Swords GAZET TE FREE
MAY 31, 2012
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SWORDS • BALBRIGGAN • APPLEWOOD • BOROIMHE • AIRSIDE • RIVERVALLEY
INSIDE: Local families enjoying The 2Pak Softball Blitz P8-9
Rowing: Olympic dream achieved by Sanita Puspure Page 32
Soccer: Swords Celtic sides close in on league success Page 30
ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ......................8 BUSINESS .....................19 MOTORS ........................21 TRAVEL......................... 22 ENTERTAINMENT ......... 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26
TENANT RIGHTS: TD Patrick Nulty (Lab) on protecting deposits Page 15
Lusk waste plans ‘a slap in face’ I NATALIE BURKE
LUSK residents have voiced serious concerns that two of the sites being considered by Fingal County Council (FCC) for a sewage treatment plant are in the Lusk area. According to Lusk Waste Watch, the announcement is set to provoke a significant reaction during the public consultation phase. Speaking for the group, Lor-
can O’Toole, said: “This proposal is a real slap in the face for us all.” Deputy Clare Daly (SP) said: “Sadly Lusk is used to being the fall-guy.” In response, project engineer at FCC, Peter O Reilly said: “A lot more detailed technical studies will have to be carried out, before any decision is made.” Full Story on Page 6
Special chemistry: Sara celebrates winning award MARESE O’Brien (left), from McCabe’s Pharmacy in Swords, was presented with the Young Community Pharmacist of the Year Award by Sara Corry, from Teva Ireland, at the Irish Pharmacy Awards.
This special award is presented to a young pharmacist who embraces challenges and opportunities and displays a determined desire to make a difference to patient outcomes.
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EVENT: RECRUITMENT DRIVE COMES TO TOWN
CHARITY Showing support for special needs children
Search for fosterers
I NATALIE BURKE
FOSTERING People Ireland is calling on people from all walks of life to attend its upcoming recruitment event in Swords, where it will address the growing number of children in need of foster care in the Dublin region. The non-statutory Dublin-based fostering agency recently announced two upcoming recruitment events in both Naas, and Airside Retail Park in Swords, which are aimed at recruiting more carers to help the growing number of children in need of care in the capital and the surrounding area. “Events like these are crucial in helping people find out whether fostering is right for them. Whether they are able to drop by
for a quick chat or stay for a drink to discuss fostering, we can provide the information that can help them make the decision that has the potential to change the lives of children in need,” said Lesley Dale, service manager at Fostering People Ireland. “Fostering People have really made a name for themselves in Ireland as an independent fostering agency with a great network of support for its foster carers. We hope that these events will help us get that message across and convince people that deciding to become a foster carer is life changing.” The Swords event will be held from 4pm – 8pm on Wednesday, June 6 at the Premier Inn, Airside Retail Park. For more information on Fostering People Ireland, visit www. fosteringpeople.ie.
Clodagh McKernan with son Max and Lilly Stenson with mother Pamela Pictures: Una Williams
Gillian and Nicole Elliot with Kirstie and Laura Berry
Auveen Bell and Barbara
Mary Keating and Hazel
Susan Craddock and
Nolan
Kaneswaren
Andrea Egan
Coffee morning blossoms LOSSOM Ireland, a charity which provides respite in various forms to children with intellectual disabilities and their families, recently held a charity coffee morning in the home of local resident Barbara Nolan. Established in May 2010, Blossom Ireland
B
was set up by two mothers, passionate in the belief, that their children with special needs deserve the same opportunities as all children. Currently they provide dedicated therapy led summer camps for children with intellectual disabilities aged between eight and 12 years.
Elaine Barr and Alison Carolann Hickey, Alison and Hayley Moran and Sonja McGinn
Tracy Corbett Flynn, Edel Timmons and Pauline Sheridan
Kennedy
31 May 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 3
EVENT Brian is ready for biggest night of his life
Local to take part in huge circus show I NATALIE BURKE
A TALENTED Swords man is set to join a giant cast this summer, when he performs as part of a world class circus show, Land of Giants. The largest outdoor event of its kind ever staged in Belfast will feature a cast of over 500, but for 25-year-old Brian O’Connell, who is often seen unicycling and juggling fire along Grafton Street, it will be the biggest night of his life as he performs in front of an audience of 18,000. The Land of Giants will feature state-of-theart animation, spectacular aerial performances
and stunning pyrotechnics during the show, which is set to take place at the Titanic Slipways in Belfast on Saturday, June 30. According to Brian, who will perform some breath-taking stunts on the night, he is just one of 18 trained performers taking the Circus Arts for Employment (CAFE) course, run by Belfast Circus School. The fulltime course gives students invaluable access to the best professional trainers worldwide. “We’ve had expert tuition from some of the most talented people in their field. The skills I learn on the course
will be on full view during the show and with 18,000 sets of eyes on me the pressure will be on to make every lesson count.” Brian’s interest in circus acts stem from being a child with an impossible dream. “As a child I thought these things were only for people from circus families and different from everyone else. It wasn’t until I was 17 that my friend was juggling and I asked him to teach me. “A week of blood, sweat and tears later I could juggle three balls and I completely convinced myself if you set
Brian O’Connell will join a cast of over 500 for outdoor circus show, Land of Giants
your mind to something you can do it. “There is a community in Dublin and around the world who are interested in pursuing circus skills as a hobby and it seems to be a social thing as well. “Alcohol isn’t the focal point and that’s important to me. It’s
something that’s good for people to revolve around that’s fun and also incredibly cheap to partake in.” The show celebrates the many giants in the history of Northern Ireland including Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver, the legendary Finn McCool,
Samson and Goliath, the Titanic and the Giant’s Causeway. “If someone wants a completely mind-blowing and epic experience, something they’ll never forget for the rest of their lives, they should certainly go up to Belfast,” he added.
SMARTBOX
New jobs as firm expands SWORDS -BASED gift voucher company, Smar tbox, is set to expand its Dublin base when it makes the move to set up a new international centre in Dublin. T he company is believed to create up to 70 jobs at the firm but will be taking the job creation to a new facility located in Dublin city centre. Already employing almost 1,000 people worldwide, Smartbox has been in Ireland since 1999 when it first opened its facility in Swords. The successful company supplies gift boxes containing a voucher and a list of amenities against which the recipient can redeem it. The company’s latest plans intend to target overseas markets and strengthen its online footprint once the move is complete.
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31 May 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 5
WATER Pipe breakage cited as cause of problem
Reservoirs were close to running dry I NATALIE BURKE
WATER levels at reservoirs throughout Fingal were described as being “dangerously low” earlier this week, when there was a serious risk of the reservoirs running dry. It’s believed the problem was due to a breakage in one of the main distributor pipes, which according to local Fine G a e l C l l r A n t h o ny Lavin, could possibly have been caused by the increased amount of water being used by local residents. “I was advised of a water pipe breakage on Forest Road in Swords, which was the issue
causing the water problems in the north county as well as in the Malahide and Portmarnock areas. But due to the fact that we have got the weather we have, people are probably using more water than they might normally use, putting more pressure on the pipes. But it does appear to be a short-term problem,” he said. W hile there is no immediate need to impose restrictions on water supply, restrictions may be unavoidable should the dry spell continue and should the demand for water increase during the summer period ahead.
In order to prevent other possible water issues in the Fingal area, Fingal County Council are reminding members of the public of the need to conserve water as much as possible. A statement on the council’s website is advising the community that this will be particularly important in the event of the good weather continuing for an extended period of time and that every effort to conserve water goes a long way towards ensuring continuity of supply to all consumers. “As a result of the warm weather and higher than normal demand
Fine Gael Cllr, Anthony Lavin, asks consumers to use water sparingly
on water, some reservoirs within Fingal have dropped in levels. This combined with problems on the main water supply lines is putting reservoirs at risk. We would ask consumers to be conscious of this and use water as sparingly as possible over
the next couple of days. All efforts to conserve water will help to maintain supply,” said the statement. Advice for the public on how to help conserve water in the household and at work includes tips such as using a basin to wash fruit and
vegetables, using a bucket of water rather than a hose when washing a car, only running a dishwasher when it is full and not to leave the tap running while brushing teeth. For more helpful water conserving tips, visit www.taptips.ie.
MUSIC
Dublin duo’s debut EP DUBLIN duo, Cr y Monster Cry, released their debut EP, T he Fallen, last week, and it has already entered the iTunes Charts at Number 2. The Fallen, was recorded over the space of two months, often in marathon night sessions in a studio in the seaside town of Malahide. T he songs on this debut act as both a signal of intent and a taste of things to come from Cry Monster Cry. Their song, This New Country, which features on the digital version of the EP, was chosen to feature in Tourism Ireland’s new online campaign, Jump Into Ireland, is sure to have everyone singing along very soon. The Fallen EP iTunes link here: http:// itunes.apple.com/ie/ album/the-fallen-ep/ id524268963
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EXPD8 Sponsorship helps Cathal get ready for 2012 games
Local IT company sponsors Paralympic athlete
I NATALIE BURKE nburke@gazettegroup.com
A SWORDS -BASED IT company is set to help one of Ireland’s Paralympic athletes on the road to the 2012 Paralympic Games, due to take place in London this summer. eXpd8, one of Dublin’s leading IT companies, last week announced its sponsorship of Clontarf athlete,
Cathal Miller; the paracyclist who finished fifth in the Paralympic Games in Beijing in 2008, and who is aiming for a podium finish at the 2012 Paralympic Games this year. eXpd8 currently has a highly successful partnership already in place with Paralympics Ireland and continues to provide them with IT services and expertise. Sponsoring an athlete of Cathal’s magnitude further leverages
the partnership and shows the company’s commitment to everyone who is involved with the association. The latest sponsorship, which was announced last week, will assist Cathal with his preparation and training for the upcoming Games and, as Miller is an IT Technician himself, it strengthens eXpd8’s partnership with the talented athlete. “My passions in life are
sport and IT and when eXpd8 approached me with this sponsorship opportunity I was delighted to take them up on their offer of support and expertise,” said Cathal, following the announcement. “As an IT technical support engineer with the Revenue Commission, I fully understand eXpd8’s business and am delighted to be linked with one of the leading IT companies in the country.”
According to Declan Branagan, CEO of the Swordsbased IT Company, eXpd8 are delighted to be helping Cathal on the road to London 2012. “We are really thrilled to announce this new sponsorship. Cathal is an inspiring person - his ambition, focus and commitment are second to none and we are delighted to be assisting with his preparation for the upcoming
Over half register for house charge JUST over half the residential properties liable for the household charge in Fingal registered for the controversial tax. Figures from Fingal County Council show that as of May 1, 46,322 households registered for the charge. This is 51.3% of the 90,286 residential properties deemed liable for the charge. According to a spokesperson for FCC, the council does not have information outlining paid or unpaid charges within the local electoral area of Fingal. T he revenue generated from the charge is approximately €4.6 million. “It is expected that this figure will increase once all post received by the Household Charge Bureau has been processed,” the spokesperson added. Costs incurred by the council for administration were estimated at €20,000 and primarily relate to staffing and advertisement costs. The report came following a question by Mulhuddart councillor David McGuinness (FF) asking for a breakdown on the household charge uptake in Fingal, how many paid, a breakdown of each local electorate area of Fingal, revenue accrued through this measure and the total cost to the council through its involvement with this charge.
Games. “Not only is Cathal a superb athlete but the fact that he is an IT technical support engineer is obviously another fantastic link to our business,” Declan said. “On behalf of the team at eXpd8 I would like to take this opportunity to wish Cathal and all the Paralympic athletes – the very best with their preparation and training for London 2012.”
Awards: Top prize for farm KEOGH’S, the Oldtown-based Irish farmers who have been growing potatoes in north county Dublin for over 200 years, have picked up The Food and Drink Entrepreneurial Startup of the Year award at the Burlington Hotel. Pictured at the awards are Bobby Kerr, Ross Keogh, Tara McCarthy (Bord Bia), Tom Keogh and Colm O’Regan.
SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT: RESIDENTS PROMISE STRONG REACTION TO PLAN
‘The council seem to think they can use and abuse Lusk’ I NATALIE BURKE
nburke@gazettegroup.com
RESIDENTS of Lusk have voiced serious concerns that two of the three sites being considered by Fingal County Council (FCC) for a sewage treatment plant are within the Lusk area. According to Lusk Wa s t e Wa t c h , t h e announcement that two of the shortlisted sites for the proposed plant are in the area has created serious concern and is set to provoke a significant reaction during the upcoming public consultation phase. Speaking for the group
and voicing the concerns of local residents in the area, Lorcan O’Toole said: “Fingal County Council seem to think they can use and abuse the locality of Lusk. This area has suffered more than most at the hands of this council. This latest plan will be too much for many of us to bear and there is going to be a very strong reaction. FCC continue to ignore the legitimate concerns of the people they are supposed to serve.” According to Lorcan, the decision to develop a plant to handle sewage from outside Fingal has dismayed local residents
who have been unable to obtain planning permission for their own land. “FCC have consistently refused permission for any form of development in the area, due to its sensitive rural nature. This proposal is a real slap in the face for us all. FCC yet again displays a deadly combination of arrogance and ignorance in their planning and actions. Their idea of public consultation is a joke. Despite 10,000 objections, they are carrying on regardless. “We feel that Lusk has been targeted by FCC for many years and we’ve done more than our fair
share of dealing with other people’s waste. “One of the sites is only a kilometre from a large housing estate so the smell would be wafting over Lusk forever. The whole development is crazy and there isn’t the money there to spend on such a stupid vanity project,” Lorcan added. In response to the comments made by Lusk Waste Watch, Peter O’Reilly, project engineer at Fingal County Council says the site on which planning permission will be sought needs to be a combination of the best location for the wastewater treatment plant,
the new sewer and the marine outfall. “A lot more detailed technical studies will have to be carried out, before any decision is made on the site that is most suitable for all three elements of the project. T he project team are looking for the site that is best for the project and will have the least impact on people and the environment,” O’Reilly said. While the announcement was greeted by disappointment in the community, local TD Clare Daly said it wasn’t a complete shock. “It’s a devastating blow
for people in the area but at the same time, it’s not unexpected. Sadly Lusk is used to being the fallguy for a lot of this stuff so they probably were hoping for the best and prepared for the worst at the same time. “It’s demoralising for people who are struggling to build a really nice place to live for their families and develop a sense of community spirit. “Because there’s so much green around them, any undesirable idea they [FCC] come up with always ends up having to be fought against in the community of Lusk,” Deputy Daly added.
31 May 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 7
SEAFOOD Balbriggan’s processing firm boost
€109,000 investment to create jobs I NATALIE BURKE nburke@gazettegroup.com
BALBRIGGAN is set to receive a boost to local employment after the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simone Coveney, announced a €15.5 million investment in the local seafood industry, which is set to create more than 140 jobs around the national coastline. The total national investment is set to include a €109,000 investment in Balbriggan’s seafood processing firm, Rockabill Shellfish Ltd, an announcement that was welcomed by
Fine Gael TD for Dublin North, Alan Farrell, who said it would help realise the sector’s potential while creating muchneeded jobs in the area. “It is great to see that a local firm such as Rockabill Shellfish Ltd, are in receipt of a government investment designed to develop and expand their business to meet the needs of this ever growing indigenous sector,” said Deputy Farrell. “As part of the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs, certain sectors are identified within the Irish economy with the potential for real growth and the seafood industry is among them.”
The investment in the Balbriggan seafood company is part of a broader national investment of €15.5 million, which is supported by grants of €3.2 million under the EU co-funded Seafood Processing Business Investment Scheme. The scheme is implemented as part of the Irish Seafood Development Programme 2007-2013. The national investment is set to target 21 different seafood companies located in six counties along the Irish coast and aims to increase sales of seafood by almost €44 million over the next three years. The recent announce-
Fine Gael TD for Dublin North, Alan Farrell, welcomed the investment
ment was also welcomed by Labour Party TD for Dublin North Brendan Ryan, who said he was particularly glad to see that a number of the companies and projects approved for grants are based along the east coast, from counties Louth to Wexford. “There is a long tradition of fishing along the
east coast and many of our towns and communities were built up around this industry. “Investment in seafood processing is vital to keeping this traditional industry at the heart of our marine communities,” he said. “From my own background in food processing, I am aware of the
additional benefits that investment in this area can bring. “I would like to commend Minister Coveney for the work he has done in advancing the cause of Irish fishing at a European level and I look forward to seeing continued growth in Irish food processing and Irish fishing,” he concluded.
EVENT
Seminar on future of Fingal A HALF-DAY seminar entitled, Fingal Preparing for Economic Recovery, was hosted by Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Gerry McGuire (Lab) last week, when ministers, companies and organisations contributed a number of presentations on the emerging future of Fingal. The seminar, which was held in the Europa Academy in Swords, was officially opened by Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton, and according to Mayor McGuire, the seminar looked at the type of Fingal he wanted to create in the next stage of economic development and the emerging economic recovery. “Our aim is to embark on a strategy that is based on quality employment, investment, housing and living environments, and one that will deliver sustainable economic and social development for decades to come.”
DublinGazetteNewspapers Advertising Sales Professionals Dublin Gazette Newspapers is Dublin’s fastest growing community weekly regional publisher, with 8 titles covering the M50 from Swords to Dun Laoghaire. We are currently looking to recruit: We are now seeking experienced media sales executives to work in our advertising dept in our Lucan head office on a number of Dublin Gazette titles. Experience in newspaper advertising sales is preferable. Full clean driving licence and own car required; fluent written and oral English essential. Excellent package on offer to suitable candidates. If you can work on your own initiative within a team environment, are motivated, enthusiastic with an excellent work ethic, please send your cv to: mmcgovern@gazettegroup.com
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EVENT Softball tournament launches grand opening of 2Pak
Enjoying a fun filled day for all the family HE gods were smiling on ALSAA Sports and Fitness on May 27 as the summer had well and truly arrived for The 2Pak Softball Blitz. The event was not only a softball tournament, but a variety of events were planned with families in mind. Highlights on the day included KidZone with giant games, face painting and softball battleships. Lunchtime saw the grand opening of 2Pak Park, Ireland’s first dedicated dirt softball diamond. The softball tournament was ongoing throughout the day, with first round games starting at 9.30am and the final being held on the Dirt Diamond at 4.15pm. Six of Ireland’s top teams competed against each other to stake a place in the final. Proceeds raised on the day will go towards the next stage of the 2Pak Park build, with future efforts being to complete the park with fencing, bleachers, dugouts and full backstop.
T
John McCarthy, Eidin Bredin and Emer Kiely. Pictures: Una Williams
31 May 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 9
Park, Ireland’s first dedicated Dirt Softball Diamond
Christopher Barry and Conor Bredin
Aoife Carey and Jodie Delany
Susan and Joanne Collins and Julie Trundle
Aoibhin and Caoimhe McCarthy
Steve Ralph
Geradine Kiely, Sean Bredin and Lucy Barry
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FUNDRAISER Models strut their stuff in support of Kasey
Kelly Donegan and Aoibheann McCaul
Brian Kennedy poses with Audrey Whelan on the dance floor Pictures: Una Williams
Celebrity fashion show Kares4Kasey CELEBRITY fashion show was the latest fund raising event held for the Kare4Kasey trust fund. Hosted in the Vanilla Nightclub of Hampton Hotel on Friday of May 18, the night was attended by many well-known faces. The trust fund looks to raise money in support of Kasey Kelly, a girl born in December 2010. At 10 months Kasey was diagnosed with a malig-
A
nant brain tumour known as atypical teratoid/ rhabdoid or ATRT, which is very aggressive and extremely rare. Currently living in Boston awaiting treatment for Kasey, the Kelly family has already raised €200,000 from kind donations. To donate to Kasey’s trust fund, please visit www.mycharity.ie/charity/kare4kasey or for more information, www.kare4kasey.com.
Yomyko Chen and Sarah Morrissey
Co-hosts Kirsteen O’Sullivan and Edward Smith
Niamh Kavanagh and Adam Costello Doherty and Judi Costello
Danika Skeen
31 May 2012 GAZETTE 11
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PEOPLE TV3 figure talks to The Gazette on being a busy mum
Lucia Wright, Peter McGowan and Juno Treanor joined Sybil Mulcahy at the Radisson Blu hotel to help launch CaldeSpray, a new product in the Caldesene range to help prevent nappy rash
Sybil isn’t nappy-ing on maternity leave I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN
NEW mother, and Monkstown resident, Sybil Mulcahy of TV3’s The Morning Show, may only have given birth six weeks ago, but she has bounced back into shape and looked fit, healthy and well-rested at the launch of a new treatment for nappy rash, CaldeSpray. Sybil launched the new product, of which she is ambassador, in the Radisson Blu Hotel on May 21, and she had her six-weekold son, Michael, there, too. She is enjoying her new baby son, but said three children were a lot more work than two, and added: “I think Michael has reflux. He’s up every two hours, so I’m up about three times a night, but it’s not too bad.”
Although six-week-old Michael may have reflux, at present, Sybil says “it’s not too bad”
In a frank interview with The Gazette, she said that while she wanted a third child “at some stage”, Michael was “an accident”, but they were certain they would have a third child in the future. “I’m just in the first few weeks so I’m watching a lot of late night TV and even infomercials,” she said. Sybil now plans to take part in the mini-mara-
thon this June, but will walk it instead of running it. “I’ll be walking – sure, I can barely run down the stairs! I’m not very fit, and have never been to the gym. I did it last year too, and for the same charity, called, Third Age, and it’s like a Childline for the elderly. “It’s really for elderly people living in remote areas or all alone, and
they often just ring up to say goodnight, not having spoken to a soul all day. So I’m walking it for them,” said Sybil. With three children to mind, which she describes as “chaos”, Sybil was thankful that she has a childminder to help out. “I couldn’t cope, otherwise,” she said. “Fair play to anyone doing it all on their own, though. It’s a
thankless job, but it’s a lot easier if they’re sleeping at night. When you get no sleep, every problem becomes a mountain.” She intends to enjoy her six months’ maternity leave to the fullest, and is also trying to buy a house in Monkstown or the surrounding areas. “You don’t get a chance to do these things when you’re working. We’re in the process of getting
mortgage approval, and are looking at houses now. “It takes a good chunk of time, so until I go back to work in October, I’m concentrating on finding my house. If anyone out there knows of a nice five-bedroom, let me know!” Whilst on maternity leave previously, Sybil cut it short as her colleague on Ireland AM, Sinead Desmond was unwell and Sybil filled in. However, as for her current leave, she said: “This time, I’m enjoying it.” When asked how the other two children were adjusting to the new baby, she said: “Sure, they’re killing each other. I caught my daughter trying to carry the baby down the stairs the other morning.
“She gets jealous if I give the baby attention; the other fellow is not too bad, but I suppose it’ll take a while for things to settle.” She is due back on The Morning Show in October, and is also looking forward to returning. “The ratings are up, and it’s a show that’s become a part of people’s morning routine. I’m also looking forward to working with Martin [King] again.” Speaking about the product that she is ambassador for, Sybil said: “It’s a great product, and Caldesene has been on the market for 40 years. “They had no brand ambassador before, and I’m happy to do it. The spray is an updated version [of the existing product].”
31 May 2012 GAZETTE 13
SCHOOLS National search for Teacher of the Year
Your chance to name the top educator BHRAONAIN
RORY Kavanagh, Donegal GAA footballer and teacher at Scoil Colmcille National School in Letterkenny, launched the Teacher of the Year Awards last week. Students from all across Dublin are being given the opportunity to celebrate their best teachers, and they can give top marks to their favourite teacher by entering her or him into a national awards competition to find the best teacher in the country. The Teacher of the Year awards are being organised by www.abcbooks.ie, and will allow students, colleagues and family members to nominate a teacher with vision, expertise, passion and creativity for the accolade. The competition is open to students from all schools around Ireland, both national and secondary, and each nominating student will get a free consultation for fixed braces with David McConville Orthodontists. At the launch, Mark Bundschu, of abcbooks. ie, said: “We deal with teachers daily and have
great respect for the job they do. “When we realised there wasn’t a national awards programme to honour the great work of our primary and secondary school teachers, we decided to take on the mantle.” If you would like to nominate a teacher, all you have to do is write a piece all about them in 500 words or less. --------------------------
‘The Teacher of the Year judging panel will apply tough criteria in their selection process’ --------------------------
You need to convince the judging panel of why your teacher deserves to be crowned Teacher of the Year 2012, and you can include additional primary evidence of their merit, such as photos, videos, or stories. Speaking to The Gazette, Kavanagh said that he was pleased to support any initiative that promotes the work done by teachers. “It’s a great opportunity for parents and stu-
dents to nominate their teacher. “T he nominations come at the end of term, in order to give students the chance to work closely with that teacher throughout the year. “This is a great chance to promote teaching, and all of the good work done behind closed doors,” he said. When asked about his own likelihood of nomination at Scoil Colmcille, Kavanagh said: “I wish!”, and went on to say: “As a teacher, you work with these fellows for years, and don’t realise the impact you have on them. “It’s only when they come back to you years later when they’re in secondary school and talk to you and thank you that you realise it, and it’s very rewarding.” The judging panel will apply tough criteria in their selection process, which include ability to teach and explain a difficult topic, commitment, creativity, innovation, rapport with students and involvement in extra-curricular activities. Nominations can be made online at www.abcbooks.ie.
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M
I BAIRBRE NI
Pole position: ‘Making the most of your UEFA trip to Poznan’
Emma Bundschu and Filip Blazejczak help their teacher (and Donegal GAA footballer) Rory Kavanagh launch the Teacher of the Year 2012 awards search
TRAVEL PAGE 22
14 GAZETTE 31 May 2012
MUSIC Ireland’s newest festival celebrates all things folk
Spirit of Folk 2012 will see musicians and storytellers from all over Ireland and the UK come together for a weekend of music, arts and craft
Getting into the spirit of things in Dunderry GazetteContacts Block 3A, Mill Bank Business Park, Lucan Tel: 01 6010240 Fax: 01 6010251 Managing Director: Michael McGovern email:mmcgovern@gazettegroup.com Acting News Editor: Mimi Murray email: mmurray@gazettegroup.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile email: jmaile@gazettegroup.com Sports Editor: Rob Heigh email: sport@gazettegroup.com Picture Editor: Paul Hosford email: picturedesk@gazettegroup.com Ad Manager: Louise Fitzgerald email: lfitzgerald@gazettegroup.com Advertising Production: Anita Ward email: ads@gazettegroup.com Financial Controller: Carly Lynch email: clynch@gazettegroup.com
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SPIRIT of Folk, Ireland’s newest festival “celebrating all things folk”, has announced a stellar lineup and the addition of an extra night for this year’s festival, once again taking place in the idyllic surroundings of Dunderry Park, Co Meath. Returning this year from September 21 to 23, Spirit of Folk 2012 will see musicians and storytellers from all over Ireland and the UK come together for a weekend of music, arts, craft, spirituality, philosophy and folklore. This year’s family-friendly festival line up boasts an impressive mix of traditional Irish music, folk, bluegrass and country; from established Irish singer songwriters to emerging acts, the beautiful and bespoke three-day event will truly embody the spirit of all things folk. This year’s Spirit of Folk festival line up features: Irish singer/songwriter and twice winner of the Meteor award for Best Folk/Trad, John Spillane; The Lost Brothers, an Irish duo hailing from Omagh and Navan, as seen on RTE’s Other Voices; Lisa O’Neill, rapidly emerging as one of the
truest contemporary Irish folk voices and recently returned from touring with Welsh singer David Gray; I Draw Slow, a fivepiece outfit comprising alt-country, folk, roots, old-time Americana; Spook of the Thirteenth Lock, Irish folk rock band delving into the realms of psych, prog and post rock and Cry Monster Cry, who have just launched their new EP. F e s t i v a l d i r e c t o r, Natasha Duffy, commented: “We are delighted and proud to announce the fantastic line up we have planned for this year’s Spirit of Folk festival. In our sophomore year, we aim to truly celebrate Irish folk in a relaxed family-friendly setting with great music and events for everyone to enjoy – a magical way to bid farewell to summer and finish the festival season in style!” Other acts featuring at this year’s festival include: Tucan; The Hot Sprockets; Mossy Nolan; The Henry Girls; The Young Folk; Tir na nOg; Aoife Scott; Jig away the Donkey; Pete Cummins; The Bonny Men; Traz; The Man Whom, Gypsy Rebble Rabble; Bunoscionn;
Trad side of the moon; Wookalilly; Alpaca Jamboree; Miriam Donohue; Joy Booth; TAC; Twin Headed Wolf; The Eskies; Hidden Highways and JP Trio and Niamh. To accompany this feast of musical acts, there will be an abundance of alternative events for all to enjoy, including storytelling and poetry reading by Pat Speight, Eddie Lenihan, Tim Evans, Jack Sheehan and Stephen James Smith; as well as talks and workshops on ancient druidism and shamanism; Tibetan Mandala making and singing bowls; Native American pipe ceremonies; dreams analysis; and ancient astronomy and permaculture. A limited supply of Early Bird weekend tickets for €65 and day tickets for €35 will be available until May 31 only. From June onwards, weekend tickets will cost €85 and day tickets will cost €45. To purchase your Spirit of Folk 2012 tickets go to www.tickets.ie. For more information, check out www.spiritoffolk.com or follow us on Twitter (@ Spirit_of_Folk) or like us on Facebook.com/spiritoffolkfestival.
31 May 2012 GAZETTE 15
RENT Landlords can keep deposits in ways inconsistent with law
Tilting balance of fairness back in favour of tenants P N TD on a bill to reduce the number ATRICK
ULTY
of times tenants unfairly lose their deposits BEFORE I was elected a TD, I was employed as a policy analyst with Focus Ireland, who work on housing issues affecting those on the front line of our housing crisis. That is those who have lost their homes, or are at risk of becoming homeless. Almost one in seven of those currently accessing Focus Ireland homeless services are children. But no statistic can describe the pain of those experiencing life without a home. And yet, the facts and figures of our housing crisis need to be understood. • 300,000 homes in Ireland are currently unoccupied. • 100,000 households are currently on the housing list. • One in 10 mortgages are now in arrears. Our housing system is dysfunctional and in crisis. Individuals and families want security, whether they are renting their homes or paying mortgages. In particular, issues of security frequently arise in the private rented sector with regard to deposits. Tenants are required to come up with at least one month’s rent as a deposit. For many, the deposit is a form of saving. They rely on the deposit to use for their next home; if and when they move out of their current accommodation. There are approximately one quarter of a million tenancies registered in the country with the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB). Illegal deposit retention is one of the most common problems experienced by tenants in the private rented sector. The Residential Tenancies Act 2004, sets how a
deposit can be retained by the landlord in very specific instances such as rent arrears, damage beyond normal wear and tear or outstanding utility bills. The Threshold Annual Report for 2011 shows that some landlords are withholding deposits in a way which is totally inconsistent with the law. Tenants are at risk of becoming homeless when a landlord unfairly withholds their deposit. In 2010, Threshold dealt with 3,224 deposit queries. In 79% of these cases, they were successful in ensuring a full or partial refund of the deposit for the tenant. Many of these cases have to be referred back to the PRTB and some reach the courts. This has been a time consuming process, and a burden for those who need the deposit for a new home. Last week, I sought leave to introduce a bill which, if passed by the Dail and Seanad, will bring in a deposit retention scheme for those renting in the private rented sector. The bill, if passed, will allow for rental deposits to be held by an independent third party. This bill will now be debated in Dail private members’ time within the next few months. I hope the Government will accept the bill as a review of potential deposit retention schemes is already underway within the Department of the Environment. This bill (if passed) would ensure that deposits are returned promptly, unless a landlord has valid claims for damage, withheld rent or unpaid bills. There are examples of such models in Britain and Australia. According to Threshold,
these schemes have greatly reduced the number of times tenants unfairly lose their deposits. The deposits can be managed by the National Treasury Management Agency. Any surplus or interest generated could be used to regulate and improve standards in the private rented sector. A recent PrimeTime programme (May 10) estimated that in 2010 local authorities only inspected 7% of private rented dwellings.
This is unacceptable. There is widespread recognition that a deposit retention scheme makes sense. In November of last year, the then Minister for Housing Willie Penrose said: “I have asked the PRTB to research potential schemes and to provide me with a sound evidential base on which I can make a decision in this regard and I intend to make recommendations to Government on this topic in 2012. A deposit retention
scheme was also included in the Labour Party manifesto for the 2011 General Election. I am very hopeful that the Dail and Seanad will accept the proposal and a deposit retention scheme will be established. It would be a first step in tilting the balance of fairness back in favour of tenants.
Patrick Nulty TD Labour Party TD for Dublin West and Swords
Patrick Nulty TD (Lab): “No statistic can describe the pain of those experiencing life without a home.”
16 GAZETTE 31 May 2012
GazetteSTYLE STYLE Facts about treating angina ALMOST 1-in-25 Irish adults have had an angina or heart attack, according to a recent report. Angina is a message from your heart telling you that it is suffering from a lack of blood-carrying oxygen. There is an important balance between the amount of blood your heart muscle demands and the ability of the coronary arteries to supply that blood. The heart demands are increased by infections, and high blood pressure. The blood supply is reduced by narrowed arteries, or a low blood count. Correcting this balanced is achieved through lifestyle changes and use of anti-anginal drugs. The other important aspect of treating angina is to prevent the disease in the arteries getting worse through modifying risk factors, such as cholesterol, blood pressure, smoking, weight and inactivity. Speak to your GP or pharmacist for information about angina and its risk factors. With thanks to the staff at Lucan Village Pharmacy
Edited by Laura Webb
Getting fit is a ‘Sure’ thing at Zumba class T claims to be “unapologetically strong” offering women “maximum protection”, so when Gazette Style got the chance to trial out Sure’s new deodorant, we were ready to put it to the test. What better way to spend a Saturday afternoon than getting in a little gentle exercise, or so we thought. The Zumba class, organised by Sure for Women, turned out to be an energetic hour that definitely tests endurance and sweat glands. The instructor putting us through our paces was Zumba guru, Larissa Atkinson. Before starting, the group of about 20 women (and a few men) lathered the cream-like deodorant under arms before testing it during the class. Starting off, it seemed like a walk in the park, a bit of Latin dancing moves here and there. Then, as if someone had changed the record to fast forward, the moves
I
got faster and a bit more intense and it was then we knew we were in for a good workout. After each song, we were given a short water break, but that didn’t last long and we were back into the swing of it before we could say agua. Zumba offers a really good cardio workout, but at the same time, it is a lot of fun. After a good hour of jumping, salsa, bellydancing and squatting it was time to check how Sure’s Maximum Protection deodorant worked out. Lifting arms it was clear to see that this deodorant does exactly what it says on the bottle – it keeps you dry in any situation. Even talking to the instructor, Larissa, she was pleasantly surprised by it and said she would be recommending it to her class participants. Aches and pains throughout the body days after the session showed us that Zumba works well as a workout.
A good hour of jumping, salsa and bellydancing at a Zumba class was no match for Sure Maximum Protection
So, here comes the science, how does the deodorant work? According to Sure, this product is two times stronger than the leading antiperspirant and is designed to keep you protected whatever the situation. Sure Maximum Protection has a TRIsolid formula made
up of three components. Firstly, it has extra strength dryness protection. While you sleep it forms a level of protection, giving you unbeatable wetness protection for the day ahead. The second component is its patented fragrance technology containing
odour-protecting microcapsules. The microcapsules dissolve when you sweat, so you keep smelling fresh throughout the day and, thirdly, it has skin conditioning ingredients that help to protect the skin from irritation. Use Sure Maximum
Protection in Confidence for an extra boost in a stressful situation. For delicate skin, try Sensitive to keep dry without compromising the skin and for an everyday clean feeling use the classic Clean Fresh Scent. The RRP for Sure Maximum Protection is €6.87
‘Unleash your upper East Side girl’ this summer at Forever 21
Beige skirt, ¤19.90
Light pink dress, ¤28.90
Turquoise jeans, ¤21.90
THIS summer, why not become a lady what lunches and use stylish restaurants and bistros as your very own catwalk with a little help from clothing giant Forever 21. This season Forever 21 is urging Dubliners to “unleash your upper East Side girl” with a fabulous collection of muted pastels and gorgeous neutrals – a must have this spring/summer and great for when out lunching. Key pieces from the collection can transform a wardrobe and create numerous different styles that suit every day of the week, or even help transition from day to night wear.
This collection has delicate lace and textured knits that pair with fitted skirts or fab block colour skinnies – great for those dull days that see bursts of sun come through making you unsure about what to wear. Don’t be too quick to put the cardi at the back of the wardrobe, as they are good to keep at arm’s length, just in case the weather takes a turn for the worst. What’s even better about this collection, is that not only is it right on trend in terms of colour and style, it has very affordable price tags that won’t see you dipping in to your holiday savings. Looking through
some of the items, there is a chic cami for just €12.90 and a stunning dress that would make even Sienna Miller green with envy, as it is priced at a very affordable €28.90. The collection also has a number of different delicate blouses with a Peter Pan collar, which sits well on most necklines. Block colours, another must have, can be brought to life with some great skinnies at €21.90. Cozy cardigans and jumpers are also available at prices that make it hard to leave them sitting on the rails. Forever 21 is located in Jervis Street shopping centre.
31 May 2012 GAZETTE 17
GazetteMUSIC MUSIC
Edited by Rob Heigh
FastTunes with Radio Nova’s Dee Woods REMEMBER when you were in the awkward adolescent phase of hating everyone who was good to you (i.e. your parents) while spending your days vying for the attention of people who didn’t like you at all (i.e. the cool gang in school)? A rite of passage for many an agsty-teenager I thought, so since when did rock cleanse away the embarrassing-dad sydrome experienced by most of us during our younger days? Steven Tyler has spent the past season of American Idol making eyes and inappropriate comments at many female auditionees; Tom Jones has been deemed “down with the kids” enough to be given a judge’s seat on The Voice UK, while Rod Stewart will no doubt have to be introduced to Gary Barlow and Tulisa Contostavlos when he sits in as temporary judge for the next season of The X Factor. I’m in two minds whether to shout “over the hill!” or “still got it” at my TV screen.
The Walls and, inset, Jape, two of the acts who will be taking to the stage at Leopardstown Live this summer
FESTIVAL: A DAY AT THE RACES WITH ADDED ROCK
Leaping live at Leopardstown I ELLEN COONEY
M U S IC l ove r s w i l l have the chance to be up close and personal with Dublin talent this summer when Live At Leopardstown launches for a series of concerts that run from June 8 to August 16. There will be nine gigs spaced out over nine evenings, and Live at Leopardstown has managed to pack ten of Dublin’s brightest bands into their programme to play alongside other Irish greats. As if this ratio wasn’t impressive enough, eight out of the nine nights have a Dublin-based headliner. T he only night missing a Metropolitan monster of rock is the last night when a true national treasure, the Saw Doctors will take to the stage. Not only is the line-
up completely homegrown, but it’s prestigious to boot. Bipolar Empire will headline first on June 8, followed over the proceeding weeks with sets from The Original Rudeboys, The Walls, Kila, Jape, Royseven, The Minutes and Ryan Sheridan. These Dublin acts have shared the stage with some of the world’s greatest legends of rock, including U2, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Faithless and The Flaming Lips, and have performed at festivals such as Oxegen, Glastonbury and Electric Picnic. This is a lineup which is as eclectic as it is impressive, and will surely cater for the tastes of anyone wishing to attend. From Jape’s electronic rock to Ryan Sheridan’s acoustic sounds, there’s definitely something for
everyone. The support acts are also sure to draw in a crowd, with Cavan’s The Would Be’s stirring up some nostalgia and Cork’s Dead School throwing some post punk into the mix.
Horsing around Leopardstown will also be hosting its horse races alongside these music events, making sure that everyone is in for a fun-filled evening, combining the atmosphere of a boutique music festival with the thrill of a night at the races. In what is a somewhat precipitous move, the racecourse has decided to hold each of the live gigs in a weatherproofed Big Top, ensuring that the attendees can be certain of a warm and more importantly dry evening of entertain-
ment with the possibility of a true Irish summer always on the horizon. Ciaran Conroy, commercial manager of Leopardstow n said: “Now in its fourth year, we’re proud that Live at Leopardstown has enabled many people to experience racing for the first time. “We are delighted to enhance the customer experience by hosting all our concerts under canvas in the Leopardstown Big Top. “ F o r 2 01 2 , we ’ ve added top-class support acts to further enhance the music element of the festival.” Racing will go to post between 5.30pm and 6.00pm and finishes up in time for the live music to commence between 8.30pm and 9.00pm. To find out more, go online to www.liveatleopardstown.com.
18 GAZETTE 31 May 2012
GazettePETS PETS
Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA
THE FACTS: A NUMBER OF GARDEN HAZARDS COULD PUT YOUR ANIMAL AT RISK
Keep your pet safe for summer UMMER has arrived at last and, as usual, our thoughts turn to the garden. However, this is also a time when the pet parent in me switches to “cautious” mode as I make a quick inventory of all the possible summer garden hazards that could place my doggies at risk. And no, I don’t mean weeds, I mean the following: And do bear in mind, these are only guidelines, I don’t have the full list, nor am I able to give information regarding the lethal dosage so if you are concerned, contact your vet.
S
Fertilizer T he fer tilizer that feeds your plants could
be the very thing that upsets your dog, especially if it contains ammonium nitrate which is toxic to animals.
Common plants Rhododendron and azalea, daffodil, hyacinth, tulip, hydrangea and foxglove to name but a few. Insecticides Insecticide baits, sprays, granules and herbicides are great for your garden but are not friendly to your dog, especially if they include ingredients like snail bait with metaldehyde and fly bait with methomyl. A tip! Don’t wear gardening shoes in the house; (those who
From garden tools to fertilizers, your garden could feature a number of threats for doggies
live chez moi already know the dangers of wearing muddy shoes in the house), they bring extra pesticides and dirt indoors, further exposing my pets when they lick their paws.
Coco mulch Ver y popular with the landscape gardener, but, as it’s a by-product
of chocolate it attracts dogs with its sweet aroma. Depending on the amount ingested, this can cause a variety of symptoms ranging from vomiting, diarrhoea, hyperactivity and even seizures. Consider using shredded pine or cedar instead?
Compost As an eco friendly kinda gal I understand the whole Mother Earth thing and composting is definitely the right way to go, but as an animal lover, I have to say, you’re posing a huge risk to your pets if you don’t do it properly and responsibly. We see a lot of incidents where dogs are being poisoned due to what is often referred to as “garbage gut”. Yo u s e e , t h e f e rmentation of certain items such as meat and dairy products means they produce clostridial toxins; these toxins languish in compost heaps, get raided by nosy canines who may then experience severe
symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea, resulting in you having to rush them to the family vet for urgent attention.
Tools of the Trade Keep an eye on rakes, hoes and trowels etc, they can prove dangerous to your pet’s nose, paws and other parts of his body, especially if they puncture his skin. If the tools are rusty or mucky, there is a danger of your dog getting tetanus. Make sure your dog’s vaccinations are up to date and lock your gardening tools in the shed. Allergies Yep, pets have allergies just like you and
me and, if the reaction is severe it can cause anaphylactic shock. If you’re concerned or suspect your pet suffers from an allergy, have your vet give him the once over and he/she will best advise regarding medications and course of action to take. P l e a s e r e m e m b e r, the above information is only a guideline and is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you are concerned about your pet, contact your family vet. For more information, log onto w w w. dspca.ie or contact your vet or email me at miriam.kerins@dspca.ie
31 May 2012 GAZETTE 19
GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS Taking account of real concerns
Supported by AIB
Interview: Kevin Kelly from TaxAssist Accountants in Dun Laoghaire
A NEW walk-in tax and accountancy advice service, TaxAssist Accountants, servicing small businesses and the self employed in the Dun Laoghaire area opened last year. The new business was launched by Kevin Kelly, an accountant with over 10 years’ experience. Having worked in various accounting roles throughout his career, Kevin decided to fulfil his ambition of opening his own business. The new practice aims to simplify the accounts and tax process and offer real value to clients. Clients can avail of a range of services such as tax returns, payroll, endof-year accounts and book-keeping all on a fixed fee basis. TaxAssist Accountants operates from a bright, open shop front on Patrick Street. The idea of the shop front is that clients can simply call in off the street to discuss their accountancy and tax matters without an appointment. Kevin said: “Traditionally, the accountants office is hidden away upstairs. I wanted to take away any of the formalities and make a trip to the accountants a more comfortable experience.” “Clients want a good, proactive service from their accountant without the expensive hourly rates that usually brings. We offer a free one hour consultation, and we always work on a fixed fee basis so there are no hidden fees and no shocks,” he concluded.
SAFETY OF DEPOSIT TAKER Q – I have €90,000 to invest and see that KBC Bank are doing an awful lot of advertising lately. How safe are they? Mark – Mount Merrion
Kevin Kelly of TaxAssist Accountants: “I want to make a trip to the accountants a more comfortable experience”
Q: What sport do you follow? A: I follow hurling, football
Q: What was your last Tweet/status update? A: Few comments on a re-
Q: What was your worst holiday experience? A: Ring of Kerry when we
Q: What was your first job? A: Helping out in my fa-
and basketball.
cent networking event.
Q: What is your guilty music/TV or movie pleasure? A: Bad action movies.
Q: Describe your dream meal? A: Starter: Smoked Salmon.
were young – it rained and we all got food poisoning. Been back a few times since and it was very enjoyable.
Q: Who best represents modern Ireland – David Norris or Jedward? A: Jedward – double person-
Main (depends): Chicken rogan josh or steak and chips or penne arrabiata. Dessert: Chocolate and coffee.
Q: Describe your dream holiday? A: Family holiday by the sea
Q: Who would you rather have dinner with – Enda Kenny or Dame Edna? A: Enda Kenny.
Q: What would be your dream job? A: As the bass player in a
York for a summer during college.
Q: When did you start your present job? A: In January 2011. Q: What is the best thing about your job? A: I enjoy helping and advising a mix of businesses and individuals.
Q: What part of your working day do you “delegate”? A: Filing.
A – The easy answer to this is simply write to AIB and ask them to cancel the PPI element of your monthly payment. PPI gave some people peace of mind should they fall sick, have an accident or be made redundant. Your payments were paid up to 12 months until you recovered on any of the three fronts. Unfortunately, you will not be able to claim a refund, as you enjoyed the protection insurance during this period (a little like asking for refunds on life cover while you were covered all along). However, it was also massively missold because certain categories were unable to claim and should have been told at the outset by the sellers. Those NOT covered included:
If you are in any of these categories, email me for further details.
Q: When you were a kid, what did you want to be? A: A Limerick hurler.
Q: And your first pay cheque? A: As a doorman in New
Q – I have had PPI on my AIB Visa card for years. How do I get rid of it and am I entitled to any refund of premiums ? Carmel – Blanchardstown
• Aged under 18, or over 65 years of age • Working less than 16 hours a week • Self-employed or unemployed • Have existing medical conditions • On contract or temporary work
Q&A
ther’s accountancy practice.
PAYMENT PROTECTION INSURANCE
ality with a short attention span and annoyingly entertaining.
Q: What music/pictures/ movies do you have on your iPod/iPad? A: Alternative and electronic music, wedding photos, comedy films.
Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook? A: Local businesses, music, sport and current affairs.
Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously? A: On holidays. Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own? A: Five pairs of shoes and five pairs of trainers.
and close to a town, with lots of good food.
well-respected and not too famous band.
Q: What do you plan to do when you retire? A: More family time, gigs, sporting events and travel.
A – As it happens, KBC Bank currently have the best interest rates both in the demand (fully accessible day to day – 3.25%) and 12-month fixed (4.15%) categories. They also bask in the comfort of the Deposit Protection Scheme guaranteeing up to €100,000 per person (underwritten ultimately by the Irish taxpayer) like all the Irish deposit takers in Ireland. The bigger picture is also reassuring, in that they have been in Ireland over 35 years with centres in Dublin, Cork, Belfast, Limerick, Cork and Galway, employing over 450 people. They are part of the Belgian KBC Group – KBC Bank NV based in Brussels and enjoy an A rating. So, with €90,000, you are safe as houses as the saying goes to deposit with them. You could go to any of their formally appointed agents and transact through them at no cost to you. Email me for details. 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
LOCALMATTERS SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS
ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZETTE CALL 60 10 240
20 GAZETTE 31 May 2012
GazettePROPERTY PROPERTY New design is a Knott classic IRELAND’S best known interior designer, Neville Knott, travelled to Rathfarnham for next week’s edition of Neville’s Doorstep Challenge on TV3, and the show sees him pay a visit to homeowner Mary in her apartment in Rathfarnham as she’s desperate to stop her home looking like a characterless rental. Talking about his design, Neville said: “Mary wanted a space she would be proud to have photos taken in on the day of her wedding. I created a strong focal point in the room by painting thick stripes in mink and soft grey which gave the room great width and a definite personality which it lacked before.” As well as being a famous face on TV, Neville is also colour consultant to Crown Paints and head of interior design at the Dublin Institute of Technology. Neville’s Door Step Challenge, in association with Crown Paints and Woodies DIY is on TV3 on Tuesdays at 7.30pm. To find out how Neville achieved the look, see www.facebook.com/crownpaints.
A beautiful extension might increase the value of your property, but understanding the costs of renovation is important, too
EXTENSIONS: TAKING INTO ACCOUNT ALL OF THE POSSIBLE COSTS
Understanding the costs of renovation When you are planning on extending your home, one question will occupy you more than any other: How much will the extension cost? There are a variety of answers, depending on the set of variables that makes up your building project. Each project is unique and each will have its own set of costs. When planning your project it’s very helpful to have an understanding of the items and factors that can affect costings. In this article we’ll cover the more common items, so when you look at a set of plans, you will be more knowledgeable about how costings are drawn up.
Your Site Access No matter what type of build you are planning, there will be some digging involved. The
access to the site can have a cost impact in a very simple way. If the build is happening at the rear of your house, can a digger gain access? Foundations can be excavated very quickly and efficiently with a digger. If there is no vehicular rear access, there may be no choice but for the foundations to be dug the old fashioned way, by hand, which will be more expensive in terms of time and money. Soil conditions: If there a massive depth of soil beneath your house, your builder may need to double to ensure solid foundations.
Drainage and pipes If there is a large manhole in your garden this is more than likely an access point to the community sewerage scheme which your local authority need to
have access to on a permanent basis. Perhaps the shape of the foundations will have to be altered or adjusted to take the manhole into account. Design changes above standard layouts will be more costly.
The new structure A standard, off the shelf design is more cost effective to build then a complex, once off, unique, project. All that aside, this is your home you are dealing with so as long as you are aware that complexity equals additional expense, you are going into the project with your eyes open. Materials, finishes You would be amazed at the impact seemingly insignificant decisions can have on the bottom line cost of a building project. Bear items on
this list in mind when you are putting your budget together. Insulation - standard or future proof? It may be cheaper up front to just go for a standard insulation, but more high quality products may have a future saving in terms of running costs of the finished property. Inside finishes – kitchen/tiles/layout/electrical points/plumbing/ electrical points. More than likely you will be buying a new kitchen as part of your build. The quality and costs of kitchen units can vary widely, so shop around before you buy. If you put your new kitchen in the same position as your old kitchen there will be a lower building cost as pipes/electrics may not
have to be moved. If you swap your kitchen and your dining room around, there will be a big cost in new pipework. Do you really need those marble tiles in the hall? And what about those brushed chrome light switches, gorgeous to look at, but standard white plastic one do the exact same job at a much lower cost. Hopefully after reading this article, you will have a better idea of the costs involved in building your dream home and when you go to put your project out to tender, you will be able to digest the different quotes with a bit more understanding. To get in touch with HSLC, find them online at www.hslc.ie or call Gerhard on 087 774 9470 or info@hslc.ie
31 May 2012 GAZETTE 21
GazetteMOTORS MOTORS
Edited by Cormac Curtis
RoadSigns Road Signs NEW FOCUS LIMITED EDITION:
All in all, the new Mercedes B-Class is a seriously attractive car
Taking it to a new level CORMAC CURTIS
MERCEDES Benz have not been sitting on their laurels in recent times. Even a cursory glance at the striking and imaginative marketing and advertising campaigns they have been rolling out will tell you that the German brand have their sights firmly on younger drivers. This is new territory for the marque, who have more traditionally appealed to an older, more executive level of driver. But this new direction shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise. It was as far back as 2005 when the company first broke ranks by introducing the family-friendly B-Class. What is both encouraging and reassuring is that, despite all the attention and resources being devoted to some new models in the line-up, cars such as the B-Class are being revamped and improved to a staggering extent. For 2012, not only has
SPECS: MERCEDES BENZ B-CLASS Top speed: 0 – 100km/hr: 10.9 secs Economy: 4.4 – 4.6 l/100km Combined CO2 emissions: 114 – 121 g/km Entry Price: €29,330
the B-Class been given an incredibly sexy new look, it brings the compact class to an entirely new level as it is the first model change in the company’s history to have so many new features introduced at one time. It also comes on the market with an entry-level price that Mercedes-Benz says is 11% lower than the model it replaces. Putting the new features and sticker price to one side, when it comes to a car like the B-Class, to put it through its paces requires a few passengers, as well as some distance to travel. So, the timing of the B-Class road test couldn’t have been better – the May Bank Holiday week-
end was coming up, so, I made preparations to take the family south to West Cork for a few days. En route, we had to stop for a night in Kinsale, the Kinsale Rugby Sevens event was on, so we had to swing by to soak up some of the atmosphere. Kinsale may have a reputation for excellent seafood, but what they don’t tell you in the tourist brochure is that the town is like a maze, with some exceptionally narrow little alleys to navigate. After taking one wrong turn on the way to our rented holiday home, I was seriously impressed with the tight turning circle of the B-Class – one hard lock of the steering wheel and we pulled off a perfect U-turn. That’s skipping ahead a little – let’s get back to the start. Mercedes have managed to fit an enormous amount of space in to the B-Class. They tell us that the seats are more upright and set lower to the road, resulting in improved headroom. Rear-seat passengers
have bundles of space, and there is serious load capacity in the boot, 486-1,545 litres in fact. There is even an optional feature that allows the rear seats to be adjusted forwards/ backwards to facilitate bulkier items. All this passenger and storage space has not translated into a bulky, gas-guzzling machine – far from it. Outstanding aerodynamics help to deliver low fuel consumption and reduced CO2 emissions, while a standard item on all B-Class models is an ECO start/stop function. I have to admit, I wasn’t a huge fan of this particular start/stop system, but it’s one of those features that you do get used to, and it does make life easier on the wallet! The car comes with a number of engine options, in Ireland, the model likely to account for the bulk of sales is the 109bhp entry level B180 CDI, which comes on the market at €29,330, with annual road tax of €160. A second diesel is
a 2.0-litre/136bhp unit, the price of which will be announced later. In petrol form, the first version to go on sale is the 122bhp B180BlueEFFICIENCY selling at €29,890 with annual road tax of €225. A 2.0-litre/156bhp BlueEFFICIENCY version will be added to the range at a later date. There is a completely new six-speed manual transmission, boasting easy gear change and low shift forces, although my biggest gripe with this car is the reverse gear – I just couldn’t get used to the unusual position, the upper left, as well as the push/pull mechanism to get the gear lever through the gate. Most of the time, the only occasion for a reviewer to see emergency stopping features in effect is at demonstrations laid on by the manufacturer, but in this case I got a taste of just how good the Mercedes safety kit is. While driving through North Strand in heavy traffic, my attention was not what it should have
been, and I was driving a little quickly towards a stopped car. The new radar-based collision prevention warning system kicked in and an alarm sounded. Thankfully, I braked in time and avoided any kind of contact – much to the relief of Mercedes I’m sure. Other safety features on board the new B-Class include items imported from larger MercedesBenz such as adaptive headlamp, blind spot, lane keeping and speed limit assist systems along with parking assist, hill hold brake function, reversing camera and distance control. All in all, this is a seriously attractive car. The interior is pure Mercedes, with some nice, subtle nods to a more modern look and feel. The quality is everything you would expect, and the performance, safety, and economy have all taken large steps forward, and all for a seriously competitive price. This is a car that will fit the bill for any family on the move.
THE Ford Focus, has seen its range extended with the announcement of a new Focus Limited Edition Series. The new models are badged as Focus Zetec S and Titanium X. The Zetec S combines a strong visual appeal with a sporty image and relies on Ford’s fuel efficient 1.6-TDCi diesel engine with the option of 95PS or 115PS outputs (5-door only). The Titanium X is available in 4- and 5-door models and is powered by the same 1.6-TDCi diesel engine. The spec includes the following features: 17” titanium alloys; deflation detection system; active park assist; visibility pack; Bluetooth Voice Control and USB connectivity; and full size spare wheel. Prices start at €24,927 ex–works.
22 GAZETTE 31 May 2012
GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel Joe Walsh tours is offering escorted tours to explore Italy and Portugal in style THE days of the sun lounger may be numbered as Irish tourists search for alternative ways to see Europe. Ireland’s longest running tour operator, Joe Walsh Tours, currently has four fabulous escorted tours on offer for those wanting a different kind of holiday this summer. These group tours will allow you to explore the culture and history of Italy or the beauty and heritage of Portugal. Whether you want to soak up the sun while relaxing on the Lisbon Coast, exploring the winding streets of Venice, taking an evening stroll to the Trevi fountain or simply discovering the beauty of Rome, Joe Walsh tours will let you do it in comfort. You will travel on a luxury coach to each of your destinations, and spend each night in a four-star hotel. Each tour differs from the others, and covers a vast amount of sightseeing, relaxation and fun, ensuring that there is something for everyone. Each tour is accompanied by an experienced Joe Walsh Tours representative, so you can be certain you will see the most wonderful regions of each country, and the gems of each city. All four tours are seven nights in length and range in price from €774 to €975. Each tour is an all-inclusive package and includes your return flights (including taxes and charges), airport transfers, hotel accommodation, tours and excursions on a luxury coach and the assistance of a Joe Walsh representative. As the longest established tour operator in Ireland, with over 50 years’ experience, Joe Walsh Tours will make sure that your holiday is definitely one to remember. For further information on these tours or to book, visit www.joewalshtours.ie, call 012410800 or email info@joewalshtours.ies
Edited by Mimi Murray
PORT OF CALL: LET AMERICAN HOLIDAYS SHOW YOU THE SITES
Getting the best from the US SUMMER can be a busy time for some people, making it difficult to avail of standard package holidays. American Holidays are now offering beautiful autumn cruises throughout the months of October and November. There are three different cruises to choose from, covering six of the United State’s most popular and influential cities, and also providing a number of nights to sail the seas in luxury. The cruises range in price from €1,695pp to €1,829pp. The first of these trips begins in Orlando, Florida, where you will stay for five nights in The Rosen Inn, just a stone’s throw away from all of Orlando’s attractions.
Enjoy some southern hospitality in Nashville, Tennessee
Next on the agenda is four nights aboard Royal Caribbean’s Monarch of the Seas. On your fifth day aboard, you will dock in Nashville, Tennessee to enjoy some southern hospitality and comfort food at the Doubletree Hotel.
If you’re looking for a taste of politics, culture art and music, why not choose a trip which starts with a luxury hotel stay in Washington DC and includes a cruise covering New England and Canada.
Your trip will be rounded off with eight nights aboard Royal Caribbean’s Enchantment of the Seas, where you will have the chance to visit five different ports of call including Portland, Maine and Halifax, Nova Scotia.
For a little glamour with your sun, why not try the Eastern Caribbean cruise. Starting at the Miami Beach Resort and Spa Hotel, you will relax in the tropical surroundings complete with a semi-private beach. After resting up, you will spend seven nights aboard the Norwegian Cruise line ship, Norwegian Epic, before arriving in Las Vegas for four nights. Here you can take in the sights, avail of the attractions on the Las Vegas Strip. For more information or to make a booking, call American Holidays on 01 6733800, or call into 18-19 Duke Street, Dublin 2 to speak with their expert staff.
CITY BREAK: POLISH CITY HAS BECOME A HUB OF ACTIVITY
Poznan preparing for a world of fans I ELLEN COONEY
HE city on everyone’s lips this summer is Poznan, host to UEFA EURO 2012. Previously, a relatively unknown city among the Irish, Poznan has been busy in preparation to offer our fans a spectacular welcome. Despite being one of the oldest cities in Poland, Poznan is home to some incredible and modern architecture. Its new railway station with its smooth curves, glass walls and geometric garden areas is the perfect welcome to this ever developing city. These sleek developments offer a perfect contrast to the city’s picturesque recreation areas which include four lakes, 40 parks and 100 green areas.
T
There is no shortage of entertainment in the city which thrives on the energy of the new European countries while meeting with the culture of Western civilisation. For beer lovers there are beer tasting events and free tours of the Lech brewery, and Poznan has one of the largest numbers of pubs in Poland. There is also a variety of shopping options and an all-year-round ski slope for those seeking something a little different. This bustling city has recently become a big player in the world of sporting events. The stadium which will hold this year’s UEFA EURO 2012 was finished in September 2010 and has since hosted four Europa League matches and the Red Bull X Fighters. The
Poznan is host to UEFA EURO 2012
city is also a popular destination for canoe teams and the Lake of Malta has been deemed one of the finest rowing venues in the world. Especially for UEFA EURO 2012 the city will designate a specialised FanZone, which will
hold around 30,000 and will be a hive of activity for fans during the final tournament. There will be events every day from June 8 until July 1, including live music acts. There are also two Fan Camps planned in Poznan with 10,000
places. Attendants can rent student dormitories, flats and houses. With thousands of fans destined for this stunning city in the coming months, Poznan will surely become a popular destination for global travellers in the future.
31 May 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 23
24 SWORDS GAZETTE 31 May 2012
GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT
GoingOUT THE PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 Travesties
FOLLOWING the hugely successful and popular Plaza Suite, Rough Magic are back at the Pavilion Theatre with the delicious comedy Travesties by Tom Stoppard. Best-known as the author of the Oscar-winning film Shakespeare in Love and the plays Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead and Arcadia, Stoppard is at his best in this absurdly funny masterpiece featuring James Joyce, Vladimir Lenin and Dadaist Tristan Tzara. Running from June 7 to 23, tickets are priced from €18 to €25.
MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 Bloomsday Celebration
THE Mill Theatre and Roly Saul’s present a special Bloomsday Celebration Brunch to mark the 90th anniversary of the publication of Ulysses. Join the team in Roly Saul’s restaurant for a buffet brunch with fare inspired by Leopold Bloom’s breakfast, including a glass of burgundy! Brunch will be accompanied by theatrical readings from Ulysses and music and song from the Joyce era. The celebration takes place on Saturday, June 16 from 11.30am. Tickets are priced at €15.
CIVIC THEATRE 01 462 7477 Ardal O’Hanlon
AWARD winning comedian, actor, writer - and star of Father Ted (C4), My Hero (BBC 1), Val Falvey (RTE) and Leagues Apart (RTE), Ardal O’Hanlon brings his unique brand of stand up comedy back to Ireland. A highly acclaimed stand up, Ardal has toured to sell out audiences internationally and has released two Top 10 stand up DVDs. He continues to be one of the most sought after comedians working with regular sell out solo tours in the UK, USA and Australia. Catch him on June 6 at 8pm, tickets are €20.
DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622
Niamh Kavanagh and her band NIAMH’S back with her brilliant blend of rock, soul, r&b, Eurovision hits, tracks from her successful albums and her own favourites with that amazing voice Commitments’ director Alan Parker ‘‘had to have’’. Described as the ‘‘Rolls Royce’’ of Irish singers, Niamh Kavanagh represented Ireland at the Eurovision twice, collecting maximum points from the Irish vote, and is the voice behind three of the biggest hits from the Commitments ever. Catch her on June 30 with tickets €20/€16.
There are fights in apartment rooms, in the corridors, through the floors, out the windows... Basically there are a lot of fights.
Films still fighting fit A Welsh man has made the newest non stop, adrenalin pumping, action classic... In Indonesia. Are you sure? I NIALL BERMINGHAM
THE BRAINCHILD of Welsh writer/director, Gareth Evans, and a completely Indonesian cast and crew, The Raid is without doubt one of the best action films to come along since the heyday of action. Garnering huge interest for itself with tremendously successful festival showings (winning both the Dublin Film Critics Circle Best Film and Audience Award at the Jameson Dublin International Film Festival), it lives up to the hype and some. The film has been made to showcase the traditional Indonesian martial art Pencak Silat, which lends itself very well to film. It is a hard hitting, high kicking, and bone crunching style of martial arts that has no qualms about integrating weapons when the need is there.
FILM OF THE WEEK: The Raid ##### (18) 101 mins Director: Gareth Evans Starring: Iko Uwais, Donny Alamsyah, Joe Taslim, Ray Sahetapy, Yayan Ruhian, Tegar Satrya
OUR VERDICT:
Better than any recent action film produced in Hollywood, or anywhere for that matter, The Raid will tick all the boxes for action fans of any age. The eastern insanity works brilliantly with director Evans’ western sensibilities. It’s probably not one for an evening of romance, but for a straight up, balls-to-the-wall action experience, this is as good as it gets.
Perhaps not for the faint of heart, The Raid does not shy away from visceral action; however that is not the only thing on show. Scenes of extreme tension and genuine comedy are also offered up by Evans. T he stor y follows a SWAT team as they try to overthrow drug lord, Tama Riyadi (Ray Sahetapy) from within his base of operations in a multi-storey apartment block in the centre of the Jakarta slums. The team has everything you’d expect, new guys, tough guys, old guys, and a level headed
and well respected leader. They all have their place in the film and each one fits fabulously. The lead is played by Iko Uwais (who along with Yayan Ruhlan mapped out all the action), a new member to the SWAT team, who has personal reasons for entering the apartment block. As the team work their way up floor by floor, not everything goes to plan (if it had, it wouldn’t have been much of a film) and soon all hell breaks loose. The team are left fighting for their lives with their weapons
and soon their fists and then just about whatever they can find (the most novel being a fridge). Meanwhile we see drug lord Tama as he reacts to the police invasion and seeing as he is a paranoid mob boss his decisions are not the most rational. He calls on wave after wave of his henchmen to attack the quickly diminishing SWAT force. When he finds that there are still some police left he unleashes his two right hand men to personally take care of it. Here, we are introduced to the two most interesting characters of the film. Andi (Donny Alamsyah) and “Mad Dog” (Yayan Ruhlan) have two different roles in the movie. “Mad Dog” is the main antagonist, engaging in prolonged fight scenes with some of the remaining SWAT team, whereas Andi operates from the shadows,
scheming and brooding. With tremendous variety separating all the set pieces, you will spend all evening recounting your favourite punch, or the kick that made you grimace the most. My favourite scene involved a fire escape and a three storey fall. It all culminates for a fantastic ending leaving you wanting more and, thankfully, Evans has something up his sleeve to offer. Plans to turn this film into a trilogy began as early as script development so of course there is a wide open ending, and as this is an Asian film that has performed well internationally, there are talks of an American remake. Now af ter all the gushing I’ll just say that if you like action, you’ll love this, and if not, then there’s always the new American Pie...
31 May 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 25
GazetteGAMING GAMING Bytesandpieces Arise, Sir iconic Apple designer ...
Clementine’s parents are missing now that zombies have overrun America, and possibly the world – but, luckily, she can rely on Lee to look out for her, when they cross paths in the surprisingly strong character-driven first chapter of the cross-platform title, The Walking Dead
Dead entertaining SHANE DILLON
I’M NOT quite sure why, but the zombie genre has risen again in popular media, and is shuffling forward once more, relentlessly making tracks into popular culture. While the world and his dog awaits the Brad Pittstarring World War Z at cinemas at the end of the year, the small screen has been well served with the surprise hit, The Walking Dead, based on the popular, long-running graphic novels of the same name. In a canny move, and in a pretty shrewd marrying of adventure gaming with
survival horror, developer Telltale Games rolled out its version of The Walking Dead recently which, for some – and apologies here – will be dead entertaining, while other gamers may not see it as a very lively title. Telltale has made a name for itself with its adventure titles, which range from decent hits to dreadful misses, as with any other developer out there. However, The Walking Dead – and the major intellectual property that the title represents, these days – gave the developer the chance to step
away from conventional adventure gaming scenarios and puzzles into darker territory. Set in the by now familiar setting of a post-apocalyptic America, courtesy of the long-promised zombie armageddon, in The Walking Dead: A New Day, the player takes control of Lee Everett, a man with a murky past, who starts off in the back of a patrol car, on his way to jail. One unexpected crash later, and Lee comes to – only to find that there are Walkers – zombies – everywhere, and the world’s falling to pieces.
Anotherweebyte... Questions over Facebook’s tumbling shares ... AS EXPECTED, there was enormous interest over the inevitable initial public offering (IPO) of Facebook, which went public very recently with a barely comprehensible value of $104 billion. However, market analysts almost immediately started asking questions about the subsequent tumble in the company’s share values, with negative shifts reported in a short period – three days after floating on Nasdaq, shares were trading at 18% below the $38 offer price, seeing billions (at the time of writing) written down from the company’s value – not what many expected, though, no doubt, shares will bounce back. Also at the time of writing, a number of American lawsuits querying how the company had been valued emerged, focusing on how the company had been valued, and who has acccess to such valuations. Regardless of how such developments pan out, it’s interesting to see such unexpected stories centred around the normally unassailable social media giant ...
From there on, it’s down to the player to steer Lee down a linear route in this, the first downloadable chapter of a series, as he meets other survivors, tries to stay alive, and begins to work out what’s going on. However, as it’s a Telltale game, this means lots of looking around screens/the environment for items to use, collect or activate, with occasional bursts of Quick Time Event (QTE) action breaking up events. After all, checking out the kitchen of a seemingly deserted house – only for a Walker to
suddenly jump out of the shadows – practically demands a QTE event, for Lee to frantically try and escape. Interestingly, while such action set pieces aren’t very common, there’s a lot of character interaction, as Lee meets other survivors and the things he says affect how they treat him. With this divertingly interesting first instalment, which is available on a number of gaming platforms (bar IOS), here’s hoping that Telltale can continue with the quality it’s established in this chapter.
Gaming star treks off to a movie role CONTINUING to name significant people that many readers may not know of, one of Gaming’s most prolific and well-known (yet littleknown to non-gamers) stars, Nolan North, has made another addition to his already colossal CV. While it’s very common for cinema stars to do voiceover work for games, Nolan – “the” voice of gaming, for many, given the staggering range of characters he has voiced – has reversed the trend, and has been given a role on the upcoming blockbuster, Star Trek 2, thanks to his impressive voiceover skills. No doubt the news that he’s joining Kirk and co has left him beaming with happiness ...
WHILE I couldn’t throw an iPad out the window without probably hitting someone who immediately piped up with “Steve Jobs” if I asked him or her who had created it, that’s not strictly true. In fact, British designer Jonathan Ives is the man behind many of Apple’s iconic products’ designs over the past two decades, with the 45-year-old responsible for the 1993 iMac G3’s design, and, from there, other such iconic Apple products as the iPod, iPhone and iPad. While you’d have to search long and hard up and down streets all around the world to find people who’d be able to pull Ives out of a line-up, such general anonymity doesn’t bother the designer, with, perhaps, such design achievements under his belt to comfort him – not to mention a significant amassed fortune from his work, innumerable awards, and such titles as Commander of the British Empire, which he was awarded in 2005. Last week, the latest honour for Ives was being knighted by Princess Anne. (Now) Sir Ives continues to prove that visionary designers are still very much a core component of Apple’s success ...
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26 SWORDS GAZETTE 31 May 2012
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31 May 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 27
GazetteSPORT
MAY YOU BE CHAMPS: This month’s Sports Awards winners are announced: Page 29
GAELIC GAMES: OPEL ANNOUNCE 2012 INITIATIVE TO HELP LOCAL CLUBS KIT UP
Rushe on points for clubs seeking new equipment sport@gazettegroup.com
ST PAT’S Palmerstown and Dublin senior hurling star Liam Rushe was on hand last week when the Opel Ireland 2012 Kit For Clubs initiative was launched at Croke Park, with all sports fans across the city called upon to support their local GAA clubs. Dublin GAA fans can collect points to earn free sports kit and equipment for their local GAA club
through the initiative. For every car service (10 points), test drive (10 points), or Opel purchase (200 points) made through the Opel Dealer Network, the club you support is awarded points which can be built up and redeemed against highquality kit. GAA clubs can choose from an extensive range of kit which includes everything from sliotars (5 points) to footballs (10 points) and from
goal posts (100 points) to tackle bags (100 points). New to the programme this year is the addition of juvenile club jerseys (800 points) and senior club jerseys (1,000 points), provided by Masita, official supplier of the GAA. The Kit for Clubs initiative is about supporting local Dublin GAA clubs across the county. Liam Ware from Mallow GAA Club, outlines how his club has benefited from the initiative: “Since
Liam Rushe, Colm Cooper and Jackie Tyrrell with Derry and Christian Finlay at the launch of Kit For Clubs
this scheme started, Mallow GAA club have been able to obtain both playing kit and training equipment, otherwise, we probably would not have been able to get this gear due to limited resources.”
Paraic Duffy, the GAA’s director general said: “The advantages of being involved in a scheme such as this are obvious and the provision of training and playing gear is a welcome payback to our members
and clubs who look to Opel for their motoring needs. It is also encouraging to see some of our top players supporting this scheme and lending their profile to help raise awareness about what is
an excellent initiative.” Log onto www.opelkitforclubs.com, on Facebook or visit your local Opel dealer to register your club and start building your GAA club’s points.
28 SWORDS GAZETTE 31 May 2012
GazetteSport Sport FastSport
GAELIC FOOTBALL: GLOBE TROTTING LADIES PUT ON A SHOW
Local racer’s first time racing in Dublin DUBLIN’S up-and-coming single-seater motor racing star, Gary Thompson, is the latest big name from the world of motorsport to be confirmed for the Bavaria City Racing Dublin event this coming Sunday, June 3. The 19-year-old from Donabate, Dublin has been racing in Asia for the past four years, making a name for himself in the prestigious Japanese Formula 3 series. He also became the first driver to drive a Formula 1 car in Taiwan, when he drove the KCMG two-seater F1 Car at the Penbay International Circuit in 2011, a car which he regularly tests and demonstrates at the Yas Marina Circuit, in Abu Dhabi. In 2012, Thompson is fighting for the Japanese Formula 3 title with KCMG, and is also the reserve driver for the KCMG Formula Nippon team. Bavaria City Racing will be the first time since his karting days that Thompson gets behind the wheel of a racing car on home soil. “I’m excited to be part of the Bavaria line-up,” said Thompson. “It’s a great event for Ireland and the city of Dublin, where everyone can get involved and experience the sound of motor racing! This will be my first time driving a racing car in Ireland, which is great to finally do at such a big event, in front of my home crowd too.” Linda McGarry, sales and marketing director for Bavaria City Racing Dublin, said: “We are delighted to announce that Gary Thompson will be participating this weekend. Gary is a talented Irishman who currently competes in the Japanese Formula Three Championship with SCG by KCMG. He became the first Irishman to race in the championship when he made his series debut in 2010, after finishing runner-up in the Formula BMW Asia Pacific Series in 2009. Our thanks go to CF Racing for making it possible for Gary to showcase his talent on the streets of his home town.”
Some of the Dublin players on the All Star teams: Elaine Kelly, Gemma Fay, Sinead Aherne, Amy McGuinness, Sinead Goldrick and Rachel Ruddy
Toronto tour for Stars EXHIBITION MATCH 2010 All Stars 2011 All Stars
4-10 3-11
I sport@gazettegroup.com
FINGALLIANS’ star Amy McGuinness lined out last Sunday for the 2010 All stars when they took on their 2011 counterparts in Toronto, winning out by two points in the final reckoning. Edell Murphy was the star of the show in Centennial Park, Toronto, as the Kerry goalkeeper saved an injury-time penalty from Rhona Ni Bhuachalla to deny the 2011 All Stars a draw in a marvellous contest. Behind by ten points at the interval, the 2010 selection were inspired by two goals in rapid succession inside the opening three minutes of the second half from Michelle Ryan. Additionally, Leitrim player Aine Tighe found the net a second time at a crucial stage. Ladies’ football president, Pat Quill, was delighted with the quality of the play: “You couldn’t
have written the script. People couldn’t believe the level of skill, the score-getting and the athleticism of the girls. I have no doubt it will give ladies’ football a great boost.’’ 2011 goalkeeper Irene Munnelly proved herself as early as the fifth minute when denying Dublin sharpshooter Sinead Aherne, before the 2011 team settled down to take control. Goals came from Kerry starlet Louise Ni Mhuircheartaigh and Monaghan stylist Ciara McAnespie and it saw them lead 2-3 to 0-1 after 11 minutes. They stayed in control until Aine Tighe got her first goal in the 29th minute. However, a quick goal from Meath’s Fiona Mahon had them 3-7 to 1-3 ahead at the break. “It looked like one-way traffic at one stage we were so far behind,” commented winning manager Gerry McGill, Dublin’s All-Ireland-winning manager of two years ago and now a Tipperary football selector. “We seemed to go a bit more direct
in the second half.’’ Six minutes after the resumption, the margin was down to two points following two snap goals from Michelle Ryan, daughter of the Waterford hurling manager Michael Ryan. And, a general improvement, marked by impressive play from the Laois pair Lorraine Muckian and Tracey Lawlor and Cork star Brid Stack, along with Gemma Begley (Tyrone) and Dublin’s
Sinead Aherne made for a really competitive last 20 minutes. Three times Edel Murphy brought off important saves from Ni Mhuircheartaigh, McAnespie and Ni Bhuachalla and after Tighe’s second goal levelled the game, points from Ryan, Kerry’s Bernie Breen and Tighe again set the scene for a dramatic finish which saw Murphy correctly anticipate Ni Bhuachalla’s penalty to tip the ball over the bar.
31 May 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 29
ATHLETICS: GREAT DAY OUT ON SANDYMOUNT
2012 DUBLIN SPORTS AWARDS MAY WINNERS
STARof theMONTH LEO CULLEN BLACKROCK College man Leo Cullen further enshrined his name in Heineken Cup folklore this month when he led Leinster to a third success in four years in the competition against Ulster. It confirmed the current Blues’ crop as the greatest team in the competition’s history, becoming the first side to go through a season unbeaten.
TEAMof theMONTH ST BRIGID’S U-14S
ST BRIGID’S Under-14 hurlers and footballers celebrated a unique success this month when they claimed their respective Division 1 Feile titles at Parnell Park. Two weeks after the footballers captured their Feile title with a superb win over St Sylvester’s, the hurling side completed the double thanks to a memorable victory over Na Fianna. SUMMERTIME has officially arrived and while that unfamiliar orb hangs in the sky, let’s celebrate the achievements of the stars of Dublin sport for the month of May. Leo Cullen once again proved that he is the epitome of captainhood after he helped steer Leinster through the vagaries of the Heineken Cup unbeaten and unbowed, to claim their third title in the course of four years.
Dublin’s Lord Mayor Andrew Montague starts the race horn at Camara’s Sandymount 10K
Camara race nets €6k sport@gazettegroup.com
LAST Saturday morning saw the sun come out for the many dedicated runners who lined out for Camara’s 10K along the scenic backdrop of Sandymount strand. Dublin’s Lord Mayor, Andrew Montague, sounded the starter’s horn to a high-spirited crowd as everyone soaked up the atmosphere to help raise vital funds for eLearning opportunities in Irish schools.
Camara Education, a charity and social enterprise, works to deliver eLearning opportunities to schools in disadvantaged communities in Ireland, Africa and Jamaica through the reuse of technology. The annual 10K run, now in its third year, was a huge success as over €6,000 was raised on the day for Camara’s I r i s h S c h o o l ’s P r o gramme. T he proceeds will go to supply 55 Irish schools in need of
affordable IT with 1,100 computers and to train 300 school teachers in ICT in 2012. Commencing on the Promenade, Strand Road, the course stretched around Sean Moore Park and the Irishtown Nature Reser ve providing beautiful scenic views o f D u b l i n B ay f o r entrants. Lord Mayor Montague said: “I have been a long-time supporter of Camara. Having worked with them as a volunteer
Captains in Canada: All-Star ladies in Toronto St Brigid’s, in turn, showed the experience of youth in registering a unique double success in claiming the Dublin hurling and footballing Feile titles at Parnell Park, an achievement last recorded in the city by Ballyboden St Enda’s. Let us know about your achievements in sport, so that the Gazette can tell the rest of Dublin. Contact us on 01 601 0240 or sport@gazettegroup.com to tell us all about your successes.
MEETING on an unfamiliar field last weekend were team captains Juliet Murphy, left, of Cork and the 2011 All Stars, and Denise Masterson, of Dublin and the 2010 All Stars, in the company of referee Keith Delahunty. The picture was taken before the game between the 2010 All Stars and 2011 All Stars in Centennial Park, Toronto, Canada, an exhibition game which took place as part of the 2012 TG4/O’Neills Ladies All-Star Tour.
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in Uganda, Zambia and Tanzania, I am aware of the excellent work they do with children in Africa, Jamaica and Ireland to develop computer skills.” The first place prize on the morning went to Hugh Hunt who came in at 36:17. Accepting his first place trophy and medal, he said: “Today has been a fantastic day, great atmosphere and a beautiful course along the Strand on a sunny morning and all for a great cause.”
30 SWORDS GAZETTE 31 May 2012
R1
GazetteSport Sport FastSport
SOCCER: SWORDS SIDES CLOSE IN ON TOP SPOTS IN LEAGUES
Bostik are sticking with Swords Rovers SWORDS Rovers FC recently were proud to announce that they will be sponsored by Bostik. The Swords-based providers of adhesive and sealant solutions have got behind the team, and director of sales and marketing Robert Massey is pictured here presenting the new jersey to the club’s Mark Kenny. The club, who formed in 2006 and play in the AFL Division 1, were delighted to be sponsored by Bostik, which have been trading in the locality since 1955.
Sign up for CRY five-aside contest DUBLIN brothers Jonathan and Ken Treacy are organising their second annual charity five-a-side tournament and family fun day in aid of CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young), to help support the Screening Centre based in Tallaght hospital. A former League of Ireland player, Jonathan played for UCD in the 1990s. He was himself affected by this condition: during the 1996 season, he began to feel unwell during tougher games and decided to undergo tests. These tests showed that he had probable hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This condition can be a factor in Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS), which has received
a lot of publicity due to the recent case of Fabrice Muamba, and the tragic deaths of Cormac McAnallen and other young sports people. The tournament will take place in the Astropark in Tallaght on Saturday, June 16, between 11am and 2.30pm. There will be a BBQ, bouncy castles, face-painting and music on the day. The brothers raised almost €4,000 last year with 100 players taking part in the tournament. Entry to the tournament costs €125 per team of five to seven players. This includes food and soft drinks at the barbeque. Players must be over 16 years old. Further details and more information can be found on www.cry5asidechallenge.com or contact Jonathan Treacy at 085 2718851 or Lucia Ebbs at CRY on 01 4525482.
Swords Celtic’s Under-18 Premier league side were runaway winners when they defeated Castleknock 6-1
Celts’ Premier performance I sport@gazettegroup.com
S WOR D S C e l t i c ’s Under-18 Premier side posted another three more points in midweek when they convincingly beat Castleknock Celtic as they look to nail down second spot in the division behind Ratoath Harps. Castleknock started with ten players and finished with nine, though full credit must go to Swords, who scored six goals to one. Shane Geddas opened the scoring for Swords, followed by a Gavin Purcell penalty and a cracking shot
from Gary Bohan. The fourth followed before goals from Andy Dunne and Gary Forde ended the rout. The Celtic side have a couple of league games to complete, but look good for second place, four points clear of Balbriggan, albeit with an extra game played. It came a week after some serious NDSL cause for celebration in the club when their side brought home one winners’ trophy and two runner-ups sets of medals for the club. Steve R iordan’s Under-10D team beat Corduff by 2-1 to claim
Fins’ fan for Feile: Ruairi gets award ahead of festival RUAIRI Brady from Fingallians GAA
club was presented with his prize by Uachtaran CLG, Liam O’Neill, and President of the Camogie Association, Aileen Lawlor, at the launch of Dublin Feile na nGael last week at Parnell Park. Dublin will be hosting this year’s Feile finals from July 5 to 7, with the finals of the tournament being played at Croke Park. Picture: Barry Cregg / SPORTSFILE
the Dr Michael Woods Cup, while the Under9A and Under-9E teams both were beaten in their final games. The U-9A side were undone 3-1 by Balbriggan in their final showdown, with goalkeeper Jack McCarthy having a great game, while Sean Roughan scored the goal. The U-17 side, meanwhile, won their league in style, going unbeaten all season with 14 league wins and three draws. They also recorded the most goals scored (60) and the least conceded (25) in their league. Elsewhere, at the end
of last season, U-9 team manager Vincent Connolly took his players on a trip to Cloonfad, Co Roscommon. There, they played the local team in a soccer game and then took part in the village sports day. Last Sunday, Swords Celtic hosted the return
trip in glorious sunshine. The teams played a number of matches before having a barbecue, food and drinks all prepared by the families of the Under 10 team. To top off their visit, Cloonfad went to the Aviva Stadium to see the Republic of Ireland play Bosnia.
31 May 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 31
GAELIC GAMES: CLUB SHOW DEPTH AT ALL LEVELS
CLUB NOTICEBOARD FINGALLIANS THE senior ladies footballers contin-
As part of the “raising the red bar”
the championship and have now pro-
coaching initiative, Bart McEnroe
gressed to the semi-finals v Foxrock,
will be speaking at a coaching event
with the all-important home draw in
in Fingallians on June 8 at 8pm. Bart
their favour.
is involved on the mental side of
The most senior team in experi-
team preparation, and has a very
ence, our second hurling team, beat
strong and positive reputation. He
O’Dwyer’s in the championship.
has worked with both the Dublin and
Junior hurlers beat Craobh Chiarain
Tyrone teams who have recently won
to stay on course for league promo-
All-Ireland’s. This session is aimed at
tion.
mentors and selectors from U-14 up
The next round of the inter champ
to adult section in all codes. For more
ionship (back door): Fingallians v
information and to reserve your place,
Naomh Fionnbarra; further details to
contact Eoin Cullen on 086 807 6910.
follow. The nursery will be taking place this weekend, Saturday, June 2, the bank holiday weekend.
Many of St Sylvester’s sides were in action last weekend, showing the strength of the club in all codes
St Syl’s sides show their strengths LADIES IFC GROUP 2 St Sylvester’s Ballinteer St John’s
0-18 0-8
I sport@gazettegroup.com
S T S Y LV E S T E R ’ S cruised to top spot in the IFC group two last week as they swept past Ballinteer St John’s and end the initial phase of the competition with a perfect record. A fter wins against Garda and Raheny, another second-half blitz saw the girls notch up their third win in the competition and qualify for the semi-finals. A one-point lead, 0-7 to 0-6, at half time was a fair reflection of a first half where Ballinteer St John’s stayed almost point for point throughout the half. But the second half was a different story, and Syl’s half-back line closed the door; Lea Harold, Sinead Treacy and Anne Clarke sweeping forward at every opportunity. Niamh McEvoy took
a number of great high catches and the combination of Nicole Owens, Sinead Aherne and Katy Slattery led to a string of excellent points which powered the side through.
Hurlers Another side from the Malahide club with a perfect record from their three championship outings is the club’s inter hurlers, who ran up an emphatic 5-17 to 0-11 win over Trinity Gaels. It was a strong performance to oust a dogged opposition but who could not match Syl’s scoring ability, building a 2-9 to 0-3 lead at half-time and a goal on the restart put paid to any chance of a come back. Trinity did enjoy a good ten-minute spell in the second half where they notched up some very good scores but Syls were not in danger and finished convincing winners. They are well set for the
knock-out phases of the competition with three wins to date in their sixteam group.
Shield At U-16 C level, the Malahide club took down an U-16 C football shield as their goalscoring ability put paid to Castleknock’s hopes, 4-6 to 2-8 in Somerton. Three in a short burst mid way through the second half, a lovely volley by Glenn Cosgrove and two from broken ball by Lee after Castlenock had led for a while. And the championship feeling kept flowing in the last week as the Junior B footballers made it into
the final four with a comfortable 2-11 to 1-4 win over Wanderers. A brilliant second-half performance showed that Syl’s very young team simply had too much mobility after a very tight first half. At one stage, Wanderers were 0-4 to 0-1 up but a good goal by Andrew Berry settled the nerves. The Ballyboden side were still one ahead at the half but the likes of Graham Morris cleaned up in the backline, Kevin Lynnott was on top in the middle and the speed of Killian O’Flynn, Gareth McGrath and Barr y Cowley was too much for Wanderers up front.
even if overcast.
ued their excellent run of victories in
Well done to Gaelscoil Brian Boroimhe who won the schools’ final in Parnell Park on last Tuesday. The ladies football festival took place
The juvenile section would like to
throughout the week in blazing sun-
remind all parents, especially those
shine. It was very well attended and
with young children to apply sunblock,
some excellent matches were played.
FINGAL RAVENS WE ARE holding our golf classic this
to Barry Caulfield who broke his arm
week in Swords Open on Saturday,
last Friday in a challenge game vs St
o
June 2. €160 for a team of four - golf
Pat’s.
a
only, no meal. To book your tee-times, please contact Pat Kinsella on 087 931 3045.
The Division 10 team play St Brigid’s away this Thursday evening. All midweek games are at 7.15pm.
Anyone who would like to sponsor
Anyone with completed prediction
a tee-box or a prize, please contact
forms please get them to a commit-
Maura Norton on 087 993 6458.
tee member.
There will also be a raffle on the
Any members who ordered tickets
night, you can get your raffle tickets
for the Dublin Vs Louth game must
now from any committee member.
t
o
collect and pay for them this Friday.
a
Well done to junior team who beat
Well done to Rolestown School girls
g
Lusk on Saturday in the final of the
team, and captains Jennifer and
a
Fingal tournament.
Mikayla, who beat St Mary’s in the
We would like to send best wishes
final in Parnell Park last week.
ST FINIAN’S WE ARE into the exam break for
the footballers commencing the
some of our teams, and we would
defence of their All-Ireland title
like to wish the best of luck to all
against Louth in Croke Park on
those sitting exams over the com-
Sunday at 4.30pm. If you booked
ing weeks.
match tickets, you can pick up them
Our senior camogie team had a great win in the league against St
up from the club office later in the week.
Mark’s during the week, and our
We are delighted to announce our
adult hurlers bounced back with a
continued juvenile camp sponsor-
win, also against St Mark’s in the
ship with Centra River Valley. Cen-
league, after a tough Champion-
tra provided 300 lunches for the
ship match against Scoil Ui Chonail
children and coaches at the recent
in which the result went against
Easter football camp. A big thank
them.
you to Mark and his staff for their
Inter-county championship sea-
hard work. Registration forms for
son starts for Dublin next weekend,
the Summer Camps can be got from
with the hurlers taking on Laois in
the Downloads section of our web-
Tullamore at 5pm on Saturday, and
site - www.stfinians.com.
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ALL OF YOUR SWORDS SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31
CUP KINGS: Swords Celtic wrap up series of excellent NDSL results P30
MAY 31, 2012
KINGS OF DUBLIN: Leo and St Brigid’s teams are Dublin Stars P29
sport@gazettegroup.com
K INSEALY resident Sanita P uspure last week secured her dream place at the 2012 London Oly mpics when she finished fourth of six in the final race of the single sculls in the Olympic qualifier race in Lucerne in Switzerland. With only four places on offer, it was essential that Puspure got a good start in her race and she did just that, and did enough in the remainder of the race to hold off Serbia’s Iva Obradovic and beat Kaisa Pajusalu of Estonia and become the first woman rower from Ireland to reach an Olympics
since 1980. The times put Puspure in a good frame of mind ahead of the World Cup event in Munich next month, with Olympic qualification secured and going on previous results, P uspure has every chance of breaking into the B finals when the time comes to take to the water in London in August. Ranked as an outsider for qualification, especially when designated to row in the unfancied lane six, the former Latvian U-23 rower focused her mind for the challenge by viewing YouTube videos of famous outside successes from the 1980s. While she took the
Sanita Puspure, pictured in double sculls action, qualified for the Olympic Games this week
28th and final Olympic berth on offer in the single sculls, her fastest time was the 13th quickest in the world at the moment with many of the other qualifiers coming through easier situations due to the continental quota system. Indeed, Myanmar and Paraguay were granted places by the International Olympic Council
despite inferior times and it is giving Ireland cause for optimism. “We’re aiming for a B final (places 7 to 12) or better,” said Ireland performance director, Martin McElroy. It marks an incredible outcome for Purpure after a tumultuous journey since moving to Ireland over five years ago with rowing very much secondary in the plans.
She initially settled in Skerries with her husband before moving to K insealy as Puspure gave birth to her two children. With her husband at work at Technics in Dublin airport and the children at crèche, she returned to the sport and began posting performances which were the envy of many in the country.
GazetteSPORT
Puspure rows to Olympic success
It precipitated a return to the competitive arena but obtaining an Irish passport – vital for securing sports council funding – took a long time to come to fruition. It made it tough to compete in top class events but once secured, Puspure has improved her standing with each race to make it to the top table of the sport.