Swords Gazet te FREE
October 25, 2012 Find us on
Month XX, 2012 Swords • Balbriggan • Applewood • boroimhe • Airside • Rivervalley
INSIDE: An evening to meet and network for business people in Ballycoolin Business Park P7
transport: Swords is first in queue for new high-tech buses See Page 2
Nominees for monthly sports stars inside
Swords shines in retail survey
Page 28
Natalie Burke
Football:
Fingallians final showdown with Cuala for IFC Page 31
Awards:
ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES.......................6 DUBLIN LIFE....................11 OUT&ABOUT...................17 CLASSIFIEDS.................26 SPORT............................27
Swords has proved it’s a cut above the rest by being ranked third in a list of the 100 best towns and cities in Ireland in a survey by Retail Excellence Ireland. While Westport was crowned Ireland’s best town and Killarney followed a close second, Swords took third place and was the highest-ranking town to come from the Dublin
region. Commenting on the result, local councillor Tom Kelleher (Lab) said he was “delighted but not surprised” to learn that Swords had taken third place. “The large number of shoppers in the town, particularly at the weekends, is visible proof of the popularity of Swords. The large number of retail jobs in the area is very welcome.” Full Story on Page 3
It’s a scream: Children have a great time at house of horror these brave souls got plenty of
frights and scares as they wandered slowly through Mr Tayto’s Terrifying Terror Tower at the Halloween House of Horrors at Tayto Park. With ghouls flying overhead and zombies in every dark corner visitors had plenty of reasons to run screaming from the house. But
don’t worry; there are plenty of treats as well as tricks. Are you tough enough to have a cup of witch’s brew served by skeleton staff in the Treehouse of Horror or eat eyeball pasta, fried spiders and worm soup in the dreaded Fright Lodge restaurant? Full Gallery on Pages 6-7
2 SWORDS GAZETTE 25 October 2012
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Some of the 80 highly advanced buses for Dublin recently announced. Inset, Gerry Murphy, chief executive of National Transport Authority (left), Transport Minister Leo Varadkar and Paddy Doherty, chief executive of Dublin Bus
Swords first in queue for high-tech buses
SWORDS will be one of the first locations to avail of a new public-transport investment, which will see 80 highly advanced double-decker buses added to routes across Dublin. The investment of €26 million was announced recently by Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar as part of the Government’s capital programme. The new buses will be funded by the National Transpor t Authority under its public service obligation contract, representing an investment of €26m in the Dublin Bus fleet replacement programme.
NATALIE BURKE nburke@gazettegroup.com
All vehicles are lowfloor wheelchair accessible and will ensure that Dublin Bus will have a 100% accessible fleet by the end of 2012. The buses also feature bilingual passenger information signs announcing the next bus stop, centre doors to improve efficiency at bus stops, free wi-fi, improved safety features with additional CCTV,
better luggage storage and individual seating for 68 passengers, while there will also be standing space for 11 further passengers in the lower saloon. Minister Varadkar said he was “very pleased” to announce the multimillion euro investment saying: “These replacement vehicles are a good example of how this Government is determined to make the best use of the limited resources available, by investing wisely in public transport.” “When combined with other Government investments like integrated ticketing, providing more bus
shelters, real time passenger information, and the National Journey Planner, we hope these 80 replacement buses will encourage more people to switch from cars to public transport. I encourage anyone who hasn’t used public transport for a while to see for themselves how the new improvements are making a difference.” These new replacement vehicles are the most environmentally friendly to date. They meet “Euro 5” emission standards, consume less fuel and are quieter – ensuring the whole community will benefit from their arrival. The new buses will
operate on local routes 33, 102 and 104, which service a number of areas in Swords and Malahide, as well as routes 1, 4, 7, 29A and 151. Delivery of the vehicles began last month on Route 7 and all 80 vehicles will be delivered by the end of the year. Other recent public transport developments such as the National Journey Planner, Real Time Passenger Information signs, mobile apps, more bus shelters, and the Leap Card are also making public transport a more attractive option for Dubliners and visitors to the city.
Spooktacular Halloween fun at Tesco Extra NATALIE BURKE
CUSTOMERS are invited to join in the fun at Tesco Extra Balbriggan on Saturday, October 27, from 2 to 5pm, when the store hosts a special Spooktacular Halloween event.
Children can enjoy themed face painting, monstrous maskmaking, spooky storytelling and much more for free, which is sure to get everyone into the Halloween spirit. Until then, customers should watch out for the Secret Spooks competition running
instore until 1pm on Saturday, October 27. The store is asking shoppers to pick up a competition entry form at the front of the store, and as they shop, look out for the letters hidden within the secret spooks along the aisles. Complete the code-word from
the letters collected, and pop the answer, along with your name and contact number, into the competition box within the store to be in with a chance to win a Tesco Gift Voucher. For more information, see www.tesco.ie.
25 October 2012 swords gazette 3
competition
bank: aib make the necessary arrangements to keep service
Short story challenge
Rush set to retain its 24-hour ATM facility natalie burke nburke@gazettegroup.com
F o l l o w ing a number of successful talks with the management of Allied Irish Banks (AIB), Rush is set to retain its 24-hour ATM facility. The announcement follows a recent decision by AIB to close its branch at Rush, a move that raised a number of concerns among members of the community in Rush and local representatives. According to Fine Gael TD for Dublin North, Alan Farrell, the retention of the muchneeded ATM service in
Rush is a “significant success for residents in the area”. “Following numerous talks with AIB regarding the future of the Rush ATM facility, I was delighted to receive confirmation from AIB that Rush will retain its 24-hour ATM service,” he told the Swords Gazette. In a statement made by the bank, regional director of AIB Dublin North and West, Fergus Hopper, said he was “pleased to confirm that we (AIB) will be retaining the ATM in its present location, pending sale of the branch premises and the iden-
tification of an alternative suitable location”. Deputy Farrell continued by saying that the retention of the 24-hour facility is a significant result for both Rush and the neighbouring town of Lusk, as it is an essential requirement for the area. “The possibility of losing this service was a matter of justifiable concern for residents. I am now pleased that AIB have been able to make the necessary arrangements to facilitate this service as quickly as possible and that this issue has had a positive resolution for the residents of the town.”
One for the Ladies: Charity night has something for everyone temperatures were high at The Carnegie Court Hotel in Swords recently for a special Ladies Charity Night which featured male strippers amongst the range of attractions. The Hunks of Desire were on hand to ensure that an unforgettable night was had by all who attended. The event also featured live music and dancing, casino fun and spot prizes. The event was held to support 3T’s Turn the Tide of Suicide and the Little Max Fund. Pictured at the event above are Leona Savage, Lisa O’Brien and Ursula Kelly from Light Wave Beauty in Swords.
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B e c au s e L o c a l M at t e r s
As part of the eighth annual Bord Gais Energy Irish Book Awards, Specsavers is launching a nationwide children’s writing competition. Inspired by a cartoon from fairytale Peter Pan children from across the north county area are being challenged to create a short story in 500 words or less beginning with the sentence: “‘He could not believe his eyes...’” The closing date for entries is November 30, and application forms can be picked up at Specsavers, Balbriggan, Millfield Shopping Centre, or downloaded, along with the cartoon image, at www.irishbookawards.ie. The competition is open to children up to 16.
4 swords gazette 25 October 2012
FastNews
investment TD fears Fingal is being ignored halloween: td’s plea for safety
Rush and Skerries part of broadband rollout
Public urged to stay vigilant
Rush and Skerries are two local areas set to be included in phase four of the rollout of Eircom’s fibre broadband, a move welcomed by Brendan Ryan, Labour Party TD for Dublin North. “This is positive news for businesses and homes in the Rush and Skerries communities and follows on from the announcement in September that Balbriggan would join Swords and Donabate which were already covered in the rollout,” said Deputy Ryan. “Overall, this is good news for North County Dublin. The provision of high-quality broadband is vitally needed throughout the country to promote business growth and education.”
Filmmakers called on to enter festival Aspiring filmmakers are being called upon to enter the Fingal Film Festival 2013. The festival will take place in May 2013, and it offers a platform to both national and international emerging filmmakers to showcase their work in an environment where they have access to experienced industry professionals. The festival aims to engage with media training colleges and play a key part in their academic year, by offering support and experience to both college coordinators and students. Applicants can enter films such
as feature films, documentary and animation. Submissions must be made by Sunday, January 30, 2013. Application forms are available online and can be downloaded at fingalfilmfest.com.
Highlighting community safety SWORDS Community Policing Forum hosted its third Community Safety Week last week from October 20 to 25. Throughout the week there was a series of free events to highlight the many aspects of community safety. Safety issues included substance misuse and first aid and was the event was run in partnership with An Garda Siochana.
Brendan Ryan TD (Lab), Kizito Wahane and Duncan Smith pictured at a recent Jobseekers Information Day
IDA’s strategy for Swords questioned natalie burke nburke@gazettegroup.com
Dublin Nor th TD, Brendan Ryan (Lab), last week expressed his frustration after the Irish Development Authority was unable to reveal the number of times Balbriggan and Fingal have been presented to foreign investors as a suitable site for business investment, saying he is concerned the area is being ignored. The local TD criticised the IDA, Ireland’s investment promotion agency, for its response to a Parliamentary Ques-
tion placed by him this week, which he deemed “unsatisfactory”. “This is the second time I have asked a similar question of the IDA and the second time I have received an unsatisfactory response,” he said. The IDA failed to give any examples of prospective foreign investment companies being shown around the town in a reply to a question in the Dail recently. In a question put to the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Ryan asked for the number of times
“prospective investors” have been shown sites in the Balbriggan area in the past five years. The reply however, referred to the region of Dublin as a whole and showed a total of 666 visits to the region. Deputy Ryan said: “Previously, I asked how often sites in north County Dublin were shown to prospective investors and I received a response indicating how often the entire Dublin region was shown to investors. “I focused my latest question on one particular town, Balbriggan, in order to remove any ambiguity that I was seeking a ‘regional answer’. I was dismayed to receive more or less the exact same answer as I had previously with no data related to my specific question. My worry is that Balbriggan and Fingal [are] not being shown to prospec-
tive investors at all. I am yet to see evidence of a recent visit.” Speaking after the Jobseekers Information Day he organised in Balbriggan on October 15, Ryan said: “Fingal has an abundance of vacant, modern factory and office units from Swords up to Balbriggan. The area is situated on the M1 corridor with great access to Dublin City Dublin Airport and Belfast. “What is more, Fingal has many skilled workers on the Live Register. I met many of them at my Jobseekers Information Day in the Bracken Court Hotel last Monday. Many feel Balbriggan and Fingal in general is being ignored. “I have written to the IDA requesting a meeting to discuss their strategy in Balbriggan, Swords and Fingal in general. I hope to have this meeting very soon,” he said.
Fine Gael TD for Dublin North Alan Farrell is calling on local residents to stay safe this Halloween by avoiding dangerous bonfire sites and reporting anti-social behaviour to the gardai. “I am urging the people of Dublin North to be vigilant and play their part in keeping our community safe this Halloween,” he said. “All bonfires are illegal, dangerous and cause significant damage to the environment. Furthermore, residents should raise awareness throughout the community of the impact that Halloween has on our local services. “The consequences of illegal bonfires and anti-social behaviour on this one night of the year costs Fingal County Council (FCC) up to €150,000 in clean-up expenses, and permanently damages open areas in the community. This figure does not even take into account the extra resources required by emergency services at Halloween, which is their busiest night of the year,” he continued. According to Deputy Farrell, local residents can report anti-social behaviour to the gardai and local authorities anonymously. The authorities will remove materials being stocked in public places once they have been notified and residents can do this by calling FCC on 1800 20 10 93. “It is essential that we all play our part in ensuring that young people are made aware of the dangers of illegal bonfires in the community,” Farrell said.
25 October 2012 swords gazette 5
cinema Harbour Park is the scene for action in black comedy drama
Rush all set as Hollywood stars come to town natalie burke nburke@gazettegroup.com
Hollywood is setting its sights on Fingal in the coming weeks with some of the biggest names in the movie industry, including Dublin’s own Brendan Gleeson, arriving in Rush. The north County Dublin town has been chosen to
feature in Calvary, a black comedy drama written and directed by John Michael McDonagh, who is best known for his work on The Guard, a film which also featured Gleeson in the title role. Filming for McDonagh’s latest film project began in Sligo last month and has now moved to Rush, where it will
continue to shoot scenes at Harbour Park over the next few weeks. Brendan will star alongside his son, actor Domhnall Gleeson, as well as Bridesmaids star Chris O’Dowd, actress Kelly Reilly, Aidan Gillen and Isaach de Bankole. Comedians Pat Shortt, Dylan Moran and Dave McSavage will also
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make up the cast. In his newest role, Gleeson plays Fr James Lavelle, a good man intent on making the world a better place. However, he is saddened by the spiteful and confrontational inhabitants of his small country town. The production company received permission from Fingal County Council to
use Harbour Park for filming and, according to a spokesperson for the council, FCC liaised with Rush Community Council and the production company in this regard. “The production company has agreed to make a contribution to Fingal County Council for the use of Harbour Park, and this will be spent in the local area in consultation with
Rush Community Council,” they stated. “It is expected that the entire project will take between four to six weeks. During this time, the site will be secured and monitored by the production company and will be restored to its original condition on the completion of filming.” Calvary will be released in 2013.
6 SWORDS Gazette 25 October 2012
gazetteGALLERIES
Zombies give the children from St Andrew’s National School in Curragha in County Meath, a right fright . Pictures: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland
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B e c au s e L o c a l M at t e r s Pretty as a ... zombie
25 October 2012 SWORDS Gazette 7
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A creature on the wall scares the children
A zombie outside the entrance
Chamber president Siobhan Moore of the Dublin Airport Authority addresses the audience
Launch: Fingal’s Corporate Network is just the business
T
HE Fingal Dublin Corporate Responsibility Network was recently launched at the PayPal Offices in Ballycoolin Business Park. Everyone who attended the launch had the opportunity to meet and network with a large group of business men and women from a wide range of business sectors that evening. The network is operated and administered through the Fingal Dublin Chamber with a board of trustees to oversee its work.
The zombies are waiting for you...
horror: TERRIFYING HOUSE OF HORROR RETURNS
Scary zombies invade Tayto Park T
HE House of Horrors is back at Tayto Park again for this Halloween. Some fifth and sixth class students from St Andrew’s National School in Curragha, County Meath, were the first to enter the terrifying house. Last year more than 20% of those who entered the house were too scared to complete the experience, and this year promises to be even scarier. The props have been sourced from around the world to create the most frightening experience. The House of Horrors is open until Sunday, November 4. For more information visit www. taytocrisps.ie/park.
Peter Boucher and Terence Sheridan
Helen Daly and Karl O’Neill
Mark Costello
Participants lap up the information. Pictures: Cathy Weatherston The girls face up to their fears
Scares around every corner
8 swords gazette 25 October 2012
gaa club Mayoral role to make a comeback after two-decade absence
Fingal Ravens relaunch regal role to raise funds monarch.
natalie burke nburke@gazettegroup.com
After an absence of two decades, the Lord and Lady Mayor of Rolestown are set to make a comeback after Fingal Ravens Gaelic Football Club launched a search for their new fundraising
Competition With the last Lady Mayor of Rolestown stepping down from her throne in 1992, the local GAA club has decided to re-launch the regal role later this year, in an effort to raise funds for the club.
According to club chairman Declan O’Brien the competition is only in its early stages, but is encouraging members of the local community to get involved. “We are hoping to get a few candidates who would each go out and run fundraisers for the club.
“We will then have a Lord Mayor’s Ball and, on the night, the money will be counted and whichever candidate has made the most money will be crowned our Lord or Lady Mayor of Rolestown,” said O’Brien. “We ran it for a few years, but I think the last year was
in 1992. “I think we went on to something different after that and explored new and different ways of fundraising but now it has been dormant for so long that we thought we would bring back the competition again,” he explained.
Angels Helping hospital
FastNews Centre to host beatbox event As part of the Children’s Pooka Festival, the Seamus Ennis Centre will be hosting a beatbox workshop on Tuesday, October 30, from 11am to 12 noon. Discover how to make your voice sound like a drum kit in the special style of vocal music known as beatboxing, in classes for ages eight and upwards. www.seamusenniscentre.com.
Halloween event for Pavilions Halloween will be making an appearance at the Pavilions Shopping Centre on Wednesday, October 31, with wandering witches searching for the best costume from 1 to 2pm. Halloween-themed face painting will also be taking place from 12 to 3pm, and winners of a special colouring competition being announced at 2pm.
Folk group seeks members The Swords Folk Group is currently recruiting new members to join its Saturday singing group. The folk group now sings at the new Saturday evening mass at St Colmcille’s Church at 6.30pm, and performs three Saturdays each month. Musicians and singers interested in joining can contact Zita on 087 624 0608.
All the money raised from the fundraising events will go into the running of Fingal Ravens. Any members of the community who would be interested in running for office can contact Declan on 086 2673830 or by email at obdeclan@gmail.com.
pictured are children
from Smart Angels Montessori who dressed up for a Halloween Trick or Treat party to help raise money for Temple Street Hospital. Liya Rogil, Christelle Masvemme, Darragh McCann, Kaitlyn Dignam, staff member Ursula Mooney, Olivia Coughlan, Anna Vezhakattu, Rebecca McGuirk, Hazel McKernan, Evan Mason, Antonina Popiolek, Nataniel Szpaczynski, Finn Kelly and Pauline Coughlin.
survey: 16,000 citizens and business owners canvassed across Ireland
Swords proves excellence with third spot in 100 best towns list natalie burke nburke@gazettegroup.com
Swords has proved it’s a cut above the rest after it was ranked third in a list of the 100 best towns and cities in Ireland by Retail Excellence Ireland. While Westport was crowned Ireland’s best tow n and K illarney followed a close second, Swords took third place on the prestigious list, as well as being the highest ranking town to come from the Dublin region. Retail Excellence Ire-
land (REI), Ireland’s largest retail industry body, collated the opinions of 16,000 citizens and business owners from across the country in what was the largest town and city survey ever undertaken in Ireland. The sur vey is part of an initiative which REI launched in July of this year to encourage all business owners to work together to form a “Town Team”, design and implement a “Town Plan” which they hope will reinvigorate towns and cities and, in turn,
will re-engage with citizens and customers alike. David Fitzsimons, chief executive officer of REI said: “I welcome the results of this survey and thank the many thousands of citizens and stakeholders who took the time to give us valuable feedback. The results of this survey represent the start of something big for towns and cities across Ireland. REI is committed to ensuring that towns and cities take pride of place in every community across Ireland.”
Commenting on the result, local Labour councillor Tom Kelleher said he was “delighted but not surprised” to learn that Swords had achieved third place. “The large number of shoppers in the town, particularly at the weekends, is visible proof of the popularity of Swords. The large number of retail jobs in the area is very welcome at this difficult time,” he said. “However, we cannot take the present situation for granted and we must strive to make
Swords an even more attractive place to visit. Parking around the town centre remains an issue and the dereliction in Foster’s Way and around the Castle must be tackled. There are also several fine retail premises on the main street lying vacant. “Attracting new enterprises and retail outlets will provide jobs and opportunities and help to ease the problem of unemployment in the area.” C o r m a c K e n n e d y, head of proper ty at Eason and chairman
of the REI Town and City Revival Committee said: “It is critically important that the report and the survey results are used to help improve our towns and cities. “This should act as a road map for towns and cities to help them focus on areas that they can improve on. As retailers, we need to invest in our shops, and as customers, we need to visit our local towns and cities more often and remind ourselves what great things they have to offer.”
25 October 2012 swords gazette 9
10 swords gazette 25 October 2012
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BJ Jackson, from Iowa, prepares for his next shot at Portmarnock, with Ireland’s Eye behind. Pictures: Caroline Quinn
US veterans putt their golf skills to the test
T
HE pleasure of golfing in Ireland was to the fore recently when a group of US servicemen and women took part in a 12-day visit to the island of Ireland, with international media coverage following their trip. Comprising seriously wounded vet-
erans, the guests received the legendary Irish welcome for which we are world famous, as the guests were met with generosity and warmth throughout the Golf Digest Irish Tours US Wounded Warriors Tour. A highlight of the trip occured
when they played at Portmarnock Golf Club. Despite the range of golf handicaps within the group, a great round was played, with the magnificient backdrop of the sea and coastal areas captured for Stateside audiences.
Brian Donarski strikes
Ramon Padilla, from DC/Maryland; Diane Trevino, from Virginia; Brian Donarski, from Arizona, and James
out of the rough
Stuck, from Oklahoma
Dust off ... With a little effort, Danielle Green-Byrd, Illinois, chipped a nice shot onto the green
Ramon Padilla, DC/Maryland switches clubs
25 October 2012 Gazette 11
schools P14
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Let Dublin Gazette Newspapers take you on a tour of the news and events taking place across the city and county this week, as well as the latest from our schools
business P16
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diary P12
scary words: funtime at the ark, temple bar
Tall tales and spellbinding stories for kids of all ages THE children’s cultural centre, The Ark, in Temple Bar, is holding interactive book experiences every weekend in November called Telling Tall and Tiny Tales. There will be stories, activities and fun, as well as original artwork from well-known children’s books on display. Children can learn how to make up their own stories by choosing any one
of a selection of workshops on offer, and there will also be Halloweenthemed storytelling at the Ark every day throughout the mid-term break, with ghost stories to read. The workshops and special events start on Wednesday, October 31, with a Halloween special storytelling event with Niall de Burca. Children are encouraged to come dressed up
in their spookiest Halloween costumes. On the same day, at the National Gallery of Ireland, a Skulduggery Pleasant Extravanza takes place, where author of the acclaimed series, Derek Landy, its illustrator, Tom Percival, and editor Nick Lake will talk about the Skulduggery Pleasant books. Children are asked to come along as one of the
Skulduggery characters. In November, there are gigantic illustration workshops with Niamh Sharkey on November 3 at the Ark and, on November 9 and 16, there will be workshops for toddlers with Kate Wilson. On November 10 and 17, Jole Bortoli will host Plant a Book workshops, and on November 24 PJ Lynch is giving workshops for budding illustrators.
Niall de Burca will host the spookiest Halloween storytelling event
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12 Gazette 25 October 2012
dublinlife
diary
Travel fun day raises €35,000
THE inaugural Travel Trade Fun Day surpassed its fundraising target recently, when it successfully raised a massive €35,000 for Pieta House and the Irish Cancer Society. The fun day, which took place last month in the ALSAA Sports Club in Dublin Airport, was the first of its kind in Ireland and saw over 400 people attend. The Travel Trade Fun Day committee includes
Blue Insurances, Etihad Airways, Travelport, Royal Caribbean, Sunway and United Airlines, who presented the charities with a cheque on Thursday, October 11. Each charity received €17,500. Commenting on the event, the Travel Trade Fun Day committee said: “We would like to thank everyone in the travel trade who supported us in hosting this inaugural event. We are very grateful for all of the donations
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received, big and small, and we hope the funds raised go a long way in helping both of these worthwhile charities.”
Sports classes kick off for little champs AWARD-winning ClapHandies, which runs play and developmental classes for babies and toddlers, has joined forces with exercise experts Fit For Life to provide an exciting sport and fitness experi-
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ence for children aged three to eight in venues across the city. PlayFit classes are designed to develop the crucial basic movement skills, building the key elements of physical fitness endurance, strength and flexibility. The earlier these skills are learned, the more likely children are to develop an active lifestyle and love of sport. Mark Sweeny of Fit for Life says: “If a child does not learn how to run, jump and kick a ball adequately
The two cheques of €17,500 each were presented to Pieta House and the Irish Cancer Society after a fund-raising day organised by the travel trade
at an early age, their skill levels soon fail to match those of their peers, and they increasingly participate in sports and physical activity less.”
Play-Fit classes will start in October in a number of locations across Dublin before being rolled out to 10 new venues in January
2013. For further information, see www.playfit.ie.
Dublin taxi drivers voted fifth friendliest in the world HAILING a taxi this week could put more of a smile on your face than usual after the Diary found out that Dublin taxis have been ranked fifth in the world for their friendliness. The question of our Irish taxi drivers, “Are you bus y tonight?” clearly enhances the Irish charm, with Dublin drivers receiving 5% of the overall vote, in a survey compiled by Hotels. com. London topped the poll for the fifth consecutive year as the best cabs in the world, with Dublin sitting in 13th place, while New York were named as being the most available. Hugh Cregan, director of Transport Investment and Taxi Regulation, commented: “It’s great to see that Dublin’s taxi drivers continue to make such a good impression on visitors to our country and I congratulate them on that. “The taxi industr y nationwide is a vital part of our public-transport network, and good customer service benefits everyone.”
25 October 2012 Gazette 13
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14 Gazette 25 October 2012
dublinlife
schoolLife
Get involved with the Gazette As part of the relaunch of the Dublin Gazette Newspapers, we are reaching out to all the schools in our catchment areas to become a closer part of our community than ever before. Schools are the beating hearts of communities – one of the last places around which a community can gather. We are calling on budding writers and photographers from all of our schools to help fill the pages. In order to encourage the next generation of journalists and snappers to get involved, we are partnering with Harvey Norman to present the Dublin Gazette Newspapers Cub Reporter and Cub Photographer of the Year awards. For further details, contact me, Rob Heigh, news editor at rheigh@gazettegroup.com, or telephone me at 01 601 0240.
opinion: new junior cycle approach is to be welcomed
A refreshing change of direction mary slator
Colaiste Bride, Presentation School, Clondalkin
AS A student who has just recently completed my Junior Cycle of postprimary school, and who was also one of the thousands of students to be the last to take the Junior Cert exams, I, myself, was deeply interested in the fate of the next Junior Cycle nationwide. R ua iri Quinn, the Minister for Education, believes that if the whole
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‘This new programme offers teachers and students alike a flexible approach to learning and teaching’
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programme was changed, there would be a lessened likelihood of pressurised students dropping out of school at such a young age, because of the stress that comes with the exams.
Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn examining a project at the annual BT Young Scientist competition. There are hopes that the revised Junior Cycle at schools will see an improvement in academic results nationwide
The majority of settings that provided the JCSP are secondary schools, but it is also available in numerous other facilities,
such as special schools, children detention schools, Traveller training centres, and also Youth Encounter Projects.
I believe that Ruairi Quinn is worried, due to the fact that, countrywide, literacy levels have declined dramatically. This new programme offers teachers and students alike a flexible approach to learning and teaching, instead of a traditional, subject-based curriculum to follow. I’ve been told that the majority of the work to be done for the new programme is quite a lot of hands-on and group work. This, personally, sounds like a refreshing development in Irish education. The two major purposes of this programme statement are: to outline the nature and content of the JCSP, and to present examples of good practice changing for the JCSP. This new programme is completely different from the previous Junior Cert programme, as a certain percentage of your overall grade can be achieved through regular class tests, unlike just having exams at the end of three years in your junior cycle. As the quality of education and levels of basic literacy has faltered, there is only hope that the Minister for Education’s new techniques will turn the whole thing around and bring a brighter, more intelligent Ireland.
25 October 2012 Gazette 15
Gazette
schools talks: local issues
schoolLife
Students praise DLR Comhairle charlotte kennedy St Raphaela’s Secondary School, Stillorgan
S T R A P H A E L A’ S Secondary School in Stillorgan, along with other local schools, has taken part in Comhairle na nOg in [the] Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown [region]. The Comhairle, which can have up to two representatives per school or youth club, is a place
where discussions and solutions to problems are made for young people, by young people. This year, the focus of the Comhairle is on the Lost Years – the years between childhood and being an adult (basically, us moody teenagers). Many things are being discussed in this topic, for instance, voting at 16, and the fact that there are no student fares on public transport.
Fingal fifth years get a lot out of great Siemens talk
erica o’sullivan Fifth Year, Fingal Community College
Examining the Comhairle na nOg report
A simpler way to explain the Comhairle is by its slogan: Young Voices, Local Issues. Charlotte Kennedy, a furth year student at St Raphaela’s, said: “I had
never heard of the Comhairle before, but it was something I was immediately drawn to, as I love to argue and wanted to make my voice heard. “T he DLR Com-
hairle is a great place to make a change for young people. I have loved my experience so far, and can’t wait to see what the rest of the year brings.”
SIEMENS Diagnostics came to Fingal Community College last week and students in Fifth Year LCVP were treated to a talk by Michael Farrell, of Siemens, as part of [the] Enterprise Education [initiative]. He engaged the fifth years in a very interesting talk on the production of highquality and accurate products for the medical industry.
The students were especially impressed by a short film that brought the manufacturing process to life. All members of LCVP gained an insight into enterprise in the Swords area, learning that Siemens employs 300 people in the town.
Opportunity The fifth years were delighted with the opportunity to learn more about this local industry, and look forward to working with Siemens later in the year.
GAZETTE
16 GAZETTE 25 October 2012
DUBLINLIFE
Q&A
BUSINESS
Supported by AIB
Financial Planning – Part 3 Continued from last week
THE following is a checklist to help decide what you want from your financial planning. What should your financial objectives be? Here are some options:
TOM NAUGHTON, PW THERMAL BUILDING SOLUTIONS
Insulating against the impact of recession TOM Naughton is the general manager at Pw Thermal Building Solutions Ltd, which provide thermal solutions for the energy retrofit market, specialising in powerwall external insulation systems for homes and businesses nationwide. He studied construction management at GMIT in Galway, and spent the first seven years of his career working in both the residential and commercial construction sector in
both Britain and Ireland Tom joined Pw Thermal Building Solutions Ltd in 2009, having made the internal move from its parent company, The Sherling Group, based in Inchicore, and became general manager in January 2011. For further information, find them on Facebook at Powerwall External Insulation, email info@pwthermalsolutions.com, or see pwthermalsolutions.com.
How long have you been in business? We formed our company in early 2009
taken hold when we started our company, we never got too big for our boots and are constantly trying new angles and avenues in search of new business.
What makes your business successful? I believe the success of our company can be directly attributed to the people working within our company. They’re hard-working, innovative and hands-on dedicated staff with one common goal: a successful company with satisfied customers! What do you offer your clients that differs from your competitors? Some of our competitors are part of large multinational companies, supplying products and services all over Europe. We are a much smaller homegrown company, dealing with people on the ground locally and in a manner that is much easier for them to understand. Our customers find us much more approachable because of this. How has the recession impacted your business? We, like everyone else have taken a serious blow as a result of the economic downturn. Sales are down, confidence is down but we are still here, fighting. What have you changed about your business to combat the effects of the recession? We are constantly changing and evolving as a result of the recession, but because the recession had already
What law or regulation would you change overnight to help your business? There is a lot of talk at the moment about the residential property tax, which is going to be introduced at some stage in the near future. Our products and systems are aimed at making homes and businesses more energy-efficient, so I would like to see homes and businesses that are more energy-efficient paying less tax. This would provide an incentive to carry out this type of work, and would create more business and employment, benefiting all involved. How do you use social media (Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn, etc) to help your business? We have a Facebook-like page which we use to keep people up to date with our special offers, as well as changes within the industry. We also upload project photos and details to show people what can be achieved with our products. What is your ambition for the business? To survive the current economic turmoil first and foremost, but to also see our company grow into a successful, proud business with satisfied clients.
• Having an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses. • Paying off any personal loans, credit-card debt, overdrafts, store cards, hire purchase, leases or other debts. • Building up short-term savings. • Protecting your most valuable asset – your income – in case you are unable to earn money for any reason. • Protecting yourself (and, if relevant, your partner) with life cover. • Starting a pension plan. • Buying a home. • Saving for major purchases. • Planning for education fees. • Building up your personal investments. To this, I suppose we could add planning for longterm care. Bear in mind the following principles when deciding what your financial priorities should be: 1. For most people, their greatest asset is their income. Under the circumstances, you don’t want to risk it, and you don’t want to waste it. There are all sorts of inexpensive insurance policies designed to protect your income.
2. Personal debt, by which I mean everything from store cards to mortgages, will be the biggest drain on your income. If you’ve borrowed money, then you should make it a priority to repay your loans as quickly as possible. 3. It’s vital to have a safety net or emergency fund to deal with those trials and extra expenses that life often throws our way. Also, you want to make as big a return as possible from your investments. 4. If you’ve got a good, secure income, it doesn’t actually matter what other assets you possess. Emotionally, it’s nice to have the security of owning your own home. But an investment that is just as good and maybe better is a really decent pension plan. 5. Know thyself. There’s no point in setting financial objectives that you’re going to find impossible to attain. Your financial objectives may involve modest changes to your behaviour, but they shouldn’t require a complete change in your personality. 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
SEARCH: BEST MANAGED COMPANIES COMPETITION
Dublin businesses go on to top Deloitte contest
NATALIE BURKE
EIGHTEEN Dublinbased companies have been shortlisted to be among Ireland’s Best Managed Companies, according to a recent announcement by Deloitte, the business advisory firm. Now in its fifth year, the Best Managed Companies Awards recognise Irish companies across the country that are operating at the highest levels of business performance. Local companies through to the second phase of the competition include Dublin 15 companies, Blue Insurances Limited, NPP Group Limited, and Java Republic Roasting Company, the Now Factory in Sandy-
ford, and Noonan, located in Swords. For the next stage of the competition, the shortlisted companies will demonstrate to a judging panel how their organisations are meeting their strategic objectives and adding value to their business. The companies will work closely with coaches from Deloitte and Irish Life Corporate Business and will receive customised feedback, benefiting from the business advice and expertise. Kevin Sheehan, a partner at Deloitte, said it is “extremely positive” that the competition has such strong contenders this year. He said: “Feedback we have received from previous winners is that they
Judging panel members David Harney, chief executive, Irish Life Corporate Business; Siobhan McAleer, head of strategic partnerships, Irish Management Institute and Kevin Sheehan, partner, Deloitte
have found this process to be extremely beneficial and practical in relation to their company’s future strategy and it is a considerable benefit of participating in the programme.” The awards are open to companies from all 32 counties of the island of Ireland. It is the only awards programme that consid-
ers a business performance from every perspective, not just financial. The companies that have been awarded the Deloitte Best Managed Company accolade, to date, have total revenues of more than €10 billion, and employ more than 24,000 people. The winners of this year’s awards will be announced next March.
25 October 2012 Gazette 17
MOTORS P22
asdfsdaf P27 TRAVEl P24
OUT&ABOUT Never be out of the loop on what’s happening in Dublin! Let Out&About be your guide to all that is stylish, cultural and essential across the city and beyond this week
Gazette
MUSIC P19
Pets dog’s trust dog of the week
Witching hour can be a lot of fun for all ages
halloween: enjoy ghoulish action with spooky tours, parades and crafts
City fun will be a scream LAURA WEBB
GETTING spooky this Halloween? Are you attending one of the attractions around the city this All Hollow’s Eve? Out & About has trawled through the pumpkins and cobwebs to find out what’s on this Halloween mid-term. From ghostly tours to spooky arts and craft classes, from a horror farm to parades of ghouls, Dublin and its surroundings have every scare covered. Samhain 2012 is taking place at Marlay Park on Sunday, October 28. Each year, families flock to the park where, for one night only, it comes alive with freaky fog, ghastly spiders, skeletons, creepy pumpkins, chilling witches and demons. Residents are invited to walk in the Haunted Forest in their scariest cos-
tumes. This is a free event for those with wristbands which will be distributed on Saturday, October 27, at CoCo Market in Marlay Park from 10am to 4pm and on Sunday, October 28, from 10am until 3pm behind Marlay House. The Samhain 2012 sessions will take place that Sunday, October 28, at 3.30pm, 4.30pm, 5.30pm, 6.30pm and 7.30pm. Check out www.dlrevents.ie. Hidden Dublin Walks presents the Halloween Northside Ghost Walk every Friday and Saturday until November 1 from 8pm to 10pm. According to the organisers, Dublin is one of the most haunted cities in the world and these walks take visitors through one of the oldest parts of Dublin once know as Oxmanstown. Participants will have the chance to see
sites such as Saint Mary’s Abbey, one of the most powerful monastic settlements in Ireland in medieval times, now just a small ruin down an alleyway, and hear the story of Lord Norbury, the infamous and sadistic hanging judge who presided over the trial of Robert Emmet. Hated in life, in death he returns to continue his reign of terror, so the story goes. You will also hear tell of the mummies of Saint Michan’s Church, surely the most macabre tourist attraction in Ireland, and a major inspiration to the young Bram Stoker, native of Clontarf and author of Dracula. Tickets cost €13. Check out www.hiddenwalks.com. Threshold, the national housing charity, is hosting a Wacky Witches and Wizards Walk on Sunday, October 28, in Tibradden, South County Dublin. Start-
ing at 5pm, this three-hour walk is suitable for adults and children. Everyone is being asked to dress up and there will be prizes for the most whimsical wizard and wackiest witch among others. Registration is €50 for one adult and up to three children. Check out www.threshold.ie South Dublin County Council is celebrating Halloween on Wednesday, October 31 with a fun-filled spectacle for families in a safe environment. Over 200 young people from Tallaght and Clondalkin will create artistic pieces in arts and performance workshops to display on Halloween night from 5pm to 7pm. There will be a parade in Tallaght and a pageant in north Clondalkin with music, dance and games at both events. Continued on Page 23
Dublin Gazette Newspapers has teamed up with Dog’s Trust, Ireland’s largest dog welfare charity, to help find homes for unwanted and abandoned dogs. This week’s dog is Herbie, a 12-year-old crossbreed. This distinguished older gentleman adores his creature comforts and at this ripe age would love a home with a nice big soft bed to put his paws up and relax in. This independent little man is quite happy to potter around doing his own thing or in the company of other doggies and big kids. If you think you can give Herbie a loving home for his twilight years then contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000. More information about their work can be found on their website www. dogstrust.ie All dogs that are adopted from Dogs Trust are vet-checked, vaccinated, neutered and micro-chipped before being rehomed.
Gazette
18 Gazette 25 October 2012
OUT&ABOUT
MUSIC
FASTtunes
New night in Tallaght proves hotbed of fresh local talent Two new acts, Lora & Amy and Cash Is King, will be appearing at Brady’s Pub in Terenure next Friday, October 26 as the first showcase of new acts managed by Keith McLoughlin. Lora & Amy are a songwriting duo from Balbriggan and veterans of the Ballyfermot Rocks festival, while Cash Is King are a four-piece with members from Dublin, Wicklow and Kilkenny. McLoughlin is involved with community radio and promoting unsigned artists, and this event is an official launch night at the home of The Brady’s Sessions, which is a monthly singer/ songwriter night.
Allo Darlin’ - guitarist Paul Rains, drummer Michael Collins, bassist Bill Botting and singer Elizabeth Morris
MUSIC REVIEW: pop perfection from london-based four-piece
Allo, allo, allo... AN INVESTIGATION of the current state of the musical firmament would tend to point t ow a r d a c o m p l e t e dearth of new ideas and fresh talent. Some would say we’ve heard it all before. Anyone who has listened to the Jake Bugg album would certainly agree. T i m e s l i ke t h e s e require ear bleach and a sense of perspective... and then, you hear a band who take all the elements that you love from all the bands you adore, and you really don’t mind a bit of nostalgia-tinged tunesmithery. Allo Darlin’, a fourpiece based in London, released their second
ROB HEIGH rheigh@gazettegroup.com
album proper, Europe, earlier this year and, damn, if I’m not annoyed I didn’t know about it before, because it would have been the soundtrack to the summer. Led by former Tender Trap member, Elizabeth Morris, the band have released a number of top-notch EPs - including the brilliantly titled Henry Rollins Don’t Dance - and their eponomously titled debut
album in 2010, which was singled out as a record of the year by several cognoscenti of the scene. Written around Morris’ ukelele and guitar, the record holds your attention utterly from start to finish, the combination of the classic tropes of jangle pop with lashings of ginger-beer flavoured slide guitar lines and string sections on the side create something that simultaneously transports you back to a more innocent and shinier time while being completely contemporary and excellent. Taking the shimmering girl guitar pop of the likes of BMX Bandits, the album contains 10
perfectly crafted songs that are infused with a lyrical wit and mastery of harmony and melody. Imagine if you will the best moments of the likes of The Magnetic Fields, Sufjan Stephens, The Vaselines, The Pipettes and Teenage Fanclub and you are someway close to what Allo Darlin’ are capable of, but even those comparisons are faint praise. The songs, from bubbly and wry opener Neil Armstrong to bittersweet closer My Sweet Friend, are uniformly straightfor ward and emotionally genuine, while underpinned by the band’s clearly innate understanding of how to craft a pop classic.
You’re held enraptured listening to where Morris is going to take you next with her words, which are never anything less than beguiling. Going all Louis Walsh for a moment, she reminds me of a young Billy Bragg, when he wrote songs like New England, full of charm and hope and love and disappointment and everything else that great pop music needs to understand as essential. There’s nothing revolutionary here, except four individuals creating a record that everyone with a pulse and a love of good music ought to hear. Which, in this pop day and age, is pretty revolutionary.
25 October 2012 Gazette 19
GAZETTE
20 GAZETTE 25 October 2012
R1
OUT&ABOUT
STYLE
Marks & Spencer from €15
Accessorize €5.50
BEAUTY news
Spooky Halloween Makeup Tutorial
! s e m u t s o C C r e e py
e for n is a fun tim ee w lo al H s, d to little ki from Tesco From big kids witch’s outf it y k o o sp is th like €10 dressing up star ting from
LAURA WEBB
Marks & Spencer from €13
Seeing that it’s the season of dressing up, Gazette Style is dedicating this week’s section to all things spooky. Make-up Forever is sharing one of their best looks - The Ventriloquist Doll, which is easy to re-create and is suitable for adults and children.
Marks & Spencer from €15
HERE IS A STEP BY STEP GUIDE: Step One: Complexion Use pale foundation in Mat Velvet No.15 to whiten the face creating the base for the Zombie look. Seal your foundation with a white powder in Velvet Finish No.21.
Accessorize €6 Tesco from €10 Accessorize €5.50
Step Two: Eyes Use eyeliner in Aqua Black Liner to create shape and widen the eyes for a doll-like effect. Build up your eyeshadow colour into solid blocks to create the false doll look using colours in White Matte in No.00, Pink Matte in No.75, Purple Matte in No.92 and Black Matte in No.40. Recreate the lower lash line using your eyeliner about 1-2 cm lower than your natural bottom lash line and then fill in with white eyeshadow in No.00. Finally add faux lashes to the upper and lower lashes along the false eyeliner line, the more exaggerated the lashes the better the doll effect. Faux Top Lashes: No.110 Bottom Faux Lashes: No.150. Step 3: Eyebrows Draw in the eyebrows with the same product and extend out the end of the eyebrow using Aqua Black for a very false look.
Accessorize €15 Accessorize €12.50
Marks & Spencer from €13 Accessorize €5.50
Accessorize €6
Step 4: Cheeks Use a pink or red blush in circular motions to apply the colour in Pink Matte in No.75. Add Strass Diamonds to create a speckled diamante finish in Pink Diamonds No.18, Red Diamonds No.19, Black Diamonds No.23 using Due Glue. Step 5: Chin Using your eyeliner, lightly mark the corner of your mouth down to your chin then once it is straight, take the eyeliner and draw a line down. This creates the effect of the doll’s mouth enabling it to move up and down. Add depth to the false chin look using Sculpting Kit in No.3. Step 6: Lips Apply lipstick as normal using N31 Bright Pink Lipstick, use a darker lipliner to outline the lips in 12C Aqua Lip liner and finish with Diamond Powder No.09 on top for added effect and sparkle.
Marks & Spencer €3.25
All make up is available at Make-Up Forever, 38 Clarendon St, Dublin, 01 6799043.
25 October 2012 Gazette 21
Gazette
GAMING BYTES&PIECES
A dashing design
XBox 360 interface gets a subtle revamp
In the rapidly deteriorating battle for earth, this team of pumped-up super-soldiers are potentially just a few moves away from mission failure – and being turned into a pile of ashes – in the challenging multi-platform title, XCOM: Enemy Unknown
XCOM Enemy Unknown: strategy classic’s excellent update
Challenging, but a blast shane dillon
GAMERS and techheads have a busy couple of months ahead, as the predictable deluge of end-of-year goodies has begun. Indeed, there are some terrific gaming titles due out in the very near future, as the crucial Christmas wars start between all manner of steely-eyed games developers, with a Darwinian battle of survival ahead between several triple-A titles. It’s hard to think of a harsher battle for survival than the one found in the wonderful multi-platform title, XCOM: Enemy Unknown, which was released very recently.
shane dillon sdillon@gazettegroup.com
It’s a reboot of a fondlyremembered (and deeply challenging) old strategy game from 1994. Here, aliens have started invading, with Earth belatedly waking up to the everincreasing threat of distinctly hostile foes. So, it’s time for a secret organisation to organise a crack team of elite soldiers with state-of-the-art secret weapons at a revolutionary base ... Only to watch them
BYTES&PIECES a starkly stylish work of beauty flies onto psn
die swiftly, and messily, at a variety of locations around the world, as this is a strategy title that demands brains a lot more than brawn. One wrong move; one step too far; one foolish oversight of a seemingly harmless alien out on the battlefield – which ranges from train stations to garage forecourts – can instantly turn the tide of battle, seeing not just one soldier, but your entire squad swiftly wiped out. Horribly. Assuming they survive the mission to hand, your soldiers can level up, gaining new abilities and increasing importance – all of which will make you curse your bad luck, and
miss their specialist skills, if they come a cropper a few missions later ... Wonderfully detailed presentation, and lots of gameplay flourishes (ranging from base expansion to research), add to the wide-ranging depth and fun of the title. The main gameplay is also pretty interesting, as you and the aliens take turns to position and attack with troops. Repeat such moves, until someone – or something – has won the mission, with great rewards to be claimed by the humans, or bitter regret if things don’t go so well. And if you mess up, entire countries begin to
SONY have a very creative title available now via PSN, in the stylish form of The Unfinished Swan. Developed by Giant Sparrow, this visually striking title is something of a melancholy treat. Starting with a blank canvas, the world is revealed by liberally splashing black paint around, with the paint’s splatters and tracks giving form and depth. More colours, and gameplay mechanics, eventually come into play through its brief life. As its name suggests, although it’s stark and not very long, this is a beautiful title indeed.
go dark ... As someone who’s routinely saved the world before breakfast, I have to say that XCOM isn’t remotely an easy prospect, which is great, as this is a strategy game, after all – immersive, engaging and explosive in equal amounts, but still something where planning, and thinking five steps ahead, is key. While there are certainly bigger titles coming out in the next couple of weeks, and months, XCOM deserves to be a hit. It’s definitely challenging and unforgiving, but that only adds to its appeal, making the outof-this-world title a true star on the retail shelves.
MANY people may have already noticed that their 360’s dashboard looks a little different – that’s because an update is rolling out to millions of consoles around the world as I type, with all consoles expected to be upgraded to the new format within a two-week period or so. The new dash has a number of interesting features, such as its Internet Explorer functionality, the new XBox Music service (with a monthly fee), a merging and reorganisation of tabs, and so on – all within the nowfamiliar Metro tiled format. Perhaps most interestingly, you can now pin favourite content to the dash, to allow quicker access to favourite games, sites, and so on. There are plenty of changes that you can all Google to your heart’s content – or simply wait for your console to update itself, if it hasn’t already – with the move a welcome one for the console and entertainment hub.
digging the new stuff
Game-changing update finally hits Minecraft STICKING with the 360, and presenting about my 1,278th nod at Minecraft, if you’re one of the literally millions of people who’ve been burning up the internet with impatient questions about when the long-awaited Update 1.8.2 (AKA the Adventure update, mate) would arrive – relax. It’s here, and deserves the hype. Apart from offering lots of new content, its most keenly-awaited feature is the new Creative mode, placing flight – and infinite blocks – at your blocky fingertips. There’s never been a better time to start building a giant gold statue of yourself, methinks ...
22 GAZETTE 25 October 2012
GAZETTE
& OUT ABOUT road
MOTORS
NOISE
Rob Kearney with the Audi A6 Avant S Line
Try out the 2013 Audi collection AUDI brand ambassador and rugby star Rob Kearney launched the Audi Future Now Sales event recently. Rob was on hand to launch the event as he received the keys to his stylish new Audi A6 Avant S Line. The Audi Future Now Sales event is effective until December 31st, and offers both existing and prospective customers the opportunity to enjoy the very latest award-winning 2013 Audi collection with significant savings of up to €8,344. Customers can now choose from a range of unique offers available on selected models across the range. From the Audi A1 right up to the exclusive A8, features such as xenon lights, automatic transmission and quattro four-wheel drive will now be available at unbeatable prices to those who place their order before the end of December. The Audi North Dublin event took place on October 20 and 21 where existing and potential Audi customers got the opportunity to experience the Future Now Audi range while families, adults and kids alike, were treated to a few hours of fun. A cooking demonstration was provided by Bon Appétit Dublin, where guests sampled the very best from Oliver Dunne’s award-winning Michelin Star Kitchen. Other events are being hosted around the country in Kilkenny, Galway and Offaly. Anyone that takes part in the Future Now test drive at these events will be in with a chance to win an Audi Sportscar Experience where customers will have the opportunity to experience the thrills of one of the world’s most exciting cars, the Audi R8 V10 Coupe, World Performance Car of the Year 2010. Customers wishing to experience Future Now and test drive the 2013 Audi collection can do so at their local Audi dealer. For information on a Future Now event in your area, visit www. audi.ie/futurenow
The Volkswagen Cross Polo in a shade of Magma Orange which makes it hard to ignore
VOLKSWAGEN: NEW BEEFED-UP CROSS POLO IS A REVELATION
Turning a ‘nice’ car into a mean machine
CORMAC CURTIS
I DON’T know who came up with the idea of bringing out a beefed-up version of the Volkswagen Cross Polo - but whoever it was, they should be given a corner office and made vice-president in charge of coolness. Seriously. W h o wo u l d h ave guessed that VW could take a car as downright ordinary as the Polo and make it so cool? To be fair, I’m pretty sure that the target audience probably don’t even use the word cool , and if they do they most likely spell it k-e-w-l or some such nonsense. B u t t h a t d o e s n ’t change the fact that the car has been given a huge new lease of life with
its latest incarnation. I spent a week with the Cross Polo recently and really had a blast. To be honest, an eyegrabbing motor like this always gives me a kick, but sometimes the highprofile can work against you a bit. L a t e o n e S u n d ay evening, I needed to get home quickly from the office, which involved some pretty erratic driving from yours truly. There may have been a few red lights broken, there is a chance I lost my patience with some other drivers, and it is quite possible that I may have even disregarded a speed limit or two. Despite my questionable driving that particular evening, I remain convinced that the gardai
who pulled me over only noticed me because I was driving the most orange car of all time. Yes, orange. VW refers to it as Magma Orange, and it’s so bright it doesn’t even need the metallic treatment. Did Xzibit bring this car to his paint shop for a little pimpin’? It wouldn’t surprise me if he did.
Styling Colour is one thing, but the styling of this car is absolutely spot one. Take a Polo, stretch it, pull it, and pump it up until it starts to bulge. Next, grab some very nifty alloys and give the body a few hunks of matt-finished dark grey plastic panels for a proper urban look and,
finally, give the interior some nice touches so the outside look is also carried inside. Not forgetting the silver anodised roof rails – there’s nothing I like more than when form and function are brought together with such a stylish approach. It all sounds so simple, but it’s amazing how many car manufacturers make a right pig’s ear of a model upgrade. The Cross Polo is also very well powered by a nicely tuned 70hp 1.2l diesel engine that’s matched to a solid 5-speed transmission. For the size of the car, 70hp might sound a little on the light side, but I found it to be a nice little mover, albeit not laden down with any extra
weight like the family or luggage. Like any car that stands out from the crowd, you do pay extra for the privilege. In this case, it’s a little over €17,000 but for the money, you do get plenty of kit, including: 17” Budapest alloys, climatic manual air conditioning, electric windows front and rear, ABS with brake assistant, ASR, EDL and EDTC, front fog lights sports front seats, silver anodised roof rails, bumpers in unique ‘cross’ design, silverpainted external mirrors, the ground clearance is increased by 15mm and it has hill-hold control. Volkswagen should be proud of this latest entry to the Polo family, and I hope we see plenty of them on the road.
25 October 2012 swords gazette 23
Gazette
activities halloween: devilish plans are afoot for spine-tingling entertainment for all
Share the scares with lots of ghoulish and ghostly fun THERE is no excuse for anyone to be at home this Halloween thanks to the many events that are on offer. If your kids enjoy art, why not make some spooky arts and crafts with Imelda at Clondalkin Library on Tuesday, October 30, at 3pm? This is suitable for children aged eight to 12 and booking is essential. Contact Clondalkin Library at 01 459 3315. Most libraries have events happening throughout the Halloween mid-term to keep the kids happy, or to show them that making a costume themselves can be 10 times more fun than buying a readymade one in stores. So why not go into your nearest library to find out what’s on this Halloween? Elsewhere, the GAA Museum is being transformed into a spooky den,
with witches, ghouls and wizards there to welcome visitors. Activities include the Trick or Treat Trail, Terrifying Treats, Halloween Crafts, a Halloween Costume Competition and more. Visit www. crokepark.ie for further information. Even the animals at Dublin Zoo are getting involved this Halloween, but let’s hope all the visitors’ costumes don’t scare them too much. As part of the celebrations, the team at the zoo have organised the annual Boo at the Zoo which takes place this year on Sunday, October 28, and Wednesday, October 31, from 12 noon to 3pm on both days. Visitors will enjoy festive face painting, scary arts and crafts as well as spooky Halloween keeper talks. A monster disco will also take place on the lawn for young visitors to
Don’t look now: Drive In Movies at Halloween Horror Nights at Tattersalls Country House, in
Youngsters having fun at last year’s
Co Meath, may leave you feeling a wee bit uneasy in your car
Samhain event in Marlay Park, Dublin
enjoy. Meanwhile, the Haunted Spooktacular Horror Farm located deep in the Meath countryside is said to be Ireland’s biggest scare attraction and definitely worth the trek. This is the seventh year of an event that leaves people screaming with fright. With a devilish
plan to create 10 acres of fear, the scream team plan to push the boundaries this year even more with scenarios to produce new frights and claustrophobia. State-of-the-art special effects will also help to create an extreme scream experience. It combines live actors, special effects sounds
that help to create a fourdimensional attack on the senses. This will take place from Friday, October 26, to Wednesday, October 31, starting at 6.30pm and finishing at 10pm. Prebooking is essential and it’s priced at €25. Check out www.hiddendublinwalks.com. Finally, park your fear
at the door as Tattersalls Ireland presents Drive In Movies at Halloween Horror Nights featuring a haunted village with live actors, Halloween props, graveyards, spooky characters, and a spine-chilling selection of classic horror movies at Tattersalls Country House, Ratoath, Co Meath.
Enjoy a selection of Hollywood’s iconic horror movies while sitting in the comfort of your own car. Park in the best seats of the house for €20 per car, with two screenings per night to choose from. Tickets are available from the Tattersalls House on 01 886 4300, or visit www. tattersalls.ie/house.
Gazette
24 swords gazette 25 October 2012
OUT&ABOUT
fast
TRAVEL
A bold and interesting menu at the Courtyard paul hosford
GETTING away from the hustle of Dublin can seem a lengthy enterprise. Planning, driving and organising for a night away isn’t exactly the most appealing to those with busy lifestyles. Luckily for me, the surrounds of Co Kildare are just on my doorstep and, 10 minutes drive from Clonsilla is the Courtyard Hotel in Leixlip. Conveniently located in the heart of Leixlip, the Courtyard is a beautifully laid-out hotel which features, unsurprisingly, a large courtyard which is used as an outdoor bar and, as was the case when we visited, is absolutely perfect for a warm day with friends. Sitting on the River Liffey, the area around the hotel is a great place to take a short walk. Hotel restaurants can often seem to go one of two ways. Either they play it safe, accept their lot as a convenient eatery for the weary traveller, or they try to be bolder and do something new and genuinely attempt to do excellent food. Luckily for me, the RiverBank restaurant in the Courtyard falls firmly into the latter category. My rabbit and ham hock terrine starter set the tone for a beautiful meal, while my girlfriend’s duck spring rolls left me wishing I could have had more than one starter. For mains, I opted for a herb-crusted cod with bacon and tomato salsa which was fresh and full of flavour, while the girlfriend went for a chickpea masala that was a revelation for a carnivore such as myself. Dessert consisted of a pavlova for the lady and sticky toffee pudding for myself, both of which perfectly rounded off an excellent meal and an ever better short break.
kinnitty castle: offaly hotel and restaurant is taste of excellence
Step back in time to luxurious grandeur Hiromi mooney hmooney@gazettegroup
IF you’re thinking about organising a weekend staycation, why not travel to the midlands and enjoy some of the countryside the Emerald Isle has to offer? One such place to stay is Kinnitty Castle in the quaint town of Kinnitty, just outside Birr in Co Offaly. The castle has a deep history which dates back to 1209, so not only do you have a chance to relax here, but it is a chance to
get away from the busy real world and feel as if you’re travelling back in time. Plus, it’s nestled at the foothills of the picturesque Slieve Bloom Mountains, so you can enjoy some breathtaking scenery along the way. Kinnitty Castle is a completely different experience from the modern hotels that we are more used to these days. From the moment my partner and I drove up the long driveway through the forest to
A beautiful seated area in Kinnitty Castle
the hotel entrance, we felt like we had travelled through to a different era. This feeling continued as we stepped inside the front door and were welcomed by stone steps which were lined with candles and two knights in shining armour. The walls were decorated with stuffed deer heads, large paintings and mirrors. The hotel houses 37 distinctively styled bedrooms, so your stay will be a unique experience each time. My partner
One of the distinctive bedrooms at Kinnitty Castle, Co Offaly
and I stayed in the lavish Hutchinson Suite, which was an extremely large room that overlooked the entire front lawn. We were told that Kinnitty Castle is a popular wedding destination, and it is rightly so. There was a wedding planned for the next night, so we had a quick peek at the banquet hall which was set up beautifully. It was quite a romantic setting for the bride and groom’s special day. It also seemed like a perfect venue to celebrate any other impor tant occasion like a birthday or communion. We enjoyed a nice m e a l i n t h e d r awing room, and as the evening progressed and it grew darker outside, the candles glowed more brightly and gave the room a completely different atmosphere.
We later went to the bar in the old dungeons where there was some traditional Irish music playing. Countryside
After a good night’s rest, we were up bright and early to avail of two of the activities available on site. We first went pony trekking around the grounds, which gave us a chance to explore the area and enjoy the fresh countryside air. We later tried clay pigeon shooting, which I discovered is not for the faint-hearted like myself. But my other half literally had a blast, shooting most of the clay pigeons that were fired out. If you’re the adventurous type, you should definitely take a shot, quite literally, and experience it for yourself. But if you are prone to
25 October 2012 swords gazette 25
Gazette
Travel fast
TRAVEL
Five-star city style at a friendly price
THE Dylan hotel, one of Dublin’s leading five-star boutique hotels, is offering guests the perfect opportunity to spoil themselves as the winter temperatures begin to set in. The sophisticated urban retreat just 15 minutes’ walk from the heart of Dublin’s shopping street, Grafton St, is located on Eastmoreland Place off Upper Baggot Street and is set in an original Victorian building housing 44 bedrooms. A new package from the stylish hotel includes overnight accommodation, complimentary full Irish breakfast, complimentary valet parking and free wi-fi, with rooms available from €179 per night. With two Experience Suites, three Experience rooms and one Signature suite, guests are offered a unique experience, with each room individually designed in warm, autumnal colours. Bedroom accessories include Belleek pottery, REN products and a Bose sound dock with an iPod. For more information or to book an overnight city break, visit www.dylan.ie.
be easily startled like me, you are better off just watching from a safe distance – it’s just as enjoyable! There is plenty to do nearby as well, like walking or cycling through the nearby mountains. But if you’re looking to learn about some of the local heritage, Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre should be your next stop to visit. It’s only a 20 minute drive from the hotel and it’s easy enough to find. The centre was recently refurbished, and the displays were very impressive. Our tour began with a video in the auditorium which explained the history of Tullamore Dew whiskey and the story of Daniel E Williams. From here, we were given a guided walk through the process of making whiskey – from
harvesting the crops to the distilling process to when it’s finally made and bottled. In short, a weekend break in the midlands is a chance to unwind and enjoy the fresh air and countryside activities. For more information about Kinnitty Castle and nearby activities, v i s i t w w w. k i n n i t t y castlehotel.com. T he Cosy Castle Comforts package at Kinnitty Castle Hotel offers two nights’ accommodation with a full Irish breakfast each morning, dinner at Sli Dala Restaurant on the evening of your choice, followed by a complimentary night cap at the traditional library bar as well as a Cosy Comforts Hamper on arrival. The special offer is available from just €149 per person sharing.
The majestic Kinnitty Castle at dusk
A magnificent bedroom with a four-poster bed
26 swords gazette 25 October 2012
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25 October 2012 swords Gazette 27
monthly awards P28
asdfsdaf gaelic games P27 P31
dublinsport Let the Gazette keep you up to date with all the best local sporting action from around the city as we cover all the stories that matter to you and your community
Gazette
MOTORSPORT P29
FastSport taylor named boxer of year:
Members of the Lucan Boxing Club that met the Irish ambassador to Denmark following their exploits at the HSK Cup last week
boxing: local club claims six medals from international tournament
Brabazon hails epic showing from Lucan boxing’s octet EIGHT Lucan boxing club members last week took on one of the biggest competitions in Europe, competing against 330 boxers from 11 nations at the HSK Box Cup in Denmark. In the process, they claimed three gold and three silver medals, making for an historic couple of days for the west Dublin club with club coach Karl Brabazon proclaiming: “Sometimes the higher the standards are set, the higher we reach to achieve them.” Team captain Mick Clarke led the way pulling off a sensational knock-out in the first round of his heavyweight
final, a right hook that left his opponent face first on the canvas. It will provide a memorable part of his highlight reel as he intends to hang up the gloves this year. Luke Byrne produced the fight of the competition by hammering his opponents with his tight skills, regularly using guts, bravery and will to slip big heavy right crosses, brilliantly slipping six inches either way before landing power shots Conor Burke brought controlled work rate to his wins and a gold medal to boot. Brian Haskins and Petru Ursu
brought home silver in close fights that could have gone their way. Robbie Coyle and John Joyce showed heart, courage and toughness and came into touching distance of that silver medal. Then Adam Cross stepped up to finish off the tournament with the very last fight with a hometown favourite in opposition. As the shouts came in for the home lad from his supporters, the 10-strong Lucan team around the ring responded “ole, ole, ole, ole” to a thunderous noise that echoed and deafened any other sound in the sports hall. Cross
lost by split decision and one point. The Lucan team were subsequently hosted by the Irish ambassador to Denmark at the Irish embassy before returning home. Speaking about his club’s involvement in the competition, Brabazon added: “A quick rundown of these fights doesn’t do these lads justice, the skill, effort and determination put in warmed the hearts of each of us trainers. “Each of the lads put in all that hard work and dedication; this was a big moment for Lucan sport that they pulled off.”
THE AIBA confirmed that Katie Taylor will receive the 2012 AIBA World Elite Female Boxer of the Year Award for a historic third time. The 2012 AIBA Award Ceremony will take place in Armenia on December 7. Taylor scooped the prestigious award in 2008 and 2010. This year, the 26-year-old claimed the Olympic, world, European and European Union lightweight titles, picking up the best boxer award in China and London. “Katie has won the award three times now and that has never been done before. It’s a great honour and we’re absolutely delighted,” said Taylor’s coach and dad, Peter Taylor.
c o n ta c t s Acting Sports Editor: Stephen Findlater sfindlater@gazettegroup.com
For more information or to send in news and photos: sport@gazettegroup.com Phone: 01 651 6205
Gazette
28 SWORDS gazette 25 October 2012
SPORT
DublinGazetteNewspapers 2012 dublin sports awards october nominees
A WET and wild October proved a happy hunting ground for local GAA clubs as near neighbours Kilmacud Crokes and Cuala claimed two of the biggest prizes in the county game, finally ending their respective hoodoos in the senior hurling and inter football championships, respectively, and have Leinster campaigns to look forward to. On the individual front, the local stars have very much been looking to Europe as jiu jitsu star Darragh O’Conaill claimed a European title while Kenneth Egan showed class is permanent with a fourth gold medal from four trips to Finland. John Brophy, meanwhile, is hoping that he can play his way into the Republic of Ireland amateur squad on a more regular basis as they build toward a European championship in San Marino. November has the promise of plenty of other Leinster campaigns with Castlkenock also flying the GazetteSport flag.
H STARof the MONTH
darragh o’conaill
john brophy
kenneth egan
IRELAND’S youngest Brazillian jiu jitsu brown belt continued his fantastic form by claiming two gold medals in the middleweight division – one at the London Open and the other at the Nogi European Championships, which was also held in the English capital
THE Phoenix striker’s recent form with his club and with the Leinster senior league panel was good enough to earn him a first-ever Republic of Ireland amateur call-up, a just reward for his excellent start to the season with the Scribblestown club
BEIJING silver medallist Kenneth Egan showed there is plenty of life left in his career as he swept to a gold medal at the Tammer tournament in Finland. In a superb Irish showing, Egan was one of four gold medallists at the multi-nation event
kilmacud crokes
cuala
Round tower
THE Glenalbyn club bridged a 27-year gap to claim the Dublin senior hurling championship in excellent style. It could be the first half of a rare double as the club’s senior footballers are a step away from their third Dublin title in five years
AFTER two painful final defeats, the Dalkey club finally claimed the Dublin intermediate football championship title with a fine victory over Fingallians in Chanel College, winning out by four points off the back of a great first half showing
THE Clondalkin club made incredible strides this year at junior football level with both their AFL5 and AFL9 teams earning promotion this month. The latter did so despite being in danger of folding the team at the turn of the 2012 season
TEAMof the MONTH H
5k event draws huge crowds to Kilbogget Park sport@gazettegroup.com
Over 800 people took to the startline of the annual DLR Community 5k last week
THIS year’s DLR Community 5K in Kilbogget Park saw over 800 participants of all ages and fitness levels taking part. The event, once again kicked off Social Inclusion Week in the county. A great family atmosphere was brewing before the start with a mass warm-up run by an instructor from the DLR Leisure Services that had everyone set to go when An Cathaoirleach, CllrTom Joyce (Fine Gael) sounded the starter hooter. A constant stream of people,
from seasoned athletes to babies in prams, from 80-year-olds to teenagers, past the start line to do the 5km route at their own pace. Everyone who made it around the picturesque Kilbogget Park to the finish line was a winner with some groups using the event to fundraise for their chosen charity. With an entry fee of just €5 for adults (children were free) all participants received a t-shirt, medal and goodie bag as well as refreshments to keep energy levels up. Shane McArdle, co-ordinator with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown
sports partnership, commented: “Our key aim was to have an event that was open to everyone, from wheelchair users to joggers, to complete the course and have fun. “We are delighted to have had such a huge turnout and most importantly wide range of abilities take part and enjoy the family atmosphere.” The DLR Community 5K is organised by Dún LaoghaireRathdown sports partnership in conjunction with a number of partner agencies to provide a fun, inclusive event for everyone.
McArdle also added “a huge thank you has to go to Cabinteely FC for the use of their facilities, the Parks Department in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council for their assistance, the Community Gardai and Dublin Civil Defence for their help on the day and of course the large number of volunteers who ensured that everyone was safe and had fun. “With their help, and for the fourth year in a row the appearance of the sun, the DLR Community 5k continues to become bigger every year.”
25 October 2012 SWORDS gazette 29
Gazette
Cruel twist of fate for D15’s Kennedy Jack Kennedy endured a traumatic end to his second season in the British Supersport championship when his bike gave way and he was denied the title seven laps from the finish CLONSILLA man Jack Kennedy is learning not to beat himself up after round 12 of the British Supersport championships, where a technical glitch forced him to retire, when he only needed a finish to claim the series title. As soon as championship leader Glen Richards went off the track on that fateful day, a seventh place finish was all Kennedy needed to seal the championship but, on lap eight the Blanchardstow n resident’s bike gave way and the despair of the pilot was seen as he was forced to roll the Martrain Yamaha into the pits.
peter carroll sport@gazettegroup.com
“I remember seeing my clipboard and knowing that Glen had gone off around the third lap,” said Kennedy. “I wasn’t trying to go hell for leather, I took it easy and I was thinking about challenging for a podium, but I definitely didn’t want to get involved in any scraps at the top of the field. “Then I just noticed the bike getting slower, the back brake seemed
to be interfering with the speed and I just knew it was finished then. “It’s been a tough time since it happened, but I’ve to learn not to beat myself up. “I had the championship won and it was the first mechanical failure of the year for the team. It was just very unlucky,” said the Supersport ace. Martrain had invested faith in the young Irishman after seeing him recover from a big injury the year before, with the rider’s comeback being a win at Brand’s Hatch. Kennedy admits that in signing him,
Jack Kennedy produced an excellent campaign only to fall short at the final hurdle
Martrain knew he was capable of some wins, but the Northern Irish team probably didn’t think that he would be in contention for the title. “They knew I had won races, they were probably expecting a
even though it didn’t work out in my favour. “We were the only team that challenged for a large part of the season on a bike that wasn’t running on a Triumph engine and that shows the skill and determination that was
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‘I’m hungrier, more determined and faster than ever. I’ll be up there looking for podiums. I certainly won’t be making up the numbers’ - Jack Kennedy
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fifth place finish in the championship, so it was great to be involved in a championship run,
present throughout the whole team. “To perform the way they did is a big deal for a small team for Northern Ireland, and the fact that the first mechanical fault came in the last race of the year shows how good the team are,” said Kennedy. Without the finances to re-enter the Supersport stakes for next year, Kennedy is now eyeing a ride in the main event, the British Superbikes championship, as Martrain are in talks to represent Yamaha on their R1. “I’m hungrier, more determined and faster than ever. If it’s superbikes I’ll be up there looking for podiums, I certainly won’t be there to make up the numbers,” said the confident 24-year-old.
FastSport
French side in driving seat in Leinster group FORMER Ireland and Lions manager Donal Lenihan believes Clermont Auvergne are looking an ominous force ahead of their double showdown with Leinster. The blues got over the challenge of Scarlets in Wales last Saturday but have still yet to hit top form in the Heineken Cup despite winning twice in succession. Churchtown resident Isa Nacewa got the blues’ only try of the game while Johnny Sexton kicked the rest of the points in the 20-13 result. Also included in the side were former Blackrock College men Ian Madigan, Brian O’Driscoll and Leo Cullen, Rathfarnham native Shane Jennings while Castleknock College alumni Devin Toner came off the bench. But Lenihan says Clermont will be a level above the offering of Scarlets and Exeter Chiefs in the past fortnight: “Clermont look in a league of their own at the moment. Their performance is on a different level. Clermont versus Leinster is the place to be for round three. “It’s not going to be easy for Leinster to click into gear as they will be handicapped by the autumn internationals. They will probably only have one more match together before Clermont. It’s a big ask. After two rounds you would have to say they [Clermont] are the team in the driving seat.” He was speaking about Leinster’s hopes in connection with the Heineken Star Predictor, a competition in which members of the public compete against high profile pundits to see who can predict the outcomes from this season’s Heineken Cup matches. Among the prizes are Heineken Cup match tickets while the ultimate prize of an exclusive VIP package to the Heineken Cup final at Aviva Stadium. Among those playing the game are Irish cricket star Niall O’Brien, Newstalk’s Ger Gilroy, rugby pundit Brent Pope, former Dublinstar Jason Sherlock and broadcaster Tom Dunne. To be in with a chance of winning Heineken Cup match tickets, and an opportunity of beating George Hook, play Heineken Star Predictor; log on to www.heineken.ie/heinekencup and register for round three by 5pm on Friday, December 7.
Gazette
30 swords gazette 25 October 2012
SPORT
FastSport
soccer: rangers aul senior side pegged back by trinity
Fingal travails continue as double weekend takes toll FINGAL’s tough start to the hockey season continued as they fell to a pair of losses last weekend, both times unable to turn 3-3 positions in the closing quarters into points on the board. Last Saturday, Three Rock Rovers’ Mitch Darling grabbed the odd goal in seven to ultimately end Fingal’s hopes of points at ALSAA after a game second half comeback almost caused a surprise result. The home club’s Trojan efforts made the game playable after a block in the pitch’s drainage system had left standing water on the surface for much of the week. But they managed to clear it and most of the associated mud to make the pitch playable on a fine day at the airport. It started well for the hosts when Paddy Gahan claimed a touch in the circle to a crash ball. But two well-worked right wing moves were finished off by Shane Madeley from close range to swap the lead around. Darling made it 3-1 when he nicked the ball 30 yards out and tore into the circle before unleashing a vicious reverse-stick effort. Within a minute of the second half restart, though, Glen Shekleton popped up to rebound off Stephen West’s pads and Shane Dempsey also weighed in to tie the game up going into the closing quarter. Darling won the day, netting his eighth goal in eight appearances this term, making it 4-3. On Sunday, Corinthian produced a strong comeback from two goals to beat the Fingallians 5-3. The northside club were two to the good inside 10 minutes as two corner moves worked in their favour, Eamonn Bane deflected in his third of the campaign while Marcus O’Brien also chipped in with a third for 2012/13. But the lead lasted just 10 minutes as Matt Fairweather continued the corner battle with a drag before Dan Treacy got the first of the day from play, picking up the pieces after Nigel Grothier’s initial save. Sihle Ntuli put the reds in front for the first time three minutes after the interval as he robbed Eamonn Bane who had been left short by a dump-ball around the back. The striker reversed home well. Simon McKeever pulled the game back to 3-3 but, for the second day running, Fingal could not pick up points as Andrew Malcolm and Fairweather scored late on.
Rivervalley Rangers AUL Saturday Division 1A side remain in second place after their 2-2 draw with Trinity/Donaghmede
Valley suffer setback peter carroll sport@gazettegroup.com
DEREK Deegan’s Rivervalley Rangers’ senior side played out a tough draw with Trinity/Donaghmede last Saturday, with a late goal from the home side taking away the Swords side’s chance of going top of the AUL Saturday Division 1 A away. Trinity/Donaghmede started the stronger of the two sides and they advanced on goal with excellent passing movements as Rangers struggled to find their way. A controversial pen-
alty broke the deadlock when the ball was struck with pace toward Rangers’ goal but hit centre half Marcin Mocek’s shoulder which prompted the referee to blow for a penalty. Up stepped the Trinity striker and he converted the effort well to put his side in front. After a stoppage in play that didn’t go the way of the Donaghmede strikers, the referee reached for the red card to bring the home side down to 10 men, with the straight red being given for foul and abusive language.
Champions crowned St Finian’s receive AFL3 silverware following an epic league campaign, Rivervalley club St Finian’s received the adult football league division three trophy last weekend from Dublin county board chairman Andy Kettle after their game against St Pat’s Donabate. Finian’s won the title last month, regaining senior status in the process. They suffered their first loss of the campaign against Pat’s, 2-7 to 2-10 but proved academic to the Swords’ club’s overall success.
Rangers found it hard to get going even with the extra man but they began to play more fluidly after the break and with only 10 minutes on the clock in the second stanza, Przemek Korzepski sent a well struck effort home to bring his side level.
Fluency It was Korzepski again who got on the end of a John Maguire cross with 15 minutes to go and that seemed to shore up the Rangers’ cause, but with five minutes to go, things took a turn for the worse for
Deegan and co. A f ter one of their players was brought down on the edge of the box, Trinity stood over the ball with an intent that suggested they had something planned from the training ground. T he quick ball in was met with a head in the box and the game was brought level, and unfortunately for Rangers, the game finished that way with the home side missing a penalty with the last kick of the game in a botched attempt to hijack the three points.
Deegan still thinks the side’s chances of promotion are solid, with the team sitting second in the table. “I knew we had a good group of players at the start of the season,” said Deegan. “We’ve had a rough patch already, but I think, having played some of the better teams in the league, we have a good chance of gaining promotion. “There is a good group of 16 or 17 players here, they are ready to play whenever you ask and they are very enthusiastic about their football,” he finished.
25 October 2012 SWORDS Gazette 31
sport@gazettegroup.com
THE St Sylvester’s senior footballers’ championship campaign came to an abrupt end amid a Parnell Park mudbath last week as 2010 champions Kilmacud Crokes got the breaks in their quarterfinal showdown. Paul Mannion’s second half proved the key factor
as Crokes won out 1-6 to 0-6 in a fixture reduced to something of a lottery underneath a Wednesday evening deluge as the second part of a midweek double-header. As such, play was increasingly stop-start as balls forward became ever more hopeful with the conditions worsening.
The scores were locked at three points apiece at the break as Michael McCarthy kicked a couple of frees and Nigel Dunne added a fine score to counter those of former Dub Mark Vaughan from placed frees. Fluidity was scarce but goalkeeper Dominic McDonnell did do excellently to keep out
Vaughan’s early sight on goal. But he was powerless to prevent Mannion’s key goal deftly sliding home six minutes after the break. Impact sub Darren Clarke reduced the gap to three in the closing phases but they could not scramble a last-gasp effort on goal to salvage a draw.
football: swords club come up just short
Gazette
Drenched turf puts paid to Syl’s in SFC
ASDFASDSAF Club Noticeboard fingallians HARD Luck to Alan Hanrahan and his
Our U-14 hurlers were promoted
panel on Saturday afternoon in the
to the A division on Saturday with a
intermediate football championship
narrow victory on Saturday away to
final. The team would like to thank the
Ballinteer St John’s. Silverware also
excellent support shown by the mem-
for the U-16 girls as they won the divi-
bers and have promised that they will
sion two Shield on Sunday afternoon
be back next year.
against St Maur’s.
The AGM this year will take place on
There will be no nursery on Sat-
November 22 at 9pm. Nominations and
urday, October 27 due to the club’s
motions in writing to the club secre-
annual coaching conference. It will
tary or via email to fingallians@gmail.
resume again on Saturday, November
com.
3 at 10am.
VIP tickets are now sold out for the
The club’s annual coaching con-
white collar boxing. Tickets still remain
ference – Unlocking your Coaching
at €20 each and can be purchased
Potential – will take place on Saturday,
from the club bar or any of our boxers
October 27. It is open to all to attend,
(further details to follow during the
not just mentors/coaches of teams.
week on email and Facebook).
The day will be begin at 9.45am sharp
Our U-15Bs got a home draw and play
and finish approximately at 3pm.
their championship final on Sunday on
Guest speakers on the day will include
the main pitch at 12.15pm
George O’Connor and Sean Kelly.
St finian’s LAST weekend was dominated by the
two great victories and lost their
presentation of the division three
other games by small margins. Many
winners’ trophy to our adult football
thanks to their coach Emma Brady for
team.
her dedication and commitment to the
County chairman Andy Kettle was on
team. New members are welcome and
hand to present team captain Warren
training takes place every Thursday in
Hanley with the trophy after the game
the community centre at 9pm.
versus St Pat’s of Donabate.
Fingallians found their path to glory denied on all angles by a hungry Cuala side at Chanel College Picture: Colin Behan
Fins foiled at final IFC hurdle by Cuala dublin ifc final
Cuala 1-15 Fingallians 1-11 sport@gazettegroup.com
FINGALLIANS were unable to fully recover from a rough opening as they saw Cuala deny them the intermediate championship in Chanel last Saturday, blocking their route back to the senior ranks. In a game moved at short notice from Parnell Park due to the build-up of a week’s deluge of rain at the county venue, Cuala showed a liking for the relocation and their more incisive nature and
sharper edge carried the day over the course of the hour while their ability to bring in high quality dual players Paul Schutte and David Treacy in the latter phases was critical. Fingallians had the best of the early chances in the opening minutes but once Cuala settled they were not long in building a healthy lead. With Luke Troy and Conor O’Brien showing well on this inside forward line, the Dalkey men led 0-7 to 0-1 after 20 minutes. Matters worsened for Fingallians in the 21st minute when Niall
Carthy fired clinically to the net at the end of a superbly executed pitch long movement that was initiated by Dublin minor centre-back, Conor Mulally, who was prominent throughout. By the interval Fingallians, were showing signs of a fightback with Donal Farrell on target and in the early passages of the second half they cut further into the deficit to trail by four points, 1-7 to 0-6. With Dublin senior Paul Flynn deployed as a target man full-forward Fingallians went route one but Mark Schutte
did a good job of frustrating the Fingallians’ star turn. However, Flynn did get a couple of sightings of goal but Cuala netminder Darren MacBrien was equal to his efforts. MacBrien’s contribution to Cuala’s victory did not end there as he also brilliantly converted four second half 45s as Cuala fended off the Fingallians comeback. In the dying minutes Fingallians’ wingforward David Killeen drop-kicked a 20m free to the net but at that stage the score was of mere consolation.
Our minor hurlers also had a good
Amid all the ensuing celebrations,
win on Sunday morning in the cham-
players were already looking forward
pionship, beating Lucan Sarsfields by
to senior status football in division two
seven points in a tighter game than the
next year. Well done to all the lads on
result suggests.
the panel.
Don’t forget that the Halloween
Our Gaelic4Mothers team par-
football camp takes place in the week
ticipated in the national blitz held in
after the bank holiday. Registration in
Naomh Mearnog on Saturday last.
advance is essential.
Over 70 teams from all over the coun-
The St Finian’s community centre
try took part which proves how popu-
AGM will take place on Tuesday, Octo-
lar and successful a concept this is.
ber 30 at 9pm in the community cen-
The team competed well and had
tre.
Fingal ravens BEST of luck to our minor team who
daughter Sarah.
play St Mark’s in McGee Park next
Our club AGM will be held on Thurs-
Sunday at 11am in the championship.
day, November 29 at 8pm in Roles-
Our karaoke night in the Pound
town hall.
last Saturday was a great success;
Ever fancied yourself as a Lord or
well done to all on the ladies team
Lady Mayor? After a break of over
for organising this fundraiser and
two decades, Fingal Ravens are look-
thanks to all who attended and any-
ing for suitable individuals to run for
one who donated prizes for the raf-
the esteemed office of Lord or Lady
fle.
Mayor of Rolestown.
We are holding a poker classic on
The purpose of this is to help raise
Friday, November 23 at 9pm sharp
funds to develop our club and its
in Kettle’s country house hotel (bar),
facilities. For more details please
€50 per ticket, 50% payout.
contact Declan on 086 2673830.
To reserve your ticket, please con-
No jackpot winner of the lotto,
tact Declan O’Brien on 086 2673830 or
numbers were 5, 15, 25 and 29, €20
Peter Kettle on 087 9957429.
to Irene Flanagan, Frances Arthurs
Congratulations to Ciaran and Mairead Kiely on the birth of their
and Pat Connell; next week’s jackpot is now worth €4,527.
GazetteSPORT all of your swords sports coverage from page 27-31
fins felled: Swords side denied an instant return back up to SFC as Cuala claim intermediate title P31
ocTOber 25, 2012
kennedy’s devastation: Clonsilla man within seven laps of glory P29
ALSAA swimmer Andrew Meegan broke the long-standing Irish 1,500m freestyle record at a World Cup gala in Berlin last weekend
Meegan in flying form Aer Lingus club man Andrew Meegan shows benefits of new regime as he begins early steps toward a potential trip to the Rio Olympics in 2016
peter carroll
sport@gazettegroup.com
ANDREW Meegan proved that his choice to go full time as a swimmer is paying off as the 22-year-old from the Aer Lingus Swimming Club banked a new 1,500m national record last Sunday in Berlin, finishing in a time of 15 minutes 13.53 seconds taking almost four seconds off the previous record held by Steven Manley. Speaking about the performance, he told GazetteSport that a revised programme since finishing college has had an immediate impact. “Since graduating I’ve made a lot of small changes in the hope that it would make a big
difference,” said the talented swimmer. “I’ve revised different aspects of my training like nutrition and recovery and it was nice to get a reward of a national record.” The Berlin gala was part of a World Cup series which boasts eight different meetings – two in Dubai, three in Europe and another three in Asia – and the two that Meegan has competed in, he has gained some success with the other appearance coming two weeks ago in Sweden, where the ALSAA swimmer made the final of the 400m. “It was a big surprise to make the final. I really hadn’t expected it but things just went my way. I don’t quite know if I’d be able to keep the pace with some of the sprinters at the top
international level, but it’s certainly something I could work on for the future,” said the Swordsbased prospect. Another surprise came for the young man when he banked the national record in the 1,500m, which Meegan claims he had no idea about until he reached the finish of the race. “Well I think most people are told not to look at the time and I’m certainly one of them. I just kept my pace up and aimed for a personal best. I knew I was going well but I was quite shocked when I broke Steven Manley’s record,” admitted Meegan. Being from the Aer Lingus Swimming Club, Meegan claims that Olympian Barry Murphy is one of his main influences and he would one
day like to reach the same heights as his team mate, with the new record holder setting Rio 2016 as his target. “When I first started swimming I was in the same club as Barry, so I’ve always looked up to him, I think he’s the best swimmer the country has ever had and to see him at the Games was a big inspiration to me. “If I keep on improving, stay focused and stick to a tight schedule I think Rio is definitely a possibility. “The 1,500m is certainly my favourite event and if I just keep training and improving on my times I would love to compete in the event at the Olympic Games, it would be a dream come true,” finished Meegan.