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November 1, 2012 Find us on

Month XX, 2012 Swords • Balbriggan • Applewood • boroimhe • Airside • Rivervalley

INSIDE: Youngsters happy to get with Claphandies’ Playfit programme P7

referendum: Alan Farrell TD on why a Yes vote is crucial for children Page 8

Test drive: No speed limit on family fun day All-Star:

Paul Flynn lands honour for top year in sky blue Page 32

audi North Dublin’s showroom recently hosted a family-friendly fun day to see and test drive the new Future Now 2013 Audi collection. Fiona Paolizzi looks on as young Marcus Paolizzi looks ready to zoom away in a speedster that’s just his size. As well as children’s entertainment, there was also cooking demonstrations by Bon Appetit Dublin on the day.

See Gallery on Pages 6-7

Soccer:

Swords Celtic U-18s continue excellent form Page 30

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES.......................6 DUBLIN LIFE....................11 OUT&ABOUT...................17 CLASSIFIEDS.................26 SPORT............................27

Youth service ‘outraged’ after fourth break-in Young members are appealing for information on the recent crimes

 natalie burke

The young people of Balbriggan are appealing for information after Balbriggan Youth Service was broken into for the fourth

time.

Following the most recent break-in, the staff, volunteers and young members of the group have said they are “outraged” by the recent crimes.

Eleven laptops were stolen from the premises, as well as phones, games consoles and a sum of money raised by the group.

“We’re outraged at the audacity of those who keep

coming back and targeting a crucial community centre for the development of young people,” a spokesperson said.

Full Story on Page 2

2 swords gazette 1 November 2012

dublin GAZETTe newspapers i n f o r m at i o n

balbriggan Appeal for information

Block 3A, Mill Bank Business Park, Lucan Tel: 01 - 6010240 Dublin Gazette Newspapers publish eight weekly quality free titles, covering the greater Dublin area from Swords to Dun Laoghaire

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Over 200 young people attend the Balbriggan Youth Centre, which is managed by the National Youth Organisation (Foroige)

Youth service is broken into for the fourth time The young people of Balbriggan and local areas are appealing to the local community for information after Balbriggan Youth Service was broken into for the fourth time.

The latest break-in took place on Tuesday, October 16, and the staff, volunteers and young people of the service have said they are “outraged” by the recent crimes.

According to a spokesperson for the service, the group feel they are being deliberately targeted.

“We do not have money or vast amounts of equipment that is worth stealing. Howev-

 natalie burke nburke@gazettegroup.com

er, some individual out there seems to think that we can easily replace the resources that have taken four years to build up through lot of hard work and fundraising by staff and volunteers who run the youth service,” said the spokesperson.

“We’re outraged at the audacity of those who keep coming back and targeting a crucial community centre for the

development of young people.”

The first break-in happened while the youth service was on a trip to Zambia. Eleven laptops were stolen from the premises as well as phones, games consoles and a sum of money that was being raised by the group.

Confident

“We’ve been trying to get our security up to scratch and are now fully confident that the place is relatively bullet proof.

There will be a certain amount that can be replaced through insurance, but unfortunately a lot of it will take a hit.

“The young people

wanted local media to know about it. The facilities are theirs to use and we want it to be the same for their younger brothers and sisters and generations to come,” he said.

Balbriggan Youth Service provides a service to young people in Balbriggan and nearby Rush, Donabate and Skerries, providing informal education and “a safe place to be with friends”.

Over 200 young people attend the service, which is managed by the National Youth Organisation (Foroige). Groups and classes include drug education, sex education, personal development, cookery, junior and

senior youth committees.

There are also a number of volunteer-led clubs that operate in the youth service.

Appeal

The group are appealing to members of the public for their support.

“If anybody living around Linen Court, McNeal Hall or around the Wise Owl bookshop knows or [has seen] anything, please contact us or the gardai. We must all pull together and stop these crimes and those who commit them before they ruin all the good work that is being done in our town of Balbriggan.”

Butler disagrees with plan to increase councillor numbers Local councillor Darragh Butler (FF) has disagreed with recently-proposed plans to reform local authorities which could see the number of local councillors increase in 2014.

T he plans, which were announced recently by the Minister for Local Government, Phil

Hogan, could see the abolition of 80 town councils, while Fingal County Council could see the numbers of representative councillors for the local area increase.

According to Cllr Butler, the possible increase is “simply not justifiable financially or opera-

tionally”.

“Our meetings are already very busy with 24 councillors and will be chaotic with 40 and operationally unmanageable. Financially, the additional cost of 16 extra councillors cannot be justified in the current economic climate,” he said.

“To me, increasing to seven or eight seat constituencies is simply designed to help councillors from the Government parties survive the backlash and retain their seats and that is simply not acceptable, especially in the current economic climate,” Cllr Butler concluded.

1 November 2012 swords gazette 3

COURTS: local mAN is found guilty of ATTEMPTED ROBBERY in swords

workshops Writing festival to begin

Spar shop thief caught on camera A MAN who tried to rob a shop in Swords was later caught by gardai in a pub which the shopkeeper had suggested he go to for cigarettes, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has heard.

David Burns (27) was carrying a partially concealed knife when he told a shop worker to give him money.

But he had “a change of heart” when the woman’s manager came out to the counter. He told the manager that he was joking about the knife and that he just wanted to buy cigarettes.

Detective Sergeant Brendan Bergin told Maurice Coffey BL ,

prosecuting, that the owner stood up to Burns and told him to get out of the shop.

She told him he could buy cigarettes in the nearby Lord Mayor’s Pub in Swords.

Arrested

When Burns left, the manager rang gardai who arrested Burns shortly afterwards as he was leaving that pub with a six pack of beer which he had not paid for.

The court heard that Burns of Maple House, North Circular Road, could not be interviewed immediately because he was drunk.

He pleaded guilty to attempted robbery of the Spar Shop, Swords on October 29, 2011.

He has 53 previous convictions including assault causing harm, criminal damage, possession of firearms and public order offences.

Ja mes Dw yer BL , defending, said the incident in the shop lasted less than one minute.

Burns told the court that he was trying to deal with his alcohol addiction.

Judge Mar y Ellen Ring said she was concerned that this offence took place not long after Burns had been released from prison for another offence.

Keep up: The sixth Annual River Valley Walk is a runaway success over 130 people have recently put their best foot forward at the sixth Annual River Valley Walk in Swords. The walkers raised over €3,000 so far and sponsorship cards are still coming in! Pictured at the event are Councillor Darragh Butler (FF) and his Dad, Philip Butler who go on the walk every year with organiser Margaret Harris.

DublinGazetteNewspapers Advertising Sales Professionals Dublin Gazette Newspapers is Dublin’s fastest growing community weekly regional publisher, with 8 titles covering the M50 from Swords to Dun Laoghaire.

We are currently looking to recruit: We are now seeking experienced media sales executives to work in our advertising dept in our Lucan head office on a number of Dublin Gazette titles. Experience in newspaper advertising sales is preferable. Full clean driving licence and own car required; fluent written and oral English essential.

Excellent package on offer to suitable candidates.

If you can work on your own initiative within a team environment, are motivated, enthusiastic with an excellent work ethic, please send your cv to: mmcgovern@gazettegroup.com

Fingal’s Annual Writers’ Festival is set to take place this coming week, with events in various locations across Fingal from Friday, November 2 until Saturday, November 10.

The Writing 3.0 festival initially evolved from the well-established Finsceal: A Writer’s Trail of Fingal, an initiative for writers and readers that has run throughout the county since 2005.

This year’s festival sees workshops and performances on comedy and improvisation, songwriting, screenwriting and also the traditional focus on writing and reading poetry and fiction.

For more information visit www.fingalcoco.ie/ yourlocalcouncil/events.

4 swords gazette 1 November 2012

FastNews

strictly Dance fever to take over school growth:

women in business

Forum proves a big draw

Leas Cross director of nursing struck off register The former director of nursing at Leas Cross nursing home in Swords, which was closed in 2005 following revelations that patients had been mistreated, has been struck off the nursing register.

The statement was released by An Bord Altranais last week, which stated that Grainne Conway, who was in charge of nursing at home at the time of the closure, was investigated by a fitness to practise committee and found guilty of professional misconduct.

The Swords nursing home was forced to close after an RTE Prime Time investigation uncovered inadequate care was given to residents of the home, including five specific residents.

 natalie burke

Gaelscoil Bhrian Boroimh are launching their own version of Strictly Come Dancing as a clever and fun fundraiser

Swing by the local ballroom contest  natalie burke

WITH Strictly Come Dancing taking over television screens every weekend, dance fever has caught on with Gaelscoil Bhrian Boroimh launching their own version of the ballroom dancing competition.

The local Gaelscoil, which recently opened its new, permanent school building, has seen a dazzling array of sambas, salsas and spray tans recently, as a number of parents, teachers and family members – including a grandmother – have taken to the ballroom dance floor in the name

of fundraising.

The school will hold its Strictly Come Dancing event on Friday, November 16, at the City North Hotel at 8pm, an event organised by the school’s parents’ committee, Cairde na Scoile. The ballroom blitz has been organised in an effort to raise funds for the Gaelscoil to improve its play area for the children. The Cairde na Scoile fundraising committee are aiming to raise over of €40,000.

All of the volunteers are non-professional dancers and, for the most part, this dancing competition will be their ballroom debut.

Already, an intensive six-week training programme has begun with strict instructions from the dance coach, and the competition is heating up as to which couple taking part will bring home the mirrorball trophy from the grand finale.

The dancers and their dancing partners were announced recently at a launch night held at the Carnegie Court Hotel.

The judging panel for the big night is also set to have a celebrity flavour, with model Pippa O’Connor, who currently appears on RTE’s Celebrity Bainisteoir The Rivals, and Eric Lalor,

who was rewarded with the title of Irish StandUp Comedian of the Year in 2011.

Commenting on the fundraiser, treasurer of the committee Kevin Smith said: “It should be a very exciting night and there will be lots of entertainment. There will be an opening dance act as well as the competition and we have two interval acts, a zumba performance and Eric Lalor. We will have a raffle and an auction as well, so there will be lots happening.”

Tickets cost €20, and are available by contacting the school on 01 8902799.

FEMALE entrepreneurs from across north Dublin gathered recently at the Going for Growth national forum which saw 70 successful Irish women gather for the event.

The women, who came from all over the country and from a diverse range of businesses, took part in the forum to explore how they can further strengthen their enterprises.

Between them, the women employ almost 700 people and almost half are exporters. Over the next five years, the women aim to increase this to 1,200 employees with a combined turnover of €250 million.

Sharon Farrell, managing director of Fun Galaxy, a Swords-based play centre, said she found the experience “invaluable”.

“The support of the group and Lead was a great motivator. It allowed me to step back and see what was really important for my business. During the programme we built up a relationship of trust with one another and knew we could share our issues without concern.”

Additional funds to help celebrate the Gathering Mayor of Fingal Councillor Cian O’Callaghan (Lab) has welcomed the announcement of an additional €2 million in funding for the Gathering 2013, which is being supplied, in equal measure, by the Government and Irish Public Bodies (IPB) Insurance.

The additional funds are being made available due to the

huge number of festivals and events being planned across the country as a means of attracting new visitors and the Irish diaspora to come home to Ireland next year.

“The announcement that €2 million worth of grants will be available to groups to assist with organising events for the Gathering 2013 is very

welcome. I hope this will provide a small level of practical financial assistance to community groups, residents associations and sports clubs that are organising Gathering events for 2013,” said Cllr O’Callaghan.

“I hope that a significant part of this €2 million fund is made available to groups in our area

and I would encourage everyone organising a Gathering event to make an application,” he said.

City and county councils will be processing grants to support up to three flagship events in each council area while smaller grants will also be available for other local and community events.

1 November 2012 swords gazette 5

6 swords gazette 1 November 2012

gazetteGALLERIES

Rebecca, Derek and Claire Bryan

Vincent Murphy, Mark O’Connell, Geoff Walsh and Gavin Hydes. Pictures: Una Williams

Alan Gillian and Niamh Walsh

Nina O’Neill and Arita Gegersone

Brian O’Toole and Des Smyth

Catriona Allan and Darren Mathews

1 November 2012 swords gazette 7

Have you seen yourself in the Gazette? Buy photos online from only €6.99 at www.gazettephotos.com

The children enjoy some fun ways of exercising. Pictures: Una Williams

exercise: children happy to get with the playfit programme

P

LAYFIT - a new sports and fitness programme for young children, has recently been launched across various locations in Dublin to help parents ensure their children reach the recommended requirement of 60 minutes exercise a day.

This is an initiative of ClapHandies which runs play and developmental classes for babies and toddlers, and exercise expert Fit For Life. For more information visit www.playfit.ie.

Jakabs and Aigirs Jaudzems

MOTORS: TEST DRIVE FUN DAY at north dublin showrooms

Gearing up for fun with Audi A

UDI North Dublin’s showroom recently hosted a family-friendly fun day to see and test drive the new Future Now 2013 Audi collection.

There was also some children’s entertainment on the day, as well as cooking demonstrations by Bon Appetit Dublin For more information on the Future Now 2013 Audi collection, visit www.audi.ie/futurenow.

Mark, Karen and Sarah Campbell (above) and Oonagh and Faye Myers (below) Fiona and Marcus Paolizzi

8 swords gazette 1 November 2012

FastNews opinion Referendum not a power grab by the State

Looking for budding actors

Balbriggan Dramatic Society are calling for all budding actors who would like to take to the stage in their next production to get in touch. The group are now casting and would like to hear from anyone over the age of 18 who would like to take part.

Those interested should contact Grainne on 087 943 6650.

Public meeting on policing The next Fingal Joint Policing Committee public meeting is set to take place on Thursday, November 8, at 7.30pm at Skerries Community Centre. The meeting will cover the areas of Lusk, Rush, Skerries, Balbriggan, Garristown and Ballyboughal, and residents will have the opportunity to discuss matters relating to crime in the locality.

Scrabble club The Scrabble Club in Rush are looking to increase their members by inviting more members of the local community to get involved.

The group welcome both male and female members from Scrabble beginners to the more experienced players.

They meet every second Tuesday in Rush Library at 7pm.

FCVF election Fingal Community and Voluntary Forum (FCVF) are currently holding their 2012 elections and invite nominations from any of their affiliated community groups in the local area. Each group can nominate one person for election to the board, and the closing date for nominations is November 16. For more information, email olive. black@fcvf.ie.

Dublin North TD , Alan Farrell (FG): “This referendum won’t result in more children coming into the State care system, it will mean the right children come into the system”

Vote Yes on November 10 to protect children from neglect On Saturday, November 10, we are all being asked to vote on what will be an incredibly important referendum for vulnerable children in this country.

These are children who are frequently overlooked, and who, up to now, have been left with no voice. Children who aren’t being given a fair chance.

We have ignored these children for too long; let’s show that every child matters by voting Yes to protect vulnerable children and support families on Saturday November 10.

The referendum is based on a number of simple principles; protecting children from abuse and neglect, supporting families through early intervention, and removing inequalities in adoption. In the words of Geoffrey Shannon, the Government’s Spe-

cial Rapporteur on Child Protection, this referendum won’t result in more children coming into the State care system, it will mean the right children come into the system.

There is nothing in this referendum that is a threat to families. Article 41 of the Constitution deals with the rights of the family, and this referendum does absolutely nothing to change that.

Indeed, it will actually help to support families, because by underpinning early intervention we can address problems when they arise in families, helping to keep children in the home and out of care.

The referendum clearly sets out how the State can intervene – only in “exceptional cases” – when children are being abused or neglected.

The intervention will have to be “proportionate” to the risk facing the child, meaning a proper

assessment will have to be carried out to determine whether the child is in danger.

Power

This isn’t a power grab on behalf of the State; it’s about using power ethically, justly and proportionately, to help protect the most vulnerable. Do you really think groups like Barnardos and the ISPCC would be supporting this referendum if it gave the State too much power over the very children they are trying to protect?

When we talk about children in care in Ireland, we are really talking about children living with a foster family. In fact, more than 90% of children in care here are living with a foster family. Voting Yes will have a significant impact on children in long-term foster care, children who at the moment are left in legal limbo, drifting

from one foster home to the next.

At the moment, a child can be treated differently in adoption based on the marital status of their parents. So even if they have been abandoned, they can be denied the chance to be adopted in a safe and happy home.

More than 2,000 children have been living with the same foster family for more than five years. Voting Yes will give many of these children a second chance to be adopted into a secure and loving environment.

As a country and as a society, we have been left shocked, appalled and ashamed by a series of reports detailing child protection failures over the two decades.

By voting Yes to this referendum, we can finally respond to these reports in a constructive way. It certainly won’t solve all of the problems revealed in these reports,

and it won’t erase the past. But voting Yes will ensure that in the future, a more child centred approach will be taken, where children are listened to, and where their best interests are central to all decisions being taken about their welfare.

Overhaul

This referendum underpins the Government’s wider Programme for Change for Children; it is just one of a series of steps being taken to overhaul our child protection services.

Previously, an inconsistent and fragmented approach has been taken to child protection. Now, child and family services are being taken away from the HSE and will be the sole responsibility of the new Child and Family Support Agency.

It will be up and running in the New Year.

Despite our difficult

economic circumstances, more than 80 extra social workers have been hired. Laws dealing with the reporting of abuse and the vetting of people working with children are also being strengthened. But none of these changes can have as far reaching and as profound an effect as the Constitutional change proposed in this referendum.

So, if you believe vulnerable children should be protected from abuse and neglect; if you think families should be supported to help them cope when problems arise; and if you want every child to be given the same chance of living in a safe and loving home, then I am urging you to vote Yes on to the Children’s Referendum on Saturday November 10.  alan farrell Dublin North TD

1 November 2012 swords gazette 9

sport Gaelic4Mothers & Others blitz

A day of fun and football at Naomh Mearnog  natalie burke

nburke@gazettegroup.com

GAA clubs from Swords and across the country gathered recently at Portmarnock’s Naomh Mearnog GAA Club, to take part in this year’s Gaelic4Mothers & Others national blitz.

T his year ’s event, which took place on Saturday, October 20, was the fourth and was a massive success with a total of 1,000 participants taking part in the day of fun and football.

Gaelic4Mothers & Others is an initiative to introduce mothers and other women to playing ladies’ Gaelic football.

“Mothers often drop their kids to training and call back to collect them, but the Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) wants to change that,” said a spokesperson.

“The initiative sees

women playing Gaelic football in a fun, noncompetitive and social environment and provides them with the opportunity to get their recommended weekly exercise. The programme has been running throughout the country since 2008, with over 180 clubs taking part.”

The once a year national blitz is a unique occasion bringing women from across Ireland to take part and showcase their skills.

This year’s blitz saw 21 different counties represented, with Swords’ own St Finian’s and Fingallians GAA clubs alongside Dublin’s Naomh Mearnog, W hitehall Colmcille, Lucan Sarsfields, Raheny, Kilmacud Crokes, Man O War, St Peregrine, D 11 Ravens, St Oliver Plunkett’s, Thomas Davis and Round Tower, amongst the 58 clubs that took part.

Insurance changes in store Following Aviva’s 2011 review of its distribution strategy and subsequent decision to close its branch network, there are positive changes in store for the Swords insurance market.

From November 5, Kidd Insurances will formally acquire Aviva’s commercial insurance and associated personal insurance business from its Swords branch.

As part of the transfer of business, Kidd Insurances will be in touch with local customers and provide full details of their customer service contact information.

Bereavement support group

GAA clubs from Swords and across the country gathered at Naomh Mearnog GAA Club for the Gaelic4Mothers & Others national blitz

One of the day’s highlights came early in proceedings as all participants took part in a mass warm up.

The LGFA coaches put all of the players through their paces before a football was thrown in, a spectacle setting the tone for a day that was enjoyed by all.

Players of all levels of ability and experience were then able to enjoy playing football with their clubs while making new friends with opposition players, with the emphasis on fun rather than competition.

Following the event, national development manager Paula Prunty said that the Gaelic4Mo t h e r s & O t h e r s national blitz day is one of the highlights of the

ladies’ Gaelic football season.

“It happens shortly after the All-Ireland finals and really highlights the other side of ladies Gaelic football as the players just come to enjoy themselves and meet new people without the pressure of winning cups or even matches,” she said.

“T his is a unique event in Irish sport as all competitors are here to enjoy a social occasion as well as playing football.

“Anyone that would like to take part next year just needs a football and a place to play, it really is that simple,” she concluded.

For more information, visit www.ladiesgaelic. ie.

Local company helping to fight blindness Leading healthcare company MSD in Swords joined with Irish charity, Fighting Blindness, last week to celebrate the important progress made in the elimination of river blindness, one of the leading causes of preventable blindness worldwide.

For 25 years, MSD’s Mectizan Donation Programme has voluntarily supplied the medicine for

FastNews

the treatment of river blindness, with over one billion treatments donated to more than 117,000 communities. To date, disease transmission has been interrupted – meaning no new cases have been identified – in four of the six affected countries in Latin America, in Africa, and in Yemen.

Commenting on the anniversary, Tony Pusic, site manager

at MSD in Swords, said: “It’s incredible that after 25 years the programme is still going strong, making a real difference across the world.

“Living with sight loss in Ireland presents challenges each and every day, but to live with the same condition in a developing country has a devastating effect on the individual and their families.”

Bereaved members of the local community are being welcomed to attend the voluntary Swords Bethany Bereavement Support Group.

The group meets on the second and last Mondays of every month in the parish office on 42 North Street, Swords, and is open to all members of the Fingal community. Anyone suffering from the pain of loss through bereavement is welcome to attend the meetings, which take place from 8.30 until 9.30pm. One-to-one support is also available.

10 swords gazette 1 November 2012

gazetteGALLERY

Have you seen yourself in the Gazette? Buy photos online from only €6.99 at www.gazettephotos.com

Calum Best and Roz Purcell

Adam Dalton was top banana in the stands, with friends Mikey Lovett, Matthew Nolan and Jack Dalton. Pictures: Una Willliams

Battling bainisteoirs kick off in a fun final

W

ITH the continuing popularity of Celebrity Bainisteoir, there was everything to play for when the final rivals hit the pitch at Parnell Park recently, with Roz Purcell’s Newtown Cashel team going head to head with Calum Best’s Moy Davitt’s.

With everything to play for between

Singer Mary Byrne

Tipperary and Mayo, the RTE show mixed things up a bit in this series with The Rivals, which saw each celebrity paired against a rival celebrity from their own world, so that, for example, X-Factor took on The Voice, with singer Mary Byrne against Richie Hayes, and so on.

The losing bainisteoir then had to become the winning bainisteoir’s assistant as they progress to the semifinals, with a little gentle humiliation the order of the day as everyone helped to make the final fun, doing their best to kick the popular show to the top of the schedule.

Martina Maheady and Sarah Cruse with Dermot and Karen Washington

Amy Murphy

Emma and Lauren Brodogan

Ciaran Whelan and Calum Best

1 November 2012 GAZETTE 11

ASDFSDAF BUSINESS P27 P16

SCHOOLS P14

DUBLINLIFE

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

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COOKERY SCHOOL P13

COMPETITION: €10,000 FOR OVERALL BEST ENTRY

Uniquely Dublin contest seeks original entries DUBLIN City Council and the Little Museum of Dublin are offering local people the opportunity to win an overall prize of €10,000 in a new competition to find what makes Dublin so unique.

The Uniquely Dublin contest is a search for the most creative demonstration of what makes Dublin so special, and entrants can depict this through any of seven creative

methods of music, film, animation, photography, graphic design, visual arts and the written word.

The judging panel will make a shortlist of 14 entries of two from each category, and these entries will be displayed in cinemas, on buses and on billboards all over the city and will be put to a public vote.

There will be €1,000 for each of the winners of

the seven categories, and the overall winner will be chosen by the public and will have their work displayed in Dublin throughout 2013.

Last week, author Roddy Doyle set the whole thing off by supplying the first competition entry with his homage to the Why Go Bald sign on South Great George’s Street.

George Boyle, found-

er of creative business association Fumbally Exchange and Maeve Higgins, comedian and author, artist Robert Ballagh and economist David McWilliams are among the judges of Uniquely Dublin which also includes and more.

You have until January 28, 2013 to get your entry in, and can do so by going online to uniquelydublin. ie.

Fiona Ross, left, of the National Library with comedian Maeve Higgins, both judges for Uniquely Dublin

12 Gazette 1 November 2012

Gazette

dublinlife Bookmark dates for Book Festival

BIBLIOPHILES across the city should take note – the Dublin Book Festival is set to open its pages later this month.

The festival, which will feature book launches, debates, inter views, readings and workshops for adults and children, is centred around the Smock Alley Theatre in Temple Bar, which historically was a home to printers and publishers.

Running from November 13 to 18, the festival

features an array of mostly free events featuring an impressive array of speakers and contributors, including Roddy Doyle, Patricia Scanlan, Fintan O’Toole, Vincent Browne and Jimmy Magee.

There will also be events for children, with readings, treasure hunts and a cartoon workshop with author and cartoonist John Joyce, as well as literary walking tours of the area around the theatre.

For more information and the full itinerary of events, log on to www. dublinbookfestival.com

french film festival in ifi THE Irish Film Institute will be hosting its French film festival this month, which is set to take place from November 14 to November 25.

The festival will open with Love by controversial director Michael Haneke, and gallic star

presence will be out of this world, with special guests including actress Beatrice Dalle, who will introduce a rare screening of cult classic Betty Blue, and Oscar winner Juliette Binoche, who stars in Another Woman’s Life.

Other highlights include Cannes successes Laurence Anyways, Xavier Dolan’s vivid melodrama of an impossible love story, and the engaging documentary, The Invisibles. The packed itinerary also features the documentary Step up to the

diary

Get a unique view of the literary life in the city when the Dublin Book Festival kicks off at the Smock Alley Theatre on November 13

Plate and the animated Ernest and Celestine.

The festival is supported by the French Embassy in Ireland, the Institut Francais, Uni-

france Films, and the IFI’s principal funder the Arts Council. For more information on films and events, visit www. ifi.ie.

Knitting and Stitching show in rds for dsPCA THE DUBLIN Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has reported an infestation of cuddly mice and other furry little creatures at their Rathfarnham hub as craft-makers flood the shelter with knitted toys for pets.

Supporters of the Knitting and Stitching Show, which takes place in the RDS this weekend have responded ‘pawsitively’ following an appeal by the shelter for knitted toys which help socialise kittens and dogs housed in the centre.

As part of ‘Pawsitive Knits’ campaign, easy-tofollow patterns for cat’s toys - including knitted mice - have been available to download on the Knitting and Stitching Show website, www. twistedthread.com, and at the DSPCA home page, www.dspca.ie.

The knitted toys and coats can be brought to the RDS during the show, or sent directly by post to the Dublin SPCA. T he K nitting and Stitching Show is the largest, family-focused textile and craft event in Ireland.

It is expected to attract a record 23,000 people this year.

1 November 2012 GAZETTE 13

COOKING

Dinner made easy at cookery school  HIROMI MOONEY

AFTER a long day in work, you’re most likely not in the mood to cook up a meal at home. But sometimes you simply just don’t want the junk food option and would prefer to have something healthy, as long as it’s quick and easy to make.

But what can you make and where do you start?

These questions were in my head until I got the answers at the new Robyn’s Nest Cookery School in the Town Centre Mall in Swords.

The cookery school has just recently opened, and is run by mother and daughter Linda and Emma Callan. Linda told me that their cookery school places “emphasis

on relaxed learning and it’s sociable”.

On arrival I was greeted with a choice of tea or a glass of wine by the owners and the teacher for the night, Lily Ramirez-Foran. Lily writes her own blog, A Mexican Cook In Ireland, in which she shares both her own Mexican recipes and her family’s traditional recipes.

She sells many of the ingredients necessary for Mexican dishes from her online food shop, MyMexicanShop.ie.

The menu for the class that evening was a variety of healthy tacos, refried Mexican beans, homemade green tomatillo and avocado salsa served with tortilla chips, and a frozen strawberry marga-

rita to top it all off. Now, I am no Jamie Oliver, so at first all of this seemed impossible to make. But I do know the basics of what to do in a kitchen, so that was a good start to the cookery class.

The class was very interactive as it was a combination of watching Lily’s demonstrations and cooking some of the dishes yourself.

My favourite dish of the evening was the courgette flower and sweet corn tacos. Lily demonstrated how to cook this by frying up an array of ingredients, which included dried oregano, feta cheese and a finely chopped onion. I was surprised by how easy it was to prepare and make these meals. Not only

The impressive interior of Robyn’s Nest, with inset, owner of the Cookery School Linda Callan during a demonstration on how to bake scones

were they healthy, but they were bursting with flavours and very quick to make.

Every week there will be baking classes and

guest chefs at The Cookery School. There are courses to suit all levels.

For bookings and more information, visit www. cookerycourses.ie.

GOT A STORY? Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240 or email news@gazettegroup.com

Gazette

14 Gazette 1 November 2012

dublinlife

schoolLife Get involved with our new Gazette schools pages 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 and, 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 more details, contact me at rheigh@ gazettegroup.com, or on 01 601 0240.

schools

fair: experiments

Celebrate science in our lives  eleanor o’dea and

erica ryan Notre Dame School

SCIENCE Week is Ireland’s biggest annual promotion of science to the general public. The aim of the week is to promote the relevance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics in our everyday lives, and to demonstrate just how important it is to the future development of Irish society and

the economy.

For the week beginning November 12, Notre Dame School will be running a series of events to promote Science Week.

These events will include all staff and students of the school and surrounding primary schools.

The events will include a science fair, exhibiting a range of projects, and interactive, fun experiments along with many competitions.

Even a soft drink has a role to play in science, as will be revealed at Notre Dame

O n We d n e s d ay, November 14, the Transition Year students will be hosting the science fair in the hall. There will be a variety of different interactive experiments for everyone to try.

At the fair, there will be 18 projects covering biology, chemistry and

physics, exploring all the mysteries of life that you always wanted answered - from electricity and magnetism to the human mind, all of which have an interactive element.

There are prizes to be won, and fun to be had for everyone who gets involved.

On top of all this, there will be a quiz for the whole school to enjoy. We have invited a large number of primary school students from our local area, so it should be a great day.

It’s going to be a fastpaced science extravaganza, and you won’t want to miss a second of it!

1 November 2012 Gazette 15

Gazette

feature

Hot tips to stay warm in an energy-efficient way WITH November likely to feature some belowaverage temperatures as a whole, and the weather set to become progressively colder as we go through the month, the winter chills are here, and keeping warm is definitely going to be a priority.

These cooler periods of weather could be accompanied by snowfall across higher ground, and these are also likely to develop across some lower levels of the country at times – so, don’t think you are going to get away without being affected by the cold

conditions.

Keith McGouran, of Topaz Local Fuels, is well aware of the cold weather, and passed on some tips about energy efficiency at this time of year.

He said: “Our customers depend on us most in adverse winter weather conditions. We understand that the oil distribution business is an integral service all year round, but especially so when it’s colder.

“Our promise to customers is that we will not leave them in the cold, and this year will be no

exception.

“With Christmas edging ever closer, getting the expense of home heating out of the way now will leave you with a clearer view of your financial position come the festive season – not to mention the reassurance it brings that you and your family won’t run out of oil on a truly cold winter night.”

With that in mind, here are a few cost-saving energy efficiency tips that you can follow.

Programme your heat – get a programmable thermostat, or program-

mable radiator control, so you can vary temperature throughout the day, keeping the heat down when not needed.

Service your boiler each year, and improve your overall efficiency by 10% – the benefits of an annu-

al service include a longer life, and the reduced likelihood of breakdown, along with added safety and maximum efficiency.

An efficient boiler creates more heat from less fuel, reducing energy costs.

Follow the 30-minute

rule – set the heating to switch off 30 minutes before bedtime, and set it to turn on 30 minutes before you get up in the morning.

Keep radiators and heaters free from obstructions, to allow maximum

benefit.

Only heat the rooms you are using – turn off the heating when you’re not there, or if you’re going away for a few days.

For further information and advice, see www. topazlocalfuels.ie.

GAZETTE

16 GAZETTE 1 November 2012

DUBLINLIFE

Q&A

TARA SHORTHALL, HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE

Setting standards in home care excellence TARA Shortall is the owner and managing director of Home Instead Senior Care.

“Our vision is that everyone should be entitled to remain in their home for as long as possible with comfort, independence, and dignity,” she said.

In five years, the company has proven there is a great need for its service,

working with private pay clients, as well as acting as an approved home care provider to the HSE. Home Instead Senior Care is also proud to be a significant local employer.

For further information, or for a free confidential care assessment, contact Shortall directly at 01 895 0010, or see www.homeinstead.ie.

How long have you been in business?

for their loved one at the right price.

We started our Home Instead Senior Care office in March 2007. My husband, Ken, and myself now run the business alongside our wonderful office team and 100-strong team of loyal, trustworthy and caring care givers.

What makes your business successful?

Firstly, we are passionate about caring for and serving our clients and their families, giving them the opportunity to live in their homes for longer than would otherwise be possible.

Secondly, we are always looking to improve our business and standards of care we provide. Thirdly, rigorous business planning and disciplined cost, cash and financial management.

What do you offer your clients that differs from your competitors?

We offer a premium home-based care service, ensuring we match the most compatible caregiver to the client’s personality and care needs.

We also work in partnership with our clients and families to deliver care, advice and support at, what is for most, a very difficult time

How has the recession impacted your business?

We’ve grown our business year on year since 2007. There is a growing need for our services, in light of Government cutbacks and the desire by families to get the best possible care

What have you changed about your business to combat the effects of the recession?

We have a culture of continuous improvement. In an industry that is currently unregulated with no barriers to entry, we are at the forefront of leading the development of standards and processes in the industry.

We take very seriously our role of “thought leader” in the global and Irish home care industry.

What law or regulation would you change overnight to help your business?

Regulate the home care market and register all home care workers so there are only reputable and approved operators and care staff in the market, ultimately meaning that vulnerable older adults in our society are protected to the maximum.

How do you use social media (Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn, etc) to help your business?

We use Facebook and Twitter daily with updates and feeds. We use Facebook for many promotions, and special initiatives we are working on.

We also have a blog on our website, and this also feeds into Facebook and Twitter. I have my own personal LinkedIn account, which I am currently working on to reconnect with the large group of great people I’ve worked with and got to know over the past 20 years.

BUSINESS

Supported

by AIB

When negative equity strikes DID you buy in the boom? Wanted to get on that housing ladder at whatever price, no matter what the obstacles were?

Perhaps you bought an apartment that was more than adequate seven years ago, but you have since had two children and you only have two bedrooms in your apartment.

The biggest obstacle, to date, for young families looking for a larger home is negative equity – that’s when you owe more than the property is worth.

Blackrock, the US company which analysed €100 billion-worth of mortgages for the Central Bank, believes that negative equity is the primary predictor of arrears. Negative equity seems to play a bigger role than even unemployment, which used to be the main cause of arrears.

Moody’s recent report says that loans with high negative equity have an estimated default rate of 21.7%.

The bond credit rating experts expect default on all mortgages to peak at 20% in early 2013, and have calculated that negative equity makes a mortgage holder 1.7 times more likely to default.

“Principle modification” (which is a nicer way of saying “debt forgiveness”) is, according to Moody’s, the only solution, and endorsed by Blackrock.

My view is that it’s not “debt forgiveness”, but “debt reality”, and the sooner we face up to this, the easier it will be for us to take the medicine.

Of the 780,000-plus mortgages in Ireland, half of

them are in negative equity, and 11% are in arrears. If you fall into these categories – you are not alone.

If you are young (under 40), have permanent employment, and you are happy where you are living, then you don’t have a problem. As long as those repayments are being made every month – capital and interest, not interest only – your mortgage will inexorably diminish and, eventually, be paid off.

Even if that is in 25 years, this is not a problem and, please God, values will surely have returned by then, and you will have an unencumbered – mortgage-free – home for your twilight years.

Trouble raises its ugly head when you either a) lose your job, or b) need to move because the current accommodation is inadequate.

So, what happens then?

Part Two continues next week.  Contact John with your money questions at jlowe@moneydoctor.ie or visit his website at www.moneydoctor.ie. John Lowe, Fellow of the Institute of Bankers, is founder and managing director of Money Doctor

CONSUMER ACTIVITY: ELECTRONICS FARE BEST

Retail sales disappoint as IT, computing dip 20% RETAIL sales continued to disappoint during the third quarter of 2012 (Q3, 2012), according to Retail Excellence Ireland’s (REI) Irish Retail Industry Performance Review for the period.

The worst-performing sectors for Q3, 2012 included IT and computing (down 19.90% on Q3 in 2011), garden centres (down 8.54% on Q3 in 2011), and photography and camera stores, which were down 7.10% on Q3 in 2011.

The recent digital TV changeover gave a small boost to some industries, as the best-performing retail industry sectors included consumer electronics and home appliances, both increasing sales levels in Q3, 2012

compared with Q3, 2011.

Overall, year-on-year sales levels fell by an average of -1.04% during Q3, 2012. This continued the longstanding trend of falling sales in Ireland’s retail industry, and saw Q3, 2012 become the 14th consecutive quarter of consecutive sales decline.

Speaking at the publication of the Q3, 2012 retail figures, REI chief executive, David Fitzsimons said: “There were mixed fortunes experienced by different sectors in Q3, 2012.

“It is no surprise that non-discretionary sectors, including grocery, pharmacy and hot beverages, enjoyed a reasonable trading period, while the inclement summer weath-

Continuing the trend of falling sales in Ireland’s retail industry, levels fell by an average of -1.04% during Q3

er negatively impacted on ladies’ fashion sales and garden centre activity.

“Consumer electronics enjoyed a buoyant period, helped for the most part by the digital switchover, while computing sales were hit with price deflation and purchase postponement.

“It is disappointing that the quarter gradually disimproved – primarily due to Budget 2013 specula-

tion – indicating that a return to growth is less likely than first thought.

“Home-dependent sectors, including furniture and flooring, and home and giftware, continue to suffer, due to the lack of a functioning residential property market. If matters do not significantly improve in the run-up to Christmas, further failure is assured,” said Fitzsimons.

1 November 2012 Gazette 17

asdfsdaf P27 TRAVEl P24

MOTORS P22

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 DSPCA’s PET of the week: BOA

The cast of the American Idiot musical will take to the Dublin stage this month

music: green day’s american idiot show to rock bord gais energy theatre

From Broadway to Dublin  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

IF you’re feeling the new kind of tension all across the alien-nation, and if you know where that line comes from, the place to be this month will be the Bord Gais Energy Theatre when American Idiot, the hit Broadway musical based on the music of rock heroes Green Day, runs from November 5 to 10.

Dublin is one of only eight venues chosen for the tour of the show, which has won two Tony awards and a Grammy, and the Gazette caught up with one of the stars, Alyssa diPalma, ahead of the show’s arrival, and she explained her journey into the spotlight.

“I got into performing because my mother was a singer in a band called Northern Lights for 13 years. They were

very popular around the New Jersey area, and I used to love seeing her rock out every night. So she and I would then do acoustic duets together.”

Alyssa is of Irish, English and Italian descent, and is a graduate of the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. Though she claims some Irish heritage, it’s very minimal but she says that a small drop of Irish blood is better than none.

She was keen to join the show when she saw it in New York: “I’ve only been involved with the show since July and it’s really a dream come true. I saw it [on Broadway] and turned to my friend and said, ‘I’m going to play that part’ and it came true. It’s incredible, but with hard work and belief you can make your dreams come true.”

According to Alyssa, the themes

American Idiot deals with are very relevant to today’s youth. “It absolutely speaks to my generation. Because it was written after September 11, with all the media saturation that existed, everyone was glued to their TVs and afraid to go outdoors. I was 12 years old when it happened so I grew up amid fears and all my memories are of fear and anger.

The show tells us that it’s okay to break through and make mistakes and find your way back to who you’re meant to be.”

Although Alyssa was new to the cast, and not around last year when Green Day singer Billy Joe Armstrong played the lead, she met the band in New York.

“We were back from tour and had some time off and got to meet Billy Joe. He was so kind and humble and it was truly

a surreal night.”

A movie of the show has been mooted on many media websites, with Tom Hanks named as producer. If it goes ahead, Alyssa would love to reprise her role for the silver screen.

“I would audition for it, for sure. I love the character I play [Whatsername], she’s way cooler than I am. She’s very urban and passionate and headstrong.

She’s a freedom fighter and a survivor.”

She regards the show as bringing a message of hope to the audience. “In the final monologue, there is a question about whether it’s the end or the beginning. It’s really saying that as one chapter ends another begins and the next time, you can make different choices.”

Tickets are from €20 and are available through Ticketmaster at 0818719377.

BOA is two years old and as you can see he’s a very handsome chap!

In his own words: “I’m black and white in colour and a very friendly fella who is full of chat and loves to make new friends.

“I was very scared when I first arrived here in the DSPCA, but it didn’t take me long to see that this was a nice place and the folks here were giving me plenty of TLC! “I can’t wait to be part of a loving home and I know I am sure to melt the heart of anyone who takes the time to get to know me.

“I love to follow you around and watch what you’re doing - I am a great companion.”

The DSPCA is Ireland’s oldest and largest animal welfare charity and was founded in 1840. It takes in stray, sick, injured and cruelly treated animals.

You can see more of the animals looking for a home and the DSPCA’s adoption policies by visiting www.dspca.ie/ AdoptaPet.

GAZETTE

18 GAZETTE 1 November 2012

OUT&ABOUT

STYLE

BEAUTY news

Awear €60

Slant Black

Smoky Layers

Dunnes €50 Farfallina

Pure Luxur y

as us fabrics such . o ri xu lu ly p ee s for €55 dollars with d r from Dunne ze Feel a million la b is th e lik ssories velvet, trims and acce d le lace, fur and el w je h it adence w Add ex tra dec

Get J-Lo’s sexy eyes with the Shu Uemura eyelash range

Debenhams €34

 LAURA WEBB

Marks & Spencer €47.50 Next €81

ONE of the world’s biggest recording artists Jennifer Lopez was in town recently to stage her Irish concert debut, but before the big performance her make up team headed into Brown Thomas to pick up 10 pairs of Shu Uemura false eyelashes.

False lashes are a great way of enhancing the eyes, there are subtle kinds, outrageous kinds and the fancy dress kind, so there is a style for everyone. This week Gazette Style found out just what J-Lo bought, so we can try to copy her eyelash style!

Oasis €TBA

• Three pairs of Shu Uemura Dazzling Diamante false eyelashes. Inspired by Shu Uemura ’s diamond-lined false eyelashes, this classic false eyelash design with a black diamante band helps create a voluminous lash effect, with a delicate flare.

Penneys €15

Penneys €40

• Three pairs of Shu Uemura Farfallina false eyelashes. The triple layers of brown and black tones boast different levels of curls and longer lashes toward outer edge, enabling a natural delicate look and ideal volume on the lash.

• Two pairs of Shu Uemura Smoky Layers, layers of thin black lashes, which add volume to the lash line, creating a sultry eye look reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour.

Next €111

Dune €120 Next €19

• Two pairs of Shu Uemura Slant Black, a full set of dramatic lashes that extend and flare outwards.

Alternating lengths and delicate wispy lashes add a touch of subtlety for a voluminous and feminine finish.

Check these great lashes out for yourself at Brown Thomas.

1 November 2012 Gazette 19

Gazette

MUSIC FASTtaches

Are you ready to grow a mo for cancer research this year?

It’s not music but it is an essential announcement: men of Dublin — prepare for Movember, when moustache is king and knowledge is power.

This is the fifth and biggest year yet for the Irish Movember mission, which is the month to raise awareness and funds for men’s health.

All Irish Mo Bros have to do is simply register at Movember. com, start the month clean shaven then work on your fine moustache stylings for the remainder of the month.

Compton’s latest discovery, Kendrick Lamar, who has released one of the rap records of the year

MUSIC REVIEW: a modern odyssey from the hood

Coming straight outta Kendrick

CONCEPT albums are still occasionally in vogue, though thankfully have progressed out of the prog-rock arena and into a less stratified realm.

Even rap occasionally offers up concept classics, like Kanye’s College Dropout, but few maintain a consistent theme throughout.

That’s where Kendrick Lamar’s official debut release, Good Kid, mA Ad City, diverges from the path. Described on the cover as a “short film about Kendrick”, it essentially and compellingly takes you on a journey through the life of this prodigal star in the making.

A prodigy of Dr Dre and signed to his After-

 ROB HEIGH rheigh@gazettegroup.com

math Records imprint, Lamar takes a microscope to the concerns that fuelled the fury of the breakout album by Dre’s NWA, Straight Outta Compton.

Kendrick comes from the same streets as EazyE, MC Ren, Ice Cube and DJ Yella, but that was then, and this is now... or so you would think.

There is the same aural density and invention on Good Kid that marked Compton out as some-

thing unique in rap at the time - what was, in 1988, an East Coast version of the channelled rage of Public Enemy, but with a call to arms being a real call to arms, not a call to vote and be politically proactive and aware as Chuck D was advocating.

Racist cops, gang violence, the catch 22s and traps of living in the poverty gap with its attendant narcotic escapes - all the concerns from 20 years ago are patently still there for Lamar, and he approaches the description of life and how it’s lived with a dynamic and precise flow and one of the best and most focused productions on a rap album in many years.

Good K id, mA Ad City is easily one of the records of the year. coming close but just missing out on catching the tails of Frank Ocean’s Channel Orange.

The production work by the likes of Pharrell, Just Blaze and Scoop DeVille is exemplary, evoking the journey that young Lamar takes and that is best summed up by the voicemail message from his mother on penultimate track, Real: “If I don’t hear from you by tomorrow, I hope you come back and learn from your mistakes...

When you do make it, give back with your words of encouragement. And that’s the best way to give back to your city.”

All of the money raised here in Ireland will go directly towards the Irish Cancer Society’s initiative, Action Prostate Cancer.

Movember is not just for the boys. Girls can get in on the action by taking on the role as a Mo Sista for the month and encouraging the men in their life to grow the Mo. Amongst some of the men joining the Irish Mo Bros are Irish rugby international players, Jamie Heaslip and Cian Healy, Italia 90 stars Ray Houghton, Packie Bonner and Tony Cascarino.

Gazette

20 gazette 1 November 2012

OUT&ABOUT

CINEMA

more

theatre THE pavilioN THEATRE 01 231 2929 Port Authority

A young boy leaves home for the first time, a man begins a job for which he is not qualified, a pensioner receives a mysterious package. As each man confronts the significance of these events, they are forced to take stock of themselves, their feelings, and of the decisions they have made. Painting a vivid picture of life in contemporary Dublin, this is a gripping tale of love, loss and family.

November 2 and 3, tickets are priced at €18/€16.

Draiocht 01 885 2622 I, Elizabeth

Dano and Kazan indulge in what appears to be the opposite of skinny dipping

At a vital crossroads in history a young queen steps from the shadows to unburden herself of her many troubles and reveal her innermost thoughts on marriage, succession, religion, war, and the challenges to her throne. But time is against her... Elizabeth I, queen at 25, political phoenix and famously unmarried, she was the most educated woman of her age – but who was the woman beneath the crown?

November 8 at 8pm, tickets are priced at €18/€14.

cinema: Paul dano and zoe kazan star in this offbeat romantic comedy

CIVIC THEATRE 01 462 7477 Ride On

A Honda 50 bike-run forms the background of a hilarious new play by writer Seamus O’Rourke.

Five members of the Drumkarren Honda Club are sitting in a run-down shed in Co Cavan, ready to embark on a bike-ride, awaiting the other 20 members (seemingly “stuck” in a pub in Killeshandra).

Running from November 6-10 at 8pm, tickets are €20/€16.

This Ruby sparkles THE idea of perfection is a tough one to nail down, particularly when it comes to a relationship.

The idea of the perfect man or woman is, essentially, a fallacy perpetuated by Hollywood.

The notion that there is a person with all of the positive items on a checklist who comes free of negatives is, quite honestly, ridiculous.

Most people know that, yet somehow romantic comedies still turn great business and Matthew McConaughey still makes a better living than me from them.

In Ruby Sparks, the notion of perfection is taken and turned on its head, and it makes a cautionary tale.

S c r e e nw r i t e r a n d star Zoe Kazan turns

 paul hosford

phosford@gazettegroup.com

in a script that is deftly nuanced, star tlingly assured and refreshingly different.

Kazan, the daughter of screenwriters Nicholas Kazan (Payy Hearst) and Robin Swicord (Matilda) and the grand daughter of Elia Kazan (who directed the seminal On The Waterfront and A Streetcar Named Desire), shows that the talent for writing is certainly a hereditary thing.

Writing her first film, Kazan gives the leads to both herself and her

real life boyfriend, Paul Dano.

The pair are directed

by Dano’s Little Miss Sunshine directors Jonathon Dayton and Valerie Faris, who are helming their first picture since the 2006 breakout hit.

Any doubt that the pair would turn away from their indie roots is quickly dispelled in this tale of a frustrated writer whose latest creation comes to life, as his girlfriend.

Dano’s Calvin originally puts Ruby’s appearance down to a mental breakdown of sorts, giving the film some of its funniest moments.

But, as it becomes clear that Ruby is not just a figment of his imagination, he settles into the relationship.

Of course, telling his cynical older brother

Film of the Week: Ruby Sparks h h h h (12A) 103mins Director: Jonathon Dayton, Valerie Faris Starring: Paul Dano, Zoe Kazan, Antonio Banderas, Annette Bening, Chris Messina, Steve Coogan, Elliot Gould

OUR VERDICT: THE biggest concern that there was around this film was whether the quirky rom-com had run its course, or whether you could make one without Joseph Gordon Levitt and still succeed. However, Ruby Sparks is more honed in on its darker side and in creating a perfect girlfriend, creates some imperfect characters. If you can get past that, you’ll love it.

(Messina) that he is dating a character he made up is somewhat difficult.

As the pair go through the early stages of a relationship, complete with parental introductions, the film sparkles.

The hope that these two characters can be as perfect as they appear on paper is part of the pull of the film.

But, as the film eases into the third act, Ruby Sparks sets itself apart

from its indie-romance brethren.

As the obvious cracks in the relationship start to deepen, Calvin reveals himself to be not entirely sympathetic.

It is a brave move on Kazan’s part to make her male lead so cloying and needy.

Many won’t root for him as his girlfriend pulls away, leaving him with the option of writing to control her or letting her

excercise her free will.

As he pursues the former, the film comes uncomfortably close to the bone.

Watching two people effectively set out to hurt each other is grim, but it is carried off with enough charm and imagination to cover most, if not all, of the film’s flaws.

In the end, this is less a romantic comedy than it is a study of the nature of relationships and compatibility.

If you could draw up a list of perfect characteristics for a partner, would it match your current beau?

Chances are, it wouldn’t, but sometimes things that shouldn’t work on paper do anyway, just like Ruby Sparks.

And that’s just fine.

1 November 2012 gazette 21

Gazette

GAMING tech: ipad’s ‘tablet-tablet’ challenger finally arrives

Apple’s mini commotion  shane dillon

THE biggest story of the tech week, and one of the biggest for the year, had to be the unveiling last week of the long-awaited iPad mini (or mini iPad, as I’d bet my bottom dollar it’ll be called by most people from now on, but I’ll just call it the mini for the remainder of this feature).

In a move which surprised precisely nobody, anywhere, Apple finally produced its champion to tackle the growing tablet market.

Sure, tablets devices have been around for ages – just look at the bazillion sales of the iPad, and all its iterations, for example – but sales of what I’ll call the tablettablet (or, a more portable-friendly tablet, with a typical screen size around the seven-inch diagonal mark) have grown legs and started making bigger impacts in the past 18 months in particular.

So, although it’s coming a little late to the tablet-tablet party, Apple has finally waltzed through the door and immediately grabbed all the attention with the mini – though

 shane dillon

sdillon@gazettegroup.com

not necessarily for all the right reasons, as I’ll explain ...

Firstly, the mini is very much what it sounds like – a smaller version of the iPad, drawing on many of the legacy elements that made that tablet such a success.

Ranging from a very similar physical style to its compatability with all iPad apps (while having beefy enough power under the hood), the mini is, in many ways, “just” a smaller iPad. However, in recognition of markets that don’t necessarily think that bigger is better, its smaller size gives it a greater appeal for some markets, making it a more

portable-friendly device to take off to work.

With this launch, Apple has finally moved to tackle rival tablet-tablets, such as the Kindle Fire HD, or the Nexus 7, which have been slowly but surely carving out a reliable market share for themselves in the past year.

Indeed, once rarer than hen’s teeth, such devices are now commonplace on Dublin Bus, the Luas, etc, with

eBook readers also quite commonplace, now I could continue, but you get the point – the mini seems like a sure-fire winner for Christmas, and beyond, as Apple prepares to muscle in on Google and Amazon devices.

However, despite its charms, there have been criticisms, too – for starters, its price point, which is notably more expensive than rivals, hasn’t impressed many, as analysts and consumers alike

had expected something more budget-friendly.

Instead, this premium product retains a premium price.

Techheads also noted that there’s little that’s truly revolutionary about the mini, which shares similar specs to the iPad 2, but doesn’t have a dramatic design on its own basis.

Still, despite having an air of “me-too”, there’s no denying that the mini should make a big impact when it goes on sale from this Friday, November 2.

SPECS THE iPad mini shares many traits with its big brother, incorporating a number of legacy features that have served Apple so well. Its specifications make for interesting, if predictable reading, including:

• Colours: Black and white • Available in 16, 32 and 64GB models • Wi-fi (with 3G, 4G models to follow, soon) • H: 7.87in (200mm), W: 5.3in (134.7mm), D: 0.28in (7.2mm) • It’s a notable lightweight, weighing in at just 308g • 7.9in (diagonal) LED-backlit touch screen, with 1024 X 768 resolution at 163 PPI (Note: not Retina-quality display) • Full HD recording, with a 1.2MP front-facing camera, and a 5MP rear-facing camera; tap for focus/exposure controls • Rechargable battery offers potential 10-hours of use • Finally, its price – from €339 (16GB model) upwards ...

Despite being seen by some as a bit of a “tweener” device - lying between a smartphone, and a full-sized tablet device - the iPad mini will appeal to a great many consumers, and help Apple attack their rivals’ territory

BYTES&PIECES

meet the new-new ipad

Suprise reveal of an updated platform SINCE this week’s page has turned into something of The Apple Show – and why not, for a change, as tons of people use their tech – at the same launch of the iPad mini, Apple surprised lots of people with the unexpected reveal of the iPad 4.

Barely half a year on from the release of the iPad 3, the iPad 4 was also revealed at the mini event, with the main difference from its predecessor being its greatly souped-up power, which will doubtless be exploited by developers soon after its imminent release.

While consumers are, by now, used to Apple’s periodic updates of its tech, the swift reveal of a new iPad was not automatically welcomed by everyone, given that the vast majority of people buy such a device in the expectation that it won’t be superseded soon afterwards ...

22 GAZETTE 1 November 2012

GAZETTE

&ABOUT OUT road

MOTORS

NOISE

DS5 Hybrid4 named Best Eco Car EARLIER this year I drove what was probably the coolest car of the year, the Citroen DS5.

Now to add to its already bulging awards cabinet, the distinctively styled flagship has another exciting achievement as the DS5 Hybrid4 was named Best Eco Car at the recent Scottish Car of the Year Awards, as voted for by the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers.

“Out greening” three other contenders to the title, the DS5 stood apart from the competition with its innovative and ecologically considerate drivetrain, which delivers impressive performance combined with fuel and CO2 efficiency.

The advanced, 200hp full hybrid diesel powertrain combines several technologies to deliver outstanding CO2 emissions as low as 91g/km.

John Murdoch, president at the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers, said: “Making the most of every drop of fuel is the perpetual quandary of car makers. Whilst some try to go further by skimping on equipment or driving pleasure Citroen DS5 offers all this and much more.”

The Citroen DS5

CANDIDATES ANNOUNCED FOR CAR AWARDS: A FIELD of 36 candidates for the Continental Irish Car of the Year 2013 awards was announced by the Irish Motoring Writers’ Association (IMWA) today.

The Continental Irish Car of the Year and Continental Irish Van of the Year will be revealed at a gala event in the Convention Centre, Dublin, on Thursday, November 22.

Gerry Murphy, chairman of the IMWA, commented: “In spite of the general economic slowdown, we are still seeing the arrival in Ireland of a lot of innovative new car models brim full of

new automotive technologies and the field of runners for the 2013 title certainly doesn’t disappoint.”

The 28 voting members of the IMWA assess each vehicle, attributing points on the basis of criteria ranging from innovation and safety, to space, comfort, build quality, driving quality and value for money.

“As with each year, the IMWA car jury provide a great service for Irish motorists in helping them to make sense of the bewildering array of new cars that has been launched in Ireland this year”, commented Paddy Murphy of Continental Tyres Ireland, Irish Car of the Year sponsor.

The Ecoboost engine was hailed as remarkable and won International Engine of the Year with a record score

CAR COMPARISON: FOCUS ECOBOOST AND THE FOCUS TITANIUM X

Experiencing the best of both Fords

 CORMAC CURTIS

TWO exceptional cars came on the market from Ford this year – both very similar, but at the same time very different indeed.

To be clear, I’m not saying Ford just released two exceptional cars, but for me these stand out.

I am talking about the Focus Ecoboost and the Focus Titanium X models. Fortunately, I was able to test these cars one after the other to get a real feel for what each had to offer.

I was lucky enough to test the Ecoboost model for a day back in July when it first landed here – and it was a revelation.

The experience really drove home to me just

how different two individually spec-ed models can be.

The engine was hailed as remarkable by the jury that this year awarded it International Engine of the Year with a record score, and it’s no surprise.

This engine simply flies in the face of accepted wisdom, it is a 999cc direct injection turbopowered engine, but offers a choice of 100PS and 125PS output and is the most fuel-efficient petrol engine in its class, with the 100PS version promising 4.8litre/100km (58.9 mpg) and emissions of just 109g/km, or 22g fewer than the current 1.6 petrol.

The lively 125PS version claims a top speed

of 193kmh (120mph) yet with a frugal appetite of just 5litre/100km (56.5mpg) and emissions also in Band A, at 114g/ km. And it doesn’t half move.

Ford believes that this engine in this car will help keep the Ford Focus as the No 1 selling car in Ireland, and I wouldn’t care to bet against them.

Generally speaking, cars striving for serious economy tend to go with diesel engines, but Ford feel there is a latent demand out there for a petrol-engined car in this segment which can match a turbo diesel for punch and economy, but which is quieter and has less vibration, and the Focus fits that bill to the letter.

The EcoBoost range starts from €21,485 for the Focus 5-door entry level model, rising to €22,335 for the Focus Edge. The EcoBoost 125PS debuts on the Focus Zetec, from €24,235.

At the same time, there is always an appetite for a car that offers the driver high levels of comfort and specification, something that sets it apart from the crowd – enter the Focus Titanium X. This is a model with a distinctively sporty and premium feel.

The new Focus Titanium X provides an additional level of premium quality to the Focus range.

It is available in four and five door models and is powered by the same

1.6 TDCi diesel engine as the Zetec S and has a 95PS output. The Focus Titanium X spec includes the features such as 17” titanium alloys; deflation detection system; active park assist (Ford’s automatic parking system for getting the car into tight parallel parking spots); visibility pack; Bluetooth voice control and USB connectivity; and full size spare wheel.

This is the kind of car that will appeal to a loyal Ford customer who wants to reward themselves with something a little bit special.

This limited edition has been carefully thought out by Ford, and goes far beyond simply bolting on accessories; it is a distinctive and stylish motor.

1 November 2012 swords gazette 23

24 swords gazette 1 November 2012

Gazette

&ABOUT OUT fast

Bournemouth: England’s south coast offers more than beaches

TRAVEL

Spectacular setting for a deserved break

Autumn is not the season for hibernating but a time when Ireland looks at its very best. As one of the country’s most spectacular settings, the mountain resort of Aherlow House Hotel and Lodges in the Glen of Aherlow, Co Tipperary, has breathtaking views of the Glen and the Galtee Mountains and is the perfect destination for a well-deserved break. Enjoy two night’s accommodation and a full Irish breakfast each morning at a hotel full of character and warmth.

The hotel’s special autumn package includes a warm picnic for exploring the surrounding forests, mountains and unspoilt countryside as well as a delicious evening meal by chef Jose Vega. End your day of exploration with a complimentary hot toddy next to an open fire.

The autumn package at Aherlow House Hotel & Lodges is available from €129 per person sharing. For more information, visit www. aherlowhouse.ie or call 062 56153.

Enjoy some seaside tradition with a twist

 Dave Phillips

Gohop’s got great offers to portugal: Portugal has always been a favourite for Irish holiday makers, thanks to the amazing architecture, sublime beaches and charming countryside towns.

Whether it’s the picture perfect beaches of the Algarve, the beauty of the Lisbon Coast or the breathtaking Island of Madeira, Portugal can offer the ideal break away even during the winter months.

Gohop.ie are currently offering flights from Dublin to Portugal, with four nights

accommodation on a room-only basis from just €115, travelling during December 2012. Travel in January 2013 and spend five nights on a room-only basis from just €295 per person or spend 12 nights in February from just €316 per person. Price includes return flights from Dublin, accommodation as stated in three and four-star hotels and all taxes and charges. These prices are based on current airline prices and are subject to availability and dates of travel.

For more information or to book, visit www.gohop.ie.

British seaside holiday. Once heard, this unlikely combination of words can trigger an array of mental images w h i c h m ay i n cl u d e striped deck chairs, knotted handkerchiefs on bald heads, and a young Barbara Windsor.

But a recent trip to Bournemouth revealed that England’s south coast has left behind the stereotypes to embrace a revived seaside experience that stretches far beyond the beaches.

Under two hours from

London, Bournemouth has long been a popular spot for a break from the city, and with a recently revitalised airport and new Aer Lingus Regional route, it is now a great getaway option for Dubliners.

Aer Lingus Regional run daily flights from Dublin and one immediate appeal of flying direct to Bournemouth is that you bypass the lengthy queues found at larger airports.

The town itself is a unique space and, since its beginnings in 1810,

has been cultivated as a place of bathing, leisure, and relaxation.

A 10-minute walk through the Victorian Pleasure Gardens divides the town centre from the pier and seafront that throng with people in the summer months.

The 12km of beach is kept busy year round with walkers, cyclists, and surfers. A colourful, cutting-edge restaurant Urban Reef serves locally procured food stylishly, while next door Sorted Surf Shop offers

The Norfolk Royale Hotel is just a 10-minute walk from the promenade

Bournemouth’s 12km beach is kept busy all year round

rental and tuition.

From its current ultra-modern and vivacious state, it’s difficult to imagine the Boscombe pier area derelict - around four years ago major funding went into rejuvenating the area.

The idea of marrying the traditional seaside holiday with a more modern and nuanced feel has been carried over into much of the accommodation and food on offer in the area.

The Green House is a popular hotel which sits in a quiet residential area within comfortable walking distance of both Bournemouth town and Boscombe.

It operates a strict eco-friendly philosophy, but refreshingly achieves this in a very upmarket way.

It is enlightening to see the lengths the owners have gone to in order to retain the green ethos.

From the chemicalfree paint used throughout the hotel to the bar stocked with beers from nearby micro-breweries, local trade and business are always a priority and style and comfort are in no way compromised.

T he Green Room, a restaurant housed within the hotel and open to non-residents, is definitely one of Bournemouth’s culinary highlights and features a menu which changes on the organic ingredients available daily.

Right in the centre of Bournemouth town, the Norfolk Royale is another four-star hotel which is guided by a philosophy, this time to embrace its Edwardian heritage and offer guests a distinctly indulgent seaside experience.

Especially recommended are weekend high teas where you’re encouraged to spend the

1 November 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 25

GAZETTE

Travel

fast

TRAVEL

Citalia’s offers for a fantastic winter city break

with walkers, cyclists, and surfers

afternoon relaxing in the sumptuous lounge with tea, coffee, or a Martini cocktail and enjoy enormous platters of cake.

The summer months offer lunchtime specials of lobster and chips, and champagne is half price every Fizzy Friday.

While the sea and beaches remain the main attractions, there is still plenty to see and do on a weekend trip.

Fans of history and literature will enjoy a visit to St Peter’s Church, which houses the remains of Frankenstein author Mary Shelley, along with the heart of her husband.

While being a convenient walkway to the pier, the Victorian Pleasure Gardens also house a tethered hot air balloon, which rises to 500ft to give a brilliant, but potentially terrifying view of Bournemouth, the seaside, and its sur-

rounds.

There is a lot in the immediate area to see, and while Bournemouth makes an ideal weekend break from Dublin, it could also serve as a base for a longer stay in the region.

A short drive inland is the New Forest area, a 56-hectare national park, famous for its wild ponies, which can be explored by foot or by hiring bicycles.

Another worthwhile day trip explores the Jurassic Coast, England’s first natural World Heritage Site, where fossils are common from the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods.

Bournemouth is one of the most popular areas in Britain for retired people to settle, but also boasts a growing surf community and an active university population, making for an interesting mix of old meets new.

The result is a place that is at once mature and full of history and at the same time fresh and modern.

It’s this air of “tradition with a twist” that makes Bournemouth a great tourist destination.

Coupled with the regular affordable flights, mild south coast weather, and year-round attractions, it’s a short trip that can offer a far different seaside experience.

Aer Lingus Regional operate daily flights from Dublin from €29.99, www.aerlingus.com.

Rates and information for the Green House hotel and Green Room restaurant at www.thegreenhousehotel.co.uk Rates and information for the Norfolk Royale hotel www.peelhotels. co.uk For more information on Bournemouth and surrounding area www. bournemouth.co.uk

The Victorian Pleasure Gardens house a tethered hot air balloon, which rises to 500ft to give a brilliant view of Bournemouth

WHETHER it’s taking a cruise on a gondola in Venice, visiting the famous sites of the Italian capital or seeing an opera in northern Verona, Italy’s favourite destinations could be the ideal location for a much-needed winter city break.

And with fantastic offers from Citalia by Travelmood up for the taking, the only thing left to do is to pack your weekend bag.

Venice is renowned for the beauty of its setting, its architecture and its artworks and is a city which is in its entirety listed as a World Heritage Site.

Visit St Mark’s Basilica, take a gondola trip down the Grand Canal and see the Piazza San Marco from just €299 per person.

Travelling on November 17, 2012, the price includes a three-night stay at the four-star Bonvecchiati Hotel on a B&B basis.

Or visit Italy’s capital of Rome and see some of Europe’s most beautiful and renowned historic sites including the Colisseum, the Sistine Chapel and the Pantheon.

Travel on December 1, 2012, and spend three nights at the three-star Augustea Hotel on a B&B basis from just €264 per person.

Verona is one of the main tourist destinations in northern Italy, owing to its artistic heritage, several annual fairs, shows and operas, such as the lyrical season in the Arena, the ancient amphitheatre built by the Romans.

The city has been awarded World Heritage Site status by UNESCO due to its urban structure and architecture.

Travel on December 8, 2012 and spend three nights at the three-star Mastino Hotel on a B&B basis from just €276 per person.

All prices include return flights from Dublin, taxes and charges.

For more information or to book, visit www.travelmood.ie, or call their dedicated team on 01 4331020 or visit the Travelmood store in Duke Street, Dublin 2, just off Grafton Street.

26 swords gazette 1 November 2012

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advertise your business to our readers call 60 10 240 planning Notice Fingal County Council Planning Permission is being sought for demolition of single storey projection to side of dwelling house to contain utility room and play room.

Erection of additional two storey dwelling house with single storey rear projection, to be built adjoining side of main dwelling house, to be known as 2B Borimhe Oaks, Swords, Co Dublin. Existing and proposed additional dwelling house to share existing front forecourt and entrance off public roadway for entrance and car parking. This planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authroity during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20) within the period of five weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of this application.

16782

Call your local sales person,

Imelda Armstrong now on

01 6516239 iarmstrong@gazettegroup.com

1 November 2012 swords Gazette 27

boxing 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

athletics P29

FastSport kennedy wins handball title:

Sara Lawlor with her Bus Eireann women’s national league player of the month award for September/October

soccer: United’s star striker honoured for her five goals in three games

Peamount’s Lawlor named women’s player of the month PEAMOUNT UNITED striker Sara Lawlor has been named the Bus Eireann Women’s National League Player of the Month for September/October.

Lawlor was voted player of the match when she scored for her club in the recent FAI Umbro Women’s senior cup final against Raheny United.

The 24-year-old has three Ireland caps and was presented her award by Republic of Ireland women’s international team manager Sue Ronan.

Dubliner Lawlor scored five goals in her opening three games in the Bus

Éireann Women’s National League, which sees Peamount top on goal difference from their rivals Raheny United in the preliminary phases of the marquee competition.

Lawlor admitted she was honoured to get the award but felt that a number of her club-mates could have been in consideration.

“It’s lovely to get an award like this but I was a little surprised because lots of the girls played very well over the last month,” she said.

“We were very disappointed not to

win the cup but the great thing is that we didn’t let it get to us and we’re very focused on the Bus Eireann Women’s National League.

“Our next game is on Saturday November 3 at Raheny so we have an excellent opportunity to bounce back and look to maintain our 100% start to the season.”

Lawlor also scored three goals in two FAI Umbro Women’s Senior Cup games in the same period.

“Bus Éireann congratulates Sara on winning the player of the month award.

“Sara has continued her incredible form from last season with some important goals in Peamount’s unbeaten start to the 2012–2013 season,” said Andrew McLindon, Bus Eireann PR manager.

Peamount’s Chloe Mustaki and Emma Cahill were both part of the Republic of Ireland U-19 side that won their UEFA U-19 Women’s European Championship group, winning all three of their games to qualify for the next phase of the competition. They beat Cyprus, Latvia and Serbia in order to advance.

EUGENE Kennedy, father of multiple All-Ireland winning St Brigid’s star Eoin, completed the double last week as the world handball championships in Citywest.

He claimed the diamond masters (Over60) singles title while he grabbed the doubles, too, in tandem with Wexford’s Ned Buggy.

Played over 10 days in west County Dublin, over 2,000 players contested the championships over a host of grades across the fantastic purposebuilt Citywest Arena, where an amazing cauldron of action and excitement was created for the 3,000 additional fans who pack into the amphitheatre style seating for the event.

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 1 November 2012

SPORT

DublinGazetteNewspapers

boxing: neilstown man triumphant once more

2012 dublin sports awards october winners

H STARof the MONTH

Kenneth Egan was one of four Irish boxers to land a winner’s prize at the Tammer Elite Multi-Nations event

john brophy 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

TEAMof the MONTH H

Egan lands gold again in Finland  sport@gazettegroup.com

kilmacud crokes THE Glenalbyn club bridged a 27-year gap to claim the Dublin senior hurling championship in excellent style. They came within one step of a rare double as the club’s senior footballers fell at the last hurdle in the Dublin county final on Monday evening

NEILSTOWN’S Kenneth Egan claimed his fifth gold medal in five tournaments on Finnish soil as he was one of four Irish winners at the 33rd Tammer Elite Multi Nations.

The 2008 Olympic silver medallist was joined on the winning rostrum by David Oliver Joyce, John Joe Joyce and Conrad Cummings while Con Sheehan and Ross Hickey took home silver from an exceptional team performance.

For Egan, it completed the

hat trick of wins over the hosts at the expense of Tomi Honka.

The 10-time Irish elite champion, boxing well within himself, was rarely troubled in this lightheavyweight decider en route to a 16-8 decision.

It followed earlier wins over England’s Lawrence Osueke in the quarter-finals tonight to book his ticket into the semi-finals where he met Finland’s Niklas Räsänen who he duly beat by 10-points.

“The entire squad boxed superbly all week and it is fantastic to be taking home four gold

and two silver medals in our first Elite tournament since the Olympic Games in London, he said.

“Overall, the entire squad produced some fantastic displays – young Michael Nevin also won one bout here – and we’re delighted with their performances.”

Talented Portlaoise BC prospect Michael Nevin – appearing in his first Elite tournament – won one bout for Ireland in Tampere.

D av i d O l i ve r J o y c e a l s o scooped the Best Boxer Award in Finland.

O’Conaill lands European and London Open wins  peter carroll sport@gazettegroup.com

East Coast Jiu Jitsu Academy’s Darragh O’Conaill celebrates his victory at the London Open

DARR AGH O’Conaill, Ireland’s youngest brown belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu, continued his fantastic recent 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.

As well as his personal glory, O’Conaill’s East Coast Jiu Jitsu Academy - based in Dun Laoghaire - took another haul

of medals as Dean Barry and Stephen Byrne took gold, John Sheridan won four more including one silver and Marcus Phelan and Daniel Ha claimed bronze honours too.

O’Conaill, who had been eyeing these tournaments all year shared his disappointment that the challenge was over.

“I’ve just been building up to this tournament all year,” said the European champion. “Every training session and every competition was just a warm up for this and now that it’s over I’m genuinely sad.

“It’s a strange feeling that I haven’t had before, I loved every second of action in the matches and I could see a huge improvement in my game when I faced off against some people that I had fought before.”

Now in preparation for the Nogi World Championships in Los Angelos, O’Conaill is in confident mood, despite the organisation of accommodation still being left up in the air for the Dun Laoghaire coach.

“I’ve been in great form all year and I think I’ll be able to keep it up. To stay there, I’ve

been enquiring with friends of friends – a life of competing is an expensive one to live,” he said.

With his constant jet setting and his commitment to his students competing, O’Conaill believes that jiu jitsu is his calling and the 25-year-old believes he is going some way to turn his lifestyle into a career.

“If I wasn’t competing so much, I would be living comfortably. It’s just an expensive sport, but what I’m trying to do at ECJJA is allow people to make the sport their career.”

1 November 2012 SWORDS gazette 29

Local runners produced a series of superb runs at the Dublin marathon last Monday with athletes from DSDAC and Rathfarnham AC medalling in the Irish championships IT WAS something of a family affair for Maria McCambridge, the former Dundrum South Dublin AC runner, as on the day she claimed the women’s Woodie’s DIY Irish national marathon title on the streets of Dublin her 17-month-old son Dylan completed his first marathon.

He was pushed around the track in a buggy by her husband Gary for the entire 26.2 mile route, albeit three hours slower than McCambridge’s time, a personal best of 2.35.28, one second better than the time she produced in Paris in 2009.

It was good enough for seventh place overall for

 stephen findlater sport@gazettegroup.com

the 37-year-old and created a new record for any Irish woman in the Dublin marathon, bettering Sonya O’Sullivan’s time from 2000.

Speaking about the race in its aftermath, McCambridge – who has run in Letterkenny AC colours for the past couple of seasons since relocating there – explained that it was a “very satisfying” outcome in the wake of a tough year

that saw her miss out on a place at the Olympic Games despite achieving the qualifying time.

“As soon as the Olympics weren’t on, for me, I just put it behind me, and put my head down in preparation for this,” she said.

“So it is very satisfying, and that’s the great thing about being a runner – there’s always another race. It’s not the Olympics but I’m delighted,” added McCambridge.

Barbara Sanchez, (Raheny Shamrock AC) took the silver medal in 2.42.10 and Pauline Curley, (Tullamore Harriers) took bronze in 2.45.49. The women’s race in Dublin was won

Maria McCambridge, left, with her son Dylan and Georgina Drumm

by Magdaline Mukunza of Kenya in 2.30.47.

On the men’s side, Rathfarnham AC proved one of the stand-out clubs on the day as Sean Hehir took second in the men’s Irish national title while club mate Barry Minnock claimed third

Dublin team categories as Brian Furey also ran well to finish in 2.33.06 to finish 27th overall.

The men’s race, from an Irish perspective , was won by Paul Pollock who had earlier raised much cheer when he raced into the overall lead eight

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

‘That’s the great thing about being a runner. There’s always another race. It’s not the Olympics but I’m delighted’ - Maria McCambridge

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

place.

It laid the base for the club’s ultimate success in both the national and

miles into the marathon.

The Annadale Striders runner had to settle for ninth place in the end as Kenyan and Ethiopian runners dominated the event won by defending champion Geofrey Ndungu of Kenya in 2.11.09.

This was a big breakthrough performance though for Pollock who won the Woodie’s DIY national Titleincorporated in the Dublin event in 2.16.30, the fastest time in Dublin by an Irish athlete in 13 years.

Both Paul Pollock and Maria McCambridge now plan on turning their attention to cross country. Both athletes have ambitions to gain selection on the Irish teams for the European Cross Country Championships in Budapest in December.

Gazette

Marathon success for local runners

FastSport

Glenn Whelan at last year’s launch

Late night leagues back in action in November FRIDAY Night late night soccer leagues will kick off on November 2 across Fingal.

Open to boys and girls aged 13 to 15 and 16 to 21, the games will take place in Corduff Sports Centre, Round Tower, Lusk; Skerries Community Centre, Rivervalley Swords and Glebe North FC Balbriggan, on Fridays from 9pm to 11pm.

The leagues will run for five weeks with the winners from each group qualifying for the Dublin finals, which will be held in early December.

The Late Night League (LNL) is a fivea-side tournament that has taken place in numerous venues around Fingal over the last number of years and has proven very successful.

It is run in conjunction with local authorities, youth groups and Community Garda policing units, and aims to provide a safe, fun and healthy social alternative to teenagers on Friday nights.

Niall Mc Guirk, senior sports officer with Fingal County Council added “The joint partnership between Fingal County Council’s sports office, the FAI, An Garda Síochána and our venue providers has enabled the programme to develop around the county.

“Late Night Soccer provides a positive sporting activity for young people to take part in; studies have shown it has helped in reducing anti-social behaviour and it gives the youth of Fingal something to look forward to on a Friday night.”

Interested participants just need to turn up on the night to register their interest and there’s no cost to participate.

For further information on the Late Night League initiative, or any football programmes, contact the local FAI development officer: Balbriggan/Lusk/Skerries area - Paul Keogh (FAI) T: 086 044 4435 E: paul. keogh@fai.ie; Blanchardstown Area – Sharon Boyle (FAI) T: 087 132 3260 E: sharon. boyle@fai.ie; Swords area – Mick Pender (FAI) T: 087 127 3258 E: mpender@fai.ie.

Gazette

30 SWORDS Gazette 1 November 2012

SPORT

FastSport

soccer: Celtic still seeking tougher ddsl challenge

Dublin clubs encouraged to get involved in FAI awards DUBLIN’S football clubs are being encouraged to get involved and put themselves forward for the Aviva club of the month competition that was launched last week in Dublin by Irish internationals David Meyler and former Portmarnock AFC, Stephen Ward.

The overall club of the year award was won

by St Joseph’s Boys in 2008, with monthly awards going to Rivervalley Rangers FC (2006), Peamount United (2008), Crumlin United (2008), Skerries Town (2008), Firhouse Carmel FC (2009), Esker Celtic FC (2009), St Paul’s FC (2010) and Kilbarrack United (2012).

The awards have become the benchmark for how clubs are performing up and down the country and are run from October through to May with a different club selected every month, receiving €1,500 to assist in their overall development.

Each of the monthly winners then goes forward as finalists to the club of the year which is chosen at the FAI Festival of Football and AGM. The clubs will then have a final opportunity to submit presentations on their clubs to the judging panel before the winner of the club of the year is announced and a cheque of €5,000 presented.

The judging panel for the award, which is headed up by Donal Conway, chairman of the FAI underage committee, includes representatives from FAI club development, Dublin City Council and Aviva, select the winners based on six different criteria including administration, coaching, participation numbers, performance and contribution to the community.

The FAI’s John Delaney said of the scheme: “Since its inception eight years ago, it has been clear that the importance of the Aviva club of the year award comes from the fact that it reaches out to the football family all across Ireland.

“It provides our clubs with an incentive to improve and a reward for the efforts of many fantastic volunteers to make their clubs better.

Each winner of the Aviva club of the year award has been justly proud of a fabulous achievement and the FAI places great value on the award.”

More information about the Aviva club of the month awards and details on how to submit an entry are available of www.FAI.ie and www.

Aviva.ie/localsports.

Swords Celtic’s Niall Grogan and Andy Dunne attempt to dispossess a Templeogue United player in last weekend’s game

Swords’ stunning six ddsl u-18 premier Swords Celtic Templeogue United  peter carroll

6 1

sport@gazettegroup.com

HAVING decided to switch from NDSL to DDSL Premier this year, Swords Celtic are still in search of the elusive “tougher challenge” according to centre half Keith Heller, as the U-18s continued their unbeaten form on Sunday with a one-sided 6-1 victory over Templeogue with Celtic playing host.

It was domination from the start as Celtic assaulted the Temple-

ogue defence, winning five consecutive corners in the early goings of the game, piling pressure on the visitors. Aidan O’Reilly began the scoring with a fantastic lobbed effort barely inside the Templeogue half, underlining Celtic’s advantage and showing a sign of things to come.

The next 10 minutes saw Celtic triple their lead before the half time break, Jonathon Heffernan struck home confidently before a Templeogue own goal crept over the line to give the southside outfit a mountain to climb in

celtic celebrations Swords continue 50th year with gala event as part of Swords Celtic’s 50th anniversary celebrations, they are holding a gala dinner and dance evening in Roganstown Hotel on Saturday, November 10, 2012 from 8pm.

The guest speaker is former Irish team manager and now TV soccer analyst Brian Kerr. Tickets are €35pp and a shuttle bus service will operate between Swords Village and the hotel. Tickets are available now from Ray at 087 2509577, Frankie on 085 702 0466 and Derek 087-2409 135.

the second half.

Sean Maguire added to his already abundant tally for the season with a brace to put his side five goals in the clear, before he turned creator when he zipped a pass across the goal mouth for Niall Grogan to finish off.

Templeogue managed a consolation, but that’s all it was as Swords careered toward their goal throughout the encounter, claiming a result which leaves them third in the table with second place Cabinteely leading them by one point having played five more games.

Lourdes Celtic lead the Premier league by four points from Swords, having played two games more, but it is in the leaders that Heller sees his team’s biggest challenge.

“We came over to the DDSL looking for a tougher challenge, it has stepped up the pace a bit, but I think we’ve gone 22 games unbeaten now,” said the defensive stalwart. “Lourdes will be our biggest test, there’s no doubt about that, their results have been very good.”

“There are some very strange results in the

league, it seems that all the teams are capable of beating each other on any given day.

“We came in thinking we would finish mid table, but now we’ve re-evaluated our goal and we want to win the league.

“All of the lads are up for it, we’re backing up our enthusiasm on the pitch with our results and long may it continue.

“It’s the same group of lads that have made up the spine of the team for five years and we really want to do it for each other,” finished Heller.

1 November 2012 SWORDS Gazette 31

 sport@gazettegroup.com

ST Sylvester’s took a big win in the minor football championship last weekend when they took on Templeogue Synge Street, seeing off their opposition 2-19 to 0-6, but the game was not as one sided as the score line suggested.

David Sexton was

immense with frees throughout with scores coming from unlikely angles, while Collie Byrne and Mark Hazley took some spectacular points of their own to help the Syl’s cause.

There was hardly anything between the two sides at half time, with Sylvester’s taking a 0-06 to 0-4 lead before they

took to the field in the second, when the minors of Malahide slowly turned the screw on their opposition.

However, it wasn’t all down to the forwards and Conor Ryan, Kevin O’Fly nn and Conor Mullarkey were kept busy before Hazley and Sexton combined to put four points on the board

for their side and the first goal was counted when a highball was sent into the square before it ended up in the Templeogue net.

Eoin Byrne was called into action shortly afterwards, and his fantastic save kept Synger’s threat of a comeback at bay, allowing the attackers to open up the lead in the closing 20 minutes.

fingallians CONGRATULATIONS to Paul Flynn on his

fully we will have you back next week.

second All-Star award in a row that

Good news on the VIP ticket for this

he collected on Friday night. Further

Saturday’s white collar boxing - Fin-

information will follow on when Paul

gallians v Naomh Barrog. A few tickets

will have his award on display in the

have been returned from Naomh Bar-

club for all the members.

rog and are now available at the club

Well done to our minor footballers

bar.

who got their championship campaign

Well done to our members who took

off to a winning start on Sunday morn-

part in the Dublin City Marathon on

ing.

bank holiday Monday.

The U-21 squad are meeting in the

football: rolestown club win third in a Row

Gazette

Malahide minors march to Synger win

ASDFASDSAF Club Noticeboard

club at 7pm on Tuesday night prior to

A reminder that this year’s AGM will be held on November 22 at 9pm.

training. The team will be managed

Bric a Brac Sale – Saturday, Novem-

by Jarleth Lennon, Stephen McNally,

ber 24 from 10am-1pm in the main hall.

Mick Kennedy and Gary McCallion. All

Each team will be taking a table.

qualifying members are welcome to attend.

The U-21 footballers are drawn away

The girls’ U-13s have signed up to do a cake sale. All teams mentors should contact Deirdre on dfinn@cisco.com.

to St Pat’s Donabate in the first round

The GAA Museum will be transformed

of the championship (further details

into a spooky den with witches, ghouls

to follow).

and wizards to welcome you during

Our Grupa Comhra meets every

the Halloween period.

Wednesday in the clubhouse at 9pm

Why not bring the kids and join

for a bit of craic and a chance to use

us during the Halloween mid-term

your Irish. Beginners are always wel-

break?

come. Piosa craic le piosa Gaeilge.

There are special museum and sta-

Failte roimh gach einne. It’s fun and

dium tour ticket offers during this

it’s free.

period, Saturday October 27 to Sun-

Congratulations to Jamie Finn who

day November 4 (inclusive).

plays with our U-16 girls team on being

Offers are valid for on-line book-

picked for the Ireland U-16 soccer

ing. To book tickets please visit http://

team to play England next week.

crokepark.visrez.com/ticket_book-

Best of luck from all in Fins and hope-

ing.

Ravens soar past St Mark’s challenge

St finian’s

mfc group stages

We are also holding a photo session

for €5. There are also social events

next Saturday at 11.30am at the club-

arranged every second month. Ring

house for anyone that missed the pre-

Jenny on 087 755 9499 for further

vious photo shoot.

details.

Fingal Ravens are hoping to repeat the exploits of the 2010 vintage as they fly high in the minor championship

Fingal Ravens 1-16 St Mark’s 1-7  sport@gazettegroup.com

FINGAL Ravens have guaranteed progression to the quarter finals of the minor championship with three solid wins including a first round victory over local rivals St Finian’s, a one-sided victory against Clontarf and most recently, a nine-point win over St Mark’s last Thursday.

The first half saw the Swords men start with some fine movement and distribution that had their opposition at sixes and sevens. However, Mark’s

drew first blood with an early goal which came through their forward line, leading manager Vinny Convery to putting midfielder Danny Murphy on a man marking mission on Mark’s main threat, their number 13.

Swords drew level with a goal of their own and managed to get back on terms, even going a point ahead despite firing seven wide, a clear sign of their dominance in the clash.

Knowing that nothing less than a win would guarantee their admission to the quarter finals, Ravens came out and played the same game in

the second half and with the absence of the wides from the first stanza, they put some distance between themselves and the opposition.

S e a n i e M c K e ow n banked a fine appearance on the day, while Cormac O’Neill constantly found himself in space to put points on the board.

Captain Ross Begg was as solid as ever and such was the dominance of his midfield partner Murphy, which Mark’s did not score until Convery took him off the pitch in the dying minutes, which allowed the side to bag their first points of the half

through their number 13.

“The work of Dave Mitchell has made such a dramatic difference in the way we’ve played since he’s come in as coach,” said Convery. “We kept plugging away and the movement of the forward line paid off in the end.”

“Danny Murphy’s man marking was so good that the player that he was on for the night came over and shook hands with myself and Ger Griffin after the match.”

“There are a few good teams still left in the mix, but if we keep our form up we can go a good distance,” he finished.

IT was a quiet week for fixtures with

pack please contact Frank Egan on

the only notable result being a one

secretary.stfiniansswords.dublin@

point win for our Minor footballers

gaa.ie or on 087 973 4883

against Clontarf on Friday night.

St Finians Ladies’ Social Nights meets

The club is producing a calendar

on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at

for next year, featuring photos from

8.15pm with different topics, crafts

many of our teams, taken when the

and speakers each month.

Sam Maguire trophy visited the club.

Refreshments & nibbles provided

Please remember that the AGM is

Please also keep the evening of

being held on November 22 in the club-

December 1 free as we are holding a

house. If you did not receive your AGM

Tea Party in the Community Centre.

Fingal ravens WELL done to the minor team who won their championship match away to St Mark’s last week.

town Hall.

Ever fancied yourself as a Lord or Lady Mayor? After a break of over

We are holding a poker classic on

two decades, Fingal Ravens are look-

Friday, November 23 at 9pm sharp

ing for suitable individuals to run for

in Kettle’s country house hotel

the esteemed office of Lord or Lady

(bar), €50 per ticket - 50% payout.

Mayor of Rolestown.

To reserve your ticket, please con-

The purpose of this is to help raise

tact Declan O’Brien on 086 2673830 or

funds to develop our club and its

Peter Kettle on 087 9957429.

facilities.

Our club AGM will be held on Thursday, November 29 at 8pm in Roles-

For more details, please contact Declan on 086-2673830.

GazetteSPORT all of your swords sports coverage from page 27-31

november 1, 2012

super celts: Another brilliant showing from Swords Dublin marathon delight: Annual race around the city U-18 side continues their top run in the DDSL P31 sees local runners star P29

Fingallians’ Paul Flynn with his 2012 GAA GPA All-Star Football award following his excellent form with Dublin throughout the 2012 season

Flynn gets All-Star nod Dublin’s solo All-Star believes the future is bright for Dublin with new crop of players and fresh management coming in for the 2013 season

 Peter Carroll

sport@gazettegroup.com

Paul Flynn was named as Dublin’s only AllStar for 2012 last week, winning the award for the second time consecutively on the back of his fantastic performances for Dublin in their run to the semi final of the All-Ireland senior football championship this year.

The Fingallians’ player spoke of his delight on receiving the award and his hopes for both club and county in the coming years.

“It’s a great feeling,” said the dynamic half forward. “It was a very competitive field and it was nice to get picked to represent the Dublin team amongst the selected panel.

“After such a hard year it’s always good to be recognised and it’s just a pity that I don’t have the All-Ireland medal to go with it this time.”

Flynn, who was widely regarded as the driving force behind Dublin’s attempt to retain the Sam Maguire, is looking forward to working with newly appointed manager and All-Ireland winner in 1995, Jim Gavin.

“He has a proven record of success,” said Flynn of Gavin. “He did fantastic things with the 21s and although I didn’t get a chance to work with him before, I’ve heard brilliant things about his approach to the game and I think we’ll be able to challenge for the AllIreland with him at the helm.”

Another big factor in Dublin’s chances of further All-Ireland glory lies in the players stepping up from the younger ranks, and Gavin is the ideal man to bring them into the squad according to Flynn.

“There’s a fantastic crop of young lads coming through, I think everyone in Dublin is excited about it and it’s just a question of how they manage the step up to senior level, but I think that will be easily done with a man of Jim Gavin’s experience,” said Flynn.

From county to club, although Flynn came up short along with his Fingallians’ teammates this year, the All-Star believes the side can bounce back and win the intermediate championship this year.

“I really believe in that group of lads. They had a fantastic run to the final and I think that we definitely have what it takes to win it next year,” he finished.

Fingallians’ chairman, John McGee also publicly congratulated Flynn and highlighted the important role he plays at the club.

“He is the consummate role model here at the club. We have 50 teams from nursery through all the age groups, girls and boys in hurling and football and he is an inspiration to every player involved at the club.

“Paul is the proof that hard work pays off, he’s a fantastic ambassador for the club and he thoroughly deserves the award,” said McGee.