makeover at the academy for all of March.

When you book a make-up application for you and your mother on a Saturday, you receive a complimentary LA Thread Bar treatment for that perfect brow.

Make-up is then applied, as well as a threading treatment and a complimentary hair “touch-up” by one of their top artists LA Creative Academy is located at Chatham Street, just off Grafton St. For further information, call 01 675 1999.

Make your mum into an even bigger star with an A-list beauty treatment I LAURA WEBB

M

OTHER’S day is approaching, and all we want to do for our mums is to make them feel like the only woman in the world – so why not think about giving mum a makeover, and then treat her to a luscious meal to show off the finished results?

To help out with this, Gazette Beauty takes a look at Hollywood’s newest mum, Natalie Portman, to show readers just how easy it is to achieve this glam, yet subtle look.

At this year’s Oscars, Natalie dazzled the red carpet with her polished

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

‘At this year’s Oscars, Natalie dazzled the red carpet with her polished and subtle make-up.

‘Most mums out there – if mine is anything to go by – prefer less is more, and Natalie has this look down to a tee.’

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

and subtle make-up.

Most mums out there – if mine is anything to go by – prefer “less is more”, and Natalie has this look down to a tee.

Soft, tumbling curls help to finish this look, and are a great way of making mums feel like a star.

To help achieve this

look, Maybelline New York cosmetics has everything a daughter (or son) needs to help make mum feel a million dollars.

First, use Maybelline’s Dream Satin Liquid foundation (€11.99), which gives skins a dewy glow. This can be applied using either a brush,

sponge or finger tips.

To ensure that skin stays looking fresh and radiant, initially apply only a small amount as an all-over base, and then tap on excess product where more coverage is needed.

Natalie’s brown eyes are brought to life with a mix of soft, glimmering metallic hues; start by blending the two deepest shades of Maybelline’s Eye Studio Coral Drama Quad (€9.99) along your top lid and up into the socket line for definition.

Add a little under your bottom lashes to make them look thicker and fuller, giving a classic smokey-eye effect.

Using a smaller brush, apply the lightest shade of shimmering gold to the inner corners of eyes to reflect light and then softly blend it out, creating a seamless finish where the light gold meets the darker shades.

To add depth and make lashes appear instantly thicker, apply a small amount of Maybelline’s Gel eyeliner in Black (€11.99) along the top lash line.

Once you have the basic line in place, clean off the brush with a tissue and blend the line so it appears smoother.

Finish off with the Colossal Cat Eyes mascara (€11.99) on both top and bottom lashes

for fuller, thicker, fannedout lashes.

Keep mum’s lips natural, like Natalie, so not to divert from her eye make-up. Try Colour Sensational Lip Gloss in Exquisite Pink (€9.29) to give your lips a similarly beautiful and healthylooking sheen.

O n c e m a ke - u p i s complete, get the curling tongs out, or hair straightening ones, to make loose curls. Dress mum in her favourite cocktail dress and she will be ready to turn heads at your restaurant of choice.

Remember, Mother’s Day is this Sunday, March 18. Happy Mother’s Day!

15 March 2012 GAZETTE 17

Edited by Laura Webb

FastBeauty Cholesterol: Did you check your level recently?

Looking Beeautiful: Gifts from Burt’s

APPROXIMATELY 10,000 Irish people die each year from cardiovascular disease (CVD).

High cholesterol is one of the major controllable risk factors for CVD, including heart attack and stroke. Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is vital for the body to function as normal. The problem arises when cholesterol sticks to the blood vessels and blocks blood supply to the major organs.

Improving your diet, reducing alcohol consumption, quitting smoking and increasing physical exercise can help reduce cholesterol. Contact your GP or local pharmacy to get your cholesterol checked, and help to have a healthy Mother’s Day this year

BURT’S Bees has put together two great gifts to keep mums refreshed from head-to-toe this Mother’s Day. Say a big thank-you to mums this year with products that will keep mum feeling revitalised and refreshed at home.

The specially-packaged products come in two gift sets. Burt Bee’s Tips to Toes Kits (top, right) is perfect for hardworking hands and feet, with a collection of rich creams and softening butters to keep hands and feet naturally soft and beautiful, with a RRP of €15.95.

Alternatively, Burt’s Bees Head to Toe (above, right) naturally cleanses and nourishes every part of the body. Inside, mothers will find a generous assortment of Burt’s most popular natural

With thanks to the staff at Lucan Village Natalie Portman wowed at this year’s Oscars with her subtle “less-is-more” make-up – a natural look that would be perfect for your mum this Mother’s Day

Pharmacy

skin care products, from their beeswax lip balm to coconut foot cream and everything in between, with a RRP of €16.95.

Burt’s Bees Mother’s Day kits are available from Nourish and selected independent health stores and pharmacies nationwide.

18 GAZETTE 15 March 2012

GazetteMUSIC MUSIC FastTunes with Radio Nova’s Dee Woods IF YOU look up the phrase, “Still Got It”, no doubt you will find a picture of The Rolling Stones nearby.

The band’s music and its members have not only stood the test of time, but they still rock out better than thousands of acts a quarter of their age.

Next month, The Stones celebrate half a century together and, if they needed any proof of their everlasting popularity, then Facebook is it.

Last week a picture of a chuffed Keith Richards holding a piece of paper saying “9,000,000 Stones’ fans” was posted on www.facebook. com/therollingstones (actually it was missing the apostrophe but I guess you don’t have to worry about that when nine million people love you.)

The timeless calibre of songs, like Gimme Shelter and Waiting on a Friend, is some comfort to the unsettling thought that a bunch of lads my dad’s age have more facebook followers than Radio Nova has listeners. If a post goes up on The Rolling Stones’ Facebook page it can get over 50,000 ‘likes’. See what I mean?

Still got it! And that’s only the fans that are on Facebook!

And now this flurry of online adorers begs the question, when will The Stones announce a 50th anniversary tour? And, more importantly how much the tickets will be? (They’d probably have to tour for another 50 years just to satisfy their nine million fans on Facebook). Hey, lads: If the music dates back half a century then the ticket prices should too! A couple of quid should do it.

But a warning to Jagger, Richards and co: psychologists have found the more friends you have on Facebook, the more likely you are to suffer from stress and anxiety. And you guys don’t need any more wrinkles...

Keith Richards and the big news...

Coming home: Kiwanuka’s debut hitting home now SOUL sensation, Michael Kiwanuka, has released his much-anticipated debut album, Home Again.

The North London singer-songwriter, whose magnificent show at the Sugar Club last month sent our reviewer in paroxyms of delight, seals the deal with the ten tracks on offer, a collection of songs that propel you back to the golden age of soul, thanks to brilliant playing and a stellar retro production job

by Paul Butler from The Bees.

REVIEW: HAS BRUCE MADE HIS BEST RECORD OF THE CENTURY?

Springsteen breaks it down to build again I ROB HEIGH

VERY few acts get as far as ten albums, let alone 17. And you would have to imagine that, over the course of 17 records, there would an early learning phase where they learned their craft, followed by a mature middle phase where they played at the top of their game, and it would be topped off by an end-game that saw them going through the motions while the records spun in decreasingly satisfying circles.

You would think that, but then, you wouldn’t be thinking of Bruce Springsteen.

The patron saint of New Jersey has returned this year with his 17th album, and it proves to be, possibly, the most complete summation of everything that makes Bruce Bruce in a single record this century.

I’ve always thought that Springsteen’s albums since Tunnel Of Love in 1987 were almost there, but not quite — there was a feeling that they missed an unidentifiable something that entirely unified all of the songs under one flag, in

Bruce Springsteen has delivered what might be his first completely realised record this century

spite of there being some undeniably great songwriting and playing on those records. Wrecking Ball, however, feels like the first time in a very long time that the muse and the cause have come together to create something special.

Opening with the apparently patriotic We Take Care Of Our Own, Wrecking Ball keeps its intentions just under the surface, until it’s time to let them spill over. Our Own is an angry volley that hides it’s ire and bile just as Born In The

USA did — the message is that wherever the flag is flown, the care and support for every class is most certainly lacking, despite what politicians and business might have to say.

That frustration directs the characters in many of the songs collected on Wrecking Ball — the petty criminal on Easy Money is all romance until he pulls his gun as he rails against “the fat cats who think it’s funny” who brought him low.

The anger turns to spiritual uplift, and the

theme turns at the midpoint on the title track, austensibly about the end of an era as the Giants stadium in New Jersey is demolished, but, equally, a metaphor for hope and resistance in a time of depression and financial hardship — “Come on and take your best shot, let me see what you got.”

T he music brings together the best bombast of previous E Street Band outings while taking in inf luences from the country-folk inflected Seeger Sessions

album, as well as bringing in Irish trad stylings, New Orleans brass, civil war style marches, and even drum-loops and a rap on Rocky Ground.

I would suggest you seek out the E Street Band performances on Jimmy Fallon’s show in the US last week. There’s something elemental and uplifting seeing the band perform together, even without the talismanic presence of Clarence Clemons, the saxophone legend who passed away last year. The last gang in town are back to rock.

15 March 2011 GAZETTE 19

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS

Supported by AIB

Interview: Catriona Byrne, The Foot Clinic at Doc Morris, Superquinn SC, Blanch

Happy feet lead to happy customers CATRIONA Byrne has been working in the health service for the past 12 years and she has noticed an increased number of patients, of all ages, presenting with medical complaints which impacts on the condition of their feet. “These medical conditions vary from diabetes, obesity, joint replacement and back problems. In most cases, these patients have been encouraged to exercise more regularly in order to reduce weight and, in turn, help with their medical condition. However, if a patient is also having discomfort in their feet, the exercise plan soon goes out the window!” said Catriona.

In 2010, she completed training in Foot Health Management and Biomechanics, as she felt there was a gap in the health service providing both a chiropody and biomechanical service to patients. The biomechanics of the service includes assessing the patient’s gait / walk and includes recommending an exercise programme and / or orthotics as necessary.

“The patients may present with complaints such as fallen arches, knee or back pain, hammer toes, bunion problems or indeed heel spurs, tendonitis or generalised foot pain. So, while I provide a full chiropody service to patients, my service focuses not only on treatment, but also on preventative measures also.

“I find the business extremely rewarding as clients always comment on how good they are feeling after their appointment!” she said.

Q: What is the best thing about your job?

A: As I am a Foot Care Practitioner, I deal with all aspects of foot pain, generally all patients present with varying foot pain, they all leave feeling much better – there is immense satisfaction in that.

Q: : Have you achieved anything that you once thought

coupled with the State pension, I am scared that

chardstown A – While I am a great advocate of starting a pension as early as you can, I am also an advocate for getting to grips with how the pension system works as early as one can, too. Like a bricklayer laying brick upon brick, but without having to see the bigger picture, most pension investors are happy to make minimum contributions not knowing what the consequences will be. The end game is just so important, as you are now unfortunately experiencing. With only a fund of € 23,000, you can take € 5,750 as a tax free lump sum, and invest € 17,250 into an annuity – essentially a fixed interest rate deposit account guaranteed for life.

You take this interest then as your income for life but when you die, the insurance company keeps the fund.

You are therefore buying a guaranteed income for life – the ideal, of course, is to live as long as possible and outlive the annuity ! Taking a rate of c. 4.5%, this equates to €64.68 per month and, even with the annual State pension, a total of c.€13,000 per annum, you can afford to earn at least another € 5,000 per annum free from income tax.

The lesson is a hard one. There are thresholds on Catriona Byrne, of The Foot Clinic at Doc Morris, Superquinn SC, Blanchardstown

the amount of contributions that can be made to a pension fund based on age, e.g. aged between 40 and 50, you can contribute up to 25% of your net relevant

Q: What was your first job?

A: McDonald’s

Q: When did you start your present job?

A: 2010.

very little by way of a monthly pension and,

How can I maximise my PRSA fund? Joan – Blan-

you could not pull off?

A: I like to set myself achiev-

variety of jobs but my pet hate is filing.

to retire next May. I have been told I will receive

Finding a job at 66 is not easy, but I may have to.

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

A: It varied every year.

Q: Have you ever done a job you loathed?

A: Not really – have done a

Q – My PRSA has only € 23,000 in it and I am due

I just simply won’t be able to afford to retire.

Q&A

Q: And your first pay cheque?

A: I can’t remember.

RETIREMENT SAVINGS

able goals.

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

A: My summer holidays.

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own?

A: Maybe eight or 10

Q: What part of your working day do you ‘delegate’?

A: Again, filing!

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

A: Enjoy a good film.

Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously?

A: Holidays, if possible.

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

A: It’s still the filing, unfortu-

Q: What music/pictures/movies do you have on your iPod/ iPad? A: I don’t have iPod or iPad

Q: Describe your dream holiday?

A: A nice beach, good book,

nately.

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

A: Not really – I like to think

Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook?

A: Not a follower of Twitter or

of myself as pretty straight forward.

Q: What was your last tweet/ status update?

A: I don’t Tweet or Facebook.

Q: What sport do you follow?

A: Not a follower of any spe-

Facebook.

cific sport.

I like to chat with friends faceto-face.

Q: What sport can you play?

A: Badminton – not a great

Q: Describe your dream meal?

A: Any meal that I don’t cook.

player but really enjoy playing.

Q: What habits would you like to lose?

A: I can’t think of any offhand.

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

A: Preferably Dame Edna – I like a laugh!

good food and excellent company - works perfectly!

Q: What would be your dream job?

A: I like a challenge. Maybe run the county for a while, as I’d like to make some major changes, like restore a bit of equity and accountability to the system and give the county a major kick-start regarding job creation.

earnings in an occupational pension scheme apart from the employer’s contribution. Investing 5% while the employer invests 5% into the fund is substantially short of the recommended and allowable amount that can be invested into such a fund. Remember the three reasons for having a pension 1. Monthly contributions attract tax relief up to certain limits at your marginal rate. The top rate is earmarked to decrease to the 20% rate over the next three years, so make hay while the sun shines.

2. All growth in the fund is tax free. Remember even if you are on the lower rate of tax, it means because you receive 20% tax back, the fund has to drop by over 20% in one year for you to lose money in your investment.

3. On retirement, 25% of the fund up to a maximum of €200,000 can be taken as a tax-free lump sum.

Very best of luck Joan in your retirement.

Contact John with your money questions at

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

A: No plans to retire yet. How-

jlowe@moneydoctor.ie or visit his website at

ever, if I won the lotto, maybe I could be persuaded.

director of Money Doctor

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZET TE CALL 60 10 240

www.moneydoctor.ie. John Lowe, Fellow of the Institute of Bankers, is founder and managing

LOCAL

MATTERS

20 GAZETTE 15 March 2012

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS Ford gives the new Kuga a right kicking The new Opel Ampera

Ampera and Volt Share the Honours in Geneva THE Opel Ampera and the Chevrolet Volt were unveiled as the “shock” winners of the 2012 Car of the Year award at the Geneva Motor Show last week.

The news comes as Opel Ireland prepares for delivery of the highly anticipated vehicles, where orders across Europe are currently exceeding expectations, with 7,000 orders placed.

The Opel Ampera / Chevrolet Volt came in as convincing winners with 330 points against the VW Up (281) and Ford Focus (256).

The Opel/Vauxhall CEO, Karl-Friedrich Stracke, and Chevrolet’s president and managing director for Europe, Susan Docherty, were both handed the Car of the Year 2012 award by the President of the COTY judging panel, Hakan Matson.

The Ampera and the Volt emerged as the joint overall winner in a field of seven COTY finalists. The selection criteria applied by the judges were based on attributes such as design, comfort, performance and especially innovative technologies as well as efficiency.

Honour “It is a proud moment for us and an honour to receive this award from Europe’s leading jury of automotive journalists,” said Susan Docherty, president and managing director, Chevrolet Europe.

“Our car demonstrates that electric driving can be fun and reliable without ever compromising the owner’s lifestyle.

“We are extremely pleased that our revolutionary electric vehicle has emerged as the winner in such a tough field of competitors.

“And we are very proud of this accolade,” says Karl-Friedrich Stracke.

“This encourages us further to continue our leadership role in the area of e-mobility.”

The Ampera and the Volt are the first electric vehicles in the market that can go anywhere anytime. A 16 kWh lithium ion battery powers the 111kW/150 hp electric motor.

Depending on the style of driving and road conditions, distance of between 40 and 80 kilometres can be covered in the purely batteryoperated mode, completely free of emissions.

LAST week, the Ford motor company managed to give one of its own models a right kicking!

As part of the company’s 2012 Geneva Motor Show presentation, they revealed the first ever kick-activated automatic boot on their all-new Kuga.

Owners of the car will now be able to open and close the tailgate simply by waving a foot beneath the rear bumper, an especially useful feature for those carrying the weekly shop or other gear to load into the car.

Ford perfected the system with the help of volunteer “kickers”, and, after six months of testing produced the optimum settings.

“This is a perfect example of how we’re evolving existing technology to further improve our customers’ experience with Ford vehicles,” said Dominik Nical, security electronics expert, Ford

of Europe. “The result is a practical and unique solution to a common problem – opening the tailgate when your arms are full. It’s a solution that will really work for customers in their everyday lives.”

The development team spent six months working with Ford’s Human Machine Interface laboratory, using volunteers to test prototype systems fitted to a previous generation Kuga.

Rigorous real-life testing perfected the required kick and ensured there was no interference with other systems.

The hands-free tailgate builds on Ford’s Intelligent Access push-button start. It allows customers, who have their key on their person, to unlock and start their vehicles without having to take it out of their pocket or purse.

Two sensors in the rear bumper detect a

Owners can open the boot by waving a foot

person’s shin and kicking motion. The system safeguards against accidental opening by being programmed to open with leg motions – not when an animal runs under the car or when the vehicle hits a bump on the road.

The system made its debut on Kuga’s sister model, the Ford Escape, in North America, late last year. Ford engi-

neers re-calibrated the system for Europe to ensure it would still work if a tow bar had been fitted - as this is an option frequentlyy chosen by European n Kuga customers.

The automatic hands-free tailgate iss launched as an option n with Keyless Entry on n the all-new Kuga later er this year.

New Fiesta ST gets show debut FORD also used last week’s Geneva Motor Show to unveil the new, production-ready Fiesta ST in advance of the performance hatchback’s launch in Europe in 2013.

Customers have clamoured for a new Fiesta ST since the last model disappeared from European showrooms in 2008.

The all-new model is set to take the car’s performance to a new level, and the numbers tell the story: 180PS 1.6-litre EcoBoost, 240Nm of torque, 0-100km/h in under seven seconds, and top speed of more than 220km/h.

At the same time, the EcoBoost technology delivers a 20% reduction in CO2 emissions compared with the previous

Customers have clamoured for a new Fiesta ST

Fiesta ST. Developed by Ford’s Team RS, the new model delivers significant rideand-handling improvements through the introduction of a specially tuned chassis that sits 15mm lower than the standard Fiesta; Ford’s

enhanced Torque Vectoring Control system, and three Electronic Stability Control modes.

The technologies were put to the test over 5,000 kilometres of driving on Germany’s Nurburgring Nordschleife.

“We believe Ford cus-

tomers will be blown away by the new Fiesta ST, and not only by the exhilarating performance but by the styling and specification, too. This dynamic new hot-hatch is undoubtedly our best Fiesta ST to date,” said Jost Capito, Ford’s director of Global

Performance Vehicles.

T he high-contrast interior features unprecedented levels of equipment and specification to suit the sporting driver, with standard Recaro sports seats appearing in a Fiesta ST for the first time.

It also will be equipped with MyKey, which allows owners to limit performance and ensure activation of safety features for when less-experienced drivers use the vehicle; and SYNC, Ford’s voiceactivated in-car connectivity system.

A new bold and dynamic exterior design drives home the high performance message and features the latest Ford design signatures.

15 March 2012 GAZETTE 21

Edited by Cormac Curtis

RoadSigns Road Signs THE NEW A-CLASS IS UNVEILED AT MOTOR SHOW:

The new Skoda Citigo is set to compete with both VW and SEAT, as they take their first steps in to the small car market in 2012

TRIPLETS: SKODA REVEAL THEIR CONTENDER FOR THE SUBCOMPACT SHOWDOWN

Go, Citigo, go!

HE motoring world is about to launch into a phase of sibling rivalry, as Skoda, VW and SEAT each release their first small cars.

Named the Citigo, the up! and the Mii respectively, these little motors have been affectionately christened “the triplets” by many in the motoring fraternity.

T he international launch of the Skoda Citigo took place in Lisbon this month, and the Gazette was lucky enough to be invited along.

I have to be honest, I am not a petrol-headed, rev-counting purist type of motoring correspondent. There’s no doubt I like a little fire in a car’s belly, but it is the practi-

T

SPECS: SKODA CITIGO (75bhp) Top speed: 171 kph 0 – 100km/hr: 13.2 sec Economy: 4.7 l/100km CO2 emissions: 108g/km Road Tax Band: A (€160) Entry Price: €10,000 est

cal nature of most motors that sticks with me, long after the novelty of a finely tuned sports coupe has worn off.

It’s for this reason that car launches make me nervous.

These events always seem to involve twisty, narrow, mountainous roadways, in countries that are not exactly renowned for their mannerly drivers.

And so it came to

pass, that the launch of the Skoda Citigo, a car that is aimed directly at urban and suburban drivers, involved the type of driving I like to avoid through a narrow, bendy, mountainous route, that eventually brought my driving companion and I to a very picturesque coastal area close to Lisbon, much to our relief.

The danger here was that my first experience in the Citigo was going to be a nervous one and leave me with a bad impression.

Thankfully, this was not to be.

For starters, this small car has more interior room than you would ever expect, certainly more than enough for two substantial men to

travel side-by-side in the front seats more than comfortably.

Next is the finish. The tactile points of this car feel very solid, almost as though they have have been swiped from their saloon stablemates.

Nothing gives you the impression that you are in a small car where economy was the driving force behind the design.

Enthusiasm And, speaking of design, the overall look and available options in the Citigo scream fun and enthusiasm.

My particular favourite was a glossy, white finish with black racing stripes down the middle, finished off with black alloys – a very tasty look

indeed.

In practical terms, the five-door option makes all the sense in the world, it’s a €500 option, but makes the car far more usable without sacrificing any of its visual appeal.

The drive itself was another surprise.

Admittedly, carrying three adults, you need to get the revs up a bit more than usual to get it going up near-vertical mountainous roads, but the point is that this car does get going.

Keeping in mind that it has a modest one-litre engine producing 60 or 75bhp, depending what model you go for, it moves surprisingly well.

There was certainly no problem keeping up on the motorways, and

it was as nimble as anything as we took a few wrong turns navigating the small, cobbled city streets around Lisbon.

It’s refreshing to see car manufacturers putting such serious thought and consideration into their entry-level models.

From the incredibly attractive fuel economy and running costs, to the interior finish and design, cars of this size really are competing for our attention.

Skoda’s fan base in Ireland is certainly increasing, and it will no doubt find the VW Up! very tough competition, but the Citigo put a smile on my face, and having to pick between these two would certainly have me scratching my head.

AMONG the many new cars debuting at the Geneva Motor Show last week, was the new MercedesBenz A-Class.

The German marquee believes that the new model boasts the kind of appeal that will bring them into a new, more youthful market segment when it arrives here next year.

The taller, more upright, design of the present model has been replaced by a lower-slung body that sits 18cm closer to the ground.

Built on the B-Class platform, the new A-Class will come in a range of petrol and turbo-diesel engines, and the one likely to grab the limelight in Ireland is a 1.8-litre diesel, seen as the greenest of them all with CO2 emissions of just 99g/km.

All engines offer an idle-stop system as standard and can be mated to a six-speed manual, or sevenspeed dual-clutch automatic, transmission.

One feature certain to appeal is a facility that allows what might be termed “the i-class generation”, to connect up and use the full functionality of their iPhone Siri voiceactivated units or play their iPad music and apps through the car’s infotainment system.

Electronic elements extend to safety with a collision warning system and adaptive brake assist amongst its standard features.

The new MercedesBenz A-Class

22 GAZETTE 15 March 2012

GazetteTTRAVEL Fast Travel

Croatia’s many charms to woo you this Easter IF YOU are thinking of taking a trip this Easter, Croatia could be just the place, with its glistening coastline and a preserved, historic beauty.

Concorde Travel has just launched new special offers to Croatia during the Easter holiday period, with many offers to suit all budgets.

For example, departing on April 1, spend seven nights at the three-star Antuninska Apartments in Dubrovnik Old Town, on a self-catering basis, from €549pp.

Alternatively, depart on April 6 and stay at the two-starplus Hotel Adriatic in Dubrovnik, on a B&B basis, from €530pp; the four-star Grand Park & Villas Hotel in Dubrovnik, on a B&B basis, from €610pp or the beautiful fivestar Rixos Libertas Hotel in Dubrovnik, on a B&B basis, from €800pp.

To book your Croatia break, or for further information, see www.concordetravel.ie or phone 01 775 9300.

Whether taking a trip to luxurious Druids Glen Resort (main), or making Mumm the word for champagne in the Westin (above), spoil your mum this Mother’s Day

Make the most of a special day for mum IF YOU have found yourself caught short for a special Mother’s Day gift this year, there’s always the option to whisk her away for a break – without the kids.

To give you a little inspiration, and to keep you out of the dog-house this weekend, here is a selection of destinations around the country that would be perfect for a break for mum this March 18 ...

The five-star g Hotel, Galway The five-star g Hotel, Galway is offering the perfect indulgence for you and your mum to relax and reconnect.

Discover ESPA at the g’s Pamper Perfection for Two experience and combine your spa experience with luxurious overnight accommodation and full

Irish breakfast.

Your spa journey will start in ESPA at the g’s glorious thermal suite, offering a range of heat and cooling experiences which cleanse the body and soothe aching muscles.

Enjoy a 55-minute spa treatment, selecting from an ESPA-intensive facial, full body massage or body wrap, and experience rituals that will take your mind to a calmer place and nurture your body.

Conclude your spa journey in the rooftop relaxation area overlooking the zen garden with a handmade chocolate and a refreshing smoothie.

It costs from €155 per person sharing, bookable from Sunday to Thursday.

For further details, see www.theghotel.ie or call 091 865 200

Druids Glen Resort, County Wicklow The Mother’s Day package includes gorgeous five-star overnight accommodation in the resort that is nestled between the Irish Sea and Wicklow mountains.

During the day, enjoy a blissful facial in the resort’s popular spa, where you will also receive a special Payot spa gift.

Later on, you can toast your girlie evening with a glass of Prosecco, before a delicious dinner in the Druids Brasserie.

Then, retire for the night and watch a “movie for mum” together in the comfort of your cosy room.

Waking up to a satisfying full Irish breakfast, your mum will feel well and truly spoiled.

The Druids Glen

Mother’s Day package is available Mother’s Day weekend from €170 per person, subject to availability. For further information, call 01 287 0848, or see www.druidsglenresort.com.

The Westin Hotel, Dublin This Mother’s Day, show your mum just how much you love her and appreciate all that she does by marking the date with a special Mumm Champagne Afternoon Tea at the luxurious Atrium Lounge in The Westin Dublin hotel.

The Atrium Lounge is offering a special treat for mums on Mother’s Day. Take time out to catch up together with an afternoon tea, including home-made scones with jam and clotted cream, and a selection of pastries

and other sweet treats, and receive a complimentary glass of chilled Mumm champagne for mum – all for just €24.

For further information and bookings, contact The Atrium Lounge directly on 01 645 1324 and quote “Special Mother’s Day package”.

The Imperial Hotel, Cork Enjoying some self indulgence is a luxury most busy mums rarely get the chance to experience.

Rectify that this Mother’s Day by treating her to an extra-special Indulge Me spa package at the blissful Escape Salon and Spa in the Imperial Hotel, Cork city.

The sensuous package does exactly what it says on the tin and includes an Aveda comforting tea on

arrival, time in the Vitality Suite’s hydrotherapy pool, Brine Grotto and Aroma Grotto, a pure focus facial tailored to suit her skin type, an anti-ageing eye treatment, nurturing hand and arm massage, and soothing scalp massage As an extra-special gift, your mum will also receive an Aveda gift of two travel-sized products so that she can feel fabulous wherever she is.

The Indulge Me spa package costs €149, and you can indulge her even further by turning her visit into an overnight stay with room rates in the charming, four-star city centre hotel from just €89, so she can also pay Patrick Street a visit and shop until she drops.

For further information, see www.flynnho tels.com or call 021 427 4040.

15 March 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 23

Edited by Mimi Murray

FastTravel

Head East or West for some terrific holidays LOOKING for something a little different to the usual sun, sea and sand? Joe Walsh Tours specialist tours are designed to cater for clients who want something unique that they will remember for a lifetime, such as to Taiwan and South Korea.

Spend 15 unforgettable days travelling through areas such as Taipei, Sun Moon Lake, Taichung, Seoul, Daegu, Gyeongju and Busan, visiting such sights as the Paoan Temple, the Shilin Night Market, Taroko National Park, and The

Tunnel of the Nine Turns, all located in Taiwan.

In South Korea, you will visit several memorable sights, including Chogyesa Temple, Cheomseongdae Observatory, Beomosa Temple and Yongdusan Park.

Price includes return flights from Dublin with China Airlines, 14 nights’ B&B, accommodation, 12 evening meals, eight lunches, a luxury airconditioned coach for the duration of the tour, the services of Joe Walsh Tours’ local guides for the duration of the tour, entrances as stated on

the itinerary and an internal flight from Hualien to Taipei.

Depart on July 16 and spend seven nights in Taiwan and seven nights in South Korea, at a cost of €2,929 per person, excluding tax of €295pp.

Alternatively, head Stateside in September to join an American Civil War Battlefield programme.

Highlights include the Capitol Building, Ford’s Theatre, the Lincoln, Jefferson, Vietnam and WWII memorials, US Nav y Museum, New Market Battlefield and

Cruise control to France with Irish Ferries

For those looking for a break from the norm, why not take in the modern sights of Taipei (main), or the Antietam National Battlefield in America (inset)?

Museum, National US Museum Corps Museum, and Antietam National Battlefield, to name just a few.

The price includes direct return flights from Dublin to Washington, 10 nights’ hotel accommodation on a B&B basis in the Hotel Monaco, Alexandria and the Best

Western Historic, Frederick, one welcome dinner, a luxury air-conditioned coach throughout the duration of the trip, entry fees to all historic sites and museums as per itinerary, and the assistance of Captain Donal Buckley, on behalf of Joe Walsh Tours.

This package costs

€1,749pp, plus tax of €265pp.

Tours are subject to minimum of 20 passengers to operate for the Taiwan and South Korea tour, and 40 passengers to operate for the USA tour.

For further information on these tours, or to book, see www.joewalshtours. ie or call 01 241 0800.

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TAKING a trip to France by boat need not be a dull experience, thanks to Irish Ferries.

The Oscar Wilde offers a wide range of onboard facilities, including three restaurants, two lounge bars, two cinemas, mall-style shopping, a cafe, gaming area, hair and beauty salon, Wi-Fi internet access, and much more, operating between Rosslare to Cherbourg and Roscoff.

For further information and reservations, see www. irishferries.com, or call 0818 300 400.

24 SWORDS GAZETTE 15 March 2012

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT

GoingOUT THE PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 Showstopper!

THEY’RE making it up as they go along! Luckily, that’s entirely the point, as Showstopper! The Improvised Musical sees an entirely new musical created from scractch in every performance, with the audience helping to create a show on the spot with their suggestions and direction, leading to a unique show to remember. This award-winning production, which has played sell-out shows in London’s West End, is set to delight and entertain at The Pavilion on St Patrick’s Day, at 8pm, with tickets costing €18/16.

MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 Jack Wise Magic & Comedy

MEANWHILE, also being held on St Patrick’s Day, famillies looking for fun in Dundrum will find plenty at the Jack Wise Magic & Comedy show, presented as part of the Paddy Laughs Festival. As the title suggests, Jack will blend magic and laughter to great effect, in a show described as David Blaine mixed with Tommy Cooper, creating great tricks and lots of fun for all the family in the Irish magician’s memorable festival show. Catch the magical performance, at 3pm, with tickets priced at €8/€5.

CIVIC THEATRE 01 885 2622 Carthaginans

CONTINUING with The Civic Theatre’s run of strong, memorable drama, Frank McGuinness’ striking play, Carthaginans, runs until St Patrick’s Day, March 17.

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 nightly at 8pm, with tickets costing €20/16.

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 Coolmine Goes to the Movies

DRAIOCHT is getting ready for the upcoming Coolmine Goes to the Movies show, which is set to feature a wonderful night’s entertainment, influenced by all manner of movie magic. The accomplished Coolmine players will take the audience through a delightful tour of Hollywood hits, with everything from Disney to Bond to much, much more to savour in their presentation. Coolmine Goes to the Movies – and so will you – on Friday, March 30 and Saturday, March 31 at 8pm, with tickets priced €16/€14.

With two giant, multi-limbed, bloodthirsty and blind white apes charging in on him, John Carter (Taylor Kitsch) should make like a banana, and split – however, it’s all just one more dramatic event for the Earthman to get through on his bizarre adventures on Mars

Monkeying around This popcorn sci-fi epic feels like too many films you’ve already seen, with nice design but overly familiar setting I KATE CROWLEY

WHILE the entire world and his wife waits for Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter to chop and stake its way to our screens – I know, I know, I was born to review something so gloriously titled – there’s an awful lot of underwhelming films to get through first, which even an undead-slaying, stovepipe-hat wearing president couldn’t make any better. (Sorry, Abe.) Speaking of underwhelming, here’s John Carter! He’s a bit of a Tarzan character, one might say, seen as something of a wild character amongst the locals – appropriately enough, as he’s a much-lesser-known work by Tarzan’s creator, Edgar Rice Burroughs.

Through some not particularly well-executed scene setting, it’s not long before we’re in the late 1800s or so, saddled up with Civil War veteran

FILM OF THE WEEK: John Carter ## (12A) 130 mins Director: Andrew Stanton Starring: Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins, Willem Dafoe, Mark Strong, Bryan Cranston, lots and lots of CG sights

OUR VERDICT: THERE’S too much here that you’ve already seen in a variety of other films. Deadwood, Gladiator, Avatar, Dune – take your pick, and you’ll see all these, and more, in this mash-up of movies. It’s not truly terrible, and would while away a couple of hours ... just don’t expect anything particularly special, or even memorable, and it could be just the ticket for a while...

Carter (Kitsch), who, it turns out, isn’t quite the grizzled, unfeeling and authority-hating maverick that he appears to be.

Anyway, after some slightly dull scene-setting (oh, if only he’d rucked up in Deadwood), it’s not long before Carter finds himself accidentally transported to another planet – as you do – and discovers that it – Mars – is full of life. (I guess good ol’ Edgar didn’t sit too near the front during his 19th-century schoolin’.)

Carter’s just a puny earthling – a grizzled, unfeeling and authority-

hating maverick at odds with the towering, multiarmed locals, who may all appear to be bloodthirsty savages at first sight, but, in fact, have a complex society that a puny but plucky Earthling could help sort out and ...

Hmmm. This doesn’t feel a million miles away from a certain other sci-fi film from a few years ago, but let’s jump back the 36 million or so miles to Mars to continue.

Blessed with superior strength and abilities, due to the planet’s different gravity, it’s not long before Carter’s leppin’ about the

place, helping the locals with their somewhat pressing issue of civil war.

Oh, and their imminent destruction by a superior race. Who will then tackle primitive Earth.

You may think that all of this would be a lot for a grizzled maverick-soldierturned-gold-prospectorturned-intergalactic-leader to sort out, but Carter’s a have-a-go kind of guy, and isn’t about to let mistrustful aliens, bloodthirsty politicians, dragonflyish warships and bloody big beasties get in his way of saving the day, the girl, the planet, our planet, and everything – and then go back to a mundane life on Earth – oh no!

And that’s yer lot.

Of course, there’s a wee bit more to it than just that, with lots and lots of CG-enhanced scenes and characters.

Unfortunately, it’s hard to say that there’s anything new in this film, over which the ghost of Avatar hovers. Oh, and the ghost of Star Wars. And Dune.

And several other films.

Kitsch (left) does his best, but the role doesn’t exactly demand much, bar standing around looking buff, angry, alarmed, or – nope, that’s pretty much it, and the other humans don’t exactly have a lot to work with, either.

To b e f a i r, they’re working with material that’s already weak – there’s a reason why so much Tarzan exists, but Carter’s a virtual unknown, making this a poor, Kitsch film.

15 March 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 25

GazetteGAMING GAMING Bytesandpieces Scaling creative download heights

In Mass Effect 3, Shepard must lead his team to fight back against the Reaper menace to the Galaxy – but Earth comes under attack ...

Making a stand against the Reapers’ menace SHANE DILLON

THE wait is over – the Reapers have finally arrived at Earth, where it seems that it’s very much a case of Game Over for our species.

Or, rather, game on, as Mass Effect 3’s longawaited arrival has been keenly met by gamers, keen to continue the notable franchise with the

final part in the trilogy.

I reported last week on the title’s problems with being stocked at Game, but, this week, we’ll leave any such negativity behind to focus on the game itself.

And what a game.

Although it’s (just about) accessible to complete newcomers to the series, this is a title that very much builds up on all of

the expansive back story already established in the prequels, as well as the established characters, to deliver a title that’s very much more of the same, but ramped up to a much higher standard, and, of course, with an explosive finale.

To recap, the Mass Effect series, and universe, follows humanity’s role in the future as its expansion

Anotherweebyte...

An extra effect from Kinect’s hardware XBOX 360 gamers can avail of their Kinect hardware to get an extra boost to their gameplay, in another sign of how determined Microsoft is to make the most of their hardware to enhance a number of key titles.

So, this means that Kinect users can make the most of a number of Kinect features – principally by making use of audio commands to manage their squad on a number of fronts as they battle the Reapers and their minions.

Seeing as squads play a significant

role in a number of titles, and given the natural immersion that such a feature could add to a game, it seems like a natural addition to the title – one that may not be for every gamer (given the paper-thin walls in my new-build apartment, my flatmate and neighbours would be unlikely to appreciate my intergalactic battling by blathering to myself), but one that will feel like a natural fit for many gamers, keen to get any help they can to help tackle the Reapers’ plans.

into the galaxy puts it in conflict with older, more established civilisations, none of whom are too impressed by our upstart race.

Luckily enough, some plucky humans are just what the galaxy needs, given that an ancient race of sentient machines have reawoken, and are hell-bent on eliminating – or reaping – all sentient life across the galaxy, whose lifeforms would do very nicely to power their alarm clocks, showers and spaceships, thank you.

In Mass Effect 3, the game can either start with a new character, as defined by the player, or, by examining the gamer’s previous saves, can load up their character from the previous game and, based on their playing and choices so far, shape the story from that point on, creating what feels like a unique experience.

Here, the action continues with Shepard and

co trying to unite all the species for a desperate stand against the Reapers (Earth doesn’t fare too well, early on), with a pretty explosive mix of intense action, giving the gamers an awful lot of bang for their buck.

Again, there’ll be lots of player choice along the way, with actions and conversations taken along the journey determining how things play out – and who lives, and who dies.

Of course, there’s an awful lot more than this simple summary to the game – despite the streamlined experience, there’s substantial depth to the title – but, for those looking for an all-out action title, with quieter moments of debate and real choice to make, it’s hard not to be impressed by this stand-out title.

So, for a sweeping scifi opera, with some great action, Mass Effect 3 is a superb conclusion to a strong series.

CONTINUING the XBox 360’s coverage this week – and why not, given such strong content – another “House Party” downloadable title has popped into view, priced 1,200 Microsoft Points.

Running with what I’m terming the popular Apres-Armageddon genre (as seen in several instances, such as cinema’s The Road, television’s The Walking Dead, and any number of recent gaming titles, such as Enslaved), I Am Alive is a notably polished download-only title, featuring a desperate character’s attempts to survive in a post-apocalyptic urban setting.

Despite its lengthy-development period, which led many to doubt it would ever actually emerge from Development Hell, it’s finally been released, and has turned out to be a decent survival-horror title, where, perhaps a little controversially, the player is battling fellow survivors’ lawlessness as much as the ruined city’s dangerous environment.

It’s a good way to round off the 360’s House Party season, which featured some great titles and, as another enjoyable downloadable title, I Am Alive shows that there’s certainly plenty of life in this interesting gaming avenue for the 360.

GAZETTE

26 SWORDS GAZETTE 15 March 2012

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GazetteSPORT

DRIVING HOME Touring car starAaron Smith on coming back to Ireland: Page 29

ROWING: AMBITIOUS DRIVE FOR DUN LAOGHAIRE CLUB IN EPIC CELTIC CHALLENGE RACE

St Michael’s to row their boat all way to Wales sport@gazettegroup.com

Over the coming May bank holiday weekend, 12 men and women from St Michael’s Rowing Club in Dun Laoghaire will take part in a biennial rowing race across the Irish Sea known as the Celtic Challenge.

The race sets off from Arklow, Co Wicklow, with the finishing line in Aberystwyth, Wales.

At 150km, this relay race is billed as the long-

est rowing race in the world, and draws together 27 teams from Wales, Ireland and beyond.

The team is taking on this challenge to raise funds for a clubhouse in Dun Laoghaire, for the first time in the club’s 90 year history.

Not many races start and finish in different countries, a source of pride to the Welsh and Irish oarsmen and women involved. So, too, is the sport of coastal rowing

itself, which differs from the Olympic or Oxford v Cambridge code of rowing in a number of key ways. Seats are fixed, not sliding, and boats are of a more substantial construction to tackle the swell on open seas, which can reach several metres.

St Michael’s take things a step further by using quar ter-ton wooden clinker-built east coast skiffs rather than the modern fibreglass models, used by all other competi-

The east-coast skiff that St Michael’s will be piloting in the Celtic Challenge race in May

tors in 2010. Their solid wood oars are three times heavier than carbon fibre equivalents, requiring strength and a particular technique. In common with other clubs of Dublin and Wicklow, these boats originate from the Hobblers of old; crews of local men who would engage in unlicensed pilotage of

merchant shipping.

Each competing team in the Celtic Challenge consists of three rotating crews of four rowers and is accompanied by a support boat for navigation and for accommodating the resting crews.

Changeover strategy is down to each team, but most opt for a one-hour-

on, two-hours-off format.

Depending on weather conditions, the race may start in Arklow on the afternoon of the Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

Crews row through the night, arriving in Aberystwyth the following morning or afternoon.

The squad is actively seeking sponsorship for

the challenge, in a drive to raise funds for a new clubhouse in Dun Laoghaire Harbour. Currently, the club lacks space to store their three wooden boats, space for indoor training and changing facilities. It is hoped that the money raised can be put towards achieving this long-standing goal.

28 SWORDS GAZETTE 15 March 2012

GazetteSport Sport

St Finian’s Under-16 footballers

Brendan and Conor Lennon from the Under-14 team

Grace and Matthew Murray

Sam on Tour St Finian’s welcome Sam Maguire S

T FINIAN’S GAA Club in Rivervalley was delighted to welcome the arrival of the Sam Maguire trophy to the clubhouse last weekend.

Each team in the club took the opportunity to have a photo taken with the famous All-Ireland trophy.

The queue of members wanting an individual photo was seemingly never-ending during the four hours that Sam was in the clubhouse.

There were quite possibly more cameras in St Finians that afternoon than there was the previous weekend at The Oscars!

The club intends to use the team photographs to produce an official calendar for 2013.

Hopefully the lads on the Dublin teams can help make this an annual event!

St Finian’s Under-9 football and hurling teams

The Next Generation - St Finian’s nursery

St Finian’s Camogie nursery

15 March 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 29

in association with

Smith happy to be driving home

FastSport

Motor racing ace, Aaron Smith, is a rising star of the touring car scene, and is relishing the prospect Roche returns to help to of racing in the Bavaria City event this June RATHFARNHAM man, Aaron Smith, has come a long way since his days of karting when he was 14.

The driver was last year crowned Motorsport Ireland’s Young Racing Driver of the Year in 2011.

His journey to the upper eschelons of the sport have taken him to Britain and Italy to compete in drivers’ championships in those countries, to great success.

Last year, Aaron competed in the UK’s AirAsia Renault Clio Cup and he also made his debut in the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship, and, in 2012, Smith is all set to make his mark in the British Touring Car Championship with the Motorbase Performance team.

Aaron will join some of the biggest names in world motorsport at the Bavaria City Racing Dub-

lin when it arrives in the city centre in June this year, and he was looking forward to the experience when he spoke to GazetteSport last week.

“I don’t know the last

tigious and well-known tracks in Europe, and, when driving in the Italian Clio Cup, was able to drive on the hallowed concrete of Monza and Immola, where he regis-

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‘It’s nice to be able to come home and drive in front of an Irish crowd. I think it will open people’s eyes as to how motor sport is thought of here’

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time a touring car driver got the chance to drive in Ireland. I’ve always raced across the sea, and it’s really nice to be able to come home and drive in front of a home crowd.

The event will be a huge success, but I’m delighted more to be coming home to drive before Irish fans of the sport.”

Aaron has cut his teeth at some of the most pres-

tered a number of stage wins.

Returning to Britain for the Clio Cup, he spent 2011 racking up some impressive drives, leading to him claiming the Graduate Cup, for young drivers under the age of 25, and finishing second overall in the championship.

All of that success was part of the masterplan,

Aaron SMith is relishing prospect of returning to Ireland this summer

explained Smith.

“My aim from when I started driving was to take part in the British touring car championship. That was the pinnacle of motor sport to me in Europe. Coming back from Italy, I knew I would be able to do well in the Clio Cup, and I knew that would open the doors to the touring car teams. Everything has come together for this year.”

With his Motor Race Performance team behind him, Smith is looking to shape up for 2012 and the test of the touring cars.

“There are ten races, and it is one of the biggest championships in Europe. It’s really massive - there are about 12 million TV viewers across the continent.

“The MRP team just missed out on winning the overall championship last year, so they have great experience that I can draw on. As well as that, Matt Jackson is my teammate this year, and driving alongside him has been hugely instructional and informative for me. I’m learning so much watching him on the track, and it brings you on in leaps and bounds without realising it.

“It’s just the imparting of experience, really.

I’m on the way over to Britain, to Snetterton in Norfolk, to do some testing there with the team.

We will both be driving our cars, and overlaying the data [from Matt and Aaron’s cars] to see where we can both improve our driving.

“The back-up team is very important - driving is only 10% of the job, and the rest is down to the backroom team.”

The season begins on April 1 at Brand’s Hatch, and Smith is hoping to capitalise on all he has learned in the preceding years.

“It’s a big learning curve, and I’m hoping to hit the ground running, and maybe get a top ten finish this year. I never like setting goals, but I’d like to think I can get some good results.”

As much as he appreciated the challenge of touring cars, however, coming home is something that Smith is more than happy to do.

“I’ve never driven competitively in Ireland.

It’s a shame as I would love to race at home, but the opportunity has never arisen. It’s always been the only choice to fly away from home.

“I’d love to think the Bavaria event can open people’s eyes as to how motor sport is thought of in Ireland. I think you’ll see a massive increase in the number of people who will want to go to the driving school in Mondello after the day, and that is what the scene needs over here.”

launch Irish Cycling Show

DUNDRUM cycling legend, Stephen Roche, will return to his old racing grounds when he will be the guest of honour at the Irish Cycling Show at the RDS on May 19 and 20.

The legendary Dublin cyclist is celebrating the 25th anniversary of his extraordinary 1987 racing season when he won the Giro d’Italia, the Tour de France and the World Road Race Championships.

Roche will open the show on Saturday and will be in attendance during the weekend on the dedicated stand, which will feature various memorabilia from his fabled career.

Among the exhibits on the Stephen Roche stand will be the Battaglin bike with which he won the 1987 World Road Race championships in Villach, Austria, as well as various items of clothing and trophies from a career that spanned 13 years at the very top level of cycling.

Roche, whose 1987 “triple crown” of major wins places him in an exclusive company of two with Belgian Eddy Merckx, is looking forward to an opportunity to remember his famous year with fans in Ireland.

“I’m really excited to be appearing at the Irish Cycling Show,” says Roche, who now lives in Anitbes, France. “It’s high time there was an exhibition of this kind in Ireland and it’ll be great to be able to remember 1987 in the company of friends.”

Roche is still connected to the cycling world through Stephen Roche Cycling Holidays and Training Camps in Mallorca, his cycling vacations firm, which will be featured on his stand.

The Irish Cycling Show will feature exhibitors from every facet of cycling and related industry, including cycle retailers and distributors and there will also be emphasis on general feature attractions to entertain the whole family.

Plans in the pipeline include a test track around the venue, demonstrations, shows and seminars throughout the weekend. Further details on the show’s attractions will be announced in the coming weeks.

For more information, log on to www. irishcyclingshow.com

30 SWORDS GAZETTE 15 March 2012

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

Swords Celtic remain on track for success SWORDS Celtic enjoyed another weekend of successful results, with a few of their teams taking themselves into the next round of their quest for silverware.

The senior side had Danny Smith and Neale Fenn to thank for their goals that secured Celtic a place in the quarter-finals of the Polikoff Cup on Sunday, which will surely get their full attention with league games now finished.

Joe Murray and Joe Heller’s U-17s continued their unbeaten run as they proceeded to the next round of the Mary Fennell Cup via a walkover from Marino FC. Dave Haskins’ U-17s also claimed a close 3-2 win over Woodlawn.

A 5-1 win over Boyne Rovers put the U-13 b side back into league contention, while the 11D team handed Rush a 5-1 loss to put them third in the league.

SOCCER: LOCAL CLUBS GETTING INVOLVED IN FAI INTIATIVE

Giovanni Trapattoni and soccer sister participants Chloe and Honey Gannon at the launch of the FAI Aviva Soccer Sister Camps

Girls’ soccer camps go local I sport@gazettegroup.com

FINGAL County Council and the FAI have announced the return of the very successful AVIVA Soccer Sister Easter Camps.

Running throughout the Easter holidays from April 2, the camps cater for girls aged seven to 12 years who maybe new to soccer, or for those wishing to have fun and learn and improve their skills.

The aim of the Soccer Sister programme is to introduce girls to football in a fun, friendly and safe environment through struc-

tured coaching and fun games.

The girls will be introduced to basic movement and soccer skills.

They will learn the disciplines and fundamental rules of the game and will also be encouraged to forge new friendships and develop interpersonal skills.

As the camps are girls-only it will give the participants an opportunity to participate with their peers.

Each participant will receive a New Soccer Sister Kit and an excellent football experience.

In line with the cur-

Murray’s star rises: Fingallians’ athlete rewarded FINGALLIANS’ athlete Sarah Murray, recently received the Dublin award at the Tipperary Crystal Athletics Ireland Juvenile Star Awards in recognition of her achievements on the track over the course of the 2011 season.

She is seen here accepting the award from John McGrath, the juvenile chairman of Athletics Ireland and Aine Pobjoy, of Athletics Ireland, at the Sheraton Hotel, Athlone.

rent climate the camps have been reduced to a cost of €40 for four days of football.

The camps are set to place in the local area at the following venues: Malahide’s Gannon Park, the home of Malahide United FC; St Patrick’s, Diswelltown in Castleknock; in Swords, at St Finian’s Secondary School; in Skerries at the Skerries Community Centre, and at Gormanstown College, Balbriggan

Opportunities Speaking about the girls’ camps initiative, FCC/FAI development

officer, Paul Keogh, said: “T his year we have more venues and more opportunities for the girls. Soccer Sister camps are taking place throughout Fingal in Donabate, Skerries, Balbriggan, Swords, Malahide and Blanchardstown.

“The hope this year is that the girls who attend the camps enjoy the experience and wish to continue to play what is becoming more and more popular girls soccer.

“A club link pro gramme after the camps has been set up in each of the areas, along with

a number of fun girls festivals throughout the summer.

“A lot of clubs have been doing fantastic work in growing the girls game and more and more are embracing the chance to give girls equal opportunities to play”.

All bookings can be made online through w w w. f a i . i e / s o c c e rsisters or for more information contact your local Fingal County Council/FAI development officer.

If you require any additional information, email women@fai.ie or phone 01 8999559.

15 March 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 31

in association with

FOOTBALL: SWORDS SIDE TAKE BRAGGING RIGHTS

CLUB NOTICEBOARD FINGALLIANS OUR club will be taking part next Saturday in the Swords St Patrick’s Day

Check out all the club results from the weekend on our web page.

Parade. All club members are asked

“An G Te am” on Sunda y s aw

to meet at Colaiste Choilm, CBS school

Donabate through to the final, with

at the top of the town between 11.15

the help of many Fingallians’ mem-

and 11.30am. The parade will com-

bers (not least our own Fiachra

mence at noon and continue down

Hoey). They are within reach of win-

the main street to the club. Soup and

ning the competition where a town

sambos will be served, with music all

is turned into a Gaeltacht. There will

day after the parade. Further details

be a public vote so we are calling on

will follow during the week via, email,

everybody to text the number 53305.

Twitter and Facebook.

Domhnach Beathach Abu!

There are two weeks left for mem-

Well done to Sarah Murray and

bers to return their sold car draw

Sarah McCarthy who were award

tickets. An update will be available

winners at the Tipperary Crystal

during the week via email to all mem-

Juvenile Star Awards in Athlone

bers.

recently.

FINGAL RAVENS

St Finian’s were undeterred by their away trip to Broomfield and claimed the points in a close encounter

St Finian’s claim scalp of Sylvester’s AFL DIVISION 3 St Sylvester’s St Finian’s

0-11 2-7

I sport@gazettegroup.com

WITH both sides claiming a victory in their r e s p e c t i ve o p e n i n g encounters in the intermediate AFL 3 league, Sylvester’s and Finian’s were out to add to their winning streaks, where only two points in favour of the travelling St Finian’s were enough to pip St Sylvester’s to the post at Broomfield.

T he first half was played in lovely conditions on the Malahide side’s patch, and it seemed that Syl’s had left themselves in a good position for the second half, with the whistle for the break leaving them ahead at 0-6 to 0- 4, with a fisted point from Mark Finnerty and a 45

by Alan Foy giving the them the advantage.

Two top-class saves in the first half from Finian’s Stephen McNally

denied the Syl’s men the goals they sought, working hard to get the ball into the scoring positions, and, with that in mind, the Malahide team went at their opposition from the start of the second half, continuing on from the nip-and-tuck affair that was the first half.

The sides traded points throughout the early stages of the second half before the Syl’s men took two unanswered points, one of which was a great effort from Mannix Ryan, to put them four points ahead.

A golden opportunity again fell to the Malahide side, with the ball dropping to one of their men just in front of the Finian’s goal, but their failure to convert the chance for three points led to their downfall.

Finian’s attacked ferociously in the last ten minutes and after notching a first goal from

Greig Donnelly, they were back up the pitch again and, after a wellworked passing movement, Darren Barry put a beautiful fisted effort behind the Syl’s ‘keeper.

Intermediate Sylvester’s manager Brendan Kearney caught up with GazetteSport to share his opinion on the game and Syl’s season so far.

“It’s very challenging playing first teams every week and, at the moment, that seems to be what we’re up against.

“We’re doing our best

at the moment to blend youth and experience.

Developing the younger lads to build a team is the main priority and we went out on Saturday with five minor players in the team, which I consider to be vital for growth.

“We missed out on the promotion play-off by one point last year, and the play-offs will always be out target. It’s early days and if we keep playing the way we have, I think we’re more than capable of getting there,” said Kearney.

THE Boxing DVD will be shown in Ket-

Well done to the Dublin football team

tles at 8pm next Sunday, March 18.

on a good win v Armagh last Sunday;

DVDs will be on sale on the night only

good solid performance from Darren

€20. Any that can’t make it can order

Daly in the backs.

a DVD from Declan on 086-8587231. We

We are holding a poker classic in

will also be announcing the winner of

Kettles on Thursday, April 26, at

the Best Entrance in the boxing next

8pm.

Sunday night.

Well done to the girls U-11, U-13 and U-15, who all recorded fantastic wins in the league at the weekend.

Well done to the Div 10 team on their win away to Man O War.

€50 per ticket, contact Desy 0879957427 or Declan 086-2673830.

Club membership for 2012 is now due. Please get your membership forms from any committee member or team mentor.

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 OUR intermediate footballers had

unbeaten in both football and hurling

another fine win at the weekend when

this season. Keep up the good work.

they beat St Sylvester’s in Malahide

The club has a float in the St Patrick’s

and now find themselves tied for the

Day parade in Swords this Saturday

lead in Division 3 at this early stage of

and St Finian himself will be taking

the season. Goals from Greig Donnelly

part. Please come out and support the

and Darren Barry, at key moments

club on their walk down Main Street.

in the second half, proved crucial in

Best of luck if you bought a ticket in

the two-point win. The video of both

our Fantasy Cheltenham competition

goals is available on our website in the

- don’t forget to get your entries in

YouTube Videos section.

before each day’s racing.

Our juvenile teams games returned

We must remind everyone that

wins for the U-14 footballers and

membership registration is due and

our U-10 hurlers. The U-10s remain

required as soon as possible.

ALL OF YOUR SWORDS SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31

SAM FOR SAINTS: St Finian’s host

Maguire trophy in celebration of GAA P28

MARCH 15, 2012

DRIVING FOR IRELAND: Touring Car star on his return to Dublin P29

Cantwell ready for England test

Irish ladies’ out-half eyes Triple Crown glory in London on the back of victory over Scots in 6 Nations swordssport@gazettegroup.com

SWORDS local and Irish Ladies’ out-half, Lynne Cantwell, believes Ireland have what it takes to bring home the Triple Crown next weekend when they play England in London on St Patrick’s Day. The comments came on the back of a solid performance from the Irish against Scotland in Ashbourne at the weekend, where the Girls in Green banked a 20-0 win.

This victory was the third the team have secured in four outings, but England should be stiff opposition, winning all of their opening four encounters, with the only scores coming against them being two penalties throughout the tournament.

The game against Scotland was one the Irish were expected to win, with the Scots failing to register any scores or points in their opening three games — a bad run of form that would continue in their loss to the Irish last Friday.

Despite the convincing win, the game was criticised for being a stop-start affair, but Cantwell remained optimistic, thinking of the positives with a view to their Triple Crown decider with England this weekend.

“A win is a win, we’re happy with that. A lot of the girls might be unhappy with the way we played, we could’ve been more clinical in front of the posts, but it was a big win for us and we really turned up in force today,” said Cantwell in an interview with Irish Rugby TV.

Aesthetics She dismissed the poor weather as far as it having any impact on the game, claiming the conditions were not blame for the aesthetics of the performance.

“I personally didn’t notice the rain while we were out there, so we can’t use that as an excuse. But the stop-start motion of the game definitely made it more difficult for us to get into our momentum.

GazetteSPORT

Lynne Cantwell is hoping for another impressive performance against England in their final 6 Nations clash this weekend

“We can take a lot of lessons from this and, hopefully, we can regroup before next week’s tie with England,” said the international outhalf.

Cantwell confirmed her confidence in the side’s ability and is looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead, despite the tournamnt-winning form that the English are currntly displaying.

“The game against England is a very exciting opportunity for the team, and I think we can definitely bring the Triple Crown home.

“I think we’re second in the table now, which could potentially be a first, so we’ve achieved a lot of firsts, and made a lot of history this year.

“We just need to keep on backing ourselves to make sure that we can pull it off,” said Cantwell.

To watch the crucial Triple Crown deciding battle, tune into Irish Rugby TV online where you can stream the events live.