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YOUR COMMUNITY • YOUR PAPER

INSIDE: Holy Family SNS takes pride in new jerseys P8-9

April 26, 2012

A PASSION PLAY: Sinking his

teeth into Stoker’s story See Page 6

Cheque it out: Workers’ boost for charity DEBRA Ireland were delighted to

Dublin Feile: St Margaret’s claim the Div 5 football title Page 31

Hockey: Fingal claim the intermediate Leinster crown Page 30

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ..................... 2 BUSINESS .................... 19 MOTORS ....................... 20 TRAVEL......................... 22 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26

visit MSD in Swords recently to collect a cheque for €7,689 following the participation of employees from Swords, Rathdrum, Human Health and SBS in the Wicklow Mountains Half Marathon and 10km trail, which took place in March. The event attracted over 400 participants and raised more than €40k. The funds raised will contribute to the cost of providing a nurse service to support parents of children with the distressing and painful genetic skin condition, Epidermolysis Bullosa.

Lissenhall named as possible site for NCH Council submits bid for National Children’s Hospital

I LAURA WEBB AND NATALIE BURKE

LISSENHALL in Swords has been identified as one of nine possible sites in the Fingal area suitable for the proposed National Children’s Hospital (NCH).

In a submission made to

the NCH, Fingal County Council identified the nine sites as having the potential to accommodate the muchneeded hospital. The council made the submission following An Bord Pleanala’s rejection of the Mater Hospital site to house the NCH because of over-development.

The proposal was welcomed

by Cllr Anthony Lavin, who said it would be “tremendous” to have the hospital in the Fingal area. “Not only would there be extra jobs created but it would be really convenient for the local community to bring their kids to the hospital.”

Full Story on Page 4

2 SWORDS GAZETTE 26 April 2012

RETAIL: PLANS TO OPEN AT PAVILIONS SHOPPING CENTRE IN SWORDS

EVENT Grow your food brand through Social Media

Peats reverses decision to close I NATALIE BURKE news@gazettegroup.com

IT is good news this week for Dublin Electrical retailer, Peats World of Electronics, who has reversed its decision to cease trading. They have already reopened one store and plans to reopen up to three others, including the store at the Pavilions Shopping Centre, Swords.

The company reopened its store in Rathmines earlier this week and plans to shortly reopen three others – the flagship Peats store on Dublin’s Parnell Street and its stores at the Pavilions shopping centre, Swords, and at St Stephen’s Green, re-employing at least 25 former staff.

The latest news was welcomed by An Cathaoirleach, Labour Councillor Gerry McGuire, who was not aware that there was a possibility of reopening the store. “There was a great store there for years and years and maybe technology caught up with them and bigger stores were undercutting them, but it would be fantastic to see it come back to the Pavilions Shopping Centre.”

The move came after the company secured

High Court protection on Tuesday after presenting a petition seeking appointment of an examiner. It had been previously announced on April 2 that it intended to appoint a liquidator and proceeded to close its 11 stores with the loss of 78 jobs on the day.

In a statement released

by Peats this week, chairman Ben Peat said: “Earlier this month, I believed that Peats had reached the end of the road as the changing marketplace and higher rents put unsustainable pressure on our business.”

He said reaction to the original decision to close the business was ‘phenomenal’.

“With an ongoing family involvement and some fresh investment, I intend to drive the business forward while retaining the ethos and character of the business that made it a household name in Dublin,” he continued.

With the Rathmines store now open, and the Parnell Street store opening this Saturday, April 28, a spokesperson for the electronic retailer said that: “If all goes well, it is hoped that Peats will reopen more stores, including the Pavilions Shopping Centre.”

Conor Hyde, Bullseye Marketing; Oisin Geoghegan, Fingal County Enterprise Board and Noel Davidson, ND IT Media Training Consultancy

An evening to boost business HE Dublin Food Chain marketing event, which was held in the Carnegie Court Hotel recently, gave food suppliers and businesses a lesson in digitial media and social networking.

This was an ideal event for anyone looking to grow their food brand on a tight budget in 2012. Partici-

T

pation was essential for anyone hoping to increase awareness of a new or established range of food products.

Dublin Food Chain is a collaborative initiative of the Irish Exporters’ Association and the Dublinbased Enterprise Boards.

Ronan Gillespie, Next Step

Matt and Suzanne Davis, Redtec

International and Conor Hyde, Jenny Doyle and James McDonnell

Bullseye Marketing

Oisin Geoghegan, Fingal

Conor Hyde, Bullseye

Ciaran Cuddy and Gillian Bell, Ciarans

Kieran O’Connor, Bullseye

County Enterprise Board

Marketing

Food, Donabate

Marketing

26 April 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 3

TOURISM Over half of Fingal projects miss out

Heritage chief ‘disappointed’ in Fingal funds I NATALIE BURKE

THE Heathland Management on Howth Head, the eradication of Giant Hogweed in the Sluice River and Marsh, and local guided nature walks in Fingal, are just some of the local projects set to receive support under the Heritage Council Grant Scheme for 2012.

The Heritage Council received a total of 775 grant applications for 2012, however, due to budgetary constrains, only 372 projects will receive funding under the Scheme this year.

As a result, 403 projects – the majority

of which are communitybased – will not receive any funding this year and now face a very uncertain future.

The chief executive of the Heritage Council, Michael Starrett, has admitted he is “very disappointed” that the Heritage Council will only be able to provide funding to less than half of the projects applied for, which was originally open to projects run by community groups, nongovernmental organisations and local authorities among others.

“While we are delighted to support heritage projects in Fingal this year, we are very disap-

pointed that in total, we are only able to provide funding to less than half of the projects which applied for support under the 2012 Grants Scheme.

“In addition, many of the projects are only receiving a small portion of the funds requested.

These projects offer real and significant sustainable economic benefits to the Irish economy through job creation and promotion of local tourism. The heritage sector has been decimated through budget cuts in recent years and the reduction in the number of grants we are able to support this year is a worrying trend.”

Research of the grants

Malahide Estuary will be among the Fingal projects to receive funding

scheme for 2010 and 2011 found that every €1m spent on grants by the Heritage Council supported 70 jobs directly and 300 jobs across a range of related sectors.

Research also shows that in 2010, Heritage Council-funded projects attracted approximately 18,700 tourists, while every €1 spent by the

Heritage Council generated €4.40 for the Irish tourism industry.

“We believe that the projects supported through our Grants Scheme have a key role to play in developing the value of the heritage sector to employment, education and the quality of heritage tourism,” Starrett said.

Other projects set to receive funding as part of the scheme includes the re-thatching of two adjoining cottages on the inner estuar y of Malahide, developing the Fingal Oral History Collection, Heathland Management on Howth Head and implementing the Balbriggan Public Realm Plan.

EXPANSION

New look for local eatery THE popular Swordsand Malahide-based Gourmet Food Parlourhas opened a bigger and more spacious cafe on North Street, Swords, adding a new vitality to the local restaurant scene.

Doubling in size, the Food Parlour has a “new look” with seating for 72 customers, creating a much more spacious and relaxing venue to enjoy the vast range of food and wine menus.

According to the proprietor, Lorraine Heskin, the team is excited to be finally able to expand the business.

Over the past six years, the Food Parlour has grown and flourished throughout Dublin with locations in Malahide, Swords, Dun Laoghaire and Ballyboughal and the newest venture in Swords is set to open as a Tapas Bar at weekends.

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4 SWORDS GAZETTE 26 April 2012

COUNCIL Council’s submission for new hospital location

Nine Fingal sites indentified for children’s hospital I LAURA WEBB AND NATALIE BURKE

FINGAL County Council has made a submission to the National Children’s Hospital review group outlining nine sites in the area suitable for the proposed hospital.

In its submission, FCC identified the nine sites that have the potential to accommodate the much-needed

hospital. The council made the submission following An Bord Pleanala’s rejection of the Mater Hospital site to house the national children’s hospital because of overdevelopment.

The sites noted as suitable in size and scale for the NCH are: Connolly Hospital (regional) at Blanchardstown/Abbotstown; Former Phoenix Park Racecourse on Navan Road; Cappagh Ortho-

paedic Hospital and lands at Dunsink; BRL lands Ballymun; Connon’s lands Merryfalls/Sillogue; MetroPark Dardistown; Clonshaugh/ Belcamp; Belcamp and Lissenhall in Swords.

According to the council, the sites “meet the original criteria as outlined in the McKinsey Report, Children’s Health First”.

Local Fine Gael councillor Anthony Lavin welcomed the

submission and was particularly happy with the possible location for the NCH being in the Swords or Malahide area, saying it would be “very welcoming to have the National Children’s Hospital coming into the Swords/Malahide ward as there are a couple of potential sites in that area”.

“It would be tremendous to have it in Fingal as, not only would there be extra jobs created, but it would be really

convenient for the local community to bring their kids to hospitals and the ease in which they can do it.”

According to Cllr. Lavin, the move of the NCH to a location along the M50 motorway would mean easier access for the large number of children accessing the hospital.

“To me it makes much more sense for it to be on the M50 rather than in the city

Swords pitch is just good cricket A BRAND new pitch is set to be unveiled at Swords Cricket Club at an inaugural tournament due to take place later this month.

Deputy Mayor of Fingal, Councillor Ken Farrell, will officially open the new Swords Cricket Club Pitch on Saturday, April 28, which will then be followed by the first Annual Fingal Cricket Cup, a one day six-a-side cricket tournament involving 12 teams.

Swords Cricket Club is one the newest clubs in Fingal, having been formed in 2010 by a group of cricket-lovers who were keen to bring their favourite sport to the area. As there is no established cricket club in the Swords locality, they founded a new club, which has now formally entered into this year’s Leinster Leagues.

The club’s first official match will be held on Saturday, May 12, against Pembroke Cricket Club in Sandymount, with the first ever home game being played the following weekend on Sunday, May 20, at their new allweather pitch at Newbridge Demesne.

The club has worked very closely with Leinster Cricket, Fingal County Council’s Sports Office and Operations Department over the last couple of years.

The new artificial pitch is a massive development for the club and will help in their long-term future and growth.

centre in clouds of traffic so any of the proposed locations, whether it is Ballymun or Belcamp or wherever it may be, would be preferable.

“If one of the other locations proposed by Fingal County Council works better, so be it, but I’d definitely have to welcome it in the Swords or Malahide area, whether it’s from a jobs point of view or for the whole community in Fingal.”

Pin-ups: McCabes’ stores to help CFAI MCCABES’ Pharmacy has teamed up with The Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland (CFAI).

Customers can purchase pins or trolley coins at all McCabes’ Pharmacy stores with all proceeds going directly to CFAI. Pictured here are Rose of Tralee, Tara Talbot and Marie Duffy and her baby, Grace.

TRANSPORT: IMPROVING ROAD, BUS, CYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN INFRASTRUCTURE

NRA has allocated over ¤1m to council for 12 projects I LAURA WEBB

THE National Roads Authority (NRA) has allocated over a million euro to Fingal County Council for 12 projects in the area, under the Sustainable Transport Measures Programme 2012.

The allocation is part of a €12 million funding for more than a hundred projects to improve road, bus, cycle and pedestrian infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area.

Fingal County Council was allocated €1,395,000 under the scheme. The largest allocation of funding is for the N3 Mulhuddart Interchange Upgrade, with €1 million

being approved for the project.

Projects in the Dublin North include: €35,000 for a new signalised crossing at Applewood Drive in Swords; €50,000 has been allocated for new signalised crossing at Dublin Street/Old Market Green, Balbriggan for mobility impaired/ disabled users and pedestrians, while €75,000 has been allocated for the same signalised crossing at Jamestown Road/St Margaret’s Road in Finglas.

Allocations have also been given to the council to complete missing parts of footpaths, with €40,000 for Rathmore Road in Lusk, €40,000

for Hayes Road in Rush and €25,000 for footpath completion at Kinsealy Church in Malahide. A further €30,000 will go to the design and construction of footpath upgrade to improve access to Church Road – Burrow Road School in Sutton and €15,000 to carry out road-user audit, focusing on walking and cycling, and role of HGV’s at Kilshane Road (Cappagh Road to North Road).

M e a nw h i l e , o t h e r areas in Fingal receiving a portion of the 2012 allocation are: €35,000 for Toucan Crossing at Castlecurragh for planning, design and construction of signalised

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‘The largest allocation of funding is for the N3 Mulhuddart Interchange Upgrade, with €1million being approved for the project’

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crossing for pedestrians and cyclists; €40,000 for planning, design and construction of new unsignalised crossing and missing part of footpath network at Luttrellstown Road/Somerton Lane in Castleknock and an allocation of €10,000 for a new footpath to improve access to a bus stop on Ladyswell Road in Mulhuddart.

Speaking of the alloca-

tion, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar TD said: “This Government is committed to investing in public transport and encouraging more sustainable ways of travelling. The projects range in size from large-scale junction changes to small-scale pedestrian crossings, but each will make a real difference in the community.”

“This investment shows that real progress can be made, even in difficult times. It’s important that the Government does what it can to encourage more people to take the bus, train, Luas or bike to work, school or college and to make walking more attractive for short journeys. That’s what this investment is all about,” he said.

Dublin West TD and Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton said: “As a keen walker myself, I welcome this investment in walking and cycling, which will improve the quality of life for people in the area.”

26 April 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 5

AWARDS Hotels win accessible holiday accolade

Alan is out, but on a high

Fingal hotels ABLE Tourism prize winners I LAURA WEBB

FINGAL hotels have been recognised for leading the way for accessibility after winning the first ABLE Tourism Award in Ireland.

The Crowne Plaza Hotels in Blanchardstown and Swords recently received the ABLE award, which is the Q mark for Accessibility.

The Fingal based hotels are leading the way to ensure Ireland becomes a more accessible holiday destination.

General manager of Crowne Plaza Hotel in Blanchardstown, Garret

O’Neil, welcomed Fingal County Manager, David O’Connor and Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan, to the launch of the ABLE Tourism award at the hotel in Blanchardstown.

He said: “We are absolutely delighted to be awarded The Q Mark for Accessibility. We have striven in our efforts to ensure total inclusion for all of our guests regardless of their mobility and are, therefore, very proud to be awarded ABLE.” T he Fingal Count y M a n a g e r, D av i d O’Connor said: “It is a

great honour to have two Crowne Plaza Hotels in our community amongst the first recipients in Ireland to receive this award.

ABLE Tourism is a very forward-thinking business initiative that ensures inclusion for everybody in our community.”

ABLE Tourism is the new Q Mark for accessibility created by Excellence Ireland Quality Association, the guardians of The Q Mark. Their aim is to become global trendsetters by turning Ireland into the first ABLE destination in the world.

Speaking at the launch of ABLE Tourism, Irene

THE VOICE

Phil Hogan, with David Mitchie,Chris Sandford and John O’Neill

Collins, managing director of EIQA (Excellence Ireland Quality Association) said, “We are delighted to bring ABLE Tourism to the market place. Our ultimate goal is to make Ireland the first ABLE destination in

the world, with accessible holiday accommodation that guarantees the highest standards of quality and excellence. We believe that this will bring an entirely new tourist market worth millions of euros, to our shores.”

Minister Hogan praised the ABLE Tourism initiative and congratulated both hotels on their achievement.

“Making Ireland more accessible to visitors is something to be very proud of,” he said.

FORMER OTT boy band member and Swords resident, Alan Fitzsimons, has left The Voice of Ireland on a high, after being voted out at the semi-final stage of the competition.

On Sunday night, Alan performed his version of Josh Groban’s, To Where You Are, and despite winning the majority of his mentor Brian Kennedy’s votes, the popular contestant lost out on his place in the final to his fellow contestant and pantomime king, Richie Hayes.

Despite having a number of knocks throughout the competition, The Story of Love singer gave his last performance everything, dedicated his song to his late father and went out with a bang.

We’re sure it won’t be the last time we hear from this talented Swords singer.

6 SWORDS GAZETTE 26 April 2012

FastNews

On the ball at a coaching course TEACHING the laws of cricket to parents and teachers in the north Fingal area, will greatly help the growth of the sport in the area, according to the senior sports development officer for Fingal County Council, Niall McGuirk.

Teachers and parents from North Fingal with little or no knowledge of the game of cricket, attended the special coaching course recently, at North County Cricket Club, Balbriggan.

Those attending learned a lot from the four-hour practical course, which explained and demonstrated the basic laws of cricket, how the game works and showed different small-sided games that can be played in the schoolyard.

The 19 teachers and parents in attendance, who represented 13 different schools in the area, left understanding the game better and were looking forward to trying out the game with their own children and classes.

“The council is committed to developing sport in Fingal and cricket is a major part of that plan. This programme gives teachers the basic skills of the game and enables them to pass on what they have learned to their students through fun and active games,” said McGuirk.

The course was delivered by Reinhardt Strydom, the Fingal Cricket development officer, with the help of Kenny Carroll, South Dublin County Council development officer.

Student set for art exhibition THE Pavilions Shopping Centre is set to host an art exhibition by students from Fingal Community College, as part of a recent literacy drive.

To improve literacy levels at the school, a new library was opened in February and has had tremendous success

after just seven weeks with a total of 272 books already read by students.

The students have created artwork inspired by books they have read at the newly-opened library and the art will be exhibited at the Pavilions Shopping Centre, from Thursday, May 17 until Monday, May 21, with the winning piece being awarded a laptop donated

by Curry’s, at the Pavilions.

THEATRE Shedding some light on the author of Dracula

Swords resident, Tony Cash

Sinking his teeth into Stoker’s story I NATALIE BURKE

swords@gazettegroup.com

A PLAYWRIGHT from Swords is set to take a bite out of Irish theatre with the story of the author behind the world’s most famous vampire novel, Dracula.

Swords resident, Tony Cash, spent the last 12 months writing about one of his lifelong interests and has written a play about Bram Stoker, author and creator of Dracula, to coincide with the centenary celebrations of the famous writer’s death.

Unholy Trinity, is set in the Lyceum Theatre

in London where Stoker worked for Henry Irving, the most renowned actor of his age, and centres on the tempestuous relationship between Stoker, Irving and leading actress, Ellen Terry. The play focuses on the night when Stoker’s novel, Dracula, got its first public reading on the stage at the Lyceum Theatre.

“It deals with an aspect of Stoker that people don’t know that much about. It highlights what happened to Stoker on the night that his play received it’s first public reading and it explores the relationship between himself, Ellen

Terry and Henry Irving,” explains Tony.

“I went to see the old Hammer film when I was a kid and was really impressed. After that I was always interested in the whole story and did a lot of research over the years.”

The play is close to his heart, with Tony’s brother Alan playing the leading role as Bram Stoker and their sister, Susan Kehoe, directing the play.

Originally from Whitehall, Tony has been writing for over ten years, having written a drama based on an Irish circus family, which was performed at

Fossett’s Big Top Circus last year.

“I was always interested in writing, even from my schooldays, and I often wrote for my own entertainment.

“Currently I’m involved in writing a screenplay based on the 1798 rebellion and collaborating on a comedy, so there is quite a bit going on at the moment,” he said.

Unholy Trinity will be opening at the Viking Theatre, Clontarf, on Tuesday, May 1, and will run until Saturday, May 5.

Dublin City Libraries have also commissioned for the play to be

performed at a number of locations throughout Dublin later next month, beginning with performances at Ballyfermot and Ballymun Libraries.

“The play would be of a huge interest to anyone who would have an interest in Dracula and Bram Stoker and anyone who is interested in a piece of theatre. It is a one-act play and is just over an hour long. There’s a lot of historical fact in the background but it is a fictional version of what happened that night because no one really knows the true extent,” said Tony.

Sewerage scheme enters next phase I NATALIE BURKE

APPROVAL for the next phase of the Balbriggan/Skerries Sewerage Scheme has been given the go-ahead, according to Fine Gael TD for Dublin North, Deputy Alan Farrell, who describes the project as being a “vital piece of infrastructure” for the area.

The approval was given to Fingal County Council by Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan, to advance to the third phase of the Balbriggan/Skerries Sewer-

age Scheme, which includes the Dublin Road Pumping Station Contract and the preparation of the contract documents.

“The contract is being funded under his Department’s Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2013,” said Deputy Farrell, who said the news of the approval clears the way for the council to start preparing the necessary documents.

“Minister Hogan has identified this project as a major step forward in upgrading the existing network and improving water quality in the area. They

will relieve a bottleneck in the collecting system and will facilitate future development, which is currently restricted due to network capacity problems,” he said.

The first two phases of the scheme, which included the construction and extension of a new treatment works and three main pumping stations, have recently been completed, while Phase 3 will involve the upgrading and expansion of the sewer network.

The construction of the new pumping station is an Advance Contract of the scheme.

“The Minister has informed me that he will be pressing the council to progress this contract as soon as possible, and it is my intention to ensure that this project is delivered successfully as a vital piece of infrastructure for Dublin North,” said Deputy Farrell.

The estimated cost of the Dublin Road Pumping Station Contract is €3.8 million.

Some smaller works already carried out opportunistically with other development are also proposed for funding. The total all-in cost is just over €5 million.

26 April 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 7

EASTER MILLIONAIRE: MAN DISCOVERS HE WON €1M NINE DAYS AFTER RAFFLE

CHARITY Raising funds with a cycle for Haiti

Winner finally claims his prize I NATALIE BURKE

www.

AF TER more than a week of intrigue surrounding the Easter Millionaire Raffle Winner, one lucky Swords resident has finally stepped up to claim his prize.

The lucky Easter Millionaire Raffle winner, who wishes to keep his identity secret, picked up the top prize of €1,000,000 at the National Lottery offices last week, after he discovered he had the winning ticket in his possession, nine days after the raffle took place.

The lucky raffle ticket was number 128 235 and was purchased in Superquinn in the Pavilions Shopping Centre, Swords, on April 3, 2012.

The lucky man from Swords, lives close to the supermarket and only

discovered that his was the winning Millionaire Raffle ticket on Wednesday, April 18.

“I was in my local shop on Wednesday afternoon and decided to check my Millionaire Raffle ticket on the ticket checker m a c h i n e ,” s a i d t h e delighted winner.

“When I scanned it the machine told me to contact the National Lottery, I assumed I had won a couple of euros.

“When I got back to my car I decided to check the National Lottery’s website on my phone to find out exactly how much I had won. When I saw that the winning Millionaire Raffle ticket was number 128 235, I just couldn’t believe it. I had to ask my wife to double check the ticket for me as I thought I was seeing things.”

According to the

delighted couple, they have many plans for their new found fortune.

“We’ve always wanted to see more of the world so we will definitely be taking a few well-deserved holidays in the coming months and we also plan to buy a new house in the near future,” they said.

Popular broadcaster Marty Whelan hosted the Easter Millionaire Raffle draw, which took place in National Lottery offices on Easter Monday, April 9, 2012, and the draw was web-streamed live on the National Lottery’s website.

Since the National Lottery was launched, €4 billion has been raised for good causes. The good causes benefit from all draws with one third of all sales funding beneficiary projects around the country.

FINGAL Dublin Chamber is seeking help from the public in their move to raise money for Cycle4Haiti, through a number of events being held over coming weeks.

The Chamber is calling for cyclists to take part in a cycle to Galway on Saturday, May 5 and Sunday, May 6, as well as a Dublin Nite Rider event, a 20km ghost cycle around Dublin City on Saturday, May 26.

If the shoe fits! Clark’s Shoes awarded for efforts in recycling PAVILIONS SHOPPING CENTRE management have monitored their

recycling over the last few months and have rewarded Clark’s Shoes for their effort and commitment on recycling.

As part of their recycling, they supplied Team Hope Christmas shoe box appeal with empty shoe boxes for schools and clubs to fill with presents for children in Congo and other third-world countries. Susan Dawson (above) was presented €300 by Joe O’Donnell, centre management, on behalf of Clark’s staff that assisted in achieving this award for the manner in which they recycle their waste streams.

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Concert

A Choral Concer t called Ayiti Leve Kanpe (Haiti Get Back Up) is the last of the events being held, where three of Ireland’s finest choirs will host an evening with RTE’s Marty Whelan on Tuesday, April 24.

For more information, visit www.cycle4haiti. com/events.

8 SWORDS GAZETTE 26 April 2012

EVENT Generous local companies visit Holy Family SNS

Taking pride in the jersey NUMBER of generous local companies got to see first-hand where their money went this week, when they paid a visit to Holy Family SNS. The companies had all sponsored equipment for the schools’ teams and dropped by the school to see upclose how far their sponsorship had gone.

A number of the sports teams were decked out in their new gear with the sponsors names on them to meet each company who had donated the gear.

The children were only to happy to pose in their new gear and thanked their new sponsors for their generous contributions.

A

Third-class hurling team. Pictures: Una Williams

Olga Bennett and David O Keeffe

Grace Murry, Thomas Galvin and Calum Murray

Girls’ Senior football team

26 April 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 9

to see first-hand where their sponsorship went

Tony McKein, Naoise Sweeney, Sophie Sheridan and John Delvin

Junior Boys’ football team

Joey Boland, Joe Boland and Jack Malone

Jimmy McDonald and Olga Bennett with the Athletics team

The Senior Boys’ team

10 SWORDS GAZETTE 26 April 2012

EVENT

Bavaria City Racing App launch campaign

Sandra Dodd, Brian Kiely and Ciara Hennessy

Appy time at a launch UBLIN’S D2 nightclub was the venue for a very glamorous launch of the Bavaria City Racing App for the Bavaria City Racing event, which will be held in June.

The event will feature five hours of nonstop motorsport action for everyone to enjoy in the heart of Dublin city centre.

Caterham F1 Team will line up alongside an ever-growing list of international and domestic motorsport talent that includes the Vodafone McLaren F1 team, the Aprilia Superbike team, the Motorbase British Touring Car team and the GP2 Teams.

Rebecca Tyrrell, Niamh Kavanagh, Emma Stafford, Adzee Merai, Megan Buggy and Brian Kiely. Pictures: Ian Fleming

Stewart Connolly with Adzee Merai

D

Ciara McAlaree and Jayne Owens

Jack Tune, Ceoladh Pratt, Robert Rogers, Lisa Murphy and Daniel Lafferty

26 April 2012 GAZETTE 11

12 GAZETTE 26 April 2012

SNAPSHOT The stories of the day from around the capital

Getting into the spirit of things at a festival THE Spirit of Folk festival launched with a bang recently as festival goers, musicians and some famous faces flocked to Whelan’s of Camden Street, to celebrate the unique event.

TR AZ , Bunioscionn, T he Young Folk and The Hot Sprockets took to the stage with an attentive audience taking in the folky-inspired tunes ranging from traditional Irish to country rock.

Spirit of Folk, now in its second year, aims to create an event where lovers of folk, trad, bluegrass and country can come and revel in the best Ireland and Britain has to offer.

It doesn’t stop there, however, with living history, storytelling, archery, falconry, games, ancient druidic rituals, as well as a mind, body, soul area filling the grounds at Dunderry Park, County Meath, where it will be held from September 21 to 23.

As one punter put it: “If the quality of music tonight is anything to go by, the festival should be a stomper!”

Spirit of Folk early bird tickets are now on sale starting at just €65 for the weekend. See www.spiritoffok. com for more details.

A sweet move to raise funds A DUBLIN hairdresser is hoping to raise €10,000 for St Francis Hospice when it gives every penny made on May 13 to the charity.

Brown Sugar, on South William Street, in Dublin’s city centre, will open its doors on May

Kathryn Thomas, Emily Duffy and Natasha Duffy at the launch of the Spirit of Folk Festival held in Whelan’s on Wexford Street recently

13 to fundraise for the hospice in Blanchardstown and Raheny.

The salon offers make-up and brow treatments, as well as the usual hair styling and pampering.

From 12pm until 5.30pm every cent made on the day will go to the hospice. To book an appointment at Brown Sugar book, Tel: 01-616 9967 or see brownsugar.ie.

St Francis Hospice provides palliative care for patients suffering from cancer and motor neurone disease.

Bressie boost for very good cause WATCH out, Bressie’s about, and he is coming to Castleknock to help raise money for a very good cause.

This May 3, the singer/songwrit-

er and Voice of Ireland judge, aka Niall Breslin, will lend his celebrity status to charity.

He is set to host a charity lunch at Brasserie 15 in Castleknock with all proceeds going to cancer support centre - Lakelands Area Retreat and Cancer Centre (LARCC).

He will be joined with special guests to host the event, which is offering a three-course meal with wine, plus some great entertaining.

The charity lunch takes place on May 3 at 1pm. Tickets cost €65 and are available by calling Brasserie 15 on 01-828580.

The LARCC Centre, Mullingar, gives support and holistic help to people living with cancer, providing a supportive environment where patients and family members can participate in their courses, obtain information and experience complementary therapies.

26 April 2012 GAZETTE 13

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GazettePETS PETS

Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA

THE FACTS: IT DOESN’T TAKE MUCH AT ALL TO KEEP YOUR PET CAT KEEN

Keeping your cat smiling ELL, well, well, who’d have thought there were so many lovely cat people out there and I’m delighted you’re all regular readers of my column.

I’d like to start this week by thanking you for your phone calls regarding my FIV piece; I’m so glad it was of help to you.

With that in mind, and since cats appear to be so popular, I thought I’d dedicate this week’s column to cat toys and cat play with an aim to help you make your home a more stimulating environment for Miss Kitty.

First of all let me say that, when it comes to self amusement, cats are experts and it doesn’t take much to keep them keen.

For example, if you have a balled up piece of paper or a little rubber ball you can flick, well Miss Kitty will be in puurrfect heaven just chasing and swatting it.

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When it comes to self amusement, cats are experts

In fact, the clever cat may actually like to play “fetch”, by placing an object in your lap, expecting you to throw if for her.

And, yep, I know, pets’ toys can be expensive; I’ve got dogs who have managed to shred every single “guaranteed unbreakable”, toy I’ve purchased, but with a cat it’s different; you don’t need to raid the piggy bank to keep her happy. Below are a few of my very simple, but doable, hints for playthings for you to make Miss Kitty Claws.

• An empty cardboard box is a great way for cats to investigate and play hide and seek. Or make a cat apartment by attaching boxes together and cutting out doors and windows.

• Make it a family affair and set the kids a project by getting them to make felt mice stuffed with catnip.

• Used paper towel, or toilet roll, tubes are great for Kitty to unwind.

• Paper bags are fab but

make sure you remove the handles. Never, ever use plastic bags, they are a suffocation risk and sometimes cats can chew and choke on the plastic.

• Plastic golf balls… you know the ones hubby uses for practise. Steal one from his stash and place it in a dry bath tub and let Kitty play.

• Cats love anything that moves so why not get a tub of bubbles and blow them through the air and let Kitty catch and burst them.

• Turn off the lights, get the torch out and play shadows on the wall by dangling cat toys back and forth encouraging your cat to leap up at the wall trying to catch her prey.

Keep it safe Cat-proof your home and keep objects, such as pins, needles, plastic bags, chewable items, elastic bands, including hair bobbins, paper clips, staples, dental floss, etc., out of reach of your cat.

Keep it interesting Like all good relationships it’s good to keep your playmate happy so, if Kitty has a favourite toy, keep it handy but do rotate the others in order to provide her with a bit of variety. You know, toys to roll, toys to pounce upon, toys to cuddle and toys to wrestle with. You could also try hiding a few and letting her find them.

Remember, play strengthens the bond between pet and parent, so make sure your toys are interactive.

Catnip First of all, what is catnip? It’s a type of herb, it’s perfectly safe, it’s a member of the mint family and it contains a chemical that, when crushed, gives off an odour that attracts cats. It’s worthwhile remembering that cats who have access to catnip on a regular basis tend to become bored with it; so get creative and rotate those toys.

Petting your cat We’ve discussed ways to entertain your cat but never underestimate the power of petting Miss Kitty. It’s beneficial for both pet and parent and for best results, pet her on the side of the head and, between the eyes and ears where her scent glands are located, that way she can deposit her special scent on your hand.

Remember the above are simply guidelines that I hope will improve your cat’s playtime and stimulate her mentally and physically, giving your feline hours of fun.

For more information, contact your local equine vet or log onto www.dspca.ie or email me at miriam.kerins@ dspca.ie

26 April 2012 GAZETTE 15

16 GAZETTE 26 April 2012

GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY YSL’s bring a Touche of magic WITH celebrity fans such as Julia Roberts, Rhianna and Katy Perry, it’s no wonder Touche Eclat is still Yves Saint Laurent’s best seller 20 years after being released.

To celebrate this milestone, YSL has launched a collector’s edition of its Touche Eclat. The complexion enhancer is an essential tool for every make-up bag and is widely known as a magic wand. It places an invisible layer of light, erasing dark areas of fatigue, lines and hallows.

Yves Saint Laurent 20th Anniversary Collector Edition has a RRP of €35.

Light, luminate and lift-off for No7 new skincare range OSMETIC giant No7 is setting new standards in anti-ageing skincare with its new Lift and Luminate Day and Night Serum for women aged 45 and over.

The serum was launched this week and, according to No7, it is proven to tackle three key signs of ageing for women aged 45 and over – lines and wrinkles, loss of firmness and uneven pigmentation.

“No7’s innovations are always developed having identified and understood women’s skincare needs and wants,” a spokesperson for No7 said. “These insights have made No7

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the leader in the antiageing category with products that work, to make women look and feel good.

“With proven solutions for women of all ages, No7 now has a range of serums which specifically address all three key signs of ageing.”

Boots experts consulted with leading scientists and dermatologists to understand pigmentation, the current solutions available and the emotional impact on women.

Dr Katherine Mulrooney, Cosmetic Dermatologist at The Clinic, Sandymount Green in Dublin said: “There is no doubt that skin

ageing has a significant effect on patients, particularly women.

“Signs of skin ageing tend to manifest in the 40-plus age group when patients present in my clinic with concerns about irregular skin tone, such as hyperpigmentation and age spots, broken veins, fine lines, wrinkles and dull, lax skin.

“Effective treatment options, such as IPL and FR AXEL Laser, chemical peels, and prescription creams are available. However, they require patient compliance during and after the treatments for long-term results.

“I would gladly welcome a specific, safe, at-

home skincare regime to tackle this problem,” said Dr Mulrooney.

To ensure the new ser um met the high standards women expect from No7, Boots experts worked with world leaders in antiageing to create the formulation.

No7 Lift and Luminate Day and Night Serum has been tested in over 20 studies, i n cl u d i n g a b r e a kthrough clinical trial, two supporting clinical trials and on over 1,200 women.

No7 Lift and Luminate Day and Night Serum (2 x 15ml) is available exclusively in Boots stores nationwide priced at €34.

No7 setting new standards in anti-ageing skincare with its new Lift and Luminate Day and Night Serum

26 April 2012 GAZETTE 17

Edited by Laura Webb

Armani arrives with burst of colour AZETTE Beauty is getting lippy this week, and is taking a look at Giorgio Armani Cosmetic’s new sheer rouge range.

More and more lips are being treated to great colour block this season, and Rouge d’Armani Sheers are keeping up with the trend with its a range of vibrant and stylish shades.

Three such colours delighting the palette include straight orange to pink-orange — Acid Tangerine 300, Tokyo Coral 301 and Orange Mutation 302.

Reds are available in Red Car pet 400, R ipe 401 and Scarlato 402, and there are three lively transparent pinks: Ecstasy 500, Vita 501, Blush 502, and

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our favourite, as well as three purple shades of variable intensity: Bitten 600, Tulipe Noire 601, Black Laquer 602.

The lipsticks are resistant to water and lock in hydration on the lip surface for over eight hours. With a creamy texture and feather y lightness, the new range acts as a great balm.

Linda Cantello, Armani’s cosmetic director said: “The Sheers are a revolutionary new lipstick hybrid. The vividness of lipstick with the translucency of a gloss and the comfort of a lip balm — colour like you’ve never seen before.”

Giorgio Armani Rouge Sheer range of lipsticks is available from Brown Thomas, Dublin, and Brow n Thomas, Cork, with a RRP of €26.

Maybeline launches new range of bronzers for summer market SUMMER has yet to come, so, in the meantime, staying a shade darker than milky is still a look we are trying to achieve, and with a little help of some feline inspired bronzers - it’s possible.

Although most of us are still covering up from arms to legs, faces and necklines are still on show. Looking at most Spring/ Summer catwalks they are simmering with spicy colours such as burnished gold, warm bronze and molten copper. Taking some inspiration from this trend, Maybelline has brought out a new feline inspired Dream Terra Sun Bronzer for a great golden, safari glow – even if we can’t make the real thing.

The Dream Terra Sun Bronzer is available in three shades – Light Bronze, Tiger and Golden. Test the shade before you purchase and chose the one that is closet to your skin tone to give it a healthy glow.

The Light Bronze and Tiger shades have a natural pinkness ideal for fair to medium complexions, while Golden is more copper, perfect for olive skin tones or as a blush for darker skin tones.

Megan Fox, the face of Giorgio Armani’s Beauty Visual Rouge d’Armani Sheers range

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18 GAZETTE 26 April 2012

GazetteMUSIC MUSIC FastTunes with Radio Nova’s Dee Woods

NEW BANDS: MICROSOFT AND MUZU PARTNER FOR CONTEST

Unsigned acts battle for ultimate prize I ROB HEIGH

EASTENDERS, Corrie, Fair City, you can keep ‘em. Their plot lines pale in comparison to the outrageous soap opera drama that surrounds Axl Rose.

The plot thickens as the Guns N’Roses frontman pens yet ANOTHER open letter following his refusal of the invitation and induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame earlier this month.

Now he’s written an apology to the city of Cleveland for snubbing the prestigious ceremony but, in the same breath, says he doesn’t understand what the Hall is or how or why it makes money. (There are those who wonder the same about you these days, Axl.) The G N’R lead singer also thanked those fans who are standing by him, but, funnily enough, he left out the people who did attend the gig when the rest of his band were inducted into the Hall of Fame, and who booed every time the word “Axl” was mentioned.

He ended the statement with this: “I once bought a homeless woman a slice of pizza who yelled at me she wanted soup. We got her the soup. You can get your own.”

Ehhh...so he’s not cooking for us any time soon?? I still have high hopes for The O2 gig with Thin Lizzy on May 17 — just bring your own soup.

WITH bands trying every way possible to break through and get the attention their music deserves, Microsoft and MUZU TV, in association with IMRO, are opening the doors for new unsigned bands to compete via online media and try to win the grand Unsigned and Online prize.

The initiative, which is designed to promote independent Irish music, challenges unsigned Dublin bands to creatively use a suite of Microsoft products, social networking and a smart online presence to promote their band, to rise up though the MUZU TV leader board and compete for the prize.

The band that secures the biggest online fan base at the end of the eight-week initiative will be crowned the winner of the inaugural Unsigned and Online competition. This band will win a prize that is designed to help them to bring their music to the masses, valued at over €10,000.

The prize consists of a digital marketing campaign for the band across the major Microsoft platforms, including Windows Live and

Banks can use their online savvy to land a digital marketing and promotional prize

MSN. They will also win an acoustic session in the MUZU TV studio, and a slot in the line-up at Dublin’s Academy, giving a real profile boost to the winning band.

Speaking at the launch, Orla Sheridan of Microsoft Ireland said: “Through our consumer research, and on the ground work in third level campuses across the country, we know that music is a passion and consumers are increasingly accessing it via digital channels.

“What is interesting is despite the fact that this audience is techno-

logically enabled, many have only scratched the surface of what can be achieved through technology and the web.

The truth is that musicians can now creatively script, shoot and edit a film-quality video and syndicate it to their community with just a few clicks.

“It is for that reason that we decided to partner with MUZU TV. We want to merge the best of what Microsoft technology offers with MUZU TV’s reach, capability and music expertise to create an initiative that will make a real differ-

ence to unsigned Irish bands and those who love up and coming music acts.”

Ciaran Bollard, CEO of MUZU TV added: “We are delighted to come together with Microsoft to provide an engaging platform for unsigned bands to get their music out there.

“Unsigned and Online will enable bands to explore new ground with their music and will help music lovers discover new bands.

“There are so many talented new Irish bands out there with little or no platform of support out-

side their city or town.

Microsoft and MUZU TV would like to begin to change that with an initiative that opens up the full potential and reach of the web to bands that want to embrace and explore it.”

For details on how to enter log onto www.facebook.com/unsignedandonline. The competition will close on June 13 when the top act on the MUZU TV leader board will be crowned the winner. Music lovers are invited to track the progress of their favourite band on www.muzu. tv/unsignedandonline.

26 April 2012 GAZETTE 19

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS

Supported by AIB

Interview: Niamh Bownes, Company Director, Carpet and Flooring Concepts

Niamh’s rolling out the business plan NIAMH Bownes is happily continuing a longstanding family business association with Dun Laoghaire.

Combining being a busy mother of two small children and running her, and husband, Mark’s successful business, Carpet and Flooring Concepts, based at Number 95, Lower Georges Street, Niamh’s days are always busy.

Her preferred field of expertise is carpet colour and quality selection, having been a professional fashion buyer in her previous career, and utilising her eye for coordinating colours and textures.

She has also gained a professional knowledge of carpet, laminate and timber flooring, resulting in a formal, flooring consultant qualification.

Niamh and Mark pride themselves on maintaining excellent customer service, along with expert advice and fitting on all types of carpet and flooring, and Niamh is always looking for new, innovative flooring products.

She was thrilled to recently become Dun Laoghaire’s only stockist of Adore Touch luxury vinyl tiles, which are available in a selection of wood finishes along with its unique, patented Uniclic fitting system and 25-year guarantee.

Adore Touch is a wonderful addition to an already excellent product range, says Niamh.

Niamh Bownes, Carpet and Flooring Concepts

Q: What was your first job?

A: Cutting my parents’ grass and ironing my dad’s shirts

Q: What sport can you play?

A: I could play them all, I am sure (ie: none at all)

Hmmm, should I admit that?

Q: When did you start your present job?

A: 2010

Q: Who best represents modern Ireland – David Norris or Jedward?

A: I think it’s Jedward . They

ter at them

A - It is really important to examine all the financial circumstances before locking away money erations include: - Rainy Day Fund - you should have circa three to six months’ net annual income in an accessible account for emergencies, sudden loss of income or that investment opportunity.

This € 10,000 might be best invested in a demand account (best currently is 3.25% - email me for details) if you do not have the required threshold for your RDF.

Age may be a factor - Age - a 60s investor will have different investment views than one in their 20s.

- Family - you might not realise the expensive years ahead of you if you have, or are, thinking of having children. Third-level costs for one child top €42,000 – and that is without fees (source: Bank of Ireland).

- Income - are you living within your means?

Perhaps you may be put on a short week or, worse, be made redundant.

- Investment types - There are many forms of investment, not all attributable to deposits. The rate of return is an important factor ... forestry can give up to 10% per annum, tax-free, but you may have to wait 10 to 12 years to realise it.

To be considered Gold, while expensive, is best as part of a portfolio of investments (they say 10% is the recommended percentage), and the stock market itself should be considered as a long-term investment.

Safety wise, you are well under the protection threshold of €100,000 per person for deposit takers in Ireland, and, as regards State savings (this includes National Savings Certificate – five

ing deposit takers; there is nothing better for this

Q: What sport do you follow?

A: None

and 50p a shirt

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

A: The measures – Mark is bet-

Any suggestions? John –Drumcondra

equivalent to 5.04% per annum from DIRT- deduct-

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

A: Oh, it has to be Dr Phil ...

helping people to find what they want at the right price

don’t mind locking it away for up to five years.

years and six months, offering 21% tax-free and

Q: And your first pay cheque?

A: Five pounds for the grass,

Q: What is the best thing about your job?

A: Dealing with the public, and

Q – I have €10,000 to invest from savings, and

that you may need sooner than you think. Consid-

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

A: Eddie Macken - showjumper

WHERE COULD BE THE BEST PLACE TO INVEST MY €10,000?

look a bit disorganised; I think they are clued in, and moving in the right direction.

Q: What music/pictures/movies do you have on your iPod/ iPad? A: If you buy me one, I will tell you!

Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook?

A: Carpet and Flooring Con-

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own?

A: I plead the fifth, and admit

cepts

nothing

Q: What was your last Tweet/ status update?

A: “Adore touch, luxury vinyl

Q: What was your worst holiday experience?

A: Not really had a bad one –

tile now in store; patented click system for ease of fitting; no subfloor prep required!”

touch wood!

Q: Describe your dream meal?

A: A quiet night out for two for Mark and I, and not having to worry about what time to be home for the babysitter

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

A: Dame Edna Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously?

A: On my children

Q: Describe your dream holiday?

A: Disney world with the kids, or a safari

Q: What would be your dream job?

A: I love what I do, and wouldn’t really want to change it

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

A: Travel, hire a motor bike and drive down Route 66

term), the protection comes in the form of sovereign debt – an unconditional direct obligation of the Government of Ireland.

Contact John with your money questions at

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

20 GAZETTE 26 April 2012

R1

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs

Citroen readies a fresh new DS line FRENCH motor manufacturer, Citroen, has announced details of a move that the company describes as a fresh look at the Citroen DS line..

Marketed in parallel alongside Citroen’s main range, the company claims the DS line explores new automotive territory.

Just two years after its launch, the DS line – comprising the Citroen DS3, DS4 and DS5 – has already notched up more than 200,000 sales worldwide.

The DS line will be launched in China this year and, to mark the event, Citroen has designed a new concept car, Numero 9, which will be unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show. The concept signals the styling cues of the next three DS line models: a C-segment premium sedan, an SUV and a D-segment executive saloon.

A new take on the shooting-brake body style, Numero 9’s concept is designed with plug-in full-hybrid technology; an ultra-efficient system that boasts remarkable levels of performance – 166mpg fuel economy, 50km range in ZEV mode, 295hp, a “boost” function and 39g/km of CO2.

Designed in Paris, it is hoped that Numero 9 will open a new chapter in the styling of the DS line. Subtly combining the proportions of a coupe with those of an estate, Numero 9 hints at exceptional driving sensations, with its taut lines, long bonnet and ultra-low stance (1.27m tall) on 21-inch wheels.

It also promises unique on-board comfort with its generous proportions (4.93m long and 1.94m wide, with a 3m wheelbase) providing plenty of room for rear occupants.

Numero 9 features new-generation microhybrid technology, designed to switch the combustion engine to stand-by whenever it is not required. When the driver requires speed and torque, a “boost” function combines the power of the combustion engine and electric motor to enable high levels of performance (up to 295hp).

Numero 9 takes just 5.4 seconds to go from 0 to 62mph, and 25.3 seconds to travel 1,000m from a standing start.

When grip is lacking, the car switches to fourwheel drive mode, with the electric motor driving the rear wheels and the combustion engine powering the front wheels. In particularly difficult driving conditions, the driver can manually select 4WD mode.

The VW Golf Cabriolet 1.2TSI is described by our correspondent as “pretty, sleek and beautiful”, as well as “the return of something great”

So much more than simply aspirational CORMAC CURTIS

OME glorious sunshine decided to grace the skies a b ove D u b l i n just before Easter, and I was lucky enough to be test-driving the latest Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet at the time.

I couldn’t have asked for a better week to put this gorgeous little convertible through its paces.

Apart from the fact that my two young daughters actually squealed with delight at the idea of a car with no roof, I also got the chance to compare a very up-to-date version of a car I used to drive before it was discontinued a decade ago.

Far be it from me to second-guess our German automotive overlords, but the idea to call a “halt” to the production of the Golf convertible in 2002,

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SPECS: VW GOLF CABRIOLET 1.2TSIY Engine: 1.2-litre TSI, 105BHP, six-speed manual gearbox Top speed: 188km/h 0 – 100km/hr: 11.7sec Economy: 5.7 ltr/100km CO2 emissions: 132g Road Tax Band: B Entry Price: €28,465 (to €34,700)

and to offer the Beetle convertible in its stead, seemed ludicrous to me back then.

But that’s what they did, and the soft-top Golf was shelved indefinitely.

It came as a pleasant surprise when VW announced at the 2011 Motor Show in Geneva that they were reintroducing the Cabrio, and I have been chomping at the bit for a chance to test one ever since.

As I mentioned, there is a little history between

myself and the Golf Cabrio.

Back in 1999, the future Mrs Cormac Curtis realised a dream come true – not only did she meet me in a cosy little pub in West Cork, but, that same year, she bought herself a brand-spanking new VW Golf Cabrio, in midnight blue with a black, manual soft-top roof.

For a certain generation, the Golf was the perfect car; the GTI version was the Holy Grail for young, petrol-headed males – but the convertible? Well, that was something very special.

So special, in fact, there was only one insurance company even willing to quote for such a farout automobile – but I digress.

In my world, this particular soft top was so special that it was even used as one of the wedding cars

on our wedding day.

My first opportunity to see the all-new model in the flesh was in a showroom window in Dublin 4, and, to be fair to VW, they couldn’t have hit the design nail more squarely on the head.

Being as unbiased as I can be expected to be, the new model is a masterclass in understated motoring elegance.

It is lower, and a good deal sleeker than its previous incarnation, with a selection of tasty alloys to chose from.

The car has all the elements from VW’s current style book, but it is put together in such a way that gives it a look and presence that is unmistakably Golf.

It is a classic example of an object that is greater than the sum of its parts.

No individual element grabs you; there aren’t

any “aggressive” design features; you will not find any “flowing yet contrasting visual statements” ... it is simply a beautifullydesigned car.

The interior, too, doesn’t go about trying to reinvent anything, either; there are dials and displays that you will find in other cars in VW’s stable, such as the Skoda Superb.

But everything just sits so well together that it really works.

The chunky steering wheel with stitched leather, the gearstick with stitched leather, the brushed steel accents almost everywhere ... all pretty standard ideas, but the balance is right, and comes together in a simple, understated and incredibly comfortable cabin.

The model I drove had leather and suede upholstery with red con-

26 April 2012 GAZETTE 21

R1

SUPPORT

LOCAL BUSINESS

Motoring correspondent, Cormac Curtis, top, takes his daughters on a ride in the new VW Golf Cabriolet 1.2TSIy, a motor which, among several other points, he praised for its storage capacity (above)

trast stitching, as well as red mesh panels on the seats – which really gave the interior a little more punch.

I really, really want to say that the interior is stunning, but it falls a little short of that, which is a shame. You won’t get much change out of €29,000 for the entrylevel Golf Cabrio, and, for that money, a little more wow-factor in the cabin wouldn’t go astray.

What you do get for €28,465 is the 1.2-litre TSI engine, generating 105BHP, coupled to a sixspeed manual gearbox.

This is a nice combination with just enough oomph and, combined

with VW’s BlueMotion Technology, means pretty low running costs.

Back in the 1999 model, we had a thirsty 1.8-litre petrol engine that wasn’t even fuel-injected, which made for some pretty hairy moments trying to overtake tractors on West Cork roads.

The powered hood comes down with the touch of a button in about eight seconds (I didn’t use a stop watch, so that’s a rough count my kids gauged for me), and there are no latches or handles to twist and turn – so, top marks for the roof design.

We have established that the Golf is pretty, sleek and beautiful – but

can you live with it?

The target market for this car will be predominantly female, most likely with a few kids in tow, so it better have a practical side. And, believe it or not, it has.

In short, as we prepared for an Easter break out of town, I managed to get a bag of clothes, a camera bag, a box of food and drink, pillows, bed linen, a large toolbox, a car battery booster pack, a big bag of toilet rolls, a heavy coat, jackets, kids’ coats, two car seats, two kids, a huge bag of kids’ toys and myself all into the car, with just a little imagination.

Getting the kids in and out of the rear seats was a

doddle (even easier with the roof down), and the seats could tilt and slide with ease.

There are, of course, a dizzying array of options and specs associated with this car, but most of them won’t mean an awful lot to those who feel strongly enough about it to buy one.

The attraction here is the return of something great, something aspirational, something with motoring heritage that brings back memories of youth ... something you simply can’t pick out of the list of options.

Those who really want one will get one, and they won’t be disappointed.

A NEW study released by Ford shows that nearly half of European drivers admit they have read texts while driving – a highly-distracting habit that has been proven to contribute to traffic accidents.

The study was commissioned by Ford to underscore the safety issue as the company prepares to introduce its SYNC in-car connectivity system, which can read aloud incoming messages through a text-to-speech feature, and enables drivers to send a text reply by voice from a predetermined list of responses.

An average of 48% of motorists surveyed from Germany, Spain, France, Great Britain, Italy and Russia confessed to checking their texts while driving.

Despite the prevalence of the practise, drivers surveyed agreed overwhelmingly that reading texts on the move was dangerous. A total of 95% of drivers across the six countries agreed that texting affected driver ability and safety.

At least half of those surveyed in each country said they believed driver response was 50% slower when checking messages from a mobile phone.

Christof Kellerwessel, chief functional engineer, Electronic and Electrical Systems Engineering, Ford of Europe said: “Smartphones have so quickly become an essential part of many people’s day that it’s hard to imagine life without them.

“However, text messages can be a distraction for drivers, so the benefit of a system that can read messages aloud from compatible smartphones is obvious.”

Ford SYNC will debut this summer on the allnew B-MAX and will roll out quickly to other vehicles in Ford’s line-up, including Focus and Kuga.

The text-to-speech feature on SYNC, powered

by Microsoft, retrieves messages using a simple voice command from Bluetooth-connected compatible smartphones.

SYNC also enables drivers to send a text reply from a predetermined list of responses, helping motorists to remain focused on driving while staying in touch with contacts. The responses include: “I love you”, “Send directions” and “See u in 10min”.

SYNC’s text-to-speech feature will be compatible with an increasing range of smartphones, thanks to Ford’s adoption of the emerging Message Access Profile standard (MAP) for Bluetooth device-to-device connectivity, which is already used by leading mobile device manufacturers including Blackberry producer Research In Motion.

More than four million Ford vehicles in the US already feature SYNC, and Ford anticipates 3.5 million new vehicles in Europe will be equipped with SYNC by 2015.

M

Ford study shows SHOP danger of car texts LOCALLY

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22 GAZETTE 26 April 2012

GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel Plenty of places to stay for May bank holiday A host of special offers available with Concorde Travel for a wellearned Springtime break

CONCORDE Travel have an array of special offers available for the next month, allowing those with a keen eye for a deal and some holidays coming up a luxurious break at a fraction of the cost. See www.concordetravel.ie

MADEIRA Spend springtime in beautiful Madeira.Depart on May 6 for seven nights, stay at the 3-star Dorisol Hotels, on a b&b basis, from only €640pp, the 4-star Lince Lido Hotel, on a b&b basis, from only €715pp or the 5-star Hotel Melia Madeira Mare, on a b&b basis, from only €800pp.

THE ALGARVE Depart from Knock on May 5, 2012, for seven nights, stay at the 3-star Praia Sol Hotel, Vilamoura, on a b&b basis, from only €430pp.

SARDINIA Escape to Alghero’s Medieval town and enjoy the Italian way of life.

Depart on May 3, 2012, for seven nights, stay at the 2-star Buganvillea Apartments, on a self-catering basis, from only €399pp, stay at the 3-star Hotel La Playa, on a b&b basis, from only €564pp or at the 4-star Hotel Punta Negra, on a b&b basis, from only €669pp MALTA Travel to the amazing island of Malta, and enjoy its great sights, history, delicious food and beautiful weather.

Depart on May 4, 2012, for seven nights, stay at the three-star plus Hotel Santana, on a b&b basis, from only €449pp or stay at the 4-star Hotel Dolmen, on a b&b basis, from only €589pp or for four nights, stay at the 4-star Hotel Marina at the Corinthia Beach Resort, on a b&b basis, in a sea view room, from only €549pp CROATIA Stay in Dubrovnik Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and experience the enchanting atmosphere of its marble streets, red roofs and the clear waters of the Adriatic Sea. Depart on May 2, 2012, for seven nights, stay at the 3-star Antuniska Apartments, based on two sharing a studio apartment from only €499 per person.

MIMI MURRAY

THE weather may have been bitterly cold over the last few weeks, but we are all holding out hope that summer will be in the air come this May bank holiday weekend.

With that thought in mind, there are plenty of places offering deals around the country.

Longueville House is offering one where children go free.

Stay for two nights and dine on one evening in their Presidents’ Restaurant.

Sit back and enjoy gourmet cooking by chef/proprietor, William O’Callaghan. Enhance your experience by tasting their new housebrewed premium cider, house-distilled brandy or delicious garden berry liqueurs – a true delight for all gourmands.

The offer is subject to availability, and dinner is served between 6:30 to 8:30pm, weekends.

Traditional Irish and Continental Buffet Breakfast is served each morning until 10.30am. A table D’hote menu is included on both evenings.

Up to two children, aged up to 13 years, go free in a family room, but meals are extra. The price is from €220 per person sharing. For bookings, email info@longuevillehouse.ie

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

‘Following a leisurely breakfast on Monday morning, meet Frances, who will accompany the group to Woodville Gardens – a Victorian walled garden; Coolaught Garden and Nursery; a farmhouse garden and woodland, and the Potting Shed – a small nursery garden’ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Next, why not enjoy a Wexford garden tour with Frances MacDonald at Marlfield House?

Check in on Sunday, May 6, and enjoy a stroll in the garden before a glass of wine and dinner with the other attendees.

Following a leisurely breakfast on Monday morning, meet Frances, who will accompany the group to Woodville Gardens – a Victorian walled garden; Coolaught Garden and Nursery; a farmhouse garden and woodland, and the Potting Shed – a small nursery garden.

The following day, visit Frances’s own garden, The Bay Garden, and Springmount Garden Centre.

Marlfield House is now offering massage and facial treatments.

The package includes a glass of wine before dinner on Sunday; dinner on Sunday and Monday night; lunch on Monday, and lunch in Marlfield on Tuesday, as well as transport to the gardens and back to Marlfield.

The cost is €370 per person sharing; for full details, see www. marlfieldhouse.com.

Full bloom

Meanwhile, Rathsallagh House is in full bloom, and their thousands of mature trees are in full leaf, roses are in bloom, the lawns have been cut and the walled garden has come into its own.

Included in the Rathsallagh package is a discount voucher for the nearby Kildare Retail Village, and a gift certificate for Newbridge Silverware.

Available on May 5 and 6, as well as May 11 and 12, two nights cost from €190 per person sharing in a standard room.

This package includes two nights’ bed and breakfast. For further information, see www. rathsallagh.com.

Escape to the West this bank holiday and slow down with three night’s bed and breakfast at the Ice House Hotel, in Ballina.

Take a stroll on the beach with a complimentary picnic with wine.

Unwind with unlimited time in their thermal suite, including steam room, laconium and two outdoor hot tubs, and soak in a candlelit bubble bath.

Whet your appetite with a glass of bubbly on the terrace, followed by dinner on one evening from their 2AA Rosette A La Carte menu.

The price costs €325 per person sharing; for further details, see www. icehousehotel.ie.

Finally, also in the west, why not consider a twonight weekend break at Cashel House?

Experience the wonders of Connemara, including walking, riding, golfing, scenery and dining.

The package includes two nights’ accommodation, and breakfast, with dinner on one evening, and costs €185 per person sharing.

For further information, see www.cashelhouse-hotel.com/.

The idyllic setting is just

Longueville House

26 April 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 23

Edited by Mimi Murray

TravelBriefs

Passengers can relax and avail of the new choice of private lounges on the Stena Nordica as she undertakes the Dublin Port to Holyhead route

New suites designed to help the Nordica’s passengers cruise to Holyhead in luxurious comfort STENA Line has launched two private lounges on the Stena Nordica, which sails on its Dublin Port to Holyhead route.

One lounge accommodates up to two people and the second lounge holds up to four people.

Each lounge is equipped with luxury leather seating, a flatscreen 3D TV, a Playstation 3 console and games, as well as tea and Nescafe Espresso-making facilities.

In addition to this, passengers will also be able to take advantage of waiter service from Stena Plus.

Jamie Christon, Stena Line Dublin Port/Dun Laoghaire to Holyhead route director, believes the private lounges will appeal to all types of passengers, whether they are travelling for business or pleasure.

He says: “The two new cabins provide fantastic facilities for people wanting to relax in private.

a taste of the relaxation on offer at Marlfield House.

Cashel House

Space “They are perfect for people travelling on business, as they provide a quiet space to get work done and, with the Sky News channel available, passengers can keep track of what is happening around the world.

“The second cabin accommodates up to four people, and is perfect for families, as the children can be kept entertained with the TV and games console, and the adults can sit back, relax and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, with the whole family arriving in Holyhead relaxed and ready for their onward journey.”

The Stena Nordica sails twice daily from Dublin Port, at 2.30am and 4pm, with return sailings from Holyhead at 8.20am and 9.30pm.

Prices start from €79 single for a car plus driver, and passengers can book the private lounges from only €30.

For further information, or to book, go to www.stenaline.ie, call Stena Line on 01 204 7777, or visit your local Stena Line office or travel agent.

24 SWORDS GAZETTE 26 April 2012

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT

GoingOUT THE PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 Faulty Towers Dining Experience

DISCERNING diners are cordially invited to attend Basil and Sybil Fawlty’s three-course meal at The Pavilion theatre, with fine fare to savour. Basil, and his loving wife, Sybil, will be ably assisted by Manuel – one of Barcelona’s finest waiters – to ensure the evening runs perfectly smoothly, and without any possible chance of mishap or mayhem whatsoever. Your Fawlty evening can be enjoyed nightly at 8pm from Friday, April 27 to Sunday, April 29, with the price for the three-course meal, and Basil’s attention, set at €45.

MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 Encore! Showtime 2012 THE stage is all set at The Mill for Encore! Showtime 2012, courtesy of the Encore! School of Performing Arts. This highly-polished production features a wide selection of work and shows from the school’s many talented young performers, running right through from Friday, April 27 to Saturday, May 5, and showcasing some of the students’ diverse and impressive skills in a number of performing arts discipline. For full list of dates for the great shows, see www.milltheatre.ie.

CIVIC THEATRE 01 462 7477 Romeo & Juliet FEW will need an introduction to the tale of Romeo and Juliet, yet this startling production will thrill audiences, as Ballet Ireland is set to restage its hugely successful production of Romeo & Juliet, choreographed by Morgann Runacre-Temple. With rave critic reviews, and a superb production, Shakespeare’s timeless tale will delight all at the 8pm shows at the Civic Theatre’s Main Auditorium, running from Thursday, May 3 to Saturday, May 5, with admission costing €20/€16 conc.

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 I Hear You Calling Me A MUSICAL night of pure entertainment awaits at Draiocht, chronicling the extraordinary life story of the legendary Count John McCormack, and features such memorable numbers as Macushla, Because, Roses of Picardy, Somewhere a Voice is Calling and many more. Narrated by radio and TV presenter, Kevin Hough, and featuring Waterford tenor Frank Ryan as John McCormack, and Cork soprano Linda Kenny as Lily, the concert can be seen at 8pm on Friday, April 27, with tickets priced €20/€18.

If you ever wanted to see Titanic looking even-slightly-more-realistic than before - well, now’s your chance, given the special anniversary re-release of the film, with its 3D upgrade making a great difference to certain parts but nothing much, for most other parts

Sails along nicely Unlike the poor unfortunates aboard her decks, the film once again sails along smoothly enough to its tragic end I KATE CROWLEY

APPARENTLY, some readers didn’t quite care for my A-to-Z quickstep runthrough of the film, Gone, in my blink-andyou-missed-it review, last week.

However, if you missed it, just to recap what I said about that particularly one-star film: “With the police not believing a young woman’s story of her sister being kidnapped by a serial killer, just as he’d tried to kidnap and kill her earlier, she tracks him down, saves her sister, and kills him. The End.” There. That’s sunk that particular film plot in one easy go, saving you some of your precious euro in the process.

And, speaking of sinking, and of revealing film endings, that neatly takes me (via a slightly tasteless link) on to Titanic 3D, which was recently released in 3D. Which

FILM OF THE WEEK: Titanic ### (12A) 195 mins Director: James Cameron Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, James Warner, Billy Zane, Kathy Bates, Bernard Hill, Gloria Stuart, an iceberg

OUR VERDICT: FORGET the watery romance between Jack and Kate – once again, the star of the film is the Titanic herself, as she cruises along to her fate. The 3D effects go largely unnoticed (but pack a punch at some crucial moments), while the classy ship gets a classy cast, courtesy of the late Gloria Stuart and (still very alive) Bernard Hill. It’s Titanic – mostly as you’ve seen before – and still a pretty huge achievement.

explains the name.

It’s my solemn duty as a film reviewer (all right, all right, you can put down that hefty stick now, Gazette ed) to at least nod at such passing ships in the night, with Titanic being about the biggest bloody boat to splash by our screens in some time.

(With apologies to the recently-released film, Battleship.)

There’s not really very much that I can say about this, other than it’s Titanic back on our screens, but in 3D this time – and, hey! – that’s at least one more dimension than

it had, first time around (though, sadly, I’m afraid that the plot, characterisation, and so on are as rigidly two-dimensional as before).

So, once again, we get the doomed young lovers on board the doomed young ship, but now with some kind-of-a-bitdecent 3D effects tacked on.

Nothing too jazzy, mind, as they’re just boosting certain key shots in the film – anyone looking for Jack and Rose to start playing a game of frisbee in Steerage, say, will be sorely disap-

pointed.

So, yet again – and look away now, dear readers, if, somehow, as bizarrely unlikely as it sounds, you don’t know what happens to Jack, Rose, the Titanic, Billy Zane, the girl with the china doll, the drunk chef, the girl at the bow of the ship, the eel in the bathtub, et al – the Titanic sinks, and Celine Dion caterwauls at some length. In 3D. I can’t say that the 3D helps the film (not least as I’m not a fan of 3D effects anyway, as they tend to both dim and blur films, detracting from their visual impact), but, whatever about the adequate that’ll-do romance at the centre of the film, there’s no denying the real heart, and star, of the film – Titanic, herself.

The appeal, and attraction, of Titanic and her enduring, yet awful, legacy is effortlessly laid bare once again on the gleaming decks of the

ship, inviting audiences to stroll along through the lost world of 1912’s society and standards.

A century on from the tragedy itself, and whatever about the film’s weaknesses, today it’s hard not to return to Cameron’s Titanic one last time, 3D gimmick or not ...

Finally, I’d like to dedicate this review to the retiring chief sub of the Gazette, who swears blind that he remembers strolling about the promprom-promenade of the Titanic back in 19-niminy-two, but doesn’t quite convince whippersnappers such as yours truly.

However, this old tub respects that old sea salt, who’s prevented me on many an occasion from revealing here what I really think of Madonna’s acting ability, the everpresent threat of Steve Martin trying to return with a comedy, and much more – titanic achievements in themselves.

26 April 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 25

GazetteGAMING GAMING Has Web 3.0-oh, oh, oh already arrived?

SHANE DILLON

DEBATE is stirring over whether Web 3.0 is really here, or is on the way, and, indeed, whether Web 3.0 is something radically different from what we understand as the internet today, or represents a more subtle shift in how the internet will work.

Perhaps we should look at a very brief history of the internet (or, at least, what the terms Web 1.0 and Web 2.0 generally mean to people, today).

People from their mid-to-late-twenties and upwards will recall how Web 1.0 saw the first mass stirrings of the modern internet across the world, approximately 15 years ago (although the internet had existed in other forms for decades – but that’s a whole other kettle of fish).

Web 1.0, as “we” understood it, saw the inexorable rise of the internet

– a largely static experience of plain pages, basic design and minimal user interaction.

Flash for ward to approximately ten years ago, to the first evolutionary steps of Web 2.0, as new programming and design elements began to maximise the slow rise of broadband.

Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, the rise of Google and PayPal, et al – all very much products defined by (or at least strengthened by) Web 2.0.

In its simplest terms, Web 2.0 has seen a vast divergence of what the internet “is”, how we interact with it, and how it’s delivered – the rise of the always-on, alwayswired world.

What, then, could be the next step forward into Web 3.0, and are we already reaching – or have we reached – this next great evolutionary stage in the internet?

FeelingtheForce WE HAD a great response to our recent Kinect Star Wars for Xbox 360 competition, which saw five copies of the great new Kinect game up for grabs. In it, we asked you to tell us the correct answer to the following statement: Complete the following Kinect for Xbox 360 tagline: A. You are the boss B. You are the controller C. You are the best [The correct answer was B.]

China’s Great Firewall - designed to keep certain foreign influences and topics away from Chinese internet users, as well as to protect officially-sanctioned state views on the internet, and to block others - is but one “frontier feature” as the world moves towards Web 3.0: the next significant sea-level change for what the internet is, and how it may be used and accessed. Illustration: Shane Dillon

As ever, hindsight is 20:20 vision, and, while experts and the common man understand the stages of 1.0 and 2.0, nobody is entirely certain what 3.0 represents.

User-tailored While some think that Web 3.0 will be a more unique, user-tailored experience, drawing upon, and somehow collating the vast banks of data that most of us leave in clear trails around the internet to create individual-specific search,

Anotherweebyte...

Ceefax service joins the Dodo PIXEL lovers may have been crying into their cornflakes last week at the news of the long-expected death of Ceefax (or, for young readers: what the internet was before we had the internet, for millions of people across Britain and Ireland).

As a child of the 1970s and 80s, I vividly recall turning to Ceefax to look for information – only to find that the television had loaded, say, page 17 of 43, and I had to wait ten minutes for the page I wanted (usually, one that had just passed, such as page 16) to slowly loop its way around to being displayed again.

Happy days.

Now, after decades of presenting a wide variety of news and listings, presented in slow fashion, in giant, blocky letters and with basic pixel pictures, and all buried behind tv channels (and running as a forerunner to comparable systems, such as Aertel), the BBC has consigned Ceefax to history’s dustbin, joining the Dodo ...

data and product results, others think that Web 3.0 does not represent a new methodology in serving users but, rather, a fight back against what the internet stands for.

Perhaps Web 3.0 represents not something to drive the internet forward for individuals, but is (or will be), instead, an intellectual, political and economic battlefront for corporations and governments alike to skirmish over – all seeking to reshape, redefine and protect (or, in some cases, destroy) how and what people can access on the internet.

There’s already plenty of evidence of such attempts to ringfence and control the internet (as, indeed, there has been from day one), but never before has there been such a determined push by companies and corporations, in line with governments, to define, control and monitor what the internet is, and how users access it.

From China’s regular updates of The Great

Firewall to restrict what her citizens can access online, to Apple’s self-appointed definition of (and subsequent indirect censoring) of what it terms as “inappropriate” content, to continuing cyber skirmishes on a range of national security agencies’ fronts, it appears in several ways that the giddy days of free-for-all data are coming to an end.

And so, perhaps that’s what Web 3.0 represents – the evolution into a new, more refined (and defined) state of information access and flow, rather than how it’s delivered, as well as representing the rise of political, civil and intellectual battles for the right to access/ police data (depending on which “side” you’re more engaged with).

As we look back at these next stages in the internet’s development, let us hope that whatever changes are underway they don’t give us any regret, or reason to lament the rise of Web 3.0-oh-oh-oh …

Thank you to everyone who entered and, of course, congratulations to the five lucky winners, who were all selected at random after sending in the correct answer.

The winners are: Eileen O’Flaherty, Killaloe, Co Clare; Emer Breen, Goatstown, Dublin 14; Jennifer Beaton, Clondalkin, Dublin 22; Ciaran Roche, via email and Diarmuid McCourt, via email. A copy of Kinect Star Wars is being posted out to each winner.

Congratulations again, and keep an eye out for more great competitions in The Gazette!

GAZETTE

26 SWORDS GAZETTE 26 April 2012

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26 April 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 27

GazetteSPORT

APRIL ASPIRANTS

Dublin Sport Awards nominees for the month announced: Page 29

WATER POLO: WORLD’S FINEST TEAMS COMING TO NAC TO PREPARE FOR LONDON 2012

International tournament comes to Dublin sport@gazettegroup.com

THE IRISH Water Polo Association is set to host a pre-Olympic men’s water polo tournament in Dublin, prior to the London Olympics at the National Aquatic Centre from July 5 to 8, which will feature the top four teams in the world as they prepare to challenge for gold in 2012.

Current Olympic champions, Hungary, will take part, as will current

European champions, Serbia, who won their title at the recent European Championships in the Netherlands. Also participating are Great Britain, Montenegro, and Croatia, with a final team to be added to the list, depending on the outcome of upcoming Olympic qualifiers.

Water polo is the main sport and passion in a number of these countries, and with this being the last chance for the

teams to meet before London, as well as London being a sell-out, it is expected that the tournament will attract significant travelling support from all across the international water polo fraternity, as well as teams, delegates and referees as they get set for their turn in the pool in the Olympic Games.

Minister of State for Tourism and Spor t, Michael Ring, who is also chairman of the London

The four best sides in the world are coming to Dublin for the pre-Olympic tournament

2012 Coordinating Committee, congratulated the Irish Water Polo Association in attracting such high-calibre Olympic teams for this tournament.

“This is another exam-

ple of Ireland benefiting directly from the Olympics and adds to the number of Olympic athletes from 13 countries who have already decided to train in Ireland ahead of the London Games.

This promises to be an exciting event,” said Minister Ring.

Tickets for the event are available from the event website, www.dublinwaterpolo2012.com.

Ticket prices range

from €4.50 for a child’s ticket, to €90 for a fourday pass, with €25 for a day pass. Matches take place daily in the early evening, with the addition of a morning session on Friday, July 6.

28 SWORDS GAZETTE 26 April 2012

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

CRICKET: PITCH OPENING SIGNALS NEW ERA FOR DEVELOPMENT

GAA stars get on their bike for charity in Ras A HOST of top GAA stars, including All-Ireland winners Bernard Brogan and Barry Cahill, joined forces in Croke Park last week to launch the Race The Ras charity cycle event for 2012.

This is the second year of the race, which will see almost 150 amateur cyclists and a host of current and former GAA stars lining up to cycle across Ireland from May 20 to 27. All the money raised will go to the National Breast Cancer Research Institute and Aware.

The amateur cyclists will start three hours ahead of the professionals taking part in the Ras each morning and will travel through 13 different counties, before arriving in Skerries on the final day.

Broadcasting legend Micheal O Muircheartaigh was on hand to help to launch the charity race. “I am delighted to be here today to officially launch Race The Ras, which we hope to be an even bigger success than last year. I would ask for those to donate, no matter how small, as it will make a huge difference to NBCRI and Aware.”

Chairman of Aware, David Carton, described this event as an important one for the organisation. “This is a nationwide event and depression is something which affects every community in Ireland. We hope people all over Ireland will support this event and the cyclists who are taking part. We wish them well. Money raised from this will help us to get more information and support to people who need it.”

To register for the cycle, please log on to http:// racetheras.com/event-registration/. With eight stages to choose from, cyclists can opt to do all eight stages or a single stage or opt for a combination of two or three stages.

Those wishing to donate can do so by visiting www.racetheras.com/donate.

The ICC held an introductory course for teachers at North County earlier in 2012

County cricket’s new home I sport@gazettegroup.com

SWORDS cricket club’s brand new pitch will be opened on Saturday, April 28 in Newbridge Demesne by Deputy Mayor of Fingal, Councillor Ken Farrell.

The event will subsequently be be followed with the 1st Annual Fingal Cricket Cup, a oneday, six-a-side cricket tournament involving 12 teams.

Swords is one of the newest clubs in Fingal, formed as recently as 2010 by a group of cricket-loving immigrants who were keen to bring their national sport to Fingal.

As there is no established cricket club in the Swords area, they star ted a new club, which has now formally entered into this year’s Leinster Leagues, par-

ticipating in Division 10.

The club’s first official match will be held on Saturday, May 12, against Pembroke in Sandymount, with the first ever home game being played the following weekend on Sunday, May 20 at their new allweather pitch.

The club has worked very closely over the last couple of years with Leinster Cricket, Fingal County Council’s Sports Office and Operations Department. The new artificial pitch is a massive development for the club and will help in the long-term future and growth of the club.

If you would like to find out more information, please contact s wo r d s c r i c ke t cl u b @ yahoo.com or co-ordinator Roy Mathew – 0852135495 or check

out www.swordscricketclub.com Elsewhere, Reinhardt Strydom (Fingal Cricket Development Officer) with the help of Kenny Carroll (South Dublin Cricket Development Officer) delivered a coaching course in North County Cricket Club recently with 19 teachers and parents representing 13 different schools from North Fingal.

Teachers and parents arriving with little or no knowledge of cricket learned a lot from the f o u r- h o u r p r a c t i c a l course, which explained and demonstrated the basic laws of cricket, how the game works and showed different small sided games that can be played in the school yard.

Everyone left understanding the game bet-

ter, had fun, learned to bat and bowl and were all looking forward to trying out these games with their classes.

This will help greatly with the growth of cricket in Fingal, and special thanks were passsed on to all the schools and teachers who attended.

“The council are committed to develop-

ing sport in Fingal and cricket is a major part of that plan. This programme gives teachers the basic skills of the game and enables them to pass on what they have learned to their students through fun and active games,” said Niall McGuirk, Senior Spor ts Development Officer, Fingal County Council.

26 April 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 29

in association with

2012 DUBLIN SPORTS AWARDS - APRIL NOMINEES

FastSport

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

# STARof the MONTH

Basketball blitz at NBA in Community Games CIARAN KILKENNY

CAROLINE RYAN

SEAN MARI

CASTLEKNOCK’S prodigy continues to shine in the Dublin line-up, contributing vital scores and an on-field presence that has seen the U-21s into the All-Ireland final

GARDA’S cycling sensation claimed Ireland’s first elite world track medal since Harry Reynolds back in 1897, winning bronze in Melbourne

MARI claimed Whitechurch BC’s first-ever male AllIreland title in the 27kg category at the National Stadium after a string of impressive performances

MALAHIDE CS

FOXROCK CABINTEELY

COLLINSTOWN PARK

AN all-ages golfing machine, Malahide calmly saw off the challenge of Kilkenny in the Irish Schools’ Matchplay competition this month

SOUTH COUNTY LADIES’ football is a hotbed of talent, as proved by the young Foxes annexing the Dublin Feile title, adding to titles at all levels

COLLINSTOWN Park came from behind to become Leinster champions when they got the better of O’Fiaich College in an eightgoal thriller

# TEAMof the MONTH

Super Olympians: Taylor backs Terenure run to aid SO athletes KATIE Taylor recently took time out from her

intensive preparation for the London Olympics to meet some members of the Special Olympic South Dublin Sports Club, as part of endorsement of the Terenure five-mile run on Sunday, May 13, which aims to raise €10,000 for Special Olympics. €5 of the entry fee goes direct to Special Olympics, and a big turn-out is expected. Those wishing to have an enjoyable run while helping athletes can register by logging on to www.terenure5mile.com

LAST week saw an action-packed feast of Community Games basketball when the preliminary rounds of boys and girls’ Under-13, and the finals of the boys’ Under-16 competitions took place at the Basketball Arena in Tallaght.

The girls’ Under-13 took to the court last Monday, with teams from Donabate/Portrane, Malahide, St Jude’s, Drimnagh, Knocklyon, Ballyboughal and Clondalkin all looking to secure a place in the finals.

The teams were split into two groups, with a number of electrifying games being played with fine skills on display from all of the teams.

Malahide and Drimnagh emerged from group 1, while Clondalkin and Knocklyon emerged from group 2. Malahide will play Clondalkin in the final, while Drimnagh face Knocklyon in the play-offs on May 12.

The boys’ Under-13s were in action last Tuesday, with seven teams taking to the court, with the teams matching each other pointfor-point and producing exciting games and results.

The final on May 12 will see Clondalkin play Malahide in the final, while Drimnagh face Knocklyon in the play-off.

The boys’ Under-16 matches dominated proceedings last Wednesday night and, with only four teams entered, a round-robin system was played. Each team played three matches and medal placings were only decided by the results of the last two games such was the standard of the teams.

Gold medals went to Drimnagh, while Palmerstown took silver, Bronze medals went to Knockmitten and fourth-place medals went to Clondalkin.

May is set to be a busy time with competitions taking place in rugby, tag rugby, rounders, soccer, hurling and futsol. Entries are now being taken for these competitions.

Entry forms available from your local area secretary, or www.dublincommunitygames.ie.

For more information on competition entries, contact your local secretary, or Dublin Community Games Secretary, Maureen Quinlan on 872 8203, or check out www.dublincommunitygames.ie

30 SWORDS GAZETTE 26 April 2012

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

EQUESTRIAN: FONTAINBLEAU TRIPLE TRIUMPH FOR GARRIGAN

Fingal take Leinster intermediate cup title FINGAL hockey club’s third eleven claimed the Leinster Intermediate Cup with a barnstorming second-half performance to deny Three Rock Rovers at Serpentine Avenue last Saturday.

They twice fought back from a goal deficit to oust their southside rivals, claiming the second Inter title in three seasons for the ALSAA club.

They fell behind early on when Kristian Johnson reacted quickest to a broken down penalty corner, punching the ball into the goal from close range.

Marcus O’Brien responded quickly, but a lucky Phil Shearer strike restored Three Rock’s advantage, spinning on the ball for an intended cross which took a hefty deflection into the goal.

But the lead was short-lived once more, and Conor Wheeler burst through to complete the second equaliser before half-time.

After the break, Fingal began to turn the screw with William Daunt to the fore, effecting a series of turnovers high in Three Rock territory who were unable to break the shackles.

Packed defences meant clear chances were hard to come by, but Fingal got the lead for the first time when Wheeler again shot through a forest of sticks, catching a Rovers’ defender’s lunge to see the ball ramp into the top corner.

It was a lead the side never looked to give up and they closed out the victory when O’Brien went on a brilliant run down the right wing and picked out the waiting David Gash at the back post, who duly tapped in an insurance goal for a 4-2 lead.

It concluded a productive year for Barry Maxwell’s team as a late season charge saw them rise to third in the division six table, just one place outside the promotion places behind Athy and YMCA.

Swords’ Matt Garrigan, Tom Foley, Paraic Kenny and Molly O’Shea claimed the French Nations’ Cup recently at Fontainebleau

French success for local rider sport@gazettegroup.com

A TRIUMPHANT Irish pony team that featured local horseman, Swords’ Matt Garrigan, claimed the French Nations’ Cup for the third year in succession recently at Fontainebleau after a remarkably consistent second-round performance and a double clear score from County Clare’s Tom Foley.

Garrigan’s clear round and four faults on Dr Spot proved to be a key component in the Irish team’s success, and along with his teammates - Tom Foley, Paraic Kenny and Molly

O’Shea - brought the honours back home for a trio of winning performances.

With 11 teams in the competition, Ireland was one of six who made the cut for the second round, lying in equal second place with France, on a total score of four faults, after the first set of outings by the riders and their mounts.

Germany, in the lead on a zero score, failed to hold their nerve in the final round, however, and suffered three fences down and an elimination to finish their championship on

That’s what it’s all Aboud: Euro honour for Chloe SWORDS taekwon-do star, Chloe Aboud, last weekend claimed her second successive European Championship title in Slovenia.

Her win follows a hugely successful 2011, when the Fingal fighter claimed World, European and national honours and was named the best overall competitor in the Irish Taekwon-Do Association’s Irish Cup in Limerick after taking three gold medals.

12 faults in total.

France endured a similar fate, though chalking up two zero scores second time out.

An elimination and then a 12-penalty tally f rom a nchor woman Tressy Muhr left them reeling with a 16-fault tally at the final bell.

A recover y by the British team, who had been lying fourth on five faults after the first round, posed the biggest threat to Ireland’s victor y and, though they recorded no faults in the second round, the British team were unable to match three clear rounds from the

Irish quartet, who therefore held their four-fault score right to the end.

Tulla rider, Foley, on Crown Jewel, were Ireland’s most consistent performers, with a zero score in each round, while team opener Kenny (Gorey, Co Wexford) with the Connemara pony, Grey Ross, had four faults and a clear second time out.

Garrigan scored a clear round and four faults on his two outings in the final round, while Molly O’Shea from Blackrock, in Co Cork, aboard the Irishbred More Clover, had zero penalties in their

first round and a single fence down in their second.

Though winning by just one point, the Irish quar tet, under Chef d’Equipe, Tom Slattery, fulfilled their hopes for a three-in-a-row victory, having also taken the French Nations’ Cup at Fontainebleau in 2010 and 2011.

Both Kenny and Foley have featured in all three teams, though on different mounts.

Ireland has now won the French Nations’ Cup five times since its inauguration - in 2005, 2006, 2010, 2011 and 2012.

26 April 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 31

in association with

FEILE: GREAT SUCCESS FOR U-14 FOOTBALLERS

CLUB NOTICEBOARD FINGALLIANS OUR celebration night / awards night

won their Div 3 match by a point

will have Sam Maguire as a special

against St Monica’s.

guest on Sunday, May 6. Tickets are

The performance of the week goes

now available via team managers, the

to the U-16 boys, who tasted victory

bar or on-line via www.fingallians.

in the first round of A championship

com at a subsidised cost of €30 each.

against Scoil Ui Chonaill.

To reserve a table of eight or ten, please email fingallians@gmail.com .

Well done to Donall Keane who played

derby, and it was great to see the U-8

a pivotal role as Roscommon reached

camogie team out on Saturday after-

the All-Ireland U-21 final, and will now

noon.

meet Dublin. The club will now be flying both flags on All-Ireland day.

It was a busy sporting week for the

Margaret’s net the Division 5 Feile title FEILE DIVISION 5 FINAL St Margaret’s Na Fianna

2-5 0-6

I sport@gazettegroup.com

ALEX Shelly netted twice within a minute midway through the second half to cap a remarkable St Margaret’s comeback, when they recovered from a four-point deficit at half-time to win handsomely at Parnell Park against Na Fianna.

The signs had looked ominous in the first half for the local side, as scores from Jennifer O’Connell and Meabh Shine had helped Na Fianna establish a 0-5 to 0-1 lead at the turnaround. But the impressive midfield duo of Caitlin Spratt and Aisling Gilligan turned the tide for the green and yellows.

Lauren Bruton weighed in with three delightful, left-footed points to bring the Balreesk side level five

minutes into the second half, before Shelly’s hanging free found the inner stanchion of the goal and ricocheted in for a crucial score.

She added another major moments later and while Na Fianna fought back gamely, Cliona Boyle clipping a fine point, the Margaret’s comeback was complete.

It was an excellent turnaround, as they had initially struggled to cope with a welldrilled side from Glasnevin, with just a Jennifer McGuinness’ point in the tenth minute to show for their first-half efforts.

But the second half was a different story, and a four-point deficit was impressively transformed into a six-point lead within nine minutes.

It capped a brilliant weekend for the club, as they began with victory over Erin Go Bragh in

Saturday’s group phase, before drawing with St Anne’s.

Victory against the already semi-finalbound Na Fianna followed those matches, a result that saw St Margaret’s into the semifinal as the group winners.

Westmanstown were duly ousted in that semi-final to push the club through to Sunday’s final and ultimate glory.

The weekend itself brought together over 900 players from 33 teams across 25 Dublin clubs with each taking part in the group phases in Mearnog and St Sylvester’s grounds on Saturday The festival reached its epic conclusion on Sunday with the six divisional finals taking place at the home of the Dubs in Parnell Park, with Foxrock Cabinteely taking the big prize with a stunning 3-8 to

0-2 victory over Castleknock in Division One. St Sylvester’s Sarah Whalley was the skills winner for the top division, while St Brigid’s Laura Page in division three took the overall skills title for the Feile.

St Margaret’s: Nicole Cooney, Nadine Cooney, L Deegan, M Dwyer (capt), A Shelly (2-1, 1-0 free), S Abbot, L Barry, A Gilligan, C Redmond, R O’Grady, L Bruton (0-3), A O’Grady, C Lynch, J McGuinness (0-1), J Tynan, L McDonnell, C Spratt, K Doyle, C Doyle, J-A Madigan, L Smith, K Tynan, S Martin, N Gilsenan Management team: Rory Dwyer, Sarah Stritch Na Fianna: L Dunne, A Gaffney, A McAleer, A Gleeson, C McDaid, C Tierney (0-2), C Brennan, C Boyle (0-1), E Cullen, H Byrne, K Keogh, A O’Sullivan, M Shine (0-1), O Regan, R Regan, R Gill, S Travers, A Kelly, A Nic Ghib, A Mangan, J O’Connell (0-2), R Drumm Management Team: John McDaid, Róisín O’Sullivan

Hard luck to the U-15 footballers who lost a couple of hard games last weekend.

club, with the ladies setting the bar

The senior footballers drew with

very high with a Div 1 victory over St

Cuala in the league and our juniors

Brigid’s and the junior ladies drawing

were eliminated from the champion-

away to Clontarf.

ship against a very strong Craobh

Our U-12s had a good win over

St Margaret’s Under-14 side celebrate their Feile success at Parnell Park last weekend. Picture: GAApics.com

There were wins for the U-16 girls against St Sylvester’s in the local

Chiarain side.

Faughs in a close, competitive hurl-

Finally, our newest team, the U-9

ing game; the U-13s won their league

girls, got their careers off to a win-

game comfortably, and the U-14Bs

ning start, beating St Pat’s.

ST FINIAN’S IT WAS a busy week of fixtures in

with a cake sale on Saturday, April

which we had a great win in the

28 at 11am.

Intermediate Football Champion-

For the cake sale, you can drop

ship against Garda, setting up a

over cakes on Saturday morning

local derby against Fingallians in

from 10.30am. Donations of clothes

the next round.

can be dropped over to the club all

O u r j u n i o r f o o t b a l l e r s we r e unlucky to lose the f irst-round championship match to Parnell’s by the narrowest of margins.

Good wins were recorded by our ladies’ football team, minor hurlers, Under-14 and Under-12 footballers.

this week from 7.30 to 9pm and on Saturday from 11am to 12.30am.

Congratulations to David Hattie and Aaron Cullen who were part of the Fingal hurling squad that won Allianz Hurling League Division 3A. The Lotto jackpot was €4,600. The numbers drawn were 12, 15, 19 and

Some pictures from the Under-14

22. There was no winner; the €50

fixture versus Cuala B are availa-

winners were Brendan Turley Jr.

ble on the club website in the Photo

and Caoimhe Kennedy.

Gallery section.

We have a clothing collection along

N e x t w e e k ’s j a c k p o t w i l l b e €4,700.

FINGAL RAVENS THE poker classic has been changed

urday, and came back from eight

to Thursday, May 3, at 8pm in Ket-

points down at half-time to draw

tle’s Hotel, €50 per ticket. Contact

the game at full-time..

Desy 087-9957427 or Declan 0862673830 to book your place.

Well done to the Under-13 boys who were called up for the Dublin

We are running our predictions

U-13 Development Squad Trials —

for the Provincial Championships

Brian Gleeson, Colm Daly, Eoghan

again, only €5. Forms are available

O’Donnell, Nicholas Halligan, Mark

from your mentor or committee

Fitzachary, Lorcan O’Brien, Daniel

member, or can be downloaded

Sammon, Dylan Dermody, Cillian

from www.fingalravens.com.

O’Rourke and Sam Gill.

Completed forms must be returned to a Committee member

by May 19.

Club membership for 2012 is now overdue.

Non-paid-up members (adult and

The Under-15s had a great win

juvenile) will not be permitted to

against Ballinteer St John’s in the

play after until their membership

league last Sunday morning.

is paid.

Well done to the boys Under-

Dinner dance planned for Ket-

13s, who delivered an impressive

tles Hotel on Sunday, May 6, is now

second-half performance in their

postponed, we will let everyone

game against Castleknock last Sat-

know soon when it will be held.

32 SWORDS GAZETTE 26 April 2012