Swords GAZET TE FREE
JULY 5, 2012
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Month XX, 2012 SWORDS • BALBRIGGAN • APPLEWOOD • BOROIMHE • AIRSIDE • RIVERVALLEY
INSIDE: Newpark Centre enjoys Latvian choir performance P2
Feile fever: Fingallians ready for AllIreland festival Page 32
Paralympics: Walsh’s ticket to London Games confirmed Page 30
ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ......................8 BUSINESS .................... 19 MOTORS ....................... 20 TRAVEL......................... 23 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26
OPINION: Ruairi Quinn on primary
schools’ future patronage See Page 6
Final call for sewage plant views I NATALIE BURKE
WITH the closing date of the public consultation phase looming this weekend, local politicians have lodged their objections against the monster sewage plant proposed for North County Dublin. Labour Party TD Brendan Ryan has underlined his opposition saying: “This project was conceived in 2005 at a time when this country had greater
wealth. I believe that any commitment to costly projects should be re-examined in the current economic context”. While Labour Cllr Peter Coyle has highlighted a number of “shortcomings” in the project report in a separate submission, a spokesperson for Greater Dublin Drainage confirmed that all submissions would be considered when the consultation ends on July 6. Full Story on Page 5
Saying hello: To the newlyrefurbished Rouge nightclub ENGLISH actress Michelle Keegan was one of the many stars who turned out to help relaunch the newly-refurbished Rouge Nightclub in Swords recently. Guests were greeted by fire-breathers and
a number of performing artists. Model, actress and television personality Caprice was on the decks spinning out some top tunes which really got the crowd going. Full Gallery on Page 8
2 SWORDS GAZETTE 5 July 2012
FESTIVAL: SECOND YEAR OF FORMULA FUN
CONCERT Newpark Centre welcomes Latvian group
Support group seeks local volunteers
I NATALIE BURKE nburke@gazettegroup.com
THE Balbriggan Cancer Support Group is calling on local volunteers to help with their annual Formula Fun event, due to take place next week. The festival is in its second year and will be held on Sunday, July 8, from 12pm until 6pm. The event is to be held in Quay Street with an array of activities for all of the family. In an effort to help raise money for the Balbriggan Cancer Support Group (BCSG), members of the local community are being asked to offer an hour or two of their time during the festival to help the worthy cause. A spokesman for Balbriggan Formula Fun said: “The role of BCSG is to marshal the activity areas of the event for us to ensure all the fun activities run smoothly. “To help BCSG in raising €1,000 all you need do is give up an hour or two of your time during the Formula Fun event to work with them. “You will be supporting a worthy cause and joining in the excitement of Formula Fun on the day.” Having become an annual event, Formula Fun is set to be one of the best days of the year, according to Cathaoirleach, Cllr Grainne
Maguire (Ind). “Last year was a fantastic year, it was brilliant. It was the hottest day of the year and as it was the first time, it was a novelty event. “There were so many different age groups and this year will be no different. There will be live entertainment and a bouncy castle but the main idea behind the event is road safety. “The whole message of the Formula Fun event is safety on the roads, whether people listen to it or not is another story but at least the advice is there and awareness is being created,” she said.
Zeltite Renke, Inguna Grietina, Indra Fakobsone and Dace Skudra. Pictures: Una Williams
Choir showcases its culture HE Newpark Care Centre in St Margaret’s held a concert with the the Latvian Society in Ireland Choir recently. The concert was a heartfelt occasion full of emotions. It was a great occasion for the choir who were honoured to take part in the show of their culture. The audience were treated to a mix of traditional folk music and modern compositions. The
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colourful folk costumes, the traditional Latvian musical instrument and the colours of the Latvian flag all joined together with the beautiful songs to give an insight into Latvian culture. The Latvian Ambassador, Peteris Elferts was on hand to take in the music and dance of his native country. It was a memorable day for the residents and their families.
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‘Last year was a fantastic year, it was brilliant. It was the hottest day of the year and as it was the first time, it was a novelty event’
Tom McCormack (owner), Anca Bida and Peteris Elferts
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“Balbriggan is such a great community to be part of and everyone is looking forward to getting involved. I would definitely encourage everyone to join in.” For further details on how you can volunteer with Balbriggan Cancer Support Group on the day, call 01-8410116.
Aivars Lapsa, Aifa Mironova, Fanis Mekss and Furis Spaice
Santa Skudra and Zelma Elferte
5 July 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 3
STATE-OF-THE-ART Centre has numerous facilities
Applewood’s centre opens for community I ELLEN COONEY and NATALIE BURKE
APPLEWOOD Community Centre was officially opened by Mayor of Fingal Cllr Gerry McGuire (Lab) on June 20. A commemorative stone was also unveiled which opened up the new facility to two schools and the community, marking an important new step in the provision of state-of-the-art community facilities. The community centre is part of a new shared facility that includes Gaeilscoil Bhrian Boroimhe National School, Swords Educate Together National
School and the Community Centre. Along with a large multi-purpose sports hall that will be shared by the schools during the day and available to the community after 4pm, there are meeting rooms, a dance studio, a children’s activity room and a kitchen. All of these facilities are open to the community for use between 9am and 10pm, with alternate hours during the remainder of the summer period. The community centre will be managed by the shared facility executive that will comprise two representatives from Fingal County Council
(FCC), a representative from each of the adjoining national schools and two community representatives. Speaking at the launch, Cllr McGuire drew particular attention to the model adopted by FCC for developing these facilities in recent years. “By sharing the large sports hall, both schools and communities greatly benefit by getting an enhanced facility that is built at a fraction of the cost to the taxpayer.” He added: “This is the principle that underpins the ‘Fingal Schools Model’ an award-winning approach to public service development that has
Mayor of Fingal Cllr Gerry McGuire (Lab)
been rolled out by FCC.” The community centre has been in operation since January of this year but according to the centre manager, Daniel Wilson, the centre is hoping to grow in awareness in the coming months. “The feedback from the local community has been really good but there are a lot of people
still unaware of where the centre is. We have additional signage going up in the area to direct people and as the classes grow, the awareness from the local community grows as well. “We’re open for the community. There are thousands of people living on our doorstep that need to be catered
for so any groups interested in using the centre we would welcome to come up and have a look around and we can accommodate most activities.” Applewood Community Centre is currently taking bookings for groups and organisations and the centre manager can be contacted at 01-8079582.
THEATRE
Magic shows on the way A LOCAL theatre group is set to put on a string of performances at Fingal County Council libraries this summer, as well as a week’s running at Ardgillan Castle. The Magic Carpet Theatre Group will perform Cuchulainn Strikes Back, which tells the tale of the legend of Cuchulainn, Queen Maeve and the Tain in an interactive format that promises to entertain and educate. Dates for the show include Rush Library on Monday, July 9, Balbriggan Library on Tuesday, July 10 and Rivervalley Community Centre on Wednesday, July 18. The play will also be performed at Ardgillan Castle three times daily from Monday, July 23 to Sunday July 29. The Magic Carpet Theatre Group will also be performing story time for kids in various libraries this summer.
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5 July 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 5
OPPOSITION Local politicians let feelings be known
Sewage plant objections are lodged as deadline looms I NATALIE BURKE nburke@gazettegroup.com
WITH the closing date of the public consultation phase looming this weekend, a number of local politicians and members of the community have put forward their submissions to Greater Dublin Drainage to object to the monster sewage plant proposed for North County Dublin. Labour Party TD Brendan Ryan has underlined his opposition and has requested that the Greater Dublin Drainage Scheme re-examine what would be an “extremely costly project”. “The policy which calls for one monster sewage plant is flawed and I call on the Greater Dublin Drainage Project, Fingal County Council (FCC) and the Minister of Environment to re-examine the entire project in light of the current economic state of the country. This project was conceived in 2005 at a time when this country had greater wealth. The current economic climate is entirely different and I believe any commitment to costly projects should be reexamined in the current economic context,” he said. In his original submission against the proposal in November 2011, Deputy Ryan asked that Greater Dublin Drainage
examine smaller, localised plants to deal with waste water from individual towns or villages. In a separate submission put forward to the project team, Labour councillor Peter Coyle highlighted a number of environmental issues raised by the proposed plant and has outlined the “shortcomings” in the Greater Dublin Drainage report. “The natural conservation designations relating to Baldoyle Estuary must rule it out for consideration as a route for a marine outfall pipe to be located there. It should be noted that, as a local councillor, I have been looking to have a roadside footpath constructed on the Coast Road from Moyne Bridge to Portmarnock Bridge. This has been consistently opposed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, because it may impact on Baldoyle Estuary. If such a small project on the main roadway is not viable, what chance has a tunnelling project under the estuary got?” Other shortcomings from the report raised by Cllr Coyle included the risk to adjacent rivers in the Clonshaugh area not being addressed, the flawed and out-of-date shellfish area maps designating the proposed marine outfalls and the incorrect and misleading information relating to
Labour Party TD Brendan Ryan says the policy for one monster sewage plant is flawed
the “prevailing winds” in the Phase Two report. A spokesperson for the Greater Dublin Drainage project confirmed that one large plant will have less impact on the environment than a number of smaller plants, because local rivers and streams are already at capacity and are too small to absorb treated water from a number of smaller plants. Submissions are still being received from residents and other stakeholders in the three emerging preferred sites and all submissions will be considered when the current non statutory consultation ends on the 6th July. The project team and the consultants will con-
duct a final round of studies over this summer and autumn, to identify the most suitable locations for the new wastewater treatment works, the orbital sewer and the marine outfall. The announcement of the preferred site is expected possibly towards the end of the year. A full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will then assess in full, all potential impacts of the preferred location for each of the three elements; the wastewater treatment works, the marine outfall and the orbital sewer, before a planning application is made to An Bord Pleanala, the independent planning board. An Bord Pleanala will then carry out its own statu-
Internet child safety warning I NATALIE BURKE nburke@gazettegroup.com
LOCAL members of An Garda Siochana are warning members of the public about the problem of child safety on the internet, after becoming aware of inappropriate contact being made with children. According to a senior Garda spokesperson for the Swords area, the gardai have become aware of contact being made with children through “spurious identities looking to become friends on Facebook and progressing their contact
through web cams on Skype”. While the vast majority of children using the internet will be safe, there is material on the internet unsuitable for children and gardai are advising parents to be as intrusive as possible into their child’s usage of the web to ensure they are using it in a safe manner. “The best way is to try and monitor their internet use as much as you can. Never allow young children to use the internet alone,” the spokesperson said. “Don’t let your child have internet access in their bedroom. Place the internet computer somewhere
that allows you to keep an eye on it, such as the kitchen or family room. Use filtering software, but understand that it may not block all the material that you do not want your child to see.” The Garda spokesperson said that parents should get to know their children’s online “friends”, as they would with school friends, and to talk to them about the dangers associated with making friends online. If members of the community have any suspicions or concerns, contact Coolock Garda Station on 01 6664200.
tory public consultation and everyone will have an opportunity to make their views known to the bord at that stage. The deadline for further
submissions on the three shortlisted sites is Friday, July 6. More information can be found at www.greaterdubindrainage.ie.
COUNCIL
‘Derelict site is a safety risk’ A DERELICT site on the Old Naul Road is proving to be a health and safety risk for passersby, according to local Socialist Party councillor Eugene Coppinger. The site at the entrance to Domville Woods, has been described by Cllr Coppinger as a risk to the security and safety of anyone using the roadway. Fingal County Council has confirmed that they are currently trying to establish ownership of the land and will be formally writing to the owner to instruct them to clean up and secure the site. The council also intends to place the triangular site adjacent to the entrance on the Derelict Sites Register, as improvement works suggested previously by FCC were not completed. This move could have significant financial implications for the owner.
6 SWORDS GAZETTE 5 July 2012
OPINION ‘Our schools must respect all faiths, and none’
We are working to give parents a real choice RUAIRI QUINN, the Minister for Education and Skills, on plans to modernise patronage for primary schools in line with modern Ireland AT THE heart of the Action Plan on patronage and pluralism in primary schools, which I announced last week, is parental choice. Our primary school system is more than 180 years old. Our society has changed utterly since its establishment, but this is not reflected in the diversity of patronage in our primary schools.
Recently, I was at a school opening in north County Dublin, where the principal told me that there were 25 different nationalities, speaking 15 different mother tongues. No doubt, there is also a range of religious beliefs, and none, amongst that cosmopolitan school population. I believe that parents should have the choice to send their children to a
school whose ethos most closely reflects their own views. With 90% of our primary schools presently under the patronage of the Catholic Church, that is not always possible. But, I hope, this will change through the processes I have now put in place. This autumn, parents in 44 town areas – including three here in Dublin – will be surveyed to see what type of schools they would most like to send their children to, be it Catholic, Church of Ireland, Gaelscoil, Educate Together, Community National School, or other. Parents will be given full information on the different types of schools and the different possible patron bodies. Helplines will also be put in place during the survey period to deal with queries from parents. In Dublin, the three areas where we will start surveying are Dublin 4 and 6, Whitehall, and Dublin 8. Parents of primary school children and preschoolers in these areas will be asked questions in an online survey, and the information will be analysed by the Department of Education and Skills to determine if parents want more choice in their area. If they do, we will engage with the current patrons to determine a mechanism for the transferring of schools to another patron.
For example, in a town with a stable population and six primary schools, of which five are under the patronage of the Catholic Church and one is Church of Ireland, the survey may show that there is demand for a Gaelscoil, and a multidenominational school. --------------------------
‘The journey that we are now on will result in Irish parents having a real say in the type of school they wish their children to attend’ --------------------------
My department will bring the results of the survey to the patron of the Catholic schools – usually the bishop – and we will give them six months in which to come back to us with proposals on which schools should transfer, and over what timeframe. I believe there will be a lot of interest in each area where a survey will be conducted, and I am anxious that the local debate takes place in a calm and respectful manner, as it did during the work on the Forum on Patronage. I also hope, after the work in these 44 areas is completed, that we will roll out the process to other towns. In many parts of the country, however, trans-
Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairi Quinn: issing an invitation for submissions from education stakeholders
ferring patronage from the Catholic Church to another body will just not be an option, as there may be only one primary school in the area. In these “stand-alone schools” – and we have 1,700 of them in the State – I am anxious that we ensure respect for all religions, and also for those parents who wish to opt out of formal religious instruction for their children.
Because of this, I am issuing an invitation for education stakeholders and other interested parties to make submissions in the autumn on how to make these schools more inclusive. The National Parents Council (Primary) will be advising my department on the development of an information leaflet for parents to ensure they are all fully informed about this con-
sultation process. I hope to publish a White Paper on the issue early next year. There are many parents who are anxious for change, and I share that impatience. However, it is my belief that the journey that we are now on will result in Irish parents, for the first time, having a real say in the type of school they wish their children to attend.
5 July 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 7
SHOW Tully Nurseries attend prestigious event
Local nursery wins Best in Show award I NATALIE BURKE
nburke@gazettegroup.com
A NORTH County Dublin garden centre and nursery has been awarded the Best in Show at the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) National Plant Show, which is currently taking place in Coventry in Britain. Tully Nurseries, one of Ireland’s premier suppliers of plants, picked up the award at the prestigious plant show recently, while their “Hebe” plant, Rhubarb and Custard was selected as the overall winner in the New Plant Awards category.
T he Ballyboughalbased garden centre was delighted to pick up the award, after they put their unusual plant forward for the competition. Hebe Rhubarb and Custard is noted for its distinctive spiky foliage, its nice rounded habit and the added benefit of cream, pink and green foliage. An evergreen plant which is easy to grow, and will be available for sale at the local garden centre in 2013, Hebe Rhubarb and Custard is set to be a popular plant for its year round colour as well as its lilac flowers in June and July.
It is par t of Tully Nurseries new Bella Bloom branded Hebe collection. Commenting on the award, Niamh Tully, marketing manager for Tully Nurseries said: “ We a r e a b s o l u t e l y thrilled with the news that Rhubarb and Custard has won Best in Show. We have been breeding our new Hebe dessert range for over 18 months and we are delighted that our hard work has been acknowledged. !The range also features other specimens such as Pink Candy and Strawberries and Cream.”
Niamh and Padraig Tully of Tully Nurseries celebrating their outstanding award
According to the chair of the judging panel, David Gilchrist, the HTA judges were spoilt for choice when it came to picking a winner of the category.
“Rhubarb and Custard really stands out as an extremely saleable plant with a good shelf life that is easy to grow. “With its striking foliage and lilac flow-
ers it has the ‘wow’ factor and within a plant area will catch the eye of the gardening public presenting tremendous potential for garden retailers.”
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ST CRONAN’S
House to be repaired A BOARDED-UP house in St Cronan’s housing estate in Swords is set to be repaired for letting by the end of July. The house is one of five dwellings in the estate which are at various stages of pre-let repairs, according to Fingal County Council. The issue was broached by Cllr Darragh Butler (FF) at a recent council meeting, where FCC confirmed the completion date for works on the boarded-up house would be the end of this month. Extensive refurbishment and construction works are required to a further dwelling in St Cronan’s estate in order to accommodate a special needs applicant, while the remaining three dwellings in question are currently with the county architect and are at various stages of preparation to go to tender.
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OPENING Rouge Nightclub launch draws famous faces
Actress Michelle Keegan. Pictures: Ronan O’Sullivan
Performers and VIPs create red-hot night HE second coming of the newly-refurbished Rouge in Swords took place recently. Guest DJ Caprice spun the decks and Coronation Street star Michelle Keegan joined the festivities. The event was hosted by Tara Sinnott, who is running the club and
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Grainne O’Brien and Karl French
Assets model, Lisa Nolan was the head hostess on the night. A selection of fire-breathers and varied artists performed at the red carpet arrival welcoming the guests. Complimentary cocktails and canapes were served in the decadent surroundings of the new
Tara Sinnott and Lisa Nolan
Guest DJ Caprice
burlesque-themed venue. Located in the surrounds of the Carnegie Court Hotel, North Street in the heart of Swords north County Dublin, the new venue is sure to be very popular with members of local businesses and the wider community.
Performers Henrique Resende and Carol Doyle. Right: Henrique shows off his talents
5 July 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 9
10 SWORDS GAZETTE 5 July 2012
FESTIVAL Taste 2012 served up many leading culinary treats
Brendan O’Connor and Ryan Tubridy
Derry Clarke, Catherine Fulvio, Jamie Oliver and Kevin Dundon
Sprinkled with celebrity chefs ASTE of Dublin served up some delicious treats and familiar faces at the Iveagh Gardens in the city centre last weekend. Despite the gloomy weather, nothing could dampen interest in the fantastic foodie fare, which saw a wide range of culinary superstars gather for a festi-
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Norman Nusa and Rachel Kelly
val to savour, with lots of well-known faces rubbing shoulders with the cooks, critics and general foodie fans. Sprinkled with international faces, garnished with some of the country’s best writers, and heated up with some lively banter from bon viveurs, there was something to appeal to all tastes
Riyadh Khalas, Siobhan O’Connor and Brendan O’Loughlin
and interests, and Taste 2012 presented a celebration of food that reflects Ireland’s increasingly cosmopolitan tastes. Restaurants offering fare from across the world including 777 (Mexican), Jaipur (Asian), Bon Appetit (tapas) and much, much more.
Ciara O’Connell and Heidi
Dee Breen and Alexander
Gillian Fitzpatrick and Rosanna
O’Sullivan
Fitzgerald
Davison
Nick and Denise Munier
5 July 2012 GAZETTE 11
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SCHOOLS: REPORT CARDS TO FOLLOW STUDENTS
SERVICES Glory for 150-year-old brigade
New passport scheme for second-level I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com
THIS September, a new primary education passport is being introduced for students entering second-level schools in Ireland. Education Minister Ruairi Quinn in a statement last week said: “From this September, all children who are transitioning from primary to post-primary schools will have their end-of-year report card sent to their new school.” The ‘passport’ will contain vital numeracy and literacy information taken from the child’s last report card. Minister Quinn said: “I believe that this sharing of information between primary and second-level schools is a commonsense approach that will benefit both students and teachers. “This ‘education passport’ will mean that the child’s end-of-year report card, including results from the standardised tests taken in sixth class, will be available to the second-level school.”
In an effort to preclude any potential favouritism or discrimination, secondary schools will not be privy to the child’s information ahead of time. Minister Quinn said: “It is important to note that this information will only be made available to a second-level school after a child has accepted a place at that school. “The information cannot be used to cherrypick the best-performing pupils or to exclude those who may have learning difficulties.” Each post-primar y principal has to inform the principal of the child’s primary school of his new enrolment. The primary principal is then required to send on a final-year report card to the principal of the child’s new secondary school. The information contained in this sixth class report card will consist of the results of standardised literacy and numeracy tests. The introduction of this new measure is part of the National Literacy and Numeracy Strategy.
The new stamps, showing different aspects of the work undertaken by members of the Dublin Fire Brigade
Dublin Fire Brigade is honoured with stamps I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com
NEW stamps depicting the great work done by the Dublin Fire Brigade went on sale last Thursday, June 28, to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the organisation. The new “action
picture” stamps were launched by Dublin chief fire officer (CFO) Stephen Brady at the GPO last week. The 55c stamps were designed by Zinc Design, of Dublin and show the many roles of fire-fighting crews. The four stamps illus-
trate fires in premises, road accidents, water rescue and chemical fires, and were all captured in colourful photographs during training simulations. Established in 1862, the fire brigade began with just 24 firemen, who operated from a fire sta-
tion based in Whitehorse Yard, Dublin 8. They operated horsedrawn Merryweather fire tenders up until 1925, and relied on manual water pumps to quench fires. With advances in engineering, steam fire engines were soon introduced and, in 1909, the fire brigade received its first motor pump engine. The brigade now serves 1.2 million people, and operates 20 fire engines, specialist appliances and 12 ambulances. Brady oversees the operation of 1,000 personnel, crewing 12 stations on a 24-hour, sevenday week basis. Dublin Fire Brigade is also one of the few fire services in the world whose members are also fully-trained paramedics. In 2011, the service dealt with 127 water rescues and provided assistance with flooding relief
and evacuation. Brady said that all Dublin Fire Brigade staff members are proud to be honoured in such a highprofile way. “Dublin Fire Brigade has a long and proud tradition of serving the citizens of Dublin city and county since 1862. “Our 150th anniversary gives us the opportunity to celebrate all aspects of our service and to remind Irish people everywhere to stay safe and take every precaution where fire, flammable materials and safety are concerned,” he said. A commemorative booklet to honour the anniversary is also on sale. It is full of dynamic images and information, and can be purchased with the four stamps for €10 at main post offices, online at www.irishstamps.ie, or by calling 01 705 7400.
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5 July 2012 GAZETTE 13
CULTURE Riverdance producer on how the show stays a hit
Lead male dancer Stephen Brennan and lead female dancer Maria Buffini are joined by Craig Mason and Riverdance dancers outside The Gaiety Theatre, where the show is currently playing
‘Riverdance simply makes people happy’ I LAURA WEBB
lwebb@gazettegroup.com
THE curtains opened last week for one of Ireland’s most successful dance shows and, nine years after its first show at the Gaiety Theatre, interest in Riverdance is still remarkable. This week, The Gazette caught up with long-running Riverdance producer Julian Erskine to find out how the show is still a worldwide success. Riverdance first came to our attention during the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest during the show’s interval. Now, 17 years later, it has toured worldwide and has had eight consecutive summer runs in the Gaiety Theatre. Last week, Riverdance reopened for its ninth run at the popular theatre and, according to Erskine, it was just as exciting as the first. “It was a great night, with a great buzz about the place. It was a packed house, with a lot of tourists who are, realistically, the bulk of our audience nowadays.” On the show’s popularity in Ireland, he said: “It’s
like how a pint of Guinness never tastes the same as it does in Dublin! “I think people who have seen Riverdance around the world, when they come to Ireland, one of the things they want to do is see Riverdance in Ireland – that was one of the reasons we started the show in Dublin.” Although the show has been in the Gaiety each year since 2004, prior to that, the show was performed the least in Dublin. “We did two runs of the show in 1995 in The Point, and we didn’t do another run until 2000, when we did another run at The Point. So, between 1995 and 2004, we had only been in Ireland three times. “What was happening was tourists were coming to Dublin, they were getting on our websites, and saying they are in Ireland, and ‘Where can we see Riverdance?’ “We were saying: ‘Actually, you have to go to America or China or Switzerland’ – we weren’t at home. “So, that is why we came back. We thought it was crazy that people
were looking to see the show, and it wasn’t on.” Following that decision, the production of Riverdance was scaled down to fit the city centre venue and they have had a great run each season since then. “It’s been a great hit, and it continues to do so. We will keep doing it for as long as people want it.” Asked how the show can keep bringing in the numbers that allow it to run every year, Erskine said it just makes people happy. “It’s 17 years since it was first shown. In 2015, it will be our 20th anniversary which is an amazing run for any show in the world. “It is timeless. It’s not locked into any particular period. It is so uplifting. “People are clapping along with smiles on their faces and, even at the opening they jumped up [and were still] cheering at the end. I think it’s great if you can send people home happy, especially in this day and age. “People want to park their problems at the door, come in, have a good time, enjoy good music, good dancing,
good singing and enjoy themselves – it’s as simple as that,” he said. Admitting he was never a big fan of Irish dancing before joining Riverdance, Erskine said the show not only converted him, but many others. “I’m a complete and utter convert, and that is thanks to Riverdance. Like so many people, before Riverdance, I would have seen Irish dancing as some fuddyduddy thing done by girls with wigs and big dresses for tourists. “I had no interest in it, and didn’t understand the value of it. I think what Moya Doherty [Riverdance producer and cofounder], in particular, did with Riverdance, and what Michael Flatley and Gene Butler did with the choreography – I think they revealed to the world just how intricate and how beautiful Irish dancing is.” Opening in new territories, the show is hoping to soon run in South America, China and India. Catch Riverdance at the Gaiety Theatre this summer until September 2. Book online at www. gaietytheatre.ie.
14 GAZETTE 5 July 2012
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Joining forces: Minister for Sports Leo Varadkar with Greg McGuinness and Daire Ni Bhriaoin help to promote positive mental health
Thinking positive O2 and Headstrong have joined forces to celebrate the role sports play in promoting positive mental health. The Think Big programme, in partnerChange and Blanchardstown ship with See Ch recently hosted Institute of Technology, Tec event to celebrate the a Think Big Sports Spo positive menrole of sport in encouraging e tal health. Minister for Sports Leo Varadkar was S at the event with two youngsters from the Daire NiBhriaoin and Greg programme, Da McGuinness. Some 50 young people from Leinster S were invited to the event to find out more about running their very own sporting event in their community that would promote positive mental health. Participants were given some advice from a number of professionals including performance coach for the Leinster Rugby team Enda McNulty as well as representatives from the IRFU, GPA, FAI and the Dance Theatre of Ireland about running their own event. Think Big is a programme designed by O2 and Headstrong to enable young people to do projects in their community that make a difference to young peoples’ mental health. The initiative is looking for young people from across Dublin to submit their ideas to the programme and, if successful, they would see their project come to fruition. Since November 2011, Think Big have approved over 166 projects, initiated and led by young people between the ages of 14 and 25 all across Ireland. Through these projects, young people promote positive mental health for their peers in their communities, schools or colleges. For more information on Think Big, visit www.o2thinkbig.ie
DIARY Dublin Food Co-op holds Fusion Sunday THE Dublin Food Co-op’s world culture market is hosting another Fusion Sunday in July. There will be a cornucopia of exotic and international stalls with great food on offer. The cultural integration of all ethnic tastes is the theme of Fusion Sunday. There are so many diverse ethnic communities in Ireland nowadays and their different foods are being celebrated, showcased and tasted at this cosmopolitan event. Fusion Sundays create an atmosphere of mutual discovery and appreciation for all of the different cultures living side by side in Ireland. The market will be a treat for all of the senses as it will be full of intense colour, delicious aromas and exotic tastes. Culinary delights at Fusion Sunday will include African doughnuts, Japanese burgers and Arabic mint tea which will be served up to you in an authentic Moroccan tent. That’s just a hint of the many unusual dishes and drinks that will be available on the day. As well as food, Fusion Sunday also features a rich array of ornaments, crafts, traditional ware and art from the many cultures represented. There will be workshops, yoga and dance sessions too and music will be playing all day long as you browse stalls or take a workshop. Live musical acts at the world stage will be a Georgian choir, Italian folk music, and French chansons, all of which will help to lend an air of authentic culture and ambi-
ence to events. The market will be held from 11am to 5pm on Sunday, July 8, at the Dublin Food Co-op, 12 New Market Square, Dublin 8. It will be a regular event every second Sunday of each month.
Local nightlife-loving couples please apply RTE is looking for nightlife-loving couples to take part in a new pilot series that sees twosomes compete to show what makes a good night out in their town. Six in the City is a new show format set to pilot on RTE 2 this autumn. The show features three couples from three Irish cities hosting what they consider to be the ultimate night out. It can be a rock night out, jazz or death metal, wherever the couple think the best food place is or the best venue for a gig – be it opera or karaoke – RTE want to hear from couples with some interesting thoughts on nightlife. Possible candidates need to live in or near Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Waterford, Kilkenny, Newry, Lisburn, Belfast, Armagh or Derry and be up for getting together with two other couples for three great expensespaid nights out. Interested parties need to be over 23 and be happy to spend four days shooting with the RTE crew over the last three weekends in July. The deadline for applications is Monday, July 9. The couple who host the best night out will win a bespoke European city break, specially tailored to their interests. To apply and for further information, contact Marion@wakatv.ie or Anne-Louise Foley, RTE TV press and publicity, 01 208 3298 or foleya@rte.ie
5 July 2012 GAZETTE 15
CROKE PARK: ADDITION TO ICONIC VENUE OFFERS SPECTACULAR VIEWS
EVENT: UNSUNG HEROES
Sky’s the limit for Croker
Top chefs to judge food awards
I ELLEN COONEY
CROKE Park has become an even more iconic venue, rising to new heights with its recently installed Etihad Skyline. The much anticipated tour has been open to the public for a number of weeks now and boasts the most spectacular panoramic views of Dublin city. The structure stands at 44m, or 17 storeys above the ground and some 100 tonnes of painted galvanised steel have gone into creating a unique 0.6 kilometre walkway. Sponsored by Etihad Airways, the walkway, which is installed within the existing steel roof support, was fabricated in Portloaise and has created 10 jobs. Five viewing platforms are dotted along the way, giving visitors a clear and unique view of Dublin’s most popular and celebrated landmarks. These include Glasnevin Cemeter y, the Guinness Brewery, the Dublin Mountains, Dun Laoghaire Harbour, Poolbeg Lighthouse, Trinity College, The Spire, St. Patrick’s and Christchurch Cathedrals, the
Phoenix Park and Docklands buildings. Each of the five viewing platforms features interpretative panels which highlight the famous landmarks in the line of vision. Visitors are also able to learn more about these sites through multi-lingual audio guides which are available in six languages and include historical information, quirky anecdotes and interviews. Irish comedian Dara O’Briain is a recognisable voice for the official introduction to the narrative which is heard throughout the tour. The two-hour tour, with an experienced guide, will see groups of up to 30 people ascend to the Etihad Skyline walkway following a full briefing in the stadium dressing room. The more adventurous visitors have the chance to make their Etihad Skyline experience even more memorable by walking out from the stadium roof onto a specially designed walkway which is suspended above the Croke Park pitch. For more information and for bookings visit www.skylinecrokepark. ie.
DUBLINER Patrick Doherty joined celebrity chef Kevin Dundon and many others last week to launch the Easy Food Home-Cook Hero Awards. P a t r i c k wo n t h e Tasty Pastry category last year in the awards which celebrate the unsung kitchen heroes all over Ireland. Judging this year’s competition are renow ned celebrity chefs Kevin Dundon, Catherine Fulvio and Catherine Leydon, as well as Vanessa Greenwood of Cooks Academy and Gina Miltiadou, publisher of Easy Food Magazine.
Revving it up: Launching the 21st Irish Classic and Vintage Motor Show MIRIAM 0’Callaghan was at the Mansion House to announce details of the 21st Irish Classic
and Vintage Motor Show which takes place at Terenure College Grounds, Dublin, on Sunday July 8 from 11am-6pm. The show is the biggest and most popular classic car exhibition in Ireland. With over 1,300 wonderful cars from all eras, showcasing a myriad of marques and models, this really is every motoring enthusiast’s paradise. The show will celebrate the evolution of the car from the horseless carriages in the late 1800’s to the dream cars of the 21st century. The whole spectrum of cars from the veteran, the vintage, the classic and the future classic will feature in this annual celebration of motoring. Miriam is pictured with Robert Manning (10) and Ben Horkan (11).
Competition The competition will culminate in three cooks being selected from each of the 10 categories, who will then be invited to cook their recipe in front of the judges on November 2 at the Cooks Academy. The winning recipes will be announced at a blacktie gala event that evening at The Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin where the category winners will each receive €1,500 worth of prizes. For more information you can check out www.homecookhero. ie
16 GAZETTE 5 July 2012
GazetteSTYLE STYLE Key to keeping kids cool and fashionable Edited by Laura Webb
The search is on for Ireland’s perfect pins
THE search is on for Ireland’s perfect pins that will front home-grown brand Karora’s next instant tan campaign. Could you be the legs of the next Karora campaign? Fancy winning a modelling contract with leading modelling agency Assets and a photo shoot with top fashion photographer Lili Forberg? Then check out this amazing competition. All you have to do is enter or just join the fun and vote for your favourite legs. The competition is open via Karora’s facebook page at www.facebook.com/karorafanpage. Karora is a self tan brand with a collection of botanical bronzing products that deliver custom colour with intense skin treatments. The multitasking formulas contain signature ingredients of grape seed, acai berry, jojoba and argan. The Karora range includes Instant Tan Wash Off, award-winning Gradual Bronzing Moisturiser SPF15 and luxury Self Tan Mists – all at affordable prices (€14.99-€24.99). Karora’s Instant Tan Wash Off is on offer for €9.99 in participating stores.
IDS across Dublin are oozing style this summer and even though the weather isn’t playing ball with the season there is no reason why youngsters can’t enjoy their summer gear. Floral dresses for girls and bright-coloured chinos for boys are just some of the summer attire in retail stores. This week the Gazette takes a look at stores in Liffey Valley to see what’s on offer and how kids are dressing this season. Gone are dark and dreary colours, as bright and bold colours are in. Boosting over 100 great name stores, Liffey Valley Shopping Centre stocks a great range of kids summer fashion. It also has a superb schedule of summer family entertainment throughout July – making shopping all the more interesting for the little ones. Pictured are just some of the great summer stock available from stores throughout the Liffey Valley Shopping Centre: For the girls, Monsoon’s red and white polka dot Dolores Shorts (€40) ooze 1950’s charm while Next’s super cute Chevron Dress (€20) teamed with a striped wide brimmed hat (€10) is great for a sunny afternoon or outdoor party. Only the very best will do for the boys, who are becoming more adventurous with fashion. Team this super green polo shirt from M&S (€8) with yellow chinos from Next (€20) to really get them in the summer spirit. If we are lucky enough to get sun, protect their faces with a straw trilby from Mon-
K
Next Girls wide brim hat, €10
Monsoon Dolores shorts, €40
Next Chevron dress, €20
Monsoon boys straw trilby, €15
M&S Limited Collection polo, €8
Next Yellow chinos for older boys, €20
soon (€15). L i g h t cl o t h i n g i s a must this summer, although the sun may not be splitting the stones each day, the weather is normally warmer than normal, even if we are experiencing some heavy rain showers. A light rain jacket would be perfect to have on hand for these days. Most
stores including Dunnes Stores, H&M, M&S and Next would have a range of light-wearing rain jackets for boys and girls. Stylish
If dressing the kids in the latest trends, don’t forget their feet – they too can be stylish. Fabulous floral Espadrillos from H&M for
the dudettes are a steal at €9.99. For the stylish dude, he will love the bright range of sneakers including a yellow pair, also €9.99 from H&M. Summer is a popular season for weddings and with more and more kids going to the ceremonies, there is a bigger need for them to dress appropriately. Girls are easy enough to dress – a
pretty dress with a nice head piece can be found in most clothes shops, while a handsome suit for boys can be picked up in Next and M&S at prices ranging from €40. For further information on the stores available at Liffey Valley, or events and promotions, log onto their website at www.liffeyvalley.ie
5 July 2012 GAZETTE 17
GazetteMUSIC MUSIC REVIEW: A SOPHOMORE RELEASE FROM LOCALS MADE GOOD
Cheers for the Family I ELLEN COONEY
R ATHER inexplicably, Swords four-piece The Cast of Cheers were unknown until their quietly-released debut album in 2010 caught the attention of critics and fans alike. And150,000 downloads, a move to London and a deal with Schoolboy Error later, the band have just released their follow-up album Family. A fairytale in terms of the DIY Irish music scene, The Cast of Cheers were plucked from obscurity after releasing their first album, Chariot, as a free download. K n ow n f o r t h e i r impressive live performances, they also excel in their recording ability and
Family is proof of that. The boys show no lack of confidence in the new material, both on the record and when performing it. For the most part, they have left the tracks which gained them their fan base behind and embraced the new. Not only have The Cast of Cheers managed to live up to the hype which has surrounded them, but have somehow managed to add another layer to their alt-rock style. This layer may be down to the band’s ability to mix gifted technical musicianship with the desire to write a catchy hook. They possess the skill to combine both elements in a way that sounds both impressive and unpretentious.
The Cast of Cheers
Of course, there was an obvious presence of this in their earlier work but the clean, polished nature of Family makes the elegance of this balance hard to miss. The album gives each member of the group more than enough room to breathe, and Conor Adam’s vocals really shine, while managing to
sustain the energy from their first venture. Classed as robot rock by sub-genre enthusiasts, Family provides a set of quirky upbeat songs, with a couple of mid-range, almost whispering tracks. There is also a cleaner version of Goose, one of the favourites from Chariot. The inclusion of this sin-
gular re-used track shows the record label’s desire to launch this album as a debut which may be confusing to some fans, who understand what an incredible achievement Chariot was for the fledgling foursome. The old track is situated slap bang in the middle of the new album, in a way breaking up the fresh feel. However the song blends well with the mood of Family which is a mellower album. Overall, Family is an album with presence and life, and is sure to take this Swords band to new heights. Exciting in terms of tone and variation, and providing more than one future radio hit, it is nothing less than successful.
FastTunes with Radio Nova’s Dee Woods THERE aren’t many musicians that are so brilliant they get awarded for their genius in a time that hasn’t even taken place yet, but Bruce Springsteen is certainly worthy of such an accolade. The singer, who is playing two dates in Dublin later this month with his E Street Band, has been named MusiCares’ Person of the Year for 2013. The Boss is being honoured for his charity work as well as his contribution to music at a ceremony that’ll take place before the Grammy Awards early next year. And Springsteen will be in good company, with past recipients of the MusiCares’ Person of the Year award being Bono, Paul McCartney and Elton John. As if you needed any more reasons to look forward to the RDS gigs on July 17 and 18. And if the 62 year old’s recent tour dates are anything to go by, you can expect energy, passion and a set of around three hours at the Ballsbridge venue.
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5 July 2012 GAZETTE 19
GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS
Supported by AIB
Interview: Michael Killeen, managing director, HSS Hire Ireland
Taking HSS Hire to new heights MICHAEL Killeen is managing director of HSS Hire Ireland and group operations director, HSS Hire Service Group UK & Ireland. A native of Co Galway, Michael previously built his own business from his kitchen table in Co Laois. Along with his wife, Maureen, they established Laois Hire in 1992. A focused, ambitious and hardworking individual, Michael now leads up the operations side of the award-winning HSS Hire Group in Ireland and the UK and has taken it to new heights in terms of its business turnover, market share and international standing. Overseeing a network of 24 branches across Ireland, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man, as well as overseeing operations in the UK, Michael now spends his time travelling between the UK and Ireland, but he gives due recognition to his first class team of people on the ground delivering a first rate service. Michael and Maureen have one son, Michael junior, who is general Michael Killeen, managing director, HSS Hire Ireland, and group operations director, HSS Hire Service manager of Laois Hire. Group UK and Ireland
Q&A Q: When you were a kid, what did you want to be? A: A pilot Q: What was your first job? A: Farm boy. Q: And your first pay cheque? A: £5 Q: Have you ever done a job you loathed? A: No. Q: When did you start your present job? A: In 1992. Q: What is the best thing about your job? A: Landing good results and keeping people employed.
Q: Have you achieved anything that you once thought you could not pull off? A: Winning the Laois men’s
tennis doubles.
A: Wimbledon tennis finals.
Q: What part of your working day do you delegate? A: My job is all about delegat-
Q: What is your guilty music/ TV or movie pleasure? A: The movie, Bad Santa!
ing.
Q: What’s currently on your desk that shouldn’t be? A: Nothing!
Q: Who best represents modern Ireland – David Norris or Jedward? A: Jedward.
Q: Is there anything about yourself that you would like to set the record straight on? A: No.
Q: What music/pictures/movies do you have on your iPod/ iPad? A: Mixture of classical and
Q: What sport do you follow? A: Tennis. Q: What sport can you play? A: Tennis. Q: What habits would you like to lose? A: Bad grammar! Q: At the moment, what are you looking forward to?
country music and pictures of family, pets and holidays.
Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook? A: No time! Q: What was your last Tweet/ status update? A: No time! Q: Describe your dream meal? A: Anything – with my wife.
SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZET TE CALL 60 10 240
Q: Who would you rather have dinner with – Enda Kenny or Dame Edna? A: Enda Kenny. Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously? A: Nowhere! Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own? A: At least a dozen. Q: What was your worst holiday experience? A: Never had a bad experience. Q: Describe your dream holiday? A: Tour the world! Q: What would be your dream job? A: Professional tennis player! Q: What do you plan to do when you retire? A: I don’t plan that far ahead!
LOCAL
MATTERS
THE COMPLEX WORLD OF INVESTMENT: PART 1 HOW do you confuse investors? Place three shovels against the wall and ask them to take their pick. Choosing the right vehicle for your money cannot only be confusing, but it can cost you dearly. With 14 different asset classes from property to cash, and equities to commodities together with geographic options, currency and security issues, your money has never been more at risk since Adam decided to leave the Garden of Eden all those years ago. Most people have different investment needs and goals ranging from short to long term. Whether the need covers: • Cash (Rainy Day Fund – an accessible account to meet emergencies, sudden loss of income or that investment opportunity. Ideally you should have three to six months net annual income in this type of deposit account. You should also ensure you are receiving top interest rates – best demand deposit rates currently are KBC Bank’s 3.25% and AIB Direct’s 3.1%) • Investment (perhaps for your children’s education – third level alone can cost up to € 42,000 per child and that is without fees. Source : Bank of Ireland) for medium-term capital requirements – a holiday home or extension? • Retirement/pension planning (if you are not happy to live on the current state pension of € 230.30 per week, then you will need to invest in a solid pension that will supplement the state pension when you retire). In 2010, for every person who retired there were six workers, but by 2051 for every retiree there will be only two workers. • Approved Retirement Funds investment (you may wish to invest your retirement fund after extracting the tax free lump sum and maximise the return on same as the imputed distribution of 5% may be insufficient to meet your annual living needs then. The Approved Minimum Retirement Fund – maintaining € 120,000 until you are aged 75 – also requires management and a decent return). Some of these investment decisions will be based on a cautious approach, while others may be aggressive in their investment strategy. This will mainly depend on age, family status, health and lifestyle and, of course, ability to fund. Those for example nearing retirement age will choose investments with little risk, eg cash, government bonds, while those in their mid 30s may have a different mindset and choose riskier options eg emerging markets, renewables, technology stocks, etc. Unfortunately, choosing an investment is not like buying a car where you look at all the pros and cons of the car at the start, select every aspect of preference but once bought, that’s that – you have made your bed – now you have to lie in it. Not so with investment choices – they need to be constantly watched and switched if performing poorly. Stark warnings abound ... if you invest in these funds you may lose some or all of the money you invest. Part 2 will be continued next week Contact John with your money questions at
jlowe@moneydoctor.ie or visit his website at www.moneydoctor.ie. John Lowe, Fellow of the Institute of Bankers, is founder and managing director of Money Doctor
20 GAZETTE 5 July 2012
GazetteMOTORS MOTORS Stylish, safe, RoadSigns Road Signs and sleek – this is one classy SUV Skoda’s customer service recognised
SKODA has further cemented its reputation of delivering outstanding customer service with another excellent performance in the highly respected JD Power and Associates/What Car? 2012 Vehicle Ownership Satisfaction Study. Judged by thousands of car owners who use their vehicles day-to-day, it’s one of the most influential and eagerly anticipated reports in motoring. The results are published in the June issue of the UK’s What Car? magazine. Skoda was placed second overall just behind Jaguar and tied with Lexus in the manufacturer rankings, out of the 27 brands included in the study. This marks the 20th year in which Skoda has ranked in the top 10. The study is based on owner evaluations of their vehicles and dealers across 67 attributes grouped in four measures of satisfaction. In order of importance, they are: vehicle appeal, which includes performance, design, comfort and features; ownership costs, including fuel consumption, insurance and costs of service/ repair; vehicle quality and reliability; and dealer service satisfaction.
Cliff House Hotel goes electric The Gazette Motoring pages recently featured a glowing review of Renault’s ground breaking Kangoo ZE commercial vehicle and, it would appear, some people were paying attention. This week, the five-star Cliff House Hotel in Ardmore, Co Waterford, became the first hotel in Ireland to purchase and run the 100% electric vehicle when it invested in a new Renault Kangoo ZE five-seater as their on-site vehicle. The luxury hotel endorses a strong environmental policy and was keen to own a vehicle that reflected this. Hotel staff will use the new Kangoo as a courtesy vehicle for guests and as a pick up and drop off for visitors to surrounding areas. Renault is the only manufacturer to introduce a range of 100% electric vehicles, from the Kangoo ZE mini-van to the Fluence ZE Saloon, the Twizy urban quadricycle and the stylish compact hatch the ZOE. The new Renault Kangoo ZE and Fluence ZE are now available for extended test drives at Renault dealerships around the country.
CORMAC CURTIS
THERE are a few car manufacturers who set the standard to which which all others aspire. I dont think anyone would argue that Mercedes-Benz is one of those manufacturers. But despite their pedigree and experience, even Mercedes-Benz have made the occasional error in judgement when it comes to designing a new model. Take, for instance, the M-Class. This model was introduced to a car-buying public that was hungry for an SUV by Mercedes-Benz. Unfortunately, the car rated with one of the lowest customer satisfaction ratings at the time. But this was by no means the end of the line for this car – not by a long shot.
Improvements There is no doubt that it has seen improvements since its introduction, but nothing like the overhaul that has been applied for 2012. Here we have a car that simply couldn’t be farther removed from its predecessors – from the unparalleled levels of comfort and luxurious trim, to the exceptional
performance and range of engine variants on offer. Also taking large steps in the right direction is the team behind the safety features. For drivers, passengers and pedestrians alike, there is more than enough on offer here to have the boffins at Euro NCAP scribbling on their clipboards and nodding with enthusiasm. I was lucky enough to have the ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC to test drive recently. It was one of those cars you simply do not want to give back. The interior of the car is unlike anything I have driven – although I would have to say that the far smaller and substantially cheaper B-Class comes incredibly close in terms of luxurious comfort and space. The M-Class is fitted with fully power-adjustable seats as standard, and the quality of these seats is pure comfort. In terms of ergo nomics and the generous amount of leg and shoulder room, this is an ideal vehicle in which to take long journeys. To adjust seating position, the controls are mounted on the door panels, so there’s no rooting around down
SPECS: MERCEDES-BENZ M-CLASS ML 250 BLUETEC 4MATIC
Top speed: 210 km/h 0 – 100km/hr: 9 sec CO2 emissions: 158-170 g/km Price: €85,220 (model driven), prices start from €71,060
below the seat for tricky buttons. The M-Class is by no means the first car to offer heated seats, in this case for both driver and passenger, but it is certainly the first car I
drinks nicely chilled. The interior atmosphere of the car is carefully crafted with a specially-selected mix of both natural and manmade materials, all of which create a sense of understated luxury. The dashboard is equally understated, offering an exceptional level of technology and interactivity with the minimum of fuss. There is no fighterjet level of buttons and nobs, just a simple array of intuitive controls all of which are close to hand, including an
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‘The active parking assist automatically looks for a suitable parking space and parks the car at the touch of a button while the driver is simply required to operate the accelerator, transmission and brakes’
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have driven that offered multi-stage ventilation to cool the seat surface. As a fan of ice-cool air con, I love this feature. Speaking of ice-cool, let’s not forget the temperature controlled cup holders, a very nice touch that keeps coffee from going cold and soft
elegant multi-function steering wheel. Interactivity with smartphones is everything you would expect, with calls and music streaming incredibly straightforward. For some truly useful options, there are a few assistance systems on offer that will appeal to any driver.
The new Mercedes ML 250
The active parking assist automatically looks for a suitable parking space and parks the car at the touch of a button, while the driver is simply required to operate the accelerator, transmission and brakes after stopping, accepting the proposed parking space and selecting reverse. The car uses the system’s 10 ultrasonic sensors to detect the surrounding vehicles and a control unit to calculate the optimum way to manoeuvre into the space. Simple! The reversing camera with guide lines is another feature that is becoming popular with motorists. When driving a large vehicle on the school run, it’s always a bonus to have an extra set of eyes to see who’s walking behind you!
5 July 2012 GAZETTE 21
Edited by Cormac Curtis
RoadSigns Road Signs Ford’s new inflatable seatbelts are designed to give extra protection to rear-seat occupants
Ford’s inflatable seatbelt unveiled
BlueTEC 4MATIC has a stunningly attractive appearance
Anyone who is prone to a speeding ticket will appreciate the speed limit assist feature. This uses a camera that permanently scans for speedlimit signs and displays that limit on the dashboard – no more excuses with this handy option. A motorist that is considering an M-Class Mercedes-Benz is going to want to feel as though their money has been well spent, so an eye-catching design is essential. The M-Class is following the aggressive image that Mercedes has been developing in recent years, and it is one that is certain to appeal to a younger generation of drivers. The stance of the car on the road is authoritative without the bully-like appearance of other SUVs.
The dashboard features a simple array of intuitive controls
Its lines are simple, but the lighting clusters, grille and slightly protruding bumper at the front combine to give the car a stunningly attractive appearance. I found myself admiring it in the driveway for
far longer than I would other SUVs. So, it’s incredibly comfortable, very safe and stunning to look at; but, believe it or not, it can be functional too. The rear seats fold dow n in no time to
r e l e a s e 2 , 010 l i t r e s of cargo space on an almost flat floor. This figure includes a 90-litre stowage compartment under the floor. Combined with loadsecuring rings and an optional load-securing
kit – this truly is a utility vehicle and not just a comfortable cruiser. Right, I’m off to pick up a lottery ticket. My wife told me what car we’re buying when we win – I bet you can’t guess what it is.
THE Ford Motor Company has announced that its groundbreaking inflatable rear seatbelt – which combines attributes of an airbag and a conventional seatbelt – will make its European debut next year on the all-new Mondeo. Ford’s inflatable rear seatbelt is designed to reduce head, neck and chest injuries for rear-seat passengers, and children and older passengers who can be more vulnerable to such injuries. In the event of an accident, the belt rapidly expands to disperse crash forces across a body area five times greater than that achieved by a conventional seatbelt. According to Joerg Doering, core engineering seatbelts engineer, Ford of Europe: “We’ve tested the system extensively using our entire crash test dummy family and it offers extra protection over the standard rear seatbelt system. Bringing together the attributes of an airbag and a seatbelt is a significant development. This technology isn’t currently available in Europe,” he said. In everyday use, the inflatable belts operate like conventional seatbelts and are safe and compatible with infant and children safety car and booster seats. In Ford’s research, more than 90% of those who tested the inflatable seatbelts found them to be similar to, or more comfortable than a conventional belt because they feel padded and softer. The technology was first offered on the 2011 Ford Explorer in the US and proved immediately popular, with 40% of buyers choosing the option. As with an airbag, Ford’s inflatable rear seatbelt is activated when crash sensors detect an accident. This forces compressed gas out of a cylinder housed below the rear seat, through the buckle and into the belt. The inflatable rear seatbelt is fully deployed in less than 40 milliseconds. “It provides extra support to the head and neck and so is especially effective when worn by young children or the elderly occupants who are more vulnerable in accidents,” Doering said. Unlike airbags, which generate heat when deploying, Ford’s inflatable rear seatbelt inflates using cold compressed gas.
22 GAZETTE 5 July 2012
5 July 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 23
GazetteTTRAVEL CLOSE TO HOME: GREAT VALUE LODGE ACCOMMODATION
Ireland’s best-kept holiday secret
NOW that the school holidays have officially arrived, Waterford Castle Hotel and Golf Resort is the ideal destination for a family fun-filled break this summer in a home away from home. Waterford Castle Hotel and Golf Resort is Ireland’s best-kept secret for idyllic stay-at-home family vacations and is offering great-value lodge accommodation for families, an exquisite castle, delicious meals and healthy activities, all the while set on a stunning and unique private island. The Waterford Castle three-bedroom lodges
Waterford Castle Hotel and Golf Resort
are luxurious holiday homes within the 320acre Waterford Castle Hotel and Golf Resort. Superbly designed, the comfortable and stylish lodges provide the perfect
escape, while the island itself is full of activities for all the family, whatever the weather. Children can explore the island and discover walking and nature trails
sure to be hiding the perfect picnic spot. For families wanting to take their food on their adventures, custom-made picnic baskets can be prepared by the hotel’s executive head chef, Michael Quinn. The hotel features a huge amount of other activities to keep the little ones occupied, with an outdoor playground, exciting kid’s menus, a babysitting service and a kids’ club for children between four and nine years old, which includes a charming Teddy Bears Picnic with the children every Friday.
Not only are the hotel’s lodges ideal for families, but they’re pet friendly too, meaning you don’t have to leave your family’s best friend at home. Waterford Castle Hotel and Golf Resort is offering a five-night stay for families, based on two adults and two children sharing, in self-catering accommodation at the Garden Lodges from €680. Or you can stay seven nights from just €849, subject to availability. For more information on the hotel and prices, visit www.waterfordcastle.com or call 051 878 203.
GETAWAY: WINGS ABROAD OFFER GREAT LAST-MINUTE DEALS
Fly away to Turkey for some fun in the sun
I ELLEN COONEY
IT’S that time of the year again, and for all the wishful Irish wondering why they didn’t book a holiday sooner, Wings Abroad have some great last-minute deals to Turkey. The Turkish holiday specialists have just released some excellent new offers for resorts around Turkey departing over July 8 and 9. All you have to do is choose one, pack your bag, find your passport, and Wings Abroad will do the rest. There are seven wonderful holiday packages to choose from. Whether you want a threestar or four-star holiday, or to depart from Dublin or Shannon airport, there is something for everyone. All holiday packages include seven-days accommodation, return flights, and taxes and transfers. They range from all-inclusive to self-catering and aim to please every kind of adventurer. For families, there are a multitude of resorts which are both family-run and have facilities for children. The self-catering three-star
Melissa Apartments run daytime activities and boast an Irish pub and easy access to the beach. Departing from either Dublin or Shannon costs only €399pp and departing from Cork will cost €459pp. Alternatively, the three-star, self-catering Summer Gardens complex has two large pools and two splash pools for kids. Guests are invited to enjoy Turkish folk events and savour Turkish cuisine. This fun family holiday costs €449pp departing from either Dublin or Shannon. To get a little closer to nature, the three-star Sarif Hotel is located deep in the peninsula, among mandarin gardens and olive trees. This stunning location is available on a B&B basis for only €449pp departing from Dublin, or €460pp departing from Shannon. For a splash on nightlife and the party scene, why not try The Sami Beach Hotel. Situated on the beach in Gumbet, shops, bars, restaurants and nightlife are all within walking distance. This holiday on a B&B basis costs only €449 pp from Dublin or €460 pp from Shannon.
Edited by Mimi Murray
FastTravel A stay at the Imperial Hotel brings you close to the heart of Cork City IT was just last year that the Queen made Cork an integral part of her itinerary during her visit to Ireland and this year, former US President Bill Clinton has decided to stop by. If you have yet to experience what it is the ‘Rebel County’ has, that makes it such a much-see destination for royalty and famous politicians alike, the Imperial Hotel at the heart of Cork City has introduced a great package to give visitors a real Cork experience. Priced from just €189 per person sharing (children sharing with parents sleep free), visitors can enjoy a three-night stay at the stylish four-star city centre hotel, with a full Irish breakfast each morning and a box of chocolates in your room on arrival. The package includes dinner on one evening in the Imperial’s own newly-refurbished Pembroke Seafood Bar and Grill, as well as a local produce filled lunch at the Farmgate Restaurant, inside the Old English Market. Take a journey back in time with either the Titanic Experience in Cobh or a tour of the historic Cork City Gaol before getting pampered with a 30-minute Aveda maintenance manicure or pedicure at the hotel’s fabulous Escape Salon and Spa. For more information, visit www.flynnhotels. com or call 021 427 4040.
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24 SWORDS GAZETTE 5 July 2012
GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT
GoingOUT THE PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 The Love Hungry Farmer
DES Keogh, one of Ireland’s foremost actors and entertainers, returns with his hugely successful and award winning show The Love Hungry Farmer by John B Keane. It tells the story of John Bosco McLane, a bachelor of ‘indeterminate’ age and, according to his own assessment, ‘past his best’ and evidently still a virgin. McLane’s amorous adventures range from the hilarious to the pitiful. This excellent show runs from July 4-7 at 8pm. Tickets are priced at €18/16.
MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 Somewhere under the Rainbow THIS award-winning, one-woman, musical theatre extravaganza has captured audiences around the country. Now, in preparation for the prestigious Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Biscuits for Breakfast are delighted to bring “Liza” to the Mill Theatre for one more performance before she leaves these shores. Sharon Sexton’s Liza recounts stories, memories and secrets that make up a fascinating career and an even more intriguing personal life. As she belts her way through Minnelli’s infamous song book, the audience are invited beyond the footlights. July 14 at 8pm. Admission: €20.
CIVIC THEATRE 01 462 7477 Johnnies Britches
Spidey posing 101 starts with this crouching start.
BEEZNEEZ, the popular company that brought you Tuesdays with Morrie and Don’t Dress for Dinner return to the Civic with a lovely old Irish comedy, Johnnies Britches. A runaway, nationwide hit when first produced in the 1940s, Beezneez bring their distinctive production values to this gentle comedy of another time. Anxious to be rid of their accident prone servant girl, Ned and Bridget are willing to allow her to be married to almost anybody, including Johnnie. July 13 and 14 at 8pm. Admission: €20/16.
Just short of amazing
DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 The Connect Club 2012 THIS July, Draíocht is delighted to be back, once again, working with the Daughters of Charity’s Summer Camp ‘The Connect Club’ in Laurel Lodge. The summer camp is filled with social and recreational activities catering for young people with varying degrees of intellectual disability, with the aim of providing an outlet that is fun and focused on the individual’s likes and interests.
Spidey swings back into action with a new star, new director, new love interest and, crucially, a new swagger I PAUL HOSFORD
THE new generation of Hollywood executives have a whole different set of problems to their predecessors. Just as us journalists are getting to grips with changing media, 24-hour news cycles and the rise of something called Tallafornia, the Hollywood big-wigs are no longer worrying about cold war overtones, whether we will believe a man can fly or a whole generation of stars in danger of snorting all of Colombia. They are, however, dealing with a new set of problems themselves, 3-D or not 3-D? How can we make a sequel out of this? And when can we remake this? With recent talk of a Twilight reboot a whole three years after it was released, The Amazing Spider-Man feels like it is late to the party, showing up some five
FILM OF THE WEEK: The Amazing Spider-Man #### (12A) 136 mins Director: Marc Webb Starring: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Denis Leary, Sally Field, Martin Sheen, Campbell Scott, Irrfan Khan
OUR VERDICT:
IT occassionally feels like it is stretching, aware all too much of how it has to stay away from a previous incarnation still fresh in people’s minds. But, other than that and some loose ends left untied, this is solid comic-book fare that has a likeable protagonist in Garfield’s Peter Parker.
years after Sam Raimi had unleashed the awful, awful Spider-Man 3 on the world. This, however, is not a continuation of the Raimi universe, more a complete overhaul of the Spidey origin story. Taking its lead from The Amazing SpiderMan comic books, this version takes the highschool adventures of Tobey Maguire’s Peter Parker and makes that a three-act stand. In Maguire’s place is Andrew Garfield, probably best known for The Social Network where he played Mark Zucker-
berg’s less geeky, but still geeky, best friend. It’s fitting that Garfield has made the transition from playing a geek to playing, well, a geek with superpowers. In this summer, and more increasingly this media market, the geeks have inherited the earth. Joss Whedon brought a geek smorgasboard to the screens and has grossed $600 million dollars, Facebook is the dream landing spot for graduates and The Big Bang Theory is the biggest TV show in the US. So, it is unsurprising that such a golden goose
as ol’ webhead is given another bite of a radioactive spider every couple of years. This time, at least, the focus is on people. Director Marc Webb, of (500) Days of Summer fame, hasn’t exactly brought about a fully realised universe in the way Christopher Nolan has with his Dark Knight trilogy, but his attempts to make it all about the humans under the spandex are admirable. Webb spends a lot more time on the origin story of Peter than Raimi did, but the constituent parts remain the same. Uncle Ben is attacked, radioactive spider, crimefighter clumsily getting to grips with his powers, etc. And, of course there’s the love of a good woman, though even that is different. Spidey enthusiasts argue long into the night about who the true love
of Peter’s life is. W here Raimi had Mary Jane Watson, Webb plumps for Gwen Stacy, played by Emma Stone. Her father just happens to be the chief of police, however, and he does not like the friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man. It is the relationship between Stacy and Peter, and the chemistry between Stone and Garfield, that are high points. Along with some good action beats, the film is able to hide its flaws with some excellently drawn characters. True, some strands get left behind. Rhys Ifans’ Curt Connors is never fully explored but a consistenly clever CGi reportoire, strong characters and some excellent performances from Stone and Garfield mark a return to form for Spiderman. Now time to plan the 2014 reboot.
5 July 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 25
GazetteGAMING GAMING Bytesandpieces Oh, goodie – Okami HD for PS3
In the hunt for a rogue US Colonel, Captain Walker must lead his small but elite squad through the abandoned city of Dubai – formerly a millionaires’ playground, but now reclaimed by the desert following devastating, and ongoing, sandstorms. However, Colonel Konrad’s loyal forces and local insurgents are just part of Dubai’s dangers – the decaying luxury city and violent weather hold their own surprises ...
A line worth crossing I SHANE DILLON
IF ASKED, the grunts in Spec Ops: The Line (Windows, XBox 360, PlayStation 3) would probably tell you what a hard time they’re having wandering around Dubai. Lest anyone start nodding in agreement, suddenly thinking of that time cousin Sheila ended up paying about $10 for
a can of Coke from her Dubai hotel room’s minibar, that’s not exactly the kind of ordeal the soldiers face in The Line. Then again, the game’s Dubai isn’t quite the same as our Dubai … Using a grain or two of creative license, the unusual setting of Dubai in this title isn’t quite the sort of place you’d want to visit. After all, the extraor-
dinary city has been rendered even more extraordinary – in the uninhabitable sense – thanks to a series of giant sandstorms that smothered and choked the now abandoned city, turning it into a vast, desolate sandblasted ruin, filled with the mummified remains of the too-many who didn’t evacuate in time. Where better to send a small squad of soldiers
Anotherweebyte... An invite to join a secret society with a global mission SPEAKING of unusual settings, The Secret World is yet another massive multiplayer game which aspires to get an awful lot of PC gamers running around together. Its hook? Namely, that it’s set in the present day, in a variety of instantly recognisable settings. By joining one of a number of secret factions, and quicker than you can say “The Da Vinci Code”, players can help uncover the various conspiracies and myths that the game features. The just-launched title certainly has a pretty interesting pedigree, and serves to ably demonstrate the strengths that
PC gaming has over its hipper, trendier, upstart younger console brothers. And, thankfully, it does so without an orc or barbarian in sight. So, if you’re a dedicated PC gamer – increasingly something of an endangered species – The Secret World could be well worth uncovering …
on a do-or-die mission to track down a rogue superior officer and his equally rogue loyal men? However, that’s only the start of the story, as the city has been abandoned but is anything but deserted, with plenty of soldiers of one cabal or another vying for control – and all the while, events turn as dark as the sandstorms that continue to roar down the ruined canyons of former luxury hotels ... Actually, The Line certainly crosses one, in terms of a new setting that, thankfully, isn’t quite in the same mould as A Generic Shooter. True, in some respects it’s very similar to a dozen comrades-in-arms shooters patrolling the shelves at your nearest games retailer, with squad controls that are largely similar to a dozen others. Still, what The Line does well, it does very well, not least with Dubai’s treacherous ruins presenting ample sandbox fun in various
conditions – for example, shooting out the windows of a sand-filled bus to tip its contents over The Bad Guys is unlikely to grow old for a while yet. Ultimately, it’s worth pointing out – yes, again – that Dubai’s the star of this title, more than the engaging squad-based management, and more than the neat, graphical flourishes that regularly arise. After all, its streets and hotels, motorways and palaces – all decaying, sand-filled wrecks (and gun-toting factions) – present a new theatre of war in gaming that’s more than a little different to the usual anonymous corridor-based gameplay. And what spectacular sights they are, too. Not quite as radical as its pre-press, slow-burning hype had suggested, The Line still sets an interesting (and, better, fun) alternative setting to the “usual” gaming landscapes we see, making this a line definitely worth crossing paths with ...
I SEE that the PlayStation 3 is about to get another respected title with Okami HD, due out later this year. It’s not the first time that Sony’s had a crack at Okami, as it also greatly impressed on the PS2. Very similar to its earlier incarnation – which was also ported to the Nintendo Wii, as well as seeing a sequel on the Nintendo DS – Okami’s HD update promises gorgeous graphics, fusing a type of celshaded art with striking classic Japanese watercolour-influenced graphics. Using a celestial brush to “paint” objects (and solutions to problems) into the beautifully-crafted world – which seems a great, natural fit to utilise the PlayStation Move controller to swirl arms and brushes around in sync – the white wolf Amaterasu will restore light, life and colour to the land ... Actually, its earlier incarnations never exactly set the checkout tills a-ringing, being yet another one of those curious titles that critics adored – yet the mass gaming public avoided. Still, let’s hope that gamers take this opportunity to brush up on the singularly creative and beautiful title when it gets its HD release, soon ...
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26 SWORDS GAZETTE 5 July 2012
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5 July 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 27
GazetteSPORT
JUNE CHAMPIONS:
Last month’s Dublin Sports Awards winners are announced: Page 29
CROKE PARK: GAA HQ REACHES HIGHER AS IT ADDS STADIUM-TOP TOUR TO ATTRACTIONS
Top of the walk as Skyline tour begins at Croker sport@gazettegroup.com
Players say they’re on top of the world when they play to the top of their game at Croke Park, and now visitors to GAA HQ can now say the same when they take the Etihad Skyline tour on the roof of the historic ground. The walkway, which extends around the roof of the iconic stadium, gives spectacular panoramic views of Dublin city and its surroundings from 44 meters or 17 storeys above
the hallowed turf. Some 100 tonnes of galvanised steel have gone into creating a unique 0.6 kilometre walkway which was fabricated in Portlaoise and has been installed within the existing steelroof support structure at Croke Park. Five viewing platforms have been created along the walkway which offers a unique perspective of Dublin’s most popular and celebrated landmarks. Among the more notable landmarks which
can be viewed from the Etihad Skyline are Glasnevin Cemetery, Guinness Brewery, the Dublin Mountains, Dun Laoghaire Harbour, Poolbeg Lighthouse, Trinity College, The Spire, St. Patrick’s and Christchurch Cathedrals, the Phoenix Park and Docklands buildings. The two-hour tour with an experienced tour guide will see groups of up to 30 ascend to the walkway following a full briefing in the stadium dressing
Camogie captains Elaine O’Meara of Dublin and Catherine Doherty of Kilkenny on the Skyline walkway
room. Each of the five viewing platforms features interpretative panels which highlight the famous landmarks in the line of vision. According to Peter McKenna, Croke Park
stadium director, “We are absolutely delighted to be opening the Etihad Skyline tour at Croke Park. Not only is the Etihad Skyline a great addition to the stadium, but it is also a great addition to Dub-
lin and Irish tourism. We expect the tour to become one of the most popular attractions in the country and we are confident that everyone who takes the tour will be convinced that this has been a more
than worthwhile investment.” The tour leaves from the GAA Museum located under the Cusack Stand, for more information, see www.skylinecrokepark. ie.
28 SWORDS GAZETTE 5 July 2012
GazetteSport Sport FastSport
Callaghan on the comeback trail
Lucan Sarsfields and Dublin star Peter Callaghan is set to return to action after a long, hard battle against injury, writes PETER CARROLL RDS announces new Horse Show dates THE ROYAL Dublin Society this week announced the new dates for Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show in The Champagne Bar at the RDS. Usually held in early August, this year the iconic event will now run from August 15-19 2012, allowing time for competitors involved in the 2012 Olympic Games in London to get to Dublin for one of the most important equestrian events of the year. Commenting on the Show’s date changes for 2012, RDS chief executive Michael Duffy explained: “In the history of the Dublin Horse Show since the inaugural event in 1864, this iconic event has only been cancelled six times due to the Second World War and the dates have only been changed three times “The first was in 1948 for the Olympic Games in London, the next date change was due to the 1990 FEI World Equestrian Games and the Summer Olympic Games of 1992 also caused the Dublin Horse Show to move dates. “This date change in 2012 makes it only the fourth time in 139 years that the date for the annual Dublin Horse Show has been altered. “This is quite remarkable and demonstrates how ingrained the Dublin Horse Show is as a must-see event in the summer social calendar”. The Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show is the largest summer event in Dublin, attracting tens of thousands of people and 1,500 horses and ponies to the RDS annually. “The 2012 Show runs for five days from Wednesday, August 15 to Sunday, August 19. General admission tickets for one day costs €21. Students/OAPs/Children under 16 costs €15 per day and a family day pass (two adults, four children) costs €54. For more information, go to www.dublinhorseshow. com.
FLASHBACK to 2009. Peter Callaghan sat amongst the substitutes on the Dublin bench as the Boys in Blue cruised to a win against their most bitter of rivals, Meath. A well-seasoned veteran at minor and Under-21 level for Lucan Sarsfields and Dublin, Callaghan was doing what many believed he would always do: being selected along with the best footballers and hurlers in the county to represent it at the highest levels of the sport. Callaghan impressed at full-back in the 2005 Leinster-winning Dublin minor hurlers side, before catching the eye of selectors as he secured and held the full-back position for the Dublin Under-21 hurlers, who just fell short of All-Ireland glory when they lost out to Galway in
2007. Callaghan was dominant when the same side performed powerfully in the following seasons, brushing away opposition in the Under-21 Leinster championships, proving he was well worth his
snap,” recalls Callaghan. “I was carted off and it wasn’t long before the doctor confirmed it was my cruciate ligament. “Everyone stressed that there would be a lot of work involved [in my recovery] because the
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‘The injury was a hard pill to swallow, but I just thought about the players who came back at the highest level’
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tipping as a future senior star. It was in July 2010, however, in a championship match against St Jude’s, that alarm bells started ringing in the Sarsfields’ man’s head. “I went up for a ball, there was no one around me, and I just heard a
nature of the injury only allows you to heal in stages. So, I put my shoulder to the wheel and worked closely with the Dublin minor’s physio, Cillian MacSuibhne,” said the resilient dual player. Callaghan battled to return to fitness, months went by and improve-
Peter Callaghan, pictured in action for the Dublin Junior footballers, is hoping he can make a club championship comeback in September
ments were noted. It was a day like any other working in the gym when the towering Leinster champion fell awkwardly. “Again, I could feel a bit of pain, so I went and had an MRI done. Sure enough, the cruciate was completely gone.” Callaghan was facing another period of recuperation after the months of hard work he had previously faced, but instead of being bowed, he stood up to the challenge. “The mental aspect of the game really comes into things when something like that happens. I was looking forward to competition again, and it took a lot of strength to start the whole rehabilitation process all over. “I was very lucky to have someone with the experience of Cillian looking after me, and without him, the situation could have been a lot worse. “It was a very hard pill to swallow but I just thought about the likes of Henry Shefflin and Colm O’Neill, who came back from the same thing and played at the highest level. That was my focus, and that’s where it’s been since,” said Callaghan. Two years out from the initial injury, Callaghan is weeks away from a return with Sarsfields and is relishing the thought of lining out with his team mates on both the hurling and football sides. “The senior hurlers have been playing really
well, I know I’m going to have to fight for my place when I’m ready to come back. “They’ve really shown themselves to be a solid unit and the challenge of getting into the team again should get me in the right mind-set for competition again. “We’ve been missing a few players through injury on the football side and I can’t wait to be back amongst the action wearing the green again with the lads. “Sarsfields have been absolutely brilliant with me throughout the injury, and I’m really looking forward to coming back,” said Callaghan. He is eyeing a return for Sarsfields’ back-door championship match in September, and his thirst for competition remains unquenchable. “I just hope that the Dubs go the whole way so I can get back to playing championship in September. It’s been hard watching from the sidelines but I’ve helped out with water and hurls when I can. “I’m twisting and turning in my own training now, so we’ll just focus on contact in the next few weeks, and I’ll be ready to go. “Sarsfields is my focus now and, if I play well in the championship, I might get the nod from Dublin again, but club football and hurling will be getting my full attention,” said Callaghan.
5 July 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 29
GRIDIRON: DONNYBROOK SET FOR DOUBLE BILL
2012 DUBLIN SPORTS AWARDS JUNE WINNERS
STARof theMONTH PHIL LAVERY THE COOLMINE rider’s progression to the upper echeleons of the peloton continue, and his performances in June in the Stephen Roche Grand Prix and the National Road Race championship underline his growing potential in the sport. The coming years will be fascinating as he grows as a cyclist on the world stage.
TEAMof theMONTH COLAISTE PHADRAIG
The example of youth once again proves instructive as Colaiste Phadraig’s firstyears prove that dedication and commitment are the foundations of success. The school’s young soccer stars brought home the AllIreland title to add to their Dublin and Leinster Cup honours last month.
SUMMERTIME is now officially on its holidays, but that shouldn’t stop the sunshine for Dublin Sport’s super heroes for the month of June. Phil Lavery has been a significant prospect in the world of cycling for several years, and it is heartening to see him progress in the sport on a national and internation level. T hough the bigger boys in green proved a disappointment in Poland, the other boys in green,
Colaiste Phadraig, proved that success is achievable on the soccer field nationally when they snagged the county, provincial and national titles at first-year level with a series of impressive, disciplined and committed performances. 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.
Loyola Academy Ramblers in action, as they prepare to bring their A game to the GIFT 2012 event
Rambling to Donnybrook sport@gazettegroup.com
TICKET sales for the Donnybrook Stadium games to be played as part of the Global Ireland Football Tournament (GIFT) 2012 showcase of American football have been brisk. The visit of teams from Illinois, Ohio, Texas and Wisconsin has clearly captured the imagination of local sports fans and prompted hundreds of followers of the four participating schools to make summer travel
plans to be at the games in Dublin on Friday, August 31. One of those sides is Loyola Academy Ramblers from Wilmette, Illinois, and the maroon and gold will look to get one over on their rivals, Jesuit Prep Dallas from Texas, in the 4pm match. Coach John Holecek played linebacker for eight seasons in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills, San Diego Chargers and Atlanta Falcons. The team themselves have an impressive
pedigree, crowned the Chicago Catholic Blue champions in 2011 and posting their only loss of last season in the IHSA Class 8A state championship game to Bolingbrook last November. Loyola Academy’s student-athletes compete in some of the most competitive conferences in the State of Illinois. Most varsity sports have offseason strength and conditioning programmes as well as rigorous summer camps, which require a high level of dedication,
Munch bunch: Byrne in action for Haiti help LEINSTER and Ireland rugby star Shane Byrne was on hand last week to help to carry two buckets of water from a well provided by GOAL at St Armand de Bire School in the hills outside Gressier in earthquake-devastated Haiti during his three-day visit to the country with the aid agency. Photo: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland
www.gazettegroup.com All of your latest local news, sport, features and pictures are now just a click away
organisation and commitment on behalf of the students. The excitement ahead of GIFT 2012 is on the rise and the inclusion of Loyola Academy in the line-up is a bonus for lovers of gridiron in what will be a fascinating contest against Jesuit Prep. Tickets for the double headers which all take place on August 31 at Donnybrook, Parnell Park and Pairc Tailteann in Navan cost €15 and are available from www. Tickets.ie/GIFT2012.
30 SWORDS GAZETTE 5 July 2012
GazetteSport Sport FastSport
PARALYMPICS: WALSH AND KEANE NAMED IN LONDON SQUAD
Ballyboughal enjoy Howth P and P blitz BALLYBOUGHAL Pitch and Putt club’s first away evening for 2012 was held in Deer Park in Howth this week. In spite of the bad weather, they enjoyed a lovely evening, warm and dry with a light breeze, perfect for some great P&P. Six teams contested in a three ball scramble and some amazing results with only two strokes stroke separating five teams on the night. Winners with a gross 51 were Rory Homan, Frank Hughes and Marie Delaney, pictured, followed in second place by Jimmy Browne, Gerry Levins & Maura Lynch with a Gross 52. Third place saw three teams level on 53 with the team of Vince Walker, Mick Daly and Jim Gallagher taking the prizes on a back six count. The next club major will be the Jones Cup Club Championship. The draw will take place on Wed 11th July after the scramble game. game playPlayers can text their entry to the secretary on 0851743748 or put their name on the sheet in the clubhouse.
Le Blanc nets Irish U-16 Trophy THE Island’s Kevin Le Blanc, pictured, took home the Irish U-16 Golf Trophy from last week’s Irish Boy’s championship at Hermitage Golf Club in Dublin. He ended the overall competition in fourth with a total of 297, ten off first place in the U-18 category. Belvoir Park’s Gareth Lappin took the main prize with a final score of three under par. Irish amateur open champion Gavin Moynihan, also from The Island, carded a four under par third round of 67 to get into contention but a final round of 77 saw him end joint fourth, too.
Swords woman Catherine Walsh, left, will once again be a major medal prospect at the Paralympic Game as she teams up with Fran Meehan
Local duo bound for Games I sport@gazettegroup.com
SWORDS native Catherine Walsh and Ellen Keane, of the Aer Lingus Swimming Club, have both been selected as two of the 49 athletes that will represent Ireland at this year’s Paralympic Games in London. Walsh, a legend of the Games, has competed across a variety of different sports in her athletic career. A veteran of 20 years in the Games this year, she has previously competed at the 1992 Paralympics in Barcelona where she took part in the ladies 200m, discus, long jump
and pentathlon – all in the B3 category. In 1996, at the Atlanta Paralympic Games, Walsh tried her hand at the ladies 800 metres in the F12 category and the Pentathlon in the P 10-12 category, where she again proved herself as being among the best in her various fields. It was in 2000 in the Sydney Paralympic Games that Walsh took to the podium, claiming a bronze medal for Ireland in her preferred event, the pentathlon. An amazing achievement considering the legendary Paralympian also competed in the
Fully booked: New Finian’s U-10s secure new sponsor DECLAN Meagher, general manager Carl-
ton Hotel Dublin Airport, was on hand to present the new team kit to the Under-10 camogie team at St Finian’s GAA Club last week. He is pictured with club secretary Frank Egan (left) and team mentors (l-r) Grace Murray, Ann O’Connor and Nuala Halpin along with three players from the Under10s at the club’s home pitches in Rivervalley.
ladies 800m in the P13 category. Again, Walsh mixed it up when the Games returned to Atlanta in 2004, competing and excelling in the ladies 400 metres and the long jump. In 2007, she moved to tandem cycling and returned to the winner’s podium winning silver at the 2009 World Track Championships while working with sighted pilot Fran Meehan, bronze medals at both UCI World Championships in 2011 (Track and Road), followed by a sensational gold medal at February’s World Track
Championships in LA. This form makes her a major contender for a medal in London in September. Ellen Keane made her Paralympic Games swimming debut in 2008 at the tender age of 13, showing that she was every bit as athletically mature as anyone in her field with a sixth place finish. This year at London, with an extra four year’s experience and excellent guidance under the tutelage of former Olympian, Robin Brew, Keane will take to the water first on August 30 for the 100m fly event, the 200IM on
September 6 and finally, the 100m breast stroke two days later on the 8 September 8. All 49 athletes went straight from the Team Ireland announcement on to a training camp in Antrim. They will then progress on to the specifically designed Renault Ireland Team 2012 Training Camp in Limerick, Keane will then travel to Fuertaventura from the July 20 to 29 before rejoining the rest of the team to travel to Portugal on August 15, their last destination before they arrive in London on August 24.
5 July 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 31
FOOTBALL: JACKIES WIN AISLING MCGING TITLE
CLUB NOTICEBOARD FINGALLIANS WELL done to Laura McGahan who
group will play the semi-final at 7pm
helped guide the Dublin B ladies to
that evening.
an All Ireland win and lift the Aisling McGing Memorial Cup. Also to Paul Flynn who helped steer
Hurling Month - July: Each Wednes-
the Dublin senior footballers to a Lein-
day for this month only, Simon Lam-
ster decider against our old friends
bert will host a summer hurling night
Meath.
at 6.30pm for U-8, U-9 and U-10. New
It is All Ireland Feile week, start-
Stritch and McGahan shine in McGing glory AISLING MCGING FINAL Dublin Kerry
3-9 0-13
I sport@gazettegroup.com
ST MARGARET’S Sarah Stritch and Fingallians’ Laura McGahan played pivotal roles in the Dublin ladies backline, along with St Finian’s panelist Sarah Guilfoyle, to help the county to victory in the Aisling McGing Memorial Championship final last weekend in Nenagh. An amazing hat trick from Nicole Owens did the damage in a close encounter with Kerry, with the scores finishing up 0-13 to 3-9. Having seen off champions, Cork, in the semifinal, the Pat Stritchmanaged side still had a lot of hard work ahead of them with Kerry coming into the final in fantastic form. And it was all Kerry in the opening exchanges as two scores put them ahead before Ann-Marie
Cahill McBarron of Kilmacud and Aisling Barrett began to dominate the midfield, capitalising on loose Kerry kick outs which were quickly distributed to the Dubs’ halfforward line. Such dominance led to Owens’ first two goals, after the ball was collected by the midfielders, Ciara Ruddy and Rebecca Davey were on hand to deliver pin-point passes to the Syl’s forward which she had no hesitation in putting away. Two calmly taken finishes into the bottom corner of the Kerry goal left the score at 2-7 to 0-6 at the half-time whistle, but the Jackies couldn’t sit back after the Kingdom’s early spell of scoring. True to their form in the early passages of the first half, Kerry came out with the bit between their teeth and knocked on some scores from their forward lines before the Dubs began to give away frees in their own half.
Closing the gap, Kerry had the momentum after Cassandra Buckley attacked Dublin straight down the middle and converted a fine point. Luckily, Syl’s Aimee Hazley came alive, breaking up the play on four occasions to win Dublin the possession. It was all to play for in the last 10 minutes when midfield duo McBarron and Barrett came into their own again, and it was the wife of Fermanagh player Liam McBarron who played the killer ball over the Kerry backline to put Owens through on goal. As cool as you like, Owens was in the right
place at the right time again, and tucked the ball effortlessly in the bottom left of the Kerry net, securing a famous win for Pat Stritch’s ladies and the Ashling McGing Memorial Championship for Dublin. The performance of Owens was only outdone by Hannah Tyrell of Round Towers Clondalkin who has now won the Player of the Match award in the McGing final two years on the trot. It was a day to be remembered by the high flying Syl’s forward for a long time, bagging a hat trick against the might of the Kingdom in an All Ireland Final.
members are welcome.
ing on Thursday: Our group includes
Diary Date: Mid-summer BBQ with
Celbridge, Co Kildare, Mount Leinster
host chef Paddy Mulligan will be held
Rangers, Co Carlow and Ballinteer St
on July 14.
Johns.
Dublin celebrate winning the Aisling McGing title while, below, Nicole Owens fires in a shot. Below picture: GAApics.com
The final will be played in Croke Park at 11am on Saturday 7.
In order to ensure your child’s
The event will start with a hurling
place at this years summer camps,
match v Celbridge on Thursday, July
please hand your completed applica-
5 at 2pm on the main pitch. Follow-
tion forms into the bar which is open
ing this, the teams make their way to
from 6pm or the club office which is
Croke park where, from there they will
open from 9am-12.30pm. Should you
parade to O’Connell Street.
have any enquiries about the camps,
Friday, July 6, will see a number of
please contact the club on 01 840 0125
games played on the main pitch up
any morning. Also, see details at www.
to lunchtime and the winner of this
fingallians.com.
FINGAL RAVENS THE senior team had a good win
Anyone who is interested in apply-
over Templeogue SS last Wednesday
ing for the job of club caretaker and
evening in the league.
maintenance person, commencing in
Well done to our U-13 girls team who gained promotion for the third season in a row. Well done to all the players and management. Our annual cycle race took place
October, please contact John McCarthy on 087-6599348. This is run in conjunction with FAS, all applicants must be over 25 and must be signing on for at least a year.
last Monday. Thanks to everyone
Congratulations to Padraig and
who participated and a reminder to
Fiona Brennan who got married at
get your sponsorship money in if you
the weekend.
have not already done so.
Lotto numbers were 14, 15, 23 and
Our summer camp is on this week.
25; no jackpot winner, €20 to David
We hope everyone has an enjoyable
Mitchell, Pat Connell and Ciara Ket-
week and hopefully we will get some
tle. Next week’s jackpot is now worth
nice weather.
€4,033.
ST FINIAN’S CONGRATULATIONS to Sarah Guilfoyle
The next fixture is against Clontarf,
and Fiona Walshe and all the Dublin
the team currently in second place, on
Senior B Ladies team who beat Kerry
July 11 at 7.30pm in St Annes. Put the
by 3-9 to 0-13 to win the Aisling McGing
date in your diary.
All-Ireland trophy in Nenagh.
Our adult hurlers are also vying
Our intermediate footballers had
for top spot in their league and face
another great week with two league
Craobh Chiarain in Clonshaugh on
wins that see them top of Division 3.
Saturday, July 7, at 6.30pm.
On Wednesday last, they went over
Well done to Conor Lennon who
to Naomh Olafs and came away with
scored seven points for the Dublin
a two point win which put them top
North Under-14 footballers to help
of the league. The next match on Sat-
beat Wexford on Sunday.
urday evening was at home against
There is a video available of the fun
Naomh Fionnbarra and in windy con-
day on YouTube and photos are also on
ditions in Ridgewood, the lads held off
our website in the Photo Gallery.
a strong second-half performance
Finally, the St Finians Women’s Club
from ‘Finbarrs’ to come away with a
will be holding a talk on July 24 by Tess
three point victory.
Larkin.
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ALL OF YOUR SWORDS SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31
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JULY 5, 2012
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GazetteSPORT
Fingallians young hurlers will take in the Feile na nGael in which over 25,000 hurlers, camogie and handball players initially took part
Lawless Park set for Feile festival Fingallians welcome great response from the local community as huge U-14 event comes to Swords PETER CARROLL
swordssport@gazettegroup.com
FINGALLIANS will play their part in hosting one of the biggest events in the GAA calendar as this year’s Feile na nGael comes to Dublin for the first time in over 30 years. The tournament’s goal is to bond communities, forge friendships, provide educational opportunities and unearth new leaders through the sport and the Swords club will be central to this ethic. Boys and girls teams playing U-14 hurling, camogie and handball will make their way to Dublin which commence on Thursday, July 5 and run until Saturday. Throughout the qualifying stages it is estimated that over 25,000 children participated in the Feile and, with the group now whittled down to 3,000, Fingallians will host Kildare champions, Celbridge GAA, Ballinteer St John’s and Mount Leinster Rangers GAA of Carlow for the hurling group stages.
The theme of bonding communities is evident in the preparation for the annual Feile, and with Dublin as the hosts this year, the community of the Swords club have opened their doors to the championship winning Kildare side, with 30 players and mentors staying with families of the Fingallian faithful.
Parade The hosts will take to the main pitch in Lawless Park first where they will meet Celbridge on Thursday at 2pm, before moving on to the home of the national games, Croke Park, from where all teams involved will take part in a parade to O’Connell Street. On Friday, the remaining games of the group stages will be played out before the semi finalists will move on to a different ground, with the winners moving on to the final at Parnell Park. Alan Comisky, mentor for the U-14 side, caught up with GazetteSport to share his thoughts on the upcoming Feile.
“It’s great for Fingallians to be hosting such a prestigious tournament,” he said. “We’re delighted to be involved and we are looking forward to welcoming the Kildare champions, Celbridge, the Carlow champions, Mount Leinster Rangers and Balinteer St John’s. “There’s been a great response by the families involved with the team, all helping the club to accommodate the different families and mentors and it’s great that they’ve opened their doors to make the Feile a success. “We have a great committee in place that will look after the running of the group games here, we’ve hosted events in the past with the Dublin All Stars and we pride ourselves on rising to the occasion for such events. “Being hosts of the Feile really allows us to promote the club and showcase our facilities and hospitality, we hope everyone in the local area will come up and get involved to give the children support over the two days,” said Comisky.