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Stars come out for the premiere of director Stephen Spielberg’s Lincoln

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

INSIDE: Portmarnock power through close game to win All-Ireland championship P6

Tennis:

Cluskey all set for Ireland’s Davis Cup call Page 30

Football:

MacAuley looks forward to spring series Page 27

Church attacks prompt inquiry  Natalie Burke

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

the gathering: Fingal calendar fills up with number of flagship events Page 9

Gardai are continuing to investigate suspected arson attack on a church in Rush.

On Monday, January 21, emergency services were called to a blaze at St Maur’s Church on Whitestown Road. The fire is believed to have been an act of deliberate vandalism and has shocked the local parish

community in Rush.

The fire was the second attack on the church, after the premises was burgled the night before.

Senator Darragh O’Brien (FF) branded the attack as “mindless vandalism” saying, “This [act] has badly damaged a much-loved local church, I would urge anyone with information on the fire to contact the gardai.”

Full Story on Page 2

It’s a dog’s life: Dogs Trust is charity of choice for Carlton jean O’Connell, director of sales

and marketing Carlton Hotel, had her hands full with some furry friends when she helped to announce that the Carlton Hotel group has selected Dogs Trust as their chosen charity for 2013. With hotels nationwide,

the Carlton Group have created a new package that allows you to bring your dog on holidays with you. Pictured with Jean are Blondie (lurcher, 11 weeks old), Pitch (rottweiler, 12 Weeks old) and Sugar Plum (jack russell, 14 weeks old).

2 swords gazette 31 January 2013

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Gardai in Balbriggan are continuing to investigate a suspected arson attack on St Maur’s Church in Rush. Picture: www.rushparish.dublindiocese.ie

Garda suspect arson as church is badly damaged Gardai in Balbriggan are continuing to investigate what they believe was a suspected arson attack on a north County Dublin church.

On Monday, January 21, emergency services were called to a blaze at St Maur’s Church on Whitestown Road in Rush. Three units of the Dublin Fire Brigade successfully contained and extinguished the fire.

The fire is believed to have been an act of deliberate vandalism and has shocked the local parish community in Rush.

According to a spokesperson for the Garda Press Office, the investi-

 natalie burke nburke@gazettegroup.com

gation is continuing and the fire is being treated as suspicious.

The attack is believed to have taken place sometime between the hours of 10pm on Sunday, January 20 and 8.05am on Monday, January 21.

T he spokesperson said the fire was the second attack on the church, after the premises was burgled during

the night of Saturday, January 19 and Sunday, January 20.

“There was also property stolen from the premises and the gardai are continuing to investigate,” the spokesperson confirmed.

The attack on the local church was condemned by local Fianna Fail Senator Darragh O’Brien, who branded the attack as an “act of mindless vandalism”.

“This [act] has badly damaged a much-loved local church,” he said. “I would urge anyone with information on the fire to contact the gardai.

“The attack highlights

the impact of a lack of a Garda presence in Rush.

Criminals feel they can act with impunity because there are no gardai based in the town anymore.”

Senator O’Brien said that since the closure of the Garda station in Rush last year, he has noticed that people have become increasingly concerned about burglaries and vandalism in the area.

“We cannot have a situation where criminals see the residents of Rush as an easy target,” he stated.

“I am calling for a satellite Garda facility to be established at Rush Community Centre with

immediate effect.

“We need to maintain a Garda presence in the area and ease the worries of local people. I will be raising this with the Government as a priority.”

With Garda stations continuing to be shut dow n and potential cuts to Garda numbers threatening to take place, Senator O’Brien said that the force is dwindling to dangerously low levels: “All of this is happening as the rate of burglaries, thefts and attacks increases significantly here in North Dublin and in communities across the country,” he concluded.

Balbriggan set to host cancer support run Balbriggan is set to host its popular annual cancer support run once again this year, with the event taking place on St Patrick’s Day. The Balbriggan Cancer Support Group half-marathon and 10K walk and run will be held on

March 17.

The fundraiser is set to be a very successful event and will be starting from Balbriggan and continuing across the north Fingal countryside. The event will be judged using chip timing technology and the entry fee is

€30 for the marathon or €20 for the 10K walk/run. Late entries received after March 9 will increase by a further €5.

All proceeds will go towards the Balbriggan Cancer Support Group, a locally community driven and volunteer-based

organisation.

For anyone interested in getting involved, contact Balbriggan Cancer Support Group on 01 841 0116. Registration is available through the group at Unit 23, Balbriggan Business Park or via Run Ireland from March 4.

31 January 2013 swords gazette 3

st joseph’s

councillor lavin: ‘there is a need for greater communication’

Students launch bank

Suicide prevention campaign planned  natalie burke

Government plans to launch a nationwide suicide prevention campaign have been welcomed by local Fine Gael councillor Anthony Lavin, who says there is a massive need for greater communication on the subject.

“For generations in this country, suicide has been shrouded by a veil of secrecy and shame.

With suicide on the rise, that has to stop,” Cllr Lavin said.

“In 2011, 165 teenagers and young men took their own life in the Republic of Ireland.

“Ireland now has one of the highest rates of suicide in Europe, and

men are five times more likely than women to take their own lives.”

Gratefull Cllr Lavin said he was grateful to learn that Fingal had the lowest suicide rate in Ireland for the three-year period from 2009 to 2011, with a rate of 6.2 deaths per 100,000 people, compared to the national rate of 11.4 per 100,000.

“While there are services available for people suffering from mental health problems, there is a need for greater communication – both to the general public about the service’s ability to offer support, and between the services

themselves,” said Cllr Lavin.

Campaign Minister of State for mental health, Kathleen Lynch (Lab) said: “We need to get involved in a massive public information campaign, specifically geared toward specific groups.

“We have gone past the notion of not speaking about [suicide in Ireland].

Ciaran Austin, director of ser vices with Console Ireland, the national suicide charity, said of the campaign: “We welcome it absolutely, statistics are at an all-time high and we do need to get the message out there.”

Better Late Late than never: Terry takes home a new Renault Fluence clonshaugh resident Terry Higgins was recently given the keys to a brand new 131D Renault Fluence which he won on a recent Late Late Show. Pictured at the handover are left to right - Gary Breen, Renault Ireland; winner Terry Higgins; Michael and Mike Grant. Michael Grant Renault is one of Renault’s newest dealerships and carries the full range of new Renault models and vans.

Students from St J o s e p h ’s S e c o n d a r y School in Rush recently launched their own school bank.

The new scheme is part of a larger programme run by Allied Irish Banks (AIB) for transition year students nationwide, which sees students take up the responsibility of setting up a bank in their own school.

The school held the official launch last Thursday, January 24, which saw Kerry footballer Colm Cooper – a youth ambassador with AIB – in attendance.

Students in the school can now set up accounts with AIB and lodge money in the new school bank, which is run by six fourth-year students.

4 swords gazette 31 January 2013

FastNews

jobs TD asks Howlin to protect workers’ pay balbriggan: filling local jobs

60 temp roles at passport office

Jack Healy with Dublin Airport Fire Station crew

Dublin Aiport defibrillators save 19 since introduced It emerged this week that 19 lives have been saved at Dublin Airport since defibrillation was first introduced as a service on site.

In the decade since the life-saving technology was introduced at the airport, the Dublin Airport Police and Fire Service have saved the lives of 19 people who were suffering cardiac arrest.

One such person, 85-year-old Jack Healy, was only too happy to return to the airport recently, in an effort to say thank-you to the crew involved in his incident.

In September 2012, Mr Healy suffered a severe cardiac arrest outside Terminal 2. Within two minutes, members of the Airport Police and Fire Service were on the scene. As with all suspected cardiac arrest incidents, the team reacted quickly and resuscitated Mr Healy.

Back to full health, Mr Healy was recently accompanied by his family to the Airport Fire Station to make a presentation to the crew involved in his rescue.

In 2012, three lives were saved through the use of defibrillation at Dublin Airport. Defibrillators are located at all main public access areas at Dublin Airport.

Young Finian’s GAA player to act as Dublin team mascot Finian’s GAA club in Swords will be represented in Croke Park this weekend when one of its youngest players acts as the Dublin team mascot.

On Saturday, February 2, when Dublin takes on Cork, Conor Murnane from the club’s Under-7 team has been selected to lead the Dublin team out on the night.

 natalie burke

Brendan Ryan, Labour Party TD for Dublin North, has this week written to the Minister for Public Expenditure, Brendan Howlin, seeking the protection of incomes for low and middle income public sector employees

Ryan moves to defend public sector incomes

 natalie burke nburke@gazettegroup.com

A local representative has defended those working in the public sector this week and has called on the Government to protect low- and middle-income public sector workers, including those of Fingal County Council.

Brendan Ryan, Labour Party TD for Dublin North, has this week written to the Minister for Public Expenditure, Brendan Howlin, seeking the protection of incomes for low- and middle-income public sector employees. The negotiations, which are

a follow-up to the Croke Park Agreement, began in earnest this week and Deputy Ryan has criticised some of the “worrying language” emanating from parties involved in the negotiations.

“I’m calling for all stakeholders to pursue these negotiations with a view to protecting lowand middle-income earners first. Many conservative voices in the media have perpetuated a narrative suggesting that the majority of public sector workers are overpaid and underworked,” he said.

“The facts are this: 68% of public servants earn less than €50,000 and 82% earn less than

€60,000. This is not an extravagant wage and for a modest family with a modest home, such an income can be stretched to its limits just to keep a roof over their head and food on the table.”

Deputy Ryan said that in his own constituency, workers at Fingal County Council have seen a drastic decrease in their wages over and above the initial pay cuts. Loss of overtime and pension and shift changes has seen further cuts of between €150 and €250 in weekly take-home pay depending on the grade.

“The take-home pay for general operatives is averaging at €400 per

week. These cuts are reflective of many other low- and middle-income workers over many sections within our public sector. These are the workers who have given so much already in terms of pay and have little or nothing left to give.”

“It’s vital that these low and middle earners are protected through whatever is drafted from this latest process. I’m sure public sector workers and unions will agree that further savings can be delivered through further efficiencies in work practices and cost cutting measures and not impacting on incomes,” he added.

Over 60 people have been recruited to take up temporary roles at Balbriggan Passport Office.

The work at the local passport office required 62 local people from the live register to be hired on a temporary basis, for a minimum of five months.

The roles were filled by the Local Employment Services from the Department of Social Protection, who were this week commended

by Labour Party TD for Dublin North, Brendan Ryan.

Welcoming the initiative and complimenting the work of the Local Employment Services, Deputy Ryan said the news highlights the potential for successful local linkages between unemployed people, their local employment agencies and employers, to create and fill jobs locally.

“This is exactly what I have been promoting in Balbriggan through supporting local employment organisations and through the Jobseekers Information Day in the Bracken Court Hotel in October 2012,” he said.

Swords fraudster to repay€23k from social welfare payments A local Swords man who falsely claimed over €23,000 in jobseeker’s allowance from a post office in Malahide is trying to pay back the stolen cash with his legitimate social welfare payments, a court heard recently.

T h i r t y - s e ve n - y e a r- o l d Michael Cawley was charged with 116 counts of stealing money from the Department of Social Protection. He

made the false claims every week for about three years.

Cawley of Rivermeade Avenue, Swords pleaded guilty to six sample counts of stealing money from the Department at Malahide Post Office between February 20, 2009 and May 26, 2011.

Detective Garda Jonathan Hayes told John Fitzpatrick BL, who was prosecuting, that Cawley had claimed a total

of €23,767 by using another man’s social welfare card and claiming to be that man.

C a t h a l M c G r e a l BL , defending, said that after his arrest in July 2011 his client told gardai he would pay all the money back and that so far he had brought €400 to court.

Counsel said that this was significant because “ironically” the money was coming

out of his social welfare payments.

Mr McGreal said Cawley, a father of four, owed money because of a previous cocaine addiction. He said he also had issues with alcohol addiction.

Judge Leonie Reynolds adjourned sentencing until next October and said that Cawley needed to make meaningful efforts to pay

back the money due.

She said that he has no significant work history and there was no evidence to say he has addressed his issues with alcohol.

D e t G d a H ay e s s a i d that after a report from the Department of Social Protection, gardai searched Cawley’s home and found a social welfare card in the name of Thomas Mongan.

Cawley told gardai he had met Mr Mongan at a wedding. He said Mr Mongan said he was going to the UK and Cawley began using his card to sign on after that.

The court heard that Cawley has 23 previous convictions, including one for falsely using an instrument, one for burglary, five for theft and a number of road traffic offences.

31 January 2013 swords gazette 5

courts Disclosure of evidence issues likely

24m documents to be read in Anglo Irish trial The trial of the former c h a i r m a n a n d t wo former directors of Anglo Irish Bank could run for over three months and involves 24 million documents as evidence, a court has heard.

Sean Fitzpatrick (64), William McAteer (62), and Pat Whelan (50), who hails from Malahide, have been charged with 16 counts of providing unlawful financial assistance to individuals in July 2008 to buy shares in the bank.

A fter hearing that there will inevitably be

issues with the disclosure of evidence, Judge Mary Ellen Ring fixed a trial date for the first day of term in 2014.

She also gave Mr Fitzpatrick, of Whitshed Road, Greystones, Mr McAteer of Auburn Villas, Rathgar and Mr Whelan of Coast Road, Malahide a further mention date of March 6 next to deal with any matters arising.

She remanded them on continuing bail on the existing terms and conditions.

Una Ni Raifeartaigh SC, prosecuting, told

Judge Ring sitting at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court that the disclosure of evidence to the defence was continuing.

She said it was lengthy and complex and could take months.

The Criminal Courts of Justice: The Anglo Irish Bank trial is likely to run for three months, or even double that, according to one barrister

Absorb

She said it was not simply a question of providing the defence with the documents but that it was necessary to give the defence an opportunity to absorb them.

Brendan Grehan SC, defending Mr Whelan, said that there are 24

million documents to be considered as part of the State’s investigation and he said that issues will inevitably arise as part of this.

He said that the trial is likely to run for three months, or even double that, and that it is likely

to be considerably more complex than any previous case.

Ms Ni Raifeartaigh asked the cour t to appoint a designated judge to deal with pre-trial applications in respect of disclosure issues. She said that under the cir-

cumstances it would be very useful.

Judge Ring told the court that if the disclosure of evidence couldn’t be completed in a year, that there was something wrong with the system and set the trial date for January 13, 2014.

donabate School vies for Fit Factor A primary school in Donabate is looking for votes to help them in their bid to win this year’s Lidl Fit Factor competition.

Scoil Phadraic Cailini, which is based on the Portrane Road in Donabate, has reached the regional finals in the competition after placing first in Dublin.

The Lidl Fit Factor is a school programme designed for third and fourth class which teaches children about the importance of healthy food and physical activity. So far, the third class in the school has won €1,000 of sport equipment and Lidl vouchers for their school and are eligible for the overall prize.

To vote online for Scoil Phadraic Cailini, visit www.fitfactor.ie.

6 swords Gazette 31 January 2013

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Megan Connolly, Portmarnock Community School, in action against Aoife Gillespie, Mount Anville

Megan Connolly is presented with the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award by Basketball Ireland Competition Officers Louise O’Loughlin and Conor Lilly. Pictures: Brendan Moran / SPORTSFILE

Talulah Davey, Mount Anville, in action against Alex Daly, Portmarnock Community School

Supporters encouraged their teams

Competing for the ball

Portmarnock power through to take title

P

ortmarnock Community School claimed the U-19C All-Ireland Basketball crown last week, rising to see off Mount Anville in the National Basketball Arena. The game was very close throughout with

both teams taking turns to lead.

But in the end MVP and top scorer Megan Connolly, who netted 14, was in fine form and inspired Portmarnock who ran out 50-37 winners.

Aoife Gillespie, Mount Anville, in action against Caitlin Glover, Portmarnock Community School

Robyn Keane, Portmarnock Community School, in action against Aoife

Portmarnock Community School’s Under 19 squad

Gillespie, Mount Anville

Caoimhe McDonnell

31 January 2013 swords Gazette 7

8 SWORDS GAZETTE 31 January 2013

Turning heads: Citroen All-Stars

FASTNews

Wright night of charity white collar boxing CHARITY white-collar boxing night will take place at The Wright Venue this Saturday, February 2 at 7.30pm.

The Malin to Mizen Challenge and Cycle for Life will host Jaffa Thai Fight Night in aid of the Irish Haemophilia Society and Irish Heart Foundation.

Boxers on the night include former Kilkenny star Cha Fitzpatrick and former Dublin football and hurling stars Shane Ryan, Cormac O’Brien, John Kelly and Cian McBride.

Tickets to the event cost €20, and include a free shuttle bus to the venue from Harcourt Square and night club entry.

For more information, log on to www. whitecollarboxing.ie.

Service charge increase at Fingal libraries FINGAL Libraries will be introducing some new and increased service charges at their facilities, which will come into effect this week.

Starting from Monday, January 28, reserving an item will increase from 50c to 60c, while using the popular BorrowBooks system to reserve books from outside Dublin will cost members €5.

For existing members, replacing a lost library card will now cost €1 for the first replacement, while subsequent replacements will cost €2.

Membership of Fingal County Libraries is free and open to everyone.

For more information or to contact your local library, contact libraries@fingalcoco.ie.

ONE ALL-STAR met

another in Citroen Dublin recently when Dublin footballer Paul Flynn picked up the keys of his new Citroen DS4. Rodney Deane (inset), dealer principal, Citroen Dublin in Swords was there to hand over the striking DS4 DStyle to Paul.

At the handover, Paul said: “I am delighted to be picking up the keys for my second DS4. I really enjoyed driving the car last year and look forward to another year of turning heads at every game I drive to.

The attention the car gets really is amazing and I love the 18” alloys and LED lights!”

Rodney Deane commented: “We are thrilled to have Paul on board as our brand ambassador for a second year.”

GOOD NEWS: CUTS IN COMMUTING TIME AND TRAFFIC CONGESTION HOPED FOR

€10.65m is allocated for Fingal road improvements  NATALIE BURKE

A TOTAL of €10.65 million has been allocated to roads across Fingal this week, which will see significant improvements made to local road projects and maintenance plans.

Two separate funding allocations were announced in the last week, with the Department of Transport providing over €5 million as part of the 2013 Regional and Local Roads Allocation, while the National Roads Authority (NRA) allocated just over €5.5 million to the local roads earlier in the week.

While the funding

Labour Party TD Brendan Ryan

from the Department of Transport will be directed for the safety and restoration of roads in Fingal, the majority of the funding from the NRA will go towards efforts to widen the road between Drynam and Lissenhall in Swords.

The news was welcomed by a number of local representatives who agreed that the newly-allocated funding will help reduce commuting time and traffic congestion across the area.

“This is good news for Fingal, and [the Department funding] comes on the back of the announcement of €5m to widen the M1 from Drynam to Lissenhall in Swords, a noted bottleneck for thousands of north county commuters,” said Labour Party TD Brendan Ryan.

“The Government and Fingal County Council have done great work in

difficult economic times in order to continually improve our road systems.”

Funding from the Department of €750,000 will be spent on improving the Naul Road in Balbriggan, while approximately €50,000 will be allocated for work on the Gerrardstown Bridge on the R108.

“Of this funding, €3,272,186 is allocated for other improvements and safety measures [across Fingal]. In addition, low-cost safety improvements will take place at [locations including] the Martello Tower in Malahide, L o u g h s h i n ny C r o s s

Roads, the Whitestown Road and Healy’s Lane junction in Rush, among other areas,” Deputy Ryan continued.

According to Fine Gael TD Alan Farrell the funding from the NRA to projects in Fingal will not only reduce traffic congestion in the area but will increase safety for drivers in the Dublin North area. Of the €5.5 million allocated by the NRA, almost €600,000 will go towards other maintenance projects on Fingal roads.

“T his project will reduce traffic congestion, particularly at peak hours, meaning reduced commuter times between

this part of Swords and the city centre. Facilities for cyclists and pedestrians will also be improved,” Deputy Farrell explained.

“The allocation will greatly improve driving conditions in Swords and Malahide by increasing capacity for the growing number of commuters that travel on this road to and from work each day.

“Road safety is an important priority for this Government and funding for these schemes will ensure that roads, bridges and footpaths remain at a satisfactory standard of safety for commuters and pedestrians in Fingal.”

31 January 2013 swords gazette 9

gathering €2m granted to tourism initiative

Fingal calendar fills up with flagship events Fingal will be holding a number of flagship community events to mark the year of the Gathering this year, after €2 million of funding was granted under the Government’s Gathering scheme to the international diaspora initiative nationally.

It was officially announced by Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring, that a total of 1,322 events to mark the Gathering Ire-

land 2013 initiative will receive funding under the IPB Gathering Ireland Fund, at a launch event held recently at Castletown House in Co Kildare.

The funding comes as a result of a €1 million philanthropic donation by IPB Insurance, that was matched by the Gathering Ireland, in response to the enormous interest expressed nationwide in the tourism initiative.

The overall total of 1,322 funded events is made up of 82 county

flagship events and 1,240 local community events, and the €2m fund will be administered by city and county councils, based on agreed application criteria.

A key factor in the evaluation process was the events’ capacity to attract overseas visitors.

Minister Ring said: “I’m delighted that we can present such a huge range of flagship events which shows what a great year we have ahead of us.

There really is something for everyone, whether

Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring: “I’m delighted that we can present such a huge range of flagship events”

you live in Ireland or are coming from overseas.

The IPB Gathering Ireland Fund will have a real impact on 2013 and I commend IPB Insurance for its commitment to this project.”

Ronan Foley, chief executive of IPB Insurance, said: “The large number of applications received by City and County Councils is testament to the public

support and endorsement for The Gathering.

IPB Insurance are proud partners of this fantastic initiative that reaches out and supports community and flagship events right across the country and hopefully will serve to lift the mood of the nation. These events will, I believe, reap long-term economic and social benefits for Ireland.”

Gathering Ireland project director Jim Miley commented on the response they received.

“This support from IPB Insurance has enabled us to provide funding for smaller and medium scale Gathering events that might not otherwise have happened or that will help event organisers attract additional overseas visitors.”

Writers group returns The Swords Writers Group is reconvening following the recent winter break and is welcoming any new members from the local area who would like to attend.

The writing group is open to all members of the community who have a passion for writing.

The group is open to all levels of writers, from those who write for fun to those who are developing a novel or similar work.

The group’s meetings are held every second Wednesday in the boardroom at Fingallians GAA Club and last for 90 minutes.

For anyone interested in joining or finding out more information, contact swordsw riters@ gmail.com.

Why advertise with the Gazette?

Let our advertisers tell you why:

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Dlr Leisure Services has been using Dublin Gazette Newspapers for a number of years to communicate with our customers on our programmes.

We find the service we received excellent and they always offer us good value for money. The personal touch of having an account manager makes our life so much easier. The Dundrum & Dún Laoghaire Gazette covers the areas in which our centres are located. Dlr Leisure Services would have no hesitation recommending the Gazette to others to promote their company.

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swords

B e c au s e L o c a l M at t e r s

10 swords gazette 31 January 2013

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Olympic boxing gold medallist Katie Taylor with her parents Peter and Brigid

Shane Byrne and his wife Caroline

Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field and director Steven Spielberg

Lights, camera, action!

Watch out for Spielberg H

UNDREDS of people gathered outside the Savoy Cinema in Dublin recently to get a glimpse of the starstudded red carpet at the European premiere of Lincoln. World famous director Steven Spielberg and the film’s lead actor, Daniel Day-Lewis, were joined at the screening

President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina

with guests including U2’s Bono and the Edge, Chris de Burgh, Rosanna Davison and Olympic gold medallist Katie Taylor. Some of the guests later went to the Burlington Hotel where props from the film were auctioned off in aid of the Wicklow Hospice Foundation.

Rosanna Davison with her parents, Diane and Chris de Burgh

Oliver Callan with his sister, Aine

Shane MacGowan and Victoria Clarke

31 January 2013 Gazette 11

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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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centenary: events should be marked in ‘appropriate fashion’

Descendants of 1916 heroes call for creation of museum  paul hosford

The direct descendants of two of the leaders of the 1916 Rising have called on Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, the Minister for Arts and Culture, Jimmy Deenihan, and the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan, to back their proposal for the the creation of a 1916 Museum at 16 Moore Street. The group is also calling for the site’s National Monument sta-

tus to be protected.

The group want the premises to be ready so that the museum can be delivered in time for the 1916 centenary.

The members of the descendants group include Nuala O’RahillyPrice, the granddaughter of The O’Rahilly, the only leader of the Rising to be killed in action. He died on what is now O’Rahilly Parade, just off Moore Street.

Also in the group is John Connolly, the son of Roddy Connolly, a former Labour TD for Louth and grandson of James Connolly, who was the de facto leader of the rising.

The O’Rahilly and both Connollys were present in the GPO in Easter 1916.

John Connolly said that the museum would be a lasting legacy of a pivotal moment in Irish history.

“We want the centenary of 1916 to be marked with

a lasting legacy, not just another passing parade.

The proposed museum will be the centrepiece of an enduring legacy for our citizens and for visitors alike.”

Ms O’Rahilly-Price added; “The pivotal events of 1916 need to be marked in an appropriate and fitting fashion.”

The group also launched a newwebsite www.1916rebellion museum.com

Nuala O’Rahilly Price and John Connolly, grandson of James Connolly, with members of the Save No 16 Committee and Moore Street Traders’ Association at the launch of a new website and virtual tour for a proposed museum. Photograph: Eric Luke

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12 Gazette 31 January 2013

dublinlife

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Healthy way to cook and eat

Students from across Dublin have been invited to take part in the Takeaway My Way contest once again this year.

T he nationwide schools cookery competition, which was launched by awardwinning chef Neven Maguire, along with Safefood and St Angela’s College in Sligo, challenges post-primary students to cook a healthier version of their favourite takeaway dishes.

Now in its third year, the competition is open t o a l l p o s t- p r i m a r y school students, including students in Youthreach centres.

Launching the competition, Fiona Gilligan, director, marketing and

communications Safefood, said: “Learning to cook and eat healthily are skills that can last students a lifetime and we would encourage all students, whether studying home economics or not, to grab an apron, pick their favourite takeaway dish, show us their passion for food and enter the competition.”

To enter, students can submit their recipe online at www.safefood. eu/takeawaymyway or complete and return by post the entry form sent to their school before February 22.

jigs and reels guaranteed to get you moving If you are looking for

Award-winning chef Neven Maguire was joined by Sophie Sherlock from Collegiate Grammar School and Tully Irvine from Portora Royal School, Enniskillen, to launch safefood’s Take Away My Way cookery competition for postprimary students

something a little different and bit more energetic this Valentine’s Day, then a Gathering event called Ceili for

Valentine’s could be just up your street.

You and your beloved can dance the night away to a live ceili band and, whether you are a set dancing aficionado or just like to leap around, the craic is sure to be mighty.

As well as live music from Traditional Arts Collective (TAC), there will also be sean nos dancing displays on the night.

TAC’s aim is to bring ceili back with jigs and reels guaranteed to get you moving.

Special guest for the night will be Amaliya Morgan-Brown from Bandon, Oregon in the USA – named after Bandon in Co Cork.

The entrance fee is €10 at The Grand Social, 35 Lower Liffey Street on Valentine’s night from 8pm to 11.55pm.

Calling all volunteers for Lollipop Day With just one month to go until the 12th annual Lollipop Day, the Oesophageal Can-

cer Fund (OCF) is calling for the help of volunteers across Dublin this February.

Lollipop Day sees thousands of people selling lollipops for €2 nationwide every year, in an effort to raise vital funds for oesophageal cancer research, and the OCF are seeking the help of volunteers on Friday, February 22 and Saturday 23, 2013.

“We are very fortunate to have an everincreasing number of dedicated volunteers, all of whom make Lollipop Day a success every year,” said Noelle Ryan, chairperson of the OCF. “But we still need more volunteers, so if anyone or any group is interested in helping out, please contact us on www.lollipopday.ie or on Lollipop Day’s Facebook or Twitter page.”

For more information on Lollipop Day, to volunteer or to make a donation, go to www. lollipopday.ie or, to volunteer in Dublin call Sara on 087-2320970.

Got a Picture?

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

31 January 2013 Gazette 13

C o m m e r c i a l F e at u r e

Tifco Group Photo – Mary Buckley (Group Operations Manager, Tifco Hotels), Pius Furlong (GM, Crowne Plaza Northwood), Niamh Murphy (GM, Crowne Plaza Dundalk), Garret O’Neill (General Manager, Crowne Plaza Blanchardstown), Magda Rybka (Deputy General Manager, Crowne Plaza Blanchardstown), Enda O’Meara (Managing Director, Tifco Hotels)

blanchardstown: EUROPEAN HOTEL OF THE YEAR

Prestigious award for the Crowne Plaza THE annual Hotel Stars Awards for Crow ne Plaza Hotels in Europe were recently held in Dublin for the first time, and at this annual event, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) recognised hotels and people for their outstanding performance and contribution to the business and the local community in which they operate.

The winners are the best performing IHG hotels and individuals across Europe.

At the awards ceremony, Crowne Plaza Blanchardstown was awarded both the Torchbearer Award and more importantly, the Crowne Plaza Hotel of the Year award for the Europe Region.

Hotel of the Year Award This category recognises hotels that have achieved outstanding results and have gone the extra mile to exceed expectations and bring their brand to life when looking after guests, employees and the local community.

Receiving the Award – Angela Brav, CEO of IHG Europe, Garret O’Neill (General Manager, Crowne Plaza Blanchardstown), Richard Solomons (CEO IHG Worldwide) at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre.

Torchbearer Award T h e To r c h b e a r e r Award recognises hotels that have achieved the highest levels of excellence through outstanding service.

The guests at these hotels have responded with extremely high guest satisfaction scores.

Garret O’Neill, General Manager, of Crowne Plaza Blanchardstown accepted the award at the IHG European Conference which was held in Dublin for the first time and said “I was very proud to accept these awards as it recognises all the hard work and team effort we’ve put in

this year.

“We’re constantly striving to go the extra mile so guests can expect a consistently high standard when visiting our hotel and we’ll continue to work together to keep delivering the same experience year on year”.

Angela Brav, CEO Europe said, “Our hotels are only as good as the people working in them, so we are fully committed to supporting and developing our people.

“We aim to provide the right environment, support and inspiration they need to fulfil their capability and these awards are a reflection of the fantastic talent we have working in our hotels across Europe”.

Crowne Plaza Blanchardstown is based at the Blanchardstown Centre with 188 guestrooms and conference facilities for up to 600 guests.

For more information please contact: Jennifer McKenna, Director of Sales & Marketing, Crowne Plaza Blanchardstown, Phone (01) 897 7741; email – jmckenna@ crowneplazadublin.ie.

All of the staff at the Crowne Plaza Blanchardstown were delighted to learn that the hotel has been awarded the acclaimed European Hotel of the Year Award by the InterContinental Hotels Group

Gazette

14 Gazette 31 January 2013

dublinlife FEATURE From Pirates to Porter, Praed’s played them all theatre: high society star talks to the gazette

 bairbre ni Bhraonain

bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com

WHAT a swell party this is! The stage version of Hollywood musical, High Society, is coming to the Bord Gais Energy Theatre for five nights this February with a cast that includes Michael Praed – one of the heroes of 1980s TV show, Robin of Sherwood.

The show is packed with well-loved Cole Porter songs such as True Love and Did You Evah, and also stars Sophie Bould as Tracy Lord, Daniel Boys as Mike Connor, and Keiron Crook as George Kittredge.

Ahead of its Dublin run, The Gazette spoke to Praed, who plays Dexter in the musical. He started by reminiscing about his love for the city.

“It’s been a long time since I was in Dublin, and that was for the musical, Carousel – it must be 19 years ago now. I can’t wait, because Dublin is my all-time favourite venue and I really don’t give false praise.”

He discussed the genesis of the current stage musical version of High Society. “It’s very similar to the 1956 film version, but its true origin was a play called The Philadelphia Story in the 1930s.

“It was commissioned for Kathryn Hepburn on Broadway, and was then made into an awardwinning film with Jimmy Stewart.

“Then, 17 years later, High Society was made and some changes were made to the original

story, such as the Bing Crosby character – that I play – had been a yacht builder in the original, but is a jazz pianist now in High Society.”

For Praed, who has been in a string of musicals throughout his career, the music in High Society is the main star.

“It has such a beautiful score. Now, when I say that, I mean that there are very few composers who are truly iconic, and Cole Porter is one of them.”

Praed has been performing in plays and musicals since the 1980s.

“I got my lucky break with the Pirates of Penzance years ago. I love musicals, because there is a certain alchemy that can happen with them – when the music is good and the production is well done – that goes to the heart of truth.

Magic

“There is a magic in music that is different; it moves people in a different way, and with an evocative scenario, can have a huge impact on an audience.”

Harking back to his TV days, he recalled his time as Robin of Sherwood in the mid-1980s show.

“There were two seasons of it and, to be absolutely truthful with you, it was incredibly hard work.

We’d to be up at dawn and doing a fight scene, and work right through till evening. Yet, it was unbelievably rewarding, too, and the talented people I worked with were extraordinary.

“There was no time

When talking to The Gazette about his upcoming role in the musical, High Society at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre, Michael Praed was happy to reminisce about his roles in some of the smash-hit TV shows of the 1980s

for a private life though.

It was brutal going but, having said that, it wasn’t like coal mining or fighting the Taliban or even driving a bus.”

Praed then went on to play Prince Michael of Moldavia in the smashhit television show, Dynasty.

“It was the numberone show in the world,

and was a very well-oiled machine. I was welcomed with open arms and the crew was delightful.”

Special buzz

He does not have a preference between TV work and stage work. “I like them both, and you can’t really compare them. Yet, theatre does give you that special

buzz, thanks to the presence of an audience, and I can’t wait to feel that with a Dublin audience again.”

High Society runs in the Bord Gais Energy Theatre from Tuesday, February 5 until Saturday, February 9. Tickets are available from Ticketmaster at 0818 719 377, and cost €20.

31 January 2013 Gazette 15

DublinGazetteNewspapers cub reporters and photographers: december 2012 winners

H Reporter

Photo

of the

of the H

conor white

clara kinsella

Conor White from St Conleth’s College proved neither shaken nor stirred when he told us all about the school’s Build A Bank challenge which was given a special agent sheen with a James Bond theme. The mission was achieved and the project a big success, as was Conor’s article about the event, which wins him this month’s prize.

Clara Kinsella from St Finian’s Community College in Swords snapped a very jolly Michael Carruth when the Olympic gold medallist visited the school for its annual awards evening.

Michael encouraged the students in a motivational speech that included the wise words, “if you believe, you achieve”.

Well, Clara must have believed in her skills as a snapper, as she has achieved glory with this month’s prize picture.

MONTH

MONTH

Gazette

schools Get involved with our Gazette Schools pages

Dublin Gazette Newspapers are continuing to reach out to all the schools in our catchment areas to become a closer part of our community than ever before.

Schools are the beating hearts of communities, one of the last places around which a community can gather.

We are calling on budding writers and photographers from all of our schools to help fill the schools pages and, in order to encourage the next generation of journalists and snappers to get involved, we are partnering with Harvey Norman to present the Dublin Gazette Newspapers’ Cub Reporter and Cub Photographer of the Year awards.

For more details, contact rheigh@gazettegroup.com, or on 01 601 0240.

Gazette

16 Gazette 31 January 2013

dublinlife

Q&A

business

Each life stage needs a plan CONTINUING my examination of financial planning for each stage of your life, this week, I start by looking at where you may be after the “Young and free” stage (as detailed last week).

GWEN O’Donoghue, Fresh Images

The beauty of caring for your customers GWEN O’Donoghue of Fresh Images beauty salon in Churchtown is set to celebrate 20 years in business next month.

She qualified in 1989 at Loriam Beauty Therapy College in Dawson Street, with ITEC, CIBTEC and CIDESCO qualifications.

When she spoke to Gazette BusiHow long have you been in business?

It’s hard to believe but it’s 20 years this year. I opened my doors in 1993.

What makes your business successful?

I think it’s the personal touch. I’ve always worked in my business. There are so many salons where you are just a name. We get to know our clients, remember what treatments they like and how they like them done.

We remember their birthdays and get to know all about their families. It’s a friendship as well as a business.

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

We offer value for money and very competitive prices. We try to keep up with all of the latest trends and give the best customer care.

We really do care what our customers think about us. We want them to feel that their hard-earned money is well spent at our salon.

How has the recession affected your business?

Yes, I don’t think that any business hasn’t been affected. The spending power of people has decreased, so we have to make sure that they feel that they are getting value for their money.

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

We invested in a new skincare brand called Guinot from Paris two years ago, and that has a large follow-

ness this week, she said: “I worked in a couple of salons before running a salon in Rathgar for three years, before opening my own in Churchtown.

“I started with just a couple of rooms out the back of a tanning salon, and, after three years, I took it over.

And here I am today, 20 years on.” ing. We felt that people were looking for more results .

There was a time when they just wanted a massage – now, they want technology coupled with pampering.

We all want to look and feel good, and especially in a recession, morale can be low, but if you look good, you feel good too, and it reflects on in all aspects of your life.

We constantly run special offers which keep clients interested. We also have a loyalty programme that returns free treatments to our clients to thank them. This is very popular, because when you get something for free, it always feels sweeter.

Old loyalty programmes meant you had to wait forever before getting your free treatment but with ours, you see results after just a few treatments.

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

I would like to see a set standard of training across the board. When I was at college, you had to have several top qualifications to get a job; they allowed you to work all over Europe.

During the Celtic Tiger era, there were numerous beauty schools setting up and running courses, but they are only pieces of the courses instead of the full thing.

It means that not every salon has the same level of qualified staff performing treatments, but they are charging the same. That is why you get such a variation in therapists – some aren’t as qualified others.

Relationship and children If you settle down with a partner, your financial priorities will almost certainly alter, especially if you have children. The financial actions you may want to be thinking about include such thrills as: • Creating an emergency fund.

• Protecting both your incomes (if relevant) in case you are unable to work.

• Life insurance for both you and your partner.

• Buying a home with the help of a mortgage.

• Whether you should be saving money, in case you want to send one or more child to private school, and/ or in case one or more goes on to further education.

• Retirement planning.

• Short-term saving for cars, holidays and so forth.

If you have built up any debt, then becoming debtfree should be a priority.

The Middle Years Financial priorities in your middle years will vary according to how much money you have earned during your 20s and 30s – and how you have spent or invested it. For some, it can be a period of relative affluence with a higher level of disposable income

becoming available; for others, it is a period of worry as retirement looms. Your priorities may include any or all of the following: • Creating an emergency fund.

• Protecting both your incomes (if relevant) in case you are unable to work.

• Life insurance for both you and your partner.

• Paying off your mortgage and any other debts.

• Retirement planning.

• Short-term saving for cars, holidays and so forth.

• Planning for long-term care if you are worried that your pension and/or the State may not provide for you sufficiently.

Although pension planning should have been a priority as soon as you started work, the truth is it is not until many people are in their 40s or even their 50s that they begin to consider their retirement. Providing for a comfortable old age, therefore, may be the most pressing need. Next week: retirement.  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

technology: storymap tells capital’s stories

Reasons to be ’appy when uncovering Dublin’s story  laura webb

EXPLORING Dublin has taken on a whole new dimension, thanks to two film-makers who are behind a new smartphone app that sets out to tell the capital’s hidden stories.

The Storymap App was launched last week and aims to rejuvenate the old tradition of storytelling, while combining the latest technology in film and mobile apps to capture a portrait of Dublin life, past and present.

The app includes a library of 80 stories, presented in audio or HD video, each tied to a particular location in the city and told by a differ-

ent Dubliner.

C o - f o u n d e r s To m Rowley and Andrew Flaherty first launched the project in 2011 as a website, www.storymap.ie.

They discussed how they came up with the idea.

“We both arrived back from working abroad and we were really frustrated with the way the city was being represented – bleak, empty and finished,” says Flaherty.

“For us, the things that made Dublin truly special were still there to be celebrated – its people, its stories, its humour and its charm.

“We couldn’t find work, and so we began Storymap as a way to use our skills to showcase the real cultural wealth

Tom Rowley and Andrew Flaherty are pictured at the launch of Storymap. Picture: Dominic Ledwidge O’Reilly

of Dublin, in a way noone had ever seen before.

The support we got from people amazed us.”

Co-founder Rowley says: “For a local person, it gives them a chance to see the city with fresh eyes.

“By using the app and seeing a well-told story on the spot, you get to see it in a whole new light, and build a new

connection with it.”

Stories include The Spire by Roddy Doyle, The Gap In The Map with Ciaran Wallace, and The Liberty Boys by Colm Keegan.

The app was developed in DIT by Jamie Osler and Eoin Rogers, and overseen by Bryan Duggan, and is on sale in the Android and iPhone app stores for €2.59.

31 January 2013 Gazette 17

asdfsdaf P27 TRAVEl P24

MOTORS P23

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



Gazette

style P18

Pets can you give faye a new home?

A remarkable line-up: Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field and Stephen Spielberg at the premiere of Lincoln at the Savoy

red carpet: legends of cinema come to dublin for lincoln fundraiser

A Presidential premiere

 rob heigh

A bitterly cold Sunday in January was brightened considerably last week when the stars and director of the acclaimed new movie, Lincoln, came to town to support a cause close to the heart of lead actor Daniel DayLewis.

The European premiere of Lincoln at the Savoy Theatre on O’Connell Street, and a special post-screening dinner and charity auction, were held in aid of the Wicklow Hospice Foundation, a fundraising organisation of which Day-Lewis, Katie Taylor and Chris de Burgh are among the patrons.

Wicklow-resident Daniel’s mother passed away in a palliative care cen-

tre in England and was moved to support the campaign for the creation of a similar facility in his adopted county.

Speaking at the premiere, Day-Lewis said: “I’m really grateful people turned out for this. We’ve been doing benefits like this for a while, but with the economic situation at the moment, we were not sure an event like this would be possible. But we explored it a little bit and it turned out we could do it.

Hospices are vital facilities that every county needs. We need these places, and we need to take care of people in the late stages of their lives.”

The screening and gala event afterwards are believed to have raised over €250,000 for the foundation, bringing it ever closer to its fundraising target of €3 million.

Director Stephen Spielberg explained how he came to debut his latest film in Dublin.

“Daniel really believed in the cause, and once he explained it to me, I believed in it as well. I’m very close to Ireland. I made Private Ryan here, and it’s a film close to my and Tom Hanks’ heart, and that was my introduction to the culture. It was such a wonderful experience; we have come back to Ireland time and again ourselves, myself and my wife and children.

“Daniel didn’t have to convince me for long to bring the European premiere here. He threw it out as a possibility, and I said we should commit to it now, it was a great idea.”

The film tells the story of the passing of the 13th Amendment to the

Constitution that abolished slavery at a time when the country was in the midst of the Civil War, which lasted for four years and claimed the lives of 750,000 citizens. Lincoln himself was committed to the reunification of the country at a time of extreme division, and his belief in democracy, the constitution and America helped to deliver peace and emancipation to the nation. Sadly, he only lived to see a few days beyond the end of the civil war before he was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth.

The film has been roundly hailed as another Spielberg masterpiece, and the lead role appears to have been one that Day-Lewis was born to play. continued on Page 22

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

Our Dog of the Week is Faye, a three-year-old Lurcher cross. This lovely lady was abandoned because she was pregnant and went on to break records in Dogs Trust having the largest ever litter, 15 puppies.

All of her puppies have found their forever homes and we now hope its Faye’s turn to finally get a chance to relax and look after herself for a while.

Faye is polite, sweetnatured, affectionate with a beautiful soul. This supermom just wants to snuggle up on a big sofa with plenty of toys to occupy her.

If you think you can provide a good home for Faye, contact Dogs Trust at 01 879 1000. Further information about their work can be found at www. dogstrust.ie. All dogs that are adopted from Dogs Trust are vet-checked, vaccinated, neutered and micro-chipped before being re-homed.

GAZETTE

18 GAZETTE 31 January 2013

OUT&ABOUT Dressing right  LAURA WEBB

LIFE STYLE SPORTS recently launched its first Men’s Fitness and Running Campaign – No Excuses. No Regrets.

This campaign is dedicated to men’s running and fitness and is supported by the store’s top brands Nike, Adidas, Asics and Under Armour.

Basically the message to everyone that as we all decide to get fit, following some overindulgence over Christmas, the one thing we need to make sure is that we train in the right clothing.

With this in mind, the retail giant is also launching Fitness

Accessorize Leather Driving Gloves €34 NOW €16.90 Nike Steady €50 Miss Selfridge Zip Detail Embellished Dress €85 NOW €32 rs: wea penterNOW Accessorize Mod Egyptian Study Belt €10.90 Car€23.50 el Holl

(Life Style Sports Exclusive), Adidas Prime Zip Hoody - €46 €35 , Adidas TF Perfect ¾ Pant Adidas Clima Long Tank - €30

Under Armour Coldgear Compression Mock €55

Adidas 3 Stripe Fitness Track Top €52 NOW €35

Nike Shape Medium Support Bra Top €35 NOW €25

Adidas Kanadia €70

Nike slim shorts €28 Adidas Clima Core 3/4 tight €35

31 January 2013 GAZETTE 19

when getting fit Product Experts in store. Their job is to advise customers on the right footwear and clothing to wear for each sport.

Mark Stafford, chief executive, Life Style Sports said: “More and more Irish people are looking to fitness and outdoor training to give them a release from the pressures of modern life. We know that participation levels are at a record high as people take to the streets, beaches, roads and bootcamps everywhere, determined to get active and be social. At Life Style Sports we are confident we have the best running and fitness range on the high street.” All items featured are available at Life Style Sports.

NIke Flex €65

Adidas Adiviz Jacket €65

Adidas Response 7in Shorts €32 €25

Under Armour Coldgear Compression Mock €50

Adidas Duramo 4 €50

NIke Dri Fit Cotton Sleeveless Tee €22

Acc essStyle orize Egy Life Sports ptian StuTeam d Belt Member €23.50 NOWAlvaro €10.90wears: Under Armour Storm Hoodie - €48, Under Armour Tech SS Tee - €22, Under Armour HG Mirage Short - €22 Adidas Clima 365 pants €45

GAZETTE

STYLE

Gazette

20 gazette 31 January 2013

OUT&ABOUT

CINEMA

Theatre

THE pavilioN THEATRE 01 231 2929 David Meade- Mind Reader

BBC’s fastest rising star is returning to the stage hot on the heels of his smash hit record-breaking TV series Make Believe, after three years of unprecedented success on BBC One. With a show that is as hilarious as it is jaw dropping, Meade has just returned from a US tour February 4, tickets €20.

Draiocht 01 885 2622 Beckett X 3

GODOT Theatre Company London are back with three more short Beckett plays on Wednesday, February 6 at 8.15pm in the Draiocht Studio. Tickets are priced at €10.

CIVIC THEATRE 01 462 7477 WAG

Former Fair City actress Gemma Doorly makes her directorial debut with her play WAG starring her former Fair City colleague and good friend Sorcha Furlong. Following its sell-out tour, WAG is a black comedy and modern fable. Set in the lavish surroundings of a sports star’s mansion while he is away, his wife has invited a guest around for a drink and a chat – his mistress. Running from Thursday, January 31 until Sunday, February 2, tickets are priced at €16 with €12 concessions.

Hugh Jackman takes Anne Hathaway’s Fantine to safety

review: les miserables hits the screen, led by hathaway

Not revolutionary IT IS one of the most famous stage musicals in the world.

It has continued to thrill audiences across the globe and has been the subject of countless school plays.

It is odd then, that Les Miserables would still, to this day, be without a definitive screen version.

It has been seen as unfilmable and a 1998 adaptation of the Victor Hugo novel, sans musical numbers, limped to a paltry $14 million at the US box office.

The difficulty comes from a number of different factors.

Firstly, it is a story that jumps forward in time of ten and suddenly.

Secondly, it is a story that is not about any one thing. It is ostensibly the story of Jean Valjean ( Hu g h J a c k m a n ) , a convict attempting to

Film of the Week: Les Miserables h h h (12) 158 mins Director: Tom Hooper Starring: Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Helena Bonham Carter, Sacha Baron Cohen

 Paul Hosford phosford@gazettegroup.com

make a better life while evading the clutches of police inspector Javert (Russell Crowe).

But the story of Valjean is weak as a central strand for a film that clocks in at two and a half hours.

Jackman does an admirable job, particularly vocally, in infusing his Valjean with whatever humanity he can, but the film is so scattergun, the exposition so wanting that he just doesn’t have the room to be a character on which to hitch such a large film.

It is a shame, ultimately, because Jackman does

OUR VERDICT: AMBITION is not a problem here, as Hooper takes on a massive task. He tries to capture a definitive screen version of one of the most famous musicals ever. Unfortunately, he comes up short, with excellent performances and some nice visual flourishes not enough to compensate for a weak script, muddled scenes and rushed characterisation making for a film that feels more like a missed opportunity.

his best and takes the film on Valjean’s famously broad shoulders.

He is aided by a star turn by Anne Hathaway, all blotched skin and short hair.

As her Fantine becomes more and more desperate, selling her hair, teeth and body, Hathaway excels and her version of I Dreamed a Dream, shot in one extended close-up, is spine tingling.

In one take, she claims the song as her own, demanding that hers be the definitive touchstone for the performance going forward.

It is incredible to see, particularly given that there were some who thought that Catwoman could not play the heroine of Les Mis. There are less good performances, though.

Russell Crowe’s Javert is purposely rigid and inflexible, but Crowe’s complete lack of humanity makes any late character changes completely pointless.

Amanda Seyfried is another who, while obviously talented, is hobbled by the script’s inability to nail down a central narrative.

Her Cosette, essentially the most important character in the film, is lost in the maelstrom of songs, revolution and characters.

Another criminally underused is Samantha Barks, the British actress making her film debut.

Her Eponine is excellent, but underutilised.

With the popularity of Glee, there is a weariness of musical film and television and much of that comes down to autotune and the lack of authenticity it brings.

Luckily, Hooper kept a dedication to live performance throughout the shoot and the results are mixed, but at least they are authentic.

Jackman str uggles occassionally and Crowe slips into rock power balladeer, but Hathaway, Barks and the surprisingly good Cohen and Carter lift the film as close to definitive as possible.

31 January 2013 GAZETTE 21

GAZETTE

GAMING BYTES&PIECES

NIKE+ KINECT FITNESS: STEP UP TO EXERCISE

Plenty of help to fight the flab FOLLOWING Christmas over-indulgences, I’m probably not the only person wishing to ditch a few, um, unexpected kilos that have mysteriously jumped onto my weight.

How did that happen?

Why do I suddenly resemble Homer Simpson?

Well, step forward an interesting and well-developed Kinect title that should get that unwanted flab moving.

Nike+ Kinect Fitness for the XBox 360 is something that seems tailor-made not just for the New Year (and all those resolutions to get fit and healthy that we all tend to make, and then ditch by the time February rolls around), but for the whole year round.

Certainly, given our generally miserable weather,

A COLLAPSE OF NOTE

HMV vouchers anger many AT THE time of writing, HMV’s recent collapse in Ireland has stung a lot of consumers, angered at the now worthless HMV vouchers they have.

As was seen with the GAME chain’s collapse last year, the Irish wing of the international chain has been shut and shuttered, although the British stores have remained open and trading, as the Irish stores were placed into receivership, while the British stores entered administration – both procedures are disastrous for any company to face, yet have very different operations.

Of course, the most regrettable collapse of HMV in Ireland is the loss of hundreds of jobs across its 16 stores here (and the knock-on impact on local economies and sub-contractors). However, as extensive media coverage has shown, consumers have felt stung by its collapse, with the decision not to honour any gift vouchers sold in Ireland up to the point the chain closed its stores angering many.

This decision was not helped by the announcement that the still trading British HMV stores are honouring vouchers sold up to its administration, there.

With the news that restructuring firm Hilco has bought HMV’s debts, thus stabilising the firm – in Britain, at least, thus giving some breathing room to attempt to rescue the chain – HMV’s 90-year history isn’t fully concluded.

Unfortunately, for now, it seems likely that HMV Ireland’s legacy has struck a sour note with many ...

Although I’m not normally a fan of such home exercise titles, there’s no denying that Nike+ Kinect Fitness is a very well put together title – with ubiquitous Nike branding here and there, of course – and will reward those who want to get fit and will make an effort. As always with such titles, a decent amount of exercise space

 SHANE DILLON

sdillon@gazettegroup.com

and the continuing budgetary pinch of the recession, anything to help you exercise at a more than affordable price all year round at home is to be welcomed.

Enough wittering – what, exactly, is Nike+ Kinect Fitness about?

Well, as the name suggests, it’s all about getting fit, courtesy of a wide variety of programmes devised with Nike.

By picking a virtual fitness instructor, an initial fitness assessment then determines your general

BYTES&PIECES THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME

is advised to help get the best results from Nike+ Kinect Fitness.

fitness etc, right now.

From that starting point, the title – you couldn’t call it a “game”, – then puts you through your paces over the following weeks, with a wide variety of exercises to put you through your paces.

And, believe me, there’s plenty there to face up to, as you’d be surprised how much you can do at home, and how challenging it can be.

While we’ve seen plenty of similar titles before – the entertaining Wii Fit on the Nintendo Wii

springs to mind – there’s no doubting that Nike+ Kinect Fitness is a step beyond (no pun intended), as the range of exercises, challenging goals, genuine sense of achievement should be enough to motivate you towards becoming healthier.

Obviously enough, for such an all-round fitness title, you’ll need a decent amount of space for some of the more challenging exercises (just as you would at a gym, or exercise spot), and also for the required Kinect sensor

WITHOUT more solid details, I’m not delving too much into this just yet, but given all the smoke signals, wild speculation and pure gossip here and there, it looks very likely indeed that 2013 will see the successors to the PlayStation 3 and XBox 360 released, following on the heels of the recently released Wii U. All of the current-gen consoles (well, really, that just leaves the PS3 and the 360, now) have enjoyed

attachment to properly track exactly what you’re doing.

And, of course, the biggest “flaw” with Nike+ Kinect Fitness is you, the user – it’s a great title that’s very polished and pretty comprehensive, but, not unlike learning Latin, it’s either something you want to do, or you don’t.

However, as a welldesigned title with a consistently good use of the Kinect sensor, and a genuinely motivating feeling of progress, it’s to be recommended.

the longest lifecycle of any console, to date, and both consoles continue to see remarkable games and franchises being rolled out – 2013 has some outstanding titles on the way for both consoles.

However, it’s no secret that both Sony and Microsoft are keen to release their next consoles, and given the evidence to date, 2013 looks set to be a lucky year for gamers (with deep pockets, of course). Watch this space ...

Gazette

22 Gazette 31 January 2013

OUT&ABOUT

Interview

stephen spielberg from p17 In the movie, Day-Lewis utterly inhabits the title role as the iconic leader Abraham Lincoln, which has led to him being tipped for more Oscar glory come February 24. Spielberg was fulsome in his praise of the actor.

“I’m so grateful Daniel agreed to play Abraham Lincoln. I never imagined anyone could play Lincoln other than Daniel. I approached him three times over a five-year period, and, eventually, he said yes.

“We had to get the research right. Lincoln is the most compelling figure on the American national landscape. He saved the American experiment in democracy, and pretty much saved the constitution. He didn’t do it alone, a lot of people helped him do what he did.

“We’re only telling a small part of the gigantic Lincoln story, on the last four months of his life, but it’s enough of an intimate focus to give you a real idea who he was as a human being,” said Spielberg.

Although the movie documents a very specific and significant moment in American history, Spielberg said that he felt there was a message in the movie for an international audience.

“The film is really about the power and responsibility of personal, intimate leadership.

It’s about a leader who was one of the people.

There was no firewall between him and the people who elected him, and no firewall between him and the compassion he had for the people of the United States of America, and the tremendous anguish and mourning [he felt] for the war that took more lives than all of the American wars combined.

“I think it’s a great story, he’s one of the most amazing characters in global history. Every country has a Lincolnian figure who was inspirational and did great things in its formation or during a crisis, and everyone can relate to Lincoln, based on figures from their own nation.”

Stephen Spielberg at the European premiere

MUSIC

MUSIC REVIEW: sophomore release from welsh power trio

Utterly Formidable and Joyous effort  ROB heigh rheigh@gazettegroup.com

THERE are some things about music that are indesputable. That Prince will always test your patience as a fan.

That you will never completely get Captain Beefheart. That there are some people whose lives you’ll change when you introduce them to Tom Waits.

Another indisputable truth is the enduring appeal of the power trio.

Jimi Hendrix Experience, Cream, The Jam, Husker Du, Nirvana, Muse, the original PJ Harvey lineup — legends all.

Get set to reserve a place on that list for The Joy Formidable, who have just released their second album, Wolf’s Law, and who last weekend demolished The Academy with an astonishing live set.

The Welsh trio began to stake their claim for a place on rock’s pedestal with a couple of EPs and their debut release, The Big Roar, which collected some of the stand-out tracks from their initial releases.

Their studio incarnation, though, is only a small part of the story — live, The Joy Formidable truly soar with an energy and ferocity few current acts in any genre can muster, and they have thrilled and awed crowds

The Joy Formidable: Matt Thomas, Ritzy Bryan and Rhydian Dafydd

at festivals internationally over the last two years since the release of The Big Roar. You don’t get an opening slot for Foo Fighters without being a little bit special, and TJF are way more than just a little special.

Some of that lightnng has been caught in the bottle of Wolf’s Law. From the dramatic, operatic strings that open the record and lead into their explosive lead single,

This Ladder Is Ours, this is a stadium-sized statement of intent.

From Cholla onward, there is a progression through the record as TJF seem to be intent to document their growing maturity and confidence as a band. Drawing on what they have learned on stages across the globe and in the studio, the dynamic and drama that fill this record are unparalleled. Recording

in Maine in winter obviously agreed with the band, and the fruits of those sessions have made for something that could well be high on the lists of the albums of 2013.

Even the beautiful acoustic Silent Treatment is filled with wisdom and power. When Matt, Ritzy and Rhydian play together, their unity of purpose comes out in the glorious rock noise they create.

Wolf’s Law is a pretty

amazing achievement for a second album. The kinds of heights achieved here are usually reserved for bands much further down their career paths.

Hopefully, this will lead to an absolutely legendary third record, which will have the added ingredients that the experience of loftier slots on festival bills will bring.

They are truly Formidable indeed.

31 January 2013 SWORDS GAZETTE 23

GAZETTE

MOTORS road

NOISE Fiesta, a stylish mobile workshop

The Audi A3 has a top speed of 216 km/h and goes from 0-100kmh in 8.6 seconds

AUDI: ENTRY-LEVEL MODEL WITH THE FEEL OF AN EXECUTIVE MODEL

Awe-inspiring A3 is a cut above the rest  CORMAC CURTIS

AS a rule, I don’t like to know too much about a vehicle I am testing until I’ve been behind the wheel for a few days. I have even gone so far as to avoid walking behind the car entirely in case I see what size engine is under the hood.

So, a few weeks back, while I was waiting for the keys of the Audi A3 that the dealer was trusting me with for a week, I happened to glance at the spec sheet of the model in question.

The car was packing a 4-cylinder, 2-litre diesel engine pumping out 150bhp (almost as much pulling power as my first 6-cylinder, 2.5-litre petrol saloon), it was going

to go from 0 to 100km/h in 8.6 seconds, top out at 216km/h and produce a paltry 106g of carbon per km (combined).

But that’s not all.

On top of all that, this little beauty was going to sip an average of just 4.1 litres of diesel per 100km driven (combined).

If you’re anything like me, the first time you sit in this car, the build quality alone will give you pause for thought.

Combine that with an exceptional driver’s cockpit, and you begin to feel that you are about to drive something very special indeed.

Frankly, I get the distinct feeling that the tens of thousands of euros more spent on each of Audi’s executive models

somehow trickles down to each of the A3s.

I was told that the air vents alone contain 42 moving parts, just so the driver can adjust the “shape” of the airflow – to me, that sounds like the kind of R&D reserved for the A8 fleet, but somehow makes it to this incredible entry-level model.

Even in the base-level trim, the driver is treated to a clean, uncluttered and incredibly intuitive set of controls.

T h e n ow- f a m i l i a r “i-drive” style wheel just rear of the gear stick takes care of much of the adjustments and settings of the sat nav, stereo and phone – there is even an option that gives the surface of the controller a touchsensitive feature that ena-

bles the driver to write letters and numbers in order to prompt and control sat nav, telephone and stereo functions without taking their eyes off the road.

I will fess-up that it took me at least a day to figure out how to make the LCD screen disappear back into its housing in the dash, but when I did, it was a delight.

I’m not a fan of the new big screens that seem to be in every car, the ones that stick straight up out of the console I find particularly annoying as most drivers only use them occasionally.

Going to the trouble of making this feature available in the A3 speaks volumes of the attention to detail that Audi have committed here.

T he test model I enjoyed was in Glacial White Metallic and is just so well-proportioned it almost seems a shame to offer it in a four-door version.

The front grille is almost disproportionately large… almost. In reality it, along with the gorgeous, slightly jaunty headlights, gives the front end of this car a perfect look and expression.

The body looks strong without resorting to an overly “muscular” look, so it really offers something different and attractive.

I’m not sure what I was expecting from the A3, but what I drove was something special, and I would gladly sit in it every morning for many years and never get bored.

THE new Ford Fiesta Van, which has just arrived in Ireland, delivers class-leading fuel efficiency and segment-first technologies for both large and small businesses.

All diesel engines in the new van achieve sub-100 g/km CO2 emissions and 3.7 l/100 km (76.4 mpg) or better.

“The new Fiesta Van is a stylish mobile workshop for light duty tools and equipment that makes great business sense,” said Eddie Murphy, chairman and managing director of Ford Ireland.

“Both local tradesmen and urban delivery fleets will appreciate its sharp, professional looks, while relying on its versatility, dependability and exceptionally low running costs.”

Fiesta Van powertrain choice now includes the new 75 PS 1.5-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel, alongside the 95 PS 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel and 82 PS 1.25-litre Duratec petrol units.

The van’s package of leading Ford driver assistance and safety features includes a number of important segment-first technologies.

In Ireland, the vehicle is available in three series: Fiesta Van, Trend Van and the really stylish Sport Van. Prices start at €14,620 excluding delivery and related costs.

CUTTING OUT THE NONSENSE ABOUT INSURANCE: LOW-COST car insurance company, No Nonsense, has announced the launch of SmartDriver – an innovative technology aimed at cutting out the nonsense in the car insurance market by offering cash back based on individual driver behaviour. This state-of-the-art telematics technology aims to

cut out the nonsense in the car insurance market by rewarding safe drivers for their behaviour on the roads.

The news comes as the EU gender directive has banned insurance discounts based on gender and will be seen by many younger women as an ideal way to avoid the significant increase in premiums and instead get cash back of up to 30% with No Nonsense.

Kate Cepeola and Darragh Griffin (both four) and Jackie McMahon, general manager of No Nonsense, pictured at the launch of SmartDriver

24 swords gazette 31 January 2013

Gazette

&ABOUT OUT fast TRAVEL NEWS Set your heart on a romantic getaway for two Valentine’s Day: perfect escape for two

Hotels.com have it all for a city break

If you plan on spending this year’s Valentine’s Day enjoying a romantic city break, choosing the right place to stay isn’t as complicated as you may think. Since love is in the air, Hotels. com are offering some great offers on some of their top hotels in some of Europe’s most romantic city destinations.

If it’s passion in Paris you’re looking for, the Platine Hotel is situated in the heart of this romantic city. The Art Deco hotel is in easy reach of the Eiffel Tower and plays homage to the life of Marilyn Monroe with pictures adorning every bedroom. Prices start from €252 per room, per night.

Love can also be found in Rome and staying at the Eurostar’s International Palace means you’re within easy walking distance of some of Rome’s most popular tourist hotspots. Prices start from €84 per room per night. For more information, visit www.hotels.com.

Make haste north with great offers Heading up north this Valentines? If so, Hastings Hotels have some great offers to help ensure your romantic getaway is one to remember.

With Valentine offers available from Thursday, February 14 until Saturday, February 16, why not enjoy a luxurious overnight stay, a romantic dinner for two, a glass of bubbly, as well as a full Irish breakfast (and an exclusive Valentine’s duck) from just £65pps.

Choose to stay at the Everglades Hotel in Derry from £65pps, Ballygally Castle in Antrim from £70pps, Europa Hotel in Belfast from £80pps or the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa in Newcastle from £85pps. Culloden Estate and Spa in Belfast is also available to book from £110pps.

Luxury extras are available at each hotel including champagne and chocolates in your room on arrival, or why not surprise your other half with a luxury spa treatment at the Culloden or Slieve Donard.

See www.hastingshotels.com or call 048 9047 1066.

Loved-up couples everywhere have plenty of choice when it comes to planning a romantic getaway this Valentine’s.

W hether you’re tempted to fly abroad for a romantic city break, or fancy making the most of the Emerald Isle, there are plenty of special offers and idyllic escapes to choose from.

Romantic Escapes Whisking your one and only off to west Cork will mean you find the perfect spot to enjoy long romantic walks at The Celtic Ross Hotel in Rosscarbery. From February 15-17, visitors will enjoy two nights’ accommodation with a full Irish breakfast and a romantic dinner in

Druid’s Restaurant.

The Valentine’s and Romance package includes some extra treats such as wine, chocolates, a love-heart balloon as well as a late check out. One night stays are available at €179.

For more information, visit www.selecthotels. ie For those interested in spreading the love while still keeping it within the budget, the Clarion Hotel in Sligo is offering the perfect escape for two.

The hotel is offering one night’s B&B on either February 15 or 16, with the addition of some subtle romantic touches.

Offering Valentine

dates a free upgrade to a suite – the package also includes a mini-spa treatment per person, a four-course dinner with a glass of bubbly and chocolates, as well as a complimentary drink.

Plus, the check-out time is extended to 2pm.

Available at just €99 per person.

Details: 071 9119000; www.clarionhotelsligo. com If it’s that something extra you’re looking for, The Twelve Hotel in Bearna leaves no stone unturned with its special Lovebomb package. In keeping with its name, the hotel is offering 12 special Valentine specialities.

First, you check into a suite. Next, petals are

LocalMatters S u p p o r t lo c al bus i n e ss

Advertise with the Gazette call 60 10 240

The Twelve Hotel in Bearna is offering 12 special Valentine specialities

strewn across the bed and you enjoy some bubbly, two red-iced muffins from the hotel bakers, a packed picnic for a romantic stroll and a candlelit dinner.

Then comes the pampering in-room treatments, Love Potion cocktails, fun framed caricatures of you and your other half, as well as a discount gift voucher for Hartman’s Jewellers (just in case the need to drop to one knee suddenly presents itself!) and a wrapped rose on checkout… And as for the twelfth? “The wonderful 12th itself!”.

At €450 per couple, the package is available from February 13-15.

Details: 091 597000; www.thetwelvehotel.ie

There is plenty of choice

Loved-up chic While the infamous Irish countryside pulls at most heartstrings, city chic can also spell romance.

A getaway to the fourstar Pembroke Hotel, located in the heart of Kilkenny City, promises a two-night escape with chocolates and champagne on arrival.

Couples can enjoy dinner in Statham’s Restaurant on the evening of their choice, as well as breakfast each morning.

And since it’s just a twominute walk from Kilkenny Castle, the stunning canal walk and the city’s renowned nightlife can ensure you see some of the local sights on the second day. Priced at €149pp.

Details: 056 7783500; www.pembrokekilkenny.com Whites of Wexford has the ideal package to help couples unwind

31 January 2013 swords gazette 25

Gazette

Travel

fast

TRAVEL NEWS The Celtic Ross Hotel in Rosscarbery in west Cork

Cayo Coco in northern Cuba

Cliff House Hote in Ardmore, west Waterford

in romantic getaways this Valentine’s Day. Picture: Karolina Laser

this Valentine’s.

The four-star luxury hotel is located in the heart of Wexford Town and its Valentine’s offer includes an overnight break with dinner and a glass of bubbly on arrival for just €69 per person.

Relish the time out with a treatment in the Tranquillity Spa followed by afternoon tea or candle-lit dinner in the Terrace Restaurant.

For more information, visit www.selecthotels. ie.

Sultry Spa Break If you really want to spoil your loved one, adding a special spa treatment to the romantic night away will win y o u m a j o r b r ow n i e points.

Just minutes from Dublin, Dunboyne Castle Hotel and Spa is the perfect setting for a romantic getaway.

From €112 per person sharing, guests can enjoy an overnight stay with a chocolate and rose-petal turn down, dinner in the hotel’s Ivy Brasserie restaurant with a complimentary glass of bubbly and access to the award-winning Seoid Spa, offering a range of Valentine’s treatments, including couples massages.

See www.dunboynecastlehotel.com or call 01 8013500.

Nothing else says I love you quite like a fivestar escape and where better than luxury on our own doorstep at The Shelbourne Hotel.

Enjoy an Elemis facial for her and an indulgent hot-towel shave for him, plus full use of the hotel’s fitness and thermal suites.

To round off your pampering treat, cosy up in the Saddle Room

Restaurant for a gourmet dinner by candlelight before ending the evening with a night cap at the popular Shelbourne Bar. This overnight break is priced from €370 per room per night, and the package is available until February 17, 2013.

Details: 01 663 4500; www.theshelbourne.ie

Food Lovers Food is the language of love this Valentine’s Day, according to the Cliff House Hotel, a five-star hotel overlooking the historic village of Ardmore, west Waterford.

And what other way to spend a romantic V-day evening then a feast at Martijn Kaiuiter’s award-winning, Michelin-starred cuisine.

The House Restaurant showcases the best produce to be found on Irish land and sea and

The luxurious spa at The Shelbourne Hotel

guests can savour the applauded delights of the prestigious chef. To complete the gourmet experience, wake in the morning to a full Irish breakfast before depart-

Whites of Wexford

ing for home. The Valentine’s Gourmet package is priced from €360 per room.

Details: 024 87 800; www.thecliffhousehotel.com

Pack your bags and enjoy an exotic Valentine destination Telling your loved one on the evening of Valentine’s Day to pack their bags for a flight the next day can only prove one thing – that your partner is clearly on to a winner.

For those looking to really spoil their partner this year, Thomas Cook Far and Away has two exotic Valentine destinations to offer.

Whisk your special someone off to the West Coast of Africa and stay in the threestar Hotel Seaview Gardens in gorgeous Gambia, just a short stroll from Kololi beach. A 14-night stay is priced at €1,249 per person sharing, departing on February 15 from Gatwick.

Or how about celebrating Valentine’s Day itself on a romantic beach on the sundrenched island of Cayo Coco in northern Cuba?

A hideout by buccaneers in the early colonial period, Cayo Coco is part of a chain of beautiful islands called King’s Gardens.

Thomas Cook is offering 14 nights on an all-inclusive basis at the three-star-plus Tryp Hotel, with all meals and drinks included from just €989 per person sharing, including transfers from Gatwick, departing 15 February. Connecting flights from Irish airports can be arranged.

Call the Thomas Cook Far and Away team in Dublin on (01) 514 0316, log onto www. thomascook.ie or visit your travel agent.

26 SWORDS GAZETTE 31 January 2013

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

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Gazette

awards P28

FastSport lucan make dream debut:

Michael Darragh MacAuley was on hand to launch Setanta Sports’ coverage of the Allianz National Leagues in Dublin city centre last week

football: ballyboden man admits 2012 league form did not reach full intensity

MacAuley hoping for fresh Dubs’ outlook for new year BALLYBODEN St Enda’s man Michael Darragh MacAuley believes there is a much stronger resolve around the Dublin senior football panel going into 2013 after a tepid reign as All-Ireland senior football champions.

Speaking at the launch of Setanta Ireland’s live coverage of the Allianz league last week, he admitted that the sky-blues “didn’t reach the intensity levels required last year in the league and consequently didn’t get results.

“In 2011 we reached the league final on the back of our high intensity levels

and this gave us a great platform for our successful championship campaign.”

But 2012 was a lower key affair in the league and it permeated into the championship campaign.

“I think we didn’t realise it at the time, but lads’ heads just weren’t as clued in as much as the year before, simple as that.

“I knew we’d struggle with that early in the year, but thought we’d get our heads together. But in talking to people, all the panel, everyone’s heads weren’t in the right place at the right time. Eve-

rything has to be 100%.

“If one player is off, and we had a few players not hitting full whack last year, that’s all it takes. It’s only a matter of inches in winning in All-Ireland, it really is,” he added.

But the Boden man says that, with the fresh impetus of Jim Gavin at the helm, the mood is confident.

“With Jim in place there is a blank canvas for all the players, consequently new players will want to show the new management team just what they can do and Cork will offer a great test first

day out.”

He is speaking of the opening day clash against the Rebel county on February 2 at 7pm in Croke Park.

The clash of the Dubs and Cork is not the only action from headquarters and at 5pm Kildare and Donegal throw in for what should be a great curtain raiser between the newly promoted Lilywhites and of course the reigning All-Ireland champions.

The third and final televised game of the opening weekend is the all-Ulster clash between Down and Tyrone.

CHESS teams from St Jude’s, Skerries, Lucan and Malahide all took part in the first community games event of the year in Jobstown last Friday night.

At U-12 level, Lucan were competing for the very first time and claimed the gold with former national champions taking silver with the former, featuring Muhtarim Ul Haiq, Jordan Maldianu, Andrei Buda, Mustakim Ul Haiq and Brandon Amerai, making it through to the Leinster finals.

Malahide took gold at U-16 level with a team featuring David Deneher, Killan Burke, Aaron Cummins, Alessio Roselli, Jacob Flynn, David Kearney. The Leinster finals will take place in Longford on Sunday, April 7.

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

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

Gazette

28 SWORDS Gazette 31 January 2013

SPORT

DublinGazetteNewspapers 2013 dublin sports awards january nominees

AMID the winter weather and a glut of cancelled fixtures, local stars from around the city braved the elements to produce some truly stunning sporting feats, starting off the New Year in breathtaking fashion. Conor McGregor saw in the year with one of the earliest victories, further announcing himself on the world stage. A number of Dublin’s young stars made strong impacts in the O’Byrne Cup with Eric Lowndes, stepping straight up from minor into the senior ranks, chief among them while Swords man James Cluskey is in the form of his life on the tennis circuit. On the team front, January means basketball’s cup finals with Palmerstown CS shading out a number of other Dublin schools for this month’s nomination. Malahide United claimed All-Ireland glory to add to their 26-county title of last summer while St Joseph’s, Lucan made a significant camogie breakthrough.

H STARof the MONTH

james cluskey

eric Lowndes

conor mcgregor

THE Swords LTC club member had an amazing January, winning an ITF Futures doubles title in Germany before finishing as runner-up at another event in Germany and also in France, making for the perfect warmup for the Davis Cup

THE Naomh Peregrine tyro enjoyed a hugely impressive month as he made a smooth transition from minor level to Jim Gavin’s senior set-up, lining out to great effect in Dublin’s run to the O’Byrne cup final despite his tender years

LUCAN resident Conor McGregor became just the second double weight world champion in the history of mixed martial arts with a first round knock-out against Ivan Buchinger at Cage Warriors fighting championship on New Year’s Eve

st joseph’s college, Lucan

malahide united

palmerstown CS

IN QUICK succession, St Joseph’s College in Lucan landed the school’s first and second A camogie titles with their juniors starting the run with victory over St MacDara’s. Their senior side followed up with a win over Maryfield to match the feat.

MALAHIDE United’s U-16 side added an All-Ireland title to the SFAI crown they won last summer when they defeated St Oliver Plunkett’s from Belfast at the inaugural DB Sports Tour national cup finals in Dundalk’s Oriel Park

A BREATHTAKING display in the middle stages of their All-Ireland U-19B final at the National Basketball Arena saw Palmerstown claim the national honours with Cyril Kwan scooping the most valuable player title into the bargain

TEAMof the MONTH H

Sweeney and Cullen the Raheny star attractions  sport@gazettegroup.com

DSDAC’S Joseph Sweeney in the lead Picture: Peter Mooney /flickr.com/photos/peterm7/sets

DSDAC’S Joe Sweeney stormed to another decisive win in last weekend’s AXA 29th annual Raheny 5 road race but the star of the show was undoubtedly North Sligo AC’s Mary Cullen who lives in nearby Santry.

Her career has been blighted by injury and illness in the last two years but, in her first serious competitive race in over 15 months, she smashed the women’s course record finishing a remarkable 12th overall in the race in 25:55.

The magnitude of her achievement is underlined by the fact that she is the first Irish female athlete to dip under 26 minutes for five miles on Irish soil. The defending title holder and Olympic marathoner Linda Byrne, another DSD club member, stayed with Cullen in the early stages of the race but eventually had to give way. She finished second in the women’s race in 26:35.

The standard at the top of the field is underlined by the fact that 119 athletes finished under 30 minutes. At the head

of affairs Sweeney and his Tallaght AC rival Tom Fitzpatrick had broken away from the rest of the field by the one-mile marker while Kilkenny’s Brian Maher was alone in third spot.

In the end Sweeney prevailed in 23:53; Fitzpatrick was second in 24:02 while Maher took third place in 25:00. Simon Ryan was the host club’s top finisher taking fifth place in 25:11 just ahead of Cillian O’Leary while Ian Conroy was eighth.

Notable too was the performance of 47-year-old Mick Traynor who finished a remark-

able 17th overall and won the O-45 category in 26:10; his clubmate Damien Martin was second in O-45 in 26:46.

Of the other local clubs involved, 17 athletes from Lucan Harriers took on the race. In the men’s field, First home for Lucan was Derek Taylor, in 29:40 ahead of Patrick Holden in 32:13.

On the women’s side, Lucan’s first home was Bernie Stapleton in 37:01, she was quickly followed by Lisa Convey in 37:26 and Deirdre Counihan was seconds behind them in 37:50.

31 January 2013 SWORDS Gazette 29

Gazette

30 SWORDS gazette 31 January 2013

SPORT

FastSport

tennis: swords looking forward to riverview support

Swords O’Neill seeking Cage contender crowd LOCAL cage fighter Aaron O’Neill has earned a fight at the massive Cage Contender XVI event in Dublin on February 23, which is being billed as the biggest night in Irish Mixed Martial Arts since the UFC visited Dublin in 2009.

The Swords man who trains at the Performance Martial Arts gym in Ashbourne will aim to continue his rise as one of Ireland’s top fight prospects when he faces off against the tough County Antrim based Owen Kinney at the National Basketball Arena.

“I am calling on the people of Swords to throw the whole weight of their community behind Aaron O’Neill and support him at Cage Contender 16,” John Ferguson, the event’s promoter, said.

“He has the makings of a great athlete and their support will most definitely help. He is on a fight card with some of the planet’s biggest names and hometown support is important.”

Yet again, Cage Contender will treat their fan base to some of the world’s best fighters. This time round one of the world’s most controversial and best known welterweights UFC and Strikeforce superstar Paul “Semtex” Daley will headline the biggest fight card ever assembled in Ireland outside of the UFC. His opponent is the popular Patrick Vallee who Daley said is “bringing himself a world of hurt” by creating an online campaign calling Daley out for this fight. A clearly disgruntled Daley has made no secret that he is happy to bring Vallee to Dublin and knock him out in front of the Irish fans.

“It is likely that this fight will see a finish as Daley and Vallee have 89% and 76% finishing averages respectively which should ensure an explosive spectacle for the thousands in attendance and millions watching in over 100 countries around the world.”

Cage Contender 16 will take place in the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght, Dublin on February 23. Tickets from €30 and are available from www.cagecontender.com and Xtravision stores nationwide.

James Cluskey, pictured right with James McGee, has been enjoying a superb run of form on the ITF Futures circuit since the turn of the year

Cluskey’s home comforts  peter carroll sport@gazettegroup.com

SWORDS LTC member James Cluskey says he can’t wait for his return to competition on Irish soil as he gears up to represent Ireland in the Davis Cup this weekend when they take on Estonia at the Riverview in Clonskeagh.

The 26-year-old is used to the big crowds having made it to a final in front of a jam-packed French audience at an ITF Futures event last week, but insists representing his country is one of the big draws of

playing in the tournament, as well as playing in a team full of friends and in front of his family.

“Well it is a huge honour to represent Ireland,” said Cluskey.

“It’s something that every athlete wants to do and I’m no different. I’m looking forward to playing in front of my family too.”

While a lot might feel pressure performing in front of family and friends, Cluskey is very composed about the ordeal, insisting that his family do not place a huge emphasis on his

Finnegan’s awake Fins’ woman on hand to launch National League FINGALLIANS’ Sinead Finnegan, pic-

tured, was in attendance at the 2013 Ladies National Football League launch and Tesco Homegrown sponsorship announcement of the league. Croke Park, Dublin.

The Jackies begin their campaign at Finnegan’s home turf in Lawless Memorial Park in Swords on Sunday at 2pm when they meet Meath in the first division 1A league encounter.

performances.

“My Dad really isn’t a tennis fan,” laughed the Dubliner.

“I don’t notice any difference in the way he treats me if I get knocked out in the first round of a tournament or if I win it.

“He is very supportive and he will come out to cheer me on even though he might not know what’s happening!

“My mum is the big tennis influence, she’s a good player and she likes to get a few games in at the club in Swords.

“She would follow all of the big events and I’m

sure she is very excited to see me playing in Dublin and I hope I can make her proud in my matches.

“They certainly wouldn’t put any pressure on me and it’s not something that I’m particularly worried about.”

Cluskey also admitted that he was confident the Irish could pull off the victory when they face off against Estonia with an injury to Jurgen Zoop, a close friend of the Swords man, leaving a big gap in their team.

“I was talking to Jurgen last year about this game when it looked

likely that our countries would be facing each other.

“He’s a good friend and although his absence might help the Irish it’s never nice to see a player missing their tennis due to injury.

“I do think we’ll pull off the win though, James McGee made it to a final last weekend in Israel, Sam and Eoin have made a final in a doubles event recently too, so I’m quietly confident.”

Ireland’s leading doubles player, Cluskey is likely to play in Saturday’s pairs in the third rubber of the tie.

31 January 2013 SWORDS gazette 31

Gazette

Deegan to be honoured by Ravens  sport@gazettegroup.com

ALTHOUGH Fingal Ravens usually put on a formal dance for their annual player awards, this year’s event will have a twist as they celebrate the acheivements of their minor league champions and bestow a special honour for long-serving senior manager Mick

Deegan.

After eight years with the club, rising through the ranks to senior football, Deegan stepped down to take up a role in the Dublin backroom staff but will be fondly remembered at the club.

“Although we maybe didn’t have the best of years at senior level last year, the juvenile sec-

tion was very successful and I’m sure all of our members will turn out in force,” said club chairman Declan O’Brien.

O’Brien also claimed that it was only right that Deegan is presented with a something to mark his fantastic rein at Fingal Ravens.

“The impact he had will never be forgotten,

coinciding with the most successful spell the club has ever had and it’s only right that we acknowledge the fantastic effort he put in.

“Everyone at Fingal Ravens wish him all the best in his new role where we are sure he can help the Dublin senior footballers go on to great things,” he finished.

football: dubs undone in extra time by kildare

Club Noticeboard fingalllians THE club wish to acknowledge the

night. It was very well attended and

very important sponsorship of a

our speakers kept them well enter-

second defibrillator by Swords Credit

tained on the night.

Union. This will now be in place for the

There will be Texas Hold’em poker

start of the new season and give the

this Friday in the club - February 1

club and visiting teams the important

from 8.30pm. The first prize is a €150

added facility in Balheary.

voucher, sponsored by Halpenny

Sadly, Simon Lambert will be finish-

Golf.

ing up with Fingallians this week. On

A clothes recycling drive will take

behalf of the coaching committee

place between 10am and 12pm each

and the club in general, we would like

Saturday until February 23. Unwant-

to extend our thanks for all his work

ed clothes, bedlinen, towels and tex-

over the past 12 months and wish him

tiles including shoes, bags, belts and

all the very best in his future career,

soft toys accepted.

including his playing career.

The senior Scor competition (adults)

Next week is a big week for our U-13,

will take place on Tuesday, February

U-14, U-15 and U-16s footballers as the

19 with the first round being held in

opening league games of the 2013 sea-

Naomh Mearnog. Competition format

son take place. The future is bright

is the same as for Scor na nOg. Any of

but they need our support.

our talented members are welcome

Players are reminded that the mouthguard rule is now in place and these are being sold in the club shop at €3 each.

to contact Liam at 086 3814422 for further details.

Every Wednesday night in the clubhouse at 9pm the Grupa Com-

The coaching committee would like

hra meets. This is a great chance to

to thank all those who attended the

refresh your Irish in a relaxed envi-

first coaching forum of 2013 on Friday

ronment.

st finian’s

Fingal Ravens’ man Darren Daly has been an ever present in this year’s O’Byrne Cup campaign

Daly denied O’Byrne title in extra time O’Byrne cup final Dublin 0-17 Kildare 1-16  sport@gazettegroup.com

DARREN Daly, Fingal Ravens, was in O’Byrne Cup final action last weekend for the Dublin senior footballers in the half back line, with Jim Gavin’s men coming up short in extra time against Kildare 1-16 to 0-17.

The goal came for the lilywhites in the first minute of the second half of extra time and would prove to be the deciding score, with Brigid’s stopper Shane Supple being beaten by a

cool finish from Clane’s Tomas O’Connor.

Daly had more to deal with toward the end of the tie when conditioned Dublin utility man Denis Bastick was given his marching orders from the midfield, giving the Ravens man a lot more to do.

The Dubs had put themselves in a winning position by half-time in extra-time when points from Paul Hudson (two, one free) and Pat Burke had carved out a threepoint advantage for the home side.

Kildare had also closed out the conclud-

ing moments of normal time on the up when points from John Doyle and Padraig O’Neill forced extra time.

In normal time Dublin squandered several simple point scoring opportunites which ended up costing them dear.

After 25 minutes Dublin lead 0-5 to 0-2 in this high tempo tussle but the Lilywhites responded with points from two of their minors of last year Paddy Brophy and Niall Kelly to lead 0-7 to 0-6 before the Dubs regained the advantage through points from Paddy Andrews and Paul

Mannion just before half-time.

Immediately on the restart Mannion struck a fine individual point and Andrews quickly tagged on another to move 0-10 to 0-7 clear.

But typical of this game the pendulum swung back the other way with Kildare slotting the next three points to bring the sides level.

It was a portent of things to come as the sides battled to the end of normal time with Kildare deservedly grabbing the late scores to earn extra-time, 0-14 each, and went on to victory.

MEMBERSHIP fees for 2013 are now due.

haven’t got your ticket yet. The cere-

The membership form can be found in

mony commences at 5pm in Peacock’s

the downloads section of www.stfin-

function room. The reception will still

ians.com.

be afterwards at the Regency Hotel.

The club has a lot of team registra-

Juvenile football commences next

tion expenses during this part of the

Saturday and we must remind all

year and therefore requests the early

parents that it is compulsory for all

payment of membership fees.

juvenile and minor footballers to wear

The Gormanston indoor hurling

a mouthguard,

leagues are ongoing, with great wins

We have agreed a deal with Cas-

for our U-8 hurlers and U-13 cam-

tle Mill Dental, Balbriggan, to supply

ogie players. Our U-8 team are also

and fit a mouthguard for €20. Team

recruiting players, please contact

mentors should arrange to visit as a

Barry Shelly or Mary Murphy.

group. Individuals can also arrange

Preparations are ongoing for the

appointments by contacting Tonya

Mock Wedding on February 16. Please

on 01-8410306 or email info@castlem-

contact any committee member if you

illdental.ie.

fingal ravens THE club social night with a BBQ this

can travel to Ventry in February for

Friday, February 1 in Kettle’s Country

the Paidi O’Se tournament.

House Hotel; we will have our player of

We are holding a handbag sale on

the year presentations, minor league

Saturday, March 9 in Kettle’s, please

winners presentations and a presen-

contact Ann Fox on 086 1771027 or

tation to Mick Deegan. We encourage

Maura Norton on 087 9936458 as soon

all members to come along.

as you can to donate your handbag.

2013 membership is now due, mem-

Please donate your unwanted/

bership forms are available on www.

unused handbags; they can be all

fingalravens.com or at the clubhouse.

shapes, sizes, colours and brands.

As agreed at the AGM all members

It is with great sadness that we

must have their membership paid in

learned of the death of a true GAA

full by March 31. if any member would

legend, former Dublin player and

like to pay by instalments they must

manager Kevin Heffernan. We would

have their last instalment paid by

like to send our condolences to his

March 31. Only fully paid up members

family.

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

JANUARY 31, 2013

daly show: Ravens man an ever-present in Dublin’s O’Byrne Cup title bid but Lilywhites prevail in Parnell P31

sports stars nominees: January’s shining lights up for monthly awards P28

Swords Celtic’s U-14s are looking forward to a date with Mungret Regional in the last 32 of the SFAI cup

All-Ireland double bill Swords Celtic host visitors from Limerick and Mayo on huge weekend for the club’s underage sides in the SFAI U-14 and U-13 competitions

 peter carroll

sport@gazettegroup.com

SWORDS Celtic are getting ready for one of the biggest weekends in recent times with two of their sides, Eddie Darcy’s U-13s and Stephen Kirwin U-14s, involved in SFAI All-Ireland Cup matches and another two teams taking part in league cup quarter finals.

The U-14 side started off the season with one objective – “to stay in the premier division” – after gaining a string of promotions over the past four years.

However, the talented group now find themselves in a fantastic position, sitting third in the league, in the last 32 of the SFAI Goodson Cup

and the quarter-finals of their league cup.

“We’ve had a terrific start to the season and we’ll be looking to push on now,” said Kirwan.

“The lads have shown some fantastic belief in themselves and each other and there’s a fantastic buzz in the team with regard to the AllIreland competition.”

This is the furthest the team has ever reached in the national competition and standing in their way this weekend are one of Limerick’s top sides, Mungret Regional, who Kirwan believes have found it very difficult to find matches due to the poor weather.

“As far as I know they haven’t played a game in six weeks. It can only be a good thing for us but we know they’re a very good group of play-

ers. When I spoke to their manager last week, he said the council in Limerick are very strict when it comes to making pitches available,” said the manager.

With the Celtic side looking at a lot of action in the business end of the season, Kirwan has had to prioritise different cups over others, but is still adamant his side can do anything if they keep the confidence up.

“The lads have really stepped up to the plate this year. We’re in the quarter finals of the league cup and that’s probably our best chance of winning something.

“The league is dominated by two sides that are made of Kennedy Cup representatives, so the rest of the team are competing for third.

At the start of the season all we wanted to do was keep our premier status and the lads have shown they are far better than anyone expected.

“We are under no illusions about the AllIreland – it’s a fantastic experience. I think we can get all the way to the semis and if we do we’ll be playing either Shelbourne Premier or Corinthians in Cork.

“Obviously for the lads, the Cork game would be brilliant, if we beat Mungret our next draw is at home as well and I know they are dying to travel as a team.”

The club’s U-13 side, meanwhile, host Castlebar Celtic in their last 32 tie with a trip to either Nenagh or Greenwood in the offing.