Swords

Swords GAZET TE FREE

Mind man Keith Barry on books, Hollywood movies and taking the stage

SEE PAGES 12-13 JULY 19, 2012

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Month XX, 2012 SWORDS • BALBRIGGAN • APPLEWOOD • BOROIMHE • AIRSIDE • RIVERVALLEY

INSIDE: Fingal Dublin Chamber brings in the summer P8-9

SMOKE-FREE: Council makes playgrounds tobacco-free See Page 2

Down on the farm: Chernobyl children enjoy special visit Football: Fingallians trio help deliver Leinster title Page 31

TOM Keogh from Keogh’s Farm

in Oldtown tells two boys from Chernobyl how they bring their potatoes from the field to the fork when they visited recently.

The boys were part of a group of children who are staying with families in Fingal as part of the the Dublin Outreach Group Sunflowers Chernobyl Appeal.

Full Gallery on Page 2

Martial Arts: Swords native faces European semi-final Page 30

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ......................8 BUSINESS .....................18 MOTORS ....................... 20 TRAVEL......................... 22 ENTERTAINMENT ......... 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26

Treatment plant upgrade approved €23 million to be invested in local sewage scheme

I NATALIE BURKE

THE entire community of Swords is set to benefit from a €23 million investment in the local sewerage scheme.

The announcement was made earlier this week by Environment Minister Phil Hogan who said he had

approved funding to allow Fingal County Council to progress the treatment plant upgrade to construction.

While the existing plant, built in 2003, currently caters for a 60,000 population equivalent, the latest contract will expand its capacity to 90,000.

Local TD and Minister

for Health James Reilly was one of the first to welcome the news saying: “This is a very important investment in Swords’ future and paves the way for a large multinational employer to consider Swords as a location for investment and significant jobs.”

Full Story on Page 7

2 SWORDS GAZETTE 19 July 2012

PILOT: AIMS TO EASE HOSPITAL, GP VISITS FOR OLDER CITIZENS

FIELD WORK Keogh’s Farm host Chernobyl children

Medical transport service rolls into Swords I NATALIE BURKE

THE Pilot Health Route was welcomed to Swords last week by Minister for Health Dr James Reilly, who said he was “delighted” that Swords residents will be able to avail of the service.

The announcement was made last week by Fingal County Council that the Pilot Health Route, which collects registered clients from their homes and brings them to their hospital appointments, will now be extended to cover the Swords area.

The commencement of the project has been facilitated by the Department of Health National Lottery Discretionary Fund.

“I am delighted that residents of Swords will be able to avail of this door-to-door service.

Travel to and from health care appointments can be a grave concern to people during a time of illness and this amenity will undoubtedly help to alleviate such worries,” he said.

Local Cllr Gerry McGuire (Lab), who helped establish and launch the initiative, also welcomed the move, saying he believed the scheme will be successful in the Swords area.

“We found from our

surveys with the elderly that one of the major problems they encounter is accessing the health services,” he said.

“We found that, particularly in rural Fingal, people were finding it hard to access their GPs and the hospitals as well.

“A n d p a r t i c u l a r l y since the taxi services and transport services were taken out by the health board, [the Pilot Health Route] was a much-needed service.

“When I signed it up in the declaration last September, it was to try and make things easier for the ageing citizens,” he added.

T he pilot scheme, which commenced earlier this year in Baldoyle, Sutton, Portmarnock, Howth and areas east of the M1 from Balbriggan to Kinsealy, was established by the collaborative efforts of Fingal Senior Citizens Forum and Fingal County Council and is operated by Vantastic Ltd. Residents of Swords who wish to pre-register and avail of this service may do so by contacting Vantastic Ltd on 1800 24 27 03.

Further information will be available from health care providers, pharmacies and various outlets throughout Fingal.

The children take a tour and check out the farm’s fantastic potatoes

Visitors chip in down on farm HILDREN from Chernobyl, who are staying with families throughout Fingal and who are participating in the Dublin Outreach Group Sunflowers Chernobyl Appeal, are pictured at Keogh’s Farm, Oldtown, north County Dublin with Tom and Ross Keogh.

C

Tom Keogh was on hand to give the children a tour of the factory

The children leave with their gifts

Here the children were shown the journey of the potato from field to fork. The Sunflowers Chernobyl Appeal is a totally voluntary organisation dedicated to helping the Chernobyl children who live in a radiation contaminated land destroyed by the world’s worst nuclear disaster.

19 July 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 3

HEALTH FCC among first to adopt tobacco-free policy

Fingal opts for smoke-free playgrounds I NATALIE BURKE

PUBLIC playgrounds across Fingal are set to become smoke-free areas following the recent approval of Fingal County Council’s tobacco free initiative.

The council will be one of the first local authorities in the country to adopt the smoke-free policy in all its playgrounds, a move welcomed by Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Cian O’Callaghan (Lab).

“I think it is a positive move. It’s mainly symbolic in that it’s saying it is an outdoor space, but it’s specifically designed for children, and I think it is a very good idea,”

he said.

Since the scheme was put out on public display, the council have received a positive reaction from Fingal residents. In a report presented to local councillors during a recent council meeting, a FCC spokesperson noted that a total of 15 submissions were made during the public consultation phase, which came to a close on June 22.

“Of the 15 submissions received, 14 were welcoming of this initiative as a positive step in promoting the protection of children from second hand smoke and the denormalisation of smoking in the com-

munity. There was one negative view submitted,” the report said.

According to local Cllr Gerry McGuire (Lab), the negative submission could be in response to a fear of overregulation.

“Obviously there are some smokers that feel that it’s an infringement on their rights to be able to smoke outdoors. As a smoker myself, I would support the project. The health of the children is paramount no matter what we do,” he said.

The smoke-free playground initiative was first piloted in Fingal in early 2010 at Millennium Playground, Blanchardstown, through a partnership

Response to the idea of tobacco-free play areas has been positive, says council

between FCC, the HSE Dublin North East, Connolly Hospital and the Tobacco Free Research Institute with a primary aim of discouraging people from smoking in a children’s environment.

Following the success of the pilot scheme, FCC has gone on to make

all of their playgrounds smoke-free.

Whether the latest initiative will play a role in preventing children taking up smoking at a young age or not, Cllr O’Callaghan believes it is just one of the small steps that need to be taken.

“I would just see it as

one of a number of initiatives that need to be taken to help decrease the amount of people who are smoking.

“It is a small one given that playgrounds are specifically designated for children and recreation.

It’s not an appropriate place for smoking.”

COUNCIL

Matches affected by grass THE growth of grass on local playing fields is likely to return to normal this week, according to Fingal County Council (FCC), after a number of matches were called off recently due to the overgrowth following the recent warm weather and heavy rains.

Local Cllr Anthony Lavin (FG) voiced his concerns at a recent council meeting, where FCC confirmed that the grass on local pitches is cut approximately every ten days by the council’s O p e r a t i o n s D e p a r tment.

However, the grass has been growing across the county at up to six inches a week.

The council noted that they do not have the resources to cut 365 acres of playing pitches twice in one week but have averred that growth rates are set to subside in the next week.

4 SWORDS GAZETTE 19 July 2012

19 July 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 5

NEWBRIDGE DEMESNE Dublin’s only agricultural show takes place this weekend

Fingal festival to serve up flavoursome fare THE countdown is on for Flavours of Fingal, Dublin’s only agricultural show, which is set to take place this weekend at Newbridge Demesne, Donabate.

Bringing together farmers, food producers, crafts and cookery demonstrations, along with

an extensive programme of family fun including livestock competitions, vintage cars, music, crafts and games, the event promises a great day out for all the family.

With North Dublin known as one of the foremost market gardening areas in the country, the

latest event to be hosted

by Fingal County Council (FCC) showcases the best of what the local farming community has to offer, according to FCC’s Caroline Kelly.

“We’re very conscious of the need to provide a value offering for all family outings these days,

which is why we’ve developed such an extensive programme to make sure there is something for everyone who comes along.”

“The main exhibitor area focuses on local food producers with cookery demonstrations making the most of top quality local ingredients,” Caro-

HOLYWELL: SPECIAL SURFACE AND SCREEN TO BE USED

Council set to limit new link road noise THERE was good news for Holywell residents this week after it was announced that noise barriers will be put in place to limit the impact of the proposed link road, which is due to be constructed later this year.

The announcement was made at a recent Fingal County Council (FCC) meeting, where it was noted that, with the essential link road in place, there is a potential for a significant noise impact on properties along Holywell Drive.

The council confirmed, however, that in order to reduce the contribution of road traffic at these locations, a low-noise road

surface will be used along the length of the new road.

In addition, screening in the form of a solid wall to a height of 1.8 metres will be constructed along the boundary with Holywell Drive to further reduce noise levels.

Local Fianna Fail councillor, Darragh Butler, was relieved to hear the concerns of local residents would be taken into account, and said he was happy with the council’s response.

“We [local politicians] wanted to make sure as much as possible was done to protect the residents from noise and pollution, so I’m reasonably happy. The road is essential in terms of public safety and, for the school there, it has to go

ahead.

“I’m delighted that it is going ahead at last.

I do think the manager has taken the concern seriously and I’m happy enough with that.”

The design of the Holywell Link Road was carried out with due care and attention for the residents of Holywell Drive, according to FCC, and specialist consultants were employed to carry out a noise impact assessment on the proposed road.

An environmental noise survey was also conducted at various locations within the estate to establish the existing baseline noise environment, where it was determined that the current noise environ-

and bee-keepers taking up residence in the beautiful walled garden.

“Along with local crafts, bouncy castles, face painting and ice cream cones, all we’ll need is some sunshine for the best family day out,” she added.

Running from 11am to 5.30pm on both Saturday,

GOT A STORY?

Local Fianna Fail councillor Darragh Butler was happy with the council’s response

I NATALIE BURKE

line explains.

“If animals are your thing, you can then join in on livestock competitions, get up close with the Connemara ponies or watch the dog trials.

The biodiversity corner is certain to fascinate with golden eagles, red kites, bird- and bat-box making

ment is dominated by passing road traffic, typical of an environment within a suburban area adjacent to a busy road network.

At the recent meeting, Cllr Peter Coyle (Lab) also asked that an environmental noise barrier solution be provided instead of an ordinary wall.

However, the council stated that the proposed masonry wall is considered more suitable for this location.

“A timber noise type barrier would be incongruous with existing boundary treatments.

Timber barriers are easily damaged and offer little or no protection from errant vehicles crashing onto the gardens,” the council said.

WE WANT TO KNOW!

July 21, and Sunday, July 22, a €12 ticket gives an adult and two children access to all events. Students and seniors are only €9 and additional children are charged at only €5 each.

For more information, visit www.flavoursoffingal.ie.

Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240 or email news@gazettegroup.com

6 SWORDS GAZETTE 19 July 2012

POLITICS ‘Mayor should welcome Olympians home’

New Mayor of Fingal, Cian O’Callaghan (Lab)

Council motion seeks to boost Fingal image I NATALIE BURKE

nburke@gazettegroup.com

NEW Mayor of Fingal, Cian O’Callaghan (Lab), could be set to officially welcome home successful Olympians and greet dignitaries as they arrive in to Dublin Airport in the future, in an effort to promote the identity and image of Fingal.

The idea was proposed by local Cllr Darragh Butler (FF) at a recent council meeting, saying it would be “appropriate” for the Mayor of Fingal to participate in such greetings.

“The motion I raised proposed that the Fingal Mayor should be at the

airport to meet people when they come home; for example, a world champion or a state dignitary. A few of the other councillors [agreed, saying] that the Mayor of Fingal ranks higher than the Mayor of Dublin City when it comes to the airport, because it’s within Fingal, and not Dublin City,” he said.

“Obviously, we don’t want the Mayor to turn up where he’s not invited and we have to protect the status of the Mayor, but I think with a state visit or if there is a successful Olympian coming home, that it would be quite appropriate for him to be there, in con-

junction with the sporting bodies.”

A number of local councillors agreed with Cllr Butler, including Cllr Ciaran Byrne (Lab), who said: “Nothing infuriates me more than seeing Dublin City Council Mayor given preference at international events over our Mayor, and I’ve seen it happen on a number of occasions.”

CllrTom Kelleher (Lab) said he totally agreed with his colleague, and that the Mayor of Fingal has a right to be at official airport greetings. “I think it’s time we took the bull by the horns on this one and found out who dictates protocol

at the airport, and do what Cllr Butler is looking for.”

On occasions to date, the absence of the Mayor has been described as “regrettable” by Cllr May McKeon (Ind) , who believes that the presence of a representative of the newly-renamed electoral area of Dublin Fingal will be a huge help in promoting Fingal, while Cllr Eugene Coppinger (SP) spoke against the move.

“I can only imagine that for sports people who achieve greatness, the last thing they and their supporters want to see when they arrive back are politicians. Us

putting ourselves forward in having assisted or trying to be there to get glory for Fingal from their achievements would be wrong, and I’m totally opposed to politicians greeting sports people they have no links with.”

While Cllr Coppinger’s concerns struck a chord with county manager, David O’Connor, the manager confirmed the council would look into a “rational and dignified way” for the Mayor to make their presence felt.

“We can assert ourselves in the subtlest of ways, keeping the dignity of the Mayor at all times,” he concluded.

Work begins to reopen Portrane Rd THE end is in sight for frustrated motorists using the Portrane Road, which was recently left damaged by essential sewer network installation works in the area.

The reinstatement of the R126 Portrane Road is set to commence this week, with a view to the works being completed before the end of the summer.

Following on from the sewer installation works, which facilitated the recent opening of the purpose built 65,000 PE (population

equivalent) wastewater treatment plant at Portrane, Fingal County Council last week confirmed that full reinstatement works on the road will be undertaken, subject to the contractor completing the final house connections to the new sewer network.

The latest announcement was welcomed by local Fianna Fail councillor, Darragh Butler, who said it was very good news for those living in the nearby locality and for those who use the Portrane Road on a regular basis.

“All the councillors have been chasing the council [on this matter] for a long time, so the council have said that work would start during the school summer season and, thankfully, it is.”

The work is set to take place in two stages, with road reinstatement and patching taking place over the coming weeks, followed by an overlay of a 1.9km section of the road later in the summer, which has been affected by the sewer network installation works.

The works are scheduled to take

eight weeks for completion.

The wastewater treatment plant was officially opened in June of this year by Cllr Gerry McGuire (Lab) and is set to provide a modern wastewater treatment solution for the nearby communities of Portrane, Donabate, Rush and Lusk.

The population equivalent equates to the household wastewater from 45,000 people along with the waste that arises in the schools, businesses and industry within a population of that size.

19 July 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 7

COUNCIL

SERVICES: MINISTER’S GO-AHEAD PAVES WAY FOR AWARDING CONTRACT

Free golf lessons on offer

¤23m to be invested in sewerage scheme I NATALIE BURKE

Approval

The Minister’s approval clears the way for FCC to award the contract and progress it to construction. “Given the importance of the scheme locally, I will be urging the FCC to press ahead with construction at the earliest possible date,” he said.

Minister for Health James Reilly TD was one of the first to welcome the announcement and what it will mean for the area.

“This is a very important investment in Swords’ future and paves the way for a large multi-national

employer to consider Swords as a location for investment and significant jobs,” he said.

According to a spokesperson for FCC, the council are “delighted” with the news, which follows on from close cooperation with the Department in preparing the project proposal.

“Not only will this expansion relieve some of the pressure on the existing plant, but it should also allow for significant commercial and other development in the general Swords area,” the spokesperson explained.

“This is yet another major project for the Fingal area and council officials are already gearing up for the challenge.

It is early days yet to talk about a timeframe, but it is hoped to publish a preliminary plan in the very near future.”

Crowd pleaser: Laura Whitmore gets behind the deck at Rouge MTV STAR Laura Whitmore thrilled crowds at Rouge nightclub in Swords this week as she took to the decks to play a DJ set. The TV presenter followed in the footsteps of model Caprice behind the decks at the new club.

The nightclub attracted a number of stars on opening night, including Coronation Street’s Michelle Keegan and managed to entice Whitmore back to Ireland from her London base.

The crowds in the club were delighted with the selection of discs spun.

gazette

photos

.com

www.

THE entire community of Swords is set to benefit from a €23 million investment in the local sewerage scheme.

The announcement was made earlier this week by Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan TD, who said he has approved the funding to allow Fingal County Council (FCC) to progress the Swords Sewerage Scheme Treatment Plant Upgrade Contract to construction.

The existing Swords Waste Water Treatment Plant, built in 2003, currently caters for a 60,000 population equivalent (PE), treating both industrial and domestic wastewater generated in Swords and the surrounding area. The latest contract will expand the

plant capacity to cater for 90,000 PE. “When completed, this contract will resolve the current restrictions on development in the catchment area caused by inadequate drainage infrastructure,” said the Minister.

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FINGAL County Council Sports Unit are set to provide free golf lessons for visually impaired people this summer, hosting an eight-week course in August.

The course will take place at Drynam Park Golf Range on the Feltrim Road, Swords, from Wednesday, August 22, between 8pm and 9pm.

Limited to six places only, lessons will be allocated on a first-come, firstserved basis.

Barry Power, resident golf professional at Drynam Park Golf Range will tutor, and the lessons are open for all levels of player, from beginners up.

Any players who do not already have their own set of clubs will have access to clubs at the driving range.

To book your place, contact Stephen McGinn on 087 986 4611 or email stephen.communitytrust@hotmail.com.

8 SWORDS GAZETTE 19 July 2012

GARDEN PARTY Fingal Dublin Chamber hosts informal social

Damien Keely, Niall MacMahon and Lorcan Fields from AIB, Commercial Centre, Airside. Pictures: Conor McCabe Photography

Enjoying the social side of business HE members of the Fingal Dublin Chamber got together to ring in the summer at the Wright Venue recently. Fingal Chamber president, Siobhan Moore, welcomed a wide range of companies

T

which were in attendance. The penthouse and roof top gardens were the perfect place for members to meet and network with their colleagues from other businesses in the area.

Chamber members and guests

enjoyed some fine food and drink and plenty of networking.

Fingal Dublin Chamber is the leading and most influential network of businesses in the Fingal Dublin Region.

Danielle O’Rourke and Neelie Murray from the Clarion Hotel,

Richard Flood from Goodbody Stockbrokers, Eugene Haines from Haines Fleet and Mick Coffey from ORYX

David Duffy and Dermot Dooley from NPP Group

Chamber president Siobhan Moore

Joe Harford, Fingal County Council Enterprise Board, Vincent Shannon from Shannons Solicitors and Nicky Carvin from Carvin Property Management

Jan Prylucki, O2 Swords, Andrea Cauley, Metro Hotel and Sean Sandford from Sandford Freight

19 July 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 9

evening for members to meet and network with colleagues

Kamila Burcon from Sands Office Interiors and Joanne Moody from Crowne Plaza Northwood

Morgan McStay, Aisling McStay and Jack O’Donoghue from McDonalds, Swords

Siobhan Kinsella from Nifast, Tony Lambert from Fingal Chamber and Martina Dublin Airport

Lynn O’Brien and Conor Dewey from Specsavers

Hilliard from 02 Swords

10 SWORDS GAZETTE 19 July 2012

SHOW Enjoying Ireland’s first eBay.ie fashion show

Conor Clinch and Lisa Byrne

Emily Cramp and Lauren Wilkinson

Caitriona Flood

Gavin Norton and Trevor Mulhare

Aine O’Hara and Lisa McKee

A feast of fashion at finale of event HE eBay.ie Online Fashion Show took place at the Smock Alley Theatre, as part of the finale of eBay.ie Online Fashion Week.

Over 300 of Ireland’s top fashionistas attended the show.

T

Cynthia Baloula

Presenter and fashion guru Darren Kennedy hosted the show and four stylists were given three themes to style their looks around and a set budget to use on eBay.ie.

Gavin Norton, Leanne Woodfull, Roisin Flanagan and Laura O’Brien

Deirdre Wallace and Sinead Durnin

were eBay.ie’s super styling stars and showed their creativity on the catwalk.

The event was Ireland’s first eBay. ie fashion show and with the great success it enjoyed, it is sure to be back bigger and better in 2013.

Melanie McCabe and Aislinn Dunne

Leanne Woodfull

Elaine Foss and Olya Khimchenko

19 July 2012 GAZETTE 11

12 GAZETTE 19 July 2012

ENTERTAINMENT Busy man Keith Barry

‘We need wonder life – I try to bring I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

news@gazettegroup.com

KEITH Barry is a busy man these days. Not only has he a new show at the Olympia theatre, he is also writing a book, helping people to overcome their phobias on television, motivating some of the Irish Olympic squad and has just finished consultancy work as chief mentalist on the set of a new Hollywood film.

Keith returned to the Olympia this month with his new show, 8 Deadly Sins, which goes on throughout July.

“T he show really makes people laugh.

Fifty people end up on the stage by the end of it. I do this lottery thing to highlight greed and various other parts of the act are about the other deadly sins. It’s hilarious and different every night.

Damage

Keith Barry has returned to the Olympia this month with his new show 8 Deadly Sins, which continues on throughout July

“I also show how psychics do damage and how easy it is to con people. Most people don’t realise the damage psychics have done throughout history, Hitler and Stalin used them and they changed the course of history. Even nowadays, they are used: – the Bush administration used psychics, too.”

The main thrust of the show, however is to re-introduce a sense of wonder and magic into people’s lives.

“We need makebelieve and wonder in life, and I try to bring that back for people.

My shows allow them to escape from their lives and all their stresses and worries.”

Keith’s magical journey began in Waterford where he was born and raised, and has been performing magic for around 30 years now.

“I’d been doing magic

since the age of six and began gigging not long after that at parties.”

He moved to Dublin to study chemistry at 18 and met his wife who was reading psychology.

That’s where the idea of mixing mesmerism and science took hold. After graduating with distinction, Keith worked as a scientist for a cosmetic company in Dublin for a number of years.

Journey

“I was making women’s make-up, but I got fed up with science in general after working at it for two-and-a-half years. I wouldn’t have changed the journey I went on, though. A lot of young magicians don’t go to college or have day jobs, and I think they miss out because of that.”

The moniker of chief mentalist is not one most mortals get to enjoy, but Keith had this strange title for his consultancy work on the upcoming heist film, Now You See Me, which comes out in January next year.

“The film is about mentalists who use their skills to pull off a huge heist. It’s like Ocean’s 12 but instead of guns, these guys use their minds. It was a great experience.

I spent two weeks working with screenwriter Ed Solomon, assisting him as he rewrote the script.

We worked for 12 hours a day.”

The stars of the film, Woody Harrelson, Morgan Freeman, Mark Ruffalo and Jesse Eisenberg, also availed of Keith’s expertise.

“I was kept on particularly to help Woody Harrelson. First, we Skyped and then I went to Los Angeles and New Orleans with him and the film crew to help him make his mentalist character believable.

He really learned it

19 July 2012 GAZETTE 13

on books, Hollywood movies and taking the stage

and makebelieve in that back’ well, he’s a true method actor.”

Keith was rewarded with a cameo in the film as a French tourist, and even had a line of dialogue. “They’ll probably dub over me,” he laughed.

He is in the preparatory stages of writing a book about probing the subconscious mind and “restructuring or programming your mind to achieve anything. I wanted to headline at Vegas and I achieved that ambition through a system I came up with.

It’s scientific and anyone can use it.”

He is looking for a ghost-writer to assist with the book as he admits

he’s no writer himself.

Yet, he insists that every word in it will come from his mind. “It will take a lot of time and energy to create as there’s so much information to go into it, so it won’t be available too soon.”

Healer

More recently, Keith has been appearing as a healer of sorts as he helps people to overcome their phobias and fears on TV3’s Ireland AM show. He said this side of his work is not new.

“I’ve been doing it quietly for years for no charge, just for friends.

Nobody knew about it until recently, so it was a

surprise for people. I’ve always loved anything to do with psychology and I get great satisfaction from helping people.

I do intend to open a consultancy clinic next year, but won’t work in it every day as that would be too draining.”

Since curing many volunteers’ phobias on the morning TV show, Keith has been inundated with interest from professional psychotherapists.

Unorthodox

“I’ve had so many emails about it from hypnotherapists, asking what my methods are. But it’s a very personal thing and my style

is quite unorthodox. ox. I can’t explain it except cept to say that you need d to have serious confidence nce in your ability to do o it.

You have to know it’s going to work, it’s t’s kind of like a placebo bo effect.”

Keith would like to o meet with the profes-sionals and exchangee ideas at some stage.

“I don’t even know if there is a hypnotherapy organisation of Ireland but I would be interested in that kind d of setting and we could ould meet.”

A s K e i t h d o e s n ’t carry out private consultations he will give a short talk from the

stage at the end of each night at The Olympia. Tickets for 8 Deadly Sins are priced at €29.50 and €30.50 including booking fee.

T h e s h o w continues on at the Olympia throughout July and you can buy tickets online at www.ticketmaster.ie

SECURITY Debate in Dail over concerts THE recent violence and tragic deaths ensuing from a cconcert in the Phoenix Park last week sparked a Pa debate on security for d such events in the Dail. su Fine Gael Dublin Mid West representative M Derek Keating TD called De for airport-style security checks to be introduced ch at large concerts.

“The trouble that broke out at last Saturday’s conou cert in the Phoenix Park ce must never be allowed mu to happen again. Widespread public order, sp extreme violence and disex turbing levels of drinking tur and drug-taking cannot an be tolerated,” said Deputy Keating.

Ke He went on to suggest that new security measth ures be compulsory for ur all “high-risk” concerts.

“If, following a risk assess“If ment, there are concerns me that there may be an th increased risk of violence, then airport-style security checks should be mandatory.”

14 GAZETTE 19 July 2012

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Hollywood starlet Mischa Barton with iconic TV soap star Anne Charleston for the Irish stage version of Steel Magnolias

Mischa takes the stage at the Gaiety HOLLYWOOD starlet Mischa Barton is making her Irish stage debut as she joins forces with iconic TV soap star Anne Charleston for the Irish stage version of Steel Magnolias.

Anne, who is better known as Madge in Neighbours, was in Dublin with Mischa for the launch of the show in the Gaiety Theatre, which will tour countrywide, from September 2012. The show is based on the 1989 film with Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine, and Julia Roberts. It tells the story of pretty young Shelby Eatenton, to be played here by Mischa Barton – a diabetic, who, following her fairytale wedding, risks pregnancy and her life by having a baby.

Twenty-six-year old Mischa who was born in London to an Irish mum, Nuala Quinn, is delighted to be performing on stage in Ireland for the first time in her career.

Tickets are priced from €20 and will be available from Ticketmaster and www.steelmagnolias.ie

A chance to release your inner thespian THE National Theatre School of Ireland is giving you the chance to release your inner

DIARY thespian in the coming weeks then they host a series of film, TV and radio workshops at the Gaiety School of Acting on Essex Street West in the old quarter of Temple Bar. The school will host a radio presentation workshop on July 21, a TV presentation workshop on July 28 and a casting and audition workshop on August 11.

These courses are to be taught by experts in each relevant field, including well-known TV and radio personalities, Bill Hughes and Chris Donoghue, and renowned casting directors Maureen Hughes and Gillian Reynolds.

These workshops will be specially tailored to people looking to enhance their skills in these specific areas, but beginners are also welcome.

Patrick Sutton, director of the Gaiety School of Acting said: “We are delighted to have acquired the amazing talents of Bill, Chris, Gillian and Maureen to help deliver these interesting new workshops.”

See www.gaietyschool.com for more information.

Brussels sprouting green over launch BRUSSELS was sprouting green last week when Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar addressed members of the Irish diaspora at the launch of The Gathering.

At the launch, the Minister invited the thousands of Irish people living and working throughout Europe to get involved in The Gathering Ireland 2013, a year-long festival celebrating the Irish diaspora next year.

Get involved

Minister Varadkar called on expatriates to get involved and organise their own Gathering events within Ireland next year.

Speaking to the assembled expatriates, he said: “Next year, we will celebrate everything that is best about Ireland, right across the country, and we want the world to join in.

“I am asking everyone to get involved in The Gathering and do something unique and positive for our country. As well as visiting Ireland, I would ask you to plan your own Gatherings of family, friends or colleagues.”

19 July 2012 GAZETTE 15

FAMILY Snowflakes Autism Support launch

SERVICE: COST-FRIENDLY MEALS-ON-WHEELS

Charity targets families hit by autism

Get healthy meals right to your door

I PAUL HOSFORD

A NEW charity aimed at helping families affected by autism in the Fingal area was launched with great fanfare this week.

Snowflakes Autism Support was officially launched at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Santry by the Minister for Health, Dr James Reilly, and the new Mayor of Fingal, Cian O’Callaghan (Lab).

Popular TV presenter Martin King was named as the group’s patron.

The TV3 weatherman was in fine form as he announced his support for this worthy cause.

Snowflakes Autism Support was set up in January of this year by a group of parents for families affected by autism in the north Dublin and Fingal areas.

The group has grown over the months and what started off as just a handful of families, has grown into a support group with over 120 families from all over Dublin.

Their aim is to organise events for children

with Autism Spectrum Disorder, their parents and their siblings. They will also be looking to provide whatever support they can to parents, preand post-diagnosis.

The name Snowflakes was chosen for the group because “children with autism are like snowflakes – they are beautiful, each one is uniquely different and they are liable to meltdown at any time,” say the group.

S n ow f l a ke s h ave attracted approximately 120 members, and the number is growing daily.

One of the key facets of the group is support.

From swapping stories and sharing an understanding of the needs of children with autism, members have gained an abundance of support and comfort from being involved with the organisation.

Events enjoyed by the whole family, such as visits to the zoo or to a bowling alley, have also been a huge success. The feedback from parents

I LAURA WEBB

lwebb@gazettegroup.com

Snowflakes Autism Support chairman Robert Brown and Jo Jordan from Dublin Housewives

A SOUTH Dublin-based company is offering the greater Dublin area a high-quality, nutritious and cost-friendly mealson-wheels service that comes frozen, direct to your door, so clients can eat whenever it suits them.

Chef Direct, the trading name of Healthcare Food Solutions, is becoming a household name among residents in need of a meals-onwheels service. With fully trained chefs among their workforce, the Nutgrovebased company uses the finest ingredients which are quality assured by Bord Bia and the vegetables sourced from Irish farmers.

Quality

Health Minister Dr James Reilly, Fingal Mayor Cian O’Callaghan (Lab), Eithne Brown and Martin King, TV3 weatherman

from these events has been very positive, and more outings are planned throughout the year.

Snowflakes also run practical workshops for parents to assist them in their child’s development, the first of which was a presentation of the Grace app for Autism by software developer, Lisa Domican.

The Grace App for Autism for iPhone and iPad helps autistic and other special needs children to communicate effectively, by building semantic sequences from relevant images to form sentences. The app can be easily customised by using picture and photo vocabulary of your choice.

These workshops will continue over the coming months.

The launch served as confirmation that, in their short existence, the group has brought much needed hope and positivity into the lives of families affected by autism.

For more information, visit www.snowflakes.ie or call 01 5241544.

The company says the quality of its food makes it different from similar services: “Our meals are delivered frozen, which is the safest way. Others deliver tepid food and if you don’t answer the door, it could be left outside.

“We have a telesales team in place to ring you – if you are not there, we don’t deliver until you are. If your daughter, son or carer is there, we can give it to them and it goes straight into your freezer. When you want to eat it, you take it

out of the freezer, pop it into your microwave for 12 minutes – the food is safe and tastes good,” Chef Direct CEO Paul Kavanagh said.

“All our meals carry full nutritional values, calorie counts and protein. We deliver seven days a week, unlike some services who are delivering three, four or five days,” he continued.

Standard

According to Paul, there is no standard cost for meal services in hospitals, with reports that some pay almost €41 per meal, while others say it is just €2 per meal, which he says needs to change.

“There is a huge imbalance there. If you have a €2 meal, obviously, there is no nutrition in it, whereas we have full nutritional on all our produce. I am shocked how much it is costing the HSE. The solution is sitting right under their nose – we cost €5.50 per meal.

“Volume is not a problem. Our plant is 18,000sq ft, so we could look after the whole of Dublin if they asked. We would like to provide the meals-on-wheels service for these people,” said Paul.

Contact Chef Direct on 01 491 6262 for further information, or log on to www.chefdirect.ie.

16 GAZETTE 19 July 2012

GazetteMUSIC MUSIC FastTunes with Radio Nova’s Dee Woods DAVE Grohl’s CV just keeps getting longer.

He’s the drummer who kept Nirvana’s beat for four years, and following Kurt Cobain’s passing in 1994, he didn’t let the rock die, founding the Foo Fighters that same year.

The Foos have gone on to record seven hit albums and win numerous awards, including five Grammys this year alone. Their latest album, Wasting Light, earned them Album of the Year and Best Rock Album at the iconic American industry awards last February.

Well-deserved when you consider the album was recorded in Grohl’s garage on real analog tapes because he feels music is meant to be made by musicians, not computers. And if you think shunning computers to get work done wouldn’t take up enough time, Grohl’s also been involved in other rock groups like Them Crooked Vultures and Queens of the Stone Age, as well as cropping up as a session musician on albums by the likes of Slash, Tom Petty and Nine Inch Nails. Does this guy sleep?

NME called him a god-like genius but he comes across as the salt of the earth in interviews and a guy who really is just all about the music.

Last year he stopped a Foos’ concert in London, mid-song, to kick out a fan who was causing trouble in the crowd, telling him “you don’t come to my show and fight you come to my show and...dance!”.

Little wonder really that they’re queuing up to honour Dave Grohl. And he can now add giant artwork and a street named in his honour to his list of accolades.

His hometown of Warren, Ohio will soon be home to a 400kg sculpture of two massive drumsticks on Dave Grohl Alley. You know you’ve made it when you’ve inspired a giant piece of artwork in your home town.

I’m expecting a giant sofa in Portmarnock any day now...

Dave Grohl was saluted by his hometown

Light it up: Local band HyperGiants release new single BLANCHARDSTOWN threepiece, HyperGiants, whose first single Lost Souls soared to the top of the iTunes rock charts, release their much-anticipated follow-up, Halogen, in The Grand Social on July 20.

The band, Laura Walsh, John Lynch and Jonathon Savino, have been hard at work on their debut album and the performance of Lost Souls has whet the appetite of the public for this exciting band.

REVIEW: AN ALBUM THAT SINGLEHANDEDLY REINVENTS SOUL

An Ocean apart as Frank plots the future I ROB HEIGH

THERE must be something in the water - does not compute. The summer continues to limp on through the downpour. and, simultaneously, the rain of fantastic new releases continues ubabated.

The latest, and possibly best and most enduring of the albums that have landed lately, is Frank Ocean’s Channel Orange, which was released on digital download a week ahead of schedule to combat what was expected to be a slew of piracy.

If I were of that persuasion, I would have my eyepatch on and parrot on my shoulder, as this release from the Odd Future alumni is easily one of the finest R&B releases this century so far.

Ocean, whose name sounds like he should be headlining the Sands with the Rat Pack, has a smooth and silky flow and a lyrical mastery that already has the pedigree of contributing and cowriting two of the standout tracks on Watch The Throne, No Church In The Wild and Made In

Frank Ocean’s first album proper maintains the high standard set by his Nostalgia Ultra mixtape

America.

T here is a vision and empathy that goes beyond the usual tired and lame R&B mores, both lyrically and musically, that puts Ocean on a pedestal in a different galaxy to his peers.

It’s not every R&B act who paints a picture of decay and sadness associated with crack addiction, while simultaneously holding a mirror up to his peers who exist as Super Rich Kids, and sees the inherent vacuousness and waste of both existences.

Ocean has been fighting a legal battle with The Eagles after “co-opting” some aspects - well, actually, the entire melody of Hotel California on his highly acclaimed mixtape earlier in 2011, Nostalgia Ultra, but here, his plundering of pop culture for the foundations of his sound and style are more subtle, and their integration into the musical tapestry of this record show an innate understanding of everything that makes the genre influential and important.

The Stevie Wonder

rolling, stoned melodies of Sweet Life, the nod to Elton John on the aforementioned Super Rich Kids, and the multifaceted Prince homage in Pyramids - flipping through a suite of styles, from pre-Purple Rain era electro-funk all the way to an expressive guitar solo show Ocean’s knowledge and assimilation of the best aspects of the culture’s touchstones.

But in the lyrical content, Ocean draws on Marvin Gaye’s finest moments, showing him to be a young artist able to

look into the milieu and skewer the issues of the day with his own unique vision and wordplay.

There is such a level of imagination, as well as the integration of so many genres and ideas in the 50 minutes Channel Ultra takes to play out, it may be that Frank Ocean will be responsible for the reinvention of soul music for the 21st century.

There is set to be an unholy battle for the top five releases of the year.

Part of that future will undoubtedly be Ocean’s Orange.

19 July 2012 GAZETTE 17

GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY

Edited by Laura Webb

Getting organic with natural cosmetics from Dr Haushka THE brand is known for its amazing skin care range but now Dr Hauschka has launched its latest line of organic and natural cosmetics.

Foundations, lipsticks, powders, eyeliners and eye shadows are some of the new range available by the skin care experts.

For anyone used to using the skin care range, you will be happy to know the cosmetic range has that great scent of its skin care range.

The make-up range is made from mineral pigments and organic extracts that help to provide long-lasting colour and deliver a healthy-

looking radiant glow.

These mineral cosmetics are suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.

Foundations, tinted moisturisers and bronzers help create a flawless complexion.

Beneficial

The organic lipsticks, lip glosses and lip liners are lead-free, petroleumfree and are made only with natural ingredients containing beneficial plant nutrients that help soften and hydrate lips while adding great colour.

International make-up artist for Dr Hauschka

Skin Care, Karim Sattar said the great make-up range is entirely based on natural formulations and is “incredibly easy to apply”.

“They literally become like a soft veil, or better, a second skin and blend fantastically into one’s skin tone and texture.

Dr Hauschka is also a natural step in both my professional and personal development. I am delighted that the company wants to have me on board and I hope to contribute my expertise in many different ways,” he said.

Karim recently joined Dr Hauschka’s crea-

A little bit of pampering

Inner Glow - Limited Edition Lipstick (top), Eyeshadow Palette Stone Colour (left) Collection and Eyeshadow Solo 02 from Dr Haushka

tive team of decorative cosmetics experts. He is involved in developing new decorative looks for the natural and organic cosmetics brand, and is set to hold make-up training sessions worldwide.

Dr Hauschka’s cosmetic range has gained serious attention from make-

up artists and Hollywood’s blockbusters and TV shows. The products have been used on the set of Twilight’s Breaking Dawn, Black Swan, Wall Street 2, Something Borrowed, The Devil Wears Prada and The Women and shows such as Gossip Girl, Grey’s Anatomy, Sex and the City and

Desperate Housewives.

Dr Hauschka Decorative Range is priced at €15-€35 and is stocked in selected health stores pharmacies, all Life Pharmacies, McCabes@ Clery’s Avoca and Harvey Nichols.For details of a nearest stockist, log onto: w w w. drhauschkaireland.ie

PAMPER yourself or someone else this summer with Carton House’s summer spa day specials. The luxury resort in Maynooth launched their Summer Spa Day Specials this week, which has some great packages for two summer treatments for just €100, Monday to Friday. Here are just two of the many special offer treatments available: Caribbean Body Scrub one hour – normal price €90 which includes a foot massage, body scrub and body massage.

Elemental Customised Facial one hour – normal price €90.

For more information, email at thespa@ cartonhouse.com or phone 01-6517744.

18 GAZETTE 19 July 2012

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS

Supported

by AIB

Interview: John Clifton, general manager, Ballsbridge Hotel BACK TO SCHOOL Q – I dread the start of the school year and find it increasingly difficult to cope financially. The books get more expensive each year, plus there is the uniform, sports gear and the rest. Could I be entitled to any government subsidies ? Patricia – Rathmines A - I really empathise with you and the thousands of families similarly affected. Families are spending on average €400 per child for returning to school, according to research carried out by the Irish League of Credit Unions last summer. The average cost for secondary school children was found to be €470, with primary school costs coming in at €320.

The report also showed that uniforms were the most expensive items, coming in at €229, followed by books at €182. The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BTSCFA) helps meet the cost of uniforms and footwear for children going to school for those eligible to claim.

2012 SCHEME In 2012, the Department of Social Protection will pay the allowance automatically to a large number of qualified people. This means that many families do not have to apply for the payment. If you received this payment last year and your circumstances have not changed, you should have received a letter by June 20, 2012 stating when and how your allowance will be paid. If you haven’t received a notification letter by June 20 and are eligible for the allowance, you should make an application. Application forms are available in all social welfare offices or online at www. welfare.ie . You can also request a form by texting FORM BTSCFA followed by your address to 51909 (normal sms rates apply). If you do not receive an automatic payment, you must apply for the allowance. Applications must be received before the end of September.

You may qualify for the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance if you are: • Getting a social welfare payment (including Family Income Supplement) or a Health Service Executive payment, or • Taking part in an approved employment scheme (back to work scheme) including JobBridge, or • Taking part in a recognised education or training course, or • Involved in an Area Partnership Scheme, or • Attending a Fás, Failte Ireland or LES training scheme You may also qualify for the BTSCFA if you are: • Getting a social welfare payment (including Family Income Supplement) or a Health Service Executive payment, or • Taking part in an approved employment scheme (back to work scheme) including JobBridge, or • Taking part in a recognised education or training course, or • Involved in an Area Partnership Scheme, or • Attending a FÁS, Fáilte Ireland or LES training scheme Your child must be aged between four to 22 on or before September 30. If they are aged between 18 to 22, they must be in full-time education in a recognised school or college.

Subject to means testing : - The allowance paid for each eligible child aged four to 11 on or before September 30, 2012 is €150.

- The allowance paid for each eligible child aged 12 to 22 on or before 30 September 2012 is €250.

Best of luck next September

Location is key at Ballsbridge Hotel JOHN Clifton is general manager of Ballsbridge Hotel (formerly Jury’s Hotel) in Dublin 4. Ballsbridge Hotel has 392 guest rooms and is located next to Aviva Stadium and the RDS, making it a popular accommodation choice for sporting events and concerts. John says it’s the hotel’s close proximity to the city centre, O2 arena and Bord Gais Energy Theatre that also contributes to its popularity.

“Our location really is the key to our success. We’re close to everything, yet removed enough to give guests peace and quiet when they want it. Ballsbridge is also a very pretty area and very safe.”

John has been working in the hotel industry for over 30 years – with 20 years’ experience in general manager positions. A native of Blackrock, John attended Willow Park School and Blackrock College before training in hotel management at the Doyle Burlington Hotel and went on to study in Lucerne Hotel School, Switzerland.

Ballsbridge Hotel is now operating as part of the Dalata Hotel Group and John says the hotel is continuing its refurbishment plans after revamping the lobby and conference centre earlier this year.

John Clifton, general manager of the Ballsbridge Hotel in Dublin 4

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

A: A pilot.

Q: What was your first job?

A: Trainee hotel manager.

Q: And your first pay cheque?

A: £5 a week.

Q: Have you ever done a job you loathed?

A: Gardening bob a job…

Q: When did you start your present job?

A: I started the beginning of this year.

Q: What is the best thing about your job?

A: Interacting with people.

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

A: All of it!

Q: Have you achieved anything that you once thought you could not pull off?

A: I worked on a charity building project in South

Africa.

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

A: Paper!

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

A: No comment.

Q: What habits would you like to lose?

A: Eating too many biscuits!

Q: What sport do you follow?

A: I am interested in all sports really – depending on time of year… Rugby, tennis, golf, GAA.

Q: What sport can you play?

A: I love fly-fishing, skiing, motorbike touring, walking, swimming and rowing.

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

A: I sometimes listen to my teenage daughter Ella’s music collection!

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

A: David Norris.

Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously?

A: Travel… If I could spend it frivolously!

Q: What music/pictures/ movies do you have on your iPod/iPad? A: Pictures of an Antarctica

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own?

A: Five to six pairs.

trip I did two years ago, stunning place.

Q: What was your worst holiday experience?

A: I lost my passport in

Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook?

A: I’m one of the few not on social media.

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

A: My next holiday!

Q: Describe your dream meal?

A: Grilled collar bacon, creamed potatoes and peas.

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

A: Enda Kenny would be interesting.

Canada and missed my flight.

Q: Describe your dream holiday?

A: Skiing in Canada or motor biking across France, Spain and Portugal.

Q: What would be your dream job?

A: Flying a sea plane in Alaska.

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

A: Live near the sea and watch the sun go down with my wife and daughter.

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

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19 July 2012 GAZETTE 19

GazettePROPERTY PROPERTY It’s a rainbow: B&Q brighten up summer gardens

group

THE SUN may not be shining but that’s no reason not to put a splash of colour into your life as B&Q invite you to live life in multicolour, where there is a rainbow to drive the clouds away.

The variety of vivid items on offer include the Sunlounger (€24.85) and the Janeiro Armchair (€31.00), pictured here, as well as a glorious green Bucket Charcoal Barbecue (€12.40) and multicolour raphia lanterns for €14.25.

For more, see www.diy.com.

NEW BUILD AND RENOVATIONS: MANAGE EXPENSE FROM THE OUTSET

Love me tender to keep on top of costs IF YOU are planning a new build or a renovation, you need to get to grips with the ins and outs of the tendering process if you want to make sure you are on top of your costings.

The tendering process or a ‘Request for Tender’ (RFT) is a structured invitation where you, the home owner, invite building companies to give you a detailed quotation or cost estimate for a building job based on your plans and requirements which you have previously drawn up.

It is imperative that before you enter into the RFT process that you are decided and happy with your plans as all costings will be based on your plans and design requirements. The plan is the crucial part and it is vitally important that your budget is defined up front and that you match your design to your budget. Bearing this in mind, there are three key steps to a successful plan.

Design the area K now your access points, be aware of

where you may need to relocate services and plumbing as that will have an impact on cost.

Planning Get plan drawn up by a professional. This should be well drafted, legible and logical, realistic in its design and matching your budget.

Specifics Your plan needs to be specified; the required materials from glazing, to kitchen cabinets, to light switches and sockets need to be defined up front and in detail.

Once your specifications are complete, you will send it out to the builders you have selected, who will then price as per your specifications.

You will be getting quotations from several sources so it’s important that all involved have the same information.

Quality specification is crucial if you want an accurate tender.

Make sure you are 100% satisfied that what you need is on the costings the builders bring you back and that it

Making your house a home with renovations needs close management

matches your specifications. If the documentation doesn’t match, you may find yourself in a situation where an element of the build may be removed from the project (as it wasn’t on the list the builder brought back) or, it could be added in later at an extra cost.

Once prices come in, you must then meet your builder. You could be entering into a three-

of four-month project and the building team will be onsite daily. You must be able to communicate with them.

Once you are close to making a decision, you need to go and look at prior work and talk to old customers. But don’t let positive feedback sway you into making a decision. The quality of previous work will hopefully speak for itself.

When you come to the

contracts stage (don’t attempt any work without contracts) ensure the fees for the Certificate of Compliance are included as part of the costings, as you will need this to sign off the completed build.

To get in touch with HSLC visit us online at www.hslc.ie or call Gerhard on Ph: 087 7749470 email: info@ hslc.ie

.com

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20 GAZETTE 19 July 2012

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs Dublin comes sixth in congested list MOBILE navigation giants TomTom have launched the first quarterly congestion index that accurately identifies and analyses traffic congestion in major cities across Europe.

The report, initially covering 31 cities, finds Warsaw to be the most congested city in Europe with a 42% congestion level. Our own fair city of Dublin was found to be sixth.

On average, journey times in Dublin are 30% longer than when traffic in the city is flowing freely and 70% longer during morning rush hour. This is a significant rise in traffic congestion in Dublin from last year when Dublin was the 24th most congested city with a 24.2% congestion level. The TomTom Congestion Index, including individual city reports, can be found at www.tomtom.com/ congestionindex.

The TomTom Congestion Index is the world’s most accurate barometer of congestion in urban areas. The index is uniquely based on real travel time data captured by vehicles driving the entire road network. TomTom’s traffic database contains over five trillion data measurements and is growing by five billion measurements every day. The overall congestion level for all the cities analysed in Europe is 24% - meaning journey times take 24% longer than when traffic is flowing freely.

The top 10 most congested cities, ranked by overall congestion level, between January and March 2012 were: 1. Warsaw, 42% congestion level. 2. Marseille, 41%. 3. Rome, 34%. 4.

Brussels, 34%. 5. Paris, 32%. 6. Dublin, 30%.

7. Bradford – Leeds, 28%. 8. London, 27%.

9. Stockholm, 27%. 10. Hamburg, 27%.

VW offers €500 to new customers VOLKSWAGEN Ireland cannot guarantee sunshine this summer, but it can guarantee savings, providing every newVolkswagen customer with a welcome cheque for €500.

This could be described as the perfect antidote to the poor Irish summer weather, customers who purchase a newVolkswagen will not only receive €500, they will also get free car insurance and road tax for 12 months.

With Volkswagen’s innovative financial packages provided by Volkswagen Bank, customers can avail of some of the cheapest ways into a new car in the Irish market. Examples of this include the ever-popular Polo for just €149 per month, the Golf or Jetta from just €199 per month and the Passat from just €299 per month.

So don’t hang about! Get down to your local Volkswagen retailer, log on to www.volkswagen. ie or check out our Facebook page on www. facebook.com/VolkswagenIRL.

The offer for Citigo includes three years of servicing

Skoda enters small car market with flair THE increasingly popular car manufacturer, Skoda, has launched a brand new entrant to the small car market.

Retailing from just €9,995, the Citigo is available for test drive at Skoda dealerships nationwide.

Having attended the official European launch earlier this year, the Gazette will be featuring a full Irish road test in the coming weeks.

The Citigo is available in three and five-door alternatives with two petrol engine options including 1.0-litre 60bhp and 75bhp power units with fuel economy from 4.5l/100km.

VRT and road tax falls into Band-A thanks to emissions of just 105g/ km.

With ESP (electronic stability program) and side head thorax airbags fitted as standard the new Citigo is one of the safest cars in its class achieving a five-star rating from the EuroNCAP.

Marking Skoda’s entry into the small car market, Skoda Ireland has created an attractive finance option for Citigo called PCP Solutions.

This package provides customers with an attractive 1.99% APR over three years which also includes three years servicing, warranty and roadside assist from €99 per month.

Manual transmissions are the norm in this segment. However Skoda are confident they can grow sales with their new automatic transmission.

For just €750, customers can avail of their new ASG five-speed automatic transmission that also has the benefit of sequential gear changing.

Satellite navigation is also rare in this segment but all Citigo models come equipped with a mobile-sat-nav docking station as standard to which Skoda’s optional mobile navigation system (€349) can connect.

This system also pro-

vides BlueTooth hands free and mp3 play back functionality for increased safety and comfort.

Commenting on the launch, Raymond Leddy, head of marketing, Skoda Ireland, said: “The Citigo has already won several motoring awards across Europe and is really going to shake up the small car market here in Ireland.

“From a financial perspective the Citigo ticks all the boxes. Customers can avail of our PCP Solutions plan with an incredibly low APR combined with monthly repayments of €99 inclusive of servicing over three years. For

further peace of mind we have three years warranty and roadside assist.”

Leddy expanded: “The Citigo will appeal to a wide range of motorists from the family looking for a viable second car to the more mature motorist seeking a small car with comfort and efficiency to the first-time buyer who is looking for new car technology at an affordable price. We are also forecasting demand with Ireland’s lowest priced automatic car - the Citigo 1.0MPI 60bhp ASG from just €10,745.”

The offer for Citigo includes three years’ serv-

icing in the €99 monthly cost. Based on Citigo 1.0MPI Active model RRP including delivery is €10,595. The customer pays deposit/part exchange of €3,245,23, followed by 36 monthly instalments of €99 (€88.01 Solutions PCP payment and €10.99 for the interest free provision of three years’ servicing), an optional final payment (GMFV) of €4,197.90 is at the end of the contract and may be dealt with using one of the three options below. The minimum deposit / part exchange for Citigo PCP Solutions is 10%.

19 July 2012 GAZETTE 21

Edited by Cormac Curtis

RoadSigns Road Signs Fiat 500 – wake up and smell the coffee

The car clearly follows Kia’s latest design direction, but it stands out with a bold, athletic and sporty appeal

Kia hits the spot with sporty Optima CORMAC CURTIS

KIA motors certainly enjoyed a good start to 2012 when the Kia Rio scooped the Irish Continental Car of the Year award, as voted by the Irish Motoring Writers Association.

The company are certainly not resting on their laurels, as the new Optima has been launched to the Irish market in recent weeks, and it is already grabbing attention.

The design team, headed up by Kia’s chief design officer, Peter Schreyer, have clearly been given a clear vision, and some artistic latitude, to come up with this new look.

The car clearly follows Kia’s latest design direction, but it stands out with a bold, athletic and sporty appeal. Kia claim to have been striving for a “unique exterior with a driver-oriented interior”, and, from my point of view, they have hit the nail firmly on the head.

The Optima is longer, lower and wider with an extended wheelbase com-

SPECS: KIA OPTIMA 1.7-LITRE / 136 PS DIESEL

Type speed: DOHC, four-cylinder in line, 16-valve with single VGT Capacity: 1.7-litres, 1,685 cc Max power: 136 ps (100 kW) @ 4,000 rpm PMax torque: 325 Nm (33.1 kg.m) @ 2,000 rpm

pared to previous D-segment offerings from Kia, all of which contribute to its sporty appeal.

From the front, the swept-back approach to the design of the lighting clusters and grille give the car that desirable “moving while standing still” appearance - it really does stand out.

The new model is available with a 1.7-litre turbo diesel, which is expected to account for the majority of sales in Europe. The other option is a 2.0-litre 170 ps petrol engine.

The diesel unit offered is a new 1.7-litre version of Kia’s popular U2 engine. It produces 136 ps and 325 Nm of torque

at 2,000 rpm for excellent driveability, and delivers best-in-class performance for an engine of its displacement.

A number of measures designed to enhance engine efficiency, including fitting an overrunning alternator decoupler and an innovative battery management system, also mean that Kia Optima will have low tailpipe emissions – producing just 133 g/km CO2.

Drivers keen to reduce the environmental impact of their car even further can select Kia’s optional EcoDynamics pack, with an ISG start/stop system that automatically switches off and restarts the engine in heavy traffic conditions.

Fitted with EcoDynamics, Kia Optima is able to deliver a remarkable CO2 output of just 128 g/km, placing it among the lower vehicle tax bands in most European countries.

The 2.0-litre petrol engine is an all-new unit.

Called ‘Nu’, the 1,999 cc all-aluminium lightweight engine will also offer best-

in-class performance and competitive fuel economy.

The Kia Optima will be offered to buyers with a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions – whatever the engine customers specify – providing greater refinement and efficiency while cruising at higher speeds.

The automatic model I tested was a joy, I can’t recommend automatic transmissions highly enough, even for fans of sporty driving, don’t be put off.

One of my favourite features of the car was the reversing camera.

In the Optima, the reverse view appears in the rear-view mirror when the reverse gear is selected, leaving the dashboard and centre console free of any large screens – a big plus in my opinion.

The Kia Optima is fitted with generous levels of specification as standard, and buyers will also be offered a number of optional high-tech features typically found on vehicles from more

e x p e n s i ve p r e m i u m brands, including LED daytime running lights and dual-zone automatic climate control air-conditioning.

Standard on middlegrade trim models are heated front seats, with cooling (air ventilation) for the driver’s seat.

The new Optima features an all-new body shell incorporating a large percentage of ultra high-tensile steel and advanced structural engineering techniques that have proven their safety performance in numerous Kia models – enabling them to achieve a five-star safety rating in Euro NCAP crash tests.

Every Optima comes with a four-wheel disc braking system supported by ABS (anti-lock braking), ESC (electronic stability control) and VSM (vehicle stability management) systems as standard.

This senses when the driver is making an emergency stop and flashes with brake lights to warn following drivers.

AFTER five years and 800,000 sales, the FIAT 500 has welcomed a new sibling: The FIAT 500L! Combining the iconic style of the FIAT 500 with the functionality of an MPV, the new FIAT 500L occupies its own unique niche combining the best attributes of the B and C segments in a funky and innovative package.

Yes, this car has bucket loads of useful space; yes, this car has more gadgets than a PC World catalogue; yes, this car has a bewildering level of safety equipment and choice of engines, but what really sets it apart is the coffee machine!

You heard me right. The new Fiat 500L boasts an exclusive collaboration with legendary coffee machine producers Lavazza that will make it the first production car in the world to offer a fullyintegrated espresso machine.

Make sure to spring for a leather interior, those coffee stains can be murder to get out of fabric!

The new Fiat 500L is loaded with gadgets

OPEL ASTRA GTC GETS A RED DOT: A FEW months back, the Gazette fell head over heels in love with the sexy new Opel Astra GTC, a car that was a lot closer to the concept drawings than most.

It would seem we’re not alone in our affections for this classy motor, as the car has been given the prestigious “red dot design award” by a panel of international judges in this year’s product design category.

The compact coupe is widely recognised for being sporty, efficient and packed full of innovative technologies with captivating design.

The 30 judges on the red dot award

panel praised the Astra GTC for “scoring points with its striking and sporty design”.

The judges also remarked that the “panoramic windscreen that stretches all the way to the middle of the roof without a transverse spar ensures that all passengers benefit from maximum driving fun”.

According to Mark Adams, vice president of Opel/ Vauxhall Design: “We are very proud to have won this award. This is further proof that our Opel design philosophy of ‘sculptural artistry meets German precision’ has enormous potential.

22 GAZETTE 19 July 2012

GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel Copenhagen delighted us with its truly great Danes GoHop.ie has some terrific summer deals, with Malta proving popular for a great getaway

Hop on over to Malta or Tenerife with website’s great family deals

IF YOU’RE still undecided about your plans for getting away with your family this summer, GoHop.ie is fast becoming one of Ireland’s leading online travel companies, and is the ideal site for some last-minute summer holiday shopping.

Travel to Malta on Thursday, July 26, and stay at the three-star Hotel Euro Club for seven nights from €2,052.

Prices are based on two adults and two children on a B&B basis, and includes return flights from Dublin, taxes and charges.

Alternatively, you could travel to Tenerife on Thursday, August 16, and stay at the three-star Vime Callao Garden on a self-catering basis for seven nights, from €1,464.

The price is also based on two adults and two children, and includes flights from Shannon Airport, taxes and charges.

GoHop.ie offer some of the lowest fares on all airlines out of Ireland. For further information on these and other holidays, or to make a booking, see vwww.gohop.ie.

Thomas Cook invites you to stay at an award-winning three-star hotel in sun-kissed Lanzarote PUERTO del Carmen has long been a hot spot for sun-seekers venturing from Ireland to Lanzarote, with the Montana Club a mainstay for visitors returning to the sun-kissed island.

With the three-star hotel recently picking up a prestigious award from TripAdvisor, based on a host of positive feedback from guests, Thomas Cook Ireland is celebrating by offering some special summer packages departing from both Dublin and Shannon.

Situated in well-kept grounds in a quiet street away from, but within easy reach of, the hustle and bustle of the resort town centre, the Montana Club was awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for 2012.

Thomas Cook Ireland is offering seven nights’ self-catering from €505 per person based on two adults sharing, with flights from Dublin or Shannon departing on Saturday, August 25.

For further information, call the Thomas Cook Ireland team at 01 514 0328, visit your local travel agent, or see www.thomascook.ie.

SHANE DILLON

JOINING some friends for a weekend break, I set off for Copenhagen recently with Scandinavian Airlines (SAS, www. flysas.ie) – the perfect choice to head not just to Denmark, but Scandinavia, and beyond.

Settling into my business-class seat, and under the attentive care of the crew, I noted that the perfectly smooth flight to Copenhagen was a snip at under two hours – Copenhagen is a lot closer than I’d thought.

Once there, a refreshing stop at the SAS lounge was a great way to momentarily adjust, count the kroner in our pockets, and set off for the hotel via the quick, driverless metro.

A short walk from the city centre station, the historic Admiral Hotel (www.admiralhotel.dk) is ideally located by the water, with Tall Ships bobbing about below the rear rooms’ balconies.

A vast structure with plenty of history, the Admiral was full of hallways, wood, marble and Armani models masquerading as helpful receptionists, making it a pleasant and comfortable base within strolling distance of the city’s key tourist spots.

From there, a canal

cruise (www.canaltours. com) proved a leisurely way to see several key parts of the city centre, helped by our friendly guide who pointed out one fascinating structure after another in several striking neighbourhoods.

That evening, exquisite dining awaited in the trendy meatpacking district, with starters at striking Fiskebaren (www. fiskebaren.dk), followed by a main course across

at home, with a pale horizon even at 3am – and we retired to Ruby (http:// rby.dk/#/0), an upmarket yet welcoming cocktail bar, and which really was a gem of a place ...

Next morning, a hearty hotel breakfast was followed by my very first kayaking excursion (www.kajakole.dk).

Displaying the patience of Job, our good-natured instructor guided us on what turned out to be a

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

‘The world-famous Tivoli Gardens awaited, with its mix of restaurants, bars, theatres, fairground rides and so much more – no wonder thousands filled its welcoming grounds’

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

the plaza at Nose2Tail (http://nose2tail.dk), followed by nipping back to Fiskebaren for dessert.

Whether dining below mesmerising luminous jellyfish swirling around a glass pillar before us at Fiskebaren, or listening to a meat-loving chef’s philosophy by candlelight at Nose2Tail, we loved the restaurants’ unpretentious staff and owners – and, of course their delicious food and wine.

A nightcap was called for – even though, in Copenhagen, night doesn’t truly fall as it does

lengthy trip down several canals, bays, and waterways, giving us a different perspective yet again of the lovely city.

A traditional Danish lunch followed at Peder Oxe (www.pederoxe.dk), which saw local specialities presented in a novel multi-sandwich process, and served, yet again, by one of Copenhagen’s notably friendly waitresses.

Walking off my delicious dessert, I strolled up The Round Tower (www.rundetaarn.dk) – an observatory tower in

the city centre built for, I heard, a fat king who didn’t want to take any any stairs on his way to look at the stars.

Its fine city views took in Stroget, Europe’s longest pedestrian street, which celebrates its 50th birthday this year, and which is full of leading Danish and international stores – including, I noted, brands that even London doesn’t have – making it a shopper’s delight.

T he world-famous Tivoli Gardens awaited (www.tivoli.dk), with its vast, sprawling mix of restaurants, bars, theatres, fairground rides, performance spaces and so much more – no wonder thousands of Danes, and tourists, filled its welcoming grounds, even late at night.

T he lights, sights and sounds of the truly enchanting gardens were set aside – briefly – for some six-star dining at NIMB Terasse (www. nimb.dk).

As the sun set, the immaculate staff whirled like clockwork around us, while the food, and presentation, was as sumptuous as one could hope for.

The Tivoli Gardens transform once darkness falls, as thousands of lights convert the park into a night-time wonderland – no wonder the

A lovely city-centre view city that’s full of history,

gardens stayed so full of families, even as midnight approached.

Our relaxed mood lingered… a feeling which lasted all the way back to the hotel, where stars twinkled down at one tired but happy tourist at the end of his day’s busy kayaking, dining, sightseeing, shopping and singing adventures ...

Next morning, we assembled for a bike tour (www.copenhagentours. dk) and, despite it being my first time on a bike in almost 20 years, it proved as easy as, well, riding a bike!

So it was that, after flying in, sailing along, walking around and splashing by, my party and I were completing our exploration of Copenhagen on two wheels, past impressive castles and courtyards, through sleepy laneways and across bustling bridges, through

19 July 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 23

Edited by Natalie Burke

TravelBriefs With waterways greatly defining Copenhagen’s character and layout, a canal cruise is a perfect way to take in the wonderful city. Pictures: Shane Dillon

Lisbon’s beaches are just a step away from the Experienced and novice kayakers alike can enjoy an

city, and offer both beautiful sands and luxurious

easygoing waterline view of Copenhagen

hotels, such as the five-star Palacio, in Estoril

Concorde Travel Lisbon invites you to step over to Lisbon’s soft beaches and relaxing resorts

from The Round Tower, taking in some of the centre’s key spires and turrets, in a

Cocktails at Ruby are a great way to round off a day,

yet also has exemplary contemporary architecture and design throughout

in a city full of welcoming bars with terrific service

A delicious Danish dessert, courtesy of

Already spectacular by day, the historic

Part of the lovely waterside view from the

NIMB Terasse – one of a number of exquisite

Tivoli Gardens transform at night into a

perfectly-located Admiral Hotel

Copenhagen restaurants

luxurious wonderland for all ages to enjoy

a mud-splattered hippy kingdom – don’t ask – and on to the smart, upmarket Torvehallerne Food Market (www.torvehallernekbh.dk), providing the highest quality fare from a wide range of produce providers.

With that, we set off, back to the busy airport, back to another very welcome respite in the comfortable SAS lounge, and another wonderfully smooth, relaxing flight back to Dublin with SAS.

Ultimately, how can I sum up Copenhagen?

I’d heard of great Danes before – yet how inadequate that term is, when I think of that marvellous city and her wonderful people.

Now that I know first-

hand how truly charming Copenhagen is, how genuinely friendly and warm her people are, and how easily accessible Copenhagen is with SAS (not to mention affordable, with all-in SAS economy return flights from Dublin

being surprisingly cheap), I will definitely return to that elegant, welcoming city – and soon, I hope.

For further information on Copenhagen’s many attractions, as well as on Denmark, see www.visitdenmark.com.

WHETHER it is pure leisure, business, golf, sun, sea or water sports that you’re seeking this summer, the sandy beaches and trendy resorts of the lovely Lisbon coast have it all.

Just a step away from the beautiful cosmopolitan city of Lisbon, the popular resorts of Estoril and Cascais enjoy the generous privileges of both the sun-kissed Riviera and the nearby white, soft, sandy beaches.

Estoril’s history features World War II memories of international spies, royal exiles and celebrities of all kinds, while Cascais, the trendier of the two resorts, boasts an active cultural scene.

To help get you there this summer, Concorde Travel are offering some great deals on holidays to Lisbon, starting at €549 per person (PP).

Departing on July 26, spend seven nights on a B&B basis at the three-star SANA Estoril for €599 PP; the four-star Vila Gale, in Estoril, for €599PP; the four-star Vila Gale, in Cascais, for €649PP; the four-star Pestana, in Cascais, for €699PP; the five-star Quinta Da Marinha Hotel, in Cascais, for €799PP or the five-star Palacio, in Estoril, for €899PP. Departing on August 14, spend seven nights on a B&B basis at the three-star SANA Estoril for €549 PP; the four-star Vila Gale, in Estoril, for €649PP; the four-star Vila Gale, in Cascais, for €699PP; the five-star Quinta Da Marinha Hotel, in Cascais, for €749PP, or the five-star Palacio, in Estoril, for €899 PP. Prices include direct flights from Dublin to Lisbon, return airport transfers, luggage allowance, the assistance of a local representative, seven nights’ accommodation at your chosen hotel on a B&B basis, and all taxes and charges.

To book your holiday at Lisbon’s coast, or for further information, see www.concordetravel.ie; email info@concordetravel.ie, or telephone 01 775 9300 to speak with one of Concorde Travel’s representatives.

24 SWORDS GAZETTE 19 July 2012

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT

GoingOUT THE PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 Altan

“...SIMPLY the most captivating, resonant and beautiful music...” says Mojo magazine. The Boston Globe has described them as “The hottest group in the Celtic realm!”

With that kind of buzz, it is no wonder that Altan have toured all over the USA and Europe. No Irish traditional band in the last dozen years has had a wider impact on audiences and music lovers throughout the world than Altan.

For one very special show only on July 17 at 8.30pm, Altan will play Dun Laoghaire. Tickets are priced at €22/20.

MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 Auditions, Zoe’s Auditions AN HILARIOUSLY touching tale of lovable Zoe, an aspiring actress who dreams of landing an acting job. Her over-thehill agent sends her on an assortment of auditions ranging from Hamlet to being shot out of a cannon for a touring circus. Wildly enthusiastic and eager to please, Zoe is prone to a series of mishaps and misadventures that lead casting directors to shout “NEXT!!” Just as she is ready to give up, Zoe falls asleep at her job working backstage on a production of “A Christmas Carol”. She is visited by three audacious ghosts with startling wisdom for her. July 26-28 at 8pm. Admission: €18/15.

CIVIC THEATRE 01 462 7477 Much Ado About Nothing AFTER the success of last year’s production of Shakespeare’s The Merry Wives of Windsor, AC Productions return with another one of Shakespeare’s classic comedies, transposed to 1960’s Italy where wit is as sharp as the fashion. Cupid has his work cut out for him as reluctant lovers, Beatrice and Benedict, exchange words. In the Bard’s tale of barbed words and sparkling wit, the path of true love certainly doesn’t run smoothly. The show runs for two nights, on August 10 and 11 at 8.15pm.

Admission €10.

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 The Connect Club 2012 THIS July, Draíocht is delighted to be back 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. For more, see www.draiocht.ie

group

.com

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All of your latest local news, sport, features and pictures are now just a click away

While Jason (Adam Scott) and Julie (Jennifer Westfeldt) glide through parenthood, Leslie (Maya Rudolph) and Alex (Chris O’Dowd) struggle.

How to make friends Good looking, rich people have problems too, you know.

They’re just a little different from yours or mine...

I PAUL HOSFORD

PARENTHOOD is a tricky subject to broach in film these days.

What with the breastfeedexperts, the bre ing debates and the difficulty pitching a film about kids to people can be a with kids, it ca minefield.

Think back over the o the last decade and a standout movie in the Knocked Up, genre is Knock which focused more on the journey to having a kid than the effects of the birth.

Step forward Friends With Kids , the new movie from Jennifer Westfeldt.

Unless you particularly remember 2001’s Kissing Jessica Stein, Westfeldt is recognisable only from a number of stints on TV shows such as 24 and Grey’s Anatomy.

Oh, she also happens to be the long-term girl-

FILM OF THE WEEK: Friends with Kids ### (15) 107 mins Director: Jennifer Westfeldt Starring: Jennifer Westfeldt, Adam Scott, Maya Rudolph, Ed Burns, Kristen Wiig, Megan Fox, Chris O’Dowd, Jon Hamm

OUR VERDICT:

A decent look at what parenthood can do to a relationship, but it can border on smug as the know-it-all lead characters settle into their routine. Soon, however, we see that they are as clueless as the rest of us. For everything it does well, though, it squanders a great cast, leaving Wiig, Hamm, O’Dowd and Rudolph too little to do.

friend of Jon Hamm.

So, if Don Draper is your type, she is the lady standing between you and a life of happiness with the most chauvinist man on Madison Avenue.

Hamm is cast in this look at three couples and brings with him three of his Bridesmaids co-stars; Kristen Wiig, M ay a R u d o l p h a n d Roscommon’s favourite son, Chris O’Dowd.

In the midst of their thirties, and with time ticking, best friends Julie (Westfeldt) and Jason (Adam Scott) decide to have a child

together.

The premise being that having kids has sucked the romance and happiness from their closest friends’ relationships (Wiig and Hamm, Rudolph and O’Dowd).

To get the kid, they agree to sleep together and raise the child with split custody, leaving them free to pursue “The One” without any stress.

Of course, this is where the complications begin.

While the pair take to their odd arrangement swimmingly, much to

the chagrin of their friends, (particularly Hamm, doing a fine line in world weary married man) the quest to find love is filled with more challenges than changing dirty nappies.

When Jason meets the prototype babe in Megan Fox, his life appears to be taking an upward trajectory without Julie, who discovers long-held feelings for her best friend.

Of course, when Jason doesn’t feel the same, she stumbles into the arms of the utterly, implausibly perfect Ed Burns.

From there, the two have to navigate their feelings for each other as well as their new beaus.

The film settles, a r o u n d h a l f w ay i n , into just being another straight rom-com about upper West-side New Yorkers, who have a fairly specific set of

problems.

School in Manhattan is expensive, Brooklyn is difficult to get to, Megan Fox and Ed Burns aren’t up to my standards and so on.

It is essentially, the whitest movie ever made and the emotional problems just aren’t complex enough to stop the lead characters coming off as horribly smug, such as slipping in pontifications on religion when it hasn’t been mentioned anywhere previously.

T he film sparkles under the group dynamic, however, with a set of six or eight talented actors and a sharp script allowing them room to shine.

Unfor tunately, the Bridesmaids carriovers are left idle for too long, with even the characters remarking that they haven’t been seen in a long time.

When even the script notices, that’s a problem.

19 July 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 25

GazetteGAMING GAMING Bytesandpieces

?

Check your delivery into a motel

In a near-future world where the lines between commerce, governance and policing are being shattered, who will Hollywood pick to play the complex, cybernetically-enhanced antihero of Deus Ex: Human Revolution, now that a movie adaptation is on the way?

A potential revolution I SHANE DILLON

REMEMBER the film of Super Mario Brothers, starring Bob Hoskins and Dennis Hopper? What about Street Fighter, starring Jean Claude Van Damme? Tomb Raider?

And, of course, the ongoing Resident Evil films?

I could continue down a long list of such titles but the point is, almost without exception, when Hollywood tries to make a film based on a popular computer game, or franchise, the results are

almost always ... well, dreadful.

Perhaps the main problem is that the source material is generally poor, as active player interaction with a game is an entirely different experience to the passive viewer observation of a film.

In short, if there isn’t an interesting story, there won’t be a good film.

This leads to the latest Hollywood deal that’s been struck over a game – in this case, Deus Ex: Human Revolution.

cybernetic limbs to be faster, stronger, “better”, it doesn’t take long for such augmented people, and society, to fall into standard rich versus poor camps.

Those that manufacture such augments, such as Sarif Technologies, see their power as biotechnology firms making them stronger than governments.

In this brave new world of humanity fracturing into “augmented” and “natural” humans, lines of battle are being drawn

CBS Films has struck a deal to adapt the 2011 title, working closely with its developer, Eidos Montreal, to develop it, says Variety.

This could turn out to be a great success – or something that wouldn’t even work on the small screen.

Human Revolution is set in the near future, with major cybernetic augmentation splitting dividing societies around the world.

After all, in a world where people can get

The Skyrim’s the limit for great computer game music sic AS A random aside, I’d like to point people towards the Skyrim soundtrack, which is available to buy from a variety of online sources (and which can be heard on YouTube playlists).

I could fill half The Gazette with computer game soundtrack reviews and features, as I’ve been following this type of music for almost 20 years, much

of which can be superb (and much, dross, in common with TV and cinema scores).

There are lots of extremely skilled composers, orchestras and musicans working away in this genre, which regularly attracts all manner of Oscar- and Grammy-winning composers and artists, yet which few music-lovers, or reviewers, have any

great interest in, Skyrim sees the player wandering a vast pseudomedieval land, not unlike the Lord of the Rings setting, but with a stronger Nordic influence, while a dramatic storyline plays out.

As such, the soundtrack encompasses many themes, with the subtle use choirs adding to a richly orchestral, sweeping score.

So, for those looking to explore some of gaming’s ancillary offshoots, why not take a look at – or, rather, listen to – Jeremy Soule’s excellent soundtrack?

up, with governments, corporations and terrorists all blurring the lines of power, and between what’s right and wrong.

And it’s this noir-ish, cyberpunk world that the player, as Adam Jensen, is plunged into, following conspiracies within conspiracies, trying to uncover truths that may not be for humanity’s best …

Clive Owen? Mark Wahlberg? Hell, Eddie Murphy? Who do you think will eventually turn out as the best (or chosen) actor to encapsulate this game’s complex antihero, not to mention the world of cyberterrorism, corrupted ethics, globalisation and absolute corruption?

Well, if the filmmakers can successfully pull it off – and, don’t forget, such futuristic high-tech films never go out of vogue, as the imminent Total Recall remake shows – it could be great.

A truly great film, based on a computer game?

Now that would be a revolution ...

THIS service has dropped into my inbox with perfect timing, as I’ve just moved into a subdivided house that’s not very parcel-delivery-friendly or secure – so, this sounds like a great idea!

This will feel like an instantly familiar scenario for many – you’ve just bought something online, but aren’t sure where to have your parcel sent for delivery, as it may not be convenient for you to collect at work or at home (while for some, like me, living in a subdivided house may make postal security a worry).

The Parcel Motel could be a perfect solution to this problem. By setting up an account with www.parcelmotel.com (and, yes, there’s a cost for the service) users , shoppers – can then direct their parcel’s delivery to their own nearby Parcel Motel unit for collection. A text message containing a unique code is then sent to the user, who then simply heads to their chosen unit, enters their code, and retrieves their parcel.

Run by Nightline, which has 20 year’s experience in parcel delivery, another neat aspect is that online purchases from Britain – which are normally free, there, but incur delivery charges, here – can be sent to Nightline’s Belfast address, and then redirected on to units, here.

This sounds like one motel that many readers could want to check into ...

GAZETTE

26 SWORDS GAZETTE 19 July 2012

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19 July 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 27

GazetteSPORT

TREBLE OLYMPIAN: Eoin Rheinisch talks about his battle to qualify for London Page 29

COMPETITION: WIN A PLACE AT THE DUBLIN LADIES GAELIC ‘GIRLS ONLY’ SUMMER CAMP

Ladies Gaelic set up unique new summer camps sport@gazettegroup.com

DUBLIN Ladies Gaelic Football Association are offering a unique new form of summer camp as they are set to host two weeks of girls’ only camps.

Coaching will be carried out by, among others, AllIreland winners Colleen Barrett, Lyndsay Peat, Sinead Goldrick, Sinead Deegan and Cliodhna O’Connor while there will also be a number of coaches from the Dublin

B side which recently won the Aisling McGing Cup. The camps will run for two weeks (Monday to Friday 10am-2pm) and take place in Clannna Gael GAA Club in Ringsend. The first gets underway on July 30 while week two starts on August 20.

For eight to 12-year-olds, the price is €60 while for 13 to 16-year-olds, it is €70.

And Cliodhna O’Connor, urban programme officer for ladies’ football, says it offers

something new for girls.

“The idea is that some girls prefer to play in this kind of environment.

The 13 to 16-year-old age group is especially a key group as it is when girls tend not to play with boys.

They can fall out of sport and there are not a lot of camps available to them.”

The camps are available to all age groups and will provide specific skills for ladies gaelic football. They will also offer education on lifestyle to encourage players to have the con-

The latest ladies football initiative offers girls from across the city a new summer camp option Picture: GAApics.com

fidence to get out and try playing all types of sport.

All 20 camp coaches were together in Clann na Gael Club only last week to prepare for the two weeks in August. Their priority is to provide qual-

ity football coaching and education about how to live a healthier life style all when letting the young ladies footballers of Dublin have a bit of fun.

And the DLGFA, in association with Gazette-

Sport, is offering you the chance to win two places at the camp of your choice. Answer this simple question: In what year did the Dublin ladies most

recently win the AllIreland senior football championship?

Email your answer and contact details to dublinladiessummercamps@ gmail.com.

28 SWORDS GAZETTE 19 July 2012

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

RUGBY: YOUNG GUN HUNGRY AFTER HEINEKEN CUP FINAL CAMEO

Olympian Jennings launches local 5k THIS year’s Rathfarnham 5k Run in aid of St Luke’s Hospital, Rathgar was launched recently in Bushy Park by Olympic-bound Caitriona Jennings and the Rathfarnham Ladies team.

Club member Jennings, pictured, has been selected for the marathon at the London Games on August 5 and has been a regular entrant in the race in the past.

Entries are now open at www.athleticsrathfarnham.ie. The race is on Sunday, September 23 around the streets of Rathfarnham and Terenure and is being sponsored by Energie Fitness Gym in Rathfarnham.

More than 1,000 people are expected for this run and fun runners and walkers are welcome.

The first 800 finishers will receive a high quality technical training top and there will be a goody bag for all.

All this for just €20, so enter today and set your 5k personal best time at Rathfarnham.

The club’s coaching manager Adam Jones has devised an 11-week training programme for this year’s run.

Following the programme will ensure participants get the most out of the experience and are in the best possible shape at the start line.

The schedules are divided into three phases of training: conditioning/preparation, consolidation and tapering/finishing.

The first four-week phase, focusing on preparation and conditioning, is now available in the Rathfarnham AC website.

Meanwhile, the club produced a number of good results at the recent Woodies national senior track and field championships, Paul Stephenson ran 33.09 to come 12th in the 10,000m final, while Johnathan Hughes ran 35.29. Louis McCarthy and Paul Fleming ran in the second heat of the 1,500m. On day two, Kevin Donagher ran 16.38 in the 5,000m.

Former De La Salle Palmerston player John Cooney signs autographs at Coolmine RFC this week Picture: Ian Fleming

Cooney eyes ‘big year’ STEPHEN FINDLATER sport@gazettegroup.com

JOHN Cooney is lining up “a big year” in blue this season as Leinster start their initial preparations for the 2012/13 season, with a memorable close to the last season fresh in the mind.

He was the unlikely recipient of a Heineken Cup medal a couple of months ago in Twickenham, coming into the match day squad just an hour before the final got under way and making his debut with six minutes left on the clock.

During that time, the 22-year-old scrum-half had enough time to play his part in Heineke van der Mer we’s tr y and offer a glimpse of what he can offer next term.

His entry to the game was a surprise to many,

not just to his friends but to the player himself.

“A few of my mates were at the game and they saw me warm-up and were wondering ‘what’s going on there?’

It was pretty special,” he told GazetteSport at Coolmine RFC where he was meeting some of the stars of the future at a Leinster Rugby summer camp.

Despite waiting on tenterhooks for much of the week, Cooney said he was confident he could do a job if called upon.

“It was a mad week in general. I started running on the wing with the second team on the Monday.

“Both scrum halves got niggles so I had to do all the first team trainings for the week.

Isaac Boss said he felt alright on the Saturday but I was told if he couldn’t kick properly, I’d be in [for the final].

“It was only five minutes before the proper warm-up, I was told I was in. That was about an hour or 50 minutes before the game. I had been prepared anyway.

I was lucky that I’d prepared the moves so I felt quite confident. I was told to be ready.

Nerves “I was more nervous before the game but, when I came on, we were 20 points up. I was happy to be involved in making a try. I got a few nice touches and was nearly in another time but [Gordon] D’Arcy dropped the ball but that happens.”

Despite reported

interest from Scotland, the former De La Salle Palmerston youth player and Irish U-20s regular agreed an extension to his contract in early May, prior to the final, with the province.

T hose suggestions came as a result of his father’s heritage as a Blantyre man but he says Leinster and Ireland will always come first.

“I can play for Scotland if I wanted to but I want to see how things go here first. It’s always a good fall-back option but definitely not at the moment.

“This will hopefully be a big year [with Leinster]. With the experience of Isaac Boss and Eoin Reddan, you always pick up a good few pointers off them. They’re real-

ly approachable and always helpful.”

His emotional ties also stay close to his heart, currently with Lansdowne, but also with DLSP. “I started there at U-16s in fourth year because I wasn’t playing senior cup so I’d go down on Saturdays and Sundays. We did pretty well; I think we finished second in our league and I enjoyed it.

“My brother Francis played up there. He’s finished up now but he plays the odd time at J1 and says he runs the show. With him, I put one of my U-20 jerseys up there recently.

“It’s nice to still have that connection. It’s a good club and a lot of young Gonzaga [his alma mater] guys going up there now.”

19 July 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 29

Rheinisch battles white water ride Salmon Leap paddler Eoin Rheinisch fought back from three shoulder surgeries to make it to the Olympics, writes STEPHEN FINDLATER RELIEF was the overriding emotion. For Eoin Rheinisch, three and a half years worth of sacrifice, riddled by injury and illness, was all riding on the final Olympic qualifier in Augsburg, Germany in May. Only two tickets to London remained with over 30 competitors in the mix for the K1 canoe slalom, an event which the Salmon Leap man had agonisingly finished fourth in Beijing in 2008.

It meant an immense pressure was on, as he explained to GazetteSport this week in his home club.

“The thought of not qualifying… there was

almost more pressure on the qualifier than there will be at the Olympics in a way because the thought of not qualifying after three-and-a-half years of work would be

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

‘The thought of not qualifying after three-and-a-half years’ work would be like falling off a cliff for me’

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

like falling off the edge of a cliff for me.

“In 2010 and 2011, with illness and injury, surgeries and things like that; it was dark times for me.

“You start to wonder, did I make the right

Eoin Rheinisch produced a stunning comeback from injury and illness to take one of the last two Olympic places on offer to London

decision after Beijing?

To qualify in May, there were only two spots left so it was an incredible relief.”

The upshot of his success in May means he

goes to London as the highest finisher to qualify directly of the contenders from Beijing.

Therein shows the measure of challenge ahead of Rheinisch to compete. Over the past three years, he has been forced to spend well over 200 days abroad to pursue his dream. Ireland is the only country in Europe without an artificial white-water slalom course.

Contrast with France where there are 66 courses, it shows the miraculous nature of what the Leixlip man has produced.

“France and Germany are like machines with a conveyor-belt of talent - similar to what we have here with boxing.

They just produce class act after class act, always with someone who is a medal prospect. “[Ireland not having a course] really is a shame.

Before me, we had Ian Wiley finish fifth in Atlanta and a European

champion. To not have had a course built means we don’t have access like the French.

“Ever y club there doesn’t have to move away from home and that’s why I have to be on the road over 200 days a year.”

In qualifying, he continues Salmon Leap’s incredible record of 40 continuous years of Olympic qualifiers, dating back to 1972 – an event which coincidentally also took place in Augsburg – when Howard Watkins and Gerr y Collins were among the first team.

The likes of Ian Pringle, Alan Carey, Peter Connors, Gary Mawer, Conor Maloney and Andrew Boland took up the baton before Rheinisch qualified for his first Games in 2004 in Athens.

In 2008, a medal came tantalisingly close. Lying tenth after the semi-final, his second run on the Shunyi course catapulted him up the rankings as his rivals, one by one, failed to match his dual time.

It left him still in a provisional gold medal position with four entrants still to go.

While that dream was beaten by Germany’s Alexander Grimm, a medal was still in the offing until the very last paddler crossed the line, Togo’s Benjamin Boukepti edging Rheinisch out

by three seconds.

The roller-coaster of emotion, becoming Ireland’s best ever finisher in canoe sports but missing out on the medal, left him unsure how to proceed.

“After Beijing, I didn’t know if I was going to continue or not and see if I wanted to put all my efforts in. It is quite a large part of your life so it took until that Christmas to go again. I had my doubts in 2010 and 2011 but I’m glad I did it.”

Those doubts centred on three shoulder surgeries which left him shy of fitness and made it nigh on impossible to qualify from last September’s world championships.

“I just didn’t have it in me physically having missed six months from the surgery. That was a big blow because I knew it was going to come down to the wire. There were 31 people going for two spots [in Augsburg in the qualifiers].

“With the help of the Institute of Sport and the Irish Sports Council, they put a really good team around me – physios, strength and conditioning, doctors – who all talked together and it made such a difference.

No injuries or illness to keep me on track.

“To have a full year without any interruption allowed me to have consistent blocks of training and has made the difference to getting me back to full fitness.”

FastSport

Carberry swaps horse for Galway pedal power CHAMPION jockey Nina Carberry swapped horsepower for pedal power to join the Taoiseach Enda Kenny at the launch of the new Paddy Power Race to the Races 200km cycle challenge in aid of the Irish Heart Foundation starting on July 29.

A keen cyclist, An Taoiseach was on hand to encourage participants to join the Dublin to Galway Races event for a one-day or two-day cycle by signing up to www.irishheart.ie/race2theraces .

Also joining him was bookmaker Paddy Power and activity events co-ordinator with the Irish Heart Foundation Grainne Kennedy.

Brand new on the Irish Heart Foundation calendar, the unique 200km cycle challenge takes place next week with the option of a one-day cycle on July 30 or two-day cycle starting on July 29 with an overnight stay in Athlone.

Both options include a fully supported cycle organised by 2Wheels, baggage and bike transfers, massage on arrival and race ticket entry to the Galway Races.

Fundraising targets start from €290 and money raised goes to provide vital patient information and support to thousands of heart and stroke patients nationwide. Sign up now on www. irishheart.ie/race2theraces or call Grainne on 01-6685001.

Golf course for visually impaired FINGAL County Council’s sports unit will provide a limited number of places for visually impaired persons on an eight-week course of golf lessons.

Limited to six places offered on a first-come, first-served basis, the lessons are free and will take place at Dry-

nam Park Golf Range, Feltrim Road, Swords from Wednesday, August 22 between 8-9pm.

Barry Power, resident golf professional at Drynam Park Golf Range will tutor, and the lessons are open for all levels. Clubs will be available at the driving range, and the course includes hiring 100 balls per night.

Contact Stephen McGinn on 087 986 4611 for more info.

30 SWORDS GAZETTE 19 July 2012

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

Moynihan shows up well for Ireland boys THE ISLAND’S Gavin Moynihan produced some fine golf as he represented Ireland at the European boys’ team championship at the Lidingö Golf Club, Sweden as they eventually finished sixth in the five-day event.

He was part of the team that also included Robin Dawson (Faithlegg), John Ross Galbraith (Whitehead), Alex Gleeson (Castle), Jordan Hood (Galgorm Castle) and William Russell (Clandeboye).

Moynihan, this year’s Irish amateur open champion, opened the competition with a round of 72 on the opening day of competition in which all the Irish players combined to produce a total of 362 which was enough to keep Ireland in the top five on the nations’ standings.

And he followed up with a four over round of 74 on day two to help Ireland comfortably make their way into the top eight of the competition, keeping alive hopes of overall glory as the matchplay rounds got under way.

The eight teams advancing to this stage, which began last Thursday, were Italy (712), host team Sweden (714), Spain (723), Norway (724), England, Germany and Ireland (all 727) and France at (730).

It set up a quarter-final date with historic rivals England and Moynihan producing an excellent showing in the singles to win out two and one against Max Orrin.

He had, however, missed out in the foursomes when playing with John-Ross Galbraith three and one to Toby Tree and Ashton Turner and the side eventually fell 4-3, the tie decided by the last game.

Scotland were beaten in the B tier’s semifinal tie leaving Ireland to contest the fifth/ sixth playoff and Moynihan was once again on top form, this time winning his singles tie four and two on the 16th, getting the better of France’s Kenny Subregis.

But it was just one of two points won by the Irish as Gleeson and Dawson lost their singles ties and Jordan Hood and William Russell were comfortably outdone in the foursomes to see the tie go 4-2 in France’s favour.

MIXED MARTIAL ARTS: SWORDS RESIDENT IN EUROPEAN SEMI

Chris Fields is hoping to bounce back from injury to win his European Cage Warriors semi-final bout and further his UFC hopes

Fields dreaming of UFC shot I PETER CARROLL sport@gazettegroup.com

NATIONAL middleweight champion and one of Ireland’s pound for pound greats, Swords resident Chris “The Killing” Fields, is set for a semi-final middleweight tournament showdown with John Philips this weekend, in an effort to seal a place in the final of the mixed martial arts Cage Warriors middleweight tournament.

Booked for the HMV Forum in London, this weekend will see Fields confirm himself amongst the European elite, with the Cage War-

riors promotion being flagship promotion on the continent.

With a “horribly uncomfortable” injury acquired via a blown facet joint, in the camp leading up to the original semi-final showdown in April, Fields was put back on to this card as replacement to his original stand-in. He believes the two week’s notice will not deter his hopes of the final showdown.

“I’ve already prepared for Philips, I don’t really do the six or eight week fight camps like most fighters, I’m never out of the gym, I’m con-

Leinster leader: Beaverstown’s Sean takes U-13 third BEAVERSTOWN Sean Dowling, pictured,

took third place last week at the Leinster boy’s U-13 golf series at Bunclody golf club as he ended with a gross score of 26 points.

In so doing, he earned one of the qualifying places for the Leinster final which will take place in the Hermitage golf club on August 2 but, unfortunately, he is unavailable to play in the event.

Kilkenny’s Mark Power was first in Bunclody while John Brady was runner-up.

stantly working with my SBGi team mates and I’m going to take the win on Saturday,” said the straight shooting Swords local.

Philips had commented on Fields’ quarter final win over Jack Mason in Febr uar y, claiming the fight had been stopped too soon, But it was clear to most who watched that Fields’ strikes were critically received, with a head kick doing most of the damage before the referee was forced to stop it after Mason ate a flurry of grounded strikes.

“He has said some

things, but, I’m not one to get on this WWE style-build up, I don’t like the look of the guy but I’ve honestly never talked to him.

“Like many of the fighters I’ve been up against, he looks like a guy who likes to strike, he’s coming off his first submission win but, coming from the gym I come from, I doubt he’ll get the better of me on the ground,” said Fields.

Fields has long been heralded as one of, if not the best, MMA fighter in the country, and a victory on Saturday will push the well rounded scrapper into the European

mainstream.

After that, only the UFC can offer Fields a challenge in the international main event of the sport, all of which has long been a part of a plan for the Irish middleweight champion.

“When I started this sport, I wanted to be the best in Ireland.

“Now, I want to be the best in Europe and come Saturday night, I’m pretty sure I will be.

“A f ter that, ever y MMA fighter has the dream of fighting in the UFC, and I think I’m very capable of competing on that level,” said “The Killing”.

19 July 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 31

LADIES FOOTBALL: JACKIES WIN LEINSTER TITLE

CLUB NOTICEBOARD FINGALLIANS THE hurling summer camp will take place on July 16-20. Late applicants are most welcome each morning.

The summer hurling festival will con-

and the experiences through pictures. In particular, they are look-

for U-8, U-9 and U-10s at 6.30pm-8pm.

ing for pictures on the Hill from the

New members are most welcome.

1970s onwards from the generation of

The club will be hosting an U-10 foot-

Heffo’s Army right up to present day.

ball festival on August 11. Further

Please contact officesq1@gmail.com ,

details will follow but, at present, if

or (01) 602 0668 for further info.

tact ger@dublingaa.ie Next Sunday, for those not attending

Dublin Meath

3-9 1-6

I sport@gazettegroup.com

FINGALLIANS’ Fiona Hudson, Sinead Finnegan and Amy McGuinness all played key roles for Dublin’s ladies footballers as they claimed their fourth Leinster senior title in five years last Sunday, overcoming Meath at Dr Cullen Park.

They did it in impressive fashion after Meath had drawn first blood when Mary Sheridan found Jenny Rispin in space before she tucked the ball away.

Dublin didn’t let the Royal’s early surge get to them however, and within a minute they were back on terms when Sinead Goldrick sent a long rangy pass up the field to Sinead Aherne who collected it and beat her marker before she tucked it away from close range.

Meath, with a player sin binned, did well to

keep the Dublin forwards at bay during the first half but in the dying embers of the first instalment, a harmless looking free dropped short of the post.

But it found its way to Amy Ring, who made no mistake about bagging a second for the Jackies.

This gave the Dub’s the lead heading into the break, 2-3 to 1-4, and they could have been up by more had they capitalised on the space left to them by the absent sin binned player for their Leinster rivals.

The Jackies looked solid at the back throughout the second half, and they tagged on scores adding to the gulf between the two sides, showing real dominance in the second period.

The nail in the coffin came when Sinead Aherne found substitute Natalie Hyland, who insured captain Gemma Fay would be lifting the championship with a well

taken goal.

Gemma Fay, who had suffered a loss in last year’s final, spoke of her delight and how the ladies will look to grow from the performance when they go on to face All Ireland opposition.

“We could’ve done more in the first half, they had a player sin binned and we could’ve pushed on and added more scores to the board before the second period.

“We’ll move on from the performance, we probably should’ve taken a bigger advantage of the extra player, but we’ll watch the video and learn

from our mistakes.

“It’s brilliant to be Leinster champions again; it was two years of hard work that led up to this victory, but we showed great character to win the game and we’ll look to push on in the championship after this,” said Fay. Fay also complimented the younger girls who played at the half time break.

“It’s great for the girls to come out and play on such a big day for the ladies, they’re doing great things in Dublin as far as the underage game is concerned.”

the first tour of its kind in Ireland.

Visitors can enjoy panoramic views

senior games will be shown in the club.

of Dublin from five separate viewing

Kids are most welcome and asked to

platforms along the specially designed

dress in blue.

Etihad Skyline walkway. For more

rently working on an Irish language

LEINSTER SFC FINAL

The Etihad Skyline Croke Park opened its doors to the public on June 1 and is

Croke Park, both the Dublin minor and

Square One Productions are cur-

Fins’ trio play part in cracking Dublin win

They are looking for the humour, the craic, the colour, the atmosphere

tinue again this Wednesday in Balheary

you are available to help, please con-

The Dublin ladies side celebrate their win while Fingallians’ Amy McGuinness takes a shot Pictures: GAApics.com

tographs from through the years.

information, visit http://www.skylinecrokepark.ie/tour

documentary about Hill 16. The pro-

Fingallians will be part of the stew-

ducers of the documentary are look-

arding team for the Fingal 10k race in

ing to paint a picture of the Hill from

Swords next Sunday,. Contact Declan

the 1970s onwards through fans pho-

Brady on dbrady01@eircom.net.

FINGAL RAVENS WELL done to our senior team on a one-point win against St Jude’s away on Saturday evening in the league.

mittee member or team mentor.

Anyone who is interested in applying for the job of club caretaker and

Also, a good win at home for our divi-

maintenance person, commencing the

sion ten team on Sunday in the league

first week in September, please con-

against St Colmcille’s.

tact John McCarthy on 087-6599348.

Anyone who ordered tickets for the

This is run in conjunction with FAS, all

Leinster football final must collect and

applicants must be over 25 and must

pay for them on Friday night from 9 to

be signing on for at least 1 year.

10pm in the bar of Kettle’s Hotel.

Lotto numbers were 6, 8, 25 and 31;

We want your old mobile phones to

there was no jackpot winner, €20 to

upgrade our defibrillator; there is a

Stephen Maguire, Richard Daly and

box in the clubhouse where you can

Banjo. Next week’s jackpot is now

leave them or give them to any com-

worth €4,068.

ST FINIAN’S ANOTHER great week for our Inter-

a lucrative fundraiser with minimum

mediate footballers who consolidated

input. Please give it your best sup-

their position on top of division three

port. Bags can be dropped off to the

with two wins.

clubhouse at the following times:

On Wednesday, they went up against the current second placed team Clon-

Thursday, July 19, 7.30pm-9pm and Saturday, July 21 11am -1pm.

tarf and, despite being down at half-

Congratulations to the Dublin senior

time, a solid second half saw them

ladies who won the Leinster champi-

come away with a three-point win.

onship on Sunday by beating Meath.

This was followed up with a win

Let’s hope the minor and senior men

against Lucan Sarfields on Saturday

can repeat the result next Sunday. If

evening. The lads have now played eight

you have ordered tickets for next Sun-

league games and have won seven and

day they can be picked up on Thursday

drawn one. Keep it going lads.

evening.

Fiona Walshe asks for club members’

Don’t forget, we have further sum-

support for a table quiz in Peacock’s

mer camps coming up in August. Reg-

on Thursday, July 19 at 7.30pm. Liam

istration forms can be found in the

Curran is the quiz master and all pro-

downloads section of our website.

ceeds go to the Children’s Hospital, Crumlin.

A clothing collection will take place

Outstanding registration and membership fees must be paid immediately.

on Saturday, July 21. Please donate all

The lotto jackpot was €5,800 and the

your clean unwanted clothes (in any

numbers drawn were 3, 8, 13 and 22.

condition), bed linen, duvets, pillows,

There was no winner . The €50 winners

towels, shoes, bags, belts and soft

were Louise Mateer and Roisin Farrell.

toys. This has the potential of being

Next week’s jackpot will be €5,900.

ALL OF YOUR SWORDS SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31

ISLAND IN THE SUN: Moynihan takes on European golf’s best P30

JULY 19, 2012

PADDLING FREE: Rheinisch back for third Olympics P29

GazetteSPORT

Swords Celtic, who celebrated their 50th season this year with Giovanni Trappatoni (pictured above), were given another reason to celebrate

Celtic U-19s sign up to new league Swords Celtic’s Paul Darcy is excited about his club’s invite to the brand new AUL U-19 division next season PETER CARROLL

swordssport@gazettegroup.com

SWORDS Celtic have been selected amongst a very strong schoolboy line-up that will compete in the Athletic Union League’s new U-19 division next season.

The choice to be included, for manager, Paul Darcy, was a simple one with the strength of the AUL’s divisions in the past, the opportunity to stay in the schoolboy format at U-19 to bridge the gap between the senior divisions appealed to Swords man, whose other choices would have seen Celtic go into the amateur leagues.

“The LFA got rid of their senior divisions, so the only other option for us would have been to play in the amateur rankings – and that really didn’t suit us.

“Our team love to compete and when the AUL offered us the place in the league, we were delighted to accept it.

“They have a fantastic set-up and there’s

a lot of excitement around the club and the squad,” said Darcy.

In the new league, the Swords side will be pitting their wits against some of the best schoolboy sides in Dublin.

Crumlin United, well established on the domestic, provincial and national scene through their campaigns in the DDSL divisions, have been confirmed in the league along with Tolka Rovers and Leicester Celtic who have a pedigree in bringing through top talent like Irish legend, Damien Duff.

Mettle Last year’s Leinster finalists and two time FAI Junior Cup winners Ballymun United add further fire to the league setting, along with Collinstown of Clondalkin who have proved their mettle in the south Dublin leagues.

“There are some great sides in the league.

There’s no doubt about that, the likes of Crumlin and Ballymun are very solid units.

“But we do know some of the teams and

we’ll look to previous games to give us an edge when we play them.

“We’ve got a few new players coming in at the moment who want to continue at schoolboy level – some teams haven’t taken up the option and have opted to join us in the AUL U-19 league, and we’re hoping they can add to the strong side we already have.

“Between Darren Allen, Mark Gaffney and myself, we’ll be able to gather a lot from the opening few weeks of the league campaign and get used to some new rules.

“There are no rolling substitutes in this league, you can only use three, so it will be things like that on our end that we will have to get used to, keeping the moral high in the squad.

“So far, the squad seem to have a real buzz about them and they can’t wait to get the league under way, they’ve got a fantastic attitude to the game and if we keep that up and get some points on the board, we should do well,” said Darcy.