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The legend Bowie is back with his first new album in 10 Years

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

INSIDE: Mayor of Fingal officially opens the long-awaited Holywell Community Centre P10

opinion: Minister Phil Hogan writes on plans to streamline frontline services P8

Celebrating stars: A glittering night for sports figures THE fourth annual Gazette Sports

Star of 2012: Catherine Walsh takes top Dublin honours Page 32

Awards saw many of the city’s top stars from a wide range of sports gather at the Red Cow Moran Hotel in Clondalkin.

Pictured are Rob Heigh, sports editor, Dublin Gazette Newspapers with Barry Murphy, from Aer Lingus Swim Club, and Adrian Sherry, group marketing manager, Moran and Bewleys Hotel Group.

See Gallery on Pages 6-7

Football:

Tough draw for Fingal Ravens in championship Page 31

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

Labour motion is ‘an attack on civil liberties’ Motion follows occupation of council buildings nationwide

 Natalie Burke

Fingal County Council has this week supported a motion to introduce legislation preventing protesters from gaining unauthorised

entry to public council meetings. The bid was raised at a council meeting held earlier this week, in which Cllr Ciaran Byrne (Lab) asked FCC to call on the government to provide for penalties,

under criminal law, for any member of the public who forcibly enters or disrupts a meeting of a local authority.

The motion follows the recent occupation of a number of council’s nation-

wide by anti-property tax campaigners.

Cllr Eugene Coppinger (SP) said that the Labour motion is “an attack on civil liberties”.

Full Story on Page 3

2 swords gazette 14 March 2013

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

c o n ta c t s Managing Director: Michael McGovern mmcgovern@gazettegroup.com News Editor: Mimi Murray mmurray@gazettegroup.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile jmaile@gazettegroup.com Picture Editor: Paul Hosford picturedesk@gazettegroup.com Sports Editor: Rob Heigh rheigh@gazettegroup.com Financial Controller: Carly Lynch clynch@gazettegroup.com Advertising Production: Suzanne Sheehy ssheehy@gazettegroup.com Advertising Sales: 01 - 6010240 sales@gazettegroup.com

Find us on

www.gazettegroup.com Gazette Group Newspapers Ltd. Terms and Conditions for acceptance of advertisements Reserve the right to omit or suspend or alter any advertisement(s) in any of its publications. We also decline any responsibility in the event of one or more of a series of advertisements being omitted for any reason whatever, nor do we accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement. If your advertisement appears incorrectly, contact the Advertising Department immediately, as responsibility cannot be accepted for more than one week’s incorrect insertion. Responsibility cannot be accepted if the complaint is made more than two weeks after insertion. If one places an advertisement for more than one week and then cancels it after the first week, no refund or credit will be given for weeks cancelled. The advertiser undertakes to indemnify the Proprietors against any liability for any civil action arising out of the publication of the advertisement or any other matter printed or published in the Blanchardstown Gazette, Castleknock Gazette, Clondalkin Gazette, Dundrum Gazette, Dun Laoghaire Gazette, Lucan Gazette, Malahide Gazette and Swords Gazette. The placing of an order or contract will be deemed an acceptance of these conditions.

people A tribute to our late ‘snapper’

Shock, sadness at news of Peter Doyle’s passing IT was with great sadness and shock that we learned of the sudden passing of our colleague and friend, Peter Doyle, last week.

Peter, who many in our communities will have known through his photography for this newspaper, died suddenly last Thursday.

He had worked in The Gazette as senior staff photographer for more than five years but, due to ill health, had not been as prolific in recent years.

One of life’s true gentlemen, he was a fantastic ambassador for The Gazette, and was easily spotted at local events in his trademark black leather jacket, with his long-lens camera hanging around his neck.

His eye was keen, and he always pushed his subjects to get the best shot possible. He would often suggest a certain pose that he believed would make the photo better.

The “truth” of his shots often made for uncomfortable viewing by his more political subjects but, ever the consummate professional, he refused to settle for anything he considered less than the best.

When our reporters told sports clubs, schools or church events that

 mimi murray News Editor

Peter was unavailable to attend a photo call, after he had taken ill, this news would be met with great disappointment, such was his charm, dedication and flair in the job.

I attended many photo calls with Peter, and it always amazed me how he could put his subjects at ease with a wink, a grin and some small bit of banter.

He captured the essence of every story, and always knew what the journalist was looking to get across in their copy.

Peter was also a dedicated father, with several siblings, and he spoke with great joy about his children and grandchildren.

He will be sadly missed by all in The Gazette and in the wider community, and we know that he will live on through his wonderful photographs and in all our memories.

See gallery of Peter’s work, next week

Peter Doyle, in his trademark black leather jacket – an intrinsic part of Gazette Group Newspapers for many years, and a sorely-missed colleague and friend

A small selection of some of Peter’s diverse range of shots

14 March 2013 swords gazette 3

clongriffin Council approve €40m proposal

Islamic centre plan gets go-ahead Clongriffin could be set for a €40m Islamic Cultural Centre built on a six-acre site in the area, after plans got the green light from Dublin City Council.

The proposed development will adjoin a Gannon Properties residen-

tial site which has already been approved for 147 houses to be built.

Gannon Properties has already spent millions developing the mixed residential and commercial scheme at Clongriffin providing a wide range of facilities including a new

DART station, a 460-acre park-and-ride facility, apartments, houses and a host of local shops.

Swords-based estate agent Shane Redmond Group was involved in the negotiations between Gannon Properties and the Dublin-based Muslim

group.

Alan Redmond, managing director of Shane Redmond Group said: “The complex will give a major boost to Dublin’s newest town centre and lead to the creation of up to 500 construction jobs during the construction.”

Graduates: A very proud day at the Liberty Insurance Conferring for 2013 in the Crowne Plaza Blanchardstown, were Tom and Michelle Walsh from Swords.

Students were collecting certs from The Insurance Institute of Ireland, a not-for-profit membership organisation which says it is proud to be a leading professional and educational body for the insurance industry in Ireland.

motion: SP criticises ‘refusal’ to take speakers

Council back call to keep protesters out

 natalie burke

nburke@gazettegroup.com

Fingal County Council has this week supported a motion to introduce legislation preventing protesters from gaining unauthorised entry to public council meetings.

The bid was raised at a council meeting held earlier this week, in which Cllr Ciaran Byrne (Lab) asked FCC to call on the government to provide for penalties, under criminal law, for any member of the public who forcibly enters or disrupts a meeting of a local authority.

The motion follows the recent occupation of a number of councils nationwide by anti-prop-

erty tax campaigners.

“We saw quite clearly last month that public safety is an issue,” Cllr Byrne stated at the meeting.

“Personnel in both councils were hurt trying to prevent protesters breaking into a chamber meeting in a manner described today as violent, aggressive and intimidating.

“If a tiny minority takes it upon themselves to disrupt every democratic institution in the State, where will it end?

Will they occupy Aras An Uachtarain or the Dail?”

While members of the council passed the motion, representatives from the Socialist Party

have said the Labour Party are “in no position to lecture others on democracy”.

According to a statement released by members of the Socialist Party, Cllr Tom Kelleher (Lab), who was chairing the meeting, refused to take any speakers on the subject, despite indications from the Socialist Party to speak.

“This was a disgraceful guillotine of discussion on what was obviously a controversial motion calling for criminalising protesters,” said Cllr Eugene Coppinger (SP).

“T he motion was akin to something you’d expect from a dictatorship. Labour has crossed

a line now attacking civil liberties and the right to protest.”

Defending his actions, Cllr Kelleher said: “It is standard practice during a debate that if a councillor wishes to speak they raise his or her hand during the speech.

“During Cllr Byrne’s long and prepared speech, nobody raised their hands.

Coming to the end of the proposal, I noticed two members of the Socialist Party commenting to one another and not paying attention to the speech.

“When the motion was finished, I asked the council if the motion was agreed and it was, so I declared the meeting over.”

4 swords gazette 14 March 2013

FastNews

st patrick’s day A feast of festivities

council: road safety

Pavilions putting on plenty for festive day of fun The Swords Pavilions Shopping Centre will be hosting some extra special events for St Patrick’s Day this year for the whole family.

With an Irish trad band entertaining shoppers from 2pm until 4pm outside Zara on the lower level of the centre, dancers from the Andrea Behan School of Irish Dancing will also be performing for the crowds outside Dunnes Stores on the lower level.

The Nichola Higgins Irish Dancing School will also be performing outside Dunnes Stores on the upper level of the shopping centre from 2pm until 4pm.

For those in search of a little extra excitement, the Xtreme Funfair will also be arriving at the Pavilions on Friday, March 15 until Sunday, March 24.

The fair will be open from Monday to Friday from 6pm until 10pm, and will be open from 2pm until 10pm on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays. The fair will open on St Patrick’s Day from 12pm until 10pm.

More school wardens sought

The St Patrick’s Day parade and events will provide a great day out for families

Swords gets set to paint the town green  natalie burke nburke@gazettegroup.com

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Swords is set to paint the town green this month with another year of highly-anticipated festivities planned for St Patrick’s Day. While thousands turned out for the town’s popular parade and festivities last year, Swords is once again set to host a successful celebration of events for March 17.

The festival will officially kick off in Swords on Saturday, March 16, with a special Viking village festival and market, which will feature combat displays, archery and

armoury, as well as blacksmithing, falconry and a host of other fantastic events. The Viking village festival will be open from 11am until 6pm.

On St Patrick’s Day, pre-parade entertainment is set to begin at 11am, with the parade kicking off at 12 noon. With Paralympian Catherine Walsh and Fingal Olympic Torch bearer Cillian Kirwan, set to lead the parade as Grand Marshals, the parade is expected to run for approximately 90 minutes through the town.

The entire community is getting involved this year, with community groups, sports clubs,

pipe bands and dance clubs taking part. Local Eurosong contestant and finalist Aimee Fitzpatrick will also be making an appearance, while a special Gathering 2013 float is currently being constructed. Following the parade, the festivities are set to continue with a ceili mor while the Viking Village will reopen on St Patrick’s Day from 1pm until 6pm.

“The St Patrick’s Day events effectively kick off the Gathering events in Fingal this year. Fingal has a central place in the Gathering with Ireland’s largest international transport hub Dublin Air-

port located in the heart of Fingal,” said Mayor of Fingal, Cian O’Callaghan (Lab).

“However, just as impor tantly, the St Patrick’s Day parade and events provide a great day out for families and showcase our local area. I am looking forward to a great day out.”

If you can’t make the Swords parade in the morning, Balbriggan will also be hosting a parade in the afternoon, with marching groups taking to Drogheda Street at 2pm. Road diversions for both areas will be listed before the event at www. fingalcoco.ie.

A total of six additional school wardens could be recruited by Fingal County Council, in order to serve the new schools that have been built in Fingal.

The news was confirmed recently by FCC, who said they are currently seeking permission for the recruitment of much-needed lollipop persons.

The schools in Dublin Nor th for which r e q u e s t s h ave b e e n received include Swords Educate Together, Scoil Brian Boroimhe in Swords, Holywell Educate Together, Swords and Gael Scoil Bhaile Brigin in Balbriggan.

According to the council, further information will be made av a i l a b l e f o l l ow i n g determination of the request for additional school wardens.

“It should be noted that the new school wardens, if approved, can only be put in position on roads that are in charge of the council.

“The process of taking in charge of the roads serving the schools is currently ongoing,” a response on behalf of the council stated.

Promoting exercise and good health  natalie burke nburke@gazettegroup.com

Communities across Fingal are invited to have a Lark in the Park this spring with an initiative aiming at promoting exercise and good health in the over-55s.

The Institute of Technology in Blanchardstown (ITB) and Fingal County Council are

inviting men and women from across the county to participate in a Stay Strong Strategy initiative which will see hundreds of residents joining in with their local community for an exercise session.

The sessions are set to be held in Millennium Regional Park, Malahide Castle and Seagrange and to encourage maximum participation; the age-friendly

exercise session is completely free of charge. The event will be held on Tuesday, April 23 from 10.30am until 11.30am.

The aerobic and resistance exercise session is aimed towards ages 55 and over with all fitness levels and body types welcome.

“We’re making it easy to get started with small steps,” explained Sinead White and Julie O’Connell of the sports

management and coaching programme at ITB. “It’s an open invitation to become comfortable with the outdoor gymnasium workout before making a long-term change for the better.”

To find out more about the free event contact Julie on 0871829903, Sinead on 0868355679 or email SlemItb@ gmail.com.

14 March 2013 swords gazette 5

internet Politicians welcome upgrade decision

Schools ready for high-speed broadband  natalie burke nburke@gazettegroup.com

Secondary schools across North Dublin are set to benefit from faster broadband later this year, it has been revealed.

Speaking at an event held in Dublin last week, Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn (Lab) and Minister for Communications Pat Rabbitte (Lab) announced that all post-primary schools in the counties of Dublin, Kildare and Meath will have received an internet

upgrade by September 2013.

Dublin North TD, Terence Flanagan (FG), welcomed the announcement saying it was good news for local schools.

“This is very welcome news for students in my constituency. I am pleased that the government is making a substantial investment to ensure that students have access to a high-speed, efficient broadband service. This will allow students to use new and innovative educational tools online to

support them with their studies,” he said.

“This investment is vitally important in safeguarding Ireland’s competitiveness in the future and it ensures that the young, up-and-coming workforce will be armed with the necessary skills to compete on a global scale,” he added.

Students will be further assisted to develop their skills in this area through the availability of a short course in the new Junior Cycle that will provide training in programming

Communications minister Pat Rabbitte and Education minister Ruari Quinn pictured at the launch with Precious Umeh, Hazel Zambra, Eimear Mowlds and Avril Watson

and coding. This course will be available from September 2014.

Local councillor and principal of Rolestown primar y school Tom Kelleher (Lab) also welcomed the announcement, saying the move will make a “huge difference” to schools across the county.

“T here’s hardly a school now that won’t benefit from the changes

to broadband. Administration work is based almost entirely on IT and students need access to it on a daily basis. It’s extremely frustrating when you don’t have decent services,” he said.

“A huge amount of classwork is done using the internet so to get a better service is extremely welcome and it’s great news.”

With post-primar y

schools set to benefit from the upgrades, Cllr Kelleher says he hopes to see similar changes made for primary schools.

“Almost every school has a website now and they use it as a form of interaction between schools and parents. One of the most important things is to have our youngsters highly educated and to do this, access to online facilities is essential.”

jobs Board positions on offer The Government seeks interest from qualified and experienced persons for two positions on the Citizens Information Board.

Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton (Lab) is inviting expressions of interest from people suitable for the job. The appointment will be for a period not exceeding five years.

The board operates under the aegis of the Department of Social Protection and is responsible for supporting the provision of information, advice and advocacy on a wide range of social services.

Interested par ties should submit an application via www.publicjobs. ie together with a CV and cover letter by March 22.

6 swords gazette 14 March 2013

gazetteGALLERIES

Boxer Anthony Fitzgerald with Belinda Fitzpatrick

St Brigid’s U-14s footballers and hurlers. Pictures: Ronan O’Sullivan

Ireland’s No 1 badminton player Scott Evans

Louise F Church and Michael Bollard, both from Castle Golf Club

prize: ANNUAL CEREMONY AT RED COW MORAN HOTEL

Winners take all at sports awards T

Imelda Callaghan and Denise Connor of Foxrock Cabinteely Ladies GAA

Tadhg O’Shea, Tiernan McGlynn and Cian O’Sullivan of St Brigid’s U-14s

HE annual Gazette Sports Awards were recently held at the Red Cow Moran Hotel in Clondalkin. This is the fourth year that the Dublin Gazette Newspapers have hosted this awards night, which recognise the various achievements and dedication of sports players in our local communties.

The winners included Paralympian cyclist Catherine Walsh, who was named Sports Star of the Year, and St Brigid’s U-14s who were named Team of the Year.

Some well-known faces attended the awards, including Ireland’s badminton champion Scott Evans and boxing legend Mick Dowling.

14 March 2013 swords gazette 7

sponsored by

Swimmer Barry Murphy

Caroline Ryan of the Garda Cycling Club

Emily and Mick Dowling, boxing legend

8 swords gazette 14 March 2013

opinion Minister Phil Hogan writes for The Gazette

My agenda is to protect frontline services for all By streamlining systems we will be able to deliver better results MUCH has been commented on in the media in recent weeks in relation to my proposals for the alignment of local government and local development.

There has been talk of the loss of funding and, more recently, job losses.

While this scaremongering may very well be intended to serve other agendas, I want to make it clear that my sole agenda is to protect frontline

services to local communities.

I don’t accept that the current local development structures are the most efficient method of delivering services to local communities.

The Alignment Steering Group that I set up to review this area noted the complex range of structures and entities that deliver local and community development supports, all with their

own administration overheads.

The group reported that “these administration functions carry significant costs and can divert resources from frontline services”.

The group also noted the duplication and overlap that resulted from the complexity of the local development landscape.

I make no apology for the fact that I intend to tackle these issues.

We simply have to look for more cost-effective delivery mechanisms in the current economic climate.

The Action Programme for Effective Local Government – Putting People First recommends greater alignment between local government and local development, including the 51 local development companies that currently deliver important programmes for my department, amongst others.

T he Government accepted the recommendations made by the Alignment Steering Group.

Under those proposals, local development companies will continue to have a role in local development delivery.

There is no logic, therefore, to the statement this alignment will lead to massive job losses, as has been alleged.

What we need is a more streamlined system, which is fit for purpose, and eliminates unnecessary duplication.

In recent weeks, we have seen the outline for EU budgets for 2014 – 2020 agreed.

The amount of funding available under the LEADER Programme, which has yet to be finalised, will be severely curtailed compared to what we had under the previous programme.

This is further compelling evidence of the need to reform the whole area and get better value for money.

Business as usual is not an option, and the need to change is made

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government Phil Hogan (FG)

all the more urgent by the expected reductions in funding.

There is a pressing need, therefore, to ensure that the various agencies handling public funds work together, to make the best use of the scarce resources available [in order] to deliver the best level of service possible in the most cost-effective and efficient way.

Partnership Alignment is about doing just that – it is about developing a partnership approach between the local government and local development sectors in order to bring about a more effective delivery of services to our communities and citizens.

I am very aware that the local development sector in Ireland has a

strong history, and handles large volumes of public funding.

However, change is required across all sectors to help meet the challenges facing us during these difficult times.

This debate has been over-focused, to date, on protecting structures and organisations.

I can understand that maintaining the status quo is the primary concern of vested interest groups.

However, I want to ensure that the best services are delivered to citizens and communities in the context of reducing budgets. We simply cannot expect to continue as we are.

I believe that the new alignment arrangements will place local development structures on a

more sustainable footing, and will help lessen the impact on programmes of reduced funding over the next few years.

We now know that there will be reductions in programme funding and, by extension, admin funding, in the context of budgetary processes at both national and EU level.

However, alignment is not about driving cuts to programme funding; rather, it is about helping to sustain the impact of local and community development services through more efficient, effective and joined-up structures.

I have met the stakeholders in recent weeks to discuss this matter, and I will continue to do so until we have a workable solution.

14 March 2013 swords gazette 9

initiative: rethink on approach to road repair funding praised

PADDY’S DAY

Reilly heading for UK

Road conditions are set to improve A brand new government initiative for road maintenance funding is set to lead to improved road conditions on local and regional roads in Dublin North.

Information on the initiative was made public this week by Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar (FG), who announced a reformed method of allocating funding for road restoration to local authorities.

The funding was welcomed by Dublin North TD Alan Farrell (FG), who said the initiative would lead to more decision making autonomy for councillors and greater flexibility for councils to manage funds for the

repair and resurfacing of roads.

“This year Fingal County Council has been allocated over €2 million for road restoration. Until now the local authority could only access 10% of this allocation for road filling and resurfacing works.

“These repairs are vital to ensure safe driving conditions and are badly needed on some of our roads in Fingal,” he said.

“The remaining bulk of this money could only be accessed for road reconstruction projects. Now the local authority can decide where to focus its resources based on what is actually needed.”

Under the initiative, the flexibility to draw down

Department funding for a wider range of repairs, is a tool that the council can now use to improve their ability to fix roads more efficiently and effectively.

“Reform is about identifying a smarter way to use the funds we have in order to achieve the maximum benefit for the taxpayer, and to ensure that we can deliver safer roads for drivers and pedestrians,” Deputy Farrell continued.

“I think this is a step in the right direction towards increased accountability of local authorities and elected representatives.

“I commend Minister Varadkar and the local authorities for coming together to rethink their approach toward road safety.”

The mother of all treats: Enjoying some well-earned pampering ursula Wyse from Swords took advantage of all the special

treats available at the Pavilions Shopping Sentre Mothers Day Pamperzone recently. With the help of Geraldine Weldon (Elizabeth Arden, Boots) she enjoyed having a makeover done which was the perfect start to this special day to celebrate our mothers. The event had lots ways to spoil your mother and make sure she could indulge in some well-earned pampering.

H ealth M i n i s t e r James Reilly (FG) will be strengthening Irish ties with the UK this month, when he pays a visit to Britain as part of the St Patrick’s Day celebrations. Minister Reilly will be travelling to both Birmingham and London during St Patrick’s weekend and will be staying as a guest at the Irish Embassy.

“The Minister will be flying over on Ryanair and returning on Aer Lingus. There is no such thing as first class,” said a spokesperson for the Minister, who emphasised the importance of ministerial trips abroad. “It’s a great opportunity to build relationships between countries and an opportunity to send positive messages about Ireland.

10 swords gazette 14 March 2013

gazetteGALLERY

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

Shay Barker

Mayor of Fingal Cian O’Callaghan (Lab) unveils the plaque for the new Holywell Centre. Pictures: Una Williams

Holywell community centre finally opens

T

HE much-anticipated and longawaited Holywell Community Centre in Swords has recently officially opened its doors.

The new centre was officially launched by Mayor of Fingal, Cian O Callaghan (Lab). This is a state of the art shared facility built alongside

Holywell Educate Together National School. As well as a large hall that will be available for community use outside of school hours, the centre also has a suite of facilities available for community use throughout the day, including meeting rooms, kitchen facilities, a dance studio and a large children’s

activity room.

The centre will cater for various sporting and recreational activities and the rooms will be available for training, sports, community groups and residents’ associations. For more information, contact the new centre at 01 8971010 or visit www.holywellcc.ie.

Anne-Marie Farrelly

Cllr Darragh Butler (FF), Joan Maher, Mayor of Fingal Cian O’Callaghan (Lab) and Clive Brazier

Cllr Gerry McGuire (Lab)

Jenny Gorman

Daniel Wilson and Loretta Hennessy

14 March 2013 Gazette 11

feature P14

dublinlife

Let Dublin Gazette Newspapers take you on a tour of the news and events taking place across the city and county this week, as well as the latest from our schools

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Gazette

diary P12

heritage: lots to enjoy at our national party

You’ll be green-ing away at all the Paddy’s Day fun  bairbre ni Bhraonain

THIS year’s St Patrick’s Festival is sure to be a corker, with cultural events and entertainment galore lined up as well as a brand new people’s parade that anyone can participate in.

An estimated 8,000 people from around the world are expected to march in the people’s parade, for which you can register in City Hall until

Saturday, March 16.

The five-day St Patrick’s festival will feature talks, musical performances and tours, which will be dotted all over the capital from Thursday, March 14 until Monday, March 18.

For example, on lunchtime on Friday, March 15, in Marsh’s Library (beside St Patrick’s Cathedral), there will be a special Gathering talk by travel writer Turtle Bunbury entitled: Of

Gunslingers, Tarantulas, Elvis and Walt – A Global History of the Irish Abroad.

On Saturday, March 16, in the Irish Film Centre in Temple Bar, the Oscar-nominated animation, The Secret Of Kells, will be shown at 11am.

Entry is priced at €5 per person, and €15 for a family ticket of two adults and two children.

On the day itself, March 17, An Chaba-

ret Craiceailte, a selection of the best of Irish, rock, dance, rap and ska music will be performed at Dame Court, from 6pm until 9pm, for all to enjoy.

As a patriotic backdrop, some of the city’s most important, iconic landmarks will be turning green with gusto for the festival.

For the full festival event listing, see www. stpatricksfestival.ie.

Expect the city to be transformed with St Patrick’s Day-themed activities

12 Gazette 14 March 2013

Gazette

diary dublinlife Tayto ‘blasta’ from past makes crisp work of Gaeilge’s week Crisp lovers were given a blast from the past this week with the launch of Tayto’s retro 1980s packs.

The new bags, which are printed as gaeilge, were launched by gaeilgeoir and Irish model Roz Lipsett, who met Mr Tayto to announce the arrival of a limited edition Tayto cheese and onion six-pack.

The new Tayto pack pays homage to the retro 1980s design that will be remembered by Tayto lovers everywhere, with the iconic red, white and blue bags making a comeback.

A limited amount of the new Tayto packs will be sold in supermarkets nationwide for the next eight weeks and they promise to be a much sought after item in the run up to St Patrick’s Day and during Seachtain na Gaeilge.

More information on the bags and the company can be found at www. facebook.com/MrTayto or follow Mr Tayto on Twitter @MrTaytoIreland.

an evening with author Dan Brown Irish fans of Interna-

tional bestseller Dan Brown are being given the chance to spend an evening with him at the National Concert Hall as part of Dublin Writers Festival.

The Da Vinci Code w riter will host An Ev e n i n g w i t h D a n Brown on May 20.

This event is part of the 15th Dublin Writers Festival which returns on May 20-26.

Full details on the festival’s programme are to be announced on Wednesday, April 10 but because of this exciting event, organisers are letting fans know just what kind of amazing authors will be at the festival this year.

T h i s e ve n t m a r k s Brown’s first visit to Ireland and also marks the publication of his brand new novel, Inferno, which will be published mid-May. Brown will be discussing his latest novel, set in Italy and centred around one of history’s most enduring masterpieces: Dante’s Inferno.

Tickets for this event cost €20 and are on sale now.

For booking information see www.dublinfestival.com.

can apply by emailing music@tyroneproductions.ie.

a chance to win a dream wedding

Gaeilgeoir and model Roz Lipsett met Mr Tayto to announce the arrival onto shelves nationwide of a limited edition Tayto cheese and onion six-pack

Ireland’s next top tour manager Young aspiring music tour managers will now have the opportunity to make their dreams of working in the music industry come true with a new RTE 2 show called

Music Inc. The new show is calling for all talented, young music mad people to try out for a competition and be monitored by Liam McKenna who has handled JLS, Jedward and more.

The show will feature some of the pop world’s

most successful pop stars as contestants go behind the scenes and tour manage the acts.

Organisers of Music Inc are searching for 10 teenagers who love music to participate in the competition whilst gaining real hands-on experience behind the scenes as they

battle it out in a series of challenges.

The ultimate winner will not just take the title, but the grand prize of a week on tour shadowing Liam.

Anyone who would like the opportunity to compete to become Ireland’s next top tour manager,

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

Brides and grooms-tobe could be in with a last minute chance to win a €20,000 wedding prize, thanks to a brand new “lottery of love” which is set to close on Friday, March 15.

A total of €700,000 worth of weddings will be up for grabs on www. winourwedding.ie, a website launched exclusively for engaged couples.

There will be a wedding to be won in every county in Ireland, with two prizes to be won in Dublin.

T h e l ove l o t t e r y requires couples, including those who have already booked their big day, to register online for €10, and provide some details on themselves and their wedding plans, to be in with a chance to win their dream wedding by getting their family and friends to vote for them.

Entries should be made online by midnight, Friday, March 15, with winners to be announced at the end of May. Log onto www.winourwedding.ie for more information.

14 March 2013 Gazette 13

FEATURE investment: mogul gives his backing

Aideen strikes gold with her Dragon deal  PAUL HOSFORD

The organiser of local performance bootcamp Starcamp, Aideen O’Grady, feels like she has “struck gold” after managing to attract the investment of Dragons’ Den mogul Peter Casey.

Aideen O’Grady runs Starcamp, which provides summer performing camps for children in Ballinteer, Knocklyon, Lucan, Swords and Malahide. She gave up just 5% of her company in return for €30,000 of investment.

Aideen hopes this will develop the company, which is Ireland’s only nationwide performance camp group.

Giving up 5%, plus a €3 royalty per child until Casey’s initial investment is paid off, was nothing compared to what Aileen had

planned to give up.

“Entering the Den, everyone must state the percentage that they are willing to part with for a certain amount of money” Aideen said, “but at the end of the day, of course you leave room for negotiation, the cut-off point in my head was actually 25%, if I got the right Dragon to invest!”

Aideen is the first ever contestant to enter the Irish Dragons’ Den and to part with only 5% of her business, half of the 10% she had intended.

Another first is the trip to America that Peter, who is based stateside, threw in to seal the deal.

With the expansion of the school, Aideen will be looking for franchisees.

“For €6,500 you can set up your dream stage school or for €4,000

you can own your own party business.

“It is a simple and very achievable way for so many people to buy into a company and brand that is succeeding beyond all expectation through this recession, and where opportunities and growth are limitless,” says Aideen, who wouldn’t change her experience on the show at all.

“I wouldn’t change a thing. Then again, that’s one of my main beliefs in life, everything that happens - happens for a reason. That means even if I blabber, lose my c o o l o r n e a r l y run out the door with nerves – then suck it up and laugh it off, it was meant to happen to me for some ridiculous reason.

“The bottom line is I could not be happier with the outcome.”

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Aideen O’Grady has attracted the investment of Dragons’ Den mogul Peter Casey

GAZETTE

14 GAZETTE 14 March 2013

DUBLINLIFE

FEATURE

FAMILIES: SUPERVALU FOOD WORKSHOP FOR KIDS

Put a smile on your face (and on your food, too)  BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

AS PART of this year’s St Patrick’s Festival, SuperValu will be running a series of food workshops to teach children how to create funky lunches for themselves.

The SuperValu Big Day Out’s Real Food Zone takes place in Merrion Square from noon to 6pm on Saturday, March 16 – the eve of St Patrick’s Day – and Mark Northeast, creator of new craze, Funky Lunches, will be on hand to help children

to get artistic with lunches by transforming their sandwiches into favourite cartoon characters such as Spongebob Squarepants, and Charlie and Lola.

Northeast, who will come over from his native England for the SuperValu day out on St Patrick’s Eve to run the Funky Lunches workshops, spoke to The Gazette about taking part in the

event, and the idea behind the Real F o o d Zone.

“I was i nv i t e d t o the St Patrick’s Festival by SuperValu to create the zone. I have been giving these food workshops for years, and go out to lots of primary schools in England to teach the children how to be creative with food and how to design and make food faces.”

The whole idea is really to try to encourage children to eat healthy food they wouldn’t normally eat by making funny, colourful characters out of the produce.

“At the Big Day Out, we will be using fresh fruit and vegetables from SuperValu to make the Funky Lunches, and we’ll also be teaching the children how to use utensils to create their own lunches.

“It’s important that they are taught how to peel and cut safely, so I sit --------------------------

‘Northeast has written two cookbooks, both of which have won awards in Britain’ --------------------------

down and engage with a child while teaching them these new skills.

“There have been a few times when I’ve had to intervene when a child was trying to cut a cucumber dangerously, so the safety aspect is extremely important.

“It’s also great to pass on these important [life] skills to children and see their confidence with food grow,” said Northeast.

T he original idea behind Funky Lunches resulted from Northeast having to get creative when his four-year-old son refused to eat his lunch one day.

“It all started with trying to get a grumpy son to eat a sandwich. I made it into a face, and this encouraged him to eat it, and then he wanted to learn how to make it

Sarah Darley (from Bettystown), Rhiann Smith (Tyrellstown), Allan O’Kearney (Lucan) and Alex Murgutroyd (Castleknock) had an uplifting experience with The Balloon Girls from PaperDolls Performance Company at the launch of the upcoming SuperValu Big Day Out, which will feature

The children

Funky Lunches classes for children

want everyone to pay attention and eat healthily

himself.”

Although Northeast is in the food business today, his background was not in the culinary arts.

“I was a web designer, so my creative streak came out with the situation with my son.

“I worked from home, and when the Funky Lunch idea started to gel, I set up a website for it and then Facebook and

Twitter really pushed the idea ahead greatly.”

To date, Northeast has written two cookbooks, both of which have won awards in Britain, and he is writing another.

He also intends to create a range of ready-made Funky Lunch products within the next six to 12 months and these will then be sold in shops in the future. Northeast will

also set up a franchise for the workshops to be held all over the world.

For now, he is looking forward to coming to Ireland for the festival.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what the children can create with the fresh fruit and veg ingredients from SuperValu, which provide such a good colour palette for art.”

14 March 2013 Gazette 15

Gazette

16 Gazette 14 March 2013

dublinlife

business

Insurance made simple

Q&A

Continued from last week

The key things to remember with insurance are: • It is easy to end up buying insurance you don’t need and not buying insurance you probably do need. Use a reliable financial adviser or your common sense (or both) to help you.

• It is a ruthlessly competitive market. Shop around before you buy any cover. Shop around before you renew cover. Keep checking prices for cover that doesn’t have an annual renewal date, too.

• There are lots of ways to bring insurance premiums down, ways that won’t necessarily mean less cover.

Seems silly not to exploit them, really, doesn’t it?

It is an awful pity that Woody Allen typified the dread

of most people when it comes to insurance – my worst nightmare is being stuck in a lift with an insurance salesman. Today, apart from the thousands of men and women in the industry who are there to serve your needs, the technology superhighway means you don’t even need to meet one, let alone in a lift !  Contact John with your money questions at jlowe@moneydoc-

tor.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

fashion: looking the part when applying for jobs

Event raises €3k to help women Dress for Success Fundraising, business and fashion came together in a special event hosted by RTE’s Off the Rail’s presenter S o ny a L e n n o n a n d organised by local business Sodexo.

The event raised €3,000 for Dress for Success, a non-profit organisation that promotes the economic advancement of disadvantaged women.

The event took place in the Bord Bia building on Mount Street in the city centre and the night was one of fashion and fun as Sonya and her team gave

advice on style and how to make the best impression by dressing for success.

Not only does Dress for Success give women professional clothing so that they look the part when applying for jobs but it also supports their career development through networking and advice.

Founded in 1996 by Nancy Lublin and three nuns in Spanish Harlem in New York, Dress for Success now has 20 bases around the world and the latest one in Dublin was started by Sonya Lennon.

Linda Hennessey, the exam centre

Spotting how to fill a gap in education market LIKE many people in recent times, Linda Hennessey, operations director, The Exam Centre, found herself redundant three years ago after working in the private education industry for more than 10 years.

With this experience under her belt, and after completing an honours degree in business management,

she decided to set up business with a colleague of hers, and together they launched The Exam Centre.

They are located just off Exit 15 of the M50, and right beside the Luas.

Exam takers can order exams and/ or invigilation services through the Exam Centre by calling 01 685 4942, or see www.theexamcentre.com.

How long have you been in business?

my own business. So the recession has impacted in a positive way on me, as it gave me the opportunity to work for myself. We have found that more and more people are up-skilling and re-skilling in order to remain employable and this in turn brings opportunities for The Exam Centre to facilitate the certification process.

What makes your business successful?

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

The Exam Centre has been running on a part-time basis since 2010, but we are about to ramp the business up to a full time venture based on feedback and demand from clients for exam invigilation services at a time that suits them.

Sodexo Ireland’s Womenwork organising team of (l/r) Gillian Stafford, Deirdre Saunders, Niamh Cray and Margaret Clapham with Sonya Lennon

The organisation relies on donations of cash and clothing to survive. It is partnered by Arnotts and Marks and Spencers and donations of clothing can be made by dropping them into Arnotts on Henry Street and all clothing donations must be interview appropriate.

Funding

Last year Sonya was awarded The Arthur Guinness Fund Award which recognises social entrepreneurs, for her initiative in setting up Dress for Success. She was one of 10 social entrepreneurs to receive the special two-

year funding which varies in size from €50,000 to €100,000.

She hopes to develop a national grid of Dress for Success offices within the next 10 years.

Sonya is on the Board of the Crafts Council of Ireland and has started a f ledgling designer clothes label of her own along with fellow Off the Rails presenter, Brendan Courtney, called Lennon Courtney which is, according to Sonya, distinctive yet understated.

To find out more about Dress for Success,visit www.dressforsuccessdublin.org

We feel that a customer-centric approach has worked for us. We constantly strive to adapt our businesses operations to focus purely on what will make life easier and stress free for the customer and we have reaped the rewards.

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

We are the largest dedicated exam centre in the country and offer customers over 1,000 different examinations at a convenient time to them.

We don’t believe that you have to wait for exams. Some 99.9% of our customers get to take their exam on the day they want it at the time that suits them – no waiting, no fuss, no hassle, whether that be daytime, evening or weekends.

How has the recession impacted your business?

There is no doubt that the recession has had a negative impact on everyone in business. In my case, I found myself redundant from a job I held for over 10 years back in 2009 and this gave me the push to start up

Currently, we use Facebook and LinkedIn as we can see the value that the whole social media space can offer and intend to get more involved in this medium by hiring a social media guru to take over this element of the business.

What is your ambition for the business?

We want to set a new standard in the delivery of exams and invigilation services. We want to minimise the fear and stress that exam candidates can sometimes feel. Our specifically designed and ultra-modern facilities offer the testing candidate a comfortable, noise and distractionfree environment.

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

Take baby steps, listen to those who have walked a similar road and gain knowledge from their experiences. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. It is okay not to know everything and to admit to it. Most importantly, don’t give up.

14 March 2013 Gazette 17

asdfsdaf P27 TRAVEl P24

Music P23

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

people: stephen hogan on film role

Pets

Earthbound success for focused actor

 rob heigh

THIS weekend sees the release of a new Irish comedy film, Earthbound, that features an array of local connections.

The film is shot on location in Dublin, with an array of local talent that includes Dartry native Stephen Hogan, an acclaimed actor who has a huge number of roles under his belt in film, television and theatre in Ireland, Britain and beyond.

The film features Hot Fuzz and Life Of Pi star Rafe Spall in the lead role as an everyman with a difference – he’s the sole surviving son of Zalaxon, a world embroiled in endless rebellion against invading aliens.

His girlfriend, Maria, played by Belfast actress Jenn Murray, thinks he simply has a nerdy interest in sci-fi, until she starts to see the signs of an interstellar conspiracy at play.

Out & About spoke to

Stephen last week about his role in the movie, and his work on stage and screen, and we started by talking about Earthbound.

“Ear thbound is a comedy that works on a number of levels.

“It’s a homage to comic

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

‘I did Waiting For Godot when I was 14, and the theatricality of it touched me in some way’ --------------------------

books and sci-fi, the things [writer and director] Alan Brennan loves, and it’s a really clever take on that, all shot in and around Dublin city centre.

“I play Rafe’s phsychiatrist, who he is referred to by Jenn, because he’s demonstrating bizarre behaviour and saying incredible things about being an alien. You end

up asking: ‘Is it all a fantasy, or is it real?’ It’s great fun.”

The cast also features some immense talent, including Carrie Crowley, Ned Dennehy, and Doctor Who and The Walking Dead star, David Morrissey.

Stephen says his first love is the theatre, most recently treading the boards in Dublin in Joe Dowling’s production of The Field at the Gaiety, where he acted opposite Hollywood giant Brian Dennehy, and he spoke about where the urge to be an actor came from.

“Like many kids, I had an inspirational English teacher, Greg Collins, at Sandford Park School in Ranelagh.

“I did Waiting For Godot when I was 14, and the theatricality of it touched me in some way.

“I was sure I was going to need a ‘proper’ career and trained as an architect, in Greenwich and Edinburgh.



Gazette

style P19

can you give courageous Chris a new home?

Dartry native Stephen Hogan: “It’s hard for young actors to get a grounding to build a career – you need opportunities to come your way, and also work very, very hard”

“While at Edinburgh Uni, I got involved in the student drama scene. The standard was high and we competed for audiences at the festival, and people who were thinking about pursuing a career in acting were attracted to the scene as well.

“I decided to audition for the three best drama schools, and if I didn’t get in, I always had architecture to fall back on.

“But I got a place in the Royal Scottish Academy in Glasgow, and everything flowed from there.

Architecture’s loss, and all that!”

Landing a role in Scottish television soap, Take The High Road (imag-

ine a Scottish Glenroe), Stephen saw his career take off in Scotland as well, and roles on stage and the small screen have come his way ever since.

He has appeared in Fair City and The Tudors, as well as an array of prestigious productions on the stage in Ireland and across Britain.

However, he sees it as being hard for young actors to make the breakthrough in the same way he achieved.

“The experiences and opportunities for young actors are getting harder and harder to come by. I was extraordinarily lucky – there was one stage [in my life] when I was work-

ing on Fair City during the day, performing at The Gate in the evening, and rehearsing for The Abbey in the meantime.

“I had three jobs, and it was an amazing time. But I think an actor’s career goes in phases, and it’s tougher now than it ever was.

“There are so many schools, and the feeling that things can happen very quickly – but actually it doesn’t happen quickly.

“It’s hard for young actors to get a grounding to build a career – you need experience and opportunities to come your way, and also work very, very hard.”

The Gazette Newspaper has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for unwanted and abandoned dogs.

Our Dog of the Week this week is courageous Chris, a 14-year-old Labrador.

This wise old boy has had his fair share of hard luck in the past, and we’re hoping that’s all about to change for him.

Despite his age, Chris is an energetic boy who loves going for walks, big cuddles and affection!

He would need an understanding owner who spends quite a lot of time at home, as Chris’s owner went away three years ago, and left him tied up in the garden with no food, which left him needing lots of TLC. This brave boy would ideally go to a quiet forever home with no other dogs, kids or cats; one with plenty of cuddly toys and a fine big sofa to pan out on.

Although Chris has a wonky tail, a blind right eye, and a body which may not be in the best of nick through lack of nutrition, this hasn’t stopped this darling dog from being able to forgive and truly love people.

If you think you could offer Chris the loving home he so truly deserves then please contact Dogs Trust at 01 879 1000.

GAZETTE

18 GAZETTE 14 March 2013

OUT&ABOUT

RHIANNA FOR RIVER ISLAND  ANIA SHERLOCK

that she would wear – which explains the stage-like

Edited by LAURA WEBB

attire.

POP’S very own good-girl-gone-bad,

teamed with a bandeau top and appear more like

Rihanna, revealed her debut clothing line

swimwear. Her vamped-up street wear is quite a

for River Island at London Fashion Week

casual look, with no tailoring and some unusual shapes.

Black floral trousers, which are on trend, are

(LFW) last month, and the coveted threads

This isn’t Rihanna’s first encounter with the fashion

recently debuted at Ireland’s flagship River

world, with previous collaborations with Armani Jeans

Island store in Dublin.

– which mainly consisted of cute t-shirts, jeans and

There were high hopes and expectations from fashion critics but just like the star, she came into the fashion world with some controversy. She was nearly an hour late for

statement leather jackets – which seems more in tune with her personal style.

She wears clothes stunningly well, infusing her own unique style in each outfit, but, unfortunately, the pop

her nine-minute show (a big no-no in the fashion world)

goddess was unable to evoke emotion or present any

and there was growing anticipation among the crowd,

distinct style that we usually see her photographed in.

which included RiRi’s new best friend, model and socialite, Cara Delevingne.

Heavily-inspired by urban 90s style, incorporating

Some fashion risk-takers will look at the collection with excitement, but the ordinary girl-next-door might need a little more time to adjust to Ri-Ri’s eccentric style.

a new twist on dungarees, revealing mesh croptops,

That said, we’ll all still find our way to the fitting rooms

and baggy jumpsuits, Rihanna’s line might not be for

to see if there is something we can wear from Rihanna’s

everyone, but she did admit she choose a collection

collection. Available at River Island stores now.

14 March 2013 GAZETTE 19

 LAURA WEBB style@gazettegroup.com

STYLIST and TV pers o n a l i t y, C o u r t n e y Smith, is teaming up with Galaxy to showcase their newest advert which features Hollywood icon Audrey Hepburn and her fabulous 1950s style.

Just like Audrey, the Galaxy girl is confident and empowered and knows what she wants.

T his is why Galax y asked Malahide resident, Courtney, to be the campaign ambassador, as she ticks all the boxes. She is a self-made success and is taking the Irish fashion world by storm with regular contributions on Xpose and Ireland AM. This week, Gazette Style talked to her about her involvement in the campaign, the 1950s style making a comeback and also what key trends should be lining our wardrobes this season.

“It’s no secret I’m a huge fan of Galaxy, whenever anyone asks what is your guilty pleasure? I am like – it’s a bar of Galaxy,” she laughed.

“Audrey Hepburn is the style icon in the new ad and they really wanted to collaborate with someone in the Irish fashion industry too, who they said has the same attributes. In that I am young, busy working woman and I love fash-



models, Nadia Forde (left) and Rebecca Maguire (right) and timeless and always stylish Audrey Hepburn (right)

and quirky, so I think loads of different people, even now, can still relate to her.

Since being part of the campaign, Courtney has enjoyed researching the style and started watching all Audrey’s movies.

“It is funny how styles come full circle, it is actually a big trend at the moment. The way shirts are tied and the A-Line skirts, the Mac coats and all that sort of stuff, so I love revisiting it all.

According to Courtney, Audrey’s style is timeless.

“Looking at what she wore back then, the classic little black dress,

the trench coat, the striped t-shirt with little cropped jeans – everything she wore is so dress-able now and we see it everywhere, its almost impossible to avoid so she is timeless - a really great style role model.

Being from Malahide, she said people are “pretty up there in the style stakes” and as for Dublin street style, she said that’s were she gets a lot of inspiration from.

“I love people watching and seeing how, students especially, interpret styles because they will always put their own

BEAUTY news Fleur d’Osmanthus – the essence of spring PUT a spring in your step with an explosion of colourful floral notes that offer an uplifting effect perfect for energising the body and mind.

Roger & Gallet presents Fleur d’Osmanthus - The Essence of Spring.

This refreshing scent is concentrated in rare natural essences and essential oils which are joyous, delicious and refreshing for the spring months ahead.

According to Roger & Gallet, it takes two years for the osmanthus shrub to grow tiny clusters of apricotcoloured flowers, which reveal a cascade of gourmet floral notes. Mixed with a juicy apricot scent, it has a stress-reducing and uplifting effect.

Roger & Gallet - Fleur d’Osmanthus 100ml RRP €39.75 is available from pharmacies nationwide. The fragrance is also available in a shower gel, body lotion, travel soap, liquid soap and a 30ml version.

French skincare luxury Sisley comes to Harvey Nichols in Dundrum

Galaxy girls: Campaign stylist and ambassador Courtney Smith (Centre) with

ion and style – they just thought the two married really well.

“I was delighted when they told me it was all around iconic 1950s style and Audrey Hepburn. When I first spoke with them they asked do I think it’s dated, I said ‘no’ because, just like chocolate, she is the type of icon that doesn’t really eliminate anyone.

“She was a bit of a tomboy so the girls who aren’t into pretty little dresses would still love her and she is a huge movie star, and she has that girly aspect, too.

“She is also known for being really intelligent

GAZETTE

The most beautiful girls in the Galaxy

STYLE

kind of quirky take on a trend that a magazine might not have thought of, or a catwalk might not have thought of. I always find that really interesting,” she told Gazette Style.

This season, she said there is a lot of stripe, monochrome and bold prints. “Bold colours but simple shapes, which is great because you can find things that fit you really well, but you’re still being on trend,” she added.

See the new ad at www.galaxychocolate. co.uk/

Don’t forget to send in your style question for our Style Q&A with Littlewoods Ireland Ambassador, Caroline Morahan. The Star Question will win €50 voucher for Littlewoods Ireland. Email style@gazettegroup.com The next Q&A is out March 28.

FRENCH skincare luxury comes to Harvey Nichols with the opening of Sisley skincare and cosmetics.

The family business was first created in 1976 and is now widely known for its application of botanical essences to cosmetology. Sisley offers a complete range of products for face, body, sun care, hair care and make-up.

It is also renowned for its fine fragrances - Eau du Soir, Soir de Lune, Eau de Campagne and Les Eaux de Sisley - which have taken their place in the world of undeniable great classics Sisley products are of the highest quality, with no consideration of cost or time in their development. The formulas are synergies of plant extracts, resulting in extremely high performing and unique combinations.

The UK and Ireland operation, based in Knightsbridge, is run by Christine d’Ornano, international vice president and daughter of Sisley’s owners Hubert and Isabelle d’Ornano.

Christine d’Ornano says of the launch: “We are very excited that Sisley will now be available in Harvey Nichols, Dundrum as we have had much demand for our products in this area.”

Gazette

20 gazette 14 March 2013

OUT&ABOUT

CINEMA

Theatre THE pavilioN THEATRE 01 231 2929 The Fiddler on The Roof

THIS show has enduring popularity with unforgettable songs such as If I were a Rich Man and Matchmaker.

It won nine Tony awards and there is the memorable film adaptation. This presentation will be in the hands of DMDS whose award-winning cast look forward to leading you and your family through this much loved show. March 18-23, tickets are priced at €20/€18.

Draiocht 01 885 2622 Battle of the Bands

AFTER a successful first year, Miniature Jack will be hosting a second local Battle of the Bands and it promises to be as good as the last!

This heat will showcase some of our local, young talent with performances from Carmine, Ryan Bhasker and The Tracks. Miniature Jack will also be performing on the night. March 22, tickets are priced at €8.

Mill THEATRE 01 296 9340 Female of the Species

FEMALE of the Species is more deadly than the male…

A fascinating study of the female species, with some hilarious discoveries. Fresh from her performances in New York, Amy De Bhrún delights with her rapier wit and whirlwind of comedy characters. Catch the show from March 22 and 23, tickets are priced at €20/€18.

Russell Crowe and Jeffrey Wright lay down the law to Mark Wahlberg’s cop

review: Wahlberg and crowe star in this run-of-the-mill thriller

Slightly broken A BROKEN City; a corrupt political system and a battle for justice.

Broken City has a fantastic line-up, from Mark Wahlberg to Russell Crowe to Catherine Zeta-Jones. But although the film keeps your attention throughout, some of the subplots and scenes make the story quite “broken”.

We first meet NYC cop Billy Taggart (Wahlberg) when he is being acquitted of murder charges of a man who raped and killed a girl. Fast forward to seven years later, and Taggart is dating the murdered girl’s sister. He has also left the NYC police force, and is working as a paparazzi-style private detective with his assistant Katy, in which he is hired to follow cheating spouses and produce photographic evidence.

However they find it difficult to receive payment on time from their cli-

Film of the Week: Broken City h h h (15A) 109 mins Director: Allen Hughes Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Russel Crowe, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Jeffrey Wright

 Hiromi Mooney hmooney@gazettegroup.com

ents.

One day Taggart is approached by his old acquaintance, the Mayor of New York Nicholas Hostetler (Crowe), to follow his wife (Zeta-Jones) who he alleges is having an affair. The mayor offers Taggart $50,000 for photographic evidence because since he is up for re-election, he believes that her infidelity can damage his credibility during his campaign.

Taggart agrees and carries out the job, but somehow the mayor’s wife seeks him out and offers him $25,000 to stop working for him. Taggart refuses as he is bound to the mayor’s contract, but

OUR VERDICT:

IT would be inaccurate to call this a bad film, but it would be equally as wrong to call it brilliant. Despite the pedigree of the cast and crew, Broken City leaves too many strands loose and too few questions answered.

Most definitely worth a watch, but if you’re not a big fan of those involved, wait for the DVD.

becomes shocked when the man in question is found shot dead shortly afterwards. He soon discovers that the man and the mayor’s wife were in fact just good friends, and had information about the mayor’s corrupt plan to invest in a multi-billion dollar housing project deal, which could damage his election campaign. Taggart then seeks to achieve justice.

So that’s an interesting storyline with an interesting twist. But this is when things start to go wrong.

Meanwhile as all of this is going on, Taggart’s girlfriend, who is an actress,

is starring in a new indie film, and her friendship with a fellow actor sparks his jealousy and anger.

To make things more complicated, Taggart had a drink problem, so when he reacted badly to the new movie she starred in by drinking heavily, they fall out and she leaves him.

You hope for a reconciliation, but you are left disappointed as she totally disappears from the rest of the film.

You then expect chemistry to form between Taggart and Katy because she is young and flirty, but you question why that

doesn’t happen either.

In short, you will be left frustrated that no further romance takes place.

On top of that, the film only touched on the fact that Taggart used to have a drink problem. Apart from when he fell out with his girlfriend, there are no further references to his drink problem, so you are also left wondering why and how it was possible for him to not encounter further drinkrelated problems and continue to be a serious and sober detective.

If Broken City left out these extra subplots and concentrated solely on the main plot, it would have come out stronger.

Although it cleverly portrays the corrupt and unjust political system and the people within it, the subplots only complicate things, and the inclusion of too many characters makes the story broken.

14 March 2013 GAZETTE 21

GAMING BAFTAS: TOP GAMING WINNERS NAMED

A crowning moment for many titles THIS year’s BAFTAs had some pretty interesting choices to consider for its increasingly diverse games section, with the London ceremony highlighting some terrific titles, with just a couple of curious wins, too.

While, as ever, the past 12 months has seen all manner of troubles and economic woes sweep through the games industry, with countless thousands of job losses, dozens of studio closures and the end of lots and lots of franchises, at the same time, lots of terrific games were released.

Best Game saw some predictable choices, but the critic’s favourite, Dishonored (no, no “u”) was a clear favourite, with its compelling mix of stealth, action and a richly fleshed

 SHANE DILLON sdillon@gazettegroup.com

out setting of a pseudoDickensian world making it a must-have for many.

For Story, Dishonored lost out to The Walking Dead, with its shiny new BAFTA just the latest trophy to clutch to its rotting chest, having previously grabbed a clutch of Game Of The Year awards, as well as many nods that it was “as good as the TV show” – not bad going for an adventure title, in a genre long seen to be as dead as its Walkers.

Performer was an interesting category, but

one that was very deserving of attention, given the subtle yet increasing importance of good scripts – delivered by good actors, or voiceover artists – to many hit titles.

While, personally, I thought Adrian Hough’s snootily wicked Haytham in Assassin’s Creed III was a stand-out audio performance, judges plumped for the rather less well-known title, Thomas Was Alone, showing that safe bets aren’t necessarily a sure thing at awards ...

Game Design was a wide open field, however, with everything from graphics to gameplay, presentation to, well, fun to consider, with a disparate selection of titles to consider.

However, picking up yet another one of its awards

Gabe Newell doesn’t actually wear a gold crown at a jaunty angle – but if he did, that would be totally okay, as the legendary games designer, studio head and, now, BAFTA Fellowship member, remains one of the most influential (and coolest) figures in gaming

on the night, Journey was a worthy winner for Sony, with the highly stylised PlayStation 3 title creating an emotive connection with many gamers.

There were several other categories, too, presenting well-deserved BAFTAs to a wide range of titles, all of which underlined the sheer scope

GAMESAWARDWINNERS Some of the main categories and winners from the 2013 BAFTA Gaming Awards

BEST GAME • Journey • FIFA 13 • The Walking Dead • Mass Effect 3 • Far Cry 3 • WINNER Dishonored

ACTION • Borderlands 2 • Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 • Halo 4 • Hitman: Absolution • Mass Effect 3 • WINNER Far Cry 3

STORY • Dishonored • Far Cry 3 • Journey • Mass Effect 3 • Thomas Was Alone • Development Team • WINNER The Walking Dead

PERFORMER • Adrian Hough (Haytham), Assassin’s Creed III • Dave Fennoy (Lee Everett), The Walking Dead • Melissa Hutchison (Clementine), The Walking Dead • Nigel Carrington (The Narrator), Dear Esther

• Nolan North (Nathan Drake), Uncharted: Golden Abyss • WINNER Danny Wallace (The Narrator), Thomas Was Alone

ARTISTIC ACHIEVEMENT • Halo 4 • Borderlands 2 • Dear Esther • Far Cry 3 • The Room • WINNER Journey

AUDIO ACHIEVEMENT • Assassin’s Creed III

• Beat Sneak Bandit • Dear Esther • Far Cry 3 • Halo 4 • WINNER Journey

GAME DESIGN • The Walking Dead • Dishonored • Far Cry 3 • Borderlands 2 • XCOM: Enemy Unknown • WINNER Journey

All in all, the awards were pretty spot-on, celebrating a diverse crop of gaming talents

of gaming, now found everywhere.

Last but not least, one of gaming’s true titans – the legendary games designer and Valve studio head Gabe Newell – was presented with a highlyprestigious BAFTA Fellowship, in light of his vision and personal contribution to gaming.

It’s no harm to point out that Newell remains acclaimed as a thoroughly nice and decent guy, too, as well as being an acclaimed visionary.

W hile many nongamers couldn’t pick him out of a bus queue, Newell’s legendary passion for gaming, charm, astute business acumen and inspirational leadership made him a deserving winner of the rarelyawarded BAFTA title.

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22 Gazette 14 March 2013

Gazette

& OUT ABOUT road NOISE

Skoda confirms launch date for new Octavia

SKODA has confirmed the launch date of the new Octavia. From March 19 Annesley Williams Skoda, Cloghran, Autostation, Sandyford and Pilsen Auto Ltd, Ballymount will be marking the arrival of the new Octavia with exciting open week events. Unveiled internationally late last year, the new Octavia is offered with three different specification variants, both manual and automatic transmission options and five engine alternatives with prices from €18,995.

The Octavia impresses with cabin and luggage capacity, innovative 5* NCAP safety, modern new comfort features, low fuel consumption and a new range of touch screen audio and navigation systems.

Originally launched in Ireland back in 1998, the Octavia has become a firm favourite with Irish motorists with more than 40,600 Octavia’s sold to the end of 2012. Now as Skoda enters its 20th anniversary in Ireland, the third generation Octavia will see it challenge not only direct competitors in the medium family segment but thanks to its proportions challenge vehicles in the executive saloon class.

The new Octavia has grown significantly in length and width, the new model is 90mm longer and 45mm wider than the outgoing Octavia. The wheelbase has grown by 108mm enabling the Octavia break the mould for spaciousness in its model segment with interior length (1,782mm), more knee room (73mm) and more headroom at the back (980mm) as well as best in class boot volume of 590 litres.

The new Octavia is powered by the latest low emission TSI petrol engines as well as common rail diesel engines with stop start technology for excellent fuel economy.

Commenting on the launch of the new Octavia in Ireland, Raymond Leddy, head of marketing, Skoda Ireland said: “We have increased specification levels for all versions of the new Octavia. Additional airbags, electronic stability control for increased safety and stop start technology for reduced emissions and improved fuel economy are now standard features across the range.

“Stylish alloy wheels are now offered on all models with the exception of the entry Active model. In dimension terms the new Octavia is wider and has grown in length by 9cm allowing for increased cabin space and luggage capacity.

“Despite this growth the new Octavia has in fact shed up to 100kg in weight compared to its predecessor. Less weight equates to better fuel economy and the new Octavia in its 1.6-TDI version consumes only 3.8 litres for every 100km travelled.”

MOTORS

volkswagen: points missed for a few fairly anonymous features

Current Passat is best incarnation of car to date n Cormac Curtis

I must admit that when VW gave their Passat a much-needed revamp in 2005, I was mightily impressed.

T h e y t o o k a ve r y ordinary looking car – which was, in many ways, the poorer and far more boring cousin of the Audi A4 and lifted it to another level. So much so, in fact, that I even considered buying a used model a few years ago.

The only problem, I felt, was that the wonderfully designed exterior, with its new muscular stance and strong, striking grille and headlight combination, was very much let down by an interior that lacked the lu xur y that the overall look seemed to promise.

The good news is that VW have clearly seen the error of their ways and have given the Passat the changes it so richly deserved.

Not only does the car now boast all of VW’s latest design elements, including the four chrome bar grille and “angry” looking headlights with eye-catching LEDs, the body contours and overall look give the car a more executive saloon feel than ever before.

For my money, the inside does what so many of the current batch of VW, Audi and Skoda models do so well, it wraps the driver in a cocoon of confidence.

The materials used in the cockpit are just so solid and reassuring,

The build quality is everything you would expect from the VW group

the thick leather steering wheel, the gearshift, door handles – all have the weight and feel of quality elements.

The space afforded in the cockpit is also more than just a little generous, easily giving my own rather bulky frame plenty of room.

So, is this car heading into my top five of the year? Well, unfortunately, not yet.

It might seem silly, but a few poorly chosen features picked as standard at the expense of others can really sway how special a car feels – and when a car’s starting price is €26,495, well, it should feel special without spending a penny on extra options.

Leaving aside the fact that the metallic paint on the model I tested was a €668 extra, it does actually have some i m p r e s s i ve f e a t u r e s

as standard, including cruise control, the leather steering wheel with stylish aluminium inserts, fatigue detector, electric windows all round, a natty hill-hold control to assist on the dreaded hill starts, a start/stop system with recuperation, front and rear fog lights with chrome trim as well as 16” stylish steel wheels.

Nobody will argue that there isn’t plenty of practical, useful, innovative features included here, but they’re all a little anonymous.

P e r s o n a l l y, e ve n though I spend a lot of time driving up and down to Cork on the motor way, I haven’t used cruise control on a car in about a decade.

I would happily trade the cruise feature for audio controls on the steering wheel or Bluetooth connectivity (to

be fair, the stereo is topclass, has eight speakers and does have an aux-in for music).

The hill-hold feature is a nice touch, but anyone who has passed their driving test will be well versed in hill starts – a better option would be parking distance sensors.

I don’t have figures to back up this particular assertion, but I suspect a lot more damage occurs to cars each year with

parking manoeuvres than cars rolling backwards (but I’m open to correction on that one!)

The current Passat is the best incarnation of the car to date, the build quality is everything you would expect from the VW group, the performance is pleasing and the comfort-level is typical of the marque – a little tweak or two would simply make it feel more worthy of the price tag.

14 March 2013 swords gazette 23

Gazette

MUSIC FASTtunes with Radio Nova’s Dee Woods

Roaring rock for Rory at Ballyshannon fest David Bowie, Tilda Swinton and friends on the set of the video for The Stars (Are Out Tonight)

review: david bowie’s return is a lesson in music and class

Once and future duke LAST month, I wrote somewhat gushingly about David Bowie’s Where Are We Now?, the lead track from his new album, The Next Day. It raised as many questions as it answered, paramount among which was, would the album be anything like the single, and would his return be a retread of former glories or something entirely new?

I’m here to report that the album is very much like the single, in that it is haltingly amazing from start to finish, and that The Next Day is both a call-back and a leap forward.

To hear that Bowie was coming back was heartening in itself, and the elegiac, fractured beauty of his vocal on Where Are We Now?

 ROB heigh rheigh@gazettegroup.com

made one wonder if this would be an instance where the intense theatricality of his previous greatest moments would be drawn aside, and we would see a stately, personal and confessional style seldom before employed in his peerless four decade career.

So from the first snare kick to the first chorus of the title track that leads off the album, we’re assured this is no ambient, stringladen stroll. This is a pounding, rocking, vital Bowie - never mind the

rumours — as he sings on The Next Day, “Here I am, not quite dead...”

He’s a long way from dead, believe me.

If you were to sit down and construct your ultimate Bowie comeback record, it would be The Next Day. There are all the musical elements that you associate with the finest moments of his career on show Tony Visconti’s glittering production, rolling basslines (courtesy of the remarkable Gail Ann Dorsey and Tony Levin from Peter Gabriel’s band), honking sax, choppy rhythm guitar courtesy of Earl Slick and that voice.

Unbowed by time, Bowie is on awesome vocal form. Rumours of ill health and fading form are blown away

with each track featuring a strong performance.

The fragile and beautiful W here Are We Now? is utterly confounded throughout, and the only tragedy of this record is that it is unlikely that Bowie will bring the songs on the road. It would be an immense joy to hear them alongside his classic tunes of yesteryear, and a lesson in musical class to show how unimpeachably these new tracks stand alongside the greats.

Stripped of its distractingly bananas video, The Stars (Are Out Tonight) is an incredible track, and the bass mountain that is Love Is Lost rumbles to a satisfying close.

The power pop of (You) Set The World On Fire

is instantly memorable, and closer Heat is an elemental, dramatic seal on possibly the best 53 minutes of music you’ll hear this year.

There are nods to the past as well as a reach for the future here - The Next Day is unmistakably Bowie, for all the reasons mentioned above, but there is an ambition at play that comfortably shows that this is no facile return to the stage — the invention and playfulness, the creativity and musicality show that any comeback was always going to be this epic from an artist who has always been at the vanguard of his craft and not just streets ahead but in a different city entirely to his peers.

And that remains ever so.

If you think the number one Rory in Ireland is a rocker, not a golfer, then I’ve just the thing for you.

Guitar legend Rory Gallagher would have been 65 this month, had we not lost him in 1995.

The G Man may be gone, but he’s very much not forgotten. Officials in Rory’s hometown of Ballyshannon in Donegal are currently testing the foundations ahead of the influx of music fans from all over the world for the Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival this summer.

Now in its 12th year, the four-day event promises to rock the town with music, exhibitions, and 25 top acts, all ready to salute the guitar legend from open air concerts to pub sessions.

Former members of Rory’s bands, including Gerry McAvoy and Brendan O’Neill, will be picking up their guitars and drumsticks once again to pay homage to the late musician, while well-known faces like Mama’s Boys’ guitarist Pat McManus(the nicest man in rock!) and Andy Powell of Wishbone Ash will also be performing at the festival.

It’s happening from Thursday, May 30 to Sunday, June 2 - all the details can be found at www.rorygallagherfestival.com.

If it’s a rock pilgrimage you’re looking for, you won’t be disappointed. But if you can’t wait that long to rock out in Rory’s memory, this Saturday (March 16) An Evening of Rory’s Music in sound and vision is taking place in The Mezz Bar in Temple Bar from 7.30pm.

The night aims to bring Rory’s music back to life alongside images on big screens around the venue. Tickets are a tenner, and there’s good advice from the organisers: checked shirts not required, air guitar essential.

24 swords gazette 14 March 2013

Gazette

&ABOUT OUT fast TRAVEL NEWS

Escape to Croatia with help from Concorde Travel

Escape to Croatia for an Easter break with a difference this year, with a little help from Concorde Travel. Having just slashed the prices for their Easter holidays, current special offers range from the threestar Antuninska Apartments in the Old Town of Dubrovnik from just €399 per person, to luxurious hotels such as the five-star Dubrovnik Palace, from €599pp.

Depart from Dublin on March 24 and spend seven nights at the Antuninska Apartments for just €449 per person, based on four people sharing a one bedroom apartment, or stay at the four-star Hotel Lapad in Dubrovnik on a B&B basis for just €599 per person.

Depart from Dublin on March 29 and spend seven nights at the three-star Hotel Kompas in Dubrovnik for just €449 per person, or stay at the four-star Hotel Grand Park and Villas on a B&B basis, also for €449 per person. Or step it up a notch and treat yourself to a stay at the five-star Hotel Dubrovnik Palace on a B&B basis for just €599 per person.

Travel on March 31 and spend seven nights at the four-star Hotel Lapad for just €499 or spend your break at the five-star Hotel Croatia in Cavtat for just €599 per person.

For more information or to book, visit www. concordetravel.ie, email info@concordetravel.ie or phone (01) 775 9300.

advice : topflight

Spend an idyllic weekend in Strokestown Park For those hoping to make the most of their Easter weekend this year without packing up the family for an overnight trip, Strokestown Park in Co Roscommon will be hosting an egg’stra special Easter Sunday this year with an action-packed Family fun day on the cards.

A day filled with fun and games for the whole family will be held at the park’s idyllic six-acre walled garden from 12 noon until 5pm on Sunday, March 31.

For an entry fee of just €10 per child and €3 for adults, guests can enjoy everything from live puppet shows, bouncing castles and face-painting to craft workshops, live music performances and an exciting Easter egg hunt.

Tickets are available online at www.strokestownpark.ie or by calling 071 9633013.

offers: treat yourself with a fun day out or a weekend getaway

Easter break While Easter is seen as a celebration of all things indulgent, sometimes there is more to the holiday than just chocolate eggs. And what better way to treat yourself than to hop off on a well-deserved break from everyday life!

Whether it is to take part in a massive egg hunt in Cork, to enjoy a family fun day out with the Easter Bunny or to fly abroad to make the most of your bank holiday weekend, we’ve rounded up some of the best getaways on offer this month

visit: don’t miss out on activities down south

Cork pulling out all the stops for fun and games County Cork is pulling out all the stops when it comes to the Easter bank holiday weekend this year, making it one destination you won’t want to miss out on visiting!

Rumley’s Open Farm will be hosting its much anticipated Easter hunt, offering children the chance to spot the Easter Bunny during a 2km long Easter egg hunt.

Located just minutes from Cork City centre, the whole family will have the chance to meet loads of animals who live on the farm, as well as having the chance to see the Easter Bunny in his own Rabbit Village. With a sand play area, crazy golf and go-kart track, there is plenty for the whole family to enjoy!

Your little bunnies will love a trip to the Glucksman Gallery, where they can take part in an Easter art club. From painting to drawing, sculpture and collage, these fun, hands-on courses are great for kids aged between five- and eightyears-old. The Easter art club runs between April 1 and 5.

Already a firm favourite with all age groups, Fota Wildlife Park will also be hosting a special Easter Egg Trail this Easter, on Saturday March 30. Their annual Easter Activity Camp also takes place from Wednesday, April 3 to Friday, April 5.

Already well known from its annual visit to Dublin, Funderland, the largest travelling theme

There is plenty to do for kids of all ages in Cork this Easter

park in Europe, will also be arriving in Cork on March 22.

With lots to do during the day, the River Lee Hotel is the ideal place to rest your head, with the hotel offering some great packages to tie in with the city’s Easter celebrations.

Located in the heart of Cork City, the Easter Family Package at the River Lee Hotel is priced at just €159 per night and includes one night’s accommodation for two adults and two children, with a full Irish breakfast, 20% off spa treatments, free kiddies pack, chil-

dren’s afternoon tea on Easter Sunday and great Easter activities with the head chef. You can avail of this offer from March 30 to April 1 inclusive.

For further information and booking, visit www. doylecollection.com/ cork or email cork@doylecollection.com

14 March 2013 SWORDS GAZETTE 25

GAZETTE

TRAVEL Big house holidays for the stay at home vacationer

Luxurious

Or stay at the luxurious Mount Juliet Country Estate in Co Kilkenny, for a two-night break from just €204 per person sharing. The package includes two nights’ bed and breakfast as well as a threecourse dinner on the evening of your choice.

The offer is available from March 30 until April 1, 2013.

For more information or to book, visit www. irelands-blue-book.ie/ easter_offers.

AS a measure designed to encourage even more families to go by ferry this year Irish Ferries has launched a Kids Go Free fare offer that can be availed of in Ireland and UK markets throughout the year up until December 20 next.

Applicable to all children under the age of 16, the offer promises to cut the cost of travel from Ireland to Britain when coupled with Irish Ferries’ lead in fare from €89 for a car plus driver, which will also remain valid for the same period.

In line with the company’s Green Carpet undertaking to support the Government’s The Gathering tourism initiative, a similar Kids Go Free low-cost fare arrangement is being marketed by Irish Ferries in the UK with the aim of encouraging more families to come to Ireland this year.

To avail of the offer, passengers must book by Tuesday, March 19. Further information and bookings can be made online at www.irishferries.com or by calling 0818 300 400.

Hit the slopes one last time before summer hits WITH the recent arrival of spring, it won’t be long before we start thinking about our summer holiday destinations. For the moment however, Crystal Ski are offering us the perfect excuse this Easter to make the most of our final opportunities to hit the slopes this season.

Travel to Andorra at the heart of the Pyrenees on March 24 and spend seven nights over the Easter break at the three-star Hotel Patagonia in Arinsal. With prices from €1,845 for a

family of four (two adults and two children under the age of 11), the price includes a quad room on a half board basis, as well as return flights from Dublin to Toulouse.

Spend seven nights at the three-star Alpe D’Huez resort of Horizons D’Huez Apar tments when you travel on March 30. The price starts from only €1,959 and is based on two adults and two children sharing (children under the age of 15 years).

The price also includes

flights from Dublin to Toulouse, taxes and charges.

Travelling from Dublin on March 30, Crystal Ski are also offering an option to stay at the four-star Terra Nova Hotel in La Plagne, in a quad room and on a halfboard basis from €3,345.

Prices include return flights to Toulouse, seven nights’ accommodation as stated, taxes and charges and are based on two adults and two children (under the age of 11) sharing.

Travel to Austria on March 23 and spend seven nights at the twostar Maximillian Bed and Breakfast in Soll from only €1,355. Prices include accommodation on a B&B basis, return flights from Dublin to Innsbruck and are based on two adults and one child (under the age of 11) sharing.

Prices exclude ski hire, lessons and travel insurance. For more information or to book, call 01 4331055 or visit www.crystalski.ie.

Hunting for a beach holiday? Plenty to choose from …

IF you’re hoping your Easter egg hunt will lead you straight to a holiday abroad this year, Gohop.ie have a great choice of getaways to help you find your way.

Whether it’s a fun-filled family holiday or a relaxing break by the beach, breaks from Gohop.ie start from just €185 per person.

Travel to the Algarve on March 24 and spend seven nights at the three-star Albufeira Jardim Hotel on a selfcatering basis from €213 per person, or spend four nights at the three-star Albir Garden Resort in Alicante, on a self-catering basis from just €292 per person, travelling on March 26.

Travel with GoHop.ie to Majorca on March 27 and spend three nights at the threestar Mirablau on a room-only basis from only €185 per person. Price includes return flights from Cork. Or finally, travel to Malaga for a postEaster break on April 5 and spend seven nights spoiling yourself at the three-star Posa-

das De Espagna Malaga Hotel on a room-only basis from just €240 per person.

All prices include return flights from Dublin (or Cork, if stated), taxes and charges, and are based on two adults sharing.

For more great Easter deals, visit www.gohop.ie/g65/Easter-Holidays.

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Crystal Ski are offering a perfect excuse to make the most of the final opportunities to hit the slopes this season

www.

IF YOU fancy making the most of your Easter break this year, Ireland’s Blue Book are featuring some great getaway offers which are sure to help make our decisions a little easier.

Enjoy a two-night stay in Rathsallagh House, Co Wicklow this Easter from just €169 per person sharing. Enjoy an award winning breakfast each morning as well as dinner on the Friday night.

T he package also includes a Lily O’Brien Easter egg as well as discount vouchers to spend at Kildare Retail Village and Newbridge Silverware. Add unlimited golf for just €40 per person.

Irish Ferries launch their Kids Go Free fare offer

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14 March 2013 SWORDS Gazette 27

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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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sport awards P29

FastSport Meteors call on community:

Ireland’s world track cycling champion Martyn Irvine and double Paralympic medallist Fran Meehan at the Irish Cycling Show. Picture: Declan McGrath

irish cycling show: event a huge success for industry, says promoter

Medals and plaudits galore for 2013 Irish Cycling Show The Irish Cycling Show 2013 is over for another year, with exhibitors and attendees alike proclaiming this year’s event a resounding success.

The second running of Ireland’s first and only bicycle expo was held in the new venue of Citywest, which proved popular with exhibitors for its ease of access and exhibition facilities.

Exhibitors reported brisk business on stands, with increased retail activity over the 2012 edition, along with the attendant business to business opportunities offered by having the great and

good of the Irish cycle industry under one roof for the weekend.

Show promoter Hugh Bonner of Mara Media affirmed his satisfaction with the smooth running of the event which, he says, is now becoming a firmly established fixture on the cycling calendar.

“Once again, we delivered an event which has been very well received by the public and the industry,” said Bonner. “We’ve been delighted with the positive response to the show which ran without a hitch and provided great

entertainment for cyclists as well as the industry representatives.

“Next year’s show is already well into the planning stages, and we’ve identified a date in March which we’ll confirm shortly.

The show was opened by Ireland’s latest cycling hero, Martyn Irvine, the winner of gold in the World Cycling Championships in Minsk last month.

Irvine is back in Ireland training for the road-racing season ahead.

Taking time out from his gruelling schedule, Irvine said: “Being part of

the Irish Cycling Show is awesome, simple! I was a fan from afar last year with the Olympics getting in the way and to be there this year is exciting for me.

“I’ve seen an enormous amount of interest in cycling since I’ve come home and if I can push the message of how brilliant it is all the better. I can’t wait to meet everyone involved.”

Also in attendance was Fran Meehan, the co-pilot of Paralympics Ireland’s powerhouse team with Swords’ Catherine Walsh.

METEORS basketball club will host a 6.3km Fun Run and Walk on March 24 in Leopardstown racecourse to help raise much needed funds for the club.

The club are encouraging all in the local community to come together and enjoy the event.

Entry for over 16s is €20 and €15 for those under 16, while there is also a €50 family rate for groups of two adults and two U-16s.

Payment can be made either through Meteors online store on www.meteorsbasketball.com/apps/ webstore.

Registration on the day runs from 9.30am to 11.30am, while there will be refreshments and prizegiving in Fillies Cafe and Bar afterwards.

c o n ta c t s Sports Editor: Rob Heigh rheigh@gazettegroup.com

For more information or to send in news and photos: sport@gazettegroup.com Phone: 01 651 6205

Gazette

28 SWORDS Gazette 14 March 2013

SPORT Kathleen Colreavy presents special recognition award to Martina Farrell, Ballyboden St Enda’s and Dublin

Roisin Ryan, Ballyboden St Enda; Rachel Byrne, Clan Na Gael Fontenoy; Marie Hickey, president of Leinster LGFA; Rachel Dwyer, St

Shona Barrett and Orla Brennan

Margaret’s and Leah Caffery, Na Fianna-O’Neills. Pictures: GAApics.com

A night to celebrate excellence in the field T

he annual O’Neills Dublin Ladies Gaelic Football Awards took place recently in Croke Park. The event was a great occasion to celebrate the great achievements of such talented and dedicat-

ed athletes who give their commitment to club and county. The AllIreland Minor and Senior B teams of 2012 were presented with their championship medals alongside the Dublin Senior team’s presenta-

tion of their Leinster Championship medals. The Player of the Year Awards were also be announced for Minor, Senior B and Senior. Mc on the night was RTE’s sports correspondent, Joanne Cantwell.

Marie Hickey, president of Leinster LGFA, presents Dublin Senior captain Gemma Fay with her Leinster Medal

Marie Hickey, president of Leinster Orla Colreavy, Naomh Mearnog; Martina Farrell, Ballyboden LGFA, gives Dublin Senior B players’

Dublin and Ballyboden St Enda’s ladies

Marie Cahill McBarron, Dublin Senior B and Kilmacud

St Enda’s; Marie Kavanagh, Tower’s Clondalkin and Cliodhna Player of the Year Roisin Ryan,

legends Martina Farrell and Louise

Crokes, with husband Liam McBarron, Fermanagh

O’Connor, Naomh Mearnog

Kelly

and Kilmacud Crokes

Ballyboden St Enda’s with her award

14 March 2013 SWORDS Gazette 29

Gazette

DublinGazetteNewspapers Anville strike 2013 dublin sports awards FEBRUARY winners

to claim cup county title  sport@gazettegroup.com

H STARof the MONTH

Kenneth Egan HEROES are born, and the Clondalkin fighter went out a hero in the National Stadium when he announced his retirement from the ring after being defeated by Joe Ward as he attempted to claim his 11th Irish national title last month.

TEAMof the MONTH H

Mount Anville ended an 11-year itch as they finally landed the Leinster schoolgirl’s Senior Cup title, having finally broken their semi-final curse, missing out on a final berth at the last hurdle.

But they wasted little time this time around, Patricia McGowan proving the heroine as she kept calm to poke home the solo goal in the 13th minute amid close-range melee.

It whipped the capacity Grange Road crowd into an even greater frenzy as the marquee event in schoolgirl’s hockey once again provided a show of high emotion.

McGowan’s goal would subsequently break the hearts of a Rathdown

side that have pulled up trees this year in breaking new ground of their own. Former Irish men’s international and veteran of 154 caps Graham Shaw took on the director of coaching role at the Glenageary school two years ago.

Prior to the goal, Mount Anville had settled the quicker as Ella Fennelly fired in a tester with a cracking early shot that drew the best from Blathnaid Breslin.

Incredibly, Breslin had yet to concede in four rounds of cup hockey, most notably in last week’s semi-final against a hotly tipped High School.

Her clean sheet there led to ultimate success in the penalty shoot-out after a scoreless draw in normal time.

wesley college Wesley College broke a 115-year hoodoo last month when they claimed their first cup win in that time, winning the Leinster Schools Vinny Murray Cup against St Gerard’s of Bray in an epic and tight-fought final at Anglesea Road.

Get set for the Great Ireland Run  sport@gazettegroup.com

Dublin Gazette Newspapers is delighted to announce that we have teamed up again this year with the SPAR Great Ireland Run to recognise runners in each of our papers’ local areas.

The Gazette will recognise the fastest man and woman from each paper’s circulation area with a specially designed plaque as well as prizes

of sports gear. After the run, we will also be publishing a results list of the top local male and female finishers.

The SPAR Great Ireland Run 2013 will take place in the Phoenix Park on Sunday, April 14, at 1 pm.

This year’s run will more than ever be about enjoying a full family running day as a mini run for five- to eightyear-olds over a one mile lap has been added to

the programme alongside a junior run for nine to 15-year-olds over 2.5km. The Mini Run and Junior Run will precede the main event and an adult can run or walk alongside each child in the mini-run.

Up to 12,000 entries are expected and every adult entrant will receive an exclusive technical T shirt as well as a medal and a generous goody bag after completing the run.

Participants are being encouraged to raise funds for good causes and the event’s nominated charities are the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation and SPAR’s charity par tner, the 3Ts – Turn The Tide of Suicide. The Baby Max Wings of Love Fund is the nominated charity for the junior run and mini run.

Entries can be made online at www.greatirelandrun.org.

Dundrum athlete Ava Hutchinson at the launch of the Great Ireland Run

FastSport

Tee off your K Club career with junior membership Many people will have heard the stories of how and when some of the world’s most famous golfers started playing. Apparently, Rory McIllroy hit a 40-yard drive at the age of two, at the age of three Tiger Woods shot a 48 over nine holes over the Cypress Navy course, and at age five, he appeared in Golf Digest. It appears that the earlier you learn how to hold a club the quicker you will master the game.

The Smurfit Golf Club at The K Club has junior memberships available for children aged from 12 to 17 years. The membership costs from €350 and there is also a special discounted price for students aged up to 28. A dedicated PGA professional is on hand to train and coach budding golfing stars while regular golf camps and junior competitions will help juniors to hone their skills.

For more information, to enquire about membership of The Smurfit Golf Club call (01) 6017200, email sharon.smurfit@kclub.ie or log on to www.kclub.ie.

Gazette

30 SWORDS Gazette 14 March 2013

SPORT

soccer rugby: ireland must defeat italy in rome to claim historic honour Celtic into next round SWORDS Celtic’s Under18A team were taken to extra time by visiting Clontarf in the second round of the Ronnie Bradshaw cup but ultimately prevailed.

Regular time ended 3-3 with the Swords goals coming from Jack O’Connor, Chris O’Toole and Alex Mooney.

Swords were well on top in the first period of extra time and had four clear-cut chances that could have seen them see the tie off.

But they finally killed off the tie in the final 10 minutes of extra time as they scored twice, O’Toole scoring his second of the game and Aaron Scully’s late effort making sure of the victory.

Cantwell one step from Slam  stephen findlater sport@gazettegroup.com

SWORDS woman Lynne Cantwell could scarcely contain her excitement following Ireland’s thrilling 15-10 win over France last Friday, a result which ultimately saw them annex the women’s Six Nations title in Ashbourne.

Speaking directly after the game she described winning the title as the “most incredible feeling in the whole wide world.

“I just cannot believe it. We went out there and knew it was going to be a battle but it felt like a video game, just play, play, play. It was a proper

game.

“We were disappointed with our performances bar the England game because we knew we could play better. But that was an outstanding game. Everybody put their hearts and bodies on the line and played like an absolute family.

“It doesn’t matter how big you are, it’s about what it means to you.

Every single one of these girls, regardless of size, was amazing.

With President of Ireland Michael D Higgins among the crowd of over 3,000, Ashbourne RFC was treated to another terrific advertisement for the women’s game as the

championship’s two leading sides went toe to toe.

Ireland trailed 10-5 at the break with Gaelle Mignot’s try the difference between the sides while Niamh Briggs had crossed the whitewash for Ireland.

But, conditions were in their favour in the second half. Five minutes in, a well-executed maul drive saw the pack crash over the French line with prop Ailis Egan grounding the ball for a galvanising try, with the home supporters roaring their approval.

Briggs managed to add the extras as the lead changed hands again, and France had to show discipline in defence as

the Irish battered forward in search of more tries.

France hung in there as the crowd raised the noise level in support of Ireland. Les Bleues missed a drop goal through replacement Aurélie Bailon as the ten-

sion increased. it was left to Briggs to notch the match-winning score in injury-time, firing over a late penalty after she had struck the post with a similar effort just minutes earlier.

Ireland showed great

collective composure and character to grind out a tight result, especially given the high stakes involved. The green juggernaut rolls on to Italy for St Patrick’s weekend, the final leg of a possible Grand Slam.

Ireland’s women rugby team claimed the Six Nations title in Ashbourne last week

14 March 2013 SWORDS Gazette 31

Gazette

Fingal firing as they dismiss Monaghan  sport@gazettegroup.com

FINGAL produced a strong second-half performance to edge out Monaghan 2-10 to 1-9 in their Allianz HL Division 3A clash at Inniskeen on Sunday.

Monaghan had to play their entire second half with 14-men after their ace free-taker Hugh

Byrne was dismissed after a second yellow card.

Determined Fingal chipped away at Monaghan’s lead as Fingallians man John Matthew Sheridan delivered from frees, and David Smyth and Brian McCarthy grabbed goals.

Fingal finally made their numerical advantage count with three

unanswered points in the closing eight minutes.

Sheridan finished with six points to his name, five from frees along with a 65.

It continued the north Dublin region’s unbeaten start to their season having drawn 0-15 to 1-12 with Louth in the first series in the competition a fortnight earlier.

Next on the agenda is a trip to Healy Park in Omagh to meet Tyrone on Saturday before the Ravens meet Fermanagh on March 23 in a marquee game in Croke Park.

They close out their league campaign with yet another trip north, meeting Donegal in Letterkenny.

GAA: tough draws all round for swords sides

Club Noticeboard fingallians The collaboration at minor grade hurl-

boys and girls aged four to 13 years in

ing between Fingallians and St Finian’s

hurling and football. Members €30 and

worked to great effect against Lucan

non-members €50.

Sarsfields in severe weather con-

Fingallians will take part in this

ditions at the 12th Lock on Sunday

year’s Swords St Patrick’s Day

morning. Swords Gaels blew a fan-

Parade. All teams will meet at 11.15am

cied opposition away with great skill,

at Colaiste Cholim. Club colours to be

determination and teamwork to win

worn on the day by all teams also any

on a scoreline of Lucan 0-2, Swords

academy kids can wear anything green

Gaels 3-8.

if they don’t have club gear. There will

Our U14 squad had a one-off week-

be two prizes on the day - one for the

end. On Saturday, they collected both

“best team” and another for the “best

points winning in a mud bath and then

buggy”. Our Dublin All Star Paul Flynn

on Sunday the players including the

will be the judge on the day.

management climbed Croagh Patrick,

There will be entertainment in the

Co Mayo in a blizzard with everyone

club after the parade with live music

returning cold, wet, bruised but safe

in the hall from 1.15 to 4.30pm and also

- well done, lads.

DJ Alan Healy. Tea/coffee, sambos and

A reminder that our Easter Camp will be held from March 25 and 28 for

burgers will be available from the bar, with all Croke Park games on the TV.

st sylvester’s

Fingal Ravens are hoping they can bounce back after a tough 2012

Ravens paired with Pat’s, Palmerstown  sport@gazettegroup.com

MONDAY’S championships draws in Parnell Park threw up an intriguing set of possibilities for clubs around the Swords area as the highlights of the 2013.

Under the new system, Fingal Ravens were placed in the unseeded pool to be drawn to play one of the top 16 but will be relatively pleased with avoiding some of the big guns.

The Rolestown side were pitted against St Pat’s Palmerstown in the first round of the Dublin senior football champi-

onship in an all AFL2 match-up, avoiding the likes of All-Ireland finalists Ballymun Kickhams and recent national champions Kilmacud Crokes who were both potential opposition.

Following relegation to AFL2 last year, Ravens will be hoping to bounce back from an early league defeat at the hands of Kilmacud’s second team as they adjust to life in their new surroundings.

Their second league game was called off last weekend, meanwhile, due to the inclement weather, scuppering their date with Round Tower,

Clondalkin.

Fingallians, meanwhile, were the main beneficiaries of the draw in the intermediate football championship in which only 31 sides will compete.

They are straight through to the second round as they were named the bye team.

Fins’ impressive start in the league, beating Erin’s Isle, was pegged back last Sunday when they fell at the hands of Templeogue Synge Street 1-11 to 0-6.

Stephen Carslake’s St Finian’s, meanwhile, were handed a date with AFL3 side O’Dwyer’s in a north Dublin derby.

The Rivervalley club was another to have their game called off due to the conditions, their trip north to Donabate cancelled.

They had opened the campaign with a 2-9 each draw in another derby date against Trinity Gaels, a strong foot forward following promotion back to senior league football.

On the hurling side, Fingallians will contest an initial six team group in the intermediate hurling championship, lining out against the second teams of Na Fianna and St Vincent’s along with St Mark’s, Good Counsel and Whitehall.

Pat and Nuala Brennan ran their

The annual general meeting of the

five very successful gala fundraiser

club will take place on Wednesday,

recently in the Grand Hotel. Their

April 3, in 2 Church Road at 8.30 pm.

video on the website outlining the

Members are asked to make every

work of the Laura Brennan Founda-

effort to attend. Notice of motions

tion is their remarkable tribute to

and nominations must be received

Laura. No words are adequate: www.

by the club secretary by Wednesday,

laurabrennan.org

March 20.

The senior football team contin-

There is a dressing room clean up

ued their unbeaten run with another

scheduled for Saturday, March 16.

excellent win over St Vincent’s by 1-14

Joe Boyne is co-ordinating this very

to 1-6. Conor Daly got a goal and three

worthwhile project. Please contact

points and Micheál McCarthy scored

him on joe.boyne@electricireland.ie

six points.

with offers of help. Comprehensive

The Fingal hurlers outscored Mon-

details are available on the website.

aghan by 2-10 to 1-9 in their National

The Easter camps for boys and girls

League clash. We had four represent-

are on April 2, 3 and 4 and run from

atives on the team with Andrew, Alan,

10am to 12 noon each day. Contact

Graham and Killian. Hillary is injured.

Panner on 086 816 7399.

fingal ravens Wags Bags on Saturday and Sunday

ship paid in full by March 31.

was a great success, thanks to every-

We would like to wish the best of

one who donated bags and, of course,

luck to Ballymun Kickhams in the All-

to everyone who came along over the

Ireland final on St Patrick’s Day.

weekend and supported this fund-

Anyone interested in running for

raiser by buying bags., Huge thanks to

Lord Mayor of Rolestown please con-

Maura Norton, Ann Fox and Ann Con-

tact Declan O’Brien on 086 267 3830 as

very, also thanks to Kettle’s Hotel.

soon as possible as we will shortly be

Well done to Darren Daly and the Dublin senior football team on a good

holding a launch where the candidates will be announced.

win against Kildare in the league last

Any mentors that need to be trained

Sunday. We wish Darren and the team

up on the defibrillator please let Elaine

the best of luck this Saturday against

Casey know on 087-9612660.

Tyrone in the league in Croke Park.

Lotto numbers were 30, 33, 35 and

2013 membership is now due. Mem-

40. There was no jackpot winner. €20

bership forms are available on our

to Peter Kettle, Alan Manning and Deb-

website www.fingalravens.com or at

bie Donohue. Next week’s jackpot is

the clubhouse. As agreed at the AGM,

€5,827, please support your club lotto

all members must have their member-

each week.

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

joy of six: Local star Lynne Cantwell celebrates as Ireland claim first-ever 6 Nations title P31

mARCH 14, 2013

deserved honours: Dublin Ladies’ Gaelic rewards football’s finest talents P28

Paralympic legend Catherine Walsh receives her star of the year award from Gazette Sport Editor Rob Heigh and Red Cow Moran Hotel’s Adrian Sherry

Walsh: Star of the Year Paralympic medallist and world champion Catherine wins individual honour at Dublin Sport Awards in recognition of her achievements

Swords Paralympic and world champion Catherine Walsh has deservedly scooped the Star of the Year prize at the Dublin Sports Awards held at the Red Cow Moran Hotel last week in recognition of her amazing achievements in 2012, and throughout her career as an athlete.

Gazette Sport editor Rob Heigh was on hand to announce the decision of the judging panel, and spoke after the ceremony as to why the cyclist had been picked as the ultimate winner of the individual prize.

“Catherine achieved fame, winning silver and bronze in the London Games last year, as well as gold at the World Track Championships in Los Angeles, but that is only a small part of what

makes her a true star of Dublin sport.

“She has competed in no fewer than six Paralympic Games, making her unique in the history of Irish sport, something that cannot go unacknowledged, and there is no better time to recognise her achievements than in her most successful year.”

Speaking to Gazette Sport after receiving her accolade, Catherine reminisced about what made 2012 so special for her.

“In 2009, I won a silver at the track worlds, and when you win the world championships, you get a rainbow jersey. Since then, I’ve been chasing that jersey like a woman possessed, and winning gold in the 3km in February in Los Angeles meant a lot to me.”

Approaching the London Games, Catherine had to refocus after claiming what she felt was her ultimate prize.

“I knew London was coming up in September, and it was hard to get the focus back again, as the rainbow jersey had been a driving ambition. I had to up the gears again and go through a bit of a road season, preparing in Majorca and getting back on form before London, really well prepared.”

“We had a sit down and Fran [Meehan pilot], myself and my coach decided that the goal was to beat the old world record, which we did actually do.”

Catherine identified the positive response of the crowds, fans and supporters of the Paralym-

pics as a huge legacy that she hopes will continue.

“London was an amazing experience for everyone, friends and family, and the fans who were able to watch the games in real time. For a lot of people, for them to be able to share in it and feel part of the atmosphere, was really special.

“I would hope that the support the Paralympics received will continue. The Paralympics is nearly more empowering than the Olympics.

“I hope that people out there of a competitive nature in the sporting arena, or whatever your goal is, you should just go for it. If you have the ambition and passion to do it, you can do anything.”