Swords

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June 16, 2011

ANNIVERSARY: Newbridge House set to celebrate 25 years See Page 6

Off on the right foot: Taking part in a fun walk Football: Fingallians look forward to key promotion ties Page 32

NAOMI Kelly, aged 4, and Ella Rogers, aged 4, certainly look like they were enjoying themselves as they took part in the Danone Big Toddle for Barnardos recently. The girls, who attend the Funky Kidz preschool in Airside, were among a large group of children and parents from the school who set out on the fun sponsored walk to fundraise and help thousands of children change their lives.

Picture: Peter Doyle

Full Gallery on Page 8-9

Rugby: North Dublin Eagles represent Leinster in cup Page 28

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Public views invited on drainage project Council urging all residents to get involved

Q LAURA WEBB

MEMBERS of the public are being invited to have their say in a major new drainage project aimed at improving water quality in the Greater Dublin Area.

Local residents attended the first of several open days

held by Fingal County Council last week aimed at encouraging people to get involved in identifying a suitable route and location for the vital new drainage and wastewater treatment plant. A further open day will take place this Thursday, June 16, at FCC Swords Headquarters from 2pm until 7pm.

“We are still at the early stages of consultation and these open days offer the opportunity to feed into the first step along the way to determining the best locations for this new drainage and wastewater infrastructure,” said project engineer, Peter O’Reilly.

Full Story on Page 4

2 SWORDS GAZETTE 16 June 2011

HEALTH: HANDBOOK RELEASE Helping those who suffer dementia Q HIROMI MOONEY news@gazettegroup.com

A NEW handbook to help families care for those with dementia at home, has been published by Home Instead Senior Care in Swords.

The handbook, Dementia Care at Home: A Guide for Family Caregivers, explains some of the basic facts about the different forms of dementia and looks at practical ways of dealing with some of the common issues. It also gives insight into how the person with dementia feels and reacts to certain situations.

“It is estimated that there are more than 40,000 people in Ireland living with some form of dementia,” said Tara Shortall of Home Instead Senior Care.

“There are another 50,000 people whose lives are also affected: the family caregivers who work each day caring for loved ones who can no longer care for themselves. “ We b e l i e v e t h i s guide will serve as a valuable resource to family caregivers and help them better understand dementia and the behaviour of loved ones living with dementia.”

The handbook was written by Joanne Flood, a Registered Psychiatric Nurse with 11 years experience in dementia care.

“With many outreach efforts supporting people living with dementia, there is little available to help the caregiver who may feel isolated and overwhelmed by their responsibilities,”said Joanne. “This booklet is an excellent resource for family caregivers struggling to care for loved ones living with a dementia.”

If you want to order a free copy of this handbook, you can visit http://w w w.homeinstead.ie

GARDAI

Investigating the fatal shooting of a man in Donabate

Gardai appeal for witnesses after a man was shot Q NATALIE BURKE

GARDAI in Swords investigating the fatal shooting of a man in a caravan park in the Donabate area, have renewed their appeal for witnesses to come forward.

The Garda believe 53-yearold Michael Taylor, originally from Summerhill in Dublin, was shot a number of times at Hand’s Caravan Park in

Donabate on Monday, June 10, at approximately 4:40 pm. The victim was taken to Beaumont Hospital where he later died from his injuries.

It is believed two men wearing balaclavas and dressed in grey and black hooded tops entered the park and attacked Mr Taylor, before running away in the direction of Donabate beach where they got into a stolen metallic blue Opel Insig-

nia, with a 09 D registration plate. The men are believed to have then travelled to Turvey Woods, where the vehicle was set on fire and the men left in a black Honda Civic, with a 07 D registration plate. The car was later discovered by Gardai in the Glasnevin area.

In their most recent appeal, Gardai in Swords are particularly interested in speaking to a female witnes, who was in the

area of New Road, Donabate, on Monday between 4:40 pm. and 5 pm. She is described as being of medium height, with dark shoulder-length hair and wearing a zip-up tracksuit top.

Gardai say she was travelling in an orange coloured car and called into a resident’s house on the New Road.

“We want to thank people in the area for being very co-operative with us in our investiga-

tions, and we are appealing for anyone who has any information to come forward,” Superintendent Mark Curran told the Gazette.

Anyone with information, or who may be able to assist with the investigation, is asked to contact the Swords Garda Station on 01-6664700, the Garda Confidential Telephone Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.

ALAN FARRELL: TD’S RESTRUCTURED GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE SYSTEM

Restoring the powers of investigation to Government Q NATALIE BURKE

FINE Gael TD for Dublin North, Alan Farrell has this week been appointed to the vital new Select Committee on Investigations, Oversights and Petitions as part of the restructured Government committee system, committed to restoring powers of investigation back to the Government.

In a statement, Deputy Alan Farrell said that the committee has the potential to be of significant influence over political investigations and subsequent decisions made over the coming years.

“I have been given an opportunity to shape the committee in advance of, and following, a referendum on

the Abbeylara judgement, which proposes to amend the constitution to give Dail committees full powers of investigation.

Decisions “The Abbeylara Supreme Court decision currently limits the ability of Dail committees to hold investigations into crucial issues of public concern, such as the banking crisis,” he said. “The proposed referendum on the Abbeylara decision, if passed, will give the committees a quasi-judicial status, and abolish the need for expensive tribunals that have cost the taxpayers hundreds of millions of euro over the past decade or more.”

Should the referendum be passed by the

people, TD Alan Farrell insists the committee structure will be provided with the powers to summon and crossexamine witnesses, bringing to account those who should answer to the State.

“The committees, which previously numbered 25 have been reduced to 15 as promised in the Programme for Government,” he said.

Changes “The changes made by the Government in its first 100 days, exhibit the Government’s strong commitment to political change, whilst providing real accountability and reducing costs.”

Alan Farrell’s most recent appointment was made in a week when

Alan Farrell-given an opportunity to shape the committee

the TD was also chosen for the Select Committee for the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, as well as being appointed to the

Fine Gael committee for European Affairs and Trade, the committee for Environment, Community and Local Government and was

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nominated by An Taoiseach Enda Kenny as Chairperson for Fine Gael Committee on Public Expenditure and Reform.

16 June 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 3

EVENT Company named Best Supplier

Two month disruption

A tasty treat for Keelings Q NATALIE BURKE news@gazettegroup.com

LOCAL produce supplier Keeling’s Catering, based in St Margaret’s in County Dublin, has made its mark in the catering world this month after it was named Best Supplier at the recent Irish Restaurant Association Awards 2011.

The Awards ceremony which is considered to be the Irish Restaurant Industry’s biggest and most prestigious annual event was held at the Burlington Hotel in Dublin on May 25 where the local catering company picked up its award.

This is a first for the company to be voted for by restaurateurs and the company managed to fend off some of the biggest brand names in the country and reinforces its commitment to growing quality Irish produce to supply at a local level.

T he Keeling family, who have their head office and farms based in St Margaret’s, have been growing their produce for three generations and have always been passionate about its highquality standards.

T he family have four depots in Ireland including Dublin, Cork, Belfast and Wexford

ROADS: REPAIRS TO WATER MAINS

Q STAFF REPORTER

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Matt Carrick, Keelings Catering Business Development; Julie Morris, Catex (sponsor of the award); Aisling Boggan Keelings, National Account manager; Brian Fallon, president of Restaurant Association of Ireland and Colm Bury, MD of Keelings Catering

and local customers are assured the produce is grown locally so can therefore expect the highest quality and level of freshness.

In a recent statement, Colm Bury, managing director of Keeling’s Catering, emphasised how proud the company was of both their produce and of their recent

achievement and hopes the company continues to flourish.

“We are thrilled to be presented with this award in recognition of our commitment to growing local quality produce”, he said.

“Restaurants and restaurant-goers want more than ever to know that it is local produce

they are purchasing and consuming.

“We are truly delighted to have achieved such recognition in such a short space of time and this is a huge step in the evolution of Keeling’s Catering and we’d like to thank all our staff and customers for helping us along the way.”

MOTORISTS and residents in Swords and Malahide will experience some disruption from June 20, when work is due to start on the water mains along the SwordsMalahide Road.

The Fingal County Council Water Ser vices Department will be beginning work on the road from Waterside to Malahide Demesne, on Monday, 20th June, and is expected to be ongoing until the end of August.

The initial stage of

the essential works programme will involve laying a 450mm water main along the road to facilitate the upgrade of the Malahide Reservoir and the road will be left with a temporary surface for a two month period to ensure settlement of the pipe and surrounds.

During this time, the road will be permanently resurfaced.

While work is being carried out, the road will be reduced to one lane and will be traffic light managed and members of the public are warned they may face delays throughout this period.

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4 SWORDS GAZETTE 16 June 2011

FastNews Metro North rally cancelled THE Metro North Rally, which was due to be held earlier this week at council buildings in Swords, was cancelled following the news of the death of Former Minister for Finance, Brian Lenihan.

Organisers say they now hope to reschedule it for a later date.

According to local L a b o u r C l l r. G e r r y Maguire, one of five local politicians due to support the campaign, it is not yet clear when the rally will take place.

“Following the sad news of Brian Lenihan’s passing, the rally was cancelled and it is hoped that it will be rescheduled at a later date, but it is not yet clear when that date will be”.

The rally was to take place on Monday in an effort to support the transport project ahead of the Government making a decision on whether or not the multimillion euro light rail system will go ahead.

If the major piece of infrastructure gets the go-ahead, it is set to be 16.5kms long and will incorporate 14 stops along the route.

COMMUNITY Projects worth €5 million allocated for employment

Minister announces new jobs’ initiative for Swords Q DAWN LOVE

SWORDS’ infrastructure is set to benefit under a new €5m jobs initiative announced by Transport Minister Leo Varadkar this week.

Over €1.5m has been allocated by the Minister to restore the road surface on the Swords Road Quality Bus Corridor.

The €5 million will be used to start or complete 25 sustainable transport projects, including the Swords QBC project, and to sustain employment in the process.

The projects will include road improvements, pedestrian crossings, cycle routes, footpaths, and pedestrianisation projects.

The project forms part of the €75 million allocated to the Jobs Initiative by the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport, which the Minister said has the potential to create around 1,000 jobs.

Speaking to the Gazette, Minister Varadkar said the funding would sustain employment, improve road safety and

bring real benefits to communities.

“I’m very happy to be able to confirm this funding under the Jobs Initiative. It will allow local authorities to start work on new sustainable transport projects, and bring others to completion. Each of these projects will improve the quality of life in their area, and

improve safety in and around our roads.

“This funding will also help to sustain jobs in these difficult times, and in some cases will actually create new ones. The projects will also improve the quality of life by encouraging more people to walk, cycle or use public transport,” the Minister said.

Fingal County Council offices, where open days are being held to discuss the location of a new drainage and waste water treatment system

Ronald McDonald seek volunteers RONALD McDonald House, which provides accommodation, care and support for families while their children are hospitalised or undergoing treatment in Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin is urgently seeking volunteers.

The charity has looked after 1,734 families from all over Ireland since they opened in 2004.

“As we only have a staff of five we rely heavily on volunteers to help us with our day-to-day operations. We have volunteers who cook, garden, help with IT and our website,” CEO Marian Carroll says.

For more information on how to become a volunteer go to www.rmhc. ie or call 014560435.

COUNCIL: NEW DRAINAGE AND WASTE WATER TREATMENT INFRASTRUCTURE

Fingal residents to have a say in new plant location Q LAURA WEBB

FINGAL residents are answering a call by their local council to get involved in identifying a suitable route and location for a vital new drainage and wastewater treatment infrastructure in the area by attending open days for the project.

During the first open days held by Fingal County Council for the Greater Dublin Drainage Project, a steady stream of people dropped in to get involved in identifying suitable routes and locations for the new drainage and wastewater infrastructure in the northern

part of the Greater Dublin Area.

The open days were held in council offices in Swords, Blanchardstown and Balbriggan, with another scheduled for Thursday, June 16 at Fingal County Council Swords Headquarters on from 2pm until 7pm.

Project Engineer at Fingal County Council, Peter O’Reilly said: “People were surprised that there are no dots or lines drawn on maps yet and they were interested in telling us about the constraints they see that will affect the routes and locations for the new wastewa-

ter treatment works, the marine outfall and the route for the large new sewer pipes that are needed.

“People who attended studied maps of north Dublin, reviewed the project information with the Project Team, asked questions and provided interesting ideas and feedback, which the Project Team will use to help develop the project.

“A total of four open days in total will be held during this first phase of consultation.”

According to O’Reilly, people are “very interested” in the project development timeline and also “how the feedback

they are giving us will fit into the project and be used to move the project forward”.

“We’re telling them that the next phase of the project will involve the consultants taking on board all the constraints that would prevent the new infrastructure being located in any area. “ The consultants will then agree a shortlist of a minimum of six potential sites or locations and we will put all these sites out for further public consultation.

“Some people are asking about the length of time it will take to get to making a plan-

ning application and we tell them that it could be two years or more before we get to that point.

“We are still at the very early stages of consultation and these four open days offer people the opportunity to feed into the first step along the way to determining the best locations for this vital new drainage and wastewater infrastructure that is required to comply with the EU water Framework Directive and the Eastern River Basin Plan, both of which have the objective of achieving good quality water, to benefit all,” O’Reilly said.

16 June 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 5

BLOOM Fingal County Council celebrates

Blooming brilliant award for Fingal Q STAFF REPORTER

FINGAL bloomed with delight after it was awarded a prestigious gold medal by independent judges at the Bloom in the Park Festival 2011, which took place recently.

At the prestigious show, Fingal County Council was awarded a gold medal and was best in category in the Educational Display Category.

The festival ran over five days during the June Bank Holiday weekend, and was attended by an estimated 90,000 visitors from all over Ireland and abroad.

The design of Fingal’s exhibit was inspired by the beautiful Victorian Walled Garden at Ardgillan Castle, located near Balbriggan.

The enclosed garden is open to the public 365 days of the year and has herb, vegetable, fruit flower and rose gardens.

Describing the winning design, a spokesperson for Fingal County Council said it also included

an old millstone from Skerries Mills and eggs and produce from Newbridge House and Farm near Donabate. Climbing roses, jasmine, flowering plants, and even red cabbage, provided a lovely pink and purple colour scheme.

Old gardening tools from a bygone era hung above a potting bench, and onlookers were treated to tasty Fingal strawberries.

“A flat-screen monitor was set into the gardenworker’s shed door to display images of what Fingal’s Heritage Properties has to offer when visitors come to Ardgillan, Skerries Mills and Newbridge House and Farm.

“Fingal County Council hopes to bring this display out into the community at various locations, such as shopping centres around the county, and across Dublin throughout the summer months.

“If you missed the opportunity to see this display at Bloom, keep an eye out at your local

EVENT: OVER 1OO SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS ATTEND SEMINAR

Secrets of Success is a huge hit

The design of Fingal’s exhibit was inspired by the beautiful Victorian Walled Garden at Ardgillan Castle

shopping centre for it.

“Dates and locations for the tour will be posted on www.fingalcoco.ie or on twitter.com/fingalcoco.

“Alternatively, come out and spend some time at Newbridge House and Farm, Ardgillan Castle or Skerries Mill and enjoy the experience first hand,” the council spokesperson said.

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Fingal County Council was best in category in the Educational Display Category

SHARING the Secrets of Business Success proved to be a big success, with over 100 owners of small businesses attending the Fingal Business Network event.

On June 1, Conall O’Morain, of the Sunday Business Show on Today FM, hosted the event organised by the Fingal Business Network, at the Clarion Dublin Airport Hotel. The event also featured a panel of successful entrepreneurs from the Fingal area who shared their knowledge and experience, while providing a valuable insight into maximising business potential in the current economic climate.

The panel included Greg Tobin, founder of Spear Technologies; Ciaran Kennedy, founder and technical director at Critical Data Services; Lisa Whelan, director of Dog Training Ireland and John Aheme, founder and owner of Golfgraffix.

Businesses and individuals that attended were provided with valuable business tips, ranging from maximising the potential of social media for business, through to saving money through the implementation and use of new and existing

technology.

Guests in the forum were invited to share their best business ideas with each other through organised networking exercises, with Conall O’Morain handing out spot prizes for the most creative ideas.

Commenting on the success of the evening Conall said, “No doubt that business is buzzing in Fingal; 115 business owners full of enthusiasm, ideas and entrepreneurship were a breath of fresh air on the night.

“Things are tough for business generally, but these people were a complete antidote to the too frequent, ill-informed media gloom regarding business. Everyone, myself included, learnt something from the Network meeting.

“I’ve got my own Top Ten tips from the meeting that I have been tweeting to followers of the Sunday Business Show. It was a tremendous, two-hour free event that should be copied by every Enterprise Network in the country.”

For further information on the Fingal Business Network, contact Fingal County Enterprise Board on 01 8900800 or e-mail fbn@fingalceb.ie.

6 SWORDS GAZETTE 16 June 2011

EVENT: COUNCIL

Open-air theatre is on the way for this July Q NAOMI YOUNG news@gazettegroup.com

OPEN-AIR theatre is coming to Ardgillan Castle and Newbridge House this July.

Fingal County Council’s open-air garden theatre programme for Summer 2011 will see The Taming of the Shrew take centre stage. The event, in association with Chapter House Theatre Company, can be caught at Ardgillan House, Balbriggan, on Friday, July 1 and Newbridge House, Donabate, on Friday, July 8, both at 7.30 pm.

The stage performers are “innovative, enthusiastic and committed” people that “bring theatre alive in all sorts of different locations, small or large spaces, and often induce a life-long passion to those who had never been inside a theatre in their lives,” according to Nigel Travers, a former employee of Chapterhouse.

According to a previous audience member: “We were impressed by the acting, speaking, singing and dancing; by the multi-tasking, and by the staging.

“The best Puck I have seen in 60 years of theatre-going, It was excellent.”

Ticket prices for students and children are €5, adults are €8 and a family ticket of €20 is also available and attendees are advised to bring along their own rugs or low-backed seating.

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EVENT Local town is turned into a Gaeltacht for TV show

Donabate takes part in TG4’s, The G-Team Q NATALIE BURKE

THE town of Donabate was transformed into a Gaeltacht this week when the whole community took part in TG4’s, The G-Team show.

T he show encourages local groups to turn their village into a Gaeltacht and run a festival through Irish

in a bid to win €40,000 towards promoting their area. Businesses, schools and the whole community spent weeks in preparation for the day’s festivities in Donabate, planning the huge range of events which ran throughout the day and night.

Manager Robert Ward, of Supervalu in

Donabate, became an Irish Dale Winton for the day when two housewives took part in Supermarket Sweep.

“There were so many people there to watch the trolley dash, it was chaos,” Robert told the Gazette.

“It was much bigger than we thought and loads of people turned

up with banners for support.

“We gave two local ladies a shopping list with a list of products in Irish and the first to complete the list was the winner.

“They both loved it and thought it was great fun so it really went down well,” he said.

Other events on the

day included a Mass said through Irish in St Patrick’s Church, an Irish Open Day at Donabate Golf Club and a Campa Cumhail, a strong man competition held at an obstacle course at Donabate beach.

Newbridge House took crowds of schoolchildren on a tour of their farm ‘as gaeilge’

while the local senior citizens group organised a whiskey-tasting event.

Discounts in local restaurants were given to customers ordering through Irish and the G-Factor talent show, a Fleadh Ceoil and an Oiche Dramaiocht were just some of the entertainment lined up on Monday night.

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‘We have a lot more events coming up, including a teddy bears’ picnic in early July and open theatre performances in the Walled Garden to celebrate the rich history of the House’

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Maria Quill, of Fingal County Council

Newbridge House and demesne attracts over 10,000 visitors each year

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ANNIVERSARY: STATELY HOME PLANS MAJOR EVENT TO MARK OCCASION

Newbridge House getting set to celebrate 25 years Q NATALIE BURKE

ONE of Ireland’s most important stately homes, Newbridge House, will celebrate 25 years of being open to members of the public this weekend.

To coincide with the quarter of a century celebration, Newbridge are also celebrating the 20th anniversary of their Farm and the 275th anniversary of the purchase of the demesne by the Cobbe family.

“Everyone who has

been a part of Newbridge over the years, going right back to the Cobbe family, will be coming along to the celebration,” said Maria Quill, of Fingal County council, “including the farm manager, friends of the house and members of the media who have helped promote events in the past.”

The Mayor of Fingal, councillor Ken Farrell, will be the guest speaker on the night and will launch the celebration with a welcoming

speech.

With the grandeur of the Georgian Mansion, the 18th-century working farm and stateof-the-ar t adventure playground, it’s no surprise that the demesne attracts 100,000 visitors annually. The Farm is one of the most popular spots where visitors can enjoy meeting a vast array of animals, ranging from Shetland and Connemara ponies, to the piglets, goats and baby chicks of the farmyard.

“The farm is such a huge attraction. Children love seeing Penny the pug jumping up on the wall and we had a sheep-shearing day recently, which was great.

“When the new lambs were born in the spring, children had the chance to bottle feed the lambs, which they loved, so it makes a great family day out even more special,” said Maria.

Newbridge regularly organises events to celebrate the beauty of the

grounds and to show the many sides of the amenity.

“Over the last few months we’ve had an Easter Hunt and a Fairy Weekend, as well as drawing workshops on National Drawing Day,” Maria said.

“We have a lot more e ve n t s c o m i n g u p , including a teddy bears picnic in early July and open theatre performances in the Walled Garden, to celebrate the rich history of the House.”

Set on a 360-acre demesne, Newbridge House was built by Archbishop Cobbe in 1747 and is extremely rare in that it contains most of its original furniture, thanks to the generosity of the Cobbe family, who have provided, on loan, the original furniture, pictures and other works of art on display in the main rooms open to the public, including the Red Drawing Room, which is notably one of the finest in the country.

16 June 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 7

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PEOPLE Communities gather to voice concerns

Residents’ outrage over pyrite crisis in new homes Q NATALIE BURKE

SOCIALIST Party TD Clare Daly has congratulated residents affected by the pyrite crisis for coming together across communities to launch a determined campaign for justice in a protest last Friday at Homebond offices.

“I think the different areas affected by the issue were broadly represented with groups from all communities and, given that it was the first time the communities had come together on the issue, it showed just how determined they are and it was a lively, well-represented protest,” Daly said of the gathering.

The residents pledged to put further pressure on Homebond, the Construction Industry Federation, as well as the Government, to demand a task force to carry out a programme of structural repairs on all of the homes affected by pyrite.

The material, which expands in the presence of moisture and oxygen, has affected many recently built houses and families could face potentially huge bills to repair the damage and defects as a result of the material.

A meeting of a number of TDs from the affected areas convened, and according to a recent statement, Deputy Daly said it was agreed that pressure needed to be stepped up and the issue had to be made a key task of the Environmental Committee when it was constituted.

“A s E n d a K e n ny offered to meet residents on the issue, it was felt that this should

be organised, and that a cross-party delegation of TDs should meet the Minister and demand action,” she said.

In her statement; Daly encouraged everyone in support of the campaign to attend what will be an important point of pressure.

“Residents are not prepared to let the construc-

tion industry hide behind Homebond, or allow Homebond plead lack of funds, when billions were made by these developers in the property boom.

“They are not going to be the fall guy for poor standards and regulation,” she said.

“I am fully supportive of the campaign,” she added.

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Smart thinking: A new petrol engine option for the Skoda Octavia

Socialist Party TD for Dublin North, Clare Daly

MOTORING PAGE 18

8 SWORDS GAZETTE 16 June 2011

EVENT Toddlers and their families from the Funky Kidz

Taking up charity challenge HE children at Funky Kidz pre-skool in Airside decided to take part in the Danone Big Toddle for Barnardos, which is a fun sponsored walk to fundraise to help thousands of children change their lives. The sun kept itself hidden so there was no need for any sun protection, but at least the rain kept away as the children and their parents set off on their challenge. Over the past seven years the Danone Big Toddle for Barnardos has seen 112,500 children taking part. Over 4,336 groups have organised sponsored toddles and together have raised over â‚Ź2 million, making this the biggest fundraising event for Barnardos.

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The race finish line. Pictures: Peter Doyle

Jo and Ava Kavanagh

Holly Kavanagh, aged four

The Winner: Jayden Whelan, aged three

Helen Wilson and Rachel Daly, aged three

Naomi Kelly, aged four, and Ella Rogers, aged four

16 June 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 9

pre-skool take part in the Big Toddle for Barnardos

Margaret Burke with precious Nwadgu, aged three, Nathan Martin, aged three-and-a-half, and Jayden Whelan, aged three

Joseph Raji, aged Jack Skrainska, Ellen Magill and Stashio Skrainska

Amy Kavanagh, aged four and Ava, aged two-and-a-half

McGary, aged four

Jayden Whelan, aged three, Shauna Bradley, aged three-and-a-half, and Joseph Raji, aged four

four and Callum

10 SWORDS GAZETTE 16 June 2011

EVENT

Attending a Fingal Business Network Event

Veronica Canning and Frances Brennan

Seminar

A chance to get some top advice haring the Secrets of Business Success, was the theme of a recent Fingal Business Network Event.

Held in the Clarion Hotel, Dublin Airport, the event was facilitated by Paul Murgatroyd, of the Fingal Business Network, and was free of charge for Fingal-based companies.

The event was hosted by Conall O’Morain of the Sunday Business Show on Today FM. A number of successful business people spoke at the event, including Greg Tobin – Spear Technologies; Ciaran Kennedy – Founder and Technical Director, Critical Data Services; Lisa Whelan – director, Dog Training Ireland and John Aherne – founder and owner of Golfgraffix.

Mary Simons, Catherine Morgan and Sandra Sweetman. Pictures: Peter Doyle

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Pauline Hiney and Aoife Carroll

Inga Celniene, Danielle Townsend and Karen Hughes

Constance O’Toole, Gaye Godkin and Christine Smart

Eve Bulman, Niamh O’Leary, Leanne Papaioannou, Teresa Long, Danijela Kopcic and Sandra Sweetman

16 June 2011 GAZETTE 11

12 GAZETTE 16 June 2011

Exploring Dublin’s architecture A RECENTLY launched Architecture Tours Ireland initiative is offering tours of historic and contemporary Dublin architecture.

The tours, which will run every week across the year and take approximate one to one- andhalf hours to complete, will be guided by a group of passionate architects.

Tour capacity will be limited to just 25 participants and the cost per tour is €10 per adult, €5 per child and €8 concession for students, unwaged and seniors. Bookings can be made on www. architecturetours.ie.

Tours currently on offer through Architecture Tours Ireland (ATI) are: Dublin Docklands, The Living City, Georgian Dublin, Temple Bar and Children’s Activity Tours.

Visit www.architecturetours.ie for more information and bookings.

FITNESS Start planning now how to look your best

Shaping up your body for sunny summer QDERRY TEMPLE

SUMMER is here, so it’s time to dig out last year’s swimsuit in preparation for the good weather and your next holiday destination.

But does last year’s swimsuit still fit or has a winter of hibernation taken its toll on your waistline? If you want to get your body in shape for the sunny

summer months, then maybe it’s time to start planning how you are going to look your best.

One way to kick-start a new regime, is to list all the reasons you want to shape up. Writing down your goals and the reasons you want to reach them will help motivate and inspire you. Along with reviewing your reasons for training, you need to set yourself

some realistic goals.

Mark down your weight, and, as your programme develops, you will have a visible record of your progress. Record any training done, and try to consistently improve your results.

The first law of thermodynamics dictates that weight loss occurs whenever energy output exceeds energy intake, you need to increase your daily activity and combine this with good eating habits.

It was reported in the International Journal of Obesity that analysis of the past 25 years of weight loss research found that the average weight loss of a weightreduction programme was hugely increased when a proper diet was followed along with exercise. A food diary can help make you more aware of your nutritional blunders.

Write down absolutely everything you eat and drink and review it to look for common dietary mistakes.

The most common errors include not eating a breakfast, going too long without eating, eating too many processed carbohydrates

Derry Temple-a qualified pilates instructor, strengh and conditioning coach

and not enough vegetables and protein.

One of the best ways to train, is a combination of cardio and resistance training. This helps you to not only lose fat, but also gain muscle, ensuring a toned look, a stronger body and a higher metabolism.

Most important is to do something you really enjoy; working out shouldn’t have to be boring. For those who despise the gym and want to train outdoors in a fun environment, bootcamp may be a suit-

able option. Bootcamps have enjoyed a surge in popularity recently, because they involve a mix of both endurance and resistance training in an enjoyable atmosphere.

It is important to have a circle of support, so you should encourage a friend, family member or spouse to be an exercise partner and join you in your weight loss effort. This person should only be used as a support, however, and not as a crutch to lean on. This is your journey

to the ideal beach body and nobody else can get you there.

Derr y Temple is a qualified pilates instructor, strength and conditioning coach. He runs his own fitness company, DTFitness, offering pilates and bootcamp classes, along with personal training. DTFitness is located in the Artane/Donnycarney area in Dublin 5. You Contact Derry by telephone on 085 7131417.

Email: derry@dtfitness. ie or visit the website: www.dtfitness.ie

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INITIATIVE

16 June 2011 GAZETTE 13

EVENT Weekend with crowds in their thousands

Bloom’s Rudd-y success breakfast pack if they clicked “Like” on the Rudd’s page.

This proved to be a huge success, with more than 600 new fans joining the Rudd’s page at Bloom.

More recently, at Taste of Dublin, Rudd’s ran the same promotion, and saw their Facebook page gain more than 1,100 fans.

Taste of Dublin was as popular as ever, with thousands of people turning out to sample some of the finest food and drink in Dublin and, of course, Rudd’s famous sausages.

To check out photos and news from the events, see www.facebook.com/ rudds.

Talbot Hotel to sponsor Discover Ireland Horse Show THE TALBOT Hotel Group has announced its three-year sponsorship of the 2011 Discover Ireland Horse Show.

The Talbot Group are the proud sponsors of the Speed Derby International Competition.

This prestigious event takes place on Ladies’ Day, August 4, in the RDS main arena and offers a prize of €21,000.

Taking place from August 3 to 7, Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show is one of the world’s largest international show-jumping events in the world and, this year, the show hopes to be even bigger and better than ever before. Not only is the show a top international equestrian event, it is also a wonderful day out with kids’ entertainment, live music every day, champagne bars, great food, trade stands and, not to forget, the style of Blossom Hill

Ladies’ day on August 4.

Over 100 years ago the Talbot Hotel Group originated in Wexford, the sunny south-east of Ireland. Today, along with Talbot Wexford, the Talbot Trinity comprises the Stillorgan Park Hotel and Talbot Carlow. Each of the 4-star Talbot Hotels offer luxurious accommodation, contemporary bars and restaurants, health and leisure facilities, exceptional wedding venues and excellent business facilities.

Located within 10 minutes from the RDS, the Stillorgan Park Hotel is offering packages from €65 per person sharing during the Horse Show, including ticket to the show and complimentary transfers to the RDS. For reservations, contact the hotel on 01 2001800, email reservations@stillorganpark.com or book online at www.stillorganpark.com

W

DUBLIN’S Bloom festival, which ran from Thursday, June 2, to Monday, June 6, was a fantastic and successful event, organised by Bord Bia. Popular breakfast meat producers, Rudd’s, participated in the Field to Fork tent in the Bord Bia Food Village.

The glorious sunshine held up for most of the weekend, which helped to bring out the crowds in their thousands.

For the duration of the bank holiday weekend, Rudd’s ran a promotion in conjunction with their newly-launched Facebook page, where customers received a complimentary Rudd’s

Kate Bush: A return to her 90s’ releases

Model Alison Canavan with Jessica Austin, Lauren Connolly and David Austin

SEE MUSIC PAGE 23

14 GAZETTE 16 June 2011

GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY

Edited by Dawn Love

Locks will get totally luscious with Aussie W E can all carry around a bit too much baggage at times, whether it’s in our handbags or our emotions. Now ladies, that’s quite enough to be lugging around without the thought of a heavyweight conditioner adding to the burden of follicle flatness. Aussie girls know that they should never let things get heavy, not even their hair!

And now you can have all the goodness of your favourite Aussie post-shampoo moisture boost with an extra pickme-up! The lightweight formula will ensure your hair doesn’t fall flat, leaving you with lusciously light locks that are rich and bouncy. This is thanks to a combination of lightweight conditioning ingredients specifically designed not to weigh hair down.

• Lusciously Light 3 Minute Miracle Reconstructor: Aussie’s hero intensive conditioner

has the sweet smell of Safflower Seed Oil. It soothes and smoothes and in record time too, because we know you’ve got better things to do ...

• Lusciously Light Mega Instant Conditioner: A great one for your gym bag, overnight bag, or just in your shower for everyday conditioning action! This Aussie gem’s a tried-and-tested musthave.

• Lusciously Light Colour Mate Conditioner: Give coloured hair the daily VIP treatment it deserves. It tenderly conditions and helps protect coloured hair, leaving highlights looking hot and all over colour positively smouldering.

• Lusciously Light Luscious Long Conditioner: Keep long hair in check with this daily conditioning treat – with eucalyptus extract in the list of ingredients it’s a stimulating experience too.

• Lusciously Light Miracle Moist Conditioner: After cleansing your hair with Miracle Moist Shampoo, hit your hair with some miraculously light moisturisation.

• Lusciously Light Frizz Miracle Conditioner: You won’t be able to resist swishing your newly silky locks the first

time you use this wonder conditioner.

• Lusciously Light 3 Minute Miracle Frizz Remedy: A daily frizzfighting product to work wonders at putting you in control. Sometimes your hair needs that extra light boost - and this is it!

•Lusciously Light Aussome Volume Conditioner: This conditioner, whisked up with extracts of Australian hops, laughs in the face of lifeless locks and turns up the volume and body.

Seriously, what a charmer!

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Aussie conditioners have a combination of lightweight conditioning ingredients specifically designed not to weigh hair down

Get longer, curvier-looking lashes in the blink of an eye GIVE your lashes the appearance of up to four times more volume, with new Big & Curvy Waterproof Mascara from The Body Shop.

This mascara is waterproof, tearproof and smudge-proof. Not only is it perfect for water babes, you can wear it for any momentous and happy occasion and feel confident that you won’t be captured on-camera with mascara streaks!

Create bigger, curvier-looking lashes and boost your confidence, with Big & Curvy Waterproof Mascara from The Body Shop RRP: €16.50.

Waterproof Mascara you can look and feel fabulous, drawing attention to your eyes effortlessly in the ‘‘blink of an eye’’.

And it’s ophthalmologist tested!

Volume

The secret to lashings of volume and full-bodied waterproof curl lies in the mascara’s innovative sculpting brush and waterproof formulation.

The advanced brush loads and sculpts lashes, coating them from root to tip, for full-bodied volumising curves that last.

Developed by mascara experts, this mascara with its fibre-twist brush gives the optimum boost of volume.

Go for a swim, work out at the gym, dance in the rain, or let your emotions overflow at a wedding or other happy occasion, confident that your look won’t be spoilt! Instead with new Big & Curvy

The Body Shop’s Big & Curvy Waterproof Mascara

16 June 2011 GAZETTE 15

GazettePETS PETS

Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA

THE FACTS: ADVICE TO HELP PREPARE FOR A FUN SUMMER WITH CHILDREN AND PETS

Mothers have it tough – with kids and pets!

S A humane educator specialising in adult education, part of my programme specifically targets parents, and, in particular, mums who are trying to juggle a career, raise children and make time for the family pet.

Now, I don’t care what the experts say, ladies – nothing prepares you for the highs and lows that are part of the job description of being a mother.

It’s a complex journey, and the answers don’t miraculously fall at your feet!

When contemplating motherhood, I’ll bet that, like me, your expectations were high. Yes? That’s because we’re fed by a culture that shows motherhood to be a time of “bliss, joy and tranquillity”. Oh, purleese!

Well, not to worry girls – you’re not alone in your disorganised state; I’m with you, and I’m going to offer you some sisterly advice that I hope will help you out when it comes to planning some fun, supervised, summer activities for the kids and the pets.

A

Before I start, I want to remind you that all children should be monitored whilst playing with pets – particularly a toddler, who will view a pet as a small, moving cuddly toy, and will not be able to understand that hitting them, or pulling on their tail, will cause pain and/ or injury.

We’ll start with toddlers.

Young children love hide-and-seek games.

Hold up a sheet or towel so that your dog is hidden, and ask your toddler to pull the sheet aside, revealing your pet.

If your dog is a gentle pet, allow your toddler to smear a tasty treat, such as soft cheese, onto their fingers, and allow your pet to lick it off. (Please try this with your own fingers first, in case your pet’s nibbling gets too rough.)

If you feed your child in a high chair, allow him to drop some pet-friendly fresh vegetables for your pet to enjoy.

Restrict this to carrot sticks, unsalted cooked pasta, broccoli or apple slices without the pips.

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‘I’m going to offer you some sisterly advice that I hope will help you when it comes to planning fun, supervised, summer activities for the kids and the pets’

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For older children, encourage your child to throw a ball or favourite pet toy for your dog to retrieve. Alternatively, your child can blow bubbles for your dog to catch.

Make sure to buy a bubble kit that’s pet-friendly; available at all good pet stores. Using ordinary, home-made bubbles may cause a stomach upset if ingested by your pet.

Run with your dog on a lead and have your child “race” your dog to a designated finish line.

Get a toy water gun, or use the garden hose, and have your child spray small amounts of water a few feet away from your dog; moving the stream of water away in a zig-zag motion along the ground – your dog will love to chase this.

Keep a close eye for

signs your dog is no longer having fun, and stop this activity if so.

Hide a few doggy treats (near to the ground so that your dog can find them), and have your child and dog try to find them together.

For young teens, your teen should be encouraged to play ball games with your dog.

Enrol yourself, your teen and your dog into dog-training classes, especially obedience and agility, where many teens will enjoy the competitiveness, and it will also boost self-esteem for both teen and dog.

Have your teen read plenty of books, or search the internet for fun, safe ways to play and interact with your dog.

Never leave or expect your teen to be in charge of your pet outside of the

For time-pressed mums, looking after children and pets, is no walk in the park – however, a walk in the park with Rover and your children in tow is just one way to help the entire family – including your loved pet - bond and have fun together

safety of your home, as situations such as interactions with strange dogs can easily occur.

Sometimes – and I stress, sometimes – teens can become angry or direct negative reactions toward their pet if that pet destroys their personal items; so watch out for signs of aggression from both teen and pet.

It’s no secret that teens can be very busy young people and you, as their parent, will be forced to

compete for their love and attention – so imagine how the family dog feels!

Encourage your teen to spend some of his/her pocket money on doggy treats, and to take on the responsibility of cleaning out the dog’s bed etc.

Observe your dog and obtain feedback from the way he licks, cuddles or growls, scratches or runs away in response to your child/teen’s interactions.

Oh yes, ladies, I’ve no

www.gazette group.com All of your latest local news, sport, features and pictures are now just a click away

doubt you’ll face many hours where you’ll wonder if you were cut out to be a mum at all, but, give yourself credit, grab a coffee, and write down all your good points, and forget about the negative ones, because, you know what?

You’re a great mum, and your kids are not so bad either!

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

16 GAZETTE 16 June 2011

SNAPSHOT The stories of the day

They’re certainly feeling the out in Blackrock this week Actor Jack Walsh (Playing Leopold Bloom); Dail Ceann Comhairle, Sean Barrett TD; actress Norette Leahy (playing Mrs Breen) and TV Dragon, Bobby Kerr, were feeling the love this week as they attended an evening reception at the launch of a new website, www.iloveblackrock.ie. The site is aimed at promoting Blackrock, Co.Dublin. An initiative of the Blackrock Business Network, the website is part of a drive to highlight the town as a great place to do business as well as an exciting shopping and leisure destination. Details were also announced at the launch of a number of events that are being organised and hosted by the Blackrock Business Network, including Bloomsday celebrations, and an Animation Festival and Family Fun Day on Saturday and Sunday, August 27 and 28.

Gazette Contacts 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 News Editor: Dawn Love email: dlove@gazettegroup.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile email: jmaile@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.

Put the pedal to the... static bike! With B&Q B&Q has teamed up with Youth Work Ireland, its official charity partner, and arranged a cycling fundraising event in their stores, appropriately called B&Q Bike It! Staff from B&Q Swords have accepted the challenge and will be biking it for Youth Work Ireland between the hours of 10am and 6pm in the B&Q Swords store at Airside Retail Park, Swords, Co. Dublin. Children from the Swords Youth Service will be here to participate in the cycle and also collect donations on behalf of Youth Work Ireland.

Noeleen O’Gorman, from B&Q Swords said: “We are looking forward to participating in our B&Q Bike It! event and raising funds for such an important cause.”

Meanwhile, B&Q Liffey Valley will have a Management versus Staff distance race on a static bike. Staff can also place €1 donations to guess the total distance covered by the winning team.

DIARY Never to late to start again LAST week, we told the story of Dubliner Adrian Nolan, from Churchtown, and how he turned his life around by turning his dream about working with radio into a reality.

After 28 years of working in an international road transport company, Adrian decided to get back to the books at the age of 50, and study Fetac Level 5 and 6 in Radio Broadcast in Dun Laoghaire College of Further Education (DCFE).

He has since progressed to study a BA in Communications in DCU, and has just completed his first year there.

He will return to DCFE this September to teach the Fetac Level 5 Radio Production Module as an evening course for 20

weeks.

The module will introduce students to radio and interview techniques, and will give students a chance to gain experience in recording and performing live.

The communications student encourages anyone who is tired of their current career to consider pursuing their dream job.

The college details are Dun Laoghaire College of Further Education, Cumberland Road, Dun Laoghaire. You can contact the college by calling 01-2809676 or by emailing info@dlcfe.ie

Getting kids in Stitches THE search is on for unknown teenagers to act in a comedy horror film, Stitches.

Open auditions will take place in the offices of Tailored Films, 33 Pearse St, Dublin 2, from 10am until 7pm this coming Sunday, June 19, and the following Tues-

day, June 21, 10am-6pm.

Casting director Nick McGinley says that no experience is required and those auditioning should be aged between 16 and 18.

The feature film is written and will be directed by Conor McMahon, the acclaimed Irish director of Dead Meat.

And finally...

ST ATTRACTA’S JNS in Meadowbrook is inviting people to come on down and join them on Saturday for their Father’s Day summer fair from 2-4pm.

Kick off Father’s Day by testing dad’s football skills in their penalty shoot-out, have your picture taken with Shamrock Rover’s Hooperman, or why not try your luck in their fantastic raffle, or just browse their many stalls, including books, cakes, bric-abrac, toys and games.

All funds raised from the event will go towards the school building fund.

16 June 2011 GAZETTE 17

GazetteGAMING GAMING Wii’s lookin’ at U as Zelda hits 25 years AT THE E 3 Expo in Los Angeles earlier this month, Nintendo introduced a new concept for video games and home entertainment: Wii U, a new console that includes a controller with a 6.2-inch screen.

The company claims that, by adding a second screen to the living room, the system creates a multitude of new video game experiences, while offering families a variety of options to customise their entertainment.

Previously, video games played on a home console

have been confined to the TV and offered identical viewpoints to each player in a multi player environment.

Nintendo says that the new controller removes traditional gaming boundaries, creating a more dynamic and fluid gaming and entertainment experience.

After the console is launched, gamers will see firsthand the type of gaming experiences made possible by Wii U and the new controller.

In single-player games the new controller can display information on its screen that

does not appear on the TV. Also, the information and viewpoint can change in the new controller based on the orientation of its gyroscope.

In multiplayer games, the player using the new controller can have a different experience than those looking at the TV, offering a wide variety of competitive and cooperative opportunities.

In addition to the 6.2-inch screen, the new controller also features an accelerometer and a gyroscope, a rumble feature, an inward-facing camera, a microphone and speakers.

NINTENDO kicked off its E3 Expo Presentation by announcing a number of initiatives to celebrate the 25th anniversary of The Legend of Zelda. A remastered 3D version of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, launches for Nintendo 3DS on June 19, while Wii

Wii U combines motionsensing game play with the ability to support full HD graphics. Each Wii U console will be partnered with a new controller and can also use up to four additional Wii Remote™or Wii Remote Plus controllers. The system is also backward compatible and can play all Wii games and use

all Wii accessories. The Wii console has sold more than 86 million units globally and greatly expanded the overall audience for video games. Wii U aims to expand that audience even further.

Developers worldwide are already working on new games and experiences for the console.

owners will see the arrival of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, in the 2011 holiday season. Additionally, Nintendo announced a tour of orchestral concerts featuring music from the beloved franchise. Additional commemorative activities will be announced at a later date.

18 GAZETTE 16 June 2011

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs Skoda shows new Fabia sport SKODA is showcasing the Fabia vRS 2000 design concept this summer in Germany at the GTI Treffen. The Fabia vRS 2000 concept car has been developed and built specifically for the GTITreffen. Drawing on the Fabia Super 2000 rally car, Skoda’s designers have created an original roadster pursuing a single goal - dynamism and the joy of sporty driving. Based on the Skoda Motorsport’s broad rally car, the Fabia vRS 2000 offers plenty of room for four occupants to climb in and sit in the car with ease. Besides the great view, the sharply sloping windscreen provides a constant supply of fresh air and a sense of being at one with nature.

The new concept Skoda Fabia vRS2000

FORD DEVELOPING NEW SMALLER ENGINES : BRIDGESTONE Ford is developing its smallest engine ever - a 1.0litre three-cylinder engine with EcoBoost technology. Ford says the engine will offer output comparable to a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine.

Horsepower and torque ratings were not immediately available.

The engine is expected to make its way into smaller Ford vehicles in the coming years.

Engineers in Britain developed the engine and it is likely to be marketed heavily in Europe. The engine uses turbo-charging, direct injection and twin-independent variable camshaft timing.

PRESTIGE, SPORTS AND CLASSIC CARS: THE inaugural Prestige, Sports and

Classic Car Sale and S h owc a s e , a m i x of the world’s most luxurious cars, combined with favourite classic cars, is set to take place on Saturday and Sunday, June 25 and 26 at the National Show Centre, Swords, near Dublin Airport.

The event promises to be a car enthusiast’s dream, with a broad range of vehicles onshow, from supercars and luxury vehicles to SUVs and classics.

Not only will visitors get to see these incredible cars up close, but many of the cars will also be on sale, with car dealers on hand to talk through the various models with visitors.

The National Show Centre, Swords, is located just minutes from Dublin Airport, the M1 and M50.

Tickets for the event can be purchased at the door.

Skoda is offering a thrifty petrol engine for the Octavia that’s almost comparable to diesel efficiency for an entry price that’s much more competitive at €19,710 before delivery charges

Skoda downsizes engine for the better Skoda has a new petrol engine option for the Octavia. MICHAEL MORONEY takes a test drive KODA has opted for some smart thinking by fitting the new 1.2-turbo petrol engine to the Octavia, giving it petrol-engine smoothness coupled with power and fuel economy. And, as the car is very affordable, I thought that it was well worth a test drive.

The 1.2-litre engine might appear underwhelming in terms of its size, but it’s far from that in terms of performance.

For smoothness of driving, Skoda had matched the engine with its smooth DSG automatic -type gearbox making the car an absolute pleasure to drive.

T h e 1. 2 - l i t r e T S I

S

SPECS: Skoda Octavia 1.2 TSI Top speed: 192 km/hr 0 – 100km/hr: 10.8 secs Economy: 16.9 km/ litre (5.9 l/100km) CO2 emissions: 134g/km Road Tax Band: B (€156) Entry Price: €19,710

engine develops a healthy 105bhp, so there’s plenty of power on demand.

That’s the same level of power that you get from the Skoda 1.6-TDI diesel version. And, while the torque figure for the petrol car is marginally lower than the diesel model, it can still better the diesel power in terms of accel-

eration.

This 1.2-litre TSI model is marginally faster from stop, with a 0 to 100km/ hr acceleration figure of just 10.8 seconds.

While it’s not at diesel CO2 levels just yet, with a figure of 134g CO2, it’s not far off many diesel cars, and that’s with the DSG gearbox fitted.

It matches the CO2 output of the 1.6-TDI versions, with the DSG system. So, when it comes to this new Skoda Octavia option, you can have your cake and eat it.

This engine can achieve this higher efficiency because the petrol is injected directly into the engine. This

gives a higher compression ratio, which increases the heat efficiency and fuel efficiency of the engine. The fuel economy figure at 16.9 km/litre (5.9 l/100km) is slightly lower than 1.6-litre diesel cars.

The 1.6-litre Skoda Octavia diesel is rated to be about 20% more fuelefficient but the buying price difference is almost €3,500. And that’s a lot of petrol over the lifetime of the car.

For short distance drivers, this new Skoda has strong appeal. The big bonus, I think, is the DSG gearbox; don’t buy an Octavia without at least test driving it; you’ll

be quickly convinced about its merits.

The new Skoda Octavia 1.2-TSI has all of the features of the standard model, including remote central locking, front electric windows and the ESP stability programme for added safety.

The Octavia is well equipped in terms of safety features, with driver and passenger airbags, side airbags and driver seat-belt warning lights.

It’s been a while since it was tested in the Euro NCAP crash test programme, 2004 in fact, so it needs an upgrade from its 4-star rating back then. Maybe we’ll get that soon.

Two weeks to go to the end of scrappage scheme THERE’S just two weeks to go to the end of the Government Car Scrappage Scheme and many motorists are expected to try and avail of last-minute deals.

So far to the end of May this year, some 9,630 cars were sold under the scheme. On top of the 17,272 cars in 2010, this gives an idea of how many have

responded to the offer, which, in most cases, was topped up by a manufacturer deal.

New car value has never been better and there are only days left to avail of the offers. Commenting on the figures, the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) director general, Alan Nolan said: “We predicted that

10,000 scrappage cars would be sold this year. We’re not far off that mark and should exceed the figure by the time the scheme ends on June 30. It’s important to recognise what scrappage has achieved. Even after the Government discounts, over €86 million has been generated in VAT and VRT for the Govern-

ment, so the scheme has made significant revenue for the Government.

“Of course, the main benefit is for the motorist who has got a fantastic deal under the scheme and, with an environmental focus, they are also benefiting from cheaper running costs too.”

16 June 2011 GAZETTE 19

20 GAZETTE 16 June 2011

GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel Mixing up some luxury with real family fun The Imperial Hotel packages for a truly Corkonian experience

THE Queen’s visit to Cork proved to be a huge success and, following in her Majesty’s footsteps, the Imperial Hotel in the heart of Cork City has introduced a great new package to give visitors a truly Corkonian experience.

Enjoy three night’s city centre accommodation in the charming opulence of the four-star hotel, with a full Irish breakfast each morning. Dine like a king or queen, with dinner on one evening in the Imperial’s own newly-refurbished Pembroke Seafood Bar and Grill, plus a lunch filled with local produce at the Farmgate Restaurant inside the place that really captured HRH’s heart, the Old English Market.

Next, sit back and enjoy a drive around all the main sights of the area from the Cork Open Top City Bus Tour, before being pampered with a wash and blow dry in the hotel’s Aveda hair salon, as well as access to the Escape Spa. As well as a box of chocolates in your room on arrival, you will also receive a royal invitation to return to the Imperial for a complimentary night on a later occasion.

This package is only valid for July and August, from €189 per person sharing, subject to availability.

For more information, contact the Imperial Hotel, Cork on 021 4274040 or visit www.flyn nhotels.com

A stay in Europe’s first hotel to offer a women-only floor PLANNING a girl’s only weekend? Then make Copenhagen the city of choice and book a room at the newly-opened Hotel Bella Sky Comwell, Europe’s first hotel to offer a women-only floor.

Women-only areas in hotels are increasingly popular around the world, but this is a first for Denmark, and also Europe.

Hotel Bella Sky Comwell in Copenhagen, the largest hotel in Scandinavia with 814 rooms, had no doubts when it came to reserving an entire floor for women only. The hotel management asked a number of influential and well-travelled Danish women whether they felt there was a requirement for their own floor, and over half of the women surveyed would prefer to stay on a women-only floor. As a result, the bedrooms and bathrooms have been designed specifically with women in mind.

Guests of the special Bella Donna floor at the Bella Comwell in Copenhagen join other guests for meals, so rest assured, even if you’re on a girls’ only break, you still might bump into a handsome stranger over breakfast.

CORMAC CURTIS

OK. This week I’m wearing my dad hat again – and why not? After all, Father’s Day is just around the corner, so I can be as opinionated as I want to be, for a change!

This time last year, I was due to spend a weekend at a well-known family hotel in the south-east with my family, during which, in honour of the aforementioned Father’s Day, I was to enjoy a little dad time – some golf, a massage, even an hour or two with the weekend newspapers and a quiet pint - heaven.

On the morning we were due to head down there, my wife, Susan, who was in the middle of starting up her own business (in the throes of a recession, go figure) was called away at the last minute. So, I found myself heading down the N11 to spend Father’s Day with my two young daughters, just the three of us.

Needless to say, any chance of a little dad time disappeared quicker than you can say ‘golf clubs.’

To cut a long story s h o r t , my we e ke n d turned out to be a surprisingly relaxed affair, as the hotel, famed for its familyfriendly hospitality, managed to arrange our time in a way that afforded me plenty of opportunities

to unwind while the kids were engaged in other activities.

The point is – with the right service, anything is possible.

So, fast forward a year(ish), and this time with both parents accounted for, we are heading towards the wonderful town of Kenmare for a few days of family fun at the Sheen Falls Lodge.

accolades, including multiple honours from AA, Conde Nast, Relais & Chateaux, Zagat, Georgina Campbell’s Jameson Guide and the Bridgestown guide.

So, I was more than willing to give it a try.

The first time my wife and I visited here happened to be the very same weekend in 2009 – the weekend of the Heineken Cup Final. And, just like

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‘I had visited the Sheen Falls before, and I can say that it is simply one of the finest luxury hotels in the country’

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To be honest, when the offer of a family weekend at the Sheen Falls was first mooted – I wasn’t entirely convinced it would work all that well; we had, in the past, spent a few days in the same neck of the woods at another luxury hotel, but they simply didn’t have the experience with kids and a family’s requirements to make it work.

Don’t get me wrong, I had visited the Sheen Falls before, and I can say without fear of contradiction, that it is simply one of the finest luxury hotels in the country.

It boasts an extraordinary list of awards and

in 2009, the boys in blue, Leinster, were set for a dramatic climax to the season.

Was I a little disappointed to be missing another huge moment for Leinster? I was gutted.

When it comes to my allegiance to Leinster, well, let’s just say I’m no stranger to blue and gold face paint!

But, that said, if you’re going to miss a cup final, there really is nowhere else I would rather be than this hotel, nestled away in a quiet and most beautiful corner of Kerry.

The real test of a quality hotel, however, is how

well the staff can handle a crisis.

After about an hour on the road from Dublin, my four-year-old, Cici, began to feel unwell.

From there, most of drive was taken up with the little one either sleeping or getting sick.

Needless to say, we had a fair amount of dirty laundry when we reached the hotel.

It was a genuine relief to be welcomed by such understanding people.

T he dir ty clothes were whisked away to be cleaned for us, and, because Cici had to go straight to bed, the restaurant menu was delivered to the room for me to peruse at my leisure as my wife and eldest daughter, Becky, went downstairs for a relaxed dinner.

What can I say? I would love to describe my meal as room service unlike anything I had ever experienced, but what I enjoyed was fine dining served to my room without even the slightest compromise.

You can’t describe a starter of lobster prepared three ways – smoked, grilled and tempura fried with a lime chilli sorbet - followed by a main course of caramelised scallops with a salad of haricot vert beans and a plum tomato tartare and chive olive oil, as room

The luxurious Sheen Falls Lodge, above, and, opposite, fun for all the family with mud surfing at the Eclipse Adventure Centre in nearby Kenmare

service. This was so much more than that.

After the long and eventful drive earlier in the day, to see my youngest comfortably tucked in to her bed as I tucked into this stunning meal, and knowing that Susan was enjoying a grown-up dining experience with her very-grown-up five-yearold downstairs, really did leave me in a state of incredibly content satisfaction.

After a perfect night’s sleep, we got tucked in to breakfast downstairs.

One very hungry daughter, who was feeling much better, put away more than one bowl of rice crispies, while the other discovered, much to her delight, the wonders of pancakes and maple syrup.

Eggs, sausage, bacon, pastries, cold meats, bread, fresh coffee and tea were enjoyed as we prepared for a day of family activi-

16 June 2011 GAZETTE 21

Edited by Mimi Murray

TravelBriefs

Going back in time to one of Ireland’s most lavish Georgian homes, now a country house hotel

Top, Becky and Cici enjoy the kid-friendly dining room, while, above, Cici gets to grips with her trusty steed

THREE-NIGHT FAMILY FUN AT THE FALLS This package costs €999 and includes: overnight accommodation in a deluxe room, complimentary accommodation for up to two children sharing with their parents; full Irish breakfast; transfers and full-day access to the Kids Camp at The Eclipse Centre, including lunch.

This package is available Monday-Friday (weekends on request), July 4 and August 26. A five-night package is available for €1,422 in total, which includes a complimentary night.

For further information, telephone 064 6641600 or visit www. sheenfallslodge.ie or join them on Facebook, at www.facebook.com/ sheenfallslodge. ties at the nearby Eclipse Adventure Centre (www. eclipseireland.com).

The rest of the morning and afternoon brought together a number of families staying at the hotel together for an array of activities that even the heavy rain couldn’t put a damper on.

To start, the group was treated to a session of laughter yoga, something that was new to even the most experienced guru of the alternative therapies

in our group.

While this was going on, some of the younger ones, mine included, were treated to pony rides – delight doesn’t even begin to describe the feelings this brought to their little faces.

Before the rides, the kids were brought to each of the stables and introduced to all of the horses and ponies, and, after a talk about safety, and how to approach the animals, it was off

to fetch riding helmets and to mount their trusty steeds.

I don’t recall ever seeing a happier group of children – even if the rain didn’t let up for a second.

After a cup of hot coffee, the group headed off around the centre’s grounds for a quick orienteering session before we were treated to mud surfing! An extraordinary activity that involves riding on a modified surf-

board that is dragged through the mud by a quad bike! A must for the young, the young-at-heart and the brave-hearted.

Tired, wet, cold and weary, we all tucked in to a well-deserved lunch back at the hotel before Becky and Cici dragged me to the swimming pool, until about 10 minutes before the Heineken Cup kicked off.

I must admit, that trailing the Northampton Saints by 16 points left me wondering how I was going to find a way to enjoy the rest of the weekend – but I have a feeling the hotel manager put a quick call in to the Leinster coach at half time to provide the dads of our group with the most incredible comeback of all time, as Leinster turned the game around to win.

Now that dad was back in jovial form, even if my delighted outbursts in the

second half did scare the bejesus out of the kids, we got to tuck in to an incredible BBQ-style meal overlooking the river bank, just as the rain cleared for the evening.

The BBQ experience is something the hotel is offering throughout the summer, even to nonresidents, and I have to recommend it if you find yourself in the area.

All-in-all, this was a weekend to remember.

We spend so much time these days arranging family holidays and breaks laden-down with buckets, spades and everything else, it is nice to know that there is at least one place that, when the budget allows for it, offers a wonderful and unique mix of grown-up luxury and incredible, fun-filled family memories that won’t be soon forgotten, with the right staff and attitude to really make it work.

SITUATED at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains is Ballyfin, which has long been admired as one of the most lavish Georgian homes in Ireland.

It is a small country house hotel that looks set to make its mark in Ireland and beyond.

Recent renovations carried out at Ballyfin were undertaken with the aim of returning it as closely as possible to how it functioned when it was built.

The house’s magnificent interiors are decorated with Irish art and antiques from around the world, in the same spirit of refined elegance that the early house reflected in the 1820s. For today’s guest, though, formality is blended with an informal relaxed and easy-going approach.

With just 15 bedrooms, the new hotel really has all the flavour of a grand private house.

Step outdoors to enjoy 600 acres of private parkland, a 28-acre lake, ancient woods, follies and grottoes. The hotel also features two beauty treatment rooms, a gym and an indoor pool.

22 GAZETTE 16 June 2011

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS

Supported by AIB

Interview: Aoife Long, La Sirena, Mexican restaurant

ANSWERS TO YOUR PERSONAL FINANCE QUESTIONS CAN I RUN AWAY TO THE STATES FROM MY €5,000 DEBT? Q – I HAVE a long-term €5,000 credit card debt, and have been unable to make any dent on it as I am earning little income. I have also just received my visa to work in the States. What happens if I don’t pay – will they come after me in the US? Tommy – Inchicore A - THERE is a certain element of irresponsibility creeping in here. You did, after all, spend the money yourself and, while I empathise with your income issues here in Ireland, to completely renege on your debt now is not only morally unfair, but may come back to haunt you in later years.

Let me explain. The Irish Credit Bureau (ICB), based in Clonskeagh, Dublin 14, has a membership of nearly 100 financial institutions that record all their credit transactions in the ICB – slow or missed payments, legal judgements etc are all recorded.

That “missed payment” stays on record for five years, while judgments are there for life!

Just remember, every time a loan is requested, the first thing the lender does is check with the ICB on the borrower’s credit history. Simple, really: if you have a bad record, you don’t get the loan.

Plus, if you apply for the same loan with numerous lenders, those lenders can see the enquiries coming in, and know that you are doing the rounds looking for funding.

Therefore, when and if you come back from the States, and if you look to borrow for whatever purpose, there may be a little surprise for you from that lender, as I am sure the credit card debt – while it will be written off – will have a judgment put against you, and placed on record.

Those of you who are unsure of your credit history can contact ICB, send a cheque for €6 and request your own credit report.

So, the best advice? Do your best to try and honour your commitments – what goes round, comes round.

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

Celebrating the best of fine Mexican fare AOIFE Long, from La Sirena, Dublin’s newest Mexican restaurant, grew up in Malahide.

She went to Loreto College, St Stephen’s Green, and then on to study advertising in DIT Aungier Street, where her intention was to become a copywriter.

Her favourite food is, of course, Mexican. This love affair started when she was a waitress and tequila girl in Judge Roy Beans in the 90s to get her through college.

Her love of food began when she spent some time travelling around, where different cultures of food inspired her to become more involved in the food industry.

Aoife decided to move back to Malahide after living abroad and in Dublin city centre for a few years.

She says that she and her partner always felt there was a gap in the market for a contemporary Mexican restaurant, combining old-world traditional Mexican flavours and authenticity with new-world technique and modern presentation.

La Sirena strives to dispel the misconceptions of over-spiced and stodgy “TexMex” cuisine by showcasing fresh, sustainable, and flavourful dishes that are rooted in authentic Mexican culture, and rich

YOUR LOCAL PAPER, YOUR LOCAL NEWS!

complex salsas and sauces, using imported Chiles, spices, and herbs directly from Mexico.

To complement the Mexican pantry, La Sirena only uses the finest locallyproduced meats, seafood, and vegetables, says Aoife.

Q&A Q: What sport can you play?

A: I run, go to the gym and

Q: What was your first job?

A: Tequila girl in Judge Roy

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

A: The television show, Snog

Beans

Q: And your first pay cheque?

A: I remember being 15, very happy, and proud that I earned my own money

Q: When did you start your present job?

A: Middle-2010, although it was Q: What is the best thing about your job?

A: Seeing a full restaurant with lots of happy faces after eating the food

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

A: I leave the cooking to the professionals

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

culinary history.

The restaurant showcases specialities from the northern regions of Baja to the southern states of Oaxaca and the Yucatan, and every where in-between.

The chefs prepare everything in-house, from sour cream (crema) to delicate and

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

A: My own boss

in planning for some time

TELL US YOUR NEWS

Aoife Long, La Sirena Mexican restaurant

play tennis – very badly!

Marry Avoid

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

A: David Norris, of course Q: What music/pictures/movies do you have on your iPod/ iPad? A: A serious mixture of music for me; lots of heavy, ambient, jazzy stuff ... you name it - I’ve got it

Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook?

A: Pablo Picante, Boojum, Wahaca and Meztizo London, to name but a few

Q: What sport do you follow?

A: Nothing in particular, but,

Q: What was your last Tweet/ status update?

A: Starter: Alambres de Chor-

once Ireland are involved, I’ll watch it

izo, slow-cooked, black bean

and chorizo stew with adobobraised pork over golden corn chilaquiles, topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese and Pico de Gallo; Main: Tampico surf and turf platter grilled 6oz. beef fillet with jumbo prawns in mild Chipotle Glaze, corgette batons in lime and garlic butter, and Queso Dobladita – served with Salsa Guajillo

Q: Describe your dream meal?

A: Anything Mexican, obviously

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

A: Enda Kenny; get him drunk on margaritas and tequila and see what he is really like. He can’t really be as stiff as he looks – or can he?

Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously?

A: Unfortunately, due to opening a new business, I am not spending at the moment, but

when I do spend, I am a big internet shopper – clothes, shoes, bags and even cookbooks

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own?

A: About 30 Q: What was your worst holiday experience?

A: Last year, we went to France, and I was expecting delicious food every day. Unfortunately, I did not get one good meal.

Being a big foodie, I was so disappointed! It was very unlike my other visits to France, where I have had the most delicious meals

Q: Describe your dream holiday?

A: Sun, sea and a good book Q: What would be your dream job?

A: I have my dream job Q: What do you plan to do when you retire?

A: Travel, chill, relax and enjoy my family

16 June 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 23

GazetteMUSIC MUSIC Alt-folk duo, The Pierces, come of age at last Q ROB HEIGH

After six years Kate Bush has returned with re-recorded classics on Director’s Cut

REVIEW: KATE BUSH RETURNS TO HER 90S’ RELEASES

Back to the future with Director’s Cut Q ROB HEIGH

THE ever-glorious Kate Bush returns to her mid90s’ canon to refresh the palette for the music yet to come...

Awaited like the return of a comet, Kate Bush has kept her legions of fans on tenterhooks in recent years.

After the initial burst of activity that saw her release four albums in four years, to four albums in 20 after 1985’s epic Hounds Of Love, anything that resembles a note on record is greeted with massive anticipation.

So, six years after Aerial, another masterpiece in her canon, and in the absence of new material, Kate has returned to her 90s’ releases, The Sensual World and The Red

Shoes, in order to address the “hard-edged sound” of the original digital recordings and re-make the songs the way her original vision saw them.

Some tracks are entirely re-recorded - This Woman’s Work, Rubberband Girl and Moments of Pleasure - but each of the 11 tracks has new vocals, and the deeper and more mature sound of that unique instrument is apparent from the first “Yes” on Flower Of The Mountain.

With re-recorded drum and bass parts, there is something unquestionably warmer about these re-recordings, and the new versions of Lily, The Red Shoes and Top Of The City are - heresy warning here - better than their original versions to these ears, at

least. Whether the world needed another version of Deeper Understanding is questionable though.

A deep love for the original recordings might hinder some from entirely embracing this approach, but, honestly, anything with Kate’s presence is to be treasured.

The box set edition features remastered editions of the original recordings of Sensual World and Red Shoes, and it’s part of the joy of listening, to return to these and comparing their original incarnations with their new, retooled versions.

The creative process has apparently inspired Kate and there are, apparently, recording sessions going on in her home studios right now. Of course, given her attention to detail and artis-

tic approach, it could be another six years before we see any new material.

But if Director’s Cut has awakened Kate’s muse once again, it has to be hailed as a wonderful thing.

The Sensual Walk

Kate fans in Dublin may be interested in attending the fourth Sensual Walk in Howth on Saturday, June 18 from 2pm.

T h i s e ve n t i s a n excuse for fans of Kate Bush, James Joyce, or otherwise, to celebrate Bloomsday with a stroll in one of Dublin’s most spectacular landscapes, which has particular relevance this year with the re-recording of The Sensual World, with the Joyce estate’s blessing to use the original text from

Ulysses on Flower Of The Mountain.

Attendees will meet up at the Howth Head car park before walking to the summit of Howth Head for some music, peaches and seed-cake, followed by a leisurely cliff-walk down into the village of Howth for refreshments. The evening part of the event will be held in Odessa in Dublin City Centre, where the music and craic continues.

Acts who will be performing in the evening will include Captain A, Mike Stevens of Groom and the Lie-ins, Richer than Astronauts, Jeroen Saegeman of Walpurgis Family and the Prairie Dawgs For more information, contact sean@katebushnews.com or see www. katebushnews.com.

BROOKLYN based duo, The Pierces, hit their breakthrough stride with their fourth album, You & I. Having built up a legacy in the alt-folk scene since early 2000, the Pierces’ lack of success was inversely proportional to their obvious talent and appeal.

Now, with their fourth album having the backing of Coldplay’s Guy Berryman as coproducer with Rik Simpson, who has previously been at the mixing desk for Jay-Z, Kasabian and PJ Harvey, the Pierces look set to achieve the breakout success their delicate, melodic tunes deserve.

Raised on Joni Mitchell and Paul Simon, Allison and Catherine Pierce have a strong melodic sense that weaves through all of the tracks on You & I. There are echoes of Aimee Mann’s band, Til Tuesday, and The Byrds, in the arrangements and harmonies that wrap you up and hold you entranced as you listen.

It’s not often that I put an album on repeat on my generic mp3 player of choice, but I did, and, before I knew it, I’d listened to You & I straight through twice.

When things take on a slower tempo, on tracks like The Good Samaritan, the Pierces’ Alabama roots come through, their southern drawl seeps through the harmonies and give the sound a sun-bleached Americana feel.

Elsewhere, the music resembles a late 60s’ Atlantic Records sound, like the best moments of Dusty In Memphis, and a fine affinity with the smooth tones of classic 70s’ American rock like Rumours-era Fleetwood Mac. There’s clearly a powerful depth of musical heritage at work here, and the Pierces don’t hesitate to let their influences inform their direction in every song, light and shade in every twist and turn.

You & I is shot through with delicious melodies and laser-sharp harmonies that have you hooked. This is where the Pierces take off.

Brooklyn based duo, The Pierces

24 SWORDS GAZETTE 16 June 2011

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT 1

GoingOUT GoingOUT THE HELIX 01 700 7000 Don McLean

WORLD-famous musician and singer-songwriter Don McLean will play The Helix soon, bringing the voice of a true legend to Dublin. Although bestknown for his timeless tracks, American Pie, and Vincent (Starry Starry Night), McLean has a wide-ranging body of work, with songs that have delighted listeners around the world for decades, and all presented in style by one of America’s most charming musical artists – and legends. Don plays The Mahony Hall at 8pm on Friday, June 17, with tickets priced at €45/41.

MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 Tarry Flynn

THE Gazette is still presenting the life of a 1930s’ Cavan farmer for your consideration, with the life of the poet and dreamer about to conclude in this 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. This great production runs until Saturday, June 18, with admission at €18, €15.

PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 DLR Glasthule Opera Festival

THE Pavilion builds upon its notable cultural credentials by hosting DLR Glasthule Opera, who are presenting a number of favourite operas at the theate. Superb Irish singers will present Verdi’s La Traviata, and Mozart’s The Magic Flute, building on the success of the opera company’s previous highly-popular productions. For full details of these productions, which run until Sunday, June 19, and with admission at €42/45, see paviliontheatre.ie.

Man 1 Bank O FOR those who prefer more easygoing entertainment, The Pavilion presents Man 1 Bank O, the amusing and amazing – but true – story of how one man deposited a $95,093.35 junk-mail cheque into his bank account, as a joke, and the saga that ensued after his bank cleared it.

Described as an unbelievable David vs Goliath comedy (which happens to be true), the international smash-hit show by Patrick Combs plays on Wednesday, June 22, at 8pm, with tickets from €12.80 to €18.

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 Zocorro Rose of Tralee

THE classic, timeless – and some would say, dull – world of The Rose of Tralee is shaken down by this tale of a would-be Spanish Rose, Zocorro, who’s determined to talk about loving children, working in hospitals, and doing and saying whatever she needs to in order to claim the crown, and win a Volvo. However, Spanish passion and a flair with the facts may not be quite enough to see her take the prize, with some unexpected prizes along the way ... Having enjoyed great success and acclaim at a variety of festivals, this satirical alternative look at the much-loved Irish institution is sure to be a hit at Draiocht, where it runs on Friday, June 17 and Saturday, June 17, at 2pm and 8.15pm. Tickets are priced at €14/€10 conc.

The Illegals STAYING with Draiocht, The Illegals are set to shake off any weekend sleepiness with their tribute to The Eagles and Fleetwood Mac, featuring Eurovision singer Niamh Kavanagh. A busy band will join Niamh in creating an unforgettable night for fans of these American giants, showcasing the astounding skill of this memorable tribute band. The show starts at 8pm in the Main Auditorium on Saturday, June 18 at 8pm, with tickets costing €20/€16 conc.

Perhaps Hal Jordan (Ryan Reynolds) would be less inclined to take the mysterious, floating magic ring of a dying space alien if he thought of the consequences of joining an intergalactic police force of do-gooders facing an all-powerful enemy ...

Not a torching movie Kate says you won’t find any moving thoughts on the human condition in this very silly, and popcorn-light, superhero film Q KATE CROWLEY

REGULAR readers – oh, please, let there be such a thing – will be well aware that, for some weeks now, I’ve been championing the return of Mel Gibson to cinema screens, via his meisterpiece, The Beaver – the haunting tale of an emotionally traumatised man, who communicates through the world via a beaver hand puppet, and – Wait! Come back!

Tragically, although Mel’s release finally jimmies open the back door of a few cinemas this week, ready to sneak onto a few unwary screens here and there (possibly closely followed by the Four Horsemen of the Apocalpyse), quality control issues – and the fact that it’s a Mel Gibson film about a beaver hand puppet – force me to turn reluctantly instead towards The Green Lantern.

Peering through the

FILM OF THE WEEK: The Green Lantern +++ (12A) 114 mins Director: Martin Campbell Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Tim Robbins, Peter Sarsgaard, Angela Bassett, lots of alien Green Lanterns

OUR VERDICT: FOR once, Kate almost enjoys a film, as she finds The Green Lantern to be so ridiculously silly, she can’t quite dislike it as much as it possibly deserves. So, as far as superhero films about men in tights battling all-powerful, planet-conquering superaliens – who, err, can still be defeated by a puny human – this Lantern’s all right, and will probably light up box office receipts well enough, for a while ...

gloom with my stylish new glasses – which don’t remotely resemble two coke bottles tied together with rusty wire, regardless of what my daughter, dear Crowleyetta, insists – I spy a well-polished tribute to the iconic character of the same name.

(Or, so I’m told, as I’d easily get Batman and Superman’s capes mixed up in the wash, and not really know any better.)

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away ... the Green Lanterns were created; an intergalactic police force of do-gooders, formed to keep watch

over all the intelligent planets, checking that the indicator lights of any passing spaceships were working, and generally keep an eye out for any bad guys/aliens.

Harnessing the natural forces of the universe to do good, via their magic green rings (I’m paraphrasing, folks), the Lanterns are ever-vigilant, and entirely alien – until, that is, trouble breaks out, courtesy of an intergalactic baddie, and a mortally injured Green Lantern crashlands on modern Earth.

Hal Jordan (Rey-

nolds) is chosen by the dying Green Lantern’s ring as his replacement; the plucky pilot being selected as being good and worthy enough to join the vast ranks of the Lanterns.

It’s not long before Hal’s hot-footed it across the galaxy, courtesy of his amazing new ring – and his natty new Green Lantern – to the Lanterns’ home planet, where, as the first human to be accepted into the ranks, he has to prove himself.

Under the ever-watchful guise of ... err ... um... sorry folks, I’m generally hopeless at remembering aliens’ names, so let’s just say Mark Strong and Geoffrey Rush – Hal commences his training to be a new Lantern.

However, for every force in the universe, there is an opposing one, and the Lanterns’ newest bright-eyed recuit has joined the ranks just as their greatest enemy has

arisen – Parallax, a swirling, bad-tempered mass of negativity (not entirely unlike Mr Crowley, when asked to cut the grass on Sundays).

Not only that, but a pesky scientist back on Earth (Sarsgaard) is also creating trouble, thanks to his unusual new powers granted by the crashlanded Green Lantern’s wreckage.

So, despite being an amateur, Hal has to find the power within to rise to the challenge and – well, you can figure the rest out yourselves.

Forget any thoughts of lashings and lashings of angst – oh, the angst!

– which have soaked too many films lately like cheap vinegar, as The Green Lantern is entirely, blatantly and enthusiastically silly.

I can’t take to the foolishness of an expressive beaver, but this film’s silliness is on a whole new – and acceptable – level ...

16 June 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 25

Microsoft’s smart update plans ADAM MAGUIRE

IN A world increasingly dominated by tablets and smartphones, Windows 7 – the current operating system from Microsoft – is starting to look a little old-fashioned.

As a result, it should be no surprise to learn that a successor is on the way, and initial details and features have recently been made public.

What is it?

An operating system is the software layer that lets you use a computer without knowing complex code – basically, it’s what creates the icons and graphics you see on-screen all the time.

so will work on tablets, as well as desktop computers.

Windows 8 – as it is called, for now – is the one Microsoft will launch next.

It will follow in the footsteps of the likes of Windows 98, XP, and Windows 7, and will be heavily inspired by touch-based devices that are on the rise today – designed to be used by hand gestures just as much as by keyboard and mouse, and

What does that mean?

While you might be used to those little icons and loads of menus at the moment, Windows 8 will use bigger tiles as part of its main menu.

This will mean that applications will sit like squares and rectangles on the screen, and will often show off live information, such as details of updates on Facebook, or news stories from your favourite websites.

The idea is that you, as a user, can customise the tiles so it shows information you want to see at a glance. Basically, the device will work more like a smartphone does now – specifically, Windows’

own Phone 7 platform.

So, the old desktop format is gone?

Not completely. Microsoft realises that some people like the way things are, so it will have the old interface underneath – for those who wish to can stick with that, if they want.

When is it available?

There is no set date just yet, but predictions are that the platform will not debut for another year at least, most likely appearing before Christmas, 2012. Of course, a year is a long time in technology, and there is a lot here that could change in the meantime.

Indeed, a lot of Windows 7’s most ambitious features were reigned back before it launched,

and the same could happen here. That will only become clear when Windows 8 – or whatever it eventually becomes – is put on the shelves.

Vodafone 858 Smart As one of the neatest and smallest of Android phones to hit the market, the Vodafone 858 Smart is a great entry-level and child-friendly device.

With much of the smartphone market a bit of an arms race today, with screen sizes and processor speeds going up only, the Vodafone 858 Smart bucks the trend.

The device has a miniscule 2.8-inch screen, a tiny frame, and a fairly average bit of tech powering the whole thing.

That is not to suggest that everything about this device is second-class.

It runs on Android 2.2 (one of the newest versions of the software), has a fairly decent 2MP camera, and all the connectivity yo you ou would need, eed d, including Bluetooth and WiFi. But the he truth is that a at the smalll screen will be an issue for a lot of people.

It will be hard to text or type on if your fingers are in any way big, and viewing websites and pictures is not particularly easy if you are used to bigger devices.

However, if you fit that category, this phone is

not for you – it is really designed for the low-function and young market.

This is an entry-level device for Android, or something so for teens a n d tweens on a budget to use.

To that extent, this e does the d job, jo o bringing in n smartphone style ph h to a currently underserved und d area a of the market.

The Vodafone 858 Smart is available for €39.99 on pre-pay.

Visit teic.ie for the latest tech news, reviews and views.

GAZETTE

26 SWORDS GAZETTE 16 June 2011

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16 June 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 27

GazetteSPORT

ON THE ROAD AGAIN: Cian Curley on his comeback to the European Tour: Page 29

CYCLING: 98FM’S CLAIRE SOLAN PROMOTES WEEK OF BIKING AWARENESS IN CITY

Get on your bike for fitness and fun in Dublin sport@gazettegroup.com

NEXT week is National Bike Week, an intiative to try to get the country cycling, and with the Tour De France looming, the success of local cycling clubs and the very successful reception to the Dublin smart bikes initiative, Dublin seems to be the place to get on your bike, both for fitness and for competitiveness.

As part of National Bike Week, Wednesday,

June 22 is Dublin Bike to Work Day, and 98FM DJ Claire Solan is inviting all people working within the city to participate in a fun and free leisurely lunchtime cycle, which takes place at 1pm from Grand Canal Square.

More and more people are choosing to travel by bike into the city, with numbers increasing by one-third in the last ten years. Dublin City Council’s aim is to encourage all employers and employees

throughout the city to take part in this year’s event.

Speaking to GazetteSport last week, Claire said: “The initiative is a chance to take a bike onto the street on, hopefully, a sunny day, starting and finishing at Grand Canal Dock. For someone who might be commuting in the city, who is sat in an office and keen to do something lively, it’s a great idea. And it’s great to get back on a bike if you haven’t been on one

98FM’s Claire Solan at Grand Canal Dock at the launch of the National Bike Week

for years.”

The focus is also on the health benefits for participants, and it is reported that about 40% of commutes to work in Dublin are less than 5km, which most people could easily cycle this distance in about 20 minutes.

“Most people would be like me, driving short distances to get to work,” said Claire. “It’s not good for you, not good for your car, and it would be a saving in all manner of ways for you to cycle to work at least a few days in the week.

“There are new cycle lanes appearing all over the city, and there are moves to make the city more cycle-friendly.

“The Dublin smart bikes initiative is one of the most successful rollouts of the campaign across Europe. It is huge-

ly popular, so obviously, people are interested in cycling a bit more regularly. Cycling is good for the environment, good for fitness levels, and it doesn’t cost a thing” To register for the event, log on to www.dublincitycycling.ie.

28 SWORDS GAZETTE 16 June 2011

GazetteSport Sport Rugby

FastSport FastRugby

RUGBY LEAGUE: PROVINCE POWERFUL IN INTER OPENER

Local duo aid Jackies’ cause but Cork prevail FINGALLIANS’ Sarah Deegan and St Margaret’s Emma Colgan played their part for Dublin in their impressive run to the U-14 ladies’ football All-Ireland final but were unable to turn the Cork tide in the decider.

The Jackies fell 5-12 to 3-5 to an impressive Rebelette force at Birr last weekend who were hot favourites going into the tie, but only pulled clear in the closing quarter.

The signs were ominous right from the throwin. Two minutes on the clock and Cork led by 1-1 to no score, and Kate Leneghen should have goaled seconds later, but Dublin’s Shauna O’Hara denied her with a brilliant double save.

It took a little while but Amy Conroy opened Dublin’s account with a well-taken point in the tenth minute before skipper Emma Colgan went on a surging solo run and her high, lobbing ball from 30 metres ended in the net.

But the warning signs were still there, however, and a run of 1-3 without reply in the space of three minutes had Cork leading by 2-4 to 1-1 after 17 minutes.

Points from Emma Byrne, Fiona Terry and a free by Megan Morrissey stemmed the tide somewhat, and the score was 2-5 to 1-4 at the interval.

Dublin started the second half strongly when Conroy set up Megan Morrissey, who took her point well. But the wind was knocked out of the comeback sails almost instantly once again when Megan Connolly finished off a flowing move.

A Connolly penalty dinged the post in what could have been a killer blow, and it opened up a serious lifeline when Conroy went straight up the pitch to goal with a driven effort to leave just one between the sides.

But Cork regrouped, kept their defence tight and ran up 2-6 without response in the closing stages to run clear, scoring 1-3 in injury time.

Leinster rugby league side, who were propelled by seven members of the North Dublin Eagles, were rampant against Ulster in the RLI encounter

Eagles fly for Leinster RLI INTERPROVINCIALS Leinster Ulster

52 12

sport@gazettegroup.com

SEVEN of the North Dublin Eagles’ side lined out for the Leinster rugby league side when they came back in resounding fashion in Portarlington last weekend to get their interprovincial bid off to a perfect start.

It came a week after the ALSAA-based club fell to a late rally in the Leinster league final to the Carlow Crusaders, going down by just two points.

The Eagles got off to a flyer in that game with

Robert Gilshenan and Ben Moriarty directing them towards the Crusader’s try area, building a 12-point lead inside 20 minutes.

Carlow responded in kind but the boot of Peter Carr nudged the Eagles back in front by half-time and they looked well on course for the title when Gilshenan’s perfectly placed kick found full back Joe Taylor who touched down.

But the Crusaders rallied and some massive tackles from Irish international Wayne Kerr meant the Eagles struggled to get out of their half. It gave the former

All-Ireland champions perfect field position and they eventually pushed ahead with five minutes to go when big forward Steve Nolan forced his way over.

It left the Eagles with little time to get back into the tie but Moriarty led one last charge.

A brick wall was met, however, and it was the Midlanders who were celebrating a 24 -22 win and a place in the All-Ireland semi-final’s where they will take on the Ulster Champions, Ballynahinch Rabbitohs, for a place in the Grand Final.

J o e Ta y l o r, N e a l O’Keeffe, Mick Fitzmau-

rice, Conor McNally, Peter Carr, Ben Moriarty and Cian Erraught all took their place in the Leinster line-up a few days later.

After plenty of early pressure, the Blues shipped early points, falling 8-0 behind and were pegged back in their own territory for long periods.

It led coach Conan Uphill – another Eagles’ man – to ring the changes, crucially introducing Erraught and his first meaningful act was to crash over the line. Carr converted for an 8-6 deficit.

And it opened the floodgates as Leinster’s

turnaround was complete as they found their mojo to score four more tries before the interval with Tommy Ratahi rounding the first half off to leave the match completely in Leinster’s favour.

And they picked up where they left off in the second period with Simon Deev y, Taylor and Henry Bryce all adding to the score while Carr would round off the final score with his boot.

It puts Leinster in pole position ahead of a decisive fixture against Munster on the final weekend of the three-team roundrobin weekend.

16 June 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 29

in association with

Cian on the comeback trail

FastSport

Back injury put paid to his start on the European quintet named Tour, but Newlands’ man, Cian Curley, is pitching Hermes in Ireland senior squad for a strong return to golf, says STEPHEN FINDLATER

FIVE months out of the game, Cian Curley is keen to make up for lost time on the Euro Pro Tour as he looks to finally get his professional career in gear.

The Newlands’ man joined the paid ranks back in September following his victory in the East of Ireland open but lasted just one tournament before a back ligament injury placed him on the remedial list.

It stunted his momentum but a fine run in Pro Tour qualifying school – taking a second and fifth place finish – has put his ambitions of reaching the European Tour

proper very much back into focus.

And the success of his regular playing partner from his amateur days, Shane Lowry, has given Curley the confidence to push on in the coming months.

Just two short years since his Baltray success, Lowry was making his majors debut at the US Open this week, and Curley says it is a source of inspiration, a feeling reinforced by his appearance at last year’s 3 Irish Open.

He told the Gazette: “The experience itself just gives you a taste.

You want to get out onto

Sinead McCarthy in action against Australia

the Tour as quick as you can. The main thing I took from it was seeing the standard and knowing you’re not that far away from it.

“When you’re grow-

also attend qualifying school for the European Tour later this year.

It offers a glimpse of the big time, the Sky Sports cameras covering the latter stages of

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

‘You want to get out onto the Tour as quick as you can. The main thing I took from the Irish Open was seeing the standard and knowing I wasn’t that far away’ --------------------------------------------------------

ing up, you think ‘these guys are so good, how am I ever going to be that good?’ But when you’re out there you realise, you’re not that far away and that you can hit the ball as well as any of them.

“I played a lot of the same representative teams as Shane, social golf with him, too. It’s the same thing as I said about the Irish Open.

“I don’t know if intimidating is the right word but it definitely helps you think you’re doing the right things, playing at the right level. At this stage, you do need a bit of luck and play well at the right times.

Shane played well at the right time and now look where he is.”

For the moment, Curley must bide his time on the Pro Tour, a third tier of competition that offers an avenue for its top five to a Challenger Tour card, while he will

each event, and there is a sense that Curley’s career is kicking on after his injury mishap.

Curley embarks on a hectic schedule this week, taking in two tournaments in Ireland and two in England in the next month before a one-week break and then another block of four tournaments.

Strong results there and the Newlands’ man will be in fine shape to move up the rankings while opportunity may knock if he can snag an invite to a Challenger event or the Irish Open, once again.

“I’m back now and got my full card on the Euro ProTour, played a few events and form is good and it’s going well so far.

“But it’s really only kicking off next week with four events in a row, and eight in the next nine weeks – the main chunk of the season.

“Getting injured was tough. Especially, in my first event, I was just excited to be playing my first pro event.

“At the time, I was a bit devastated. I had plans and it disrupted them because I was basically just sitting around and it got pretty boring.

“It made the winter a bit longer but at least it was the winter time that it happened and not in the middle of the season.”

The decision to go professional was cemented in the wake of his “break-out” success, taking the 2010 East of Ireland Open.

It came reasonably late by modern standards but the Lucan resident was keen to be in the right frame of mind for the big leap.

“It was the first big national event I won.

I’d competed a lot and been close in a good few events but never finished them off. But when I finished that one last year, it was a great feeling to get the monkey off my back.

“I wanted to turn pro.

Some say it’s quite late to turn pro at almost 25, but it was perfect time.

“I’d reached the top of the amateur game in Ireland and got a win under the belt. It wasn’t really a conscious decision to wait until I’d got the win, but I felt it was the right time.”

FIVE Hermes players have been named in the Irish women’s senior hockey team for the FIH Champion’s Challenge in Belfield this week, a tournament that brings eight of the world’s top 20 sides to Dublin.

Goalkeeper Emma Gray, Sinead McCarthy, Aine Connery, Audrey O’Flynn and Lisa Jacob are named in the side along with Loreto pair, Nicci Daly and Nikki Symmons, and Old Alex duo, Pamela Smithwick and Shirley McCay. The tournament gets underway on Saturday and runs for eight days.

At U-18 level, meanwhile, Mount Anville’s Aisling Naughton and Lisa McCarthy are part of the Irish U-18 side for next month’s European championships. Alexandra College are represented by Emily Beatty while Holy Child’s Emma Russell also gets the nod.

Newlands’ Hogan added to GUI select NEWLANDS’ golf club’s Andrew Hogan has been named in the list of five players selected by the Golfing Union of Ireland to compete in the 116th British Amateur Championship at Hillside and Hesketh Golf Clubs from this week.

He is included alongside Paul Cutler (Portstewart), Alan Dunbar (Rathmore), Andrew Hogan (Newlands), Dermot McElroy (Ballymena) and Reeve Whitson (Mourne).

They take part in a field of 288 worldranked amateur golfers from 35 countries competing

for the coveted trophy, a place in this year’s Open Championship and an invitation to the 2012 Masters Tournament.

Roche forced to quit finale of Criterium Dundrum cyclist Nicolas Roche bowed out of the Criterium du Dauphine after he was involved in a crash on the mountain stage to Les Gets last week.

The event, seen as a precursor to the Tour de France and an indicator of form for La Grande Boucle, saw Roche in fifth on the first mountain stage and was hoping for a strong finish to the event.

30 SWORDS GAZETTE 16 June 2011

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

Stompe the oche: Darts legend coming to Dublin next month WORLD-class darts comes to Dublin on

Swords’ teams head for Santry athletics finals SWORDS West, Oldtown and Ballyboughal will be among the areas taking part in this weekend’s Dublin Community Games county athletics finals, which take place on June 18 and 19 at Morton Stadium, Santry.

The finals begin at 10.30am on Saturday, June 18, with the opening ceremony, including a parade being led by the Garda band. Included in the opening ceremony are the lighting of the flame and reading of the Games pledge before the first competitions begin. Competitions resume at 12.15pm on Sunday.

The event will be sponsored by DAA who were welcomed on board by Brian MacManus, Chairman Dublin Community Games, who said: “We are delighted to welcome support from DAA at a very exciting time for Dublin Community Games. Community Games has been the nursery and springboard of many athletes and, no doubt, we will see many future stars compete this weekend.”

Young Dowling hits fifth in East Lothian BEAVERSTOWN’S Sean Dowling, aged 10, produced a superb performance at the US Kids’ European Championship’s this week, held in Craigielaw Golf Club, East Lothian, Scotland.

Around 500 children from around the world competed for the individual European Champion titles as well as for places at the US Kids Golf World Championship in Pinehurst later this year.

Dowling competed against 53 players in his age group, the majority who hailed

from outside Britain and Ireland.

He shot 80 gross in his first round to end the day in seventh place before recording an 84, the fourth best tally on day two.

And his final round of 79 earned him fifth place overall, earning him a replica claret jug prize as well as earning automatic entry to this year’s World Championship in Pinehurst in August.

Dowling joined the club in the last year and since has improved his handicap from 28 to 17 within two months. He was also a winner of the 25th anniversary Junior Silver medal and was selected Young Member of the year in

July 1 when Holland’s Co Stompe comes to play an exhibition match at The Tap on North King Street.

“The Matchstick” will take part in a question and answer session, and will make a draw for special prizes on the night. Stompe has risen to fame on the oche after defeating Phil Taylor in Germany in 2008, and has logged a wide range of tournament victories.

For more information, call 01 6144855 or 087 1638753.

RIVERVALLEY: ORGANIC GROWTH FROM UNDERAGE LEVEL

Rivervalley Rangers’ Under-18 Premier team ahead of their recent cup game against Dunshaughlin

Rangers celebrate season sport@gazettegroup.com

ANOTHER promising season came to an end in May with Rivervalley Rangers teams building on what had been a good start to 2011.

Rangers’ pre-league academy continues to develop and teach children from four- to seven-years-old, preparing them for small sided football.

The last crop of players to come out of the academy now make up the Under-7 team, which plays football well beyond its years.

A good team spirit, allied with talented

young players has earned this team praise and compliments across the board for its style of play.

This was evident when they represented the NDSL on the June Bank Holiday in an FAI Small-Sided workshop at Lourdes Celtic aimed at restructuring smallsided football.

Rangers’ two Under8 teams both finished their seasons strongly, again playing attractive, passing football.

The Under-9s were extremely unlucky to lose the final of the Academy Cup in NDSL headquarters in May.

This was their second final in as many years, having won the Eamonn Ludden Cup in 2010.

The Under-10s won four of their last six matches to finish the league strongly, and lost out in the semifinal of the cup at their age level.

Rangers’ Under-11, 12, 13 and 14 teams continue to progress, and their 17s and 18s teams are again very strong in their respective leagues.

The 17 Premier team won the league, and were narrowly beaten in the semi-final of the cup and Rangers’ 18

Premier team won five of its last six league games and reached the semi-finals of two cup competitions.

Mini-leagues The annual Rivervalley Rangers’ mini-league festival takes part in June, with over 300 children from far and wide taking part in five-a-side matches for ages from six to 15, with a special blitz being organised for the 17-18 year-olds at the club.

The club is also running its summer camps this year from July 11 to August 12.

Camps run from Monday to Friday for three

hours a day, catering for kids from five to 12 years old.

There are morning and afternoon camps to facilitate everyone, and booking forms are available from the Rivervalley Community Centre and at the mini-leagues on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursday and Saturdays.

For more information, contact Paul Kelly on 087-2805930 or Paul O’Rourke on 0872245101, or visit the club’s website at www. rvrfc.com/, or see their Facebook page at http:// w w w.facebook.com/ rvrfc.

16 June 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 31

in association with

JHC: SAINTS DENIED VICTORY BY NARROWEST

CLUB NOTICEBOARD FINGALLIANS THIS is a big week for the senior footballers with important league games: Sunday - Fingallians v St Maur’s in Lawless Park at 11am.

Junior 6: Friday - Fingallians v Peregrine’s in Lawless Park at 7.30pm.

Stay in touch: log on to www.twitter. com and follow Fingallians.

Dublin’s Finest Supporter: Vodafone are looking for Dublin’s Finest Supporters of GAA – dedicated fans who’ve been in the club forever.

The U-12 girls played their last game

There’s an army of Dublin fans that

of the season and were victorious

never miss an away game, rain, hail

against Cuala.

or shine. We all know someone who’s

Hard luck to the Dublin U-14 girls and Sarah Deegan who were beaten in the All Ireland final on Sunday by Cork.

Ticket applications for Dublin v Kildare can be made at the bar by members each evening this week.

Dublin through and through and supports the Dubs, no matter what.

Here’s your chance to say thanks to him or her for their dedication. Go to www.hill16.ie/thedubhub.

The club golf society will host their

The mentors of the U-8 team would

next outing at Ashbourne GC on June

like to thank all the parents for their

24. The tee is available from 2.30 to

help and support in making their

4pm. Please pop down to the club and

sponsored sports/fun day a huge

put your name on the time sheet or

success. The players had a great day

e-mail jonathan.jennings@irishlife.ie.

and enjoyed all the activities. The day

The latest lotto numbers are 5, 22,

finished with a BBQ and a great night’s

23, 29 and 36. This week’s jackpot will

entertainment in the club.

be € 1,498.

St Finian’s put in their performance of the campaign so far as they narrowly lost out to Clan Na Gael

Finian’s find form but fail to finish

FINGAL RAVENS

Senior team play St Oliver Plun-

by text to Declan O’Brien on 086 267

JUNIOR HURLING

kett’s ER at home on Sunda y at

3830 by 8pm next Sunday, June 19 –

11am.

no late orders.

Clan Na Gael Fontenoy 1-14 St Finian’s 2-10 PETER CARROLL sport@gazettegroup.com

ST FINIAN’S took on Clan Na Gael Fontenoy last Wednesday at Sean Moore Park in Ringsend in an attempt to boost their championship hopes, with the Swords side sitting bottom of the Junior Hurling A Championship Group 1.

Losses to Parnell’s and Ballyboden St Enda’s had left Finian’s in dire straits, while their opposition had collected maximum points with victories over Craobh Chiarain and Castleknock.

Playing with the wind in the first half, St Finian’s were the sharper, showing real strength at half-back and in the midfield.

The Sword’s team looked to be ready to cause an upset, holding more of the play and coming up with more end results than their opposition, with the score at 0-8

to 0-4 in favour of St Finian’s at half-time.

They looked very good value for their tally and looked perhaps to be on their way to causing a major upset for Clan Na Gael, who may have believed their championship momentum would carry them through the game against a weakened Finian’s side.

In the second half, St Finian’s dominated at the start, with the younger squad showing some serious pace that Clan Na Gael couldn’t seem to match.

Goals from John Welsh and David Gantly pushed the Swords men on and the match was St Finian’s to win.

Leading by nine points in the last 20 minutes, St Finian’s inexperience in comparison to the Ringsend men, may have been the reason behind their undoing.

But with four players missing due to emigration and two absent from the panel due to injury, Clan

Na Gael exposed Finian’s, coming back to pip them to the points by the narrowest of margins.

The game finished 1-14 to 2-10 in favour of Clan Na Gael Fontenoy, but despite the result, St Finian’s can take some positives from the performance.

David Hatty was solid at the back and the midfield did a great job against Gael’s sharp pairing in the centre of the park.

Manager Jim Shelly insisted that St Finian’s will fight to the end and look to gain some points despite their bottom-ofthe-table status, as they

look to their upcoming ties against Craobh Chiarain and Castleknock who, too, have collected no points from their first two outings.

“We’ll definitely go out and give them a game. It was a good performance last night, we just let the foot off in the last minutes. We’ve been playing some minors in these games and they can be very proud of their performances.”

Shelly highlighted David Hatty’s contribution: “David was great, he was very strong, himself and the midfield really stood out today.”

CLUB-sponsored cycle race takes

championship, and play St Maur’s

place next Monday, June 20 from

away at 3pm on Sunday.

the clubhouse we ask everyone to please suppor t this fundraiser.

Div 5 team play St Anne’s at home this Friday at 7.30pm.

There will be no training for any

Anyone looking for tickets for Dub-

teams that night due to the cycle

lin Vs Kildare game in Croke Park on

race.

Sunday, June 26, must order them

The third team play Liffey Gaels at home on Thursday at 7.30pm in the

Congratulations to Derek and Lisa Keogh who got married recently.

WILD GEESE JUNIORS footballers play Clontarf on

against Lucan Sarsfields in 12th Lock

Sunday at 11am in St Anne’s Park, in

on Tuesday, June 21 at 7.30pm.

AFL 8.

Training takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7.30pm.

U-14 hurlers play Parnell’s in Oldtown at 2pm on Saturday in the league, while the junior hurlers play away

No junior hurling training on Monday June 20. Juvenile hurling training on Wednesdays at 6.30pm, and all are welcome.

Lady’s football training is on Mondays and Wednesdays at 7.45pm

ST FINIAN’S The adult hurlers had mixed fortunes

day, June 19 from 2 to 5pm. Fun for all

during the week but finished off with

the family. We hope that all the juvenile

a fine win in the Valley on Saturday

teams and parents will come along.

evening. Both sides contributed to a

A sponsored cycle will take place

great game in which a young Finian’s

this Saturday and Sunday. Sponsor-

side held out for a narrow win.

ship cards are available and we hope

Earlier in the day the U-14 football-

that club members will take a card and

ers came back from five points down

raise as much sponsorship as possi-

to win a thrilling match. The U-10s also

ble. We need at least 45 adults to take

did well in the hurling blitz on Saturday

part in the cycle which will take place

morning.

in the clubhouse on special cycles. You

The fun day is taking place next Sun-

only need to cycle for one hour.

ALL OF YOUR SWORDS SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31

SEASON OF JOY: Rangers enjoy life in the Valley with bumper season P30

JUNE 16, 2011

PRO EVO: Curley speaks of his golfing evolution P29

GazetteSPORT

Three wins in succession, including one over North Dublin rivals, Raheny, has seen Fingallians rise to within a point of top spot of AFL2

Flying Fins face judgement week Understrength Fingallians can go a long way to getting their place in AFL1 back with two key ties this week STEPHEN FINDLATER swordssport@gazettegroup.com

FINGALLIANS senior footballers face a huge week in their AFL2 campaign as they travel to St Brigid’s in midweek before taking on current table-toppers, St Maur’s, in what could be a battle for first place.

The Lawless Park club, though, will take on the challenge without some key men as boss Alan Hanrahan is currently on honeymoon in the US while the intercounty season will also take its toll.

Paul Flynn is Dub-tied, while the hugely influential Brendan Quigley has not been released by Laois as they prepare for their AllIreland qualifiers tie in two weeks time.

Danny Campion’s torn hamstring, coupled with a couple of other niggles, means that Fins are not in optimum shape but they have been riding high of late.

Wins over Skerries Harps, St Pat’s Palmer-

stown and Raheny have pushed the Swords’ side to within a point of top.

It is a big challenge this week but Dan Davern says that, if his side can put together some of the form that has seen the side rise this high, then they have a major chance if they keep their focus throughout.

Focus A horror five-minute period saw Maur’s win in the championship but Davern reckons there were enough positives in that game to suggest no repeat performance.

“I’d say it was a great game of football for a neutral to watch. Both sides played very well; we were happy enough with our performance, apart from the five minutes in which we lost our concentration and let them in for two goals.

“That was the losing of the game, pure lack of concentration on our part. With teams like Maur’s, you can’t afford to drop it for 30 sec-

onds, never mind five minutes. That’s what we did and it cost us.

“The key will be to keep the focus for the 60 minutes, or whatever time may be, and do the job the guys are asked to do and see if the result goes our way.”

While the tie with Maur’s (Sunday, 11am) is the more eye-catching fixture, Davern insists that Brigid’s is very much at the forefront of his mind for the time-being.

“We never look past the first game. Brigid’s is a tough place to go to at any time. They’re a good side, a big, physical, strong team who play a good brand of football. Going out to Russell Park will be a big test.

“If we perform, then we have a chance of getting a result. If we don’t, we’re going to regret it, and that’s the jigs and reels of it.

“We’ll gear up for that one, put up the best fight we can and see how we get on. We won’t even think about Maur’s until after the Brigid’s game.”