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Swords Gazet te FREE

Wing it to the Canary Islands for a superb break in a stunning setting

travel 22-23 December 20 & 27, 2012 Find us on

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

INSIDE: Look back on 2012 with our News Review of the Year P25-33

supporting autism: Snowflakes host their inaugural Christmas ball Pages 6-7

Sing a song of Santa: Trio welcome St Nick Martial Arts: Chris Fields set for first world title defence Page 38

JAMES, Joar and Jack Ryan were in

awe at the Rivervalley Community Centre Christmas Fair recently when there was an early visit by Santa Claus himself.

The big man had a sack of presents for all the children who came along to the fair, and a great day was had by all who came along.

See Gallery on Page 7

RTE Awards: Taylor among nominations for main gong Page 35

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES............. 6-7, 10 DUBLIN LIFE....................11 OUT&ABOUT...................17 CLASSIFIEDS.................34 SPORT............................35

School building boost welcomed in Fingal Development projects will see five local schools improve facilities

 Natalie Burke

FIVE new school building projects are due to start in Fingal next year, it was confirmed last week after 50 major school plans were announced last week

by Minister for Education and Skills Ruairi Quinn.

The Fingal schools are part of a five-year capital investment programme worth €2 billion, launched

by Minister Quinn last March, which details 275

major projects due to begin between 2012 and 2016.

T he announcement was welcomed by local Fine Gael TD for Dublin North Alan Farrell who said it was great news for

the area.

“Parents can plan for the future with confidence that these projects will proceed as planned and without delay.”

Full Story on Page 3

2 swords gazette 20 & 27 December 2012

dublin GAZETTe budget Dublin Fire Brigade ‘reform needed’ 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 The council has been in preliminary talks with Louth and Meath to consider the possibility of providing the fire service for Fingal

Acting News Editor: Rob Heigh rheigh@gazettegroup.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile jmaile@gazettegroup.com Picture Editor: Paul Hosford picturedesk@gazettegroup.com Acting Sports Editor: Stephen Findlater sport@gazettegroup.com Financial Controller: Carly Lynch clynch@gazettegroup.com Advertising Sales: 01 - 6010240 sales@gazettegroup.com

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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.

Fingal looks next door to save on fire service Fingal County Council is looking to neighbouring county councils to provide an alternative fire service in an effort to reduce the high cost it says it is currently incurring by using the Dublin Fire Service.

A FCC spokesperson confirmed at the December council meeting that requests had been made to respective county managers in both Louth and Meath to consider the possibility of providing the fire service for Fingal.

In a report to councillors, the council said the request had been followed up by direct contact with both managers, an FCC spokesperson said.

The spokesperson went on to say discussions to date had been “preliminary in nature, and arrangements are in hand to meet directly with both managers and relevant

 natalie burke nburke@gazettegroup.com

staff later this month”.

A motion was passed during a council meeting in November to look at alternative means of providing fire services for the council area.

According to the council, the cost of the firefighting service provided by Dublin City Council, on behalf of the four Dublin Local Authorities, has been “a cause of concern” to FCC for “some time”.

I n t h e N ove m b e r report to councillors, the council said it has been seeking to expedite reform within the service in order to reduce the cost to match declining

local authority budgets and has relayed that intention in meetings at city and council level, and through their own representation on the Fire Brigade Development Board.

According to the report, reform “must have due regard to risk, and the appropriate risk-based analysis must be carried out before changes can be contemplated”.

Although progress has been made in terms of cost containment in areas such as overtime, training and reductions in absenteeism, FCC is concerned about the slow pace of reform in some key areas such as full cost recovery from the HSE in relation to the DFB Ambulance Ser vice, civilianisation of the Emergency Response Control Centre and manning levels on appliances.

The report went on to say that these matters of concern have been conveyed strongly to Dublin City Council (DCC). “If fire and rescue services are to continue to be provided by DCC on behalf of Fingal, it is imperative that the progress on reform of Dublin Fire Brigade is accelerated so that the necessary savings can be realised through revised resourcing that does not compromise service availability.”

The estimated cost of the fire service for 2 013 h a s i n c r e a s e d by €200,000, due to population increases as reflected in the last census.

The costs of the fire ser vices is over 8% of Fingal’s budgeted expenditure, and according to the FCC county manager, David O’Connor, “all realistic options must be consid-

ered to reduce costs”.

The overall cost for Dublin Fire Service for all four Dublin authorities in 2012, which includes Dublin City Council, Fingal County Council, South Dublin County Council and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council is estimated to be €94,600,510, according to FCC’s draft Budget 2013. Fingal’s net cost is at €17,624,075, representing 18.62% of the overall figure.

That has increased for 2013, with the estimated expenditure valued at €17,829,103, a 19.09% proportion of the overall budget for the service in 2013.

From Januar y 1 to October 31, 2012 there were 4,638 mobilisations to fire incidents in Fingal, and the Emergency Ambulance Service was mobilised on 11,992 occasions during this period.

20 & 27 December 2012 swords gazette 3

education Five building projects set for 2013

Funding boost for local schools  natalie burke

nburke@gazettegroup.com

Fingal is set for five new school building projects to take place next year, after 50 major s c h o o l p l a n s we r e announced last week by Minister for Education and Skills Ruairi Quinn.

The Fingal schools will be part of a five-year capital investment programme worth €2 billion, launched by Minister Quinn last March, which gave details of 275 major projects to begin over the period 2012 to 2016.

Some €370 million will be spent on the primary and post-primary

infrastructure next year.

The announcement was welcomed by local Fine Gael TD for Dublin North, Alan Farrell, who said it was great news for the area.

“This is great news for Lusk, Skerries, Balbriggan and Rush as parents can plan for the future with confidence that these projects will proceed as planned and without delay.

“Work will commence on Lusk Community College, which will be the first provision of second-level education for the area, FlemingtonBalbriggan National School, Skerries Educate Together, Scoil

Caitriona in Rush and Colaiste Glor na Mara in Stephenstown.”

This will bring to 10 the number of significant school building projects in Dublin North in the space of two years and, according to Deputy Farrell, marks a “real investment in our children’s education in the area”.

Fastest growing

“Fingal has the one of the fastest growing populations in the country and is the youngest constituency in Europe.

I am glad that this has finally been recognised by the Department of Education, and that these school places will

Alan Farrell TD (FG): “Real investment in our children’s education in the area”

be in permanent structures and not temporary prefab accommodation as was the policy for so long.”

Deputy Farrell said the new projects would lead to the creation of over 4,000 jobs during construction phase and provide over 25,000 per-

manent school places.

“We have to try to ensure that every child growing up in Ireland will have access to a school place and ideally, a space that makes learning more appealing,” he concluded.

Minister Quinn also confirmed that a total of

53 major school projects were completed in 2012.

These included local schools Scoil Chormaic, Balbriggan, Thornleigh Educate Together National School (ETNS), Swords, Holywell ETNS, Swords, and Loreto Secondary School, Balbriggan.

loose slabs

Nuisance pathway for repair A Swords pathway that has become a nuisance to pedestrians in recent months will be repaired, according to Fingal County Council.

The pathway along Swords Main Street has caused difficulties for pedestrians and wheelchair users recently, due to loose slabs and an uneven surface, the most affected area being the pathway outside the local National Irish Bank.

The concerns were raised at a recent area committee meeting held last week.

In response, Fingal County Council confirmed that arrangements were being made to repair the loose and uneven slabs along the pathway, making it safer for the local community.

4 swords gazette 20 & 27 December 2012

FastNews

council Street sweepers may be deployed Road

safety: campaign

Be safe this Xmas gardai

Local councillor Tom Kelleher (Lab) called for an update on the proposed bus terminus location

Bus terminus locations are being considered in Swords

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Siochana have officially launched their Christmas and New Year Road Safety Campaign and are urging people to drive home safely this Christmas.

As of December 13, 2012, a total of 153 people lost their lives on Irish roads this year.

To help ensure a safer Christmas period for all road users, gardai will be patrolling day and night nationwide as part of the safety campaign.

A NUMBER of locations adjacent to the R132 are being considered for the proposed new bus depot in Swords, according to Fingal County Council.

The proposed bus hub / interchange will form the terminus location for the Swords Road Phase Two Quality Bus Corridor.

This was discussed at the Balbriggan / Swords Area Committee Meeting on Thursday, December 13, following a motion passed by Cllr Tom Kelleher (Lab) for an update on the situation.

Block caused Lusk flooding A PARTIAL blockage on a section of water sewer has been identified as the main cause of flooding which occurred on the Ministers Road, from the Gaelic Club to Traen Hill in Lusk.

Fingal County Council (FCC) revealed the cause at the Balbriggan / Swords Area Committee Meeting last week, when Cllr Ken Farrell (Lab) asked for the cause

of the flooding, and for measures to help resolve the issue.

The council replied that FCC’s Drainage Operations Section discovered the partial blockage on a section of 900mm diameter surface water sewer, which was caused by an incorrectly installed hydrobrake.

This has been removed and the remaining blockage will be addressed shortly, but may involve the reconstruction of a manhole.

This summer, a huge increase in growth led to north Dublin residents frustrated by left-over cuttings

Council set to improve grass-cutting service  natalie burke

Communities across north Dublin are set to see an improvement in grass-cutting services, after Fingal County Council confirmed the potential deployment of street sweepers for 2013.

The announcement was made at a recent council meeting where concerns over grass cutting were raised.

In summer 2012 there was a huge increase in grass growth and residents across north Dublin were frustrated by leftover grass cuttings not being removed following services provided by the council.

The council stated that, where possible, it planned to deploy street sweepers on paths in parks and open spaces where the problems have

been reported.

In a report, a spokesperson for the council said the service will be a part of the integration of services in operations, and increased flexibility in the way in which services are provided.

“Unfortunately, summer 2012 was extremely wet, with a consequent increase in grass growth, and a deterioration in surface conditions.

“A s g r ow t h r a t e s increased, the grass itself was longer than normal when cut.

“This resulted in more cut grass being deposited on footpaths and roads, leading to an upsurge in complaints from the public.

“At all times during 2012 staff made every effort to minimise the amount of grass deposited, but given the extreme

weather conditions, this was not always successful,” the spokesperson said.

The move was welcomed by Cllr Darragh Butler (FF) who said the good work by the council

we can look at the cuttings being taken away.

They are definitely causing problems on footpaths.”

Cllr Peter Coyle (Lab) agreed, saying that people will expect more from

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‘The footpaths are covered in brown sludge, which effectively is all grass cuttings, it looks terrible and undoes all the good work put into it’

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Cllr Darragh Butler (FF)

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was “being undone” by the left-over cuttings.

“The footpaths are covered in brown sludge, which effectively is all grass cuttings, it looks terrible and undoes all the good work put into it,” he said.

“It is potentially slippery and dangerous, so there has to be some way

the grass-cutting services as a result of the upcoming property tax.

“With property tax coming in, people are going to expect high standards in our open spaces – they will certainly be asking elected members what they are getting from the property tax”, he said.

Prevention According to Assistant Garda Commissioner Gerard Philips, the force will focus on the Christmas and New Year period to try and prevent drink-drivers taking to the road.

“We wish to send out a very strong message that drinking and driving is totally unacceptable, and these selfish drivers cause carnage and heartbreak on our roads.

“We will particularly focus on this offence for the Christmas and New Year period.

“We applaud those that have made the decision not to drink when out socialising, thus ensuring all get home safely,” he said.

Gardai are also advising people to be streetwise while out and about this year, whether it is shopping, visiting family and friends or socialising.

According to gardai, crime can happen to anyone, anytime, and ask that the public be vigilant.

20 & 27 December 2012 swords gazette 5

competition Model United Nations win

Students claim top debating accolades  NATALIE BURKE nburke@gazettegroup.com

Twelve students from St Joseph’s Secondary School in Rush won Model United Nations Accolades recently at an event held at University College Cork (UCC).

The students won the awards after participating in Model United Nations (MUN), an event hosted by the International Relations Society in UCC. During the competition Rush students Alex Farrell, Anthony Daly, Ruby Towers, Noelle Leonard, Conor Carey, Eric Healy, Bryce Ndjatang, Keith Maughan, Rosalie Adamou, Caoimhe Leonard, Luke Hosford and Jack Cummins picked up the much-coveted awards.

The Model United Nations is a three-day debating competition organised for second-level schools throughout Ireland. Based on the format of the United Nations, it explores topics of global interest that people read about every day and requires participants to actively generate resolutions to such issues.

The model is an academic simulation of the

real United Nations aiming to educate participants about current events, topics in international relations, diplomacy and the United Nations agenda.

Luke Hosford received a Best Delegate award for his part in the Historical Council – The Cuban Missile Crisis, while fellow student Alex Farrell also picked up a Best Delegate award for his role on the Council on Drugs and Crime - Solutions to Human Trafficking in Central and Northern Africa and the Opium Trade in South East Asia.

Jack Cummins, who featured on the Security Council – Civil War in Syria, and Keith Maughan, on the Historical Council – The Cuban Missile Crisis, both won runner-up awards in their categories.

School principal, Patricia Hayden, said: “We are very proud of all our students who took part.

“It is a great achievement for them and I would like to pay tribute to the hard work. I also wish to commend their teachers, Ms Flynn, Mr Reade and Mr O’Shea, who mentored the students throughout.”

St Joseph’s Secondary School students with their awards after taking part in the Model United Nations event at UCC recently

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number of ramps situated on the road, in the busy vicinity of St Cronan’s Junior National School, the section of the road without ramps would be reviewed.

If deemed necessary, a further report will be issued on the need, if any, for further traffic calming measures to be put in place.

The council also stated that speed limit signs will be reviewed along the road.

Loreto College helps Team Hope’s Shoebox Appeal WITH students across the country donating to charities in the run-up to Christmas, the transition year students from Loreto College in Swords have once again taken part in the Team Hope Christmas Shoebox Appeal.

The school has participated in the initiative for the past 10 years and this year the local students once again collected gifts in their school and local community.

The boxes contained a number of donated gifts of gloves, hats and scarves, as well as stationary and toys, and are set to be distributed by local volunteers to children currently living in orphanages in Ukraine and Africa.

To date, Loreto College students have donated almost 200 boxes annually since the school’s first year of the initiative.

Chapel Farm snags in hand

Brackenstown Road set for safety review T raffic c a l m i n g measures at a busy Swords road are set to be reviewed in the New Year, according to Fingal County Council.

The announcement was made at a recent area committee meeting after concerns were raised by Cllr Darragh Butler (FF) of the lack of traffic calming measures along the Brackenstown Road in Swords.

The council confirmed that while there were a

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APPROXIMATELY nine snag items have been agreed between Fingal County Council (FCC) and the receiver which would enable the taking-in-charge process for the public open spaces at Chapel Farm.

FCC said the

receiver indicated that works would begin as soon as practical, and hopes for the takingin-charge process to happen in spring to early summer of next year.

This was revealed following Cllr Ken Farrell’s (Lab) motion for an update on the situation, at the Balbriggan/Swords Area Committee Meeting last week.

6 swords Gazette 20 & 27 December 2012

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gazetteGALLERIES

TV3 weatherman Martin King was host for the night

Danielle Kelly, Sonya Murray, Aisling McGrath, Helen Madden and Ronan Grogan. Pictures: Richard Reid

inaugural snowball: an ‘engaging’ night to remember

Revellers help put the fun back into fundraising Keira-Leanne Redmond Chase and Eithne Brown

S

nowflakes Autism Support held its inaugural fundraising black-tie ball recently in Santry’s Crowne Plaza. About 270 guests were treated to a fantastic night’s entertainment, with a mulled wine reception on arrival, a five-course meal and music until the early hours, as well as a whole host of surprises throughout the night.

The evening was hosted by TV3’s Martin King who was in fine form entertaining the guests before and after

the meal.

The aim of the night, as Martin said, was to put the “fun” into “fundraising” and this goal was definitely achieved, with many of the guests, at the end of the evening, already looking forward to next year’s Ball. The evening was particularly special for one couple, when Derek Bosonnett got down on bended knee and proposed to his gobsmacked girlfriend, Michelle Robinson, much to everyone’s surprise and delight .

Eric Brown-Keating, Lauren Brown-Keating, Paula Brown and Lyndsey Brown-Keating

Enjoying some live music

Thankfully for Derek, Michelle said yes! Like so many that were there on the night, Michelle and Derek will always remember the Inaugural Snowball of 2012.

The money raised from the 2012 Snowball will enable Snowflakes Autism Support to further improve the lives of their member families throughout 2013 and beyond. For further information on Snowflakes autism support, visit www.snowflakes.ie

20 & 27 December 2012 swords Gazette 7

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Ellen Dunne, Charlotte Brooks, Ellen Rooney and Aisling Keogh

Big man, white beard: It must be christmas at rivervallEy!

T

he big man with the white beard was at Rivervalley Community Centre Christmas Fair recently for a pre Christmas visit. To the delight of the kids he had plenty of nice presents for them. The centre has plenty going on over the Christmas period with the ongoing lotto jackpot still up for grabs, and active retired night and a hamper draw for a local lucky person. There was also a staff and residents committee night out which was enjoyed by all.

Liam Smith, Aishling Smith and Robert Brown

Jackie Reilly, Marie McDonough and Grace Murry Ann O’Connor and Shane Sylvester

Georgina O’Neill, Jackie Fetherston and Denise Woodford

Sandy Brown, Helen Madden and Eithne Brown

James, Joar and Jack Ryan

Frances, Erin and Jonathan O’Connor

Linda Kendrick, Joan and Amy Roche with Anne Desay Danielle Macari, Claude Borza, Phyllis Borza, Concetta Molle

8 swords gazette 20 & 27 December 2012

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housing Fine Gael TD welcomes news for owners of ‘worthless’ properties

Pyrite homes set for property tax reprieve  natalie burke

from the local property tax.

nburke@gazettegroup.com

Local Fine Gael TD Alan Farrell has welcomed the confirmation that homes containing pyrite in north Dublin and across the country will be granted a waiver

Finance Bill The issue is set to be addressed in the context of the Finance Bill by the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan (FG).

“I am hugely relieved that

a waiver will be granted to people living in homes affected by pyrite, ensuring they won’t have to pay a property tax on homes that are essentially worthless,” Deputy Farrell said.

“I expressed concerns last week when the Finance Bill

was published, as it did not contain any specific reference to pyrite properties.

“I suggested that waivers should be granted. The issue has been raised with the Minister for Finance, who has agreed with this approach.”

According to Deputy Farrell, people living in homes affected by pyrite have been through “an awful couple of years”.

“T hey took out huge mortgages to buy properties, either as family homes or sound investments.

“What they have been left with are properties that are in many cases uninhabitable. Being forced to pay the property tax would have been another blow for these families; thankfully, common sense has prevailed,” he said.

Campaign to cut carbon emissions ‘needs support’ A local Swords woman has branded climate change a nightmare and has called on the Government for legislation to reduce Ireland’s carbon emissions.

Meabh Smith, who hails from Swords, has said climate change has had a devastating impact on people she has met in developing countries through her work as a press officer with Trocaire.

“Families supported by Trocaire live in basic conditions with no cars, electricity or modern comforts.

They are small farmers who have not

caused climate change. Yet they live with its effects every day,” she said.

Draft bill With the Government expected to publish a draft Climate Bill setting out commitments to reducing carbon emissions, Meabh has called on Swords to support the cause.

“I’m asking north Dublin people to support those people I’ve met overseas, struggling to survive in such harsh conditions, by raising this important issue with their local TDs.”

Pictured here on Christmas Day last year in McCabe’s Pharmacy are customer Herman McNeilis, from Swords Road, Malahide, and pharmacists and sisters Ciara and Aine McCabe

retail: pharmacy continues 30-year tradition

McCabe’s to open on Christmas Day  natalie burke nburke@gazettegroup.com

A NORTH Dublin pharmacy will continue a 30-year-old tradition this year by opening on Christmas Day. For the last three decades, McCabe’s Pharmacy in Malahide has continued to open for business on the festive day, and will once again provide pharmacy services for the entire north Dublin community this year.

As one of Ireland’s largest independent familyowned pharmacy chains, the Malahide branch of McCabe’s will open from

11am until 2pm, in order to provide emergency pharmacy cover for the area.

This year will also see McCabe’s Pharmacy open a number of their other branches on St Stephen’s Day. Discussing the Christmas morning service, Sharen McCabe, managing director, McCabe’s Pharmacy said: “We find that on Christmas Day people have emergency pharmacy requirements which cannot wait until St Stephen’s Day, from diabetics who have run out of prescribed medication to new mothers who

require various healthcare items. Patients may be discharged from hospital late on Christmas Eve or on Christmas Day, and they often have requirements for medical products.

“A couple of us from the McCabe family open up in Malahide on Christmas morning and we are usually the only pharmacy open in Dublin. As a community-focused family-owned pharmacy, we feel a responsibility to those with emergency needs over the Christmas period.

“We generally find that those who come to us on Christmas Day tend

to be extremely stressed and are very relieved to be provided with a solution. Christmas is all about helping people in need and, by opening on Christmas morning, we’re providing a much-needed healthcare service for the north Dublin community,” Sharen said.

The local pharmacy is located at The Diamond, Malahide. To contact the branch, phone (01) 845 0807 or (01) 806 1883.

The Swords branch of McCabe’s Pharmacy, located in the Pavilions, will open on St Stephen’s Day from 11am until 6pm.

20 & 27 December 2012 swords Gazette 9

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council

charity: Cloghran car dealership runs open day for animal charity

Dressing rooms for revamp

Getting into gear for dogs in need A LOCAL car dealership has raised much needed funds for Dogs Trust, an Irish animal welfare charity, after it held a family open day recently for the local community.

Annesley Williams Skoda, on the Old Airport Road in Cloghran, held the open day on December 1, and donated all funds raised to the dog’s charity.

The event saw a number of children’s activities take place, along with music and refreshments.

Dogs Trust is Ireland’s largest dog welfare charity, and it works to reduce the number of strays put down in pounds each year.

It also aims to educate the public about respon-

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sible dog ownership.

Skoda has been the Dogs Trust’s vehicle of choice since 2009.

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‘Dogs Trust has helped save the lives of over 5,500 stray and abandoned puppies and dogs ’

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Since opening its stateof-the-art re-homing centre in Finglas, Dublin in November 2009, Dogs Trust has helped save the lives of over 5,500 stray and abandoned puppies and dogs.

Guests at the open day

had the opportunity to meet the dogs and their carers at a mobile rehoming unit, and they learned more about the work of the charity.

Radio Nova was on site to broadcast live, while Annesley Williams carried out mini valets in return for contributions to the charity.

Earlier this year, Skoda Ireland announced its partnership with Dogs Trust.

As part of the agreement, Dogs Trust was supplied with two free Skoday vehicles, including the Skoda Roomster, to complement its current fleet of Skoda vehicles, which were carefully selected to fit the exact needs of the dogs.

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Right on track: Council honours Paralympian’s 2012 achievements mayor of Fingal Cllr Cian O’Callaghan (Lab) recently pre-

sented Irish Paralympian Catherine Walsh, who won silver and bronze medals at this years London Games, with Fingal County Council’s Civic Roll of Honour in recognition of her achievements. Catherine and her cycling partner Fran Meehan took silver in the Paracycling Individual Pursuit B final. Catherine from Swords, who is visually impaired, has experienced success as a track and field athlete in five previous Paralympic Games between 1992 and 2004.

Call our news team on 60 10 240 or email news@gazettegroup.com

The Ridgewood Dressing Rooms, which have previously been targeted by vandals, could be suitable for use by local sports clubs in the New Year.

This is according to Fingal County Council which, at a recent council meeting, confirmed that replacements for the vandalised windows had been ordered and currently await installation.

The council confirmed that protective grilles had also been manufactured for the windows as well as the gas and electricity meters located at the dressing rooms.

It is hoped the dressing rooms will be made available to St Finian’s GAA and River Valley Rangers FC in early 2013.

10 swords gazette 20 & 27 December 2012

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Holly Keating blows a kiss

Paddy Casey performing live in aid of the ISPCC Dogs Trust charity night at Bucks Townhouse

Puppy love and barking mad fun at fundraiser T

HE Dogs Trust fundraising evening recently took place in Buck’s Townhouse.

RTE’s Lucy Kennedy was MC on the night - which was held in aid of the Finglas-based charity.

Local band Bennett Vs Matrix were among the perform-

ers, with PJ Gallagher, Hilary Rose and Paddy Casey also lending their talents on the evening.

GAA star Bernard Brogan and model Michele McGrath were amongst the celebrities at the event.

The night was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Tuanh Walat and Anna Kelly

Katie Ryan and Gerome Lucy Kennedy

Local GAA star Bernard Brogan and model Michele McGrath

Van Jaarsveld

Comedian PJ Gallagher and Hilary Rose

20 & 27 December 2012 Gazette 11

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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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homecoming: events to celebrate nation

Gathering 2013 kicks off with a capital launch The Gathering 2013 has been officially launched

by Minister for Transport, Sport and Tourism Leo Varadkar at the Guinness Storehouse and Dublin is gearing up for a year of special homecoming events to celebrate the nation and its returning diaspora.

Plans include 1,700 gatherings organised by families, individuals and communities, which are expected to attract some

80,000 additional visitors to Ireland next year.

The year of The Gathering will be rung in on December 31 at the Dublin New Year’s Eve festival, set to be headlined by Imelda May and Bell X1.

All over the city, an array of impressive and ambitious events is being planned, including an Irish dancing festival, with workshops and master classes in venues all around Dublin,

which will culminate in a world record attempt at the longest Riverdance performance along the Liffey’s quays.

Over 50 overseas choirs are expected to attend a packed calendar of choral gatherings next year, beginning with The Messiah Gathering in Dublin from April 12 to 15, and continuing in other parts of the country including Cork and Mayo.

South County Dub-

lin will host a series of international spor ts tournaments under the banner of Meet to Compete, with basketball, baseball, cricket and soccer on the agenda, and teams from the US, Canada and Europe expected to take part.

Over 18,000 visitors are expected to attend the events from February to October 2013.

See www.thegatheringireland.com.

Minister for Tourism Leo Varadkar (FG), centre, with Peter Kavanagh, left, from the Dublin City Hurricanes baseball team, and Eoin O’Sullivan, who plays with Drogheda Lightning, at the recent unveiling of the key Gathering Festivals

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12 Gazette 20 & 27 December 2012

dublinlife

Crawl to victory with a Junior Spider award

EIRCOM has officially launched the 2013 Eircom Junior Spider Awards, which sees the awards enter their fourth year. They are now open for entries from primary and post-primary schools.

T h e aw a r d s we r e established to highlight how students embrace the internet and to mark the innovative ways they use it both in school and in their daily lives.

The awards are divided into three categories – the Mega Spiders, at primary level, and the

Giga and Tera Spiders at post-primary level.

The Giga Spiders are open to first- to thirdyear students, and the Tera Spiders are for fourth- to sixth-year students. Each award category has a Grand Prix award.

All students with an interest in the internet are encouraged to get involved. For further information and details on how to enter, see www.juniorspiders.ie.

The closing date for entries is Friday, February 1.

diary

At the launch of the Eircom Junior Spider Awards at the Science Gallery were third-class pupil Dara Donovan, St Laurence’s Boys National School, Kilmacud, and fifth-year student, Aoife Roche, St Colmcille’s Community School, Knocklyon

Take a break from hassles at the living room centre I F YOU ’ R E f e e l i n g stressed, harassed and overloaded with shopping bags this Christmas, then don’t despair, because the Living Room Centre for Silence and Community on Clarendon Street in Dublin 2 is offering free meditation sessions on weekday mornings and lunchtimes throughout December.

The Living Room is a silent space offering ref-

uge amid the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Over Christmas, the Living Room is inviting all those who wish to rest in a reflective and shared quiet to go along and take some wellearned time out.

Established in 2009, The Living Room has witnessed many social ailments such as depression, anxiety and addiction mostly resulting from the strain of living in recessionary times becoming more commonplace.

The meditation ses-

sions will run from 8am until 8.45am and from 1pm until 2 pm, from Monday to Friday, until the end of the month.

According to organisers, the meditations aim to offer spiritual solace to those alienated by the hype, fuss and chaos of the season.

tucking into mrs brown’s tasty turkeys COMEDIAN Brendan O’Carroll is making sure hundreds of families in Dublin will have their turkey and ham

this Christmas after he generously donated food vouchers to St Vincent De Paul (SVP).

The creator of the phenomenally successful Mrs Brown’s Boys donated a substantial number of vouchers for turkey and ham to the Dublin region of the SVdP. His kindness this Christmas will ensure that families who might have missed out on the traditional Christmas meal won’t be disappointed.

Andy Doogue, presi-

dent, the SVP Dubl i n r e g i o n t h a n ke d O’Carroll.

“This is a really generous donation, given in an imaginative yet practical way.

“This year in particular we are receiving requests for food more than ever.

“Our volunteers will ensure that families who are most in need will benefit from Brendan’s enerosity,” he said.

Calls for support to the SVP in Dublin have been increasing substantially in recent years.

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20 & 27 December 2012 Gazette 13

GAZETTE

14 GAZETTE 20 & 27 December 2012

DUBLINLIFE

Lighting up Temple St: Woodies staff making spirits shine WOODIE’S DIY staff members Paulina

Slota, Kevin Martin and Karen Hanna were last week lighting up the wards of Temple Street Children’s University Hospital with Christmas decorations donated by the store.

The decorations will help provide much needed Christmas spirit, for those children who cannot make it home this Christmas.

Speaking at the hospital, Annette Small, Fundraising and Events Manager, Temple Street Children’s University Hospital, said: “Many children will find themselves inside the walls of Temple Street this festive season battling for life. Woodie’s DIY have made a real difference by helping to raise spirits and morale at this special time of year.”

Katie Brill, Bebhinn Sheridin and Sam Madden modelled the creative recycled dresses created by Irish students for the Junk Kouture competition at the premiere of The Hobbit in London last week. Inset, Malahide native Bebhinn

FASHION: A RED CARPET ARRIVAL

Irish Junk Kouture outfits wow crowds MALAHIDE student Bebhinn Sheridin was one of the shining lights on the red carpet at the royal premiere of Peter Jackson’s latest movie, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, in London’s Leicester Square last week.

She was modelling a unique creation designed

by Tanyanat Tipprasert, Sinead O’Rourke and Joy Butdeekham from Malahide Community School as part of the Junk Kouture Recycled Fashion competition.

The eco-conscious competition, supported by the European Recycling Platform (ERP), showcased some of last year’s most promising entrants in fashion and art competition for secondary school students across Ireland which has

a reputation for being the most creative.

Bebhinn wore their Paper Pillion dress, which was made entirely of recycled magazines, and was joined by other winners of the competition from Athlone and Belfast.

Created in 2010 by entrepreneurs Elizabeth O’Donnell and Troy Armour, the Junk Kouture competition has seen thousands of teenagers’ work submitted over the past two years, with some spectacular and awe-inspiring pieces gracing the competition’s regional and national catwalks.

Elizabeth O’Donnell, founder of Junk Kouture said: “We were delighted to take to the red carpet in London and the students enjoyed their moment in the spotlight.

Many guests at the event – as well as people in the crowds – were complimenting the girls’ work.

“The levels of creativity as well as the cool things which the students have done with other people’s junk are incredible and it really is something to be celebrated.

“Our 2013 competition launched recently and I know there are students right across Ireland working on very exciting plans to bring junk back to a very fashionable life!”

Junk Kouture Recycled Fashion Competition 2013 is open to all second level students. The competition closes for entries on January 31.

For further information, log on to junkkouture.com, or visit their Facebook page at Facebook.com/junkkouture

20 & 27 December 2012 Gazette 15

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Gazette

features food: Alan Walker’s top tips for a stress-free christmas dinner

Talking turkey with top butcher

SuperValu butcher Alan Walker says the key to Christmas dinner is to keep things simple  natalie burke

While Christmas dinner can be one of the most stressful meals of the year to cook, one of

SuperValu’s top butchers, Alan Walker, has shared his top tips for taking the pressure off the chef, leaving more time for festive fun.

Having worked as a butcher with SuperValu for the past 11 years, Alan says that this year, his main message for Christmas cooks is to “keep it

simple”.

“In this day and age, there is no point in going out and spending money that people don’t have,” he told the Gazette. “This

Christmas, try and keep it simple.”

With just days to go until Christmas, Alan recommends seeking advice from your local butcher before buying your main meal items.

“When you’re picking out the turkey, always ask your butcher to have a look at the turkey before you buy it. Try and get it as near to Christmas as possible and keep it in the fridge before cooking it. SuperValu is offering half price ham at the moment and they are vacuum packed, so you can buy them earlier and keep them in your fridge, as long as the air doesn’t get at it,” he said.

When it comes to cooking the turkey, Alan says the key is to stick to traditional guidelines.

“Use a tinfoil tray or one you might have at home and before putting it in the oven, add an inch of water to the tray.

Put a bit of salt, pepper and butter on top of the turkey and pop it in the oven. Every 45 minutes after that, take it out and scoop the water over it.

Normally you would give it about 20 minutes per pound.”

Once Christmas Day is over, Alan says there are many ways to make the most of your leftovers, including turkey sandwiches, turkey soups and

turkey or ham salads. For other festive dinner ideas in the run up to New Year, Alan recommends some interesting alternatives.

“There are a lot of people who like to cook leg of lamb or a bit of beef and SuperValu are doing 33% off both at the moment right up until Christmas. Sometimes duck is a nice option for cooking something different,” he said.

“Again, I like to keep it simple. The more you go down the line of trying to do new things, the more chance you have of ruining your dinner. That’s the message I want to get across.”

GAZETTE

16 GAZETTE 20 & 27 December 2012

DUBLINLIFE

Q&A

FRANK CAROLAN, CASTLEKNOCK FRAMES

Framing a solid plan FRANK Carolan has worked in the art and picture framing business for the past 12 years.

He has had a wide and varied career before his current position, having worked for USAID in the central African state of Burundi for two years, before spending six years in the gold mining industry around Australia in mine camps throughout the continent.

Frank also spent some time in Rhode Island, perfecting the art of making rocking-horses; however, he How long have you been in business?

I have been running my business for 10 years now.

What makes your business successful?

Part of being in a successful business relates to a quality product, together with customer care.

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

Consultation on a one-to-one basis, whereby the person the clients meet is the same person who carries out the work requested.

How has the recession affected your business?

The circulation of money in a tighter economy will create priorities in every spend, therefore every business will feel a pinch.

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

Sourcing materials from a broader range of suppliers, thereby focusing on competitive costs, offering alternatives to customers while achieving the same quality appearance.

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

Certainly, the VAT rate greatly affects small businesses, reducing this rate would be beneficial.

did not pursue the business commercially, due to market share and economy of scale considerations.

He says the difference between working for yourself and for other people holds no comparison.

“When you find something you like doing, it’s no longer work. Monday mornings are the same as Friday afternoons.”

You can view a selection of Frank’s work, to date, on his website – castleknockframers.ie – and look out for his monthly specials.

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

To be honest, I didn’t buy into that format of exposure. However, I’m now accepting the realities and benefits (Twitter, Twitter, on the wall ...)

What is your ambition for the business?

Short-term, to remain in business; long-term, to be the public’s first choice when looking for quality, value for money and professional advice.

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

“Never look back – it’s not the direction you are going in.”

What is your favourite thing about doing business in your local area?

When people smile at you, they’re really saying: “Thanks for a great job done.”

What living person do you most admire?

Imran Khan, a people’s politician.

Where is your favourite restaurant?

Maxmillian Restaurant, Blanchardstown, for authentic Italian pizza.

If you were on Death Row, what would your last meal be?

An extra-large pizza to share with my executioner (you never know?)...

BUSINESS

Supported

by AIB

The true cost of raising and educating children COMEDIAN WC Fields (died 1946) was not thinking of child costs when describing how he liked children: “Preferably boiled” - though he did raise two himself.

It is estimated that the actual current cost of raising a child from birth until completion of their third-level education is just short of €250,000.

Recent Bank of Ireland research revealed that 80% of parents say they do not believe the current State child benefit of €140 per child is sufficient to help them with their children’s education expenses.

In addition, 86% of parents surveyed for the study said that any further reductions in the child benefit allowance would leave them in a “financially difficult” position when it came to funding their children’s education.

The cost of educating a child from primary school to college is estimated to be well over €70,000 – a not insignificant amount of money. By far the biggest expense is incurred during a time when a child is in third-level education.

The research estimated that it costs about €42,000 to put a young person through college – a figure that will rise significantly if plans to reintroduce fees proceed.

Half of all parents surveyed said they planned to buy larger size school uniforms for their children,

while one-in-five intended to reduce pocket money by up to 50% in order to pay for school-related expenses. Bear in mind, the average pocket money given to children is: • National level – €10 per week (€520 annually ); • Secondary level – € 20 per week (€1,040); • Third level – €60 per week (€3,120).

Nearly one-in-three parents will spend less on extracurricular activities for their children due to the current economic environment, while more than half will be looking to purchase second-hand schoolbooks, schoolbags and uniforms this year.

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

SOFTWARE: FIRM WINS TOP ACCOUNTANCY AWARD

Cloud firm reigns supreme

GLENAGEARY-based accountancy software company Big Red Book has won the Accountancy Software Award for SMEs in the Business Editor’s Choice Awards.

Big Red Book was among 16 award winners chosen by the editorial team of InBusiness magazine.

This is the first year for the awards, which are run in conjunction with Chambers Ireland.

Marc O’Dwyer, managing director of Big Red Book, said: “It is fantastic to be recognised as the premier accounting software for SMEs. Big Red Book’s unique interface is designed to make bookkeeping simple for the business owner.”

O’Dwyer took over Big Red Book in 2001, and the company now has 35,000 businesses using

its software.

“Two years ago, we realised the future was in a Cloud version of the software. So, it’s now 100% online, and customers can have internet access not only to their accounts, but to their accountants too; 24/7 and virus-free,” he said.

The Big Red Book was launched in Dublin 19 years ago, and is an allIrish accounting service.

In September, Big Red Book launched Big Red Cloud, and in so doing announced they would create 12 jobs in the coming year.

The service enables Big Red Book customers to move all their accounts data to a Cloud-based service, with the flexibility of adding unlimited users and free access for their accountant.

According to O’Dwyer:

Pictured at the launch of Big Red Cloud are Paul Rellis, managing director, Microsoft Ireland, and Marc O’Dwyer, chief executive, Big Red Book. The firm’s Big Red Cloud online service is hosted on Windows Azure, Microsoft’s open and flexible Cloud platform that enables companies to build, deploy and manage applications and services.

“With more than 17,000 SME customers in Ireland and Britain today, our team is constantly striving to improve its products and to give businesses easy-to-use software at affordable prices.

“Our launch of the Big Red Cloud applica-

tion this year has made accounts even easier to manage and more mobile than ever.”

Companies and individuals were recognised in the Business Editor’s Choice Awards for their contributions to business in Ireland.

20 & 27 December 2012 Gazette 17

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asdfsdaf P27 TRAVEl P22

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

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motoring P19

Pets Dog of the Week

Level 5 - Jason Caffolla, Chris Leonard, Dean Gibbons, Shane Thornton and Darren Regazzoli - are aiming for the top slot, supporting charity ISPCC/Childline with Mary Byrne

music: local lads make up three-fifths of boyband aiming for number 1

Christmas hits new Level  NATALIE BURKE

New Dublin boyband Level 5 could be set to land the Christmas Number One spot this year after they released their charity single, Merry Christmas, Everyone, which also features former X Factor star, Mary Byrne. Proceeds from the sale of the single will go towards supporting the work of the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC).

The five members of the boyband, which includes Shane Thornton from Donaghmede, Dean Gibbons from Tallaght, Darren Regazzoli from Malahide, Chris Leonard from Clondalkin and Jason Cafolla from Stepaside, joined Byrne at the recent Childline concert held in Dublin’s O2 arena,

where they performed their song to a delighted crowd.

Merry Christmas Everyone, a cover of the old Shakin’ Stevens classic seasonal favourite, was released at the end of November, and the boys have been busy supporting the single and launching their fledgling career ever since.

The band duet with Mary Byrne in the song, which will go head to head with the X Factor winner James Arthur in the battle for the number one slot.

In an interview with entertainment. ie earlier this month, Clondalkin Leveler Chris Leonard said it was amazing to work with Mary Byrne. “She is something else. You see what she has done with X Factor, the experience she has, how long she is in the game – she knows her stuff. For her to come on

board with us, with people who are new to this, it meant an awful lot. We weren’t expecting it. It was an absolute dream.”

The boys came together to form Level 5 just over three months ago and have already performed to thousands at a number of events including the 19th birthday party of One Direction’s Niall Horan. The boys have already gained a huge following, with fans dubbing themselves “levelers” and their Twitter page boasting almost 10,000 followers.

2013 is set to be a big year for the new boyband, who will be featuring in their own reality fly-on-the-wall documentary, The Rise of Level 5, which is due to air on TV3 in the New Year.

The boys also plan to release a single

to coincide with the TV show, as well as planning to write their own songs alongside top songwriters from Ireland and across Europe.

On top of this, Level 5 have already caught the eye of some of the music industry’s biggest hitters and, given their talent for singing and dancing, they are tipped – according to their website – to be the support act of choice for many of the major international artists visiting Ireland next year.

For more information, visit www. level5official.com, or become fans of their Facebook page at www.facebook. com/level5official.

Merry Christmas Everyone is available to download now on iTunes with all proceeds going to the ISPCC.

Dublin Gazette Newspapers has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for unwanted or abandoned dogs.

Our Dog of the Week is Little Rock, a lovely little one-year-old Whippet crossbreed.

This happy chappie is super affectionate towards people and other dogs.

Little Rock’s left foreleg is slightly different to his other three which could be a result of a condition he was born with or an untreated injury from the past. He certainly doesn’t let this get him down and is very happy to get his exercise from gentle strolls and swimming.

This confident boy has a gentle soul and is looking for his perfect forever home. If you think this smashing dog would be a perfect addition to your family, then please contact Dogs Trust on 01-8791000.

For more info, log on to www.dogstrust.ie

18 Gazette 20 & 27 December 2012

gazetteGALLERY

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

Jessica and Isabel Benkell

Broadcaster and actor Lorraine Keane with Emelia and Romy Devin

Plenty of playacting down at the Gaiety T

HE Gaiety Theatre presents the ever-popular Cinderella as its Christmas panto this year.

The opening night of the panto was attended by many families and celebrity guests, including TV3 presenter Karen Koster, actor Keith Duffy and singer / actor Rebecca Storm.

The Gaiety Theatre has been hosting its annual Christmas panto every year since 1873, and this year’s

Morah Ryan with her children Elliot, Lottie, Bonnie and Babs

tale of two ugly sisters, a quirky fairy godmother, the love of a handsome prince and a single glass slipper is a perfect recipe for a great night of music, laughter and excitement for young and old alike.

The panto will run until January 13, and tickets start from €15. There will be a matinee as well as an evening show. For more information about the panto, log on to www.gaietytheatre.ie.

Karen and Zoe Koster

Rebecca Storm and Blathnaid Ni Chofaigh

Soap star Keith Duffy with Lisa and Mia Duffy

20 & 27 December 2012 Gazette 19

Gazette

20 gazette 20 & 27 December 2012

CINEMAreview of 2012

Festive

theatre THE pavilioN THEATRE 01 231 2929 Snow White

FOR their 10th annual panto at Pavilion Theatre, Arclight bring you their twist on the classic tale of Snow White.

The wicked Queen is jealous of Snow White’s beauty and sends her off to be murdered by the Horrible Hairy Huntsmen.

Snow White escapes but only into the clutches of seven dastardly pirates!

Snow White is a swashbuckling, spellbinding, spectacular story stuffed with sprinkles of sweetness and a sizeable smattering of silliness.

This is a family show, children must be accompanied.

January 22-26, tickets are priced at €16/€12.

Mill Theatre 01 296 9340

The Three Tenors and Star Violinist EXPERIENCE the Magic!

Direct from National Concert Hall Dublin.

Ireland’s Greatest Voices.

Fabulous Hit Songs from Sinatra, Elvis, Bocelli, Roy Orbison, Leonard Cohen and Pavarotti.

Ireland’s hottest trio Declan Kelly, David Martin, Ray O’Hare, promise you a night to remember! This thrilling concert is packed with the world’s most beautiful and magical feelgood songs.

Joined by star Violinist Maria Mason, a regular performer on national TV and the Late Late Show, the guys with their amazing voices and friendly downto-earth approach, look forward to their return visit to the Mill.

After their 4th annual sensational tour of Ireland and UK, recent high profile outstanding performances include the National Concert Hall Dublin, Armagh Cathedral, Belfast Ulster Hall, Limerick University Concert Hall, Belfast Cathedral, and Cork Opera House.

This is the star show not to miss. December 29 at 8pm, tickets €30.

Draiocht 01 885 2622 Aladdin

IN the town of Soo Chow lives Widow Twanky, a washerwoman, and her sons Aladdin and Wishee Washee. Aladdin dreams of adventure, riches and marrying a princess.

Abdul, an evil magician, seeks Aladdin’s help in entering the Cave of Wonders where he finds an old lamp with magic powers.

Join Aladdin and his friends in this spectacular and colourful pantomime great fun for all the family.

As always, the Coolmine Panto Group are set to put on the first must-see event of the year, with Tom Moran, John Furlong and Louise Hudson leading the line.

January 4-6, 10-13 and 17-20, tickets are priced at €20/€16.

CIVIC THEATRE 01 462 7477

The Wheelchair on My Face “I got my first pair of glasses when I was seven. A nurse came to the school and tested everyone’s eyes. And so it was discovered why I’d thrown bread to the floating crisp packets in our local pond and walked into lamp posts and said, ‘excuse me’. Until that day the world was a swirl of moving coloured blobs. I thought it was the same for everyone. How wrong I was.”

“Part memoir, part theatre and part standup comedy” (Irish Independent), this delightful story of a myopic seven-year-old is brought to you by actor and comedian Sonya Kelly (The Savage Eye).

Developed as part of Show in a Bag, an artist development initiative of Dublin Fringe Festival, Fishamble: The New Play Company and Irish Theatre Institute to resource theatre makers and actors. Thursday January 3 to Saturday, January 5, tickets are priced at €16/€12.

This year we saw blockbusters that were criticically well-received as well as commercially solid, such as The Hunger Games

2012 in focus: Hollywood reverses decline - by making good movies

New-found hunger  Paul hosford

phosford@gazettegroup.com

WELL, that wasn’t half bad, was it?

The year 2012 ends with the arrival of The Hobbit and began with the arrival of Mark Wahlberg film Contraband.

Ok, so it wasn’t all brilliant, but work with me, ok? Last year was not a very good year for cinema.

Of the top 10 films worldwide, only The Smurfs wasn’t a sequel.

Compared to this year,that isn’t actually that bad, where three films are first installments, The Amazing

Spider Man and The Hunger Games, and Brave comes with Pixar’s seal of approval.

But the overall gulf in 2012 quality compared to 2011 is massive.

P ut simply, when Transformers 3 makes over €1bn, the nadir has been reached.

Where 2011 had an ill-conceived and just awful Pirates of The Caribbean, this year we had the closing installment of Chris Nolan’s Batman trilogy.

Granted, the money takings are topped by as conventional a studio film as you can imagine, The Avengers, it was very, very good.

I mean, really good.

So good I will probably spend most of my Christmas break watching it.

The year had a

number of big arrivals, with Jennifer Lawrence announcing her status as a true talent and a real star with a pair of brilliant performances, first in The Hunger Games, the hugely anticipated and actually excellent, teen literary adaptation which slayed vampires in terms of quality and cash.

T hen, Law rence appeared in one of the year’s last great films, Silver Linings Playbook, where she played a mentally fragile, though still likeable love interest.

L i ke w i s e , Q u ve n zhane Wallis stole the year with a mind-blowing performance in the ridiculously unseen Beasts of The Southern Wild.

T here were comebacks, as Robert De Niro, Steven Soderberg

and Joaquin Phoenix all returned to the heights they are accustomed to.

And there were losses, as Irish cinema lost a leading light in David Kelly, star of Charlie and The Chocolate Factor y and Holly wood lost the likes of Kathryn Joosten, Nora Ephron, Tony Scott and Michael Clarke Duncan.

O ve r a l l , t h e y e a r saw Hollywood buck its recent decline and attract people back to cinemas.

How they did it is not rocket science, either.

Much like when the US concert industr y found itself pinched a number of years ago, the answer was simple; provide something that people want to watch.

While last year, only The Help crept above $100 million, this year’s

dramas have been diverse, different and successful.

Argo thrilled late in the year, Magic Mike was adult programming for the summer while the decent The Vow was an early year hit.

In comedy, Ted bossed the lot by offering a foulmouthed cuddly toy, not another Hangover ripoff and 21 Jump Street was funnier than it had any right to be.

The Lorax, Brave and Hotel Transylvania were quirky cartoons that packed cinemas, while James Bond was reborn to such an extent that people are talking Oscar.

Batman was the king of the late summer, but even Bruce Wayne was no match for Joss Whedon’s The Avengers, which proved six heroes are about $200 million better than one.

20 & 27 December 2012 gazette 21

Gazette

Best Actor

Best Actress

HIS direction on the film was rightly lauded, but in Argo, Ben Affleck gave an assured and brilliant performance as CIA man Tony Mendez.

Put-upon, untrusted and doubted, Mendez struggles to make a group of desperate American diplomatic staff believe in his plan to leave revolutiontorn Iran by acting as a Canadian film-crew.

It is not surprising to see Affleck turn in such a performance, however. The man has been faultless for a number of years now and long may it continue.

Also considered: Bradley Cooper-Silver Linings Playbook, Joaquin Phoenix-The Master, Robert De Niro-Silver Linings Playbook

NINE. She is nine years old. Let that sit with you a moment. In Beasts of The Southern Wild, Quvenzhane Wallis turns in a stunning, year-defining performance.

She may only be given a token nomination come the Oscars, with more grown-up voters set to plump for their contemporaries, but in a world with any justice, Wallis would climb the stage and take the statue.

Next up, she stars with Brad Pitt, Benedict Cumberbatch and Michael Fassbender in Twelve Years a Slave.

Also considered: Jennifer Lawrence-Silver Linings Playbook, Marion Cotilliard-Rust and Bone

Ben Affleck- Argo

Film of the year Moonrise Kingdom

THIS may not be the popular choice. Wes Anderson films rarely are. And it will find itself forgotten on Oscar night as Wes Anderson films often do. But, Moonrise Kingdom was the most joyous experience this year.

A touching tale of two star-crossed lovers that run away together on an island in 1960s America, Moonrise is the most complete Wes Anderson film. Where The Royal Tenenbaums was a little detached, where Rushmore was a little too clever, where The Darjeeling Limited was too aloof, Moonrise is accessible, smart and warm.

It helps, of course that the film is bolstered by a number of truly excellent performances, most notably from Bruce Willis, the most un-Anderson actor on show.

Ed Norton, Bill Murray and Frances McDormand are also on stellar form, but the child leads, Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward, steal the show.

Also considered: Argo, Dark Knight Rises, Beasts of the Southern Wild, Perks of Being a Wallflower, End of Watch

Quvenzhane Wallis- Beasts of The Southern Wild

Best director David O Russell

REMEMBER that viral video of David O Russell going crazy at Lily Tomlin? It seemed for a minute like that, and the poor reception of I Y Huckabees, had severely damaged Russell’s career.

However, 2010’s The Fighter and this year’s Silver Linings Playbook show the mark of a man right back on top. The talent exhibited in the 1990s with Flirting With Disaster and Three Kings is back and Hollywood is better for it.

Also considered: Wes Anderson, Ben Affleck, Paul Thomas Anderson, Ang Lee, Joss Whedon, Rian Johnson

Best Scene

Broken Bat - The Dark Knight Rises

Best Comeback

Biggest surprise

Comic book movies

Magic Mike

OK, so the genre wasn’t dead and 2011 had some decent films but, led by The Avengers, this year’s slate of superhero films was a highlight, both critically and commercially.

Taking a band of larger-than-life heroes and giving each one enough screen time while still turning in an excellent action film, Joss Whedon did what many said was impossible.

Likewise, Christopher Nolan turned in the final instalment of his trilogy with The Dark Knight Rises, completing a big-budget trilogy that was as cerebral as it was compelling.

They, along with The Amazing Spiderman and Dredd combined to make over $3 billion.

Also considered: Robert De Niro, Chris Tucker, Steven Soderberg, Joaquin Phoenix, Matthew Lillard

A FILM about male strippers? All of whom are better-looking than me? Eh, no thanks.

The first reaction to Magic Mike is invariably the wrong one as, led by a standout performance by Matthew McConaughey, the film turns out to be a smart, funny and engaging film that is not just for the girls.

It also caps a great year for Steven Soderberg.

Also considered: 21 Jump Street, Take This Waltz, Dredd

WHEN Bane was announced as the villain in The Dark Knight Rises, the world’s nerd community was whipped into a frenzy about what this meant for Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy.

Would the British director be allowed kill off Bruce Wayne? Would he be paralysed, like in Bane’s most famous comic book iteration, Knightfall? Could the Joker be topped as a villain?

While the answers are chock full of spoilers, Nolan did recreate the iconic Knightfall fight nearly panel for panel, as Bruce Wayne delves deep into the Gotham sewer system to tackle the monstrous Bane.

There, Nolan takes the fight to a different level to anything seen in the trilogy thus far. Shown with no score and minimal lighting, the two grapple in the shadows with a viciousness and anger that is, at times, vaguely uncomfortable.

As Bane laughs at Bruce’s attempts, he dominates the once-invincible Bat until a devastating final blow.

Also considered: Bad Ideas-Argo, Bringing the Party- The Avengers, Heroes-Perks of Being a Wallflower

22 gazette 20 & 27 December 2012

Gazette

&ABOUT OUT fast TRAVEL

New Year’s deals The Twelve Hotel A getaway to the west is a sure way to get your New Year off to a good start. With the staff at The Twelve Hotel in Bearna, Galway, pampering and spoiling the guests, the hotel is offering an exclusive New Year’s Eve package from just €215 per person sharing for a two-night break with breakfast. New Year’s Eve will also see guests enjoying a special celebration in the awardwinning West Restaurant with a champagne reception, a seven-course dinner and late night entertainment. For more information, contact The Twelve Hotel on 091 597000 or see www. thetwelvehotel.ie.

The Shelbourne Shining brightly in Dublin City Centre, it’s hard to miss the luxurious and ever popular Shelbourne Hotel. This New Year’s Eve, fun, style and delicious food is the order of the Big Day and guests can enjoy a three-course meal in the Saddle Room Restaurant, before ringing in the new year at No 27 Bar and Lounge. Enjoy the overnight stay in one of the hotel’s deluxe rooms followed by a traditional Irish breakfast on New Year’s morning. Rates start at just €229 per person sharing, with upgrades to suites available.

To book your New Year’s celebration, call 01 6634500 or visit www.TheShelbourne.ie.

Radisson Blu, Galway For anyone in search of festivities, fun and good food, the Radisson Blu Hotel, Galway, could be just the place to ring in the New Year. Start the night with a Countdown Cocktail and follow with an elaborate finger food buffet, a midnight toast and a late night DJ. Or guests can dine in style in the Restaurant Marinas with a five-course menu for €45pp before joining the festivities at the Veranda Lounge. New Year’s Eve B&B is just €95 pp, while two nights (including one evening meal) is just €225 pp. To book, call (091) 538 300 or see www.radissonhotelgalway.com.

Canary Islands: Explore impressive volcanic peaks and craters

Lanzarote: the perfect refuge from winter chill  Dave Phillips

THE cold is settling in and while for many of us that means digging out the electric blanket, an increasing number of people are opting for a little exotic opulence and heading south for a winter break for another source of heat.

For those of a migratory mind, Lanzarote is an ideal refuge from the chill with temperatures through December and

J a n u a r y ke e p i n g t o the high teens, but the weather is not the only draw here.

Distinct from the other Canary Islands, Lanzarote has always cultivated and maintained a gentler approach to tourism and development.

Much of this is directly linked to Cesar Manrique, an artist and architect who had great influence in the devel-

opment of the island for tourism.

The complete lack of billboards and advertising on buildings, the absence of any highrise structures, and the uniform simplicity of colours used to paint walls and windows of homes across the island all contribute towards the sense of calmness that Lanzarote seems to exude.

While the beaches

For those of a migratory mind, Lanzarote is an ideal

attract a steady flow of tourists from around the world, the winter months provide the perfect time to explore some of the island’s lesser known hot spots.

On a recent trip I spent a day with Marcelo from Canary Trekking, a tour company that specialise in taking small groups trekking across the

island’s volcanic landscape.

The coarse lapilli – pea-sized fragments of volcanic rock ejected during eruptions – which crunches underfoot, has transformed the landscape into otherworldly shades of black, grey, and orange.

Several feet of it have built up from the last

20 & 27 December 2012 gazette 23

Gazette

Travel fast

TRAVEL

Gala ball out west

With the countdown to 2013 almost under way, why not celebrate the New Year at the glittering New Year’s Eve Black Tie Gala Ball at the Castlecourt Hotel, Westport.

You’ll kick off with a champagne reception, followed by a five-course banquet dinner with live music and dancing. For a two-night escape, with breakfast and a trip to the ball, guests can stay at the Castlecourt from €219 pps or in its sister hotel, the Westport Plaza Hotel for €229 pps.

For more details or to book, visit www.westportplazahotel.ie or call 098 51166.

Cork’s charms The River Lee Hotel in Cork City are offering a Warm Up This Winter package, giving guests the perfect chance to soak up the charms of Cork right into the New Year.

At just €125 per room, the package includes one night’s accommodation, breakfast, a late check out, secure on-site free parking and a 15% discount on spa treatments. Offer available until January 31. To book, visit www.doylecollection. com/cork.

refuge from the winter chill with temperatures through December and January keeping to the high teens

chain of eruptions in the 18th century and while it initially smothered much natural growth, farmers on the island soon realised that the porous grains preserve some of the humidity which develops through the night and it is now used as a way to keep plants and crops growing.

The sight of several miles of pitch black fields punctuated with green sprigs of growth is just one of the unique vistas on the island.

A trip through Timanfaya National Park showcases some of the most impressive volcanic peaks and craters.

The ground here is fragmented, jutting at odd angles, and in several places still very hot.

Layers of magma at a shallow depth release intense heat through small crevices, or chimneys around the park.

only chances you’ll have to tr y geo-thermally cooked chicken.

If you’re looking to completely embrace the

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The sight of several miles of pitch black fields punctuated with green sprigs of growth is just one of the unique vistas on the island --------------------------------------------------------

Some of these are so hot you could cook food on them.

That’s exactly what you’ll find on offer at the El Diablo restaurant perched high in the centre of the park.

The stunning restaurant, designed by Manrique, offers an unparalleled view of the park, and probably one of the

volcanic theme, you can stay at Hotel Volcan, at Playa Blanca in the south of the island. Volcan is a beautiful fivestar hotel with generous rooms and an impressive façade that incorporates a large replica volcano.

The hotel overlooks a harbour and the marina to Playa Blanca, which can be accessed through

the hotel gardens.

Taking the gentle ethos of the island to heart, the hotel serves as a sanctuary. With spa treatments available and a choice of six pools to lounge in, there is plenty to do within the grounds for all ages.

During my stay there was a healthy mix of families and couples.

A separate club area at the hotel provides room and relaxation areas exclusively for adults, especially useful perhaps if you’re looking to leave the kids at home, but the hotel and grounds are so spacious that even at peak capacity there is ample space to chill.

There are plenty of great places to eat along the marina at Playa Blanca, but for some-

thing special make the trip to La Era, which serves delicious authentic Canarian food.

Given the soil conditions on Lanzarote, it is not surprising that the local dishes are relatively simple, but we’ve seen from Manrique’s vision (who, by the way, also designed La Era) that keeping things simple is by no means a bad thing.

Much of Manrique’s work as an ar tist involved complementing what nature has already provided and the wholehearted extension of that philosophy to tourism and development throughout the island has created a space that is naturally warm in every sense of the word.

24 Gazette 20 & 27 December 2012

Gazette

&ABOUT OUT road

MOTORS

NOISE

Chill claim that new insurance ruling will see big shift in costings BROKERS Chill Insurance have claimed there will be savings of up to €2,500 on motor insurance for teenage male drivers from December 21 following their analysis of the impact on the price of insurance following the European Union’s gender ruling.

The corresponding increase in an insurance premium for a female teenage driver may be up to €300, the report also indicates.

The implementation of an EU ruling which forces insurance companies to disregard gender when determining price for insurance means young men are likely to see the cost of their motor insurance fall, whereas young female drivers will probably see their motor premiums rise.

Chill Insurance, which deal with around 14 different insurers on behalf of clients, say that awareness of the impact of the EU ruling is currently not high, and the company is advising that people consider cost-saving options now, rather than wait until renewal time when they may be faced with higher costs.

Looking at differentials across all age categories, based on the best available price preand post-December 21, 2012, the biggest impact in the cost of car insurance is among the under25s; although the same analysis for a 25-yearold male and female showed the female paying about €150 more for insurance, with the male’s premium dropping €32.

Unisex motor insurance rates will have less impact on men and women aged over 30, the experts at Chill Insurance say, as they are already treated as near identical risks at that age, as accident rates and claims tend to equalise. The company’s analysis shows price increases between €13 and €25 for women over the age of 30, whereas the male’s policy premium is largely unaffected.

The Chill Insurance analysis is based largely on the same policy criteria, where only the age and gender of the candidate varies, with the same Dublin based 1.2L car, a track record of insurance, two penalty points, and no convictions.

At the announcement of a a new SEAT dealership opening in Airside Swords at Michael Barrable Motors Ltd were Michael and Linda Barrable, with Simon Elliott, chief executive, Volkswagen Ireland. Picture: Paul Sherwood

swords: brand move to have positive knock-on effect

Dealership is SEAT for a jobs expansion

SIX jobs will be created in Airside Swords by 2014, with the opening of a new SEAT dealership at Michael Barrable Motors Ltd. The opening of the SEAT business took place recently, where Simon Elliott, group chief executive of Volkswagen Group Ireland, and Siobhan Moore, president, Fingal Chamber, addressed the assembled crowd which included Dublin GAA star and Barrable brand ambassador, Ger Bren-

nan, who was presented with the keys of a new SEAT Toledo.

TV3 and SEAT brand ambassadors Anna Daly and Aisling O’Loughlin were also in attendance.

Elliott said he was delighted with the appointment of Barrable as their new dealership.

“In a time when there is a lot of doom and gloom around, it is nice to be able to bring some good news to north County Dublin as we expand our SEAT operations.

“SEAT is an exciting brand and we are delighted that Michael Barrable and his team will be representing us in this hugely important area.”

Michael Barrable said: “We are committed to the area and the SEAT brand is very important to our plans for the future.

“Within the next two years we will add six new positions to [our] dealership through the addition of SEAT, and this is certainly good news for the area.”

SEAT’s new Toledo was launched on the night and this, along with the new Leon model, which comes out in February, will form the backbone of a new model offensive.

In August, SEAT Ireland secured a €20 million investment from parent company, SEAT SA. SEAT aims to increase its market share in Ireland to 3.5% by 2015, thanks in part to its new product range and an ambitious dealership restructuring that is already under way.

SEAT Ireland intends to grow its dealership network from 22 to 26 by 2015.

T he company has aggressive finance and product offerings in the market for the new year, which include 3% APR finance rates, as well as three years’ free servicing and three years’ warranty.

All customers who order a new SEAT before Friday, December 21, will receive 3,000km of free fuel.

BMW 3 series takes Car of the Year gong THE winners of the 2013 Continental Irish Car of the Year have been announced, with the BMW 3 series named Car of the Year.

The announcement was made at an awards ceremony in the Convention Centre, with the win marking the first time for BMW to take the title.

The Irish Motoring Writers Association

judges awarded points on the basis of criteria ranging from innovation and safety to space, comfort, build / driving quality and value for money.

Presenting the award to Michael Nugent, director of sales and marketing, BMW Group Ireland, Paddy Murphy of sponsor, Continental Tyres Ireland, said: “The BMW 3 Series is a

fitting winner of this prestigious award, given its renowned efficiency and technological strengths.

“For some time this series has been a favourite among the business and broader driving public, and the recognition of excellence from the Irish Motoring Writers will only enhance this standing.”

20 & 27 December 2012 Gazette 25

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  happyholidays… d

2012review 

The very best news from around the city as we wrap up the year and prepare to say hello to a bright new 2013...

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Gazette

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Community spirit is the heart of city The stories we have told over the course of the last year in the pages of The Gazette have reflected the times we live in.

While austerity bites, we have seen first hand the belt-tightening taking place in almost every walk of life and aspect of our society.

2012 saw closures and cutbacks the likes of which the current generation has only heard about in tales of times gone by, times that we hoped we’d never see again.

The hard times look like continuing into 2013, and the shoots of recovery are tough to see.

However, the one thing that has shone through time and again as the year has progressed is the spirit of unity that is so very present in our local communities.

People coming together to support one another and those less fortunate than themselves is a theme that shines through over and over, and is something that must be cherished and nurtured next year and in the years to come.

We won’t turn a financial corner overnight, by any means, and establishing shared values that will help us all as a community in the coming years and beyond is certainly something that will make those times more hopeful.

It’s once again been a privilege to be able to bring you what is the very best in local news, sport and so much more in all of our eight editions over the last year.

Please keep on telling us your stories, and we will continue to talk to Dublin every week.

Here’s to another wonderful 12 months, and all of the staff at Dublin Gazette Newspapers wish you a happy Christmas and a prosperous and healthy new year.

Some of the smiles that have brightened our year around Dublin, as captured by Gazette photographers

Rob heigh Acting News Editor

Gazette

26 Gazette 20 & 27 December 2012

2012

Gazette review of the year that was

looking back: swords/malahide

Playgrounds go smoke free; Local civilian becomes hero January F ol l ow i n g t h e release of a number of red kites to the wild in 2011, the beginning of 2012 brought with it the devastating news that eight of the beautiful birds had been found poisoned.

It was believed that several of the creatures, released in Dublin and Wicklow as part of the Fingal Red Kite Release Programme, died from eating rats which themselves had eaten poison.

For the Golden Eagle Trust, which managed the project from the beginning, the news was described as “heartbreaking”.

The group urged the local community to avoid using unnecessary poisons.

February W hile Garda Stations across the country faced closures and cuts to opening hours, the communities across north Dublin rallied against the cuts to the local Malahide Garda Station.

The former Socialist

Party TD, Clare Daly, slammed the Government’s defence of its decision to apply cuts to the local station, calling it “a con”.

“The Minister is claiming the decision to cut the opening hours in the stations is not about cost savings, but rather about improving the deployment of Garda resources and getting better use of gardai on the frontline. This is nonsense,” she said.

March Concerns rose in March after it was reported that the number of serious crimes, such as possession of firearms and drugs, had risen significantly in the local area.

Statistics released by a Joint Policing Forum showed that 370 arrests were made in 2011 for theft in the area while arrests made for possessing a firearm rose by 33% between 2011 and 2012.

Later that month, a r o u n d 10 0 y o u t h s descended on Malahide to take part in what was described as an “organised fight” between rival

youth gangs at Bridgefield car park.

April W hen former OT T singer Alan Fitzsimons took to the stage in the blind auditions of RTE’s the Voice of Ireland, the singer reminded the whole country, as well as the judging panel of the new talent show, of the voice that had once made it to the top of the Irish and British charts.

The talented singe r / s o n g w r i t e r, w h o lives with his wife and daughter in Swords, battled through the first few weeks of live shows and quickly became a favourite with TV viewers.

W hile the Swords local didn’t win the overall competition, he bowed out gracefully at the semi-final stage and continues to pursue his love of music.

May The success of a pilot scheme in one Fingal playground led the county council to roll out a smoke-free playground policy across all its 50 public playgrounds in May.

Aoibhin and Caoimhe McCarthy attend The 2Pak Softball Blitz at ALSAA Sports and Fitness Rugby star Shane Byrne with twins Victoria and Isabelle O’Connor at an official welcome for the Olympic Torch in Howth

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d

Jenna Culligan and Lisa Bruton at a

Emily Dowling, Fiona O’Reilly, Trish

race night held in aid of Irish Autism

Oglesby and Linda Elebert were at

Action in Malahide Golf Club

Malahide Castle’s new Avoca store

Members of the SeaSharps: Sean Considine, Denis O’Hora, Brendan Redmond and

Nuala and Paul Brennan

Dermot McGill, at the official opening of the new Malahide Credit Union

hosting a dinner in the

Fingal County Council proposed to adopt a council-wide nosmoking policy for playgrounds after the success of its pilot scheme in Blanchardstown.

The smoke-free initiative aimed to discourage people from smoking in a children’s environment and to denormalise tobacco use and reduce litter from cigarette butts.

June The mother of missing schoolgirl Amy Fitzpatrick, a native of Swords who later moved to Spain

with her family, released a book in June in a desperate attempt to solve the mystery of her daughter’s disappearance.

Just after 9pm on Tuesday, January 1, 2008, 15-year-old Amy said goodbye to her friend and began the short walk to her family’s home on Spain’s Costa del Sol. However, she never made it home.

For the last five years, Amy’s mother, Audrey, has been campaigning to find her daughter and officially launched her story this year which is entitled, Please Find My Amy.

July The first-ever Flavours of Fingal show was held at Newbridge Demesne, Donabate, in July, and the inaugural celebration proved to be a massive success with 20,000 people descending on the grounds.

The show was the first of its kind to be coordinated by Fingal County Council, Fingal Tourism and Fingal farmers and visitors had the opportunity to enjoy exhibitions of agriculture, horticulture, food, crafts and family fun. Following the success, the

show is set to become an annual event.

August As Irish Olympians across the country prepared to travel to London to take part in the Olympic Games 2012, one of the sponsors, P&G, made sure the mums of the athletes had a chance to share some of the limelight with their Proud Sponsor of Mums campaign.

Malahide mum Fiona Flanigan was one supporter cheering on her son, 19-year-old Scott Flanigan, as he set out

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GAZETTE

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20 & 27 December 2012 GAZETTE 27

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 QUOTABLE QUOTES

 Patrick and Caroline Cole with their son, Ben, at Adam Vaughan from Saint Cronan

Easons in Swords Pavilions at the launch party for

who won the Irish leg of the European

their exciting new kids and teens area

Galileo Drawing Competition and had

  Paula Brady, Yolanda O’Meara and Tina McLoughlin at a special cake sale at Swords Fire Station to raise money for Chernobyl Children

attending the Fingal Ethnic Network’s end-of-the-year event in River Valley GAA hall in Swords

to represent Ireland as part of the national sailing team.

“It’s hard to sum up how we feel – we’re absolutely delighted,” said Fiona, in advance of her sons participation.

September The town of Malahide str uck gold in September when it was awarded top marks in the National SuperValu Tidy Towns Awards.

Malahide was just one of two north County Dublin towns, which also included Skerries,

to pick up a gold medal at the awards.

tor destinations in the country.

October

November

The month of October saw the long-awaited arrival of the new Avoca store along with the reopening of Malahide Castle and Demesne, following an ambitious redevelopment project initiated by Fingal County Council.

T h e d e ve l o p m e n t saw the arrival of a new Avoca shop, foodhall and cafe.

The popular Malahide grounds re-emerged as one of the top visi-

An unnamed local civilian became a hero in November after assisting gardai in the pursuit of two men armed with a gun, following a robbery at Portmarnock Credit Union.

The financial institution was the target of an armed robbery on Friday, November 16, after which the armed men hijacked a car and fled the scene.

A p a s s e r- b y t h e n drove a member of An

Garda Siochana after the two men, leading to their arrest and the recovery of the stolen money and the firearm.

December December brought with it a new man in t ow n , w h o b e c a m e quite the celebrity in Malahide.

Making numerous appearances at local events, the celebrity in question quickly gained recognition but he was no ordinary man – he was a snowman.

The snowman escaped from children’s

Joshua Karabegovic and Sarah Kiernan, with the Easter Bunny at Swords Pavilions for the Easter Eggcitement event

clothes shop Mischief i n Ma l a h id e a t t he beginning of the month, before becoming a fast hit with local businesses and taking part in many activities around town, including book signings

‘Overall, when all facilities come on board, Malahide Castle and Gardens will be one of the most popular visitor attractions in the Dublin region.’

- Cllr PETER COYLE (Lab) speaks about the opening of the redeveloped Malahide Castle and Gardens

Mbuka Ngimbi and Alain Tshibalabala

Grand Hotel Malahide in aid of The Laura Brennan Trust

- Former OTT singer ALAN FITZSIMONS finds fame once again on The Voice of Ireland

a satellite named after him

take time to pose with Miss Ireland, Holly Carpenter, who was

‘It can be tough in this industry but it does feel different this time.

I’m a little bit older and – I hope – wiser, and I do feel stressed as all the contestants do.’

at Manor Books, getting exercise tips from the ladies at Curves and taking part in local quiz nights.

He was even spotted reading the Malahide Gazette!

‘He’s a bit of a celebrity. He loves Facebook. People were coming over asking to have their photographs taken with him. He’s very popular!”

- PATRICIA MURTAGH, President of Malahide Chamber of Commerce talks about the celebrity snowman wandering around north Dublin

Gazette

28 Gazette 20 & 27 December 2012

2012

Gazette review of the year that was

looking back: dundrum/dun laoghaire

Dog owners bite back; plug pulled on historic baths  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com

THE year began with a demonstration by almost 700 people who attended a meeting to voice their anger over “restrictions” to dog owners on certain beaches in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown.

The meeting was held in Killiney Castle Hotel, at which Cllr R ichard Humphreys (Lab) referred to “unhelpful” comments by members of Dogs Unleashed – a group of dog-owners opposed to new bye-laws – who said that the laws would offer no concessions to dog owners.

Liz Neligan, of Dogs Unleashed, said that while dog walkers had a responsibility to keep their dogs under effective control, the concessions offered to dog walkers were “paltry”.

February In February, another large community meeting was held when 300 people gathered at the Royal Marine Hotel to discuss the application for a foreshore drilling licence in Dublin Bay by oil company, Providence

Resources.

At the meeting, Cllr Melisa Halpin (PBP) said she would be urging Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (DLRCC) to ask the Minister for the Environment, Phil Hogan, for a full public inquiry to be carried out before any work took place.

March March saw confirmation by the Minister for Health, Dr James Reilly, that the Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum was to be moved to Portrane.

Local Fine Gael councillor Jim O’Dea said: “The only relatively new aspect of the news is that the patients will be moved to Portrane, rather than Thornton Hall.”

In a report, it was claimed that the hospital’s level of dirt was found to be “inexcusable” for the well-being of the patients.

The new facility at Portrane was a 120-bed hospital, including a 10-bed child and adolescent forensic mental health unit, and a 10-bed disability mental health unit.

April The first in a series of cruise liners arrived into Dun Laoghaire Harbour in April, following the establishment of a new floating pontoon to receive passengers.

The harbour welcomed its first cruise ship, the MV Quest, which docked at Carlisle Pier.

The council and the Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company became partners to facilitate such cruise visits.

Passengers on touring liners can now come ashore, thanks to the new pontoon.

Gerry Dunne, chief executive of Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company, and (then) Cathaoirleach of DLRCC, Cllr John Bailey (FG), were at the dock to herald in the new era of visitors to the port.

February Local Fine Gael councillor Neale Richmond expressed anger in May, ahead of the Fiscal Treaty, when he received literature advocating a No vote inserted inside the Referendum Commission’s impartial informa-

Councillor Lettie McCarthy (Lab) met a recent arrival when she called to the Williams’s farm in Glencullen, where father and daughter, James and Ann, were busy with lambing

d

Ballinteer woman Maeve Flaherty

Jo Butler and Tony McCarthy stepped

was presented with the inaugural

out in style for the tea dance at

Neighbour of the Year award in the 2012

The Cathaoirleach’s Awards at

Rehab People of the Year awards at the

Hector’s potential skills as

Fitzpatrick’s Castle Hotel, Killiney

Citywest Hotel

they joined him at the Dun



Following their marriage ceremony, Elaine Moore and Gavin Cullen

Rathdown School principal Anne Dowling

stepped out of St Patrick’s Church in Glencullen, with bridesmaids

examined Olympic boxer Katie Taylor’s

Kate Redmond, Carmel Kelly and Jana Thompson, to cast their

gold medal from the 2012 London

votes on the Fiscal Compact Treaty referendum in the primary

Games when the Olympian called to

school next door

the Glenageary school for prize-giving

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investigated.”

dent, and will take a long

by An Garda Siochana and the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) into Mr Burczak’s death.

A spokesperson for the HSA said that their own investigation indicated that the man’s death was an industrial accident.

“It was a workplace acci-

given a week’s notice to evacuate the building for essential fire safety work to be carried out.

Bennett Properties, acting for the receiver, Kieran Wallace from KPMG, sent out letters notifying all tenants to quit.

The work was set to

‘The end came for the 140-year- June time to investigate. It’s not something that can old, iconic baths at Blackrock in Tragedy struck the Kill be wrapped up in a couSeptember when it was announced Avenue, Dun Laoghaire ple of days.” in June when a Polish

by Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown man, Grzegorz Burczak, was killed as he worked July Council that the 50-metre pool The big Dundr um in a manhole on the and diving board were to be story in July was that 130 road.

Two separate investiga- tenants of The Laurels demolished’ tions were then instigated apartment complex were --------------------------------------------------------

tion pack.

Cllr Richmond said he received the leaflets along with many residents in the Ballinteer area.

He said that An Post, which obtained the €190,000 contract to

deliver the information packs, should not have allowed this to happen.

An Post responded to the claims by saying: “Any reports of a leaflet being delivered with a second leaflet tucked into it will be thoroughly

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GAZETTE

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20 & 27 December 2012 GAZETTE 29

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 QUOTABLE QUOTES

‘IT PROVIDES access for tender boats carrying passengers from large cruise ships.’

- Owen Keegan President Michael D Higgins was delighted to officially open the superbly renovated National Maritime Museum at the Mariners’ Church, Dun Laoghaire, where he met Lorie Kelly, secretary of the Maritime Institute

a back massager amused Betty O’Sullivan, Anne Coogan, Maria McPadden and Bairbre Kilmurray when Laoghaire Baths, where they were helping to celebrate the baths’ makeover, courtesy of Dulux paints

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 Tammy Rogerson was happy to stay still when thethen Cathaoirleach, Councillor John Bailey (FG),

First prize winners at the inaugural Tiernan’s Got Talent contest at St Tiernan’s

yet? This well-known

prepared to demonstrate his face-painting skills at

Community School, Dundrum: A-Scene dancers Parichat Namaa, Theeraphat

figure visited Nutgrove

Holy Family National School, Monkstown, where he

Phanyoshi, Brite Aphiwar Khatpanya, Farzana Haque and Princess Hernandez

Shopping Centre recently

was launching Creativity in the Classroom

ment complex went up for sale, due to the high costs of the necessary repair work.

Receiver K ieran Wallace,met all 130 tenants who had been living in temporary accommodation since July, to notify them that they would not be able to move back into their homes.

“We have been in contact with tenants in advance of this, and are helping them to look for new accommodation,” said the spokesperson for Wallace.

Cllr Richard Humphreys (Lab) said: “It’s an appalling situation

that a major apartment development is uninhabitable due to fire regulations that cannot be rectified with the available resources.”

September The end came for the 140-year-old, iconic baths at Blackrock in September when it was

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

‘The Minister for Health, Dr James Reilly, confirmed the Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum was to move to Portrane’

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announced by DLRCC that the 50-metre pool and diving board were to be demolished.

DL R C C a r c h i t e c t Andree Dargan said: “The

council is now proceeding to make arrangements to carry out the necessary demolition work, including the removal of the diving platform.”

Responding to the news, Blackrock Baths campaigner and local politician, Cllr Niamh Bhreathnach (Lab) said: “My response is one of sadness. As a local councillor, I must be concerned about the future use of this site.”

October Another ending was announced in October when The Laurels apart-

On DLRCC and Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company’s launch of a new cruise liner tender facility



Can you tell who it is

last approximately three months, and the residents were re-housed. They were told they could terminate their leases if they wished.

Deputy Peter Mathews (FG) said the substandard condition of the apartment block was the fault of “selfish developers who cut corners during the construction of properties in order to make a quick buck”.

County Manager

November Finally, the year ended on a high note for Dun Laoghaire as November saw pharmaceutical company Amgen, and the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH), announce their intention to expand both their premises as a proposed land purchase agreement.

A change to the Coun-

ty Development Plan was passed by DLRCC in order to facilitate the proposed land buy.

Amgen was seeking to buy some NRH surplus land to aid future expansion, while the NRH said it would use the money from the land sale to initiate the first phase of an overall extension to the hospital.

In a statement to The Gazette, a hospital spokeswoman said: “There is a plan to construct a 120-bed replacement ward facility with some integrated therapy services to replace the current ward facility.”

‘SELLING the complex at a price which would make the required remediation work financially viable for a new buyer is now the best option.’

- Olivia Mitchell Fine Gael Deputy On The Laurels apartment complex being put up for sale in Dundrum

‘THIS foreshore licence is being sought as [the area of drilling interest] is within 12 nautical miles of the shoreline.’

- Providence Resources Oil firm On the company’s application for a foreshore licence to drill an exploratory oil well off Dalkey Island, in Dublin Bay

Gazette

30 Gazette 20 & 27 December 2012

2012

Gazette review of the year that was

looking back: blanch/c’knock

Phoenix Park 350 years old; Pupils’ joy at  president visit

Niamh Tobin, aged 11, from St Peregrine’s GAA Club, Blanchardstown, who was the winner of the Dublin’s Finest Supporter for 2012 competition

It’s the largest walled park in Europe, that’s played host to everyone from royalty to rock stars and a series of events was announced to mark the 350 years since the establishment of the Phoenix Park.

Highlights throughout 2012 included the creation of a Phoenix Park Arboretum, historical re-enactments, motor racing and a series of exhibitions at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre.

Pupils in a Dublin 15 school had a Monday to remember in January when the newly elected President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins, paid them a special visit.

Over 600 students from Scoil Bhride Girls N at i o na l S cho o l in Blanchardstown welcomed the newly elected dignitar y to their school.

Fifth and sixth class students, who followed the presidential election very closely, had sent Mr Higgins a card to congratulate him on his inauguration and invited him to the school.

Much to the delight of the pupils, he accepted their invitation.

February A Dublin West local impressed the judges with her unique soulful sound, making it to the live show of RTE’s The Voice of Ireland.

The popular RTE show saw the 12 contestants face duets in the second week of the battle of the voices. Each judge, Brian Kennedy, Kian Egan, Sharon Corr and Bressie, could only allow one person from each duet continue on to the live finals.

Luckily for Castleknock native Claire O’Loughlin her talent outshone the contestant she battled against during the sing-off. The duo sang Sinead O’Connor’s legendary song Nothing Compares to You.

March Two local sisters got to celebrate their first and second leap year birthdays with the Lord Mayor of Dublin during a special ceremony at the Mansion House on February 29.

Lana, eight, was born on February 29, 2004, and four years later, her sister Robyn, four,

Jennifer Duffy and Millie Maguire pose for our photographer when they attended a Swap Style event at the Grasshopper Inn in Clonee

d d

arrived on the same leap day, marking a very rare situation.

The pair not only celebrated their birthday on the same day, but they also have to wait four years to celebrate the actual date.

To mark the leap year Lord Mayor of Dublin Andrew Montague (Lab), who celebrated his 11th leap year birthday, hosted a special birthday party at the Mansion House.

Ryan and Sam Enright of Naomh

April

Scoil Bhride Girls National School students Chinwe Nwoga, Alyssa Alcantara

Little Naomi Quinn (2) from

and Alexia Datario during a visit from President Michael D Higgins

launch of Down Syndrome

A group of householders affected by pyrite in their homes protested outside the registered address of the company that built their properties, claiming the owner ignored their pleas to fix the problem.

Dunshauglin householders stood outside the property company’s registered address in Castleknock. One protester said: “It’s heartbreaking living in a house like this. New cracks appear ever y day… All we want is someone to talk and to be honest with us. It is now up to us to fend for ourselves.”

Peregrine enjoy a day out at Kellogg’s

Jack Reid and Stephen Rafferty

Cul Camp, which included a visit

from Mother Hubbard’s Pre-School

from Dublin stars Eamon Fennell and

enjoying a preschool programme,

Bernard Brogan

called Exploring and Thinking

May Paddling pools were used to catch rainfall coming through the ceiling of a Dublin 15 school af ter vandals stole lead flashing from the roof.

The removal of the lead flashing saw slates and tiles dislodging from the roof, allowing heavy rainfall come through classroom ceilings at Scoil Mhuire Junior School in Blakestown.

It was not know n exactly when the vandals took the lead flashing, but it caused thou-

sands of euros worth of damage.

June An appeal was issued by the National Graves Association (NGA) for donations to help repair t h e d a m a g e d M a rtin Savage memorial plaque at the Ashtown Roundabout.

The plaque was uprooted and smashed following a suspected traffic incident.

Members of the voluntar y organisation assessed the damage and concluded it could be repaired.

July The future of concerts being held at the Phoenix Park came into question following chaotic scenes during one of three concerts held there in July.

Calls were made for a “thorough investigation” after nine people were stabbed and three suspected drug-related deaths were recorded during a dance gig on Saturday, July 7.

Dublin West TD and Minister for Social Protection Joan Bur ton called for a detailed examination of event

procedures and whether the Phoenix Park is an appropriate venue for such concerts.

E d u c a t e To g e t h e r opened a new chapter when its long-awaited second-level school model became a reality for Blanchardstown West parents.

Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn announced 14 new postprimary schools for 2013 and 2014, with Educate Together having patronage of a new school in Blanchardstown West and a joint patronage with Co Louth VEC in Drogheda.

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20 & 27 December 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 31

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 QUOTABLE QUOTES

Jonathan Brady, Jana Vazanova and Fred Hickey at the Luttrellstown Golf Club’s Captain’s Dinner

Niamh Reid Burke, a second-year sports management and coaching student at ITB, is pictured holding the Olympic Torch

‘After all the hard work parents in the area have put in, the dream that our children will be able to attend an Educate Together secondlevel school is to become a reality.’

- Michael



McLoughlin Chair, Dublin 15 Educate Together Second-level Campaign Group



‘LOW and middle income earners have been crucified in the last four years and can’t take anymore.

We have to stay united and keep up the boycott.’

- Cllr Ruth Coppinger (SP) Responding to council letters urging residents to pay the €100 household charge, which she is campaigning against

OSCAR Emperor and Cliona Magerusan were an appealing pair of helpers as they picked apples as Blanchardstown and TV3’s Martin King enjoyed the

part of preschool programmes, Winter Woollies, and

Ireland’s 2012 Honey Days Campaign

Farm-tastic Foods

Over the past decade, ET has been progressing to open its first secondlevel education school.

expected to begin within weeks and the road is set to be completed by spring 2013.

August There was also a boost for Luttrellstown Community College when construction work on a new state-of the-art building got under way with a view to move the school to their permanent accommodation in September 2013.

Diggers moved in on site at the Porterstown Link Road. The first phase of the build is expected to take one

year, ultimately providing accommodation for 650 pupils, a general purpose hall and ancillary facilities.

September A tender for the constr uction of the long-awaited access road for Hansfield was approved by Irish Rail this month.

The station, which has been lying idle since its completion in 2010, came a step closer to getting the access road it needs in order to open.

Construction was

October Fingal County Council became the latest local authority to vote in favour of marriage equality, showing their support of civil marriage for same sex couples.

A motion supporting marriage equality was passed with 12 of the 15 councillors present in favour of the motion and three abstentions.

November Vandals left children without the use of a new €70,000 tower slide at a popular Dublin 15 park after it was set on fire.

The tower slide in the Millennium Park in Coolmine was set alight by vandals on Saturday, October 27, only two weeks after it was first installed.

Fingal County Council strongly condemned the person or persons who “maliciously vandalised” the brand new piece of playground equipment at Millennium Park in Blanchard-

Two-year-old Niamh Carbery from Castleknock had a once-in-a-lifetime meeting with a certain posh Spice Girl. Style icon and fashion designer Victoria Beckham was at Brown Thomas Dublin to promote her womenswear collections.

stown.

December Twelve sports projects in the local area are to receive €562,929, as part of the new national Sports Capital Grant programme.

This is part of a new €26m funding for local sports projects nationwide.

Local TD and Minister for Transport, Touris m a nd Spor t L e o Varadkar said: “This funding will help people throughout the constituency by giving them more opportunities to get involved in sport, whatever their ability.

In times like this when resources are stretched, financial suppor t is even more significant.”

‘I am so excited about the show airing. I think everyone thinks it’s all about knockers, fake tan, make-up and a load of money, but it’s far from that’

- Jo Jordan Dublin Housewife reality TV star Shares what readers can expect from the show

Gazette

32 SWORDS gazette 20 & 27 December 2012

2012

Gazette review of the year that was

looking back: lucan/clondalkin

Queues, new jobs, a bank robbery and free soup January

THE Clondalkin community came together in January to pay tribute to Ciaran Carr, a talented Round Tower’s player who died suddenly at a training session in Moyle Park College.

Ciaran, just 20, had been a member of the club for 16 years.

A club statement paid tribute to the player, saying he had made an “outstanding contribution” to Round Tower in his time.

“Ciaran made an outstanding contribution to Round Tower GAA Club during his life, and gave great commitment as a footballer and hurler.

“Above all, Ciaran was our friend, and his untimely passing has brought great sorrow and grief amongst the Round Tower GAA Club community, and the wider Clondalkin community.”

February MORE than 1,500 people had signed a petition calling for a post office in Lucan South.

In the Eurospar store in Ballyowen, locals

were dropping in their letters in droves, with some having to go as far as Chapelizod to collect pension payments.

They said the need for another post office was obvious over the previous Christmas, when queues at local offices went beyond the doors and onto the streets.

March A PLAN by US computer giant Microsoft to spend more than €97 million on a facility in Grangecastle was hailed as a “vote of confidence” in the area.

The project was set to create 50 to 70 permanent jobs, once completed, and represents a huge boost for local construction and IT workers.

The company has already spent more than $500 million on the data storage facility and local Labour TD Joanna Tuffy said that the move showed the country was recovering.

“This is great news for West Dublin, and is a clear vote of confidence in the Irish economy.

“This substantial investment by a global player like Microsoft is

proof that the Government’s message that Ireland is open for business is getting through,” she said.

April ANY proposed sale of Weston Airport would be vigorously opposed, a local councillor warned.

At their meeting in April, South Dublin County Council agreed a motion, tabled by Lucan Fine Gael councillor William Lavelle, calling for the NAMA-controlled Weston Airport to remain in public ownership.

“One of the benefits of [public ownership] would be to open up access to lands along the River Liffey, which could have significant tourism and recreational potential.

“It would be grossly unjust for any private speculator to gain sole ownership of this land for a knockdown price.”

May THE idle train station at Kishogue was labelled a disgrace, having still not been opened in May. The station was built

Clondalkin native Brian Kinsella gave a fascinating insight into the five-star Goring Hotel near Buckingham Palace where he is the hotel’s bar manager Moyle Park College first year student Jack Coughlan had an electrifying brush with science during a visit to Maynooth College

Cronan Dooley, Brian Brady and Dublin Senior footballer Paul Casey shook hands at Lucan Sarsfields’ GAA Club, where a fundraising afternoon was held in aid of local man Fachtna

Alpha Gassamawas was nominated for

“Doc” Clandillon’s Nagarhope charity

a Volunteer Ireland award, thanks to his

in Nepal

great efforts to help keep Clondalkin tidy

 Fitness fan Thomas Morris Martin Walsh, from Thomastown Paddlers, Co Kilkenny, took a moment with the

Keating (FG), showed the

crowd to reflect on his weir crossing as he took part in this year’s Liffey Descent

equipment that was set up

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

June ‘At their meeting in April, South A TERRIFYING dayDublin County Council agreed light robbery had gardai in Lucan appealing for a motion, tabled by Lucan Fine help in June.

Gael councillor William Lavelle, The Bank of Ireland branch in Lucan Village calling for the NAMA-controlled was robbed at lunchWeston Airport to remain in public time on June 11.

The broad-daylight ownership.’ robbery took place dur--------------------------------------------------------

in 2010, but has yet to open.

In May, local politicians called for the station to be opened immediately.

Labour TD Robert Dowds urged Iarnrod Eireann to speed up the

process of getting the station opened to the public, saying that having a brand-new railway station lying idle for more than two years was “an appalling waste of taxpayers’ money”.

ing the lunchtime rush.

A senior Garda spokesperson told The Gazette: “Two fellows, both wearing helmets, entered the bank, one armed with a breadknife and the other appeared to have a firearm.

“One of the

bank workers was approached by the man with the breadknife.

“We believe they made off on a motorcycle in the direction of Lucan Bridge.

“Very little cash was taken and the CCTV is being looked at.”

July A CALL was made to “raise the bar” on filling vacant premises in Clondalkin.

Fine Gael councillor Tony Delaney was responding to a planning application that looked to turn the old

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20 & 27 December 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 33

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 QUOTABLE QUOTES

Sisters Concepta and Stasia helped pay a fond farewell to their friend and colleague, Father John Wall, at a surprise party thrown in his honour at the Catholic Youth Council centre in Clondalkin ahead of his departure from the parish for Wicklow

‘I CAN’T go home because my mother’s house is already overcrowded, so the only option is a homeless shelter.’

- Claire Doyle Grace and Eve Grogan were happy to meet Theresa

Colinstown local

Hegerty, FMY Bombay Pantry, at Superquinn Lucan as

On how a rent supplement review threatened to make her homeless

part of the store’s Christmas Food Festival

   Mark Dalton made a furry nice new friend at the (right), parliamentary assistant to Deputy Derek

pet farm at the Clondalkin Village Festival, which

Anthony Ryan already looked like a champion hurler as

deputy how to use the newly-installed public exercise

once again was very well attended and a terrific

he and his St Mary’s Boys National School classmates

at Griffeen Valley Park

celebration of the area’s strong community spirit

prepared for Feile season at the school

Bank of Scotland building into a fast-food takeaway.

He said: “Clondalkin village would benefit from a wider variation of shops, and another takeaway would not contribute to the commercial or social structure of the local environment.”

Cllr Delaney also stated that, while empty premises were a problem, “another takeaway we certainly don’t need”,.

Such a move, he said, was not the solution to such vacancies in Clondalkin village.

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‘A call was made to “raise the bar” on filling vacant premises in Clondalkin, with opposition voiced to a new fast-food takeaway unit’ --------------------------

August POTENTIALLY the last class of junior infants entered one of the oldest schools in Lucan

‘I STAND over the fact that we did something for the area. It brought jobs and facilities and I am happy that it added to the Greater Clondalkin area.’

- Therese Ridge Councillor, Fine Gael

when St Andrew’s geared up for what could be their last year on the top of Chapel Hill in Lucan.

Some 40 years after moving into the school buildings on Chapel Hill, work was set to begin on a new school on land at St Edmundsbury.

The existing school is at capacity and cannot expand, due to the small site that it currently sits on.

Reverend Scott Peoples, who is the chairman of the school board, said that the school were happy that

South Dublin County Council had granted planning permission for the new school, which is aiming to be open for the first school day of 2013.

September THE Lucan Festival was hailed as “a tribute to the spirit and community of Lucan”.

Large crowds gathered for the main day of the festival, and chairman Joe Byrne said: “It was a good success this year, and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves.”

October

November

A SPOKESMAN for the Minister for Health, Dr James Reilly, slammed criticism of the minister over the issue of a primary care centre for Rowlagh as “wrong”.

The primary health centre at Rowlagh had initially been announced as part of the State-funded, or “self-build” list, but was moved to publicprivate partnership after discussion within former Junior Minister Roisin Shortall’s office.

“It was not done by Minister Reilly,” said the advisor.

A BIG-hearted chef took the warming step of giving away soup to the local elderly.

La Banca Ristorante in Lucan village undertook to make a free pot of soup every night during the winter. They then sought people to distribute it to older people living on their own in the area.

The move was the brainchild of La Banca chef, Keith Kenny, who said that the reaction to the scheme had, in its first few days, been “phenomenal”.

Following the Mahon Tribunal’s ruling on her connection with developer Frank Dunlop

‘WE TRIED to address how much we, as a country, spend in the most recent budget.’

- Robert Dowds Deputy, Fine Gael Rejecting claims in January that Labour had broken promises

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cricket P36

asdfsdaf P27 gaelic games P39

dublinsport Let the Gazette keep you up to date with all the best local sporting action from around the city as we cover all the stories that matter to you and your community



Gazette

boxing P37

FastSport Malahide face north dublin derby: MALA-

Katie Taylor fulfilled a lifetime ambition when she claimed gold at the Olympic Games in London in August, rightly earning an RTE Sports Person of the Year nomination

front runner: Olympian katie Taylor tops the list for end of year sporting accolade

Local nominees abound for annual RTE sports awards A NUMBER of local sports people will be hopeful of landing an RTE Sports award at the annual gala evening on December 23 with the nominees released this week for the Sports Person of the Year, the Sports Team of the Year Award and the Sports Manager of the Year.

Among the marquee names is Katie Taylor who fulfilled a lifetime ambition when she landed Olympic gold in London. It was the year that her entire boxing career had been building to.

The Peamount United club member had won a glut of European and World

titles and anticipation was heightened to the highest level following her world victory in China earlier in the year.

She went into the Games as Ireland’s most vibrant medal hope and carried the flag at the opening ceremony.

And she did not disappoint as her performances in the Excel Arena drew such fervent support as to break records for decibel levels across the board, none more so than in the final when she beat Russia’s Sofya Ochigava to claim gold.

It was an incredible highlight from a memorable month in London with the

Paralympians adding to the medal haul.

Swords woman Catherine Walsh, working with pilot Fran Meehan, landed two medals, winning silver in the para-cycling individual B pursuit final at the Velodrome before going on to take third in the women’s time trial at Brands Hatch.

Walsh’s nomination comes under the banner of the team of the year with the entire Paralympic team nominated for their record 16-medal haul.

Similarly, DSDAC’s Ava Hutchinson and Linda Byrne were part of the Irish women’s cross-country team who won

gold at the European championships in the Budapest snow earlier this month.

Plenty of locals played their part in Leinster’s success in the Heineken Cup, their third victory in the competition in four years.

Their coach, Joe Schmidt, is also up for a manager of the year gong and is included in the shortlist which also features former Bluebell United man Mick Cooke. He is honoured for his work with Drogheda United after his side won the EA Sports Cup and qualified for the Europa League.

HIDE will meet Clontarf in the preliminary round of cricket’s RSA Irish Senior Cup following the draw for the competition that took place in Dundrum last week.

They will battle it out for the right to host 1998 beaten finalists Ballymena in the first round proper of the event.

Holders The Hills face Instonians, while last year’s beaten finalists Merrion face a tough challenge away against Coleraine.

Thirty-four teams will participate in the RSA Irish Senior Cup for the right to be called champions of Ireland.

The competition, now in its 32nd year, was formerly known as the Bob Kerr Irish Senior Cup.

c o n ta c t s Acting Sports Editor: Stephen Findlater sfindlater@gazettegroup.com

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

Gazette

36 SWORDS gazette 20 & 27 December 2012

SPORT

FastSport Lawrie nets fine result in South Africa: CASTLEKNOCK golf club’s Peter Lawrie produced a consistent four rounds at the Alfred Dunhill championship in Malelane, South Africa last weekend to end in a share of 15th place.

He went sub-par in each of his rounds to finish seven under par and four shots off first place Frenchman Gregory Bourdy.

Lawrie had ended the first two rounds in 21st position before a fine third round saw him gain three shots with an excellent 69.

His final round initially showed promising signs he could launch an attack with birdies on the fourth and the sixth holes but bogeys at seven and 12 pegged back his progress.

In so doing, he landed a purse of €20,550 to continue his strong run. His 14th place finish at the World Tour Championships in November netted over €100,000 while a week before he won €66,000 at the UBS Hong Kong Open.

soccer: sportsfile anthology captures gaa memories of 2012

A book for all seasons  sport@gazettegroup.com

THE ANNUAL A Season of Sundays book was launched last week

by GAA president Liam O’Neill in the Croke Park Hotel in front of a host of players and members of the GAA fraternity.

Celebrating its 16th year, Sportsfile has once again produced another stunning collection of images that capture the 2012 GAA All-Ireland season from start to finish.

E a c h y e a r, R ay McManus and his team of award-winning photographers capture the highlights, lowlights and off-beat moments

that make each year’s A Season of Sundays an original and memorable keepsake.

The book is enhanced

by GAA communications manager – and Round Tower club man – Alan Milton’s captionwriting.

T h i s y e a r ’s b o o k brings to life the spectacular journey which saw Donegal produce one of the most impressive runs in recent times to take the All-Ireland Football Championship along with the Joe Canning and Henry Shefflin duel which eventually saw Kilkenny emerge with the Liam MacCarthy Cup. The coffee-table col-

lection of images also pictures the Wexford ladies’ stunning performance in the All-Ireland Camogie Final victory over Cork and a host of other moments.

The book’s creator, McManus said at the launch: “I am delighted to launch the 16th edition of A Season of Sundays.

“While we capture the most memorable moments of the season, we also bring to life this season’s GAA moments that might not be front of mind, making the book a unique and entertaining account of another great GAA season.”

The book begins with a unique view of the annu-

Dublin manager Anthony Daly looks on anxiously as his side fall to Kilkenny

al Dubs Stars match in Tallaght as a rogue horse peruses the scoreboard while the quieter spring months see Dublin fans picnicking at a spacious Parnell Park during the league campaign before the summer Sundays in Croke Park kick into gear.

Liam O’Neill added: “T he publication of another edition of A Season of Sundays confirms for us all that another

year in the life of the GAA has come and gone and thankfully we have some fantastic images to remember it by.

“From a wintry low key entry to action at Thomas Davis GA A Club on the foothills of the Dublin mountains to the greatest stage we have to offer - Croke Park on All-Ireland final day, Ray McManus and his team capture it all and succeed in bringing

it together between two covers, year in, year out.

“T he 16th edition matches and surpasses the standards set by previous editions and I look forward to recalling what was a great year over the festive season.”

A Season of Sundays 2012, sponsored by Carroll’s, retails at €29.95 and is now available at bookstores nationwide and online at w w w. sportsfile.com.

Ireland to host key women’s cricket qualifier  sport@gazettegroup.com

Ireland and Malahide’s Clare Shillington

IRISH cricket received another big boost this week with the news that it has been appointed by the International Cricket Council to host the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 Global Qualifier next year.

The tournament, scheduled to be held in July/August 2013, will see eight teams battle it out for the final spot in the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 2014 scheduled to be held in Bangladesh.

The global event, scheduled for early 2014, has seven teams

already qualified, namely, current champions Australia plus England, New Zealand, West Indies, India, South Africa and hosts Bangladesh.

For the qualifier, hosts Ireland will be joined by Pakistan and Sri Lanka, both of whom played in the recently completed ICC Women’s World Twenty20 2012 earlier this year in Sri Lanka.

Other countries taking part include Canada, Japan and the Netherlands, who lost to Ireland in the European qualifying tournament earlier this season.

The final two places in the

summer tournament will be taken by qualifiers from the Africa and Asia regions.

Cricket Ireland chief executive Warren Deutrom welcomed the announcement saying: “Ireland has proved itself to be a great venue for hosting global tournaments, having staged the 2005 ICC Trophy, the 2008 ICC World Twenty20 Qualifiers and the 2010 ICC Under-19 Global Qualifiers very successfully.

Irish women’s captain Isobel Joyce was excited about the chance to qualify for a global tournament on home soil, saying:

“This gives everyone involved a great lift and it’s a great incentive for the players to have the chance to make it to the final stages of a global event.

“We’re already training hard for the event and, while it’s obviously a big advantage to be playing in our conditions, we know it’ll be very difficult against teams of the quality of Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

“Having said that, we’ve a fantastic balance in the squad now of youth and experience and there’s no reason why we can’t grab the last slot on offer.”

20 & 27 December 2012 SWORDS gazette 37

R1

Gazette

Rebel rising resisted

Paschal Collins says that while an eye-catching fight night in Cork was cancelled at short notice, it could prove a blessing in disguise I A N Ti ms, Step hen Ormond and Karl Brabazon were all dealt a tough hand last Wednesday when the Rebel Rising card was postponed until Saturday, February 28, just three days before the event was initially due to take place in Cork’s Neptune Arena.

However, their head coach at the Celtic Warrior gym, Paschal Collins, believes that the postponement could be a blessing in disguise for the contenders, with Ormond now looking at a possible title fight in the New Year and Tims in vital need of elbow surgery. “ S p i ke [ h e a d l i n e r Gary ‘Spike’ O’Sullivan] suffered an injury to his rib and seeing how he is the man that the fans are paying to see, we

 peter carroll sport@gazettegroup.com

thought it was only fair that we postpone the fights,” said Collins.

The veteran trainer also highlighted how the rescheduling of the card might be for the betterment of Ormond and Tims.

“Ian needed surgery on his elbow; I personally didn’t want him to fight. But, this is their job like anyone else at this time of the year. A bit of cash in the pocket is always nice and Ian was adamant that he wanted to fight.

“With the elbow in the shape that it was

in, he could have done more damage to it in the ring. I believe that it’s a blessing in disguise, there’s no way that he could have fought to his best ability with a damaged elbow and this way, he’ll be able to get it sorted out and come out and fight impressively in his next bout.

“To be honest, after coming off two losses, it probably should have been done earlier, but if Ian Tims comes back at 100%, we could be looking at a title shot for him in 2013,” said the Celtic Warrior head coach.

Ormond is another man whose name has been passed around recently with regard to title shots and he has been eyeing a shot at Ricky Burns’ title, who was also due to

be in action on Saturday before he had two opponents pull out.

“As soon as I knew this was going to be called off, I was straight on the phone to Burns’ people and everything seemed to be going well at one stage.

“We heard no word back so I can only assume that they didn’t want the fight for whatever reason, but Stephen will definitely be fighting for a title next year.”

For Lucan man Karl Brabazon, it was another delay as he looks to get his fledgling career on track.

The Lucan welterwe i g h t i n j u r e d t h e event’s headliner, Spike, unintentionally in a sparring session.

However, judging by what the Celtic Warrior

Paschal Collins believes that, despite the postponement of the Rebel Rising card on which Stephen Ormond, picture left, Ian Tims and Karl Brabazon were due to feature, there could be long-term benefits

head coach has seen in preparation, Collins believes that with a few wins, Brabazon could go far in 2013.

“I think the fact that he injured Spike is a testament to his ability at the moment. He’s a fantastic talent and he has been looking very impressive in training.

He is tough, resilient and ver y technically sound.

“His last outing was far from a dream debut, but his opponent was

a lot bigger than him.

When you’re in the boxing business as long as I am you start to understand that even though they’re not all wins – every fight is a learning experience.

“Karl has learned his lesson now and he has refocused his energy in training. If he gets a few wins behind him and builds up a bit of momentum he could be looking at a shot at a title by the end of the year.”

FastSport Byrne defies the odds in rush victory: LUCAN Harriers’ Gerry Byrne jnr stormed to a first ever win in a 5k race by leaving 350 runners in his wake in the Rush 5k last week.

Byrne is primarily an 800m runner by trade but he showed that the endurance work he is doing at the moment has him in great shape.

Incredibly, both of his laces came undone during the race, meaning he had to stop to pick up his timing chip but this did not halt his progress to victory.

Gazette

38 SWORDS gazette 20 & 27 December 2012

SPORT

FastSport

mma: first world title defence for swords based man

United honoured by Lucozade AAA boost MALAHIDE United won the AAA category of the Lucozade Sport club crusade, earning a cheque for €10,000 for their efforts.

Katie Taylor was on hand to present the cheque after over 600 clubs had signed up for the initiative. She is pictured, second from left, with Jim Geraghty, Lucozade Sport, far left and Gareth Smyth, general manager, third from left, with Donal Hughes, Tony Reilly and Paul Smith.

For more details visit lucozadesport.ie.

Swords resident Chris Fields is looking forward to defending his world Cage Warriors title against American Jesse Taylor

Fields’ New Year’s Eve focus  peter carroll sport@gazettegroup.com

Fagan bullish over potential February date PORTMARNOCK man Oisin Fagan, after initially being due to make a comeback at 38 years of age at the Spike O’Sullivanheadlined Rebel Rising fight card that was due to take place last weekend in Cork’s Neptune Arena, has reacted to the postponement of the event by pursuing Fight Options, the event’s promoter, for a bout at the rescheduled show that will take place in February.

Fagan, who originally vented his frustration at not being offered a contract for the show and a date with Chris Goodwin last month, took to a popular social networking website to try and ignite some support last week claiming: “Now that Spike’s fight is postponed for

a bit in Cork, I wonder do Fight Options have the balls to put their world champion in with a real fighter when the show is rescheduled.

“Maybe Mike O’Regan can sort these muppets out and get them to fight me.

“They’ve no excuses now, surely, that there’s a new date?

Although, I’ve a feeling we’ll hear plenty of them! Step up and fight,” said the former national Irish champion.

After well over a year out of the ring, Fagan is hoping to get back in contention for a belt after the earlier phases of his career saw him miss out on a split decision against Paul Spadafora, the now world champion who has gone 50 fights unbeaten.

He has also tussled with Cesar Chavez Junior and Amir Khan before his extended hiatus from the ring.

CHRIS “The Killing” Fields is getting ready for his first world title defence under the Cage Warriors banner, with veteran American Jesse Taylor pencilled in as his opponent for the New Year’s Eve show in Dublin’s Helix venue.

“The fight was only confirmed with three or four weeks left before the fight,” said the Swords based champion.

“But, I always keep myself in shape and I’m very happy with the calibre of opponent Cage

Warriors have arranged.”

Taylor is no slouch having fought in over 30 bouts including appearances on the sport’s flagship promotion, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

However, it seems that the American’s losses (23-9) have mostly come when he has taken a step up in opposition having grappled with some of the world’s best, a group that Fields believes he can belong in.

“A lot of people have turned down the fight because of its interference with their Christmas. It’s hard to find someone to

santa at st finian’s Rivervalley club toasts 2012 season in style ST finian’s club member Freda Far-

rell met Santa Claus last week as part of Christmas celebrations at the club.

This week, the Rivervalley club will also hold a a social night on Friday, December 21 in Peacocks Function Room at 9pm.

The event will have some music and craic and is being run by the club to show their appreciation to the many mentors and coaches that made 2012 such a successful year.

challenge the champion that isn’t over 30. They generally want to spend time with their families at this time of year.

“Jesse poses a lot of threats; he’s a great fighter. I want this to be my big night and I want a massive finish that will not necessarily cause a ‘wow’ moment, but rather completely silence the crowd.

“Being in the UFC is not something I’m dwelling on but, on New Year’s Eve, I’m hoping that the win will put me on the top of their list for my weight division.

“I’ve stayed grounded since winning the belt

and I don’t think people should get so attached to them – it’s only jewellery to me,” said the middleweight champion.

As far as Fields’ HQ for the event is concerned, Straight Blast Gy m (SBG), have another five fighters ready to ignite the Helix on the night.

Young prospect Tommy Martin, national welterweight champion, Philip Mulpeter, one time women’s world champion, Aisling Daly and world featherweight champion Conor “Notorious” McGregor, who will be looking to become a twoweight world champion

on the day, vying for the lightweight title as well.

“At the start of the camp, we had John Michael Sheil [world middleweight challenger] and Paddy Holohan [national bantamweight champion] helping out to.

“They were meant to be on the card as well but they had to pull out over injury.

“Paddy gave me great advice on my guard game which will be essential against an American wrestler, but I will have no problem testing my own wrestling game against him too.”

20 & 27 December 2012 SWORDS gazette 39

Gazette

St Finian’s success a highlight of the year  sport@gazettegroup.com

IN ONE of the success stories of 2012, St Finian’s saw their footballers into the senior ranks for the first time in five years while the club also boasted a number of representatives on the Fingal side that captured an intercounty hurling title.

Stephen Carslake took

over an ageing football team at the start of the year, and while he was only given the objective of keeping the AFL 3 status, he went one better and guaranteed his men promotion with a 1-10 to 0-9 win over Brigid’s in early September.

Now readying themselves for a season amongst some of the

county’s finest, Carslake will be taking on six teams from the north county district, leading the manager to call the AFL 2 “a glorified Fingal league”.

“I suppose the main thing we can take from the north county theme of the league is that we won’t have to travel very far the games,” he

laughed.

“It really doesn’t matter who we play, it all depends on who is playing on the day. Skerries were very good last year, but I presume players like Bryan Cullen and Harry Dawson will be busy with inter county duty throughout the campaign,” said Carslake in relation to the year ahead.

football: st sylvester’s end decade wait in mfc

Club Noticeboard fingalllians THE annual Christmas night for par-

final by one answer.

ents and mentors will take place on

The second last football game of the

Saturday, December 22 from 8.30pm.

year will take place next Saturday at

There will be music and finger food and

7.30pm on the All Weather pitch. The

a special drinks promotion as a thank

mentors and parents team will take

you for all the hard work in 2012.

on the club’s most experienced team

The successful white collar boxing

- the social footballers. Everyone

night in Wright’s can now be revis-

is welcome to attend or take part.

ited with the showing of all the fights

(teams meet at 7.15pm)

on December 23 in the club. Further

The final football game of the year

detail on times to follow. Copies of the

will be the married versus singles on

DVD can also be ordered on the night.

St Stephen’s Day at 12 noon.

The club are holding a raffle for a

Congratulations to Mark Howard,

much needed new defibrillator. There

former member of Fingallians Ath-

are three magnificent Christmas

letic Club, who was married in New

hampers to be won. Tickets are avail-

Zealand last week. Mark joined Fins

able in the bar and the draw will take

aged 13 and was Ireland’s number one

place in the bar at 6pm next Sunday.

sprinter around the time of the Syd-

Our Scor na nOg team competed at the Leinster semi finals on Satur-

ney Olympics when Mark was a member of the Irish 4 x 100m relay team.

day. Our dancers certainly held their

The club would like to pay tribute to

own but narrowly missed out against

the great Paidi O Se, from Ventry, a

counties Offaly, Laois, Louth and

true friend and regular visitor to the

Longford. Our solo singer, Ana Wil-

club who will always be remembered.

liams (12) was highly commended in

Fingallians extends deepest sympa-

this Under-17s competition. Our quiz

thy to the O Se family. Ar dheis De go

team missed out on qualifying for the

raibh a anam dilis.

st finian’s THE executive committee extends

The St Sylvester’s minor footballers are through to the final of the A championship

Hazley duo provide late Syl’s highlights Mafc semi-final St Vincent’s St Sylvester’s  sport@gazettegroup.com

1-4 1-8

ST SYLVESTER’S, for the second round running, produced a superb late charge to make it through to the final of the minor A football championship.

They overturned a three point half-time deficit against St Vincent’s in Marino, conceding just a single point in the second half, to make it a New Year to look forward to, reaching the final for the first time in a decade.

They had started nervously and found it hard to get an initial rhythm.

By contrast, Vincent’s seemed to move the ball quicker and their forward line were more effective off minimal supply, opening Syl’s up for a goal and a couple of points.

In response, it took one of the best strikes of the year by Dave Sexton for a point to keep the Malahide side ticking along while a fingertip Eoin O’Byrne save kept them alive in the closing seconds of the half, 1-3 to 0-3 at the break.

Against the wind in

the second half, Syl’s got a better grip of the middle and half-back line exchanges.

Jack Hazley was magnificent in the middle, catching, driving forward and popping up all over the field. His side laboured to score for about 15 minutes until Mark Hazley hit a beauty followed by another by Dave Sexton.

Conor Ryan was getting more space at wing back and when he broke a tackle and shot for goal, his side benefited from a mis-handle by the Vinnies keeper, and a goal was garnered.

From there, Syl’s never looked back as the two Hazleys continued tormenting Vinnies up front. Conor Quinn and Eoin Hammill kept it very tight while Alan Kavanagh and Kevin O’Flynn held their line under pressure.

Dylan Connolly pointed a late free for some extra insurance and Syl’s closed out a similar victory to their quarter-final success over Castleknock when they also needed a late comeback to take the laurels.

They will play Kilmacud Crokes or Na Fianna in the final in January.

Con’s brother during the week.

deepest sympathies to the family and

The Christmas social night, which

friends of Gary Emmett who passed

was postponed last week, will now

away so suddenly on Thursday last.

take place on Friday, December 21 in

Gary was a mentor, along with Martin Halpin, to one of our juvenile football and hurling teams from 2004 up until

Peacock’s function room at 9pm. .

The Christmas grand prize draw will also take place on Friday night.

last year. Our thoughts and prayers

The Christmas fair was well sup-

are with Cathy, Robert and Megan. His

ported with many visitors coming

funeral mass takes place on Monday in

along to see Santa and also to bring

the Church of the Holy Child, Whitehall

toys for the SVP 2FM Toy Appeal.

at 11.30am. May he Rest in Peace.

We also extend sympathies to Con Murphy and all his family on the loss of

The club calendar was also launched at the fair and is available by sending an email to info@stfinians.com.

fingal ravens PLEASE support our Christmas raffle.

to the Garrigan and Griffin family on

It will take place in Kettle’s Hotel (Bar)

the death of Gemma’s father Ned.

this Saturday, December 22. There are

We would also like to send our sym-

great prizes including turkey, ham,

pathies to the Molloy and McCaffery

hampers, a signed Dublin jersey, wine

family on the death of Una’s mother

and many more.

Merci.

If you can donate a prize please con-

It is with great sadness that we

tact Nick Halligan on 087 2214992 and

learned of the untimely death of GAA

if you would like to buy a ticket please

legend Paidi O Se over the weekend,

contact any committee member, team

many of our members met Paidi over

managers and mentors, tickets €2

the years on the many club trips to

each or three for €5.

Dingle and very recently Paidi had

2013 membership is now due; mem-

invited our senior team and our ladies

bership forms are available on our

team to play in his tournament in

website www.fingalravens.com or at

Kerry in 2013.

the clubhouse. As agreed at the AGM

Lotto numbers were 1, 8, 35 and 40.

all members must have their member-

There was no jackpot winner, €20 to

ship paid in full by March 31, 2013.

Irene Kavanagh, Hazel Wade and Mary

We would like to send our sympathies

McCarthy.

GazetteSPORT all of your swords sports coverage from page 35-39

Fields of dreams: Swords-based mixed martial artist set to defend world Cage Warriors crown P38

december 20 & 27, 2012

rebel rising date resisted: Ormond, Tims and Brabazon made to wait for Cork bouts P37

Barry Murphy produced another set of superb performances in Turkey last weekend, auguring well for 2013

Murphy in express form Aer Lingus swimmer closes out 2012 in brilliant style with more Irish records at the World Short Course Championships in Istanbul  peter carroll

sport@gazettegroup.com

AER LINGUS swimmer Barry Murphy enjoyed another hugely successful competition as he rounded out the year in style with more recordbreaking feats at the World Short Course Championships in Istanbul.

He set the national record in the 50m butterfly event, with a time 500ths of a second quicker than his previous best at 23.52 last Friday in the heats of the event.

Murphy went on to clock an even better time in the semi-finals of the tournament with 23.39, another new Irish record, which led him to finishing 13th in the event overall, giving himself

momentum heading into the 50m breaststroke event the next day.

After Friday’s event, Murphy commented on how being amongst the finalists in the butterfly event is something new to him, with the breaststroke usually being the 27-year-olds’ best discipline.

“I’m really pleased with that. It was strange being in the call room with some of the best butterfly guys in the world because breaststroke has always been my strongest discipline.

“But I felt great in the water and getting that second swim was a bonus. To finish 13th overall was great. I feel that the work I’m doing at the NAC is paying off,” said the Olympian.

Murphy went on to win his heat in the 100m

breaststroke heat, but the other competitors in the event weren’t holding back either and despite the win, Murphy didn’t qualify for the final as his time was outside of the top 16 pace.

In his specialist event, the University of Tennessee alumni banked a time that was nearly one second quicker than his attempt at the European Short Course Championship the month before and it was just .18 seconds off his national record of 59.51.

Murphy also narrowly missed out on the 50m breaststroke final, finishing in 10th overall two places shy of the final.

The 2012 Olympian had qualified fourthfastest on Saturday night with 26.76 but could only manage 26.82 in the semi-finals.

Having made the final in the European championships two weeks before, Murphy spoke briefly about his plans for the coming year.

“Overall I am very pleased with how I performed, considering that I didn’t have the best preparation – it was a patch-up job after the Olympics. If I had done my Irish record time I would have been in the final, and I know that with a good solid block of training at the NAC with Paul Donovan I’ll be able to do some very fast times.

“I know how good I am, I’ve proved I can mix it with the world’s best and my focus is now fully on making the final at the World Long Course Championships in Barcelona next summer.

“I know that my best is yet to come,” he said.