Swords

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Figures suggest 2012 car sales saw Volkswagen see off its competitors

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

INSIDE: The Wright Venue says goodbye to 2012 and hello to 2013 with New Year’s Eve party P6-7

EU Presidency: Minister Varadkar on a huge opportunity for Ireland Page 8

Challenge: At a launch for new fitness campaign Football:

Darren Daly gets chance to impress Dubs Page 31

Review:

GazetteSport looks back on an epic 2012 Page 28-29

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

2011 All-Ireland winners and Dub-

lin Senior Footballers Bryan Cullen (Fingallians) and Paul Flynn with students Georgie Poynton and Jennifer Brown from Colaiste na hInse, Meath VEC at the launch of Aviva Health’s Schools’ Fitness Challenge 2013 – a national challenge for first and second year pupils to improve their health and fitness. Register your school for the challenge by January 18 on www. avivahealth.ie/fitnesschallenge

Swords comes 17th in cleanest towns list Anti litter survey shows Ireland doing as well as European cities

 Natalie Burke

Swords has taken a slot among the top 20 cleanest towns in Ireland. Of the 42 towns and cities monitored across the country

in the recent Irish Business Against Litter Campaign (IBAL), the north Dublin town came 17th for cleanliness levels over the course of 2012.

The campaign showed

that 80% of towns and cities in the country were as clean – if not cleaner – than their European counterparts last year.

IBAL chairman Dr Tom Cavanagh commented:

“We might have viewed ourselves traditionally as a less than tidy nation, but the results tell a different story.”

Full Story on Page 5

2 swords gazette 10 January 2013

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

council Spending plan is approved

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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Fingal County Council say one key priority is to improve the efficient delivery of services to all citizens

Fingal’s budget 2013 set to ‘deliver essential services’ A “comprehensive budget” which will see Fingal County Council “deliver essential services and social supports” throughout the county in 2013 has received the approval of the council.

In the report for the 2013 Annual Budget for FCC, county manager David O’Connor said one of his key priorities in 2013 is to maintain and continue to improve the efficient delivery of services to all citizens and so requires the council to “continue to be innovative [and] to focus on and encourage the social and economic development of the County at a time when the national economic

 laura webb lwebb@gazettegroup.com

climate remains challenging”.

The budget provides for a total expenditure of €218,577,900 and an income of €77,257,500.

The budget report states when the net incoming debit balance of €142,700 is taken into account, this leaves a net requirement of €141,463,100.

The allocation from the Local Government Fund is €19,593,000 and pen-

sion levy deductions are estimated at €3,293,800, leaving a balance of €118,576,300 to be levied from commercial rates.

Commercial rates, a property tax levied on over 5,700 ratepayers in Fingal, will remain unchanged at the 2012 level.

Payroll costs for the year are estimated to be €63.2m, a 24% reduction in four years.

Compliance with the 2012 household charge, which will be replaced by the property tax set to be introduced this July, was 68.8% in Fingal.

As of the end of November, over 59,800 householders had registered to pay the charge

with a further 2,291 registering for a waiver. In the report, the county manager thanks those who have paid and strongly urges those who have not to do so in order to “avoid incurring further late payment fees and penalty interests”.

The council is also looking at ways to save on the cost of the fire service for Fingal and is exploring “alternative options” for fire service delivery in the county. This paper recently reported that Fingal is looking to neighbouring councils to provide an alternative fire service.

Requests have been made to respective county managers in both Louth

and Meath to consider the possibility of providing the fire service for Fingal in the place of the current Dublin Fire Service run by Dublin City Council on behalf of the four Dublin councils.

The county manager said the adopted budget will “enable the council to meet its commitments and to maintain, at a reasonable standard, the public services, for the maintenance of which Fingal County Council as a local authority is responsible”.

The budget was adopted on December 18.

The full Budget is available to view online at www.fingalcoco.ie

Man fell to death from balcony in Tenerife A LOCAL man from Rush has died after falling from a thirdfloor balcony while on holiday in Tenerife.

Forty-two-year-old Robert Delves, who was holidaying with his wife and three children, as well as members of his extended

family, fell to his death from his holiday apartment at the popular Canary Island last week.

The incident took place at El Medano in Granadilla, in the south of the island.

Following the death of Mr Delves, police were continuing

to investigate the circumstances but it is believed that he accidentally fell from his balcony in the early hours of Wednesday, January 2.

According to media reports, Mr Delves is believed to have died at the scene despite resus-

citation attempts by emergency services.

The father of three was a director of a family printing business located in Dublin 4, and had celebrated his birthday just two days before he passed away.

10 January 2013 swords gazette 3

charity: record numbers join fingal volunteer centre in 2012

council

Road works delayed

Over 480 donate their time to help OVER 480 volunteers signed up with the Fingal Volunteer Centre last year, making 2012 a record year for volunteering in the local area.

Those who registered with Fingal Volunteer Centre contributed 21,544 hours to their community last year, with health and disability, office and animals proving to be the most popular areas of interest for volunteers.

Of those who signed up, 66% were female, and 55% had never volunteered before.

According to Stuart Garland, manager of Fingal Volunteer Centre, the team were thrilled to see a contin-

ued rise in the number of local people hoping to donate their time.

“Whilst 2012 was a challenging year for so many of us, it is heartening to see County Fingal residents remain as committed as ever to the local community, contributing an incredible 21,544 hours of voluntary effort last year,” he said.

“At Fingal Volun teer Centre, January is often a busy time. We see a peak in interest amongst those keen to volunteer for the New Year. Volunteering is a wonderful New Year’s resolution and now is an ideal time to give volunteering a go. It can be a great way of trying out

something new, getting active and meeting new people.

“With over 350 volunteering opportunities currently available in Fingal there is a volunteering role to suit all interests and availability,” he added.

F i n g a l Vo l u n t e e r Centre is a member of Volunteer Ireland, the national volunteer development agency and a representative body for 22 volunteer centres.

For more information about volunteering or to find out about volunteering opportunities in the Fingal area, log on to Fingal Volunteer Centre’s website www. volunteerfingal.ie.

Support in numbers: 50 years of caring for people with cancer siofra O’Sullivan (age five, from Bayside), Sebastian Reilly (age three, from Donnybrook) and Kyra Downey (age four, from Bayside) at the launch of the 50th year of the Irish Cancer Society. The society has grown into Ireland’s biggest health charity now raising more than €20m a year to provide care and information, carry out research and deliver services for people affected by cancer. With the help of thousands of volunteers and supporters, the society strives to ensure that fewer people get cancer and those that do get the best care, treatment, information and support. The society will officially launch the 50th year and its new five-year strategy – Towards a Future Without Cancer - on January 21.

Road works due to be completed this month at the Airport Roundabout to Dardistown Cemeter y have been delayed until September 2013.

T h e wo r k s t a k i n g place have been ongoing since January 2012, and were originally due to be completed this month but, according to Fingal County Council, they will continue until later this year.

The delay is due to unforeseen problems encountered in recent months, along with wet weather.

While cllr Darragh Butler (FF) was disappointed the works were not completed, he welcomed the fact that the “end is in sight”.

4 swords gazette 10 January 2013

FastNews

funding Special needs services targeted

Raffle raises €500 for Irish Guide Dogs

New library plans afoot

A total of €500 was raised in a recent Christmas raffle in Balbriggan, held in aid of the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Cuddles Petstore arranged the fundraiser, which was held on December 22. The winning tickets were picked by Tom O’Neill from the Balbriggan branch of the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Artist to exhibit selection of work at local library

 natalie burke

Local artist Enda O’Connor will be exhibiting a selection of his paintings at Balbriggan Library this month.

The exhibition will continue until Sunday, January 13. Admission is free and for more information, call the library on (01) 870 4401.

Art classes in Balbriggan ART classes with Derek Zeuss will be starting again this month in Balbriggan Library.

Classes will be held on the first eight Mondays of 2013, from 6pm to 8pm.

Participants will need to bring their own canvas and paints.

As there are only 10 places available, call the library at 01 870 4401 or 01 870 4402 for more details.

council: books for Donabate

Portmarnock Sports and Leisure Centre is among the Fingal groups set to receive the funding

Fingal groups set for €150,000 boost  natalie burke

F U N DI N G o f ove r €150,000 has been awarded to local Fingal community groups, as part of the National Lottery Funding Grant Scheme.

Eight different organisations in Fingal are set to benefit from the recently announced grant scheme, which will see improved services for people with health needs and requirements.

The funding, which will be awarded through the Department of Health, was welcomed by Fine Gael TD for Dublin North Alan Farrell.

“Each year, the National Lottery Grants are allocated to community health groups who provide a vital service at a community level for people with specific needs. In 2013, I am delighted to say

that eight organisations in Fingal will receive funds of up to €150,000 towards improving services for people with health needs, including mental health,” he said. “The main bulk of this funding will be going toward transport services for people with disabilities, mental health services and support for carers of children with special needs.”

Local organisations that will benefit from the grants include the North Fingal Rural Community Transport Ltd (NIFTI), w h i c h w i l l r e c e i ve €50,000 towards the cost of purchasing two wheelchair accessible buses. The Remember Us initiative in Balbriggan, a social group for young people with special needs, will receive €30,000 towards respite breaks, while Nurture Post Natal Depression

Support Services in Rush will receive €20,000 for start-up costs. Portmarnock Sports and Leisure Centre will also receive €15,000 to improve pool accessibility for wheelchair users.

Other worthy groups that will receive a grant include the Donabate Senior Citizen’s Group, which will receive €10,500, Littlesteps Drama Group in Swords which provide a programme for children with ASD (€7,500), and the recently established Snowflakes Autism Support (€7,500) to provide a library service of books and DVDs. “Improving services that are accessible nearby is vital for those who may need a helping hand. This concept is at the heart of the National Lottery Grants. I would like to commend the hard work

and dedication that is put toward providing these services, as well as the Department of Health for investing in and recognising the role that local services play in improving the quality of life and health of our community,” Deputy Farrell concluded.

On behalf of Colm Quigley, chairman of the Portmarnock Sports and Leisure Centre – one of the community groups receiving funding, a spokesperson has said the grant is warmly welcome by the locality.

“The funding is obviously very welcomed and much needed. It will be going towards making the facilities more accessible for everyone and modernising the facility.

It will involve a number of small changes that are well needed in the centre,” the spokesperson said.

DONABATE is set to see a new librar y in place before the end of the year.

This is according to Fingal County Council, which recently confirmed plans to build a new library facility in the area.

The library will be opened at the Donabate Portrane Community and Leisure Centre, and is set to be completed later this year.

The plans were confirmed at the December 2012 annual budget meeting, and were this week welcomed by local Fianna Fail councillor, Darragh Butler.

“I welcome the news that Fingal County Council plan to open a new library in Donabate. It didn’t come as a surprise as such, but we have been hoping for the news for some time.

“It is great news for the local community and it will be great for people who currently have to travel to the Swords librar y,” he said.

Part of the existing Donabate Community Centre will be refurbished to house the library, and plans are already under way.

Fingal County Council have also confirmed that they are considering options for a more suitable location for the existing Swords Library.

Although there are no immediate plans in place, the council said they will provide further details when work has progressed.

10 January 2013 swords gazette 5

anti litter drive Survey shows Irish cities as neat as European counterparts

Swords takes slot in top 20 cleanest towns list  natalie burke

SWORDS has been listed among the top 20 cleanest towns in Ireland in the Irish Business Against Litter Campaign (IBAL).

Of the 42 towns and cities that were monitored across

the country for cleanliness levels over the course of 2012, Swords was named as the 17th cleanest town at a ceremony held in Dublin this week.

Kilkenny came in first place and was closely followed by Cavan and Killar-

ney in the annual survey.

T he IBAL campaign showed that 80% of towns and cities in the country to be as clean – if not cleaner – than their European counterparts last year. Swords’ place in the top 20 towns meant that the town was

“cleaner than the European norm”.

Similarity Speaking at the awards ceremony IBAL chairman Dr Tom Cavanagh likened the progress made on litter in Ireland to that of road

safety.

“Each January, we hear the welcome news that the numbers killed on our roads have again fallen. In particular, the attitude to drink driving has been transformed in a way that would have seemed unthinkable

some years ago.

“There are parallels with the improvements we are now seeing in cleanliness levels. We might have viewed ourselves traditionally as a less than tidy nation, but the results tell a different story,” he said.

Admiration on a national scale as Keogh’s champion humble spud LOCAL producers Keogh’s is calling for the potato to be declared the national vegetable of Ireland.

The farm has presented a petition, which contains over 3,000 signatures, to Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Simon Coveney TD. Their petition follows the revelation of Bord Bia’s research that over 40,000 tonnes of potatoes will have been consumed this Christmas period, over the 12 weeks from November until the end of January. Bord Bia conducted the

Local TD Alan Farrell (FG) welcomed the new training scheme

jobs plan: 6,500 places available nationally

Training scheme news is welcomed  natalie burke nburke@gazettegroup.com

Local Fine Gael TD Alan Farrell has welcomed the provision of thousands of new training places for the longterm unemployed which will benefit people in Dublin North.

Educating and training positions are set to be provided for up to 6,500 people who are long-term unemployed, as part of a recently launched Government initiative.

The Momentum programme was launched

by Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn, and the Minister of State

for Training and Skills, Ciaran Cannon, and, according to Deputy Farrell, will be of huge benefit to the people of Dublin North.

“Under this initiative, a huge range of programmes will be provided by 36 education and training providers in the public and private sector. They will be spread right across the country, and will focus on the expanding employment areas of ICT, digital media, healthcare and social services, the green economy, food processing and sales and marketing.

“In [Dublin North], there are a range of

courses available including PRISM [sales and marketing training], food production, healthcare assistance, warehousing and manufacturing,” he said.

Projects

The TD said courses would be specifically tailored to meet the needs of the long-term unemployed, using international best practice to suit the Irish context.

For younger jobseekers, a range of activation projects will also be available for those aged under 25 to help them get into the workforce.

Farrell continued: “We have already seen some

progress in terms of employment figures; the number of people on the Live Register has fallen by more than 12,000 over the last year. Helping unemployed people access high quality and economically relevant training opportunities will help to turn around our jobs market.

“Momentum places an emphasis on strong labour market opportunities including significant work placement as an integrated part of courses.

Funding will only be provided for courses that supply needed skills, ensuring people are getting the training they need to get back to work,” he said.

research as part of their Potato Volume Projections report.

Tom Keogh, of Keogh’s Farm, said: “For generations, our family has been farming potatoes in north County Dublin, we eat, sleep and breathe potatoes.

Today is a wonderful day for us as we get to show Ireland’s love for the Irish potato on a national scale and present this petition to the government in the hope that this fantastic vegetable can be given the official title of National Vegetable of Ireland.”

6 swords Gazette 10 January 2013

gazetteGALLERIES

Kristian Boyd, Charlie Johnston, Michael Wilkinson and Jonathan Boyd. Pictures: David White

party time: goodbye 2012, hello 2013

Putting on the glitz

Rachael Wallace and Paul O’Neill

T

Kelsey Goodman and Patrick Clarke

Janice McQuillan and Barry Nolan

HERE was plenty of glitz and glamour to ring in the New Year at the Wright Venue’s New Year’s Eve Hollywood Ball.

Over 2,000 party people descended on one of the biggest parties of the country in their best outfits, and danced the night away into the new year.

Spin1038’s DJs played some of the best tracks

of the year, across all 12 areas of the club, and there was also a spectacular stage show to keep the crowds entertained.

Miss Ireland Rebecca Maguire also joined the party-goers on the night.

As the crowds said goodbye to 2012 and said a big hello to 2013, the music continued into the late hours.

10 January 2013 swords Gazette 7

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Lord Mayor of Dublin Naoise O’Muiri reads some of the New Year’s Resolutions to his daughters Ailbhe and Briona. Pictures: Brendan Duffy

Resolutions: kick-starting the new year with the big brunch

M

ANY people gathered at The Big Brunch at the Meeting House Square in Temple Bar on New Year’s Day as part of the New Year’s Eve Dublin festivities. The event featured a children’s entertainment zone, and the crowd was encouraged to place their New Year’s Resolution on the Resolution Tree, and take part in the free outdoor dance classes.

Caitriona Lynch ties her New Year’s Resolution to the tree

Emmeline Duffy

Eile and Iseult Caffrey

Dell Ward with Robyn and Charlotte Ward Pratt Laura Ricicles Rice with Charlotte and Rebecca Maguire

8 SWORDS GAZETTE 10 January 2013

FASTNews

OPINION ‘EU Presidency is a huge opportunity for us’

Getting to grips with business information FINGAL County Enterprise Board will be hosting a free lunchtime session, Start-Up Supports: A Business Information Briefing, later this month.

The briefing will assist people who are considering establishing a new business or have recently set one up.

The lunchtime meeting will be held from 12 noon until 2pm on Monday, January 21, at the Fingal Business Training Centre, on Main Street, Swords. Attendance is free of charge but booking is essential.

A Start Your Own Business programme will also be held by the County Enterprise Board in January. The 10-week part-time course will consist of a series of workshops designed to give a foundation for starting a new business.

The course will take place on Tuesday evenings from 6.30pm until 9.30pm, also at the training centre. Places on the course cost €150 and for further details, or to book, visit the board’s website at www.fingalceb.ie.

Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore, Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Minister of State for European Affairs Lucinda Creighton watch as the European flag is raised over Dublin Castle. Minister for Transport, Tourism and

Recycle your Christmas tree FINGAL County Council will continue to accept Christmas trees for recycling at a number of designated dropoff collection points in Dublin North until January 18.

Communities in Swords, Donabate or Portrane can deposit their trees at the Outlands Parks Depot on the Rathbeale Road; Estuary Recycling Centre; The Square in Donabate, and The Brook in Portrane.

The communities of Balbriggan, Skerries, Rush and Lusk can deposit trees at Bath Road car park, South Strand Lay-By in

Skerries, Hayestown Depot in Rush or the Ball Alley car park in Lusk.

Other green waste such as Christmas tree stands will not be accepted.

Fingal CC at exhibition A LOCAL school is exhibiting at the BT Young Scientist Exhibition from, Thursday, January 10.

Fingal Community College will present their projects: “Could any change in the level of water hardness be explained by increased amounts of C02 in the atmoshphere?” and “To investigate the best tablet dissolver”.

Sport Leo Varadkar (inset) will be using the Presidency to promote Ireland as a tourist destination

Key goal to help Ireland and EU out of the financial crisis  LEO VARADKAR Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

IRELAND takes over the EU Presidency for the first half of 2013, and Ireland will be at the heart of European decisionmaking.

This is a huge opportunity for all of us, and the Government is determined to make the most of it. We have looked closely at how we can use the Presidency to deliver stability, jobs and growth.

For six months, I will be joining the other Irish Government Ministers in chairing EU Council meetings and negotiating agreements.

The theme of the Irish presidency is Jobs, Stability and Growth.

Our Presidency coincides with the 40th anniversary of Ireland joining the European Economic Community. In 1973 there were just nine members, which has since grown to a Union of 27.

Hundreds of politicians, dignitaries and officials will visit Ireland between January and June. As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I will be inviting them all to return again before the end of the year. I will also be using the Presidency at every opportunity to promote Ireland as a tourist destination on the world stage.

In transport, I will be pushing for better road safety standards across the European Union. In fact, the new Road Safety Strategy will be launched at a European conference being held in Dublin.

The Irish Presidency will be driving measures at European level to help job creation. We will promote new measures to combat unemployment by providing training and skills, particularly for young people. We plan to develop the single market, and help Irish trade.

We will also aim to boost the digital economy and

provide the jobs of the future.

We will be arguing for better trade relations with countries around the world, particularly with the United States, and trying to open up new markets. And in Ireland, we want to improve competitiveness for small and medium enterprises.

A large number of major events will be held in Dublin during the presidency. The European Union has transformed Dublin city and county since Ireland joined the EU in 1973.

It has helped to build the M50, LUAS Red Line, provided more than 100 Dublin buses and helped to upgrade train and DART services.

EU funding has improved water treatment and quality with over €300 million invested in Dublin’s water supply and treatment systems.

Dublin has also benefited from the EU-funded scheme to improve

broadband access.

EU financial support has helped to renovate some of Dublin’s liveliest areas, including Dublin Castle, Temple Bar and the Docklands.

Social services in Dublin have also received significant support. Some €150 million was used to increase childcare services in Dublin city and county between 20022008, and Dublin will get a massive share of the €375 million set aside for 2007-2013 to boost employment opportunities, and access to education and training.

Dublin business will also be able to benefit from the €300 million allocated by the European Investment Bank to Irish banks, in order to lend to small and medium size businesses.

Our third level institutions will benefit from €600 million in EU funding under the EU Financial Framework for Research and Tech-

nological Development, with UCD, TCD, and DIT already benefiting.

One of our key goals for the Presidency will be to help Ireland, and Europe, out of the financial crisis. The aim is to create a new system to coordinate the economic and budgetary policies of member states. It is complex, and we must get it right, but if we do it can help to restore stability and growth.

We must also ensure that Europe has a banking system that is fit for purpose and that we never have to face again a financial crisis like the one we have endured. That is why we will be prioritising new proposals on a banking union.

Over the past 40 years, Ireland has won the reputation for running efficient and impartial presidencies, for focusing on results and on the wider European interest.

In 2013 we intend to do better again.

10 January 2013 swords gazette 9

good news Car hire firm in recruitment drive

40 new jobs at Enterprise Rent-A-Car  natalie burke

nburke@gazettegroup.com

A p p r o x i m a t e ly 40 new jobs have been announced by Enterprise Rent-A-Car in Ireland, which will include two locations in Dublin North.

The company made the announcement earlier this week and stated that they are expanding their business in Ireland.

The car hire company will hire 40 full time staff in the coming months and will be looking for a

further 15 part-time staff, and over 50 part-time workers in its 22 branches across Ireland. Enterprise Rent-A-Car has locations at both North Street Business Park, Swords, and at Dublin Airport.

The newly announced roles will be open to graduates of any discipline, as Enterprise Rent-A-Car has an award-winning graduate management training.

Over 120 full-time staff are already employed by the company, which has a “promote from within”

culture which sees that all full-time employees start out in the management training programme.

Speaking at the jobs announcement, George O’Connor, managing director of Enterprise Rent-A-Car in Ireland, said: “When we started Enterprise Rent-A-Car in Ireland 16 years ago, primarily working with the insurance companies and the AA, there were just the two of us.

We had about 10 cars in our fleet then. We are delighted, 16 years later,

The Enterprise Rent-A-Car team

that we are continuing our expansion with year on year growth for the past number of years.

“We now have over 3,000 cars and vans on the road and we will employ 160 people by the end of the year in a full-time capacity. The business and the country

has changed a lot in the last 16 years and Enterprise has listened to its customers and continued to be flexible and in doing so has survived and grown through the recession.

“We have the best sales and service teams in the country and we have

the Highest in car rental customer satisfaction’ according to JD Power & Associates in their annual survey. We delivered on our promise and we delivered on price, and that has driven profitability for the company with double-digit growth in the last two years.”

grant wait Free food boxes for students STUDENT Unions across the country will be providing food boxes for those still waiting on grant assistance.

With over 5,500 thirdlevel students from across Dublin and Ireland still without grant assistance, the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) has encouraged all student unions to provide whatever assistance they can to those now looking to them for their basic needs.

The initiative comes after the news emerged that 5,575 students have not yet received their first grant payment. While some unions will be providing basic assistance with food, and some setting up soup kitchens, students face a second term of the year without financial help.

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

10 swords gazette 10 January 2013

gazetteGALLERY

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Susan O’Kelly and Eoin McCullagh

Carol Doyle and Lucci Minx dressed up for the Radio Nova Christmas party

Radio Nova pump up the volume and party R

ADIO Nova kicked off the festive season in style last month with a Christmas party, which they held especially for dedicated listeners.

All of the Radio Nova DJs and staff joined the crowds at Cafe en Seine, and they partied into the early hours

Mary O’Sullivan

of the next day with live music from The Shoos, as well as some of the greatest hits played by the station’s own DJs. All of the staff and listeners enjoyed letting their hair down for the night and getting into the festive spirit.

Kevin Branigan, Elaine Leonard and Jeff O’Brien

Danielle Reilly

Monika Masarova and Peter Ondrus

Yvonne Moore and Liam McCormack

10 January 2013 Gazette 11

festival 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

asdfsdaf business P27 P16

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diary P12

charity: Age Action launches cast-off appeal

Transform unwanted gift into much-needed funds

Christmas is a time for giving, so it’s inevitable that some gifts, for whatever reason, might end up being forgotten about or left gathering dust.

With this in mind, a number of charities are hoping that some of these cast-offs can be donated to their cause so they can go to worthy homes, or help with providing funds for these struggling organisations. As the say-

ing goes, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

Age Action has launched an appeal for unwanted Christmas gifts to provide muchneeded funds for their work with older people.

Age Action spokesman Eamon Timmins, said: “Whether it is a jumper or blouse, a piece of jewellery or a DVD, rather than leave it sitting in the bottom of the wardrobe for the next 12

months, please consider donating it to an Age Action shop.

“We can transform an unwanted gift into much-needed funds which will enable us continue our work with some of Ireland’s most vulnerable older people.”

Unwanted gifts are being accepted at Age Action shops, including the one located at 30/31 Lower Camden Street,

Dublin 2, 48 Upper George’s Street, Dun Laoghaire.

Meanwhile, Gorta, Ireland’s longest-established overseas development agency, is also appealing to the public to donate their unwanted gifts to its charity shops.

Items can be delivered to Gorta’s two charity shops located at 136 Capel Street and 32 Liffey Street, Dublin.

Broadcaster George Hook joined Age Action volunteers for a Christmas Lunch

Gazette

12 Gazette 10 January 2013

dublinlife

diary

BHP has choosen a charity partner Adi Roche’s Chernobyl Children International (CCI) has been announced as the charity partner for the annual BHP Insurance Irish Champion Hurdle event at Leopardstown on Sunday, January 27.

In conjunction with t h e r a c e , BH P h a s undertaken to arrange a lunch event each year to be held in the Leopardstown Pavilion with all profits being donated to CCI. Adi Roche, chief executive of Chernobyl

Children International says: “We are absolutely delighted to be chosen

by BHP as their charity partner for 2013. This exciting event will be a great success and what better way to support the work of our charity, than a day out at the races.”

Tables of 10 cost €1,000 which includes entry to the race meeting, race card, wine reception with tips from a panel of experts and a four-course lunch with wine and enter tain-

ment.

For further details, email mduff@chernobyl-ireland.com or visit chernobyl-international.com, and the Chernobyl Children International Facebook page.

Fun times back at the RDS with funderland Fun times are back at the RDS, with Funderland taking centre stage at the city centre venue until January 13.

It’s a tradition for families to brush off the

post-Christmas blues by taking part in some fairground fun.

It opened on St Stephen’s Day and has been generating some great entertainment for revellers ever since, but this weekend is its last before it says goodbye for another year.

This year, Funderland has changed slightly, with wristbands being made available allowing access to all of the rides.

For more information, email info@funderland. com or telephone (01) 283 8188.

devito set for film festival The Jameson Dub-

Pat Keogh, chief executive, Leopardstown Racecourse, Adi Roche, chief executive Chernobyl Children International, jockey Bryan Cooper and Mark Phelan, managing director, BHP Insurances. Picture: Brian McEvoy

lin International Film Festival will welcome acting legend Danny DeVito to Ireland this February.

The actor was confirmed as a special tribute for the event just weeks ago, which will take place in Dublin from February 14 until

February 24.

It was also revealed that he will be presented with the Volta Career Achievement Award.

The award, which was named after Ireland’s first cinema – the Volta Picture Theatre on Dublin’s Mary Street – has previously been won by

actors Al Pacino, Daniel Day-Lewis and Gabriel Byrne.

Special tickets for the festival are currently available from w w w. jdiff.com at an early bird rate of €195, giving ticket goers the opportunity to watch the best in Irish and international cinema, as well as a chance to walk the red carpet and attend some after-show parties, too.

six-day trad festival The eighth Temple Bar TradFest, Dublin’s biggest festival of Irish music and culture, is set to take place this month.

Over 200 free events are organised for this year’s festival, including a children’s club, street performers and a music trail.

Some of the musicians lined up to per form include Denis Cahill and Maura O’Connell, and unusual venues such as Christ Church, St Patrick’s Cathedral and the rotunda of City Hall will be included as performance areas.

Temple Bar TradFest takes place from January 22 until 27 in the Cultural Quarter, Dublin 2.

For more information, see www.templebartrad. com.

10 January 2013 Gazette 13

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14 Gazette 10 January 2013

dublinlife

Scheme to support the arts

FEATURES Do your bit and recycle your packaging waste

The Rehab Group launched a grant scheme last week to support those with disabilities in the arts.

The Visual and Performing Arts Fund is a major grant scheme which will give out €150,000 over the next five years to those successful applicants who wish to further their artistic study or gain a first foothold in an artistic career.

Those specialising in artistic disciplines such as painting, sculpture, graphic art, film, drama, dance and music can apply for the grant, which is open to anyone over 17 who meets Rehab’s entry criteria. The closing date for applications is the end of February 2013.

Repak is encouraging the people of Dublin to do their bit this New Year by recycling their Christmas packaging waste, and using their new smartphones to assist in the process.

Over the festive period, it is believed that Dublin generated approximately 19,758 tonnes of used packaging waste of which Repak is aiming to recycle over half.

According to the organisation, whose aim it is to facilitate and extend packaging recycling, Dublin households consumed 12 million Christmas gifts, enough beer bottles to cover the route to Lapland and back over five times and

First Fortnight festival: Making some noise for mental health pictured at the launch of the First Fortnight mental health arts

festival in front of street art by artist Friz were Michael Pope from Le Galaxie, Heathers band members Ellie and Louise MacNamara, actor Pat Kinevane and Box of Frogs cast members Mary McEvoy, Dil Wickremasinghe and John Moynes. The First Fortnight festival aims to challenge mental health stigma and will run for 10-days until January 12. Artists taking part include Sopranos actor Joey Pantoliano, Le Galaxie, We Cut Corners and contemporary artist Stuart Semple. See www.firstfortnight.ie.

enough chocolate whose calories converted to kilowatt hours would run 866,255 houses’ electricity for Christmas day.

To start their 2013 campaign, Repak aims to fund the collection and recycling of 37,000 tonnes of the Christmas packaging used over the holiday period. Meeting their target of packaging recycling could save 46,000 tonnes of carbon – the equivalent of taking 29,900 cars off the road for a year.

With the increase in consumption during Christmas, the demands on recycling facilities and bottle banks has massively increased.

Darrell Crowe, head of sales and market-

ing at Repak said: “Last Christmas, we collectively increased our household packaging recycling rate by over 7% from 2010.

With the Christmas festivities, people will have more used packaging to recycle than normal, placing more pressure on recycling collection infrastructure.

“To help people find outlets for this excess used packaging, Repak have developed a Recyclemore smartphone app. This helps users find information on your nearest recycling facility or alternate bottle bank on the Recyclemore app making recycling more convenient than ever particularly when out and about.”

10 January 2013 Gazette 15

GAZETTE

16 GAZETTE 10 January 2013

DUBLINLIFE

Q&A

BUSINESS

Supported

by AIB

Teaching kids money Continued from last week

DIGITAL BUSINESS SERVICES, CLONDALKIN

A local success story CLONDALKIN-based Digital Business Services are a great success story in local commerce. Originally started in a small basement with one printer in Dublin 2 in 1998, the company moved to its current location in 2001, and has gone from strength to strength ever since.

The brainchild of directors Brendan and Karen Donaghy, graduates of the IT boom in Ireland in the last 20 years, the company provide both large and small format digital print services, as well as a whole range

of products, from banners to business cards. Understanding that continuous investment in new technology is essential to meet their customers’ demands, they recently invested in a state-of-the-art GP FB500 printer.

Recently, Digital Business Services were chosen as one of 10 SME winners to benefit from the Optimise Fund, a prize fund which enables companies to benefit from consultation, training and e-commerce development, thus strengthening their online presence.

How long have you been in business?

their print requirements.

Digital Business Services Limited (DBSL) has been established since 1998. We are a print and sign company and are 100% Irish-owned.

We operate out of a small premises in Centrepoint Business Park, just off the Nangor Road. Our client base ranges, from small-end users, to print brokers and larger organisations.

What makes your business successful?

I believe our success is due to hard work, dedication and constant innovation. We are constantly looking to the future and trying to improve our services for our customers which we have demonstrated by our investment in new equipment. Our new HP FB500 enables us to print onto virtually any surface. It enables us to print faster, but without any compromise on print quality, thus improving workflow. We have also purchased a new Seiko 64” Digital printer for producing outdoor signage, vehicle signage and decals.

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

We offer exceptional value for money and very competitive prices.

We have a very fast turnaround, and will work with the client in relation to their requirements. We do not have a minimum charge and we also accept short runs and one offs. We will also work with the customer in relation to design and customising

How has the recession impacted your business?

The recession had a big impact, and like everyone, we were hit with bad debts, and clients taking a long time to pay for outstanding jobs, which impacted on cashflow. The margins have shrunk dramatically.

Our staff are working harder than ever for less money, but are still very committed to making the business work. We have had our ups and downs, but we are still here and are more determined than ever.

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

We are quite new to social media, and as we are a small, busy company, we did not have the time to commit to it. However, since becoming a winner in relation to the Optimise Fund, we have embarked on a lot of e-commerce/social media training, and the benefits are there to be seen.

You need to invest a lot of time and energy initially, but we are hoping that the work undertaken will pay off as we get more confident in using the various social media which will enable us to get more traffic to our website.

What is the best piece of business advice you ever received?

Never look back in regret. Don’t let a setback be a bad experience, make it a learning curve.

MONEY is a family thing and children should be versed in the basic concepts from as early an age as possible.

Your approach and attitude to money will influence your children. Pocket money is a good way of starting that process.

In Ireland today, our children really do not appreciate some of the hardship parents went through and are currently experiencing. My one-liner to my own children was not believed “we were so poor, the first time I saw a butcher’s shop, I thought there was an accident!”

In some respects this is a pity because parents’ values are generally so much different to their children’s.

Clearly, what you don’t want to do is worry your children about money unduly. Still, I believe there is a lot to be said for showing them where your income comes from, and what you then do with it.

When your children realise how well you manage money, they can’t fail to be proud of you. Naturally, they will grow up not just wanting to be debt free and rich enough to retire when young – but actually understanding how this can and could be achieved. What better legacy could you leave?

Adversely, if you have been caught out in the property crash, your business collapsed or you are unemployed, it is equally important to share your losses with your children and let them know and see how you are coping and managing. As our Taoiseach said “it’s not your fault” if you have been caught out. Your children may even be able to help out – turning off lights, shutting doors, the paper round (a blast from the past) etc...

Don’t let them leave home without good money habits and a genuine understanding of how money works.

 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

WEBSITE: RETAILERS INVITED TO RENT SPACE ONLINE

Click your way to a new virtual shopping centre A NEW virtual shopping centre, launched in December, is renting out “space” to interested retailers who wish to diversify into the online market.

Any business in Ireland or overseas can become part of the online shopping centre – ShoppingCentre.ie – by registering at the site.

Jurgita Glodeny te, owner of ShoppingCentre.ie, said: “We use a flexible approach and will accommodate every business. We are offering the first month free for now, and maybe we’ll keep this offer open indefinitely.”

The site was designed to unite large and small retailers, service providers and other sellers on one website where customers can browse the collection of shops and interact with them directly.

The aim of the site, says Jurgita, is to make it simple for customers to browse and buy online.

Customers are able to shop locally, regionally or globally from many shops around Dublin, Ireland and overseas on the site.

Users can choose multiple items from different stores, put them into one shopping cart and purchase using PayPal. The sellers then send the products directly to the buyer as instructed.

The innovative website is tailor-made to make local shopping easier and plans are afoot to expand the site to incorporate shopping centres in all counties in Ireland.

At present, shopping centres in Blackrock and Swords are involved.

There are 21 stores currently live on the site, with 35 lined up to come

Jurgita Glodenyte, owner of ShoppingCentre.ie

online in the near future.

Jurgita added: “In these tough times, where footfall – crucial to every ‘bricks and mortar’ retailer – is declining consistently, ‘clickfall’ is growing, and fast becoming the new avenue for every business expansion.

“ShoppingCentre. ie expects massive and immediate growth in online sales in 2013.”

For further information and to avail of the free month’s offer, contact Jurgita on 087 783 0230, or email her at shop@shoppingcentre.ie.

10 January 2013 Gazette 17

cinema P20

asdfsdaf P27 TRAVEl P24

OUT&ABOUT Never be out of the loop on what’s happening in Dublin! Let Out&About be your guide to all that is stylish, cultural and essential across the city and beyond this week

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style P18

Theatre can you give dan a home?

Health expert and nutritionist Nicola Murphy: There is no better time to launch ourselves into a health kick than the early days of January

a new year: shedding those excess pounds left over after the holiday season

Making sensible resolutions  natalie burke

Since the annual Christmas splurge has finally come to an end and the overindulgence in food and drink almost a memory, we are all feeling the effects and hoping to rid ourselves of the festive pounds gained in recent weeks. But along with the New Year comes a list of resolutions that are hugely optimistic but rarely successful.

According to nutritionist and health expert with Wholefoods, Ireland’s largest supplier of health food, Nicola Murphy, there is no better time to launch ourselves into a health kick than the early days of January. The most important thing is to make sensible and attainable New Year’s resolutions.

“How many years have you made a long list only to have forgotten all of

them in a few weeks? The most important thing is to build new habits that will last throughout the year. Ease into your New Year regime. The most important thing to do initially is to stimulate recovery in the body after all the over indulgence,” she said.

The first step Nicola advises people to take is to reduce the burden on your digestive system.

“It has been under tremendous stress coping with copious amounts of food over the festive season. Imagine: it is estimated that the average person eats at least 6000 calories on Christmas Day alone! Is it any wonder that bloating and constipation result? It is time to cut out the processed junk food. Introduce plenty of fruit and vegetables into the diet. Aim to drink 1.5 litres of water per day,” she said.

The next step is to “rescue your liver”, which Nicola says can be achieved by ridding your body of toxins.

“After all that mulled wine and bubbly, your liver will feel a bit battle-worn.

Try drinking the juice of half a lemon in a glass of warm water first thing every morning. This can gently aid the liver detoxing process as well as reducing acidity in the body.

“Many people take to the gym with gusto in January but often enthusiasm burns out after a few weeks,” Nicola continued. “Try taking gentle steps by getting out walking or cycling first.

The cold and darkness of January can result in far from optimal energy levels so it may be a good time to boost your reserves of energy essential nutrients.

“Terra Nova Life drink contains highly absorbable vegetable proteins,

supergreens such as wheatgrass and broccoli sprouts, a huge selection of berries, mushrooms, essential fatty acids, digestive enzymes and probiotics. This perfectly balanced superfood blend provides a fantastic array of beneficial nutrients. This should certainly give you the get up and go to get your body moving.”

According to the nutritionist, the most popular of New Year resolutions is, unsurprisingly, to lose weight.

“New Year provides the ideal time to start afresh! Of course working on incorporating natural fresh foods into the diet and banishing the junk foods almost entirely from the diet is essential.

Allow yourself the odd treat. Balancing blood sugar levels is key to controlling cravings. Try eating some protein with each meal as it slows glucose release from carbohydrates,” she said.

DUBLIN Gazette Newspapers has teamed up with Dogs Trust, Ireland’s largest dog welfare charity, to help find homes for unwanted and abandoned dogs.

Our Dog of the Week is Dan, a two-year-old male crossbreed. Dan is both big in size and heart and is willing to shower his friends with loads of love and affection.

This clever boy likes to keep busy so would appreciate an active home with big kids 10+.

He finds being left alone quite worrying so would need company and a patient adopter who has experience with large dogs and a willingness to help with his training and socialisation.

Dashing Dan is a huge favourite in Dogs Trust and would make a really great addition to the right family.

If you think you can give Dan all the love he deserves then give the Dogs Trust reception a call on 01-879 1000 or pop in to their rehoming centre based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50.

Map and directions can be found on their website www.dogstrust.ie.

Gazette

18 Gazette 10 January 2013

OUT&ABOUT

STYLE Dunnes Stores Abstract Dress €50

Penneys Skull Top €11

Penneys Printed Trousers €17

Beauty news

Y Facettes Palette Eyes €57

Awear Blazer €65

Accentuate your 2013 look with colour, colour, colour  Laura Webb

Awear Monopop top €30

Great looks for spring COLOUR, monopop and abstract clothing are just some of the many new items that are being stocked at shop stores now, or will be in the coming weeks.

This week, Gazette Style chose a few

gems that will have you feeling spring ready, whether following the Awear monopop top (above) or any of the other great looks featured here in this welcome trend.

Littlewoods Ireland South Dip Dye €19

PUT a spring in your step next season and take a pop at some fresh, bold colours in your make-up routine.

Taking a look at what’s to come this spring, the one thing we can see, and wouldn’t expect any less, is colour, colour and more colour.

Lancome’s new Love collection is bringing back bright pop pink.

Their shades are drawn from street-art murals mixed with natural surroundings; neon from city signs, and pastel tones from balcony flowers – just some of the inspirations this make-up giant has brought to this col-

lection.

Yves Saint Laurent’s new 2013 spring/summer collection is inspired by precious stones such as pink quartz and amethyst. It celebrates dusty hues in pink and natural blues.

Whether a bold, bright colour on the eyelids, or placed on the lips, think colour this season to brighten up your day.

Lancome’s In Love Sugar Rose

10 January 2013 Gazette 19

Gazette

MUSIC FASTtunes

with Radio Nova’s Dee Woods

Three you may have missed: Big KRIT (main picture), monsters of rock Baroness (top) and New York dolls, Hospitality

REVIEW: the next big things you may have missed in 2012

Rear view mirror  Rob Heigh

IT’S SIMPLY impossible to keep track of everything going on in music at all times, try as I might. It turns out that the gift that keeps on giving during the festive season and beyond are the end of year lists that magazines, websites and bloggers post, revealing hidden gem upon hidden gem. To the extent that even these lists are a curse — so many lists, so little time...

As a result, I’ve limited myself to only four lists and decided to pick the pick of the picks...

First out of the gates, in more senses than one, are New York four-piece, Hospitality. They released their self-titled debut at

 ROB heigh rheigh@gazettegroup.com

the start of 2012, and that it’s remained off my radar until now is a sin.

They have an indie summer shimmer like classic nineties guitar pop and the occasional reveal of angularity that feels like the Velvet Underground and Liz Phair.

Like my other top indie pick of the year, Allo Darling, there’s something bigger than the sum of its parts here, a melodic thread that makes the discordant break downs

more surprising and welcome.

From one extreme to another, now, and let me introduce Baroness. Hailing from Savannah, Georgia, REM they ain’t.

They rock. They rock hard. Pitched somewhere between Deftones and Smashing Pumpkins, Baroness have been plying their trade on stages across the world for the last few years, and released Yellow And Green, a double album, in early summer last year The revelation of their 2012 power and glory recalls the moment when Metallica dropped ...And Justice For All. It looks, feels and sounds like metal, but there’s something far more going on.

From the first bars of opener Take My Bones Away, Baroness exude all of the traits of every great metal act; in particular, they have songs, and damn good ones at that.

Hopefully, the serious bus crash in England that ended their touring ambitions for the year will not diminish their ambition, and they will come back stronger, and to the size of an audience that they undoubtedly deserve.

Last, and by no means least, we stay in the South and hail hip hop hero, Big KRIT, currently dropping some of the most impressive rhymes and productions on the scene.

Having built an impressive and rich back catalogue of mixtapes, guest

appearances on tracks by some of the biggest names in the business and production credits over the course of the last eight years, KRIT released two full-length sets in 2012: the official album, Live From The Underground, and the arguably superior mixtape, 4evaNaDay. 4eva features some of the freshest production since Kanye’s College Dropout, which KRIT clearly took as an influence here, but there is a unique flow at work, a blend of tough hip hop and smooth soul-influenced instrumentation that would put Outkast to shame.

So many songs, so little time - but these three gems will keep shining.

Happy New Year!

2013 is the Chinese year of the snake, but it’s got to be year of the sound for the Irish.

If your new year’s resolution is to eat healthily or if you’re hungry for a decent live gig, then feed your soul with one (or all!) of the massive concerts coming to our shores this year. If it’s big names you’re into, then you don’t have to go too far to see a superstar.

Eric Clapton is celebrating 50 years as a professional musician with a show at The O2 on May 9, a month before Neil Young and Crazy Horse play the RDS. The 67-year-old is touring with his 35th album, Psychedelic Pill, and will play the Donnybrook venue on June 15 — the same day Bon Jovi are set to rock Slane Castle.

Two weeks later Rod Stewart will take to the stage at the RDS, on June 29, two days after ZZ Top rock The Marquee in Cork (June 27).

Told you there were superstars coming our way this year!

And that’s not to mention Slash, Blondie and Simple Minds all set to play dates at The Olympia in the first half of this year, with the second half of 2013 bringing with it the magnificent fusion of rock and theatre in the form of Roger Waters’ The Wall Live at The Aviva on September 15.

And of course there’s Bruce Springsteen with his hat trick of gigs in Cork, Limerick and Belfast in July which sold out quicker than you can say “Wrecking Ball”.

And these are just the gigs that have been announced! It’s still early days for 2013, with tour dates from The Rolling Stones expected soon and who knows who else?

2013 is most definitely the year of the sound! Sounds sound to me!

Simple Minds and (above) ZZ Top return to Irish stages this summer

Gazette

20 Gazette 10 January 2013

OUT&ABOUT

CINEMA

Theatre

THE pavilioN THEATRE 01 231 2929 Snow White

FOR their 10th annual panto at Pavilion Theatre, Arclight bring you their twist on the classic tale of Snow White. The wicked Queen is jealous of Snow White’s beauty and sends her off to be murdered by the Horrible Hairy Huntsmen. January 22-26, tickets are priced at €16/€12.

Draiocht 01 885 2622 Aladdin

IN the town of Soo Chow lives Widow Twanky, a washerwoman, and her sons Aladdin and Wishee Washee. January 4-6, 10-13 and 17-20, tickets are priced at €20/€16.

CIVIC THEATRE 01 462 7477 Tenderfoot

In September 2012, 42 transition year students from eight schools in South County Dublin signed on for their first day of Tenderfoot, the Civic Theatre’s apprentice theatre programme. Transition year is all about new experiences and new ways of learning.

Tenderfoot is funded by The Civic Theatre, South Dublin County Arts Office and The Arts Council’s Young Ensemble Scheme. Running for two shows on Thursday, January 24 and Friday, January 25, tickets are priced at €10 with €5 concessions.

Lincoln is beautifully shot by long-time Spielberg collaborator Janusz Kasminski

review: An american icon’s take on an american icon’s life

An honest classic AFTER quite a good 2012, 2013 has a bit to live up to. I mean, how could the highs of Battleship be topped?

I kid, Battleship is terrible and everyone involved (bar Liam Neeson and the three lads from Friday Night Lights) should never be allowed make a film again.

However, based on this evidence, 2013 is off to a flier.

With Lincoln, the world’s most iconic director (Steven Spielberg) teams with the world’s best actor (Daniel DayLewis) and drags in an all-star cast, a revered book and the writer of Spielberg’s best film of the last decade, Munich.

Eschewing the early years, the log cabin and the start of the American Civil War, Spielberg’s film instead focuses on the final four months of the life of the 16th President of the United States.

Film of the Week: Lincoln h h h h h (12) 150 mins Director: Steven Spielberg Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, David Strathairn, Tommy Lee Jones, Joseph Gordon Levitt, James Spader

 Paul Hosford phosford@gazettegroup.com

Bogged down in his attempts to get the 13th Amendment to the Constitution passed, the film tells the story of the Lincoln that time has forgotten; the skilled politician, the savvy negotiator.

In the rush to annoint him Honest Abe, the caricature of a wide-eyed idealist, a man of unimpeachable morals and guidance emerged.

What that portrayal has lost and what this film, along with its source material (the frankly excellent Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by historian Doris Kearns Goodwin) regain is a

OUR VERDICT: A SWEEPING, glorious classic. Spielberg is not the only man who could have turned in a telling of the life of Honest Abe, but he is undoubtedly the best. His sentiment, his vision and his ability to capture the feeling of even the biggest situations are all to the fore here. He is aided by brilliant performances all round and, while Day-Lewis and Field will take the plaudits, Straithairn is brilliant.

sense of a man willing to use the machine to achieve his aims.

Here, he is aided by his one-time rival for the Republican presidential candidacy William Seward, played brilliantly

by David Strathairn.

Strathairn is a fine actor and his portrayal of Edward R Murrow counts as an all-time favourite of this writer, but this a career best.

That the man who played Deep Throat, Hal Holbrook, is in Lincoln is fitting because this is more All The President’s Men than it is Schindler’s

List.

The politicking and lobbying is done in private, cigar-smoked rooms at a pace best described as leisurely.

At two and a half hours long, Lincoln is not a quick romp, but it does tackle one of the singular most important figures in Western history in less time than Peter Jackson took to tell a third of a 297-page book, so it’s not that long.

Nor is it boring, as brilliant performance follows brilliant performance with one Englishman standing head and shoul-

ders above the rest.

That Daniel Day-Lewis should dominate a starstudded cast should surprise absolutely nobody.

He did it in 2002 for Gangs of New York and again in 2007 for There Will Be Blood and here, his Lincoln is breathtaking.

A wise leader, an ambitious man and a flawed husband, Day-Lewis hits all the right notes.

Spielberg’s attraction to the project is obvious but his past in biopics is limited, with only Schindler’s List and, maybe Catch Me If You Can falling into the category.

Here, his propensity for myth and legend is tempered by the brilliant script from Tony Kushner, who holds the film to an almost documentary like fidelity to the source material.

Lincoln will be released in Ireland on January 25.

10 January 2013 Gazette 21

Gazette

GAMING media: christmas saw a sustained focus on firm

BYTES&PIECES Evolutionary dead ends reached

Facebook slips up a little with Instagram  shane dillon

BEFORE I get stuck into this year’s new games and the tech news, Christmas delivered a bumper crop of fascinating tech news and developments about one giant tech firm that I really can’t let pass without mentioning.

For anyone with even a passing interest in technology, and tech companies, the past couple of weeks saw a flood of Facebook-related news stories that are worth nodding at.

The tech giant could barely keep out of the papers across the past couple of weeks, with one Christmas cracker of a story after another getting pulled open in the press – and here’re just three ...

Firstly, there was the global interest in Facebook’s new T&C for users of Instagram, the highly popular – and free, and free from advertising – photo-sharing service that it acquired for an eyebrow-raising $1 billion, not too long ago.

Its newT&C sparked an open revolt among users when it was noticed that the service seemed to be giving Facebook the right to sell users’ images to

advertisers without their knowledge, or payment (and that use of Instagram after a cut-off point, this January, amounted to the user’s consent for same).

As I was one of those browsing through the new T&C at the time, that segment caught my eye instantly, and I screengrabbed it (right, and I’ve also colour-highlighted the contentious text).

While Facebook is, understandably, under pressure to monetise Instagram and recoup the eye-watering $1 billion it paid for it, the mass anger immediately voiced by users, whether Joe Schmo like you and me, or slightly more influential figures with millions of followers, like Pink – not to mention international media interest – prompted a sharp turnaround on the T&C, with an apology issued over its “confusing” terminology.

As such, new-new T&C have yet to be revealed ...

Tax returns However, at the same time, Facebook also attracted a great deal of interest over its international tax returns, with its HQ based here in Dublin popping up in business

Netbooks to join dodos, as PlayStation 2 is retired REMEMBER netbooks? You know, the mini-me versions of laptops, once seen as the next step for computers just five or so years ago. Well, the last remaining main netbook makers, Asus and Acer, have decided to send the largely dead-in-the-water platform the way of the dodo, given the evolutionary rise of smartphones and tablets (of the computing kind, that is, rather than headache pills).

However, something that will get many gamers weeping into their hankies is the news that Japan has finally – yes, finally – ceased production of the PlayStation 2. (Yes, I said the PlayStation 2, not the PlayStation 3.)

Sony has now decided to retire its venerable gaming console, which, it has to be said, shifted a staggering amount of consoles across its 13 years, and did an awful lot to establish games consoles in homes. So, sayanara and arigato to one hell of a great Sony gaming platform ...

Facebook angered many Instagram users when new T&C were briefly rolled-out that seemed to suggest the company would sell their images to advertisers – without paying them (right).

After the subsequent widespread and highlyvocal complaints, the company apologised and said that it would not be proceeding with the new T&C, due to its “confusing” language.

stories around the world.

The profits generated by the firm, and its subsequent tax returns on same – in an entirely legal and fully compliant manner with the relevant authorities, it must be stressed – sparked a great deal of interest.

For example, as the influential Huffington Post in America reported, to pick out just one such story: “In 2011, Facebook Ireland paid just $4.7 million in taxes on its entire non-U.S. profits of $1.4 billion.”

Of course, Facebook is just one company availing of Ireland’s flexible corporate tax system, that sees profits pass through a variety of Dublin-based headquarters to a number of entities in other tax-

friendly locations.

Near the end of 2012, Westminster’s Public Accounts Committee in London was seen with its fearsome chair, Margaret Hodge, tearing strips off the likes of Starbucks in Britain, for its tax returns there.

Here, it will be interesting to see if, in 2013, political and public will in Ireland may seek to see our corporate tax systems reformed, thus generating substantially greater tax returns from Facebook, and similar international firms based here.

In the meantime, the Government has no intention of unfriending Facebook, which remains a key player and employer in our notable tech sector, and which, again, is com-

pletely compliant in every way with our available tax laws.

Finally, from outraged users to fascinated moneymen to ... Randi Zuckerberg, older sister of Facebook founder, Mark.

Complained Randi sparked lots of wry headlines when she bitterly complained after a private family photo she’d uploaded ended up being seen by the wrong people (and from there, it “escaped into the wild”, online).

When even the sister of Facebook’s founder muddles up her privacy settings – which seem to change every other week – a certain amount of confusion seems understandable!

22 Gazette 10 January 2013

Gazette

&ABOUT OUT road

MOTORS

NOISE

Toyota rolls out a number of upgrades Toyota Ireland has announced a number of product upgrades across the Aygo, Yaris, Verso-s, Corolla, and Avensis ranges.

This year, the Toyota Aygo will have reduced CO2 emissions of just 99g giving the model a very competitive road tax. This figure has been achieved by adopting low rolling resistance tyres, along with altered gear ratios to optimise CO2 performance.

The Aygo Aura and Strata versions have also been upgraded, with the Aura having 14’’ alloy wheels fitted as standard. Aygo prices start from €10,325.

Toyota is introducing a new grade in their classleading Yaris range for 2013 called Yaris Sport. This new grade will feature 15” alloys, front fog lights as well as colour door handle and exterior mirrors.

Yaris Sport prices start from €15,930.

The Verso-S Luna Grade will enjoy an increased level of specification. Keeping in line with the Verso-S versatility and comfort Toyota is adding a range of features to the Luna grade including Skyview panoramic roof and rear privacy glass, cruise control and grey stitching on the steering wheel as well as the gear lever as standard.

The Verso-S Luna will also have a name change to Luna SkyView, starting at just €21,595.

Toyota is enhancing the Corolla interior styling by introducing a beige colour interior on Luna grade which will add further choice for customers to the already popular model.

For further information, visit www.toyota.ie.

centre earns michelin award Like the Michelin star awards that restaurants value so highly, the granting of Michelin Certified Centre status on Discount Tyres on the Rosemount Business Park has put the outlet on the Michelin map of Europe’s top tyre fitters. Pictured at a seminar where their appointment was announced are Robert Ferguson of Discount Tyres with Michelin’s Tom Dennigan (left). One of 11 outlets in Ireland to be granted Michelin Certified Centre status and have their level of service recognised by the world leading tyre maker, Discount Tyres was established in 2005, and has a staff of 10. Motorists can access their entry by visiting the dealer section on Michelin’s website www.michelin.co.uk/tyres/dealer-locator

Volkswagen registered 10,073 new cars in 2012

simi: first time brand has hit the top spot

Best-selling car of 2012 is Volkswagen n Cormac Curtis

Volkswagen was the best-selling car brand in Ireland in 2012, the first time that the brand has achieved this in its history in Ireland.

The group finished in first place ahead of Toyota in second place and Ford in third place.

According to figures from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) Volkswagen registered 10,073 new cars in 2012 (12.67% market share) ahead of Toyota’s 9,998 (12.58% market share) and Ford with 8,592 (10.81% market share).

“We are delighted

to be now, officially, the number one car brand in Ireland,” said Volkswagen passenger cars deputy brand director John Donegan.

“This is an outstanding result in what were tough market conditions in 2012.

“Given that this result w a s a c h i e ve d e ve n before the new Golf had arrived, it shows that Irish customers are navigating to the Vo l k s w a g e n r a n g e for its quality, strong residual values and our strong retail offers.”

This was a sentiment echoed by Volkswagen Group Ireland managing director Simon Elliott.

“We are very proud to be the best-selling car brand for 2012 and it is an indication of just how shrewd the Irish buyer is when it comes to choosing cars that they are increasingly putting their trust in Volkswagen.”

Volkswagen has also just released its allnew Golf on to Irish forecourts, starting at €19,995 and there is an array of offers available to Volkswagen customers for 2013.

Customers who order their new Volkswagen before the end of January 2013 will benefit from a whole host of extras on their new car.

There will be three

years of free servicing, so you don’t need to worry about the cost of keeping your Volkswagen in tip-top condition.

There is the security of three years of roadside assistance to keep you moving in the event of a mishap and with 3,000km of free fuel, with the superb fuel economy on offer in the Volkswagen range, it could be months before you put your hand in your pocket for that either.

With the added assurance of a three-year warranty, Volkswagen ownership in 2013 is going to be as pain-free as one could wish for.

Acquiring a new Volkswagen has also been made easier thanks to the competitive finance rates from Vo l k s w a g e n B a n k , which has lent over €120m to Irish customers and is very much open for business.

With a 3.9% APR available on hire purchase as well as PCP (personal contact plan) rates available from just €119 per month, it is easier than ever to get into a new Volkswagen.

Volkswagen Open Week is now on in all Volkswagen retailers.

Customers are invited to see the entire Volkswagen range, including the new Golf.

10 January 2013 swords gazette 23

Gazette

HOMES research: tinkering with home and garden has become european pastime

How good are we at the DIY? We’re always comparing in Ireland, usually with our neighbours, and the latest news on the do-it-yourself front is no different.

According to the latest European home research by Kingfisher, owners of B&Q, Germans are the most capable, the Turkish are the least confident and the French are the champions at spending on DIY. We in Ireland, on the other hand, are the keenest gardeners.

Our continental neighbours are discovering the joys of “do-ityourself” and, at home or in the garden, are going at it hammer and nail, thus feeding changes across the Eurozone in home improvement.

Modern Europeans

are, at last, following in our footsteps, where tinkering with home and garden has become a leisure activity.

But as with ever y market, each country has its strengths and styles when it comes to home improvement.

81% of people in Ireland say they would be happy to take on gardening jobs, while the Polish are confident DIY plumbers (21%).

Apart from painting and decorating (53%) and small ad-hoc repairs (49%), the Spanish are very confident at electrical tasks (23%).

Not being content with building the best cars and producing some of the best footb a l l p l ay e r s i n t h e world, Germany tops the home improvement

confidence table with assured skill levels in every category, including complex jobs such as electrical projects (29%) and structural work (21%).

Improve, don’t move’ seems to be the mantra across Europe though, with 60% of the UK respondents expressing an interest in making improvements simply to refresh the home and 37% of Russian consumers favouring more opulent Heritage styles of decor over the contemporary looks.

According to the further research contained in the report, people in Ireland have made changes to cater for more home-based entertaining (31%) and leisure activities (34%), while 26% of those surveyed say they

Research has proven the DIY-ers in Ireland are the keenest at gardening

have started growing vegetables.

More home improvers in the Ireland plan to tackle internal (56%) and e xte rnal (15% ) painting and decorating than in any other country. In fact, we are the kings and queens of painting and decorating without any expert help

(82%).

DIY-ers here are also the most likely to do their own tiling (38%), and insulation (22%) projects.

Europe is also embracing energy efficiency and eco-friendly homes, with more than half (54%) of consumers in Turkey placing

the highest interest in living in an eco-friendly home.

While Poland 37%, Russia 36% and Germany 28%, find ecofriendliness in the home very important too.

Ebru Sayilan, commercial director at B&Q, says: “Today’s economy has contrib-

uted its par t to the expansion of the do-ityourself movement, as more people turn to it as a way to save money.

However, this research shows that we like our houses to work harder and smarter, and that’s why we spend time and money maintaining and improving their value.”

Harvey Norman show off the work of Irish designers and producers Homeware retailer Harvey Norman are following up their investment in their stores in Ireland with an equivalent commitment to Irish designers and producers.

Having recently opened up their extensive new store in Blanchardstown Retail Park, they have deployed their Irish design team to create room settings which show off their new

products at their best.

Harvey Norman are very supportive of local Irish brands and have recently added Foxford Throws, Fragrance Boutique candles, Hampton And Brown candles, Irish Iron art, The Irish Clock Company, as well as Irish made goose feather and down ultimate luxury duvets to their offering.

There are also many stylish new ranges to choose from, from

handmade silk cushions in the most stunning vibrant shades to exclusive wallpapers from Vanity Fair and now a stunning new collection of Harlequin, Sheridan and The Linen Room’s ultimate luxury bed linen.

Comfortable

Rachel McCann, linen buyer, Harvey Norman says that the linen, as well as other products

stocked in Harvey Norman stores helps to provide what might be the perfect night’s sleep: “A very comfortable mattress (I just love my King Koil ‘Millenium’ bed) dressed in beautiful, crisp, high thread count bed linen and, of course Sheridan, silk pillowcases for wrinkle free skin.”

A d d i n g a n o t h e r l ay e r o f sophistication and star quality to the range is the addition of

Kylie Minogue’s new collection of “show-stopping” bed linen instore.

“Just like Kylie herself, all her pieces are just adorable. From lace to pearls, vintage beads and sumptuous velvets, nothing captures old style grace and glamour quite like it!”

Customers can visit their local store, and can now buy online on www.harveynorman.ie

24 swords gazette 10 January 2013

Gazette

&ABOUT OUT fast TRAVEL NEWS

An over-55s break in an idyllic setting WHILE most Irish breaks are aimed at all ages, sometimes one comes along that treats the young at heart to a particularly special getaway.

The four-star Glenview Hotel and Leisure Club, located in Co Wicklow, have created an over-55s package for those looking for a relaxing escape this new year.

Situated in the breathtaking surroundings of the Glen of the Downs – and just a 30-minute drive from Dublin – it’s the ideal destination to get away from it all.

The hotel boasts an award-winning leisure centre and swimming pool, as well as several championship golf courses nearby and the scenic Killruddery Gardens on its doorstep.

The Young At Heart package offers two nights’ B&B with one evening meal at the Woodland’s restaurant as well as afternoon tea, a map of the Glenview Woodland’s walk, and complimentary upgrade to rooms with spectacular views for €89.99 per person sharing.

For further information on this, and other deals, see www.glenviewhotel.com.

The lovely woodland views are just part of the appeal of a break at the Glenview hotel

ESCAPE THE WINTER CHILL AT LISBON’S COAST WITH the festive season fading quickly into the recent past, The Travel Department are already setting their sights on destinations for 2013.

From just €499, including tax, why not take an extended break away to Estoril and the Lisbon Coast?

Departing on February 20 from Dublin

review: a trip across the country and back in time to a great museum

National treasures, brand new comfort

 rob heigh

The opportunity to pack up the car and take advantage of a few well-earned days off in the West is one that is far too good to pass up, so when the chance to take a trip to Mayo with the family came about, there was only dust where we had stood only moments before...

A r e l a t i ve l y l o n g road trip, broken up by squeals of delight when it was realised that we were passing through the hometown of One

Direction’s Niall Horan, led us to the doors of the four-star McWilliam Park Hotel in Claremorris.

The hotel is located just outside the thriving market town of Claremorris in the heart of the West, halfway between Galway and Sligo.

Welcomed by the friendly staff and settling into our well-appointed and comfortable room at our leisure, there was only one activity likely to remove the aches and stresses of the long drive, and so within, oh, about

three minutes of arriving, bathing costumes were donned and towels located and we were off to the hotel’s swimming pool, where we were to find ourselves ensconced for at least an hour every day as my travelling companions took full advantage of the warm and perfectly-sized pool to improve their swimming skills while the temperatures dropped outside.

Claremorris itself is barely half an hour from the Atlantic coastline, and the beautiful surroundings of the local

to Lisbon with Aer Lingus, spend five nights at the threestar Hotel Londres in Estoril on a halfboard basis.

Enjoy a full-day guided excursion of Lisbon, and a full-day excursion to Obidos, Alcobaca and Nazare, with lunch included as well as a half-day excursion to Sintra.

For further information, see www.thetraveldepartment.ie, or call 01 637 1600.

The cosy, relaxed and spacious atmosphere in the McWilliam Park Hotel

The stunning surroundings of Turlough Park House,

area include plains, rivers and lakes, and with the imposing figure of Croagh Patrick staring down, the landscape is one that is both rugged and rustic.

A robust and hearty cooked breakfast in the hotel’s comfortable and relaxed restaurant to ward off the chill was followed by a walk through the town, and we were lucky to have been there while a pre-Christmas craft fair went on in the main street - luckily, this was a tented affair, meaning that the biting wind was kept at bay.

The next order of business for the day was to take in some of the surrounding area and pick one of the many local attractions to visit.

We finally arrived at the National Museum of Ireland’s Museum of Country Life, located in the stunning surroundings of the Turlough Park

House, with its grounds, lake and art installations adding to the experience.

The museum, whose exhibition space extends over four floors in a state-of-the-art modern building sympathetically incorporated into the grounds of Turlough Park, is an impressive and thoughtfully curated collection of artefacts from an age not so long ago, giving visitors an opportunity to see how the people of Ireland lived in the hundred years between the Great Famine and the end of the 1950s.

There are interactive displays and installations that bring you closer to the history on display, with handcrafted harvest knots, wickerwork, spinning wheels and boats, clothing and artefacts from the islands and hand operated machinery our

10 January 2013 SWORDS gazette 25

R1

Gazette

Travel

fast

TRAVEL NEWS

Turkish delights to tempt all visitors WHETHER it is the country’s white sandy beaches or its soaring mountains, Turkey is a destination that proves to be very popular, year after year.

WingsAbroad, the Turkish holiday specialists, are offering massive New Year savings for 2013 with holiday packages to Kusadasi, on the west coast, and Gumbet, a lively beach resort.

Travel from Dublin on April 28 and stay at the three-star Carina Hotel in Kusadasi for seven nights on a B&B basis from only €319 per person, or travel on May 12, and stay at the Melissa Apartments, Kusadasi, for seven nights, with family prices starting from €915 (based on two adults and two children).

Travel to Gumbet on May 19 and stay at the two-star Kaseria Hotel for seven nights, also on a B&B basis, from €329 per person, or stay at the three-star Sami Beach Hotel for seven nights’ B&B from only 379 per person. Prices include return flights, seven nights’ accommodation, as well as airport transfers and taxes, and are based on two adults sharing, unless otherwise stated.

For further information or to make a booking, see www.wingsabroad.ie or call 01 871 9444.

where the National Museum of Ireland’s Museum of Country Life is located

grandparents used giving an insight into the lives of our recent ancestors.

Turlough Park House itself is an impressive pile and the cafe and visitor centre are integrated into the grounds. It proved to be a grand day out, and an educational one at that.

Back at the McWilliam Park Hotel as the sun dropped below the horizon, we settled in for an evening in the restaurant with my hungry and demanding companions.

Starters comprised a delicious chicken liver mousse, an impressive vegetable soup and a melon platter that satisfied the initial pangs.

I enjoyed a fantastically tasty roast sirloin with dauphinoise potatoes and fresh vegetables. Unfortunately, the standard of the fare on offer for the younger members of the clan

mcwilliam park hotel, claremorris  The four-star McWilliam Park Hotel, Mayo,

 There is also a leisure centre with 18m pool,

offers 101 single, twin and family bedrooms as

a separate childrens pool, gym facilities and

well as two suites.

kids’ club.

 The hotel incorporates JG’s Restaurant,

 For more information, contact 094 93 78000,

which has recently launched a new a la carte

e-mail info@mcwilliampark.ie, or go online to

menu.

www.mcwilliampark.ie

was far from as good, and the disappointment of an underwhelming and undercooked (store bought?) pizza for two of the team was only relieved by the deliveredupon promise of warm chocolate brownies with ice cream.

It was a shame, but underlines the fairly poor attitude to kids’ cuisine in many places - they might be younger, but they know shabby fare when they get it. A little more thought and effort, of the same level that clearly goes into the grown-up’s menu, is clearly in order to ensure everyone at the

table gets the same level of culinary satisfaction and the sense that the young ones are being short-changed.

That aside, the stay proved very satisfactory for all the family, even without taking advantage of the hotel’s kids club facilities, which cater for kids from four to 12, offering a range of activities such as painting, arts and crafts, DVDs and games.

A weary band led their way back East, realising that the West is closer than it seems, and a return visit very much in the minds of all.

The facilities on offer include a gym, swimming pool, sauna and kids’ club area

26 SWORDS GAZETTE 10 January 2013

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WHEN AND WHERE? 9.30am - 4.30pm, The Stillorgan Park Hotel, Stillorgan, Co Dublin; Friday, 18th January Please bring along a copy of your CV or apply online at www.comfortkeepers.ie, or email your CV to recruitment@comfortkeepers.ie, or call 01 8797777

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

10 January 2013 SWORDS Gazette 27

sport review P28-29

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

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local stars P30

FastSport Rovers begin title defence in style: THREE

Former Davis Cup play Colin O’Brien went the distance against John Morrissey in the Irish indoor open final

tennis: malahide man holds nerve to win decisive tiebreaker in riverview

O’Brien produces stunning run to claim indoor title epic MALAHIDE man Colin O’Brien showed he still has plenty to offer despite quitting the professional circuit in January 2011 as he scooped the Wilson national indoor championships in Riverview last week.

He claimed an epic win over Blackrock man John Morrissey as their men’s singles final went the distance, eventually being decided by a third set tiebreaker.

The initial two sets were shared 6-3, 1-6 before the final set saw the duo go shot for shot, eventually locked at six

games each.

The first four games of that final set went against serve while Morrissey had the best chance to forge the advantage but could not convert a break point at 4-4.

It necessitated the tiebreaker in which the left-handed O’Brien duly raced into the lead and scarcely looked back, claiming the decisive breaker 7-2.

For O’Brien, it was a big win after he fell at the hands of current Irish number one James McGee in his prior appearance in the indoor final.

He had been limited in how much he could play since then, though, as an arm injury saw him step away from the ITF Futures and Challenger circuits during a career that also saw him play numerous times in the Irish Davis Cup team.

Morrissey, meanwhile, was impressive throughout the week as the current Stanford University scholar defeated top seed Ciaran Fitzgerald in the semifinal en route to the decider.

On the women’s side of the draw, former Mount Anville student Jane

Fennelly, still only 18, overcame Holly Monahan from the Carrickmines club on a 6-2 7-6 (7/2) margin.

In the semi-finals, Fennelly avenged her defeat to Romanian-born Karola Bejenaru in the girls’ singles final of the 2012 National Championship.

Irish attention now switches to the Davis Cup and a date with Estonia on February 1-3 in Riverview. McGee and Swords’ doubles specialist James Cluskey are likely to be involved with the latter currently in Germany, trying to hit form at the right time.

Rock Rovers picked up a 6-2 win over Glenanne before landing an 8-0 triumph over Clontarf to ease into the playoffs of the National Indoor Hockey Trophy as they seek their fifth title in six years.

South African duo Jethro Eustice and Jody Hosking were both on the mark twice in the former game while Garry Ringwood ran up a hat trick in the win over Clontarf.

They now face Clontarf again on Saturday morning in Gormanston before meeting last season’s finalists NICS in their second playoff game.

Should the Rathfarnham side negotiate those ties, they will play in a semifinal on Sunday.

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 10 January 2013

2012

Gazette review of the year that was

looking back: the year in sport

Glory abounds for local clubs and their stars shine in 2012 January AVA Hutchinson and David Burrows got Olympic year off to a flying start as they qualified for the Games in the marathon and sailing events, respectively.

St Kevin’s Community School, Clondalkin landed the Leinster FAI Paul Murphy Cup in emphatic style, beating St Kilian’s DSD 5-0.

Castleknock GA A, meanwhile, began what would prove to be an epic year as they claimed their first Dublin U-21 championship. Swords judo club claimed an incredible nine All-Ireland titles, too.

February Dun Laoghaire tennis star Lesley O’Halloran came back with four medals from the ITF Senior World Championships in San Diego, helping Ireland win their first ever team title in the process.

Westmanstown Gaels were celebrating their first ever Dublin representative when Rebecca McDonnell was called up to an underage panel.

On the team front, Three Rock Rovers overcame a string of obstacles to land the National

Indoor Hockey Trophy and then achieved promotion in Europe. Ballyboden St Enda’s claimed their fourth U-21 hurling championship in five years with an epic win over Kilmacud Crokes.

March Karl Burdis returned to the Irish swimming scene in style, qualifying for the European championships with a string of top performances. St Joseph’s Boy’s towering central defender Dan Casey captained the Republic of Ireland’s U-15 soccer side, scoring against Belgium in the process.

Coolmine RFC claimed Leinster seconds league division 1A as well as the Spencer Cup in a memorable couple of weeks while Meteors basketball club were champions at U-14, U-15 and U-16 level and runners up at both U-17 and U-18.

Colaiste Phadraig picked up the Leinster first year soccer cup crown, following up soon after with a league success.

April Garda cycling sensation Caroline Ryan claimed Ireland’s first elite

world track medal since Harry Reynolds back in 1897 when she claimed a bronze in Melbourne.

Sean Mari landed Whitechurch boxing club’s first ever male AllIreland title when he won the 27kg category after a string of impressive performances.

Foxrock Cabinteely’s girls won the Dublin ladies football Feile title in some style in Parnell Park while Collinstown Park.

Colaiste Phadraig CBS had an amazing year, winning Dublin, Leinster and AllIreland soccer titles Castleknock’s Ciaran Kilkenny had a lively year, helping the club to the JFC, Dublin to All-Ireland U-21 glory before departing to play Aussie Rules

DSDAC’s Joseph Sweeney helped

Blackrock College’s Leo Cullen led

Dublin claim the men’s Woodies’ DIY

Leinster to their third Heineken Cup

intercounty cross-county title

success in four years in May

May Blackrock College man Leo Cullen led Leinster to their third Heineken Cup title in four years to cement the province’s place among the pantheon of greats in the competition. Eoin Rheinisch sealed his place at the Olympics with a top class performance at the European kayaking championships while Malahide CS and The Island golfer Gavin Moynihan added to his stunning spring with victory at the Irish amateur open championship at Royal Dublin.

St Brigid’s young stars meanwhile claimed both the Dublin football and hurling Feile titles en route to All-Ireland glory in both codes, the rarest

St Sylvester’s intermediate hurlers celebrated championship success in September

Peamount United club

when they overcame Round Tower, rising to the senior ranks for the first time

sports star when she

of feats.

Ger Owens and Scott Flanigan qualified their 470 boat for the Olympic Games, too, as they starred at the world championships in Barcelona.

one of the highlights of the Olympic Games, fulfilling her destiny by claiming gold to add to her wealth of world and European titles in some style in the Excel Arena.

Rathfarnham’s Annalise Murphy went close to bringing another medal home, finishing fourth in the Weymouth waves in the sailing competition.

Domestically, Foxrock Cabinteely reached the pinnacle of the Dublin ladies football scene, winning their first senior championship title just nine years since the club’s formation.

June Coolmine pro cyclist Phil Lavery enjoyed a bumper month as he won the Stephen Roche GP along with the national U-23 road race crown in Clonmel.

Portmarnock golfer Adrian Morrow annexed the Irish senior amateur golf title, leading from pillar to post in Athenry

while St Brigid’s Eoin Kennedy shook off a nine-month lay-off to finish second at handball’s 60x30 open doubles championship.

Fingallians’ sister act Sarah and Rachel Murray and Bronwyn and Megan Keogh were national junior athletics championships 4x100m winners.

Peamount United provided five players to the MGL Gaynor Cup winning team, sharing 27 goals between them.

July National Yacht Club’s Finn Lynch produced

an immaculate late show to take silver at the world youth sailing championships in the laser radial class, the best ever Irish result at this level.

St Sylvester’s Nicole Owens provided the star turn for the Dublin ladies football B team, scoring a hat trick in their All-Ireland Aisling McGing final win over Kerry.

Gerry and Rob Moran beat over 500 competitors to win the Castle golf club Father and Son All-Ireland event on home turf.

August Katie Taylor provided

10 January 2013 SWORDS GAZETTE 29

GAZETTE

‘‘

QUOTABLE

QUOTES ‘Self-sacrifice, commitment, respect, perserverance and hard work.

These are things I have always believed in.’

Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni National YC’s Finn Lynch produced

visited a number of local clubs throughout the year

Ireland’s best ever performance at a

including Portmarnock AFC, above, and Swords Celtic

world youth sailing championship as he finished second overall

- New Dublin senior football manager JIM GAVIN outlines to the Gazette the tenets that will guide his tenure

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

- Leinster scrumCastle golf club’s Gerry and Rob Moran beat their way through a field of over 500 entrants to win the AllIreland Father and Son title

Swords woman Catherine Walsh, left, working in tandem with Fran Meehan member Katie Taylor confirmed her place as Ireland’s premier

landed two Paralympic medals in

won Olympic gold in London in August

London in September

September Swords woman Catherine Walsh claimed a pair of medals at the Paralympic Games, working in tandem with pilot Fran Meehan at the London cycling events, succeeding on both the track and the road in an epic showing.

The Dublin minor footballers claimed the AllIreland championship, a feat which produced a number of memorable story lines. The side was captained by Naomh Olaf’s David Byrne while Naomh Peregrine’s Eric Lowndes finally got a winner’s medal after three

prior All-Ireland finals.

Castle golf club ended a 99-year wait but finally won back amateur golf’s biggest prize, the Irish Senior Cup.

October K i l m a c u d C r o ke s bridged a 27-year wait to claim the Dublin senior hurling championship while near neighbours Cuala, after two painful final defeats, finally won the Dublin intermediate football championship title, beating Fingallians in the final.

Round Tower also made big strides, gaining

promotion from AFL5 and AFL9.

November ALSA A swimmer Barry Murphy ended the season in triumphant form, breaking a string of national records, first of all at the European short course championships in Chartres, France and then at the world championships in Istanbul.

Castleknock’s adult footballers continued their monumental journey through to the Leinster junior title as they thumped St Fintan’s in Parnell Park and they

‘I’m passed it.

There’s no doubt about that, but so is Roy and I’d have no problem coming out of retirement to fight him.’

now have an All-Ireland semi-final to look forward to in the New Year.

Swords Celtic ran up an eighth successive league win move close to the brink of intermediate soccer, heading up the LSL Sunday Major division.

St Brigid’s U-14 footballers and hurlers produced the

December A f ter some tough times, Ballinteer badminton star Scott Evans cut an emotional figure as he finally landed a European level tournament, claiming the Irish Open after a number of final setbacks.

half JOHN COONEY on being a surprise late call-up, coming off the bench to make his Heineken Cup debut in May’s final victory over Ulster

rarest of feats, winning both codes’ All-Ireland Feile competitions during the summer

The Republic of Ireland U-15s were packed with local players from clubs like Lucan United, Corduff and Malahide United as they ran up an impressive 3-0 win over Juventus with

Zachary Elbouzedi and Jean Yves Poame on the mark.

On the rugby front, O l d We s l e y a n d Clondalkin’s J2 sides landed silver ware to end the year in style.

- STEVE COLLINS, the 48-year-old former world boxing champion, responds to suggestions he could finally show down with Roy Jones Junior

Gazette

30 SWORDS Gazette 10 January 2013

SPORT

DublinGazetteNewspapers

soccer: D15 side start 2013 with stylish win

2012 dublin sports awards december winners

H STARof the MONTH

Corduff celebrate one of their goals at Blanch IT last Friday night

scott evans THE BALLINTEER badminton star finally landed a European level title after a number of final setbacks, winning the Irish Open in Baldoyle. It was an emotional moment for Evans in his home event, laying a few demons to rest

Corduff inspired

by Burke double Aul premier c

TEAMof the MONTH H

Corduff Rivervalley Rangers  sport@gazettegroup.com

malahide rfc EIGHT successive league wins, including a crucial success over previous table-toppers Kilkenny, has seen Malahide move to the top of Leinster league division 2A. They are now in prime position to claim promotion in the New Year

3 0

TWO second half goals from substitute Robert Burke helped lead Corduff FC to a 3-0 victory over Rivervalley Rangers last Friday night.

In what was an evenly contested match throughout the 90 minutes, Corduff’s Paul McCullough’s ability in the final third of the pitch made the difference as he was involved in

creating both goals.

The home side scored 15 minutes in when a superb cross from full back Christopher Lee was met by the diving header of Dean Maguire which left Rangers goalkeeper Stephen McNally no chance.

Rivervalley were dealt a serious blow shortly after when Gerry McCabe and Johnny Biddulph both went off injured, forcing a formation reshuffle.

Corduff sensed vulnerability and could have put

the game out of reach but for the valiant defending of Eoin O’Rourke who made a series of crucial challenges.

Rangers started the second half well with substitutes Stephen Walsh and Stephen Leahy working tirelessly but they were frustrated by Corduff’s Martin Donegan and Robert Byrne.

The turning point came when manager John McGuiness introduced three Corduff subs with 20 minutes to go. A tir-

ing Rivervalley defence, could no longer contain the relentless counter attacking from the home team. Burke linked up with McCullough on the edge of the box where he did brilliantly to make room for a shot which he drilled past McNally to double his sides lead.

And with five minutes left, Burke scored his second following a cross from McCullough which he collected on the edge of the box and he duly dispatched.

Fingallians’ Campbell named U-13 player of the year  sport@gazettegroup.com

Lauren Campbell receives her U-13 player of the year award in Blakestown last weekend

FINGALLIANS’ U-13 starlet Lauren Campbell was presented with a juvenile award for her outstanding achievements for her club in their division 4 campaign last year.

The dynamic player has been an integral part of her camogie side over the years and her coach Sandra O’Brien believes she can make it all the way to the senior inter county side in the future.

“Lauren has been with the club since she was four

years old and she was originally coached by my husband Kyran but, because there were only three girls that wanted to play camogie, the team nearly didn’t happen.

“I’m glad I got involved and seeing how much Lauren has developed as a player is amazing.

“She is very dynamic. She can play in the midfield and in goal but I think her best position is in the back line where she can use her fantastic catching and clearing abilities.

“She also has a great turn of

pace that allows her to get forward, so it was no surprise to us when she was given a representative call up by the Dublin U-14s.

“Lauren is from fantastic sporting stock and her family are all very supportive of her playing camogie. She has a great attitude to the game and I can see her playing senior camogie for Dublin in the future.”

She was handed her award at the Dublin camogie juvenile presentations held in Naomh Peregrine’s clubhouse last

Sunday. The event was very well-attended and was a huge success.

Winners and runners-up of leagues and championships were again presented with their trophies while the respective divisions players of the year were announced.

The wonderful achievements of the Dublin Under-16s were celebrated, the U-16A team being crowned All-Ireland champions while the U-16B team won the Leinster championship during an epic 2012 campaign.

10 January 2013 SWORDS Gazette 31

Gazette

Gavin keen on Dubs’ attacking system  sport@gazettegroup.com

JIM Gavin was pleased with certain elements of Dublin’s opening competitive performances while, understandably, there are plenty of elements to work on.

The first half of last Sunday’s win over Carlow saw the Dubs play at a high tempo with

half-back Eric Lowndes and Cian O’Sullivan regularly making key incursions forward.

And it is something the new boss is keen to pursue. Speaking afterwards, he said: “We’re trying various systems of play. For the defence, they set themselves up very solidly. There were some consistent per-

formances and lots of areas for improvement.

“We like to use the foot-pass, we like to push the ball along but it is just one of many game plans we will have during the season, something we tried out today.

“It is great to get the guys on the park. It is week one of the year

and to get a very competitive game like this against a ver y good Carlow side was worthwhile.

“We got the result. It was probably an inconsistent performance on our behalf but a result nonetheless. It gives us lots of areas to work on, which is good for this time of year.”

football: daly hopeful of making his mark

Club Noticeboard fingallians WELL done to Lauren Campbell as she

The use of a mouthguard is compul-

named the U-13 Dublin camogie player

sory for all under-age footballers (not

of the Year during the week and col-

hurling), up to and including minors,

lected her honour on Sunday evening.

in both training and matches. Signifi-

The club nursery will start back on

cantly, if a player refuses to comply,

Saturday, January 19 from 10am (for

they can be sent off and players will

four- to seven-year-old children).

not be covered under the GAA Player

Further details from nicola.fitzgerald.

Injury Scheme if they are not wearing a

gpo.dublin@gaa.ie or simon.lambert.

mouth-guard. Information on the use

gpo.dublin@gaa.ie.

of mouth-guards for clubs, parents

The club have moved their Facebook

and players can be found at: http://

page to a community page so we can

gaa.ie/medical-and-player-welfare/

now give access to over 5,000 friends.

mouthguards. These are available in

Please check it out. All our archived

our club shop.

photos are now on the club website www.fingallians.com.

Our coiste culturtha welcomes ideas and suggestions that people may have

The first adult games meeting of

regarding events for Seachtain na

the year will take place in the club on

Gaeilge which will run from March 4 to

Wednesday night at 9.30pm. Two men-

17, 2013. Beimid pairteach aris in this

tors from each team are requested to

great opportunity to celebrate and

attend.

promote our language. Contact Liam

The first coaching forum of 2013 will

at 086 3814422 or lcceltd@eircom.net

take place in the club on Friday, Janu-

The Scor na nOg Leinster Final will be

ary 25, starting at 9pm. A full agenda

held at Erins Isle GAA, Finglas on Sat-

will follow next week.

urday, January 12 at 3pm.

fingal ravens WE would like to wish a Happy New

el to Ventry in February for the Pa¡di

Year to all our members, players,

O’Se tournament.

managers, mentors, committee mem-

We would like to send our condo-

bers, sponsors, supporters and their

lences to the extended family of Jane

families.

Murphy.

Thanks to everyone who supported

Dublin serve up high tempo opening win

our Christmas raffle.

o’byrne cup

Fingal Ravens’ Darren Daly produced a terrier-like performance for Dublin last Sunday

Carlow 1-12 Dublin 3-13  stephen findlater sport@gazettegroup.com

FINGAL Ravens’ Darren Daly had his first chance to try and impress Jim Gavin and the new Dublin senior management team as he put in a hard stint last Sunday in Dr Cullen Park.

The 25-year-old has been on the fringes of the senior side since making his debut back in 2009 and was part of the extended All-Ireland winning panel of 2011

but will be hoping to make the breakthrough into the championship side.

Starting at cornerback, his terrier-like s t r e n g t h s a r e we l l known to new Dubs’ selector Mick Deegan who was a club coach of his at Ravens for the past eight years and they were shown to decent effect as Dublin ran up a lively victory over Carlow, leading from the front.

T h e y k i c ke d f i ve points in the opening 10 minutes without response and the hosts never truly got back in

range as the sky-blues attempted to try out an expansive style of play.

Robert McCarthy’s pair of points, combined with fine scores from Diarmuid Connolly and Bernard Brogan saw the sky-blues race ahead before Connolly’s superb fetch, turn and shot supplied an immaculate goal.

It helped push the lead out to seven points in the 22nd minute.

A couple of soft frees reeled in the margin to four points as Brian Murphy and Darragh Foley helped make it 1-9 to 0-8 at the break.

But McCarthy’s close range effort and Paddy Quinn’s blasted goal opened the second half in style, extending the lead out to 10 points before the contest fizzled out to some extent with Dublin adding just three more points in the closing 23 minutes.

That was despite some high octane incursions from Jack McCaffrey and Sweeney while Carlow did get a goal back through Daniel St Ledger, slapping home in the 65th minute but, for a first outing in Gavin’s tenure, there were plenty of positives to build on.

Well done to Darren Daly and the Dublin senior football team on a good win against Carlow in the O’Byrne cup on Sunday.

We are holding our club dinner dance on Friday, February 1 in Kettle’s Country House Hotel, to order your ticket please text Desy on 087 9957429.

We are holding a meeting for all managers, mentors and selectors of

2013 membership is now due; mem-

all teams, adult and juvenile on Friday,

bership forms are available on our

January 18 in the Arkle Suite of Ket-

website, www.fingalravens.com, or

tle’s Hotel. It is vital that all managers,

at the clubhouse.

mentors and selectors attend this

As agreed at the AGM, all members

important meeting. At the very least,

must have their membership paid in

one representative from the manage-

full by March 31. If any member would

ment team of each of our club teams

like to pay by instalments, they must

(adult and juvenile) should attend.

have their last instalment paid by March 31.

Only fully paid up members can trav-

Committee meeting this Thursday, January 10 at 7.30pm in Kettle’s Hotel.

No lotto winner.

st finian’s 2013 is the 30th anniversary year of

ments can also be made.

the foundation of our club and there

Our ladies football team are looking

will be a number of events organised

for some additional players for the

during the year to celebrate this.

The first event will be the Mock Wedding on Saturday, February 16. This event will also be our event for The Gathering 2013 so why not invite fam-

coming year, contact Brian Fetherston (0866041200) if you know anybody interested in joining the team.

We must remind members that membership fees are now due for 2013.

ily and friends to the event. Tickets

You can find the membership appli-

are available from Warren Hanley or

cation form in the Downloads of our

Maree McDonagh.

website www.stfinians.com.

Deposits are required in order to reserve your ticket and weekly instal-

The lotto jackpot was €8,400. The numbers drawn were 5, 14, 15 and 19.

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

daly show: Fingal Ravens’ man in the Dublin mix as he seeks to make mark in O’Byrne Cup campaign P31

january 10, 2013

The big review of the year: All the highlights from an epic year of sport in Dublin P28-29

Swords Celtic LSL Sunday Major manager Larry Clare, left, is hopeful his side can kick on after an excellent start to the league. He is pictured with Michael Toft Senior

Swords score draw Celtic boss Larry Clare is pleased with result against LSL Sunday Major title rivals despite giving up perfect record in the division this season

 peter carroll

sport@gazettegroup.com

FOLLOWING a fantastic first half of the season that saw his side win every one of their LSL Sunday Major fixtures in comfortable fashion, Swords Celtic manager Larry Clare was happy with his side’s 1-1 draw with fellow unbeaten rivals, John Bosco, last Sunday at home.

Despite not banking another three points and losing their 100% record, the Celtic boss claimed the result was a positive one for his men due to unplayable pitches, both home and away, ruling them out of competitive football since November.

“John Bosco’s are a fantastic side as well,”

said Clare.

“Like us, they have gone without a loss throughout the year, they’ve drawn a few more than us but I’m very happy with the shift the lads put in.

“We feared that the lads might have a bit of rustiness to shake off because they hadn’t played at this kind of intensity since November.

“But it was an honest shift from everyone that was on the pitch and I’ll take a lot of positives from it.”

With Celtic falling out of the FAI Junior Cup in November, Clare highlighted how their exit did not let the heads drop in the dressing room as everyone involved with the side had made

their goal for the season a league win, so they can strive to play against higher opposition next year.

“One of our last competitive games was a 4-2 loss in the FAI Junior Cup. It’s never nice to lose but everyone here has their eye set on the league. I think the results show that we are quite comfortable in this league.

“When we got together at the start of the season, it was clear that everyone wanted to take the league and I can’t complain with what I’ve seen so far with the lads winning eight of their nine games and drawing the other,” said the enthusiastic coach.

While the endless coverage of the European transfer window bellows from the radio and tel-

evisions of most sport fans, Clare is in a position to bring some fresh faces into the Swords ranks.

But he claims it is something that could shake what appears to be a very steady ship and therefore any new signing would have to be very special.

“This isn’t professional football and there are so many lads here that have been on board for five months that haven’t got as much time as they or I would have liked. Bringing in a new face could affect morale in the team and although there might be one or two players we’d like to bring in, the lads that have been here since day one will be getting their chances first.”