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INSIDE: Local student shows he’s a class act P3

Cycling: Walsh looking to Olympic qualification Page 32

Football: Fingallians claim points in North County derby Page 31

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ............8-9, 10 MOTORS ........................19 BUSINESS ................... 20 TRAVEL......................... 23 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 25 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26

June 9, 2011

HARTE-FELT: Tyrone manager

gives motivational speech See Page 5

Call to public to back Metro rally Q MIMI MURRAY

POLITICIANS from across the political spectrum came together last week to weigh in behind the campaign of the Metro North Supporters Rally.

The five Swords Electoral Ward councillors are urging residents of Swords and surrounding areas to come out and show their support for the Metro North project ahead of the Government’s decision on whether or not the multimil-

lion euro light rail system will go ahead. Amongst those who attended the rally in Swords were Labour’s Tom Kelleher, Fianna Fail’s Darragh Butler, Fine Gael Councillor Anne Devitt, Labour Councillor Gerry McGuire and Socialist Party Councillor Eugene Coppinger. If the major piece of infrastructure, linking Swords with the city centre, gets the thumbs up, it is set to be 16.5kms long and will incorporate 14 stops, including one at Dublin Airport.

All smiles: St Oliver Plunkett’s pupils’ First Holy Communion IT WAS certainly a day that won’t be

forgotten by Kirstin Hall, Katelyn Fitzgerald and Siun McCormac, when they joined other pupils at St Oliver Plunkett’s to make their First Holy Communion recently.

It was also a very proud day for families and friends who shared this very special day in the life of their loved ones.

Full Story on Page 10

2 SWORDS GAZETTE 9 June 2011

COURTS: MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO ASSAULT

Shane Riordan is to be sentenced later

Snow blow Show of support: Councillors seeking public backing for Metro North addict bit arm of garda POLITICIANS from across the political spectrum came together recently to weigh in behind the campaign of the Metro North Supporters’ Rally. The five Swords Electoral Ward councillors are urging residents of Swords and surrounding areas to come out and show their support for the Metro North project ahead of

A SNOW blow addict, who bit a garda trying to apprehend him, is to be sentenced later at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Shane Riordan (19), of Carton Terrace, Ballymun, pleaded guilty to assaulting Garda Neil Plunkett, and burglary, on the Swords Road, Santry, on October 11, 2010.

The court heard Riordan, a father-of-one, had 10 previous convictions and has been in custody since October of last year.

Judge Desmond Hogan is to sentence Riordan in October on this matter and a number of other offences.

Garda Olive Holden told Ms Fiona Murphy BL, prosecuting, the incident happened while she was investigating the burglary in which a woman noticed her garage had been “ransacked”.

Gda Holden saw two males, one of whom was Shane Riordan, and when Gda Plunkett arrived to assist her a chase ensued.

She said Gda Plunkett struck him with an extendable baton on the arm and then the leg until he stopped resisting then Riordan bit him “sinking his teeth into his arm”.

Gda Holden said Riordan went running down an alleyway and he charged at Gda Plunkett who had caught up with him. Two other gardai arrived to assist Gda Plunkett who had hit him again with his extendable baton and he was arrested. When questioned he accepted being at the address but said he was acting in self-defence when he bit the garda.

Gda Holden agreed with Mr Justin McQuade BL , defending, that Riordan had to be treated in hospital after receiving injuries himself in the incident. She also agreed Riordan was a totally different person now.

Riordan also pleaded guilty to robbery of three mobile phones, a wallet, €5 and €2 on various dates in the city.

the Government’s decision on whether or not the multimillion euro light rail system will go ahead. Pictured are Councillor Tom Kelleher (Labour), Councillor Darragh Butler (FF), Councillor Anne Devitt (FG), Councillor Gerry McGuire (LAB) and Councillor Eugene Coppinger (Socialist Party).

NAC: OVER 400 COMPETITORS TAKE PART IN SIXTH ANNUAL EVENT

Aquatic Centre hosts the Sprint Triathlon OVER 400 competitors took to the pools at the National Aquatic Centre in Blanchardstown for the sixth annual Fingal Sprint Triathlon on Sunday, May 15.

Fingal County Council were represented on the day by the Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Ken Farrell, and Fingal Senior Sports development officer, Niall McGuirk, who were delighted to be a part of the medal ceremony for the youth section and see the start of the senior race.

There were approximately 400 competitors on the

day with all levels of abilities taking part in a 750m indoor swim, followed by a 20km cycle and finishing with a 5km run.

T h e j u n i o r e ve n t (which this year was the inaugural national junior championships), was an “Aquathlon”, for boys and girls aged 12-16yrs.

This preceded the main triathlon and comprised a 250m swim followed by a 2.5km run and had over 100 entries.

In choosing the National Aquatic Centre 50m pool in Abbottstow n as the

venue, 3D triathlon club are encouraging novices who may not be completely comfortable in open water to try a triathlon for perhaps the first time, as well as allowing some of the country’s top triathletes an early season race.

This dedicated spectator venue also gives families and friends a great chance to watch the event.

FCC is providing both financial and technical support for the triathlon, which will be run over a course that will

include the roads surrounding roads the National Aquatics Centre. Fingal County Council’s Transportation Department has been involved in the planning of the route to ensure that every safety precaution has been considered.

The winners on the day included: Men: First - Bjorn Luddick; second, Con Doherty, and third Stephen Early. First place in the women’s event was Marie Boland; second, Emma Sharkey and third, Tara White.

A great day was had by all and is best summarised by one of the finishers who wrote to 3D Triathlon Club to say: “This was my first ever triathlon and I would just like to say thank you to the organisers, it was a really well-run event and the marshals were great; full of encouragement. I really enjoyed it and I will definitely take part next year.”

If you’re interested in taking up triathlon racing, or for further information on 3D Triathlon Club, please go to www.3dtri. com

9 June 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 3

DBS Student Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2011 FastNews School extension

Top-five place proves John is a class act Q HIROMI MOONEY swords@gazettegroup.com

A STUDENT from Swords landed in the top five in the First Ireland Dublin Business School (DBS) Student Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2011.

John Geraghty was shortlisted alongside Stephen Dee, Glasnevin, Liam Shannon, Rathfarnham, and Sean Daniel Kinane, Howth.

Oliver Bausor Day, from Greystones, won the competition, after the DBS students made their individual presentations in front of a panel of four judges.

The award was open to all DBS students.

The applicants submitted a detailed business plan about their idea for a new product or service.

Winner The winner, Oliver, will receive €1,500 in cash, €25,000 worth in business services, office space and utilities, and mentoring support and business advice from many business consultants and professionals.

John is awaiting feedback from the judges.

He said that he spent

almost three months preparing for the competition, but did not expect to make it this far.

“I’m delighted. I only initially did it to put it down on my CV,” he said.

“I just had an idea and I just put it down to have a bit of experience and to say it on my CV, and then I got an email to say that I’m in the final, so I’m delighted

THE Minister for Education has sought planning permission for an extension to Thornleigh Educate Together. The proposed site, in Applewood Swords, consists of a twostorey extension to the existing eightclassroom school comprising 10 classrooms, staff room, set rooms, library/ resource room, principal’s office, sanitary and ancillary accommodation which is linked to a shared community facility containing a general purpose hall, changing facilities, store space, server, meeting rooms, office space, children’s activity space and ancillary accommodation.

ing up with paying,” he said.

“I asked my friends how much they were paying for insurance, and they hadn’t crashed and they were still getting high premiums.

“I thought there was a high margin between the actual cost incurred by insurance companies, and the amount that people are paying for their insurance each year even, if they don’t

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

‘I just had an idea and I just put it down to have a bit of experience and to say it on my CV, and then I got an email to say that I’m in the final, so I’m delighted that my idea went down well’ --------------------------------------------------------

that my idea went down well.”

John proposed a new form of car insurance as a “flexible lump-sum pay m ent” where he would quote people a total cost of insurance in a way that would save them money.

“I came up with a new idea for car insurance because it was just that time of the year where I had to renew the policy, and I just thought of a different way of com-

crash.

“For example, quote a person €10,000 for insurance on a car (based on criteria such as age, number of years no claims, engine size of car, etc.) instead of €1,000 for the year, which may be what an insurance company in the industry may quote.

“T he difference is that the €10,000 I quote is the fee they will pay in their lifetime and not just for the year. So long

Turn clutter into cash Top: Swords student, John Geraghty. Bottom: John with competition winner Oliver Bausor Day, from Greystones

as the criteria don’t change and no one crashes or claims from my insurance company, the lumpsum payment won’t change.

“If people want to change their car, or add people to their policy, then the variations will be marginal to the overall ‘lumpsum payment’.

“Furthermore, I pro-

pose to offer a financing option to customers, to enable them to pay this €10,000 back in a reasonable amount of time.

“I believe that this way will save customers a high percentage in total payment on car insurance over their lifetime and also, depending on what ‘lumpsum’ they are

quoted and the financing option they take, it can also save them money annually too.”

John studied Politics and Economics in UCD and has just completed his one-year Postgraduate course in Business Studies in DBS. He is hoping to get a Masters Degree in either NCI or DCU.

IT’S time to clear out all that clutter, fill up that car and head for the Old Borough National School in Swords for a car boot sale in aid of St Columba’s Church this June. The gates will be open for sellers from 10am on June 11 and for customers from 11am to 2pm. Admission is €10 for cars; 7-seaters/estates are €15 and vans cost € 20.

4 SWORDS GAZETTE 9 June 2011

SERVICES: INVESTMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDED

Museum move: New home for palace

Water tax is unjust – Cllr O’Callaghan WATER tax is unjust and will be regressive, according to Labour C o u n c i l l o r, C i a n O’Callaghan.

The tax, which will affect all householders, is grossly unfair, according to Cllr O’Callaghan.

“The claim from the Minister for the Environment, Phil Hogan, that the introduction of a water tax will be a conservation measure, rather than a revenuegenerating measure is completely false.

“If the Government was serious about water conser vation, they could, for example, immediately introduce legislation requiring households that wish to water their gardens in the summer to use water from rain water harvesting, rather than treated piped water.”

“The imposition of a water tax is grossly unfair and regressive because families on low and middle incomes will be hit disproportionately much harder than highincome households.

“Even if metering is introduced, it will effectively be a flat rate revenue-generating tax. This proposal will increase income inequality and, in taxation terms, represents yet another transfer of wealth and resources

SWORDS residents who have missed Tara’s Palace Museum of Childhood since it was moved from it’s home in nearby Malahide, will be delighted to know that they can now visit it at its new home in Wicklow.

RTE’s Miriam O’Callaghan is pictured with Timothy Christie (age 7), Molly and Alannah Beirne (aged 3 and 5) at the opening of Tara’s Palace Museum of Childhood’s new home in Powerscourt Estate, Enniskerry, Co Wicklow.

The museum is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, Monday to Saturday, and from 12 noon to 5 pm on Sunday.

from those with the least to the richest in Irish society.

“Currently each taxpayer contributes progressively proportionate to their income to the cost of treated water provision. This measure will abolish this progressive funding mechanism through general taxation in favour of a highly regressive water tax.

Myth

“The suggestion that there will be reasonable allocation, which will ensure that households don’t have to pay if they conserve water is a myth. The government is not going to all the trouble of installing water meters, setting up a national water company and introducing billing without the clear intention of generating significant revenue. “ W h e n b i n t a xe s were first introduced we were told that if we recycled we wouldn’t face charges. Now even households who recycle and compost heavily are faced with flat rate charges. The same will occur with water.”

“I am in favour of much-needed investment in our water infrastructure; however this must be funded fairly through progressive taxation.”

RACEWAY: LOCAL PUNTERS ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO BIG DAY

Portmarnock track gets set to re-open Q MIMI MURRAY

swords@gazettegroup.com

SEVEN years after Portmarnock Raceway was closed and sold for property development, local punters are

looking forward to celebrating the grand reopening of the track on Sunday, June 12.

T he venue first opened its doors for racing in 1969 but was sold in 2004 for property development and has remained idle ever since.

This Sunday however, the sport of harness racing is making a comeback and local enthusiasts are celebrating its return with the first official day back at the races.

“Sunday, June 12, will be a big day for all the local racers and their horses as it’s been a long time since they’ve been able to take part in

the sport locally,” said Tom Bennett, one of the organisers of the grand reopening.

“We’re going to use this day, and perhaps a second racing day, to iron out any teething problems and let our racers settle back into the racecourse. “ We ’r e e x p e c t i n g b e t we e n 1, 5 0 0 a n d 2,000 people on the day, so it will be a big celebration.

“We are hoping to have an official launch later in the month to celebrate the reopening properly and invite a well-known personality to join us in a more official ‘cutting the cake’ ceremony, but we still

have to confirm what date that will be,” said Tom. When the track closed in 2004, local enthusiasts had to travel to tracks in Northern Ireland, West Cork and Britain to compete with their horses and, following the subsequent recession in 2008, the track remained vacant when property development plans failed to proceed.

Discussions As a result of recent discussions between the chairman of Standardbred Harness Racing Ireland (SHRI) Mark Flanagan, and Portmarnock Raceways owners,

a lease was signed for the track to be opened once again.

The track itself, which is located on the old Portmarnock Road, has been completely relayed and resurfaced while seating has been installed along with a new site allocated for bookmakers under the old stands.

With the public areas freshly landscaped, the bar and restaurant revamped, and picnic tables and play areas installed for children, all the boxes are ticked to make the Portmarnock Raceway the ideal destination for a family day out throughout the summer season.

LOCALMATTERS SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZET TE CALL 60 10 240

9 June 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 5

SPORT Giving the athletes a motivational speech

Irish Transplant Team given Harte-felt talk by Mickey Q MIMI MURRAY swords@gazettegroup.com

THE Manager of the Irish Transplant Team, Balbriggan man Colin White led his team to meet the esteemed Tyrone football manager, Mickey Harte recently.

Harte gave a motivational talk to a group of inspirational transplant athletes in advance of their departure for the 18th World Transplant Games, which will be held in Goteburg, Sweden, in just under a month.

The prolific manager took time out from preparations for Tyrone’s first match in the GAA Ulster Championships against Monaghan last Sunday to speak to members of Transplant Team Ireland when they gathered for training at the ALSAA sports complex near Dublin airport.

The Irish team of 33 athletes have all received major organ transplants including heart, lung, liver, kidney and pancreas. The team, ranging in age from nine to over 70, will participate in various sporting events at the World Transplant Games, which will take place from June 17 to 24.

Speaking at ALSAA, National Team Manager, Colin White said: “We are honoured that the highly prolific Mickey Harte has joined us to offer encouragement to our team. The chance for a new lease of

life through transplantation has instilled a great sense of motivation in each member of the team, which drives them to achieve great personal and sporting goals.

Through his endorsement, Mickey Harte has further underlined the importance of sport in maintaining a healthy lifestyle after transplantation.”

Embracing life

Addressing the team, Mickey said: “It is a privilege to be asked to speak to such an inspirational group of people who have overcome great health hurdles and are now embracing life through sport. This is a fantastic legacy to your organ donors, who you honour by representing your country on the world stage. The measure of your success at the World Transplant Games will not be on the number of medals you bring home but that you are striving to achieve your personal best in your chosen events.”

T he World Transplant Games are about celebrating life and the strength and generosity of human spirit. Over 1,100 athletes from over 50 countries will participate in the Games.

At the previous World Tr a n s p l a n t G a m e s , which were held in Gold Coast, Australia, in 2009, the Irish team

Tyrone football manager, Mickey Harte

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‘The Irish team of 33 athletes have all received major organ transplants including heart, lung, liver, kidney and pancreas’ --------------------------------------------------------

of 19 athletes scooped 10 gold, seven silver and five bronze. The 22 medals haul placed Ireland 11th out of the 50 competing countries on the medals table. In 2007, in Bangkok, the Irish team won 39 medals and finished tenth overall on the medals table from 49 competing countries.

The Irish Kidney Association is responsible for managing Transplant Team Ireland’s participation at the Games.

Individual athletes are currently involved in fundraising activities to offset some of the expenses incurred in travelling to, and participating in, the Games.

Pyrite issue discussed at meeting Q MIMI MURRAY

A cross-party meeting held in order to discuss the issue of pyrite, which is prevalent in several estates in the Fingal area, took place recently.

Labour TD, Brendan Ryan TD said: “I was pleased to take part in this meeting, which was attended by a number of TDs across a number of parties from the Dublin and Meath areas. There was consensus that momentum needed to build at a political level to help the many householders affected by pyrite.

“I made the argument in the Dail

in April, when I placed an Adjournment Motion down before the House calling for a Government Task Force to be set up to tackle this issue. The idea for a Task Force has since gained momentum from other parties on foot of my motion, and I will make this case again when this group of TDs meet the two junior Ministers in two weeks.”

The group of TDs requested a meeting in two weeks to discuss this issue further with Willie Penrose, Minister of State, with responsibility for Housing and Planning and Shane McEntee, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture,

who has extensive experience on this issue.

“We need to get ahead of this issue and provide coordinated leadership for those affected and, most importantly, we need to find solutions.”

Pyrite is a very common mineral, traces of which are found in the rock used to make crushed stone for backfill in the construction of homes and buildings. In the presence of humidity and oxygen, pyrite can form a chemical reaction that leads to swelling within the backfill, resulting in structural damage to the home.

COUNCIL

Teams hopeful for new pitches THE Parks Department at Fingal County Council have met with MKN and hope to take the new pitches into their charge as soon as possible, so they can be allocated to St Finian’s GAA and River Valley Rangers FC for the summer season.

“Following representations by Councillor Anne Devitt and myself, we are pleased to confirm that the Parks Department of Fingal County Council have met with MKN,” Fianna Fail Councillor Darragh Butler said.

“Meetings will continue and, if successful, this would be great news for St Finian’s who will get to use the full-size GAA pitch and for both clubs in making use of the junior pitches earlier than expected.

The building/changing room facility would then follow later in the year.

6 SWORDS GAZETTE 9 June 2011

FCC: STATEMENT ISSUED ON USAGE OF RESOURCE

FCC Fingal residents being urged to play their part

Council in appeal to conserve water FINGAL County Council say it appeals to its residents and businesses “all year round” to conserve water, but is now asking people to be extra considerate during times of good weather as Dublin gets a touch of summer temperatures.

Last week, Dublin City Council (DCC), issued a statement appealing to council residents and businesses to conserve water and minimise usage.

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

‘So anything over the ordinary usage, or excessive usage or leaks, that is when we can start to run into problems’ --------------------------

According to a DCC spokesperson the rainfall in March and April of this year in the Dublin region was “only onethird” the normal average rainfall, leading to a reduction in the amount of water available for its treatment reservoirs.

“While there is no immediate need to impose restrictions on water supply, restrictions may, however, be unavoidable if the dry spell continues and if demand for water increases over the summer period.

“For advice on how to conserve water, consumers are asked to view w w w.taptips.ie,” the DCC statement said.

When asked if Fingal County Council was making the same appeal, a spokeswoman for the council said they

haven’t, but such an appeal is “not unique to dry weather” and that they would always ask households and businesses to conserve water.

However, when the weather is “really good and really hot, people do tend to run more water” so the appeal is reiterated during such times.

“When the weather is really good and really hot, people tend to run more water, with people watering gardens, maybe filling up paddling pools, having more showers and things like that, so there is a little bit more of a drain on the system’s reserve.

“So anything over the ordinary usage or excessive usage or leaks, that is when we can start to run into problems and the reservoir levels start going down.

“We would always say to people - you have to conserve water, and stop wasting it.

“The advice we would give council residents are very standard, things like don’t run the tap when you are brushing your teeth.

“If you have a dual flush on the toilet, make sure to use the lighter o n e , h ave s h owe r s instead of baths and, if you are peeling vegetables, fill a basin rather than running the tap, things like that.

“The best website to find all the tips on how to conserve water is www.taptips.ie.

“We would say to people all the time to conserve water. This isn’t something that happens in really good weather or bad weather, this is all the time,” the Fingal spokeswoman said.

The council is looking to engage with stakeholders to determine the best location for new drainage and waste water treatment works

Seeking wastewater and drainage views Q MIMI MURRAY swords@gazettegroup.com

FINGAL residents are being encouraged to play their part in determining the best location for vital new drainage and wastewater treatment infrastructure in Dublin.

Fingal County Council would like to engage with all stakeholders at a very early stage of Greater Dublin Drainage by commencing an initial consultation process.

Initiative The Greater Dublin Drainage initiative aims to provide the drainage infrastructure that the greater Dublin area needs to continue to develop, both socially and economically.

The initiative involves the provision of a new wastewater treatment works, a marine outfall and new drainage network in the northern part of the greater Dublin area.

“Very often critical infrastructural projects are the subject of public disquiet because the public are not involved early on and given an opportunity to help to decide where projects should be built.

“We hope that, by offering the public this very early chance to have their say on the criteria that should be taken into account before any locations for the project are placed on a map, we can build the infrastructure Dublin needs in partnership with the people who

need it most.

“These criteria could be environmental, economic heritage social or other – we want to hear about them all,” says David O’Connor, Fingal County Manager.

This phase of the nonstatutory consultation is four weeks long, ending on June 24, 2011.

“Without this initiative, the potential for development of essential resources and facilities, such as schools, hospitals, industry, businesses and homes, will be severely restricted throughout the Greater Dublin Area – a scenario which is unthinkable for a capital region.

“The council is determined to ensure that the most appropriate and suitable locations are selected for Greater Dub-

lin Drainage, and that all interested stakeholders be consulted with and involved in the decision making process.

“Fingal County Council seeks feedback from stakeholders on what issues or concerns should be taken into account in determining the locations of the three elements of the Greater Dublin Drainage project.

“This early engagement is in addition to the future statutory consultation phases of the initiative, when a planning application will be made for whichever locations are chosen for the new infrastructure,” the council said.

Information on the project can be found on the project website www.GreaterDublinD-

rainage.ie Among the ways in which people can have their say on the initiative during this period are: in person by coming to meet the team at one of Open Days in Fingal.

T hese are in Fingal County Council offices on June 14 in Balbriggan Town Hall from 2pm to 7pm and on June 16 in Swords County Offices from 2pm to 7pm.

Submissions can also be made in writing to Greater Dublin Drainage Project Manager c/o RPS Group, West Pier Business Campus, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, Ireland, online by emailing us at info@ greaterdublindrainage. ie or by phone on 1890 44 55 67.

9 June 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 7

HEALTH Support for new Europe-wide campaign

W

City break: Newcastle renewed is vibrant for visitors

Annalisa Flanagan (left) , holder of the Guinness Book of Records for the world’s loudest shout, joined forces with former Ireland rugby international, Malcolm O’Kelly and Eimear Kearney, who suffers from chronic pain, to launch a new health awareness campaign, entitled Can You Feel My Pain?

Awareness of the burden of chronic pain CHRONIC Pain Ireland, and Pfizer Healthcare Ireland, are supporting a Can You Feel My Pain campaign – a new Europe-wide campaign that aims to raise awareness of the burden of chronic pain.

As part of the campaign, Can You Feel My Pain is going on the road to shopping centres around the country to encourage people to sign the petition and raise awareness of the burden of chronic pain in Ireland.

It will be in Swords Pavillon on June 16 and the far-reaching initiative seeks to give a voice to the 13%, or 400,000, of the Irish population who are living with the debilitating condition.

The campaign urges the Government and

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‘Chronic Pain Ireland is aiming to obtain 5,000 signatures of support which will be presented to Dail Eireann’ --------------------------

health system to recognise the burden that chronic pain places on individuals and their families, the healthcare systems, employers and the economy. It is not yet formally recognised as a disease in its own right, or as a medical specialty in Europe.

A core outcome of the campaign is to drive

change in health services through the development of a chronic pain Bill of Rights, shaped by those affected by chronic pain.

The public are encouraged to show their support for change by signing the online Bill of Rights hosted on www. chronicpain.ie.

Chronic Pain Ireland is aiming to obtain 5,000 signatures of support, which will be presented to Dail Eireann. It is hoped that this will promote change to ensure that the right patient receives the right treatment at the right time.

Information and advice will be provided

by Chronic Pain Ireland at each event and the public will have an opportunity to sign the petition in person.

IKEA launching campaign to fill 32 positions at store SWEDISH furniture giant, IKEA, has launched a recruitment campaign to fill 32 positions at its Dublin store.

The positions are across several areas including sales, food services, checkouts and customer services.

According to the company, the new co-workers will commence work in IKEA in mid July.

“We are looking for people who are really passionate about home furnishing

and would like to develop a career with IKEA. In return, the company offers extensive training, competitive rates of pay and generous benefits, including a contributory pension scheme, staff discounts and much more,”said Sharon Moran, IKEA’s manager.

Further details can be found at www. ikea.ie/dublin, www.irishjobs.ie or the Job Centre, Ballymun. Closing date for applications is Friday, June 17, 2011.

TRAVEL PAGES 22-23

8 SWORDS GAZETTE 9 June 2011

EVENT Sun shines as renovated and refurbished Duffy’s

Aidan Nugent and Yvonne Reynolds

Barmen Barry Corry and Mark McGrath at Duffy’s grand reopening in Malahide. Pictures: Siobhan Quigley

Kevin Macken, manager, and Alan Farrell, TD

Celebration time at new, modern Duffy’s HE sun shone and the drinks flowed as Duffy’s re-opened their newly revamped bar in Malahide recently.

Newly appointed manager, Kevin Macken, said the place is “brand spanking new, a complete rebuild”.

“We have the most modern cooling and dispensing beer equipment

T

in the country. It’s very eco-friendly and doesn’t get any better.

“All the same people are still on board and we are employing around 30 to 35 people, full and part-time.”

The bar has a new outdoor area complete with flat screen television that will show all major sporting events.

Barry Kirwan, Rose Lawlor, Mary Kirwan and Kieran Lawlor

“We will also have lots of live entertainment, but conversation will still be possible. Our doors opened on Friday night and we are welcoming everyone through those doors.”

Food-wise they are offering an excellent bar snack menu but will be doing a full a la carte menu at a date to be confirmed.

Stephen O’Flynn and Claire Keogh

Joanna and Andrew Corry

9 June 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 9

Bar reopens its doors and welcomes the public

The chefs: (back) Trish Cuthbert, Theresa Corry, Susan Manson and Cedric Glynn and (front) Paula Grogan, Sam Kennedy, Margaret McCann and Slyie Somers

Clarie Keating, Laura Powell and Katie O’Reilly

Connie Scanlon with the former Lord Mayor Of

Gavin Simpson and Reg Farrelly, from Duffy’s Darts

Malahide, Pat Kelly

team

Rory Molloy, Kevin Whelan and Ivan Sherlock

COMMERCIAL FEATURE

What water means to a community Q NOEL O’HALLORAN Chief Investment Officer Kleinwort Benson Investors

WATER is certainly in the news. The dry spring means that Dublin’s reservoirs are at dangerously low levels, and water charges are on the way.

These charges are a condition of the EU/IMF rescue deal, and the new government seems to accept that it has to be done.

The decision is wildly unpopular, but, apart from the money it will raise, it should reduce waste, averting Dublin’s predict-

ed water crisis.

As things stand today, plans are well advanced to pipe water to Dublin all the way from the Shannon, and the only alternative (apart from charges) may be to build a desalination plant somewhere on the coast that will convert salt sea water to fresh drinking water. Do Swords residents really want a large chemical plant (for that’s what a desalination facility is) on their doorstep?

If you think about it at all, we tend to take water for granted, yet we certainly should not. All life depends on it. Without water, we could not live; agriculture would be impossible; industry couldn’t function.

And yet, while population growth, industrialisation, urbanisation and dietary change all place an ever-increasing demand on this one crucial, irreplaceable resource, the supply remains finite.

There is no more water available to us now than there was 10,000 years ago, and there may soon be less. In places, fresh water is threatened by pollution and global warming, in others it is becoming more inaccessible as underground aquifers are depleted and ground water levels fall. Less than 1% of the world’s total water content is considered available for human use on a regular basis.

Water is fast becoming

Water is a resource that is fast becoming more and more inaccessible

the most critical resource issue for humanity. And, with such stark consequences for a failure to address the issue, it is easy to see why governments around the world are introducing policies intended to secure adequate water supplies for their populations.

To provide enough water for all uses through 2030, industry analysts estimate that the world will need to invest as much as €1 trillion per year. The task is huge. But it has begun.

Leading companies around the world are developing and imple-

menting technologies to ensure water security.

Among them are firms working to increase supply through desalination and waste-water reclamation, and firms working to protect and ensure quality of that supply through filtration and the refurbishment of existing pipelines.

It is for this reason that Kleinwort Benson Investors launched its Water Strategy in October 2000.

It invests only in companies that derive a significant proportion of their revenue from water distribution, infrastructure

and technology. Since its launch in 2000, the Kleinwort Benson Investors Water Strategy has delivered nine out of 10 years added value above the MSCI World (a stock market index of over 6,000 world stocks).

This city is getting thirstier, and so is the world. An already severe imbalance between the supply and demand for fresh water can only become more acute.

Like the Dublin authorities, governments and local authorities around the world are seeking solutions, some urgently.

Recognising the potential crises that will develop if they don’t act now, many have committed to spending vast amounts of money to ensure water security in the decades to come. It is a global problem with implications for the whole of humanity. Smart companies will provide the answers and long-term investors, who are able to focus on those that are best placed to do so, will surely reap the rewards.

Past performance may not be a reliable guide to future performance and the value of investments may fall as well as rise. The views expressed in this document are expressions of opinion only and should not be construed as investment advice. Kleinwort Benson Investors Dublin Ltd. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

10 SWORDS GAZETTE 9 June 2011

EVENT St Oliver Plunkett’s pupils make First Communion

Hope Craddock Sheelagh and Finn Daly Dollan

It’s a day they will not forget

Kirstin Hall, Katelyn Fitzgerald and Siun McCormac

HERE was plenty of smartly dressed young boys and young girls in beautiful white dresses when St Oliver Plunkett’s pupils made their First Holy Communion.

They were joined by friends and family who came to witness this very special occasion in a young person’s life. A First Holy Communion marks a milestone in any child’s life and for these children it certainly was a day they will remember fondly.

T

Una and Hannah Karabegovic

Beverley and Josh Caparra. Pictures: Una Williams

Jessica and Mags Quinn

Edel, Conor and Darragh Timmons

Miss Duggan and Hannah Karabegovic

9 June 2011 GAZETTE 11

12 GAZETTE 9 June 2011

SUPPORT: FUNDRAISER TO AID OPERATIONS

FASHION Hot summer collection for less

This is your chance to give a child a big smile THE FIRST ever Bumps, Babies and Buggies national fundraiser for Operation Smile will take place this June 17 and 18.

Would you like to catch up with friends, family and neighbours while giving a facially deformed child a smile which will change their world forever?

Bumps, Babies and Buggies, June 17 and 18, 2011 is a coffee morning with an important difference. It is an opportunity to meet friends, relax over a cup of coffee and talk the baby talk, and at the same time raising funds to support Operation Smile’s efforts to provide surgery for children with facial deformity in the developing world.

More than 200,000 children are born globally with a cleft lip and/ or palate facial deformity each year — often unable to eat, speak, socialise or smile. In Ireland, corrective surgery is easily available, but in many countries these vulnerable children are shunned and rejected. Without outside help, thousands of children with facial deformities worldwide will never have the medical care they need to live a normal life. It can take as little as 45 minutes and €240 to change a child’s life forever.

Operation Smile changes lives one smile at a time. Operation Smile Ireland is part of a global alliance of Operation Smile organisations working to serve children with facial deformity such as cleft lip and palate.

Free surgery Since 1982, Operation Smile has provided free surgery to more than 160,000 children around the world with the help of dedicated medical volunteers. With the help of mums and dads around Ireland, how many more

lives can be changed?

Paediatric dental surgeon, and mother of two young children, Dr Eleanor McGovern, is behind Bumps, Babies and Buggies and has worked with Operation Smile in countries such as Ecuador, Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Philippines and Russia.

J’aime La Vie Inserobe

Understand

According to Dr McGovern: ‘‘As parents, or expectant parents, we understand the importance of feeding our babies.

We appreciate the joy when our baby gives that first smile! How would we feel if our baby struggled with feeding because we could not access the care they needed? How would we feel if we knew our beautiful baby could have the surgery to make their face even more beautiful, but we could not afford it? Every infant born with a cleft lip or palate should have access to all the care they need, regardless of where they are born.”

Author Marisa Mackle, who helped launch the event commented: “Bumps Babies and Buggies is a great idea. It is easy to organise and a fantastic excuse for people to gather friends and neighbours together while raising money for a really worthwhile cause. Operation Smile’s volunteers change children’s lives and also save children’s lives.”

To get your Bumps, Babies and Buggies coffee morning hosting pack, please email Eleanor at eleanor@operationsmile. ie or call 01 667 6659.

All the funds raised will go to fund cleft lip/palate surgery for children in developing countries.

Monies can be sent by cheque, bank deposit or online payment. For further information on Operation Smile, you can visit www.operationsmile.ie

J’aime La Vie Penny Dress

J’aime La Vie Notti Dress

J’aime La Vie Oceana Dress

J’aime La Vie Rebecca Dress

Dun Laoghaire’s newest hotspot is Carraig Donn WHAT has a bright citrus dress, this season’s maxi, novel gift ideas and rocking jewellery got in common? The answer is the collection available in the new Carraig Donn branch in Dun Laoghaire Shopping Centre.

The new store opened in recent weeks and is the talk of the town with the innovate, on- trend collections, just in time for summer.

Carraig Donn is Ireland’s leading lifestyle retailer, with 23 stores

nationwide showcasing irresistible fashion, jewellery and gifts collection all under one roof!

Carraig Donn champions a number of brands – their own label J’aime la Vie is seen alongside Vila, Vero Moda, Amari, Darling and Peruzzi, to usher in every trend and silhouette of the season. All brands have one thing in commonfantastic prices!

The Star Buy of the collection has to be the J’aime la Vie Notti dress,

retailing at only €69.

The Notti features one of this season’s hottest looks in crushed fabric.

The J’aime la Vie Penny dress is a close second as the season’s star buy, retailing at only €69.

Dresses Of course you will agree that the summer 2011 collection is a dream for dress lovers.

Carraig Donn caters for every need at a range of budgets, making you look fantastic for every

occasion. Knight and Day and Soul jewellery completes the look with both contemporary and funky pieces.

This winning formula extends to the gift and home departments where customers are met with clever, vibrant gift and home concepts again to suit any budget for every taste and occasion.

Summer 2011 promises to be a busy for Carraig Donn, with the company celebrating 40 years in retail, new stores

opening across the country and online shopping launching by the end of this month!

Register You can register your own details online at www.carraigdonn.com to get all the latest news, promos and huge discounts.

Carraig Donn is located in the Dun Laoghaire Shopping Centre. For more information phone 01 2846121 Email info@ carraigdonn.com

9 June 2011 GAZETTE 13

now available in Carraig Donn branch in Dun Laoghaire

J’aime La Vie San Francisco Dress

J’aime La Vie Oceanna Maxi

J’aime La Vie Dress

14 GAZETTE 9 June 2011

GazettePETS PETS

Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA

THE FACTS: WRITE “LIVE ANIMAL” ON BOTH SIDES OF THE CRATE

Your pet will benefit from the holiday experience if you carefully plan your trip

Prepare for a happy holiday with your pet chool is out, hailing the start of the summer holidays, and I want to remind pet parents to make every effort to ensure their pets – as well as their family - have a safe and happy experience when travelling to and from that holiday destination; whether it’s by road, sea, rail or air.

Remember, travelling can be very stressful for both you and your pet; I know, I’m one of those people who bring their dogs everywhere, and ,take it from me, poor holiday planning can literally be listed as grounds for divorce in our house!

However, with thoughtful preparation, you can ensure a safe, happy and comfortable experience for everyone.

S

Here’s a few top tips from a weary traveller.

•When you and hubby are excitedly discussing your travel plans and destinations, make sure you remember to get your pets involved. And no, I don’t mean sit down and ask them where they’d like to go!

•Take your pets to the vet to ensure they are upto-date on all vaccinations and that you have a supply of any medication they are currently taking.

•If you own dogs that will be in contact with other dogs, make sure they are vaccinated against kennel cough.

•Make sure your dog has basic training so that he will behave well during the trip.

•Obtain a clean certificate of health from your vet and make sure this is dated at least 14 days before your departure if travelling by air or sea.

•Ask your vet about any parasites, health risks, etc., to your animal that may be associated with your planned destination.

•Make sure your pet wears a collar and ID tag and is micro-chipped.

Make sure his details are up-to-date and clearly displayed.

For air/ferry travel:

The first time I took my dogs on a ferry and somebody callously described them as “cargo,” I nearly had a fit. However, this is how they are considered, and even if your dog is the most relaxed canine in the world, (a la our middle one, Belle), the cargo hold does not make for a pleasant travel experience.

If required, purchase an approved shipping crate – it should be large enough for your pet to comfortably stand, sit, lie down and turn around in. Write the words “live animal” clearly on at least two sides of the crate and use arrows to prominently indicate the upright position of the crate.

Always check ahead with your airline’s/ferry’s pet policies.

For car travel:

Plan the journey taking into account any rest stops and/or restaurants where you can safely eat with your pet.

In order to make the journey safe and secure,

a well-ventilated pet carrier/crate, large enough for your pet to stand, sit, lie down and turn around.

Alternatively a pet harness/safety belt should be attached. So, it’s up to you; you know your own pet, so you’ll know the best way to secure them.

Never, ever, leave your animal alone in a parked car. On a hot day, even with the windows open, a parked car can turn into a furnace and very quickly, in a matter of minutes, heatstroke can develop, causing death. In cold weather a car can turn into a fridge, holding in the cold, causing the animal to freeze to death.

Take along plenty of bottled drinking water from your own tap.

Drinking water they are not used to could cause the animal’s tummy to become upset.

Bring along a travel bag for your pet and include things like: •First aid kit •Clean towel •Fresh supply of water •Paper towels •Poo bags •Favourite blanket/ toys.

Remember to tr y and enjoy your holiday because one bad experience for both you and your pet can prompt you to say what I’ve said so many times: “Never again!’’

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

9 June 2011 GAZETTE 15

GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY

Edited by Dawn Love

Find your holiday beauty essentials at Littlewoods

ANCY having top beauty brands at the touch of your fingertips? Littlewoods Ireland has just launched an extensive new online beauty store.

It stocks leading skincare brands such as Elizabeth Arden, Burts Bees, St Tropez and Fake Bake.

With products to suit all budgets, and a free four-day delivery service, updating your beauty regime is as simple as logging onto www.little woodsireland.ie Offers to check out include the Elizabeth Arden Intervene Holiday Set (€59), which contains 50ml Radi-

F

ance Boosting Moisture Cream SPF 15, 50ml 3 in 1 Cleanser Exfoliator Primer, 4.5ml Timefighting Radiance Serum and 7ml Peel & Reveal Revitalising Treatment with sponge, perfect face care staples for any trip abroad.

And perfect for all your travels this summer, we love this Mister Mascara Large Travel Bag, €10, with its handy decanting kit, there’s no chance of forgetting your bathroom essentials when travelling.

The containers comply with EU liquids in hand luggage regulations.

Moisturiser SPF 30 50ml, €17

Body Shop launches SPF 30 THE Body Shop has just launched its first SPF 30 product. This lightweight, easilyabsorbed daily moisturiser offers UVA/ UVB protection. Containing camu camu berry and moisturising Community Trade brazil nut oil, the Daily Moisturiser helps to revitalise the skin, leaving it soft, smooth and radiant.

Elizabeth Arden Intervene Holiday Set and the Mister Mascara large travel bag (inset)

Give your lips some TLC this summer with Voya IF YOUR lips are in need of some extra TLC during the summer months, then why not check out VOYA’s new Balmelicious Lip Balms, which contain a unique blend of organic seaweed extracts, vitamin E, as well as Soil Association certified oils of sweet almond, beeswax, wheat germ, candelilla and sunflower, all chosen for their repairing, hydrating and healing properties.

VOYA’s Balmelicious Lip Balms’ cell regenerating algae base formulations are packed with B vitamins and polysaccharides and work on contact to soften roughness, relieve dryness, stop flaking and prevent any further damage, leaving lips intensely moisturised and softened.

VOYA’s Balmelicious Lip Balms are available in two delicious flavours, zingy and zesty Lemon & Lime, and tingling, lip plumping Vanilla & Pep-

Vitamin C Daily

permint.

VOYA’s Balmelicious Lip Balms’ packaging is totally bio-degradable, too. Their outer casing is made with corn-starch and, when disposed of in the compost heap, will break down within just a few weeks, making these lip balms earth and lip friendly, too.

VOYA’s Balmelicious is set to become a firm handbag favourite this summer, to lips that are gorgeously soft and smooth. Your lips will adore VOYA’s Balmelicious!

VOYA p r o d u c t s can also be purchased online at www.voya.ie.

For stockists, call 071 9168956.

Vanilla Peppermint

Lemon Lime

16 GAZETTE 9 June 2011

SNAPSHOT The stories of the day GAZETTE COMMENT

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Calling out for the people of 2011 DEAR EDITOR,

IT’S that time of year again when we once more make a special appeal to readers of the Gazette to think about who are the inspiring people in your community.

We here at the People of the Year Awards, which are organised by Rehab and sponsored by QUINN-healthcare, are searching for stories of achievement, success, bravery and heroism.

Who cannot have been moved by the courage of 2009 winner Steve Collins in his fight for justice following the murder of his son by gangland criminals in Limerick? Or have been stunned by 2010 winner Rio Hogarty’s selflessness in fostering 140 children over the past four decades?

However, we wouldn’t hear about these stories if it was not for the people of Ireland telling us about them.

That’s why we need to know of those citizens in your community who have done extraordinary things and who ought be considered for a People of the Year Award.

Amongst the categories this year are the Young Person of the Year Award (under 25 years), the International Person of the Year Award, the Best Friend of the Year Award, as well as

a number of other People of the Year Awards for achievements in the areas of community service, arts and culture, sports and public sector achievement, among others.

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

‘We need to know of those citizens who have done extraordinary things’ ---------------------------------------

To receive a nomination form, just phone 01 205 7260 or write to People of the Year Awards, Rehab, Roslyn Park, Sandymount, Dublin 4. You can also nominate online at www.peopleoftheyear.com or by email at poy@ quinn-healthcare.com. The closing date is Monday, June 20, 2011.

Then all that’s left to do is sit back and tune in to RTE One on Saturday September 10 and, who knows, the next winner of a People of the Year Award could be from Dublin.

Yours sincerely,

Don Delaney Head of Communications and Marketing Rehab Group Dublin 4

GazetteContacts Block 3A, Mill Bank Business Park, Lucan Tel: 01 6010240 Fax: 01 6010251 Managing Director: Liam Holland email: lholland@gazettegroup.com

General Manager: Michael McGovern email: mmcgovern@gazettegroup.com

Editor: Cormac Curtis email: ccurtis@gazettegroup.com

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

News Editor: Dawn Love email: dlove@gazettegroup.com

Sports Editor: Rob Heigh email: sport@gazettegroup.com

Financial Controller: Carly Lynch email: clynch@gazettegroup.com

Advertising Production: Anita Ward email: ads@gazettegroup.com

Advertising Sales: 01 6010240 email: sales@gazettegroup.com Gazette Group Newspapers Ltd. Terms and Conditions for acceptance of advertisements Reserve the right to omit or suspend or alter any advertisement(s) in any of its publications. We also decline any responsibility in the event of one or more of a series of advertisements being omitted for any reason whatever, nor do we accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement. If your advertisement appears incorrectly, contact the Advertising Department immediately, as responsibility cannot be accepted for more than one week’s incorrect insertion. Responsibility cannot be accepted if the complaint is made more than two weeks after insertion. If one places an advertisement for more than one week and then cancels it after the first week, no refund or credit will be given for weeks cancelled. The advertiser undertakes to indemnify the Proprietors against any liability for any civil action arising out of the publication of the advertisement or any other matter printed or published in the Blanchardstown Gazette, Castleknock Gazette, Clondalkin Gazette, Dundrum Gazette, Dun Laoghaire Gazette, Lucan Gazette, Malahide Gazette and Swords Gazette. The placing of an order or contract will be deemed an acceptance of these conditions.

Woodie’s Supergarden winner, Ken, picks up a bronze medal at this year’s Bloom festival Woodie’s DIY have continued their sponsorship of The RTE gardening series, Supergarden, and this year’s winner, Ken Byrne, brought his winning Supergarden to Bloom, picking up a bronze medal. Ray Colman, CEO of Woodie’s DIY, is pictured with his wife Dolores and Ken Byrne, winner of Supergarden.

It’s time to get a Taste of Dublin TASTE of Dublin, Ireland’s Premier Outdoor Food and Drink Festival, has 10 exciting new restaurants taking part in this year’s event.

A d d i t i o n s i n cl u d e P e a r l Brasserie, Mulberry Garden, Locks Brasserie, Bang, Cliff Town House, The Exchange Restaurant and many more.

At the Philadelphia Chef’s Theatre, the Ireland AM Taste Factor winner will showcase their winning culinary talent live on stage alongside Edward Hayden, while Kitchen Hero, Donal Skehan, will be demonstrating delicious good food recipes from his latest cookbook.

Also showcasing their culinary skills will be Conrad Gallagher, Gino D’Acampo, Rachel Allen, Neven Maguire, Atul Kochhar, Clodagh McKenna, Catherine Fulvio and Derry Clarke, to name but a few.

Brand new this year is the Taste Chef’s Table, in association with O’Briens Wines, hosted by restaurant reviewer Katy McGuinness.

Here, visitors will have a chance to put burning questions to the Taste chefs, ask the culinary experts everything from how to grow your own, how to host the perfect dinner party, and also discuss new business ideas in the foodie world.

DIARY All taking place in the stunning Iveagh Gardens, it promises to be an action-packed, fun-filled weekend.

Tickets for Taste of Dublin, which runs from June 9 to 12, are on sale, starting from €15, excluding booking fee, at www.tasteofdublin.ie or via the ticket line, 0818 30 00 30.

Bloom’s record 90,000 visitors A RECORD 90,000 visitors descended on the Phoenix Park for Bloom, Ireland’s answer to the Chelsea Flower Show, over the Bank Holiday Weekend.

Amongst those who attended the gardening, food and family festival, were the President of Ireland and Patron of Bloom, Mary Mc Aleese, and her husband, Senator Martin McAleese.

The President spent one hour at the event visiting the showgardens, meeting the designers and members of the public and later addressed a large crowd at the Chefs Summer Kitchen, part of the new Bord Bia Food Village. Celebrity Chef Neven

Maguire presented the President with a hamper of artisan produce from the Food Market.

The international judging panel commented that this year’s gardens were some of the best they had seen in the history of the event.

The overall large garden category award went to To The Waters Edge, a visually striking garden featuring a sunken seating area, designed by Oliver and Liat Schurmann, Mount Venus Nurseries, Dublin. Visitors to the show were encouraged to vote for their favourite garden with the People’s Choice award going to An Adventure with Thumbelina, designed by first-time Bloom designer Jack Harte, New Ross, Co.Wexford.

Thank you...

BEAUMONT Hospital would like to thank everybody who took part in the Flora Women’s Mini Marathon on Monday.

A spokesperson for the team said: “You have made a big difference to patient care at the hospital, especially to the Care of the Elderly programme.

“The impact that you made is warmly appreciated, look out for the details, which will be up on our website www.bhf.ie soon.”

9 June 2011 GAZETTE 17

GazetteGAMING GAMING Only one more Kinect sensor left to be won!

HE incredible Gazette Xbox Kinect sensor competition is drawing to a close as, this week, we give away the fourth and final of our terrific prizes.

K inect for Xbox 360 brings games and entertainment to life in extraordinary new ways, without using a controller

T

With Kinect, technology evaporates, letting the natural magic in all of us shine. Controllerfree gaming means fullbody play.

Kinect responds to how you move. So, if you have to kick, then kick. If you have to jump, then jump. You already know how to play.

All you have to do is get off the couch, “plug in� to

your Xbox 360 console, and jump in to experience game play.

Games Kinect Sports allows you to say goodbye to the buttons and controllers, and play six full sports games just as you always have, using your entire body.

Become the heavyweight champ of the liv-

ing room with boxing, or take to the sand with some high-flying beach volleyball action.

With soccer, field and track events, and even bowling, Kinect Sports has something for everyone.

Meanwhile, Kinect Adventures will have you jumping, dodging, and kicking your way

through 20 pulse-pounding adventures, set in exotic locations around the world.

K inect Adventures gets you to work with your friends and navigate through roaring rapids, challenge obstacle courses, and even save a leaky underwater laboratory.

The spirit of adventure awaits!

WIN A KINECT SENSOR AND TWO KINECT GAMES To be in with a chance to win a Kinect Sensor and two Kinect games, to use with your XBox 360 console, just answer the following question.

What kind of laboratory must be saved in Kinect Adventures?

Post your answer to Kinect Competition, Gazette Group Newspapers, Block 3A, Mill Bank Business Park, Lucan, Co Dublin.

Alternatively, you can email competition@gazettegroup.com.

All entries must be received before Wednesday, June 15.

18 GAZETTE 9 June 2011

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS Hyundai is aiming RoadSigns Road Signs higher with new i40 Women’s Mini-Marathon runners can win an Apple iPad, thanks to Fiat THE Flora Women’s Mini Marathon which took place over the weekend is a major fund raising event for many charities. Fiat Ireland as the official vehicle sponsor thinks that the rewards shouldn’t necessarily stop there.

That is why, in addition to giving a brand new Fiat 500 car away to one lucky participant on the day of the event, Fiat is also offering all minimarathon runners the chance to win an Apple iPad. In fact, Fiat is giving away a total of six iPads between June and December 2011 and, to enter, the only thing mini-marathon participants have to do is stick an I DID IT sticker on the back of their car and check the Fiat Ireland Facebook page once a month to see if they’ve won!

Best of all, the sticker also ensures that everyone is aware of the athletic prowess and kindheartedness of the person behind the wheel, so there are really no losers in this competition.

Are we getting too fat to fit into compact cars?

A RECENT published report noted that physically bigger Americans are not comfortable driving compact cars designed for the European market.

With our growing obesity problem in Ireland, I just wonder are we moving in the same direction?

I reckon that the growing weight problem in countries like Ireland is creating similar problems to those facing car designers in the US as weight problems create all sorts of headaches for the engineers who design small car interiors.

Hand- in- hand with this US President Obama wants to reduce the country’s dependence on foreign oil. He’s promised a one-third slash in oil imports by 2025. That means smaller cars and alternative fuels are going to be necessary.

And his wife, Michelle, is waging a war on childhood obesity. We need to do the same here because, when all of our kids grow up, they are going to have to fit into smaller cars, likely run on alternative fuels, and that’s whether they like it or not.

A new, and more stylish Hyundai, is on the way for Ireland. MICHAEL MORONEY caught up with the car at Dealers, Cavanagh’s yundai have been keeping the arrival of the new i40 a bit of a secret from us motoring journalists and I don’t know why. The car is a reasonably big car replacement for the aging Sonata. It has much more style, even though it might feel a little tighter on the inside.

T he Hy undai did impress with great styling and solid feel, coupled with a thrifty 1.7-litre turbo-diesel engine under the bonnet. The car has a completely different driving feel to the Sonata.

The dash and front area comes in around the driver to give a solid look to the car. That would be my preference, but not everybody agrees.

Hyundai will be offering two engine options when the car hits Irish shores later this summer.

The entry model, like the one that I briefly drove, will come with a 1.7 -litre turbo-diesel engine.

And they don’t tell us what the acceleration pace is either, but I searched it out and found that it’s reasonable, but not the fastest in the

H

league.

What they do tell us is that the economy figures are good. They give us a figure of 23.2 km/litre (4.3l/100km), which is impressive for a car in this size category. These figures will be achieved with a sixth gear in the gearbox, allowing the car to cruise at low engine revs. That’s a sensible approach because it works in terms of the economy measures that make the car thrifty to own and to drive.

Economy

T his entr y model comes with a low 113g/ km of CO2, which is incredibly low for a diesel powered car in this size. That converts to very good economy and a low €104 annual road tax cost.

The new Hyundai i40 is loaded with features that would be extras in other mainline cars of a similar size. These include Stop/Start economy, airconditioning, nine airbags, reversing camera on the rear, plus modern looking LED headlights.

In fact there’s little on

The new Hyundai i40 is a cross between a saloon and not quite an estate

SPECS: HYUNDAI I40 1.7D Top speed: 180 km/hr

Road Tax Band: A (€104)

0 – 100km/hr: 10.3 seconds

Scrappage Eligible: Yes

Economy: 23.2 km/litre (4.3l/100km)

Warranty: 5 years

CO2 emissions: 113g/km

Entry Price: €25,750

the option list apart from colour.

But what impressed most when the car was unveiled at Cavanagh’s of Charleville, was the fact that it comes with a full-, size spare wheel.

From here the conversations moved to whispers of how owners of more prestigious brands had horror stories to tell regarding run-flat tyres and those annoying

tyre inflation kits. The message was good for Hyundai to offer something tangible; a real spare wheel that comes in handy around Charleville and many other areas of the country.

The car looks so well and has similarities to the Toyota Avensis Estate, but, fortunately, it’s more compact and tidy, and that’s proving to be needed as some of these

estate cars get beyond car parking spaces meagre dimensions.

The entry price for the Hyundai i40 will be in the region of €25,750 and that’s reasonable value given its economy, performance and high specifications level. This car will widen the net even further for Hyundai where the smaller cars, and Santa Fe, have been the trail blazers.

Mazda Skyactiv engines wins award MAZDA continues to win awards for developing fuel-saving, environmentally-friendly technologies for its cars. Two Mazda engineers were presented with the Outstanding Technical Paper award at the 61st annual Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan (JSAE) presentation.

Mazda took home three awards for research that will be used in Mazda’s next-generation Skyactiv vehicles, Mazda’s unique start-stop system, i-stop, and its single-nano technology catalyst, and for ground-breaking research into the properties of sound insulation material.

The Mazda designers analysed

the effects of different fuel components on ignition performance of an engine using homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI). This allowed them to predict auto-ignition timing for various grades of petrol from markets around the world. It also allowed them to demonstrate how engine knock can be

avoided when using a standard spark ignition system as well.

The award- winning work was used by Mazda to develop the new SKYACTIV-G engine which will employ the highest compression ratio (14.0:1) ever achieved in a petrol engine, while drastically lowering fuel consumption and emissions.

9 June 2011 GAZETTE 19

20 GAZETTE 9 June 2011

GazettePROPERTY PROPERTY ATHBOY: ASKING PRICE OF ONLY €165,000

Now we’re cooking: B&Q’s range of barbecue equipment and furniture IT’S TIME to get grilling and take the kitchen outdoors. Yes, its barbeque time as the summer finally kicks into gear, and whatever your style, B&Q has a barbeque and accessories to fit your taste. With both varieties of barbecue on offer - charcoal, for a traditional barbeque with that authentic char-grill taste, with the Adelaide slimline family barbeque for €108 and the Samba trolley charcoal barbeque for €47.60, or gas, which is great for quick and easy outdoor cooking, with the Dakota two-burner gas barbeque for €59.75, and the Darwin three-burner gas flatbed barbeque for €175 - and a range of outdoor furniture - including the St Lucia rectangular table, parasol and six chairs for €182 - whatever your taste, B&Q has a barbeque and accesories to suit you.

Number 15, Priory Gate in Athboy is on the market with an asking price of €165,000

Priority in Priory Gate NUMBER 15, PRIORY Gate in Athboy, is being brought to the market

by Carty Estate Agents in Trim. This five-bedroom detached property is coming on sale for €165,000, and is perfectly positioned to the front of this modern and much-sought-after residential estate.

This fine family home, which extends to c1,900 sq ft, constructed to an exceptionally high standard, provides wellproportioned accommodation.

The accomodation comprises entrance hall with solid oak floor, guest bathroom, a sizable lounge with solid oak f loor, large bay window and a feature fireplace with cast-iron insert.

There is a reception room with bay windows, and the kitchen and dining area has a tiled floor, a fully-fitted kitchen and recessed lighting, as well as doors to the utility room and access to the garden and the patio. There is also a dining room with an oak floor.

Upstairs, the master bedroom is en suite and is carpeted, with a walk-

in wardrobe and bay windows. Of the other bedrooms, one is also en suite and has a builtin wardrobe, while all are carpeted and wellproportioned.

The family bathroom is upstairs and is fully tiled, with WC, WHB and bath, and features a window to the front of the property.

Priory Gate is served by oil-fired central heatind and has PVC double-glazed windows. It has a double-gated side entrance, with parking for two cars at the front of the property. The sale includes all the kitchen appliances.

Priory Gate is ideally located on the Delvin Road out of Athboy, just minutes’ stroll from all amenities and services this town has to offer.

Navan, which boasts a large shopping centre, is just 11 miles away and, for the commuter, Dublin City Centre is just 34 miles, easily accessible via an ever-improving road network, the new M3 and regular daily bus service.

For more information, contact Carty estate agents on 0469486860.

WESTMEATH: A FIVE-BED DETACHED PROPERTY FOR €295,000

Classy country life in Clonnagapple House

C L O N N AGA PPL E Ho u s e , D e l v i n , C o Westmeath, a five-bedroom old-world stone detached house, has come to the market for the attractive price of €295,000.

In a tranquil setting, the property is located on the Collinstow n Road out of Devlin, and is c300 years old.

It originally belonged to Lord Greenville and is set on a c2.5-acre site with landscaped gardens.

This property offers a wonderful opportunity to run a small business from home as soil has never been fertilised and is ideal for organic gardening, or new owners could finish converting the stables to tourist accommodation. The property is in an ideal location with its close proximity to Lough

Clonagapple House in Westmeath, on the market for €295,000

Lene and Delvin Golf Course.

Accommodation The accommodation comprises entrance hall with tiled floor, lounge with feature fireplace and doors to the family room, which has an old stone fireplace with a stove and railway-

sleeper mantelpiece.

Also downstairs are the kitchen and a large bathroom. There is a sizable utility room and boiler house.

Upstairs are the five well-proportioned bedrooms in the property, with feature a variety of built-in wardrobes, wood panels in the ceil-

ing, carpets and timber flooring.

Also upstairs is the family bathroom.

Outside, the property is approached by a sweeping driveway, and is set on c2.5 acres with landscaped gardens.

T here are detached stone sheds, which were originally stables, which

have been partially converted.

The water is from a mains connection and the heating is from oilfired central heating.

The windows are double glazed.

For more information, contact Carty estate agents on 0469486860.

9 June 2011 GAZETTE 21

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS

Supported by AIB

Interview: Rachel Scanlon, Christine King and Aileen Healy, Castle Homecare

A helping hand from Castle Homecare CASTLE Homecare is putting the finishing touches to their new office in Ballinteer.

The company has been set up by three local ladies, Rachel Scanlon, Christine King and Aileen Healy.

Together they have numerous years of experience in the caring profession and know well the services required in their community. They are responding directly to the demands on many families for care for their parents/grandparents/the disabled and new mothers. The company helps people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the benefit of living independently in their homes and local communities.

Aileen recently joined the company from the HSE where she worked for 38 years. She spent 18 years in Ballinteer Health Centre followed by Care Co-Ordinator and Assistant to Manager of Services for Older Persons and Disabilities at the Local Health Office in Clonskeagh.

ANSWERS TO YOUR PERSONAL FINANCE QUESTIONS

SERIOUS ILLNESS COVER Q – I am being hounded by my bank to take out serious illness cover. I cannot see the value and don’t know the difference between this type of cover and income protection. Is it the same thing ? Gerry - Clonsilla A - I think you are being sold a product by your bank rather than have a real need accommodated. They should, of course, first tell you the benefits of taking out such a policy and then let you decide on the merits whether the benefits outweigh the cost of the financial commitment.

Serious Illness Cover or Critical Illness insures against contracting a major illness ( e.g. stroke, cancer, heart attack, MS ) and once confirmed, a lump sum is paid out to “tide you over” during the period of, hopefully, convalescence. The higher the lump sum, the bigger the monthly premium. Irish Life, Friends First and Aviva lead the insurance companies in this product.

Income protection, on the other hand, pays out

Aileen Healy, Rachel Scanlon and Christine King

75% ( less any social welfare entitlement ) of your annual income on a monthly basis should you be

Q&A

incapacitated – not restricted to an “illness”, but simply you cannot work. This continues to be paid

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

A: Honestly, a nurse and I’ve got the photos to prove it!

Q: What was your first job?

A: Picking strawberries in Fish-

A: Delegating is a huge part

A: From Edel to Rod.

of this job, as we work very closely with our carers, the families and also the health care professionals.

Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook?

A: My daughter ,who’s in

ers Farm.

Q: What sport do you follow?

A: Rugby.

Q: And your first pay cheque?

A: Not enough for the bus fare

Q: What sport can you play?

A: Kick-boxing.

home!

Q: When did you start your present job?

A: I’ve been 38 years in the health care sector.

Q: What is the best thing about your job?

A: The positive difference that we can make to someone’s life.

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

Australia.

Q: What was your last Tweet/ status update?

A: Thanks for all the birthday wishes.

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

A: Rod Stewart.

Q: Describe your dream meal?

A: My mother’s Sunday roast,

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

A: Jedward, because of their

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

A: Neither.

positivity!

Q: What music/pictures/movies do you have on your iPod/ iPad?

of course.

Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously?

A: On planning holidays!

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own?

A: 30.

until your incapacitation ceases or your pension

Q: What was your worst holiday experience?

A: Arriving back into the

is that it is the ONLY type of insurance outside of

airport to find I’d left my car lights on.

taxpayer, for every euro you spend on an income

Q: Describe your dream holiday?

A: Sailing around the Greek

tax. You also have to bear in mind income is your

Islands.

income.

Q: What would be your dream job?

A: I’m doing it right now.

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

A: Move to Kerry.

kicks in, whichever is the sooner.

However, the main benefit of income protection non-assignable pension life cover that attracts tax relief at your marginal rate. So, if you are a 41% protection policy, you receive 41 cents back in number one asset,and especially if you are the only breadwinner in your family, you should insure that

Whatever you do, Gerry, don’t be sold a product.

Look for independent professional advice.

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

Employes should be protected and their rights must be observed NOREEN MAGUIRE Maguire Muldoon Solicitors

WE are all acutely aware of how difficult employers are finding things during these turbulent times.

Solicitors are often consulted when problems with staff arise.

Employers think they cannot dismiss an employee who is on certified sick leave. Lack of capability to carry out terms and conditions

of a contract of employment are grounds for dismissal.

The employer needs to gather as many facts about the employee’s condition as possible and the employee must be given fair notice that the possibility of dismissal for incapacity is on the table.

The employee should be allowed an opportunity to influence the employer’s decision by providing relevant evidence where necessary.

The employer needs independent medical advice. However, the decision to terminate is not a decision to be made by a doctor, but one to be made by management while taking that advice into consideration.

Remember, there is a very broad interpretation of the term “disability” and should the illness be considered a disability under employment equality legislation, the employee is protected and their rights must be observed

under that legislation.

In general, the employer needs to consider the length of service, type of job, working environment and what is required of the employee.

The employer must look at what facilities could be made available that would allow the employee work as normal. The Equality Acts state the cost of such special treatment or facilities should be considered.

Where the employers are able to

make alternative arrangements or, indeed, can tolerate high levels of absence, they must try to do so. It would be very difficult to defend a claim where the employer failed in their duty to reasonably accommodate an employee.

Each employer will have a different set of facts to consider, but should remember they must be able to show the dismissal was necessary and for good reasons.

22 GAZETTE 9 June 2011

GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel Newcastle renewed is vibrant for visitors

NORTH-EAST ENGLAND: VISITING A 21ST-CENTURY CITY

The picturesque town of Sorrento, Italy

Relax and unwind in the romantic surroundings in two of Italy’s top destinations - Rome and Sorrento

ROME and Sorrento are two of the most romantic and stunning settings in Europe, and Joe Walsh Tours are offering tourists a chance to experience both destinations this September. Check out the famous buildings and landmarks, including the Colosseum, the Vatican and St Peter’s Basilica on an exclusive escorted tour as well as lesser spotted Rome and its secret hotspots.

For the second half of the trip, holiday-makers can unwind in the stunning surrounds of Sorrento.

There are a few options available for the final two days in Sorrento, relax and unwind in the stunning resort, or travel to the amazing Amalfi Coast or Capri.

Flights depart on September 11 and include a direct flight from Dublin to Naples with Aer Lingus, transfer on arrival from the airport to your hotel in Rome, three nights accommodation in the centrally-located three-star Hotel Milani in Rome, on a bed and breakfast basis, luxury coach transfer from Rome to the hotel in Sorrento, four nights accommodation in the four-star Hotel Conca Park in Sorrento, on a half-board basis, direct flight from Naples to Dublin and luxury air-conditioned coach for all transfers and tours.

Joe Walsh Tours offer this escorted tour of Rome and Sorrento for just €799.

For further information, call Joe Walsh Tours on 01-2410800 or visit www.joewalshtours.ie.

ROB HEIGH

IN the last 15 or so years since I was last in the north-east, Newcastle has undergone something of a dramatic regeneration.

In the interventing years, what was once a slightly grey industrial town has turned into a vibrant, culture-embracing 21st-century city with a great deal to offer the traveller looking something special from a weekend break.

Part of that resurgence has come on the back of the Newcastle Gateshead Initiative’s Culture 10 programme, which was put in place to rejuvenate and reinvent the city as an inspiring and vibrant attraction for visitors and locals alike.

The programme this year celebrated its anniversary with the announcement of an array of events that will appeal to everyone with even a passing interest in the arts, food, dance and theatre.

Newcastle is not the only story, as the city, on the northern side of the Tyne river, is paired with their southern neighbours, Gateshead.

The ties between the areas are stronger than ever, with the addition of the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, which spans the Tyne and creates a link to the Baltic Art Gallery and the Sage Gateshead Centre, a huge and hugely impressive music venue, designed by acclaimed architect, Norman Foster.

One can easily walk through the town and, as you do so, through the significant moments in British history.

From the Roman settlement of Pons Aelius to the new castle of it’s name, built by William the Conqueror’s son in 1080, through the landmarks of the industrial revolution built by Robert Stephenson, to the impressive, new-age development at the Quayside, you can

literally turn a corner in Newcastle and be transported forward or back in time by hundreds of years.

With an artisan approach and a commitment from the Newcastle Gateshead Initiative to make the area a great tourist destination, the city embraced a musical celebration weekend, with the fifth running of the Evolution Music Festival.

Drawing some of the best of new and established talent to Newcastle at the start of “festival season”, Evolution is a metaphor for the rebirth of the city. It takes the best of the old and the new and presents it in familiar surroundings with a fresh approach.

There were performances from the legendary Iggy Pop and the Stooges, and the current darling of the dance scene, Katy B, performed in front of the Baltic gallery.

In between acts, I was

The world -famous Colosseum in Rome

St Peter’s Basilica in

The stunning views in

Rome

Sorrento The impressive views from the top of the St James’s Park soccer stadium

able to succumb to a welldeveloped hunger and thirst at The Broad Chare, a new gastropub recently opened by acclaimed local chef, Terry Laybourne.

It is already getting a reputation for its quality fare and exclusively brewed real ales, and rightly so. My starter of mussels in cider and thyme was delicious, and the main of blood pudding and apple was exquisite, as was everything that I saw served up around me in the Chare’s cosy setting. Washed down with a pint of Wayland’s Gold Tankard ale, I was more than set to head back out into the crowds, and take in the atmosphere of the festival.

Newcastle is also renowned for its love of soccer, and no trip would be complete for the Sports Editor to the home of Newcastle United. A really informative and enlightening tour of St James’s Park gave another view on the city. Not

Cafe culture and arts

only was it a salute to the famous sons of the club – Jackie Milburn, Alan Shearer, and Bobby Robson, among others – but it also showed how the city is bound together by community and hard work.

A walk through the town centre brought me to another success story in the redevelopment of Newcastle, the Ouseburn area, which houses art galleries, studios, museums and pubs and restaurants that draw in the diverse strands of the new Newcastle.

I was lucky enough to spend some time in the Seven Stories museum, a fabulous archive of artwork, illustrations and manuscripts of children’s books that include works by some of the best-known and best-loved artists and writers of several generations, including Judith Kerr, Enid Blyton and Philip Pullman. There are readings and events at the Seven Stories throughout the summer and, even if there is not an event on the day of your visit, it is still a fascinating trip through a heritage of children’s literature – even if you are not accompanied

9 June 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 23

Edited by Mimi Murray

TravelBriefs

The ESPA relaxation area at the g Hotel in Galway

Time to pamper your dad with a special spa package at the ESPA Spa in the g Hotel in Galway aplenty make up the landscape of the Quayside in Newcastle Gateshead

by a child, you can let your inner child run free!

From the Seven Stories, it was a short stroll to The Cluny, another acclaimed venue for live music with a reputation for great food as well. It didn’t disappoint on that score, and their Sunday lunch of lamb with garlic, Yorkshire pudding and all the trimmings was another feast on a plate, again accompanied by another locally brewed real ale, showing that the brewing tradition in the area is alive and well, in spite of the famous Scottish and Newcastle brewery relocating out of the city.

Boisterous

Sunday saw possible even more revellers present across the quays at the Evolution festival, as the arguably more established and well-known acts graced the Ballast Mill stage – Example, Tinie Tempah and Plan B brought their fresh hip-hop, dance and soul sounds to the masses, and the masses responded with an even more boisterous reception than Saturday’s acts had enjoyed.

Meanwhile, I took in the acts at the Baltic stage, with DJ and producer Sub Focus unleashing new tracks on the crowd, and Canada’s best-kept secret, Caribou, bringing their dark and complex sounds to a very appreciative audience, and putting on arguably the best performance of the weekend.

The success of the festival bodes well for the rest of the summer, and there are a wide array of events taking place thoughout the rest of the year to attract visitors.

These include the EAT food and drink festival, which runs from June 17 to 26, which includes a street-food festival, and the ¡VAMOS! festival, which runs until July 10, which features LatinAmerican music, food and film.

All in all, there are a host of events to keep the interested traveller exercised and energised throughout the summer, and Newcastle Gateshead is certainly somewhere to put on the map as a future destination – I for one will certainly be going back.

For more, see www. newcastlegateshead.com

Canada’s finest export, Caribou, light up the stage at the Baltic art gallery as part of the Evolution festival

WHEN it comes to being pampered, dad’s can sometimes be overlooked but I defy any man to not enjoy a facial or several other beauty treatments on offer to men. As Father’s Day is fast approaching, we have sought out the best pamper treatment on offer for daddy dearest.

The ESPA at the five-star g Hotel in Galway, is offering a Gentleman Unwind Trio package, which includes a thermal suite heat experience; deep-cleansing back exfoliation; muscle-relaxing back massage; tensionrelieving oriental scalp massage and a refreshing ‘Health Shot’ in its relaxation area, all costing €90.

Overnight rates are available and, for further details, visit www.thegho tel.ie, email info@theghotel.ie or call 091 865200.

Give your dad the The James Bond Feelgood Factor at No.1 Pery Square Hotel and Spa in Limerick FOR dads who like to think of themselves as a bit suave, there is the James Bond Experience at No.1 Pery Square Hotel and Spa in Limerick.

The James Bond Feelgood Factor is a bespoke male therapy with a King of Spades Spa Hot Towel Shave, using the official Geo Trumper James Bond shaving techniques and products. Then enjoy a muscle-melting Hot Oil Back Massage and the unique Solace Sound wave experience, leaving dad revitalised, but not shaken or stirred from €110 per pop.

Make it an overnight stay in a luxurious guestroom, with full a la carte breakfast and James Bond Feelgood Factor from €245 per person. For further details, call 061 402 414 or visit www.oneperysquare.com.

A weekend of modern fly-fishing and spinning techniques at the Longueville House in Cork

The Central Mall, illustrating the VIctorian influence on the landscape of Newcastle

FOR something a little more traditional, Longueville House is offering residential fly-fishing courses. This three-night/two-day course is based at Longueville House in Cork, and is designed for up to six participants under tuition. All aspects of modern fly-fishing and spinning techniques are covered, but emphasis is placed on as much practical fishing as possible.

The course is spread over two days and three nights, starting with dinner at Longueville House on the first night and finishing up after breakfast two days later. Prices start at €990 per person sharing in Junior Suite or €815 per person sharing in a standard room. For more details, go to www. longuevillehouse.ie.

24 SWORDS GAZETTE 9 June 2011

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT 1

GoingOUT GoingOUT THE HELIX 01 700 7000 Fireworks A WIDE range of dancers from the Sarah Moloney Stage School will present Fireworks; an eclectic show that promises an explosive mix of vibrant styles. Fireworks will showcase some of the many reasons that have put the school firmly on the map for dance students and fans alike, with this a show not to be missed. With tickets priced at €20/15, there are two dance shows to choose from, at 3pm or 8pm, on Saturday, June 11.

MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 Tarry Flynn THE life of a 1930s’ Cavan farmer, poet and dreamer is currently being brought to vibrant life in a celebratory fifth anniversary show at The Mill, which is marking its birthday in style with this superb production. There’s something for everyone in this production, with this tale of a simple man with a complex heart from a bygone era having much to enjoy for audiences today. The production runs until Saturday, June 18, with admission at €18, €15.

PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 The Parting Glass WITH memories of French Striker, Thierry Henry’s handball incident during Ireland’s late 2009 qualifier for the World Cup still a painful memory for many football fans, there’s no doubt that many will relate to the feelings of Eoin, an everyman football fan who also uses that sleight of hand incident as a means to reflect on his life, the Celtic Tiger, Ireland’s recent history and more. Catch this great show at 8pm on Friday, June 10 and Saturday, June 11, with admission priced from €12 to €17. Please note that there will be an after-show reading on Friday, June 10 by author, Dermot Bolger and Ray Yeats.

CIVIC THEATRE 01 4627477 The Ballet Ruse THE beautiful world of ballet may be sent spinning – or pirouetting – by two budding ballerinas, who go from bar to barre in a bid to fulfil their dreams. Lady GaGa rubs shoulders with Tchaikovsky in a show that’s not afraid to step up to the mark to present wonderful, imaginative dancing with a twist. The Ballet Ruse plays at 8pm on Thursday, June 9, at 8pm, with admission priced at €12/€10 conc.

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 The Picture of Dorian Gray ONE of Oscar Wilde’s greatest tales is brought to life in a memorable staging by Wonderland Productions.

Adapted by Alice Coghlan, the decadent tale of Victorian socialite Dorian Gray will captivate audiences – who may not, however, wish to see a mysterious painting, hidden away ... With a price that includes afternoon tea, the production will be staged in the Betelnut Cafe at 3pm on Sunday, June 12, with tickets priced at €30/€25 conc.

Juliet Turner OFTEN describes as having a wry charm in addition to her beautiful voice, Julet Turner (below) needs very little introduction for her loyal fans, having delighted audiences around the country for years with her wonderful songs and anecdotes, all of which make her one to watch. Hear Juliette on Saturday, June 11 at 8pm, with tickets priced at €18/€14 conc.

Once again relying on the help of his friends, the Furious Five, Po (Jack Black) must use his unlikely but impressive martial arts skills to help right wrongs in the world – in this case, standing up to a tyrant and his deadly new weapon, threatening ancient China

Far from bamboozled Eats, shoots and leaves ... this powerhouse panda takes aim at the top of the charts with an enjoyable sequel ...

Q KATE CROWLEY

OH BOY, oh boy, oh boy.

It’s almost time for Mel Gibson’s The Beaver to be released here; a film which has seen critics sharpening their tongues with gusto around the world.

This, in itself, probably means very little. After all, fellow film film critics have been united in hating The Hangover 2 – however, audiences seem to love it, as it turned in one of the highest-grossing weekend openers ever. (Beat that, Beaver.)

What’s a stunning, if slightly mature, gal gonna do?

Why, pick a fun family film to review, of course; something that can also throw a few fancy moves around at our cinemas, yet without earning the ire of reviewers or audiences alike.

(And, no, I don’t mean Honey 2, for those wishing to see beefcakes and

FILM OF THE WEEK: King Fu Panda 2 ++++ (PG) 90 mins Director: Jennifer Yuh Starring: Jack Black, Jackie Chan, Angelina Jolie, Gary Oldman, Dustin Hoffman, Michelle Yeoh, err, Jean Claude Van Damme

OUR VERDICT: PROVING, perhaps, that it’s what’s inside that counts, and that even fat pandas – or slightly fuller-of-figure film critics – can have amazing skills, this film ... err ... doesn’t sound very different with its “message” from the first film. However, there’s plenty to enjoy, but its frequent battle scenes (and a background panda genocide storyline Pandocide?) rule it out for the very young, as its PG rating shows.

babes hoofing and huffing around on a screen.)

I don’t know if pandas have hooves, but, even if they do, it’s not the most pressing of issues, perhaps for Kung Fu Panda 2; the somewhat inevitable sequel to the animated film from a few years ago, to need to consider.

Arriving slightly tardily in cinemas – which is fair enough, as pandas are generally not the fastest of creatures – it sees a return for Po (Jack Black) and the Furious Five martial arts masters, all by now living quietly in the Valley of Peace in

ancient China, under the watchful guise of Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman).

However, the film soon makes it clear that Lord Shen (Gary Oldman), ruler of the Peacock Clan, is up to all kinds of mischief, primarily thanks to his deadly new weapon.

Shen’s foes soon learn that a cannon, and gunpowder, are a match for even the finest martial arts clans in China, with the would-be preening tyrant blasting away any and all opposition.

Pudgy Po, and friends, learn of this rising threat, and, in finest road-warrior

tradition, are sent to stop Shen, and restore the balance of peace to China.

However, r unning through the film is Po’s quest for identity, seeing as he knows that he was found as a baby and raised by strangers – you don’t see many geese raising pandas, after all, even in ancient China.

Who are his real parents? Where are they?

Why has he been having flashbacks when he sees mysterious symbols on the bad guys’ armour?

And what’s for dinner?

All these, and many more questions, are to be answered on Po’s road to enlightenment, which seems to lead past one fight sequence after another ... and another ... and another ... and ...

Eventually, with an element of his inner peace restored, Po must stop Shen, rescue his friends from trouble, and save China.

Yup, that’s all, folks.

Well, if you’ve seen the first film, you won’t be disappointed with the sequel, which, once again, looks marvellous.

Western audiences are largely unfamiliar with ancient Chinese legends, history or settings, yet there’s still a recognisable “look” for what is expected from such a film, and, boy, does this Panda deliver. (No jokes about Chinese deliveries, please.)

Given Dreamworks’ tendency to milk its hits dry (as the increasingly mirth-free Shrek series demonstrates), you could be forgiven for having concerns about this sequel.

However, Kung Fu Panda 2 hits all the right marks, with some superb animation, outstanding design, and an engaging enough plot.

So, sorry Mel – when it comes to landing knockout blows at the cinema, this Panda’s got that Beaver licked ...

9 June 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 25

Tech cashes in on money usage ADAM MAGUIRE

IN THE past few weeks, two big announcements – one from Google, and one from Orange in Britain – have seen the idea of the mobile wallet hit the headlines.

Here is a quick guide to how it will work, and what the advantages are.

A small number of mobile phones are now coming out with what’s called a “near field communications” (NFC) chip built in.

Basically, this is a tiny antenna that allows the device to be recognised by base-stations when put close to them – just like many office swipe cards, nowadays.

What that has to do with money Once you combine a

replacement for low-cost transactions that, normally, would not be done via a card.

In other words, this will aim to replace the change in your pocket.

NFC chip with all of the information stored on your phone, you can do all sorts of things.

The idea of the mobile wallet is that you can link your phone to your bank account, or credit card, and then pay for things through using it, without having to carry an actual wallet.

The benefits If you just have to tap your phone off of a shop’s till to pay for your products, it will make the process far faster and easier.

The prevailing theory is that this will become a

The risks Of course, there are issues around how secure this is – after all, if you can do too much with your phone, then others can really cause havoc if they get their hands on it.

To counter this, most mobile wallet proposals limit the transactions you can do to small amounts – of course, there is no reason why a PIN number, or other security details, would not also be required with a NFC transaction.

When to expect it The short answer is –

no time too soon. Firstly, there needs to be enough phones out there using NFC technology to make it viable; at present, there are only a handful.

Then, banks need to get on board and create applications that allow these phones to link with your financial accounts.

Finally, shops need to install NFC-capable terminals to cater for the devices.

All of this is going to take a few years, at least.

Otterbox iPad 2 Defender Case Designed as a sturdy piece of kit to help keep your iPad 2 secure, the Otterbox Defender case delivers; though the device’s design makes it hard to truly do so.

The rise of the smartphone – and, latterly, the

tablet – has created a million-euro market in accessories.

All manner of cases, bags and pouches are out there for the various products coming from Apple and, as a result, all of them struggle to offer something unique.

H o w e v e r, the Defender case does manage that.

While others focus on ease of use and comfort, the point here is to make your fragile technology more robust, even if it is at the expense of style.

The case is not particularly easy to put on – it comes in layers of plastic and rubber – but it definitely adds a decent layer

of protection, once in place.

Sadly, it is unable to boast water proofing, or the like, largely due to the iPad 2’s design, but it will stand to you in the event of a minor knock, spill or fall.

Otterbox will probably try to sell this as a meth-

od for those looking to take their iPad 2 into the wild.

Frankly, e ve n w i t h the case in place, that still seems a bit of a stretch.

However, the case would be very useful for far more practical reasons; making your shiny new toy as close to baby-proof as you can get.

The Otterbox iPad 2 Defender Case is available on iBazaar.ie for €70, plus P&P. Visit teic.ie for the latest tech news, reviews and views.

GAZETTE

26 SWORDS GAZETTE 9 June 2011

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9 June 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 27

GazetteSPORT

LONDON CALLING: Sinead McCarthy on Ireland’s Olympic hockey destiny: Page 29

SOCCER: UNHCR AND SARI HOSTING ANNUAL REFUGEE FAIR PLAY CUP IN DUBLIN 7

Do 1 Thing this month and support soccer sport@gazettegroup.com

THE UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Office in Ireland and Sport Against Racism Ireland (SARI) are encouraging Dubliners to Do 1 Thing to support refugees this World Refugee Day, Saturday, June 18, by coming to the second annual Fair Play Football Cup in the Law Society gardens at Blackhall Place.

The Fair Play Cup coin-

cides with the 60th anniversary of the UN Convention Relating to Refugees, and is a competitive soccer tournament featuring teams drawn from refugee and community groups, Government agencies and members of the media to celebrate the contribution of refugees in sport throughout Irish communities.

Players from a host of different countries, including Angola, South Africa, the Democratic

Republic of Congo, Zimbabwe and Ireland will compete in the seven-aside men’s and women’s tournament.

Other entertainment at the free event includes football skills training provided by the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) , face-painting, music and much more for the whole family.

Hot Press, winners of the 2010 inaugural tournament, will again face tough opposition against

Hailuu Netsiyanwa of Insaka FC in action against KarenGroup, members of the Myanmar resettled refugees

last year’s beaten finalists SARI/INSAKA, the Department of Justice teams and Newstalk’s Off the Ball team led by presenter Eoin McDevitt, the show’s anchor man who will also MC the event.

Sophie Magennis,

Head of Office, UNHCR Ireland said: “Despite refugees’ often dire circumstances in very challenging environments, UNHCR has seen how sport can play a key role in helping to build tolerance, understanding and

respect among different communities, setting aside cultural differences and giving young people a sense of self worth.”

Perry Ogden chair of SARI said: “The sporting world, in particular football, has played a signifi-

cant role in the promotion of human rights and integration.”

The Fair Play Football Cup takes place on June 18 at the Law Society Pitch, Blackhall Place, Dublin 7, from 10.30am until 2.30pm.

28 SWORDS GAZETTE 9 June 2011

GazetteSport Sport Cricket

FastSPORT FastRugby

CRICKET: MALAHIDE BACK IN BUSINESS IN DIVISION 2

Taylor takes another title in Poland event KATIE Taylor claimed a fourth successive European Union title last Saturday in Katowice when she completely outclassed Poland’s Karolina Graczyk.

The 25-9 victory helped the Peamount United club member run up yet another boxer- of-the-tournament award on a fruitful weekend for the Irish as Lauragh O’Neill and Laoise Traynor took bronze medals.

It was an 11th major honour in the past six years for Taylor who sped into a 5-1 lead, extended the advantage to 10-3 after round two and was all but home and hosed on 17-6 at the end of the third to underpin a fine success.

Speaking about the event, she said her performance hit all the right notes.

“I was very pleased with my performance in the final. It got easier as it went along and I would like to thank my coaches who got the tactics spot-on,” she said.

“Friday’s semi-final and Saturday’s final were two different fights and I was very pleased with my performances in both, particularly the final. I thought I boxed the perfect fight in the final.”

With just over 400 days to go to the Olympic Games, it is another statement of intent from Taylor as she ran up 80 points in her four bouts in the competition.

She will hope to keep her run going in October where she will travel to Rotterdam when a fifth European championship title is in the offing.

And the big one comes next April with the 2012 World Championships in China providing the qualifying route into the London Games.

Malahide Cricket CLub returned to winning ways, defeating their coastal neighbours, Rush, by six wickets last weekend

No boundaries for ’Hide sport@gazettegroup.com

CALUM Riches’ halfcentury and some lusty late blows from Peter Saville saw Malahide get back on track in Leinster division two on Sunday after a sixwicket defeat on Saturday to Rush.

The village bounced back with a third win of the season against Nor th County’s second team with a three wicket win at the Inch grounds.

Contributions from Johnny Andrews, Casey, Plant and Nolan contributed to a competitive total of 234 with the

wickets shared around between Jim Govan, Steve Smith, Saville and Glenn Kirwan.

And Malahide chased down the target with four balls to go despite a rocky start to their pursuit.

Despite three quickfire boundaries, John Pryor and, subsequently, Conor Geraghty, were removed with the score on 13 while Nick Turner followed them soon after to see the side reduced to 20 for 3.

Paul Tweddle and Govan stopped the rot with a 45-run stand for the fourth wicket but, again, they both fell

in quick succession to leave the innings seemingly in tatters.

It brought together R iches and Andrew Pyne, and the former set about piecing together the innings with a real captain’s performance.

The pair put together a crucial 77 run stand.

The latter was dismissed

by Shiel for 27 and, while the runs came at a slow pace, it helped put Malahide in position for a late onslaught.

It gave Saville the opportunity to open his shoulders and, working with Riches, they put on another 63 before the captain was removed

by Singh.

His 78 off 101 balls was pivotal but there was still plenty to do, with 22 to get in the closing overs.

Saville managed to hog the strike, with Kirwan providing just a single from those final runs.

He carted the ball around in his knock of 45, hitting a couple of sixes and three fours, needing just 37 balls for a vital intervention.

A day earlier in another Fingal derby, Turner’s 69 was the mainstay of a total of 233 for seven from their 50 overs.

Alan Butterly accounted for his wicket and, by removing

Reynolds and Riches, he stunted a late burst though Pyne’s 37 and Kirwan added a useful 25 at the tail-end to make it competitive.

And it looked an even stronger situation when Peter Chase, Saville and Kirwan got early wickets, reducing Rush to 30 for 3 with the dangerous Sadat Gull being caught lbw.

But it brought Shahid Iqbal to the crease and he dominated the bowling thereafter, running up 131 at well over a run a ball.

With support from Jansen, they swept to the total with just under ten overs to spare.

9 June 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 29

in association with

Aiming for the five-ring circus STEPHEN FINDLATER talks to Sinead McCarthy, Ireland’s star hockey player, as the team get set for their first challenge ahead of Olympics 2012 GIVEN Giovanni Trappatoni’s recent travails, what would he give for a recruit like Sinead McCarthy?

While commitment to the cause is questioned on the soccer front, since making the decision to pursue her Irish international hockey dream 24 months ago, the Manchester-born player has endured two big upheavals.

The second of those saw her end up with Booterstown-based club Hermes, after a year in Cork, in order to try and break into the Ireland set-up before a change in approach saw her move to Dublin.

Upping sticks from

England was an ambitious move, one which she initially felt may have been in vain, but the 28year-old is now preparing to play in her first worldlevel event later this month at the Champion’s Challenge in UCD. At the tournament, Ireland will compete against seven sides ranked between 8th and 15th in the world and, speaking to GazetteSport, it’s an arena McCarthy is thrilled in which to wear a green, rather than white, shirt. ”Funnily enough, my debut was for England against Ireland in 2000 in Milton Keynes, an U-18 Home Nations’ match.

Sinead McCarthy in action against Australia

We drew and shared the gold medal. It was very odd, because I’d always been an Ireland supporter in soccer and rugby growing up. To play against them was odd.”

world leaders, Australia, offered a chance in July of last year and she has not relinquished her place yet, playing 12 times in the Irish jersey since.

“I was thrown in at the

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

‘We’ve trained hard over the winter - everything we have been building for is just around the corner, and everyone is excited to see how far we’ve come’ --------------------------------------------------------

That feeling comes with two Irish parents. She retained an Irish passport as a result and, when opportunities to progress in the English set-up seemed limited, McCarthy used family contacts in Cork to see if Ireland could offer an avenue to international hockey She suffered an initial setback, though.

“I spent the season with Harlequins and came up for trials and wasn’t selected for the World Cup qualifiers in Chile in 2010, and I thought I might not get another chance in many ways.

“I’m older than a lot of the other girls coming into the system and I thought I had missed the boat.”

With national coach, Gene Muller, looking to freshen up his panel in the aftermath of a disappointing qualification campaign, however, McCarthy was the beneficiary of a revamped selection.

A friendly series against

deep end against Australia. It was an incredible experience, a day I’ll never forget.”

But after just a couple of weeks with that panel, Ireland’s women revolutionised their training structures, with a Central Participation Programme (CPP) which saw players encouraged to move to Dublin for a more intensive training regimen of up to 25 hours a week.

“I’d always thought Cork would be the place I would have lived in Ireland. I never considered living in Dublin. It’s a great city and it’s worked out brilliantly.”

To that end, she joined a third club in three years with Hermes’ coach Mary Logue – “just the kind of person you want to work with and, as a former international, someone I felt I could learn from” – snapping up the combative McCarthy to bolster either their midfield or defensive set-up.

Commitment to the CPP made it tough to assimilate fully with the Booterstown team, but an Irish Senior Cup and Irish Hockey League final appearance, combined with a Leinster league title, helped form an emotional bond.

“Winning the Leinster league showed the strength of the squad we had. I think every player who wasn’t playing was in the stand that night and celebrated just as hard as those who won it on the pitch and showed the spirit we had in the squad.”

Summer brings the international season, her first of an intensive programme that builds to the Europeans in August, a first potential entry point to the Olympics.

Having negotiated the Celtic Cup, the Champion’s Challenge provides the next major competition to assess where Ireland are at this point in their development.

“The Champion’s Challenge is just so exciting and the fact it’s in Dublin, hopefully we can get a lot of people down to watch.

“To be playing against the calibre of teams coming over, it’s been a long time coming. We’ve trained hard over the winter with no matches, and now everything we have been building for is just around the corner, and everyone is excited to see how far we’ve come.”

FastSport

Flynn named in Ireland panel for Turkey test COOLMINE athlete David Flynn has been selected to take part in the 3,000m steeplechase for the Ireland team at the European Team Championships, set to be held on June 18 and 19 in Izmir, Turkey.

The team also includes former Irish Olympians, such as Paul Hession, David Gillick and Derval O’Rourke.

After David’s successful college season in America, he has achieved the fastest steeplechase time in Irish history since 2002.

This is David’s first senior Irish representation and said: “I am really excited about this opportunity to run in a senior vest. I know if everything goes well, I can compete with the best in world steeplechasing.

“Also, I will get great expierence from this event, with the likes of Gillick and Hession there to mentor me.” David won the Rocky Mountain Athletics Conference for his college, Western State, earning his first conference title.

David has also qualified to run in the European under 23 championship in Ostrava, Czech Republic this July where he is ranked 7th in europe at under 23 level.

Special stars come from all over the city WITH the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games set to take place between June 25 and July 4, it has been announced that there will be a total of 17 athletes from Dublin representing Ireland in Athens.

This is the biggest sporting event to take place in the world this year with 7,000 athletes from 185 nations competing.

The athletes taking part come from across the city, and include Gary O’Brien from Portmarnock (track and field), Lorraine O’Halloran from Palmerstown (swimming), Sarah Byrne from Palmerstown and Amanda McCallister from Dun Laoghaire (basketball), Laura Rumball from Dun Laoghaire (gymnastics), and Robert Deegan from Ballinteer (table tennis), among others. There is also an array of coaches from Dublin assisting the teams.

30 SWORDS GAZETTE 9 June 2011

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

Roganstown rule!

Local golf club team through to finals PATRICIA Flood, Deirdre Campbell

and Alva Doyle, of Roganstown Golf Club, were celebrating last week when they were one of four teams who qualified for the final stages of the Solheim Cup Club Challenge.

The provincial final was held at Dun Laoghaire Golf Club and saw some 39 Leinster clubs represented.

Roganstown now go on to take part in the Ladies Irish Open PRO-AM event in Killeen Castle on August 4.

Cluskey claims doubles FAI FIVE-A-SIDE: PLUNKETT’S VICTORIOUS IN NATIONAL CUP title in Israel futures SWORDS native James Cluskey won the final of Israel F6 futures competition along with his American playing partner, John-Paul Fruttero last weekend.

The doubles specialists first saw off Harel Ram and Shaked in front of their hometown Israeli crowd in straight sets, 6-2, 6-3.

The number one seeds then went on to see off another Israeli partnership of Papis and Peleg, again in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2.

In the semi-final, Cluskey and Fruttero beat the Belgian duo of Daxhelet and Lovinfosse 6-4, 6-3.

The talented Irish man then defeated another Israeli combination of Behr and Smilansky to confirm the pairing as Israel F6 Futures Champions.

clear in an Loreto athlete metres impressive showing. wins hammer Celtic holding bronze summer IN ONE of the highlights of the AVIVA Irish Schools camp in July track and field championships at Tullamore Harriers stadium last Saturday, Loreto Swords’ Caoimhe Morris took bronze in the intermediate girl’s hammer.

Indeed, she was close to taking second place as her throw of 36.32 metres was just short of St Joseph’s Castlebar’s Katie Heneghan by only 32 centimetres.

Colaiste na Toirbhirte’s Laura McSweeney was a further two

SWORDS Celtic’s annual Summer Camp will take place on Tuesday, July 5 to Friday, July 8 from 10am to 3pm.

The camps are open to boys and girls aged seven and over and they will take part in a camp filled with fun, coaching, competitions and games.

Qualified coaches will be on hand at all times and the cost per child is €55.

To book, contact Carolyn on 086 385 7245 or 8406305.

St Oliver Plunkett’s girls defeated Gaelscoil Ultain 3-1 to claim the FAI Schools title in Tullamore last week

Plunkett’s take All Ireland sport@gazettegroup.com

ST OLIVER Plunkett’s NS, Malahide held their nerve to record a 3-1 win over Gaelscoil Ultain to claim the FAI Schools 5-a-side AllIreland girl’s B section title for medium schools in Leah Victoria Park in Tullamore.

That victory, added to an earlier 2-0 success over Sligo’s Scoil Mhuire gan Smal, saw the Malahide school edge out Limerick’s St Anne’s.

The pair drew 1-1 in Plunkett’s second game of the four-team roundrobin tournament, the culmination of Dub-

lin and Leinster campaigns.

It left the pair locked on goal difference and points going into the final series of games.

But St Anne’s were the first side to blink as they were frustrated to draw 0-0 with Scoil Mhuire.

It meant any sort of win would do for Joe Morton’s team and they managed it when they overcame the eventual fourth-place finishers from Monaghan.

Going into the competition, the Dubliners had been the only school to have reached this phase before, winning the title back in

2002, but the runs of each team to the finals day meant none could be underestimated.

I n d e e d , t h e n a rrow margins endured throughout were testimony to that, with the series of draws leaving the result of the competition in doubt right up to the last game.

There was some consolation for the Limerick school who were runners up as superstar Aideen Lyons was announced as Player of the Tournament. A welldeserved recipient who was slightly shocked by the accolade but there is no doubt, Lyons will be

one of a few more stars to feature in the schools soccer calendar in the future.

The event itself is one of the biggest primary school sports competitions in the country.

Over 1,000 schools from all over Ireland participated in the 2011 Primary Schools Soccer Calendar, which emphasises the fun element with everyone a winner on the day.

Fine finals 160 skilful participants took part in the f i n a l s , p l ay e d ove r five sections based on school-size, which were

the culmination of three months of County and Regional competitions with eventual Provincial winners progressing to the National stage.

Player’s received a commemorative medal and Umbro jersey for their participation in this, the FAI Schools’ season finale.

Alex Harkin (FAI Schools), Miriam Malone and Liam McGroarty (FAI) were on hand to present the prizes to all 160 participants. Alex thanked the teachers and participating schools for ensuring the finale was such a wonderful success.

9 June 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 31

in association with

AFL 2: FINGALLIANS CLAIM POINTS IN LOCAL DERBY

CLUB NOTICEBOARD ST SYLVESTER’S “I am leading the way with pride”.

through injury.

Nicky Cleere has always “walked

They play in the league against Kil-

the walk” for St Sylvester’s and

macud Crokes on Wednesday, June

our Club Man of the Year led the

15, in Broomfield at 19.30pm.

annual sponsored walk and fun day in Malahide Castle on Monday.

Robert Rooney and friends worked hard to organise this very success-

The junior football team play in the championship against Thomas Davis in Kiltipper Road on Tuesday June 14, at 19:30pm.

ful and increasingly popular event.

IHC St Sylvester’s against Setan-

SFL1: Ballymun 0-17, St Sylvest-

ta: The intermediate hurlers play

er’s 1-14: The senior football team

Setanta in Broomfield this week in

came back from the dead to claim a

the championship.

draw at Ballymun Kickhams, mainly

Junior hurling D championship: St

thanks to a goal from substitute

Sylvester’s play Clan Na Gael Fon-

John Murphy who was making a

tenoy at Broomfield this week in the

welcome return from a long lay-off

championship.

FINGALLIANS Fingallians claimed the win over Skerries Harps at Lawless Park last week to keep up their league campaign

Harps strung out by a Fins’ finale AFL DIVISION 2 Fingallians 1-11 Skerries Harps 0-10 PETER CARROLL sport@gazettegroup.com

FINGALLIANS kept the pressure on St Maur’s at the top of AFL Division 2 with a four-point victory over Skerries Harps at Lawless Park last week.

There was an equal amount of pressure on these two neighbouring rivals, with Fingallians needing to retain in the hunt for a promotion place and Harps looking to pull themselves out of rut which has resulted in them netting only three points from five games.

As predicted, the game was punctuated by its physicality and toughness, with the players constantly trying to out-muscle each other in a hard-fought North county derby.

This type of game usually leads to mistakes — and this one was no different. Both

team’s scores generally came from errors on the part of their opposition, with the aggression of the sides out-weighing their focus on the ball.

T h e g a m e k i c ke d into action ten minutes from half-time with a great strike from right corner forward, Donal Keane, whose goal put Fingallians three points ahead.

Harps on Skerries fought back immediately with two u n a n s we r e d p o i n t s , before their rivals fired back, leaving the score at 1-6 to 0-5 at the turnaround.

The second-half mirrored the first, a tough encounter with both teams trading scores and Skerries giving the Fingallians half-back line a lot of trouble, constantly launching the ball into that area.

But, in spite of their determination, Skerries were unable to turn around the four-point deficit between the

teams, and the match ended with the Lawless Park men in the ascendancy.

Credit Fingallians’ manager Dan Davern reserved special credit to his half-back line and, in particular, the young r i g h t - s i d e d p l a y e r, David Fagan.

“David Fagan’s was the stand-out performance of the game, he was absolutely excellent, as he has been all season. He wins an awful lot of ball and vey seldom gets turned over,” said Davern.

The AFL 2 is incredibly tight at the top, proving to be as unpredictable as ever.

Top of the league St Maur’s gave away two crucial points to bottom side, Ballinteer St John’s, allowing Fingallians to move closer to the top, with only one point now between them and the league leaders.

Next up for the

Swords side are St Brigid’s and despite their lowly position, the nature of the league keeps Davern focusing on each encounter as it comes.

“Every team is capable beating each other in this league. Brigid’s are a great team and they always have been.

We need to knuckle down, get results and put on good performances week in week out”.

Un f o r t u n a t e l y f o r Davern, seven minutes from time, midfielder Danny Campion had to leave the field when he picked up a hamstring injury.

Known as a key player for his side, Fingallians will look to the Brigid’s game without the presence of Campion in midfield.

“He’s definitely a big player for us,” said Davern. “We’ll just have keep the momentum going and, hopefully, the result will take care of itself.”

CONGRATULATIONS to the senior

and the Dublin senior footballers in

footballers on their mid week vic-

their win over Laois.

tory over Skerries.

The Junior 6 team also collected two points and the U-8s dazzled the opposition at a footballing blitz in Bellowstown.

Our U-14 hurlers also collected

Members can now register at the club bar for tickets for the Leinster semi-final.

Check out the club Facebook page for the latest pictures from Croke Park.

two points against Oliver Plun-

The club wish to acknowledge and

kett’s. Check out all the league

thank Swords Credit Union for their

tables on www.hill16.ie

sponsorship of the primary school

The club would like to wish all our players the very best of luck in their exams over the next few weeks.

The U-8s are having a sponsored sport fun day in the club this Saturday, June 11, from 2pm. Everyone is welcome, young and old.

Congratulations to Paul Flynn

blitz from June 19 to 25.

All the local primary schools are invited to participate in blitzes in Fingallians’ GAA Club for the Swords and District Credit Union Cup. Last weeks Lotto numbers were 5, 8, 12, 31 and 36.

This week’s jackpot will be € 1,466.

ST COLMCILLE’S CUP game this week away to Park

over the coming weeks. All support

Rangers with throw-in at 7.30pm -

welcome.

players requested to meet in club at 6.15pm.

Championship fixture on Thursday week at home to Raheny.

Congratulations to the Dublin senior footballers on their winning start to the Leinster championship on Sunday last.

Training every Tuesday and Thurs-

All members are encouraged to

day at 7.15pm sharp. A full turnout

pay membership for the year which

is required for training and games.

is now overdue.

U-14 s t r a i n o n Mo n d a y s a n d

Club lotto takes place every Mon-

Wednesdays at 6.15pm - forthcom-

day at 10pm in the clubhouse. Enve-

ing fixtures to be announced next

lopes cost €2 for one line or €5 for

Wednesday.

three lines. Club looking for volun-

Club looking for mentors to help with Nursery, U-10s, U-12s teams

teers to help with ticket allocations for the championship season.

WILD GEESE THE junior hurling championship

June 11 away at 11am.

restarts next Tuesday against St

Juvenile hurling training on Wednes-

Oliver PLunkett’s/Eoin Ruadgh at home

days from 6.30 to 7.30pm, all newcom-

at 7.30pm. U-12s hurlers play Erin Go

ers welcome. Ladies’ football train-

Bragh opn June 11 away at 12.15pm.

ing on Mondays and Wednesdays at

U-11s Vs St Pat’s, Palmerstown, on

7.30pm.

ALL OF YOUR SWORDS SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31

FLYING FINS: Fingallians notch another AFL2 win to close the gap on St Maur’s: P31

swordssport@gazettegroup.com

SWORDS woman Catherine Walsh will hope to take another step toward qualifying for another Paralympic Games when she was named in a 12-strong squad to represent Ireland in Segovia, Spain, this week.

It is the second World Cup event of the year, a series which carries points toward qualification to the Games in London 2012.

Walsh will compete in the female tandem category along with pilot, Francine Meehan, as they hope to repeat their success in the female section of the Tandem Tour of Bel-

gium, a four-stage race.

In a mixed field, the pair managed to finish the race ninth overall in the field with international male athletes taking part in this annual race for the visually impaired, producing three top-ten finishes in the stage race as well as 11th in the time trial.

Racing against high-quality male opponents last weekend provided a serious test for the Irish pair and an excellent build-up work for this coming weekend.

The duo will compete in both the road race and time trial in Segovia, one of three Irish tandem pairings who are also hoping to impress selec-

MCCARTHY MAGIC: New arrival pursues Olympic dream P29

Swords’ Paralympic hopeful, Catherine Walsh

tors ahead of the Race World Championships later this year in Denmark.

Following the announcement of the team, Irish Paracycling manager Denis Toomey spelled out the importance of the momentum built up already this season.

“Following the Irish success at the first World Cup event, expectations are high, but we will be watched a lot more closely by all countries who will be trying to keep us off the podium.

“We have selected a very strong squad and all are in very good form, so fingers crossed, we will bring back the medals from Spain and pick up addi-

tional ranking points for London qualification.”

Earlier this year on the track, Walsh and Meehan took bronze at the UCI Paracycling Track World Championships in Italy in the 3km Individual Pursuit.

And they will be hoping to replicate that form on the road, where they are part of a strong Irish contingent.

Andrew Fitzgerald and pilot Damien Shaw will be joined by newcomers John Goldrick from Sligo, piloted by Anthony Walsh, and UK-based James Brown will be piloted by regular stalwart, Con Collis.

The World Cup will see the welcome return to interna-

tional competition of Enda Smyth in the C4 category ,who missed out on early season competition due to injury but has fought back well and regained his place on the squad for Spain.

The squad also includes the two Irish leaders in the competition, Mark Rohan in the H1 Category and Colin Lynch in the C2 Category, who will be attempting to retain their World Cup Leaders Jerseys they won in Sydney last month. Rohan secured another P1 Win this weekend when winning the H1 Road Race in Oensigen, Switzerland, and he also finished third in the time trial.

GazetteSPORT

Walsh set to bolster Olympic hopes in Segovia

JUNE 9, 2011