Swords GAZET TE FREE
Eddi Reader brings her ‘Perfect’ voice back to Ireland SEE PAGE 21 February 7, 2013 Find us on
Month XX, 2012 SWORDS • BALBRIGGAN • APPLEWOOD • BOROIMHE • AIRSIDE • RIVERVALLEY
INSIDE: Your essential guide to make this Valentine’s Day extra special P17
Soccer:
Celtic SFAI run comes to an end at Balheary Page 30
Football:
Fingallians to the fore for Dublin ladies Page 31
Garda station closures derided NATALIE BURKE
ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES......................6 DUBLIN LIFE...................11 OUT&ABOUT .................20 CLASSIFIEDS ................26 SPORT ...........................27
CHARITY CYCLE: Two-day event to raise funds for Ross Nugent foundation Page 4
FOLLOWING the controversial closure of 95 Garda stations last week, local councillor Darragh Butler (FF) has said “it makes no sense” to remove the Garda presence in towns and rural communities at a time when the rate of burglaries has increased. “I’ve no doubt the presence of a local Garda station acts as a
deterrent to criminals who target vulnerable households and properties. The value of a visible Garda presence should never be underestimated,” he said. Defending the decision made by Minister for Justice Alan Shatter however, Fine Gael TD Alan Farrell said the closures mean communities are “more effectively policed”. Full Story on Page 2
Meeting place: Local Chamber’s network event just the business ROBERT Mooney, Juanita Cahill
and Declan Farrelly were at Gilbert and Wrights Wine Bar recently which was hosting the first Chamber Network Evening of the New Year.
The event was a great opportunity for local business people to share ideas and an opportunity to grow their businesses. Picture: Una Williams
See Gallery on Page 6