Swords

Swords GAZET TE FREE

January 17, 2013 Find us on

Month XX, 2012 SWORDS • BALBRIGGAN • APPLEWOOD • BOROIMHE • AIRSIDE • RIVERVALLEY

INSIDE: Get ready for your College Options with our nine-page supplement P17

Soccer:

Celtic Under-19s win out in seven goal thriller Page 30

Rugby:

Cantwell in the Irish squad for Six Nations Page 28

Council neglect of town rebuked  NATALIE BURKE

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES......................6 DUBLIN LIFE...................11 OUT&ABOUT .................26 CLASSIFIEDS ................34 SPORT ...........................35

STAR SPOTTING: The Wright Factor returns to showcase local talent Page 9

COUNCILLORS in Swords have claimed their town is “not being taken seriously” by the Public Realm Strategy which was introduced in Fingal recently.

The strategy was launched by Fingal County Council last year, in an effort to develop plans to improve the future prospects of a

number of local towns, including Malahide.

However, local councillors were outraged when they learned that Swords was not on the council’s priority list.

“I can’t understand how management can sit in the town in the state that it’s in and not be obliged to do something.” said Cllr Anne Devitt.

Full Story on Page 2

Young scientist: Renuka steps up to receive well-earned award MAUREEN Walkingshaw, BT’s director of human resources presents the 3rd place junior individual biological and ecological sciences category award to a very proud Renuka Chintapalli from Loreto Secondary

School in Balbriggan, Dublin, for the project Spice Up Your Diet: An investigation into the use of spices as effective food preservatives and in medicinal use.

Full Story on Page 4

2 swords gazette 17 January 2013

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

fingal Shake up needed – county manager

Block 3A, Mill Bank Business Park, Lucan Tel: 01 - 6010240 Dublin Gazette Newspapers publish eight weekly quality free titles, covering the greater Dublin area from Swords to Dun Laoghaire

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County manager David O’Connor: We do need a big shake up in Swords

Council stand accused of sidelining Swords Following the introduction of the public realm strategy to Malahide in recent months, councillors in Swords have raised concerns that their town is “not being taken seriously”.

The strategy was launched by Fingal County Council last year, in an effort to improve the future of Malahide.

The public realm strategy will cover all outdoor spaces within the town, including the streets, parks, footpaths, squares, basically any area used by the public.

The initiative will see representatives from the local community joining a steering committee tasked

 natalie burke nburke@gazettegroup.com

with developing plans for improving the town.

In the nearby town of Swords, however, local councillors were outraged when they learned that Swords was not on the council’s priority list for similar consideration.

According to Cllr Anne Devitt (Ind), Swords’ position as the county town means that it deserves more attention.

“I am furious about

the state of Swords. The whole purpose of putting the county town where it is was to balance the Pavilions and the old administrative centre of Swords,” she said at a recent council meeting.

“This was going to create footfall and we’ve failed miserably.

“The reason why Malahide has appeared to have got ahead – and I do believe it has got ahead of Swords from a priority point of view – is because everything we were doing was predicated on this green city that was going to emerge with Metro North. The work on the Metro has been deferred, but I am not prepared to

watch the work on Swords town being deferred, and that is what has happened,” she added.

Cllr Devitt said she was deeply upset that stores are closing in Swords and despite recent meetings about improving the town, nothing has been done.

“It is not being taken seriously. I can’t understand how management can sit in the town in the state that it is in and not be obliged to do something. I want to see the heart of Swords beating again,” she concluded.

Her views were echoed

by Cllr Eugene Coppinger (SP), who described Swords as a town “dying

on its feet”.

“It’s not that long ago that we had a post office on Main Street and a supermarket across the road. Something needs to be done and quickly.”

In a report given by the council at the meeting held last week, FCC confirmed that the north Dublin towns included in the Development Plan 2005 -2011 included Rush, Skerries, Malahide, Portmarnock, Howth, Baldoyle, Lusk and Donabate.

County manager David O’Connor said that while Swords has a lot of positives, the councillors were right. “We do need a big shake up in Swords,” he agreed.

Get back in shape while helping a local charity With getting back in shape appearing on a lot of people’s agendas this January, Dublin North is set to see a number of charity workshops taking place across the local area this weekend.

BodyShape Fitness Bootcamp is hosting charity workouts in

Swords, Malahide, Balbriggan and Portmarnock on Saturday, January 19 and the events will be held in an effort to raise much needed funds for Dogs Trust.

Taking part in the bootcamp costs just €5 per person and both members and non-members of BodyShape Fitness, a

local indoor fitness class, are welcome to attend.

Bootcamp

The bootcamp will be taking place at four locations and times, with the first taking place at Malahide Rugby Club at 9.30 am, followed by boot-

camps at St George’s National School in Balbriggan at 10am, St Colmcille’s GAA Club in Swords at 11am, and Portmarnock Community School at 12.30pm.

For more information, visit www.bodyshapefitnessbootcamp.com.

17 January 2013 swords gazette 3

R1

council Bid to attract tourists to the area

portrane

Plan to promote Swords Castle in the pipeline

Erosion prompts survey

 natalie burke nburke@gazettegroup.com

Plans for the development of Swords Castle as a possible tourist attraction could be on the cards for the local area, according to Fingal County Council.

Following the successful launch of the new Malahide Castle complex last year, which saw Avoca open its doors and a newly redeveloped castle and grounds successfully welcome the public and attract tourism to the Malahide area, the council has confirmed that a comprehensive conservation management plan is currently being prepared for

Swords Castle.

The news followed a call by local councillors, including Fianna Fail councillor Darragh Butler, to make a similar and immediate investment into Swords and Swords Castle as has been seen in Malahide.

In a response given to councillors at a recent area committee meeting, Fingal County Council stated that the conservation management plan will be published during 2013, and will detail possible future uses for the local amenity.

The future uses will not only ensure its future conser vation, but will also maximise the economic and tour-

ism potential of Swords Castle.

The plan will also outline and prioritise future capital investment in what the council described as “this important heritage property”, to make it accessible for the planned uses.

The council also confirmed that it is in discussions with Failte Ireland about the best ways to promote and develop Fingal and the heritage properties within it, which includes Swords Castle.

Cllr Butler welcomed the response from the council, and said it was great news for the local c o m m u n i t y, a s we l l as businesses in the

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

Swords area.

“I would like to welcome this news and I look for ward to this plan being published during 2013,” he said.

“Great work has been completed already on Swords Castle in recent years and Swords residents are eager for this to be completed and to see the Castle finally open to the public and [its] economic and tourism potential [maximised].

“I would offer my full support to the county manager and Fingal officials in this regard.

We are very lucky that Fingal is so rich in heritage properties such as Swords Castle,” said Cllr Butler.

Lucky: Local woman wins €1,000 gift card pictured ARE Deirdre King from

Swords Pavilions presenting local woman Joan Nulty with a gift card worth €1,000 for the shopping centre. Joan had recently entered a Swords Pavilions Facebook competition, and she was overwhelmed when she found out that she was the winner. So now that the Christmas season is over, there’s no doubt Joan will be putting the gift card to good use shopping at the sales.

Following ongoing problems with coastal erosion at the Burrow in Portrane, particularly in the aftermath of further reported erosion in December 2012, a coastal erosion risk management study is set to be undertaken in the area.

This is according to Fingal County Council, which recently confirmed that given the specialist nature of coastal defence measures, a tender was recently prepared for consultants to undertake the study.

The study will identify the most appropriate coastal protection measures to be taken at the Burrow. Funding will be sought from the Office of Public Works (OPW) to carry out the study.

4 swords gazette 17 January 2013

FastNews

SUCCESS Big wins put students on cloud nine health:

invite to get fit

Plans to use Swords Castle for St Patrick’s Day 2013

Local park to host a walk

FINGAL County Council (FCC) have high hopes for St Patrick’s Day this year, with potential plans already in place to use Swords Castle as part of the annual March celebrations.

According to FCC, it is hoped that a Celtic re-enactment event will be held at the castle on the evening of St Patrick’s Day on Sunday, March 17.

Plans will be made to include the local landmark in more local events and celebrations.

The council’s proposed plans will be subject to a successful application and receipt of Gathering funding, as well as Swords Castle being in a suitable condition to use at the proposed time.

First birthday for Snowflakes Autism Support SNOWFLAKES Autism Support will be celebrating their first birthday with a karaoke night on Friday, January 18.

The free event for members to mark the charity’s milestone will take place at Sportslink in Santry at 8pm.

For more information about Snowflakes Autism Support, log on to their website, www.snowflakes.ie.

 Natalie Burke

Maureen Walkingshaw BT’s director of human resources presents the second place Intermediate Group Biological and Ecological Sciences Category Award to Victoria Fitzsimons, Laura Hennelly McCarthy, from Loreto Secondary School, Balbriggan, for their project: On Target: A Bioinformatics Investigation of Potential Drug Targets for Cancer. Picture: Fennell Photography

Awards aplenty for smart young scientists  natalie burke nburke@gazettegroup.com

There was great success for Dublin North this year when three local secondary schools picked up a host of awards at this year’s BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition at the RDS. The annual exhibition saw the Loreto Secondary School Balbriggan, Sutton Park School and Skerries Community College pick up a total of 12 awards between them.

Students from Skerries Community College were awarded third place in the Technology Junior Group category, while the school was also awarded the Geological Survey of Ireland award for their project that predicted changing sands on Skerries South Strand.

Meanwhile at Sutton Park School, six students

picked up a total of three gongs for their scientific projects. Anna Colwell and Daisy Barron picked up first prize in the Junior Technology category, while their schoolmates Ellen McGrady-Hogan and Carla MifsudNaughton came second in the same category.

Students Rose Ward and Sophie Hunter were also awarded third prize in Junior Biology.

According to Catherine Tattersall, head of science at Sutton Park, the school are delighted with their students’ achievements.

“We are thrilled with the results and the students are on cloud nine.

They are great kids and had great projects, but they really delivered it well. One of the groups started a year and three months ago, while another group’s project is nearly a year in the

making. It’s great as it encourages other kids to get involved. It’s where the designers, innovators and entrepreneurs of the future are coming from,” she said.

The Loreto Secondary School in Balbriggan took home seven awards from the exhibition, resulting in all shortlisted students from the school being crowned in the final award ceremony.

Renuka Chintapali came in third place for the Junior Individual Biological and Ecological Sciences, while her schoolmate Lorna McGuinness came highly commended in the same category. Alice O’Neill was awarded third place in the Intermediate Individual section, while Victoria Fitzsimons and Laura Hennelly McCarthy came second in the Intermediate Group.

Roisin Lacey and Megan

Freeman came second in their category while Meaghan Dinsmore came second in the Junior Individual Social and Behavioural category.

Finally, Tess O’Neill and Lauren Murphy were awarded second place for their project in the Junior Group category.

All winning students were commended by their mentor and teacher Niamh McNally who said she was delighted each student brought a prize home. “They really had a wonderful time, and there was great excitement even before the show. We’ve been doing this quite seriously for quite a few years, so there has been a great buzz.

The students put so much work into it; they would work during lunchtime and after school on a Thursday, so it was great they were all recognised for their work,” she said.

Newbridge Demesne will play host to this year’s Operation Transformation walk in Fingal and is inviting members of all local communities to take part this weekend.

The 3km walk will take place on Saturday, January 19 at 11am, as part of the nationwide sporting event, organised as part of RTE’s Operation Transformation National Walk.

The RTE reality weightloss TV show has teamed up with the Irish Sports Council for another year to organise walks for people across the country, with 38 walks taking place in total.

Each organised national walk will have a leader who will set the pace and show participants how to get the best value out of their exercise.

The Operation Transformation leaders and exper ts will be out in force to walk with the communities and encourage the whole country to take the first step towards a healthier life.

To take part in the Fingal walk, participants are asked to meet at Newbridge House at 11am.

For details of public transport access to Newbridge Demesne, Donabate, visit www. irishrail.ie, or visit www. newbridgehouseandfarm.com for directions and car parking details.

For more details on Operation Transformation and the National Walk event, log onto www.rte.ie/ot.

17 January 2013 swords gazette 5

gains State finances continue to stabilise

Export firms create 13,600 posts  Natalie Burke nburke@gazettegroup.com

JOBS figures and strong Exchequer returns have brought a promising start to 2013 already, according to results revealed by Enterprise Ireland last week.

Results showed that more than 13,600 jobs were created by Irish exporting companies last year, which represents the highest net gain in jobs in six years. The latest Exchequer returns also show that the State’s finances are continuing to stabilise.

Local TD Alan Farrell (FG) welcomed the results, saying the figures show the country is making consistent progress on the jobs front.

“T he end of year Exchequer figures brought further encour-

aging news; they show that tax revenues were ahead of targets last year,” he said.

Deputy Farrell continued by saying that the creation of new jobs is essential for tackling unemployment levels, which remained “far too high”.

“The Government has been tasked with completely rebuilding the economy from a broken, failed model, to a sustainable one based on innovation and enterprise.

As well as implementing changes to support small, local businesses, we are also determined to help as many companies as possible to expand into lucrative export markets.

“The Taoiseach recently underlined his determination to keep job creation at the top of the

Local TD Alan Farrell welcomed the results

political agenda. A special Cabinet meeting on jobs will be held this month, with a particular focus on small and medium enterprises and the domestic economy. The Government will continue to implement a range of measures aimed specifically at job creation, with this year’s Action Plan for Jobs due to be published shortly.”

Deputy Farrell believes that Irish companies are proving they have the capacity and the ambition to expand into new markets. For every one job created in an Enterprise Ireland company, an additional job is created in the domestic economy.

“I am confident that the progress shown by Irish companies over the last 12 months can be improved in the year ahead,” he concluded.

Time for young artists to brush up on skills The search is once again under way to find young artists for this year’s Texaco Children’s Art Competition.

Brochures have been sent to Dublin schools with entry details for the competition, which closes on Friday, February 22.

Judging will take place throughout the month of March and winners will be announced in mid-April, with prize giv-

ing to follow in mid-May. Annually, some 30,000 students compete for the top prizes that are awarded across seven age categories, including one exclusively devoted to special needs students.

Copies of the brochure are also available through Texaco service stations, and full details are available on-line at www. texacochildrensart.com.

erosion: tarmac plan

Car park bottle bank for revamp

A deteriorating site at the local River Valley bottle bank in Swords is set to be restored, according to Fingal County Council.

The area surrounding the regularly used bottle bank, which is located within a privately owned car park, has a surface made of gravel which has degraded due to heavy use and weather erosion.

In a recent area committee meeting, local Cllr Darragh Butler (FF) asked the council to tarmacadam the site and to clean

up the area surrounding the bottle banks.

In a response, the council confirmed that the gravel area in the vicinity of the bottle banks was in “worse condition than the other areas of the car park” and agreed to restore the gravel surface, with the permission of the landowner.

It was also confirmed that to tarmacadam the site would not be appropriate due to the bottle banks currently occupying the private area on a temporary licence.

6 swords Gazette 17 January 2013

gazetteGALLERIES

Jack Bracken and Peter Herbert from St Fintan’s High School are in discussions

Anna Colwell and Daisy Barron from Sutton Park School. Pictures: Geraldine Woods

science: students display their talents

The life scientific

Daniel Carey-Keating, Des Cooke and Luke Breen from Skerries Community College

L

OCAL schools took part in the 49th BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition, which was held at the RDS recently.

The students displayed their hard work through their innovative projects and concepts.

They were among the thousands of students

Hudda Ahmad and Lola Hourihane from Our Lady’s Grove Girl’s School in Clonskeagh

Rose Ward and Sophie Hunter from Sutton Park School

who descended on the capital to fight for the top prize of this annual competition.

Among the local entrants were Anna Colwell and Daisy Barron from Sutton Park School, who entered the comptition with a non-electrical fridge for Africa.

17 January 2013 swords Gazette 7

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The under seven team. Pictures: Una Williams

On the big screen: big day out to the cinema for nippers academy

M

ALAHIDE United AFC’s recently hosted their annual Nippers’ cinema trip to the Odeon Cinemas in Coolock.

The children from the Nippers Academy enjoyed watching Wreck it Ralph on the big screen. The film is due to be released in cinemas next month. This day trip to the cinema has been a successful event for over 15 years.

Karl Dooley, Fin Daly Dolan, Brendan Crean and Ken Barlow

Eoin Timmons

Sean Cross and Sophie Law

Tiernan Spain, Simone Peat and Nathan Reilly The annual BT Young Scientist Exhibition is hugely popular

8 swords gazette 17 January 2013

community Varadkar congratulates council and staff for all their hard work

Litter removal efforts around airport commended natalie burke

Fingal County Council has been congratulated by Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar, for the progress they have made in removing litter from the area surrounding Dublin Airport.

The clean-up means that visitors now get a much better first impression of Ireland on their arrival into Dublin.

Following the results of the recent Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) survey, both Swords and the Dublin Airport environs were listed in the top cleanest towns in Ire-

land.

“This area gives many visitors their first impression of Ireland and I am pleased that it is now virtually litter free,” Minister Varadkar said.

“I’d like to congratulate Fingal County Council and staff for all their hard work in making sure that our visitors

get a good impression of Ireland when they touch down, particularly in this year of the Gathering.”

Regime

In a report by the IBAL following the survey, it was noted that “clearly a more comprehensive and thorough

cleaning regime is in place”.

The repor t said: “The overall impression was a far cleaner environment and, what is so encouraging was the sites which had scored very poorly last time and which were clean this time.

All of the sites directly related to Dublin Airport were

Splash: Freedom is sealed

FastNews Wedding fair at Bewley’s Hotel BEWLEY’s Hotel Dublin Airport will be hosting a wedding fair on Sunday, January 20 from 1pm to 5pm.

The fair aims to provide all of the information that recently engaged couples need to know to get them organised for their big day.

Many local suppliers will be exhibiting at the fair, and couples can avail of a €1,000 discount off their wedding when they book on the day.

For more information about the wedding fair, log on to www. bewleyshotels.com.

Parenting course in Balbriggan A PARENTING course for parents of preschoolers will be held in February in Balbriggan.

The Parent Plus Early Years Programme is a seven-week course, and aims to help parents encourage their children to communicate and learn through play, creatively help their children to learn, as well as learning how to manage difficult behaviour such as tantrums.

An introduction to the course will be held on Thursday, February 7 at Balbriggan Library.

Call 01 802 0484 for further details.

not just clear of litter but exceptionally well presented and maintained. Well done Fingal.”

Minister Varadkar raised the issue of litter around the airport with Fingal County Council, Dublin Airport Authority and the National Roads Authority last year.

pictured is Rosie

the grey seal, who has been brought back to full health by the staff at Tayto Park. Rosie has been looked after at Tayto Park, following her discovery on a beach in Mayo just before Christmas. She has since been released back to the sea at Howth East Pier. For more information about Tayto Park, log on to www.taytopark.ie. Picture: Simon

McDermott

council: possibility of providing assisted crossings for pupils

Fingal may get eight school wardens despite embargo  natalie burke nburke@gazettegroup.com

Fingal could see the addition of eight school wardens to help serve new schools in the local area.

Despite an embargo that prevents the council from hiring new school wardens, due to the freeze on recruitment in the public service, Fingal County Council (FCC) have confirmed that they are currently looking at the possibility of providing assisted crossings at schools cur-

rently without wardens in both north Dublin and the rest of Fingal.

The query was originally raised by local councillors last year, following calls from teachers and parents of local schools to see wardens in place in schools without assisted crossings. At the time, however, the council stated that they were not in a position to appoint new school wardens due to restrictions on recruitment levels.

In a county council meeting held earlier this

week, FCC revealed that they have recognised the need for extra wardens to be recruited within Fingal and that they are currently preparing an application for the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government for derogation under the recruitment embargo in the public service to allow for the recruitment of approximately eight school wardens.

The wardens would be hired to serve the new schools already in operation or due to

come into operation in Fingal over the next three years.

The news was welcomed by local councillor Darragh Butler (FF) who said he was happy to see the council has recognised the need for school wardens in the north Dublin area.

“I think the council agreed that with the number of new schools that have opened in the area, that there was a real need for school wardens. So what they decided to do was, rather than go out one or two

at a time, they decided to take the approach that they would put all the schools in one application,” he said.

“The council are quite confident that they have a good case and are optimistic that they will get approval,” he added.

The appointment of new school wardens will be music to the ears of the teachers and parents of local schools who have been calling out for wardens in recent months.

“T here really is a genuine need there and,

hopefully, we will have good news in a month or so. In particular for those attending Holywell Educate Together.

With the completion of the outer-ring road delayed, there is a lot of traffic passing the school and there is a real concern there. We hope to see a warden there as soon as possible,” Butler concluded.

Fingal County Council has stated that it will report to the members of the council as soon as a reply has been received from the Department.

17 January 2013 swords gazette 9

Talent The Wright Factor returns for third year

Search is on for Dublin’s next big thing  Natalie Burke nburke@gazettegroup.com

FOLLOWING on from the hugely successful The Wright Factor competition last year, the Wright Group are once again opening their doors for the countywide talent competition.

As one of Dublin’s biggest singing competitions, The Wright Factor 2013 will mark the third year of what has become an annual and much-anticipated event.

Six of the company’s

pubs will be hosting heats in the run up to the grand final, in search of Dublin’s next big thing.

The heats will begin next week on Wednesday, January 23, and will build in anticipation of the eagerly-awaited finale that will take place in The Wright Venue at Airside in Swords.

Since winning the competition last year, Kiera Dignam has enjoyed great success. Despite the 2012 winner not performing in over eight years before the contest, she quickly

gained the confidence she needed and was awarded the title. Since being crowned last year’s winner, Kiera has opened a successful vocal training school on Mobhi Road with her father, Christy Dignam, of Aslan fame.

Although Kiera failed to win over the judges at the Voice of Ireland this year, past contestant Jennifer Healy, who also made the grand finale of The Wright Factor 2012, was chosen

by Westlife’s Kian Egan to join his team for the reality TV talent show.

Keira Dignam was the winner of last year’s The Wright Factor competition

A spokesperson for the contest said: “The Wright Factor is a great platform for getting experience on stage and a great way to kick start your musical career. This year’s competition will run over a 10-week period starting on January 23, and will run until the main event, which will be held in The

Wright Venue on Friday, April 19.”

Heats will be held in Wrights Cafe Bar in Swords, Gilbert and Wrights in Clontarf, Gilbert and Wrights in Dun Laoghaire, Gilbert and Wright’s The Living Room in Malahide, Wrights Findlater in Howth, The Bloody Stream in Howth,

and Gilbert and Wrights in Hollybrook, Clontarf.

The winner of the competition will take home a cash prize of €5,000 as well as a recording deal.

Applications forms are available from any of the participating venues, online at www.thewrightfactor.ie, or by phoning 083 346 6199.

Donabate Traffic issue to be addressed ISSUES affecting the visibility of vehicles exiting Newbridge Demesne in Donabate are set to be addressed by Fingal County Council.

The concerns were raised by local Cllr Darragh Butler (FF) at a recent area committee meeting, who said that vegetation at the main gate to Newbridge Demesne has been restricting cars leaving the park from having a full view of oncoming traffic.

In response, the council confirmed that the Parks and Heritage Properties Division would investigate and coordinate with the Traffic Section to review what measures would be necessary to ensure adequate sightline distances for traffic exiting the local park.

DublinGazetteNewspapers Advertising Sales Professionals

Dublin Gazette Newspapers is Dublin’s fastest growing community weekly regional publisher, with 8 titles covering the M50 from Swords to Dun Laoghaire.

We are currently looking to recruit: We are now seeking experienced media sales executives to work in our advertising dept in our Lucan head office on a number of Dublin Gazette titles. Experience in newspaper advertising sales is preferable.

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If you can work on your own initiative within a team environment, are motivated, enthusiastic with an excellent work ethic, please send your cv to: mmcgovern@gazettegroup.com

10 SWORDS gazette 17 January 2013

gazetteGALLERY

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Many people attended the fair

Laura Meade presents the project she worked on with Ronan Bullock - The Science Museum, It Takes Guts... Pictures: Geraldine Woods

Smart ideas on show at RDS Young Scientist T

HERE were many innovative projects and concepts on display at the 49th BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition at the RDS recently.

The judges had a challenge on their hands, trying to

pick out an overall winner of the competition.

Once again, Cork was the tops, however the Dublin schools were all well represented and gained their fair share of the awards and accolades.

Shane Curran from Terenure College

A judge at the fair inspects the projects

Megan Kelly, Kate Marron and Shona Brady

Actress Astrid Brennan

Grace O’Gorman and Sadhbh Byrne

17 January 2013 Gazette 11

schools P14

asdfsdaf businessP27 P16

dublinlife

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

Film Festival: 140 movies to be shown in dublin

DeVito lined up for feast of filming in the capital The Jameson Dublin International Film Festival gets underway next month and there are several rare treats in store this year at the festival which will take place between February 14 and 24.

Actor, producer and director Danny DeVito will attend a special tribute to his long career, that has spanned the hit TV show Taxi before moving on to star in many films including One Flew Over

the Cuckoo’s Nest and Batman Returns, as well as directing and starring in such movies as The War of the Roses, Throw Momma from the Train and Matilda.

Also lined up for the festival is a tribute to composer Dario Marianelli at the National Concert Hall which he will attend on February 19. Marianelli has written scores for such films as Atonement and Pride

and Prejudice.

The festival was founded in 2003 and takes place in the capital each year in February for 11 days and nights.

The festival was established to celebrate the art of film in Ireland and abroad, and most of the films featured will be Irish premieres and screenings will be one-off events.

Over the course of the festival, 140 films will be shown in cinemas all over

Dublin city centre.

Season tickets and vouchers are currently available at www.jdiff. com, and if you would like to experience the best in Irish and international cinema, walk the red carpet with the stars and attend after-show parties, this is your chance.

The Jameson Dublin International Film Festival will be held at various places from February 14 until 24.

Danny DeVito will attend a special tribute to his long career

î ´

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12 Gazette 17 January 2013

dublinlife

Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars

diary

Sierra Leone band to raise the rafters The National Concert Hall will play host to Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars this month when they perform their upbeat sound which draws on African highlife and reggae.

The band has come through the experience of civil war and refugee camps in Guinea and triumphed through their uplifting music, entertaining fellow-camp dwellers before they came to world attention through a 2006 documentary.

Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars have now recorded three albums, performed on some of the world’s most prestigious concert stages and matured into one of Africa’s top touring and recording groups.

The concert will be at the National Concert Hall on January 23 at 8pm.

Tickets range from €16 to €34, with a 10%

discount for groups of 10 or more, and are available from the box office on 417 0000.

changing our drinking behaviour Drinkaware.ie and Insomnia have joined forces this new year to help people change their drinking behaviours for 2013.

Un t i l J a n u a r y 31, Insomnia will be offering half-price coffees after 4pm in all the Insomnia outlets to help people pace their drinking for the year ahead.

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald (FG) , welcomed the initiative, saying: “After all the Christmas indulgence, January is a time to take stock of our eating and drinking habits and some people decide to cut down on their alcohol consumption.

“This promotion is a cheap incentive to pace the amount you drink on a night out,” she said.

Vo u c h e r s c a n b e downloaded from facebook.com/InsomniaCoffeeCo, facebook. com/drinkaware.ie or drinkaware.ie, and are valid until January 31.

Vo u c h e r s c a n b e used in Insomia stores across the country from 4pm every day, as well as Spar branches, and can be redeemed on as many occasions as the holder wishes.

clonsilla star sheamus signs soap deal FORMER Clonsilla resident and World Wrestling Enter tainment (WWE) star Sheamus has signed a deal to promote Irish Spring soap in the US. The soap, known for its twee representation of Irish people in its

adverts, will no doubt be shaken up by the f lame-haired fighter, real name Stephen Farrelly.

WWE has signed a new a promotional deal with Colgate-Palmolive, which manufacture the soap, with Sheamus set to star in TV ads.

Sheamus is the first Irish-born WWE champion, having initially claimed the title in 2010 and is currently one of the top superstars in the company, which is by far the biggest in the industry.

He star ted life in Irish promotions under the name of Seamus O’Shaughnessy before being signed up to the WWE in 2007, making his on-screen debut in 2009.

Since then, he has won numerous titles and will compete at the Royal Rumble in Arizona on Sunday, January 27.

17 January 2013 Gazette 13

feature campaign

Boost to cancer awareness

Jackie Clune is one of the leading ladies in 9 to 5, the musical

Nothing like the 9 to 5  bairbre ni Bhraonain

IT’S enough to drive you crazy if you let it... or you could just sing along when 9 To 5 arrives on stage at the Bord Gais Theatre later this month.

The show is based on the 1980s film that starred Dolly Parton, and the country star wrote all of the music for the stage show. It stars an array of British theatre and TV talent, including Natalie Casey, Bonnie Langf o r d , A my L e n n ox , Jackie Clune and Ben Richards.

Out&About spoke to one of the leading ladies, Jackie Clune, ahead of her arrival on these shores.

“I can’t wait to go to Dublin. The last time I played there was when I was touring with Mamma Mia but that was a good few years ago. Last summer, though, I came into the Dublin Docks

on a cruise ship, which is something I never thought I’d do,” she said.

“My family is Irish.

My mum is from Sligo and my Dad’s from Tipperary, so this time a r o u n d I ’m h o p i n g all my aunties come up from Sligo for the show.”

Jackie has had a very hectic and varied career to date. She founded the Red Rag Women’s Theatre company, has been an actress in TV programmes including EastEnders and Smack the Pony, is a singer, has performed in musicals, has been a panellist on shows such as QI, a stand-up comedian and has written for TV, stage as well as publishing two books.

“I was never one to wait for the phone to ring,” said Jackie.

“At the start of my career, there was a lot of work going that I really didn’t want to do. I was interested in political

stuff, that’s why I set up the theatre company.

Then I did radio and diversified quickly into more and more things, because employment was low at the time. But I’ve always been like that anyway, I’ve a lot of energy and a great interest in the world.”

Musicals N ow a d ay s , J a c k i e concentrates on musical theatre and has no plans to return to TV work in the near future.

“I love musicals the most. The other things I do can be very solitary, like writing and radio work but in musicals there is a great group working with you and you have great craic.”

Jackie is also ver y passionate about playing her current character, Violet, and can certainly identify with her fictional problems.

“The story is set in 1979 when women had no chance of breaking through the ranks of

corporate life. In the end of 9 to 5 they do break through so it’s a very uplifting piece.

By the end, the women in the audience are all cheering for the women on stage. It’s a political piece and I do think it’s still relevant today as women find it hard to thrive in business.

The female audiences are very heartened by what they see because the women on stage are empowered at last.”

9 to 5 runs at The Bord Gais Energy Theatre from January 21 until 26. Tickets cost €20 and are available through Ticketmaster at 0818 719 377.

The Irish Cancer Society is encouraging Dubliners to be aware of the signs and symptoms of lung cancer when they announced January as Lung Cancer Awareness Month.

Ireland has the sixth-highest incidence rate of lung cancer amongst women and the 32nd highest amongst men of 41 countries in Europe.

According to the most recent data from 2010, there were 2,227 new cases of lung cancer in Ireland that year, making it the fourth most common cancer after breast, prostate and bowel cancer.

However, lung cancer is the biggest cancer killer in Ireland, with 1,708 people dying in 2010.

However, with early detection, chances of effective treatment and potential cure increase.

Aoife McNamara, Irish Cancer Society lung cancer specialist nurse said: “The key to improving survival for lung cancer patients is early detection.

This begins with people being aware of the signs and symptoms of lung cancer, going to see their GP if they are concerned and being referred on to a rapid access clinic for diagnosis and treatment.

“Awareness campaigns like this are vital as they are the first step in the chain. If people know the signs to look out for, they are more likely to go see their GP and get referred to a specialist.”

The signs and symptoms of lung cancer include: a cough that doesn’t go away or a change in a long-term cough, feeling short of breath or wheezing, repeated chest infections that won’t go away even after antibiotics, coughing up blood-stained phlegm, pains in your chest, especially when you cough or breathe in, feeling more tired than usual and/or unexplained weight loss, hoarse voice, problems swallowing or swelling in the face or neck.

Anyone concerned about lung cancer can call Irish Cancer Society’s National Cancer Helpline on Freefone 1800 200 700, or visit their local GP.

Gazette

14 Gazette 17 January 2013

dublinlife

schools

The annual variety show was a big hit

Students and staff enjoy a busy end to 2012  Megan Spence Third-year student, Blakestown Community School

December was a particularly busy and productive month for Blakestown Community School with lots of events taking place.

The month began with an anti-bullying week which was organised by Ms Dineen, student council and Brosnan class.

Surveys were sent around the school to help understand students’ feelings on bullying and if they felt enough was in place to help with bullying. An art, poetry and media competition was organised which helped raise awareness throughout the school with all year groups getting involved.

The second week in December saw the annual academic awards being held where we had past and present students being awarded for their achievements in both Junior and Leaving Cert.

There were 75 awards in total given out on the day and principal Ms O’Connor said: “It was an absolutely wonderful afternoon, with students providing music and readings and staff, students and parents together celebrating student success.”

It’s not just fun and games here at Blakestown as there was also a lot of generosity during the month of December.

One of the Junior Cert classes raised over €1,000 for St Francis Hospice through a CSPE Action Project which involved a sponsored silence and bake sale. It was a wonderful local cause and Apollo class were very proud of their achievement.

Brosnan class and art teacher Ms Quinn raised money for the Make A Wish foundation through the creation of cards, wine and gift bags with illustrations from the students for Christmas sales.

Ms Monaghan organised the giving tree for St Vincent’s De Paul which saw lots of donations of wonderful toys.

Finally finishing up the term with a bang we had the annual variety show which was organised by Ms Ryan, Ms Guckian and Ms Brophy and also dance teacher Sandra Moran.

The final day of term saw us say our goodbyes in style with a beautiful performance from the sixth-year students organised by Ms Monaghan, Ms Keyes and Ms Brophy and Mr Maguire and Brendan Kennedy doing music.

Having a sit in the big chair in the Six One TV news room

St Tiernan’s: Student Invited to RTE Studios

Great news for Monika  Monika Mykolaityte Sixth-year student

St Tiernan’s Got Talent 2012 was the name of our school’s first ever talent competition and I was honoured to be the MC for the night.

Quite unner ved, I was looking forward to meeting RTE business reporter, Emma McNamara, who was present at the show, along with two other judges, a professor from Maynooth University, Dr Martin O’Lear y, and author and journalist Martina Devlin.

A f ter the exciting show, I met Emma and got wonderful advice from her about university and a future career in journalism.

A few days later, during our school’s open evening, I was informed that Emma had invited

me to spend the day in RTE during the midterm. This was amazing news and I looked forward to the experience.

As Emma and I arrived at RTE in Donnybrook, I was introduced to Micheal Mac Suibhne, a cameraman for RTE and Conor McNally, a reporter for News2Day. The pair were assigned to go to DCU where they were going to be filming and interviewing participants in the Foroige Youth Citizenship Awards.

A f ter wards, Conor and I returned to RTE where I reunited with Emma and went for a small tour around some of RTE’s most famous studios.

She showed me the Six One TV news room, where I took a few pictures to keep as a fond memory of the visit.

Emma then took me to see The Late Late Show studio, which I viewed from a balconylike walkway. It was quite amazing to see

I then watched the Drivetime show from a room outside the studio – again called the gallery - which was presented by Mary Wilson.

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

The experience as a whole was truly amazing. I met many people who described their jobs and gave me great advice for the future

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

how small the audience booth was.

To be honest, there were more lights than there were seats for the people! I then saw a place of interest – the main RTE radio studio, where shows like Morning Ireland are broadcast every morning.

It was quite the small room but the process described by Emma sounded quite complicated yet interesting.

She had numerous guests coming into her studio, talking about current affairs, news analysis, sport and business.

Later I was accompanied by Conor Brophy back into the news building of RTE. The atmosphere in the Six One TV news gallery was quite different in comparison to the one outside Drivetime.

It was much busier

and far more people sat in front of the many screens in the room.

Five minutes prior to airing, people were talking loudly, checking if all cameras and screens were on and if everyone could hear all.

Finally, it all settled down once the news began. Commands were given throughout the broadcast to the presenter and to the various people in the gallery.

Everything was done to exact precision.

The experience as a whole was truly amazing. I met many people who described their jobs and gave me great advice for the future.

I will always remain grateful to Emma McNamara for inviting me over to RTE and my teacher, Catherine Martin, for making my meeting with Emma possible.

17 January 2013 Gazette 15

î Ž paul hosford phosford@gazettegroup.com

THE hugely-popular Chinese New Year Festival is set to return to Dublin this year, ushering in the Year of the Snake on February 10.

Established in 2008, the Dublin Chinese NewYear Festival (DCNYF) showcases the best of SinoIrish Culture in Ireland and 2013 will mark the sixth year of the festival.

As Dublin is twinned with Chinese capital Beijing, the festival aims to deliver a high profile cultural programme, which includes the third Chinese

Film Festival at the Lighthouse Cinema in Smithfield, as well as a special spring festival partnership with the Council of Europe Intercultural Cities Conference, which forms part of Ireland hosting of the European Presidency.

For all ages

As well as these special events, there will be traditional dragon and lion dances, a Sino-Irish business seminar, the DCNYF lecture series, a programme specially tailored to children, an arts and music programme, a special project linked to

The Gathering 2013, martial arts, sports and much more for all ages.

The highlight of the festival will, no doubt, be the traditional New Year’s Day parade, which will once more thrill the masses in Dublin City Centre, where thousands turned out last year to ring in the Year of the Dragon.

The Year of the Snake occurs every 12 years, and people born in 1941, 53, 65, 77, 89 and 2001 are considered under this sign.

They are considered to have a good temper, good communication but a

quiet nature, as well as a great wisdom.

DCNYF also continues to explore Sino-Irish connections in the past, to forge new expressions of culture with national institutions, to engage with emerging new media and to explore the intricate rich connections between our nations especially building on the twinning agreement between Dublin and Beijing.

Chinese New Year this year is on February 10 and the festival will run from February 8 to 18.

For more information on what is coming up, log on to www.cny.ie

Gazette

Chinese New Year is snaking into view

features

The Chinese New Year Festival is set to return to Dublin this year, ushering in the Year of the Snake on February 10

GAZETTE

16 GAZETTE 17 January 2013

DUBLINLIFE

Q&A

It’s tough, but keep a routine

KINGSBURY FURNITURE

Fighting the recession KINGSBURY Furniture are a company bucking the trend in a very competitive market.

As many quality furniture shops have shut their doors in recent years, Kingsbury are heading into their 21st year and have fought their way through two major recessions.

Paul Nugent opened Kingsbury Furniture in 1992 with his brother David in a small unit in Tallaght. They relocated to their state-of-the art unit at Tallaght retail centre in 2006 and

now employ 10 staff.

“The range available in Kingsbury has an emphasis on Irish made and Irish sourced furniture is hugely extensive. But what really stand out are the prices. There just seems to be outstanding value for money compared to their competitors,” said Paul.

“This changed us from a small local business to a business supplying furniture to virtually every county in Ireland and even, on the odd occasion, to other countries.”

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

nance of roads, all waste disposals etc, then pay rates on top of this. Also upward-only rent reviews.

It comes down to two things.

1. Product: We try to get an eclectic mix of furniture and accessories and will always have something unusual and different for your home.

2. Service: Allied with trade-ins, we assemble furniture on delivery, remove and dispose of all wrapping and even take away your old bed and mattress for a small charge. Then there are many goodwill gestures that crop up from time to time that our customers really appreciate.

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

It is a myriad things. Affordable pricing - we went to our suppliers and demanded better service and value if they wanted to keep our business. We got the staff to take on extra roles like social media, website updates, email marketing etc. This also gave the staff more input into the business and they also enjoyed the new challenges, allied with an ever increasing focus on customer service.

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

Rates with both our showroom and warehouse in retail and business park respectively. We have to pay through service charges for street lighting, resurfacing and mainte-

BUSINESS

Supported

by AIB

How do you use social media to help your business?

We have made huge strides in 2012 in this area thanks to our dedicated staff. We now interact with our customers in many different ways.

What is your ambition for the business?

We are currently considering opening a second store in 2013, and continue striving to make Kingsbury one of the best brands in Ireland.

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

Keep your customer happy and the business will do well.

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

Tallaght a few years ago had a bad reputation but has developed into a small city with all the facilities you could ask for.

I was born and raised in Tallaght village and the population was about 400, so it has changed a bit since then.

Even though it has grown so much, there still seems to be a great community and charitable spirit in the area. We as a business get unbelievable support from the local people.

We seem to have three generations in some families still buying from us.

SO, THE dust has settled after Christmas and it’s back to work. Or maybe not.

If you’ve been made redundant, have had to close your business or are moving into the longterm unemployed category, you may not be welcoming 2013 with open arms. Yes, it’s tough out there, yes there are fewer jobs and more competition; but there are jobs and people are getting them. So where to begin?

As basic as it may seem, you have to begin where you are and that means with yourself and your outlook. As Elvis Presley said: “When things go wrong, don’t go with them”. Things are as they are; it’s how we choose to react to them that matters.

You may feel like a victim of circumstance, that’s allowed. But sooner or later, you have to start moving forward, and the best way to do this is to make a conscious daily choice to adopt a positive frame of mind. Believe that the right job is out there for you, and your job at the moment is to commit to finding it.

Having a routine helps immensely. Without one, you are in serious danger of wasting time or lapsing into apathy. Your routine doesn’t have to be rigorously structured, but it does need a framework.

Every weekend make a list of tasks that you want to accomplish the following week, for example scheduling meetings with “positive” individuals who are

willing to discuss job possibilities, contacts and alternatives with you; research job and training opportunities; update your CV etc.

Time dedicated to these tasks should form a large part of your daily routine. Each night, review your list and plan your tasks for the next day.

Working through your list adds structure to your days, gives you a sense of progress and makes you accountable to yourself.

When trying to stay positive, watch your alcohol intake and your diet. Bad choices in either area negatively affect your mood and reduce your ability to cope. Similarly, if you feel stuck, frustrated or unmotivated, change your environment and distract your brain - walk to the shop, go to the library, or go to the park. Just move.

It may sound easier said than done, but when you commit on a daily basis to moving forward with a positive outlook, it becomes a habit. Opportunities become more apparent and you are in a better frame of mind to take advantage of them.  Contact Rachael at hello@thecareerhub.ie or visit www.

thecareerhub.ie. Rachael Kilgallon is a FETAC qualified Career Coach and founder of The Career Hub.

RDS: ‘VERY IMPORTANT’ EVENT FOR CRAFT SECTOR

Record numbers are set to attend Showcase 13 SMALL businesses are set to flock to the RDS this month in a bid to impress international buyers, with a record number of microenterprises planning to make a big impact at the Showcase 2013 event.

Some 75 small businesses, more than double the amount that attended in 2010, will take centre stage at the Enterprise Zone at showcase, which takes place at the RDS from Sunday, January 20 to Wednesday, January 23.

Showcase is organised by the Crafts Council of Ireland every year, and is seen by industry experts as one of the most important trade events for Ireland’s craft sector. These businesses are being

supported by their local county and city enterprise boards at the special area, which is dedicated to help them break into new Irish and export markets during 2013.

Exhibiting under the Enterprise Zone brand name along the balcony area of the RDS, the small businesses are hoping to impress thousands of retail buyers, who are expected to attend from over 17 countries.

The craft companies, many of whom are firsttime exhibitors, cover sectors such as textiles, cosmetics, fashion, giftware, candles, ceramics, homeware, accessories and jewellery, representing 19 different counties.

In 2010, the County and

Showcase 2013 takes place at the RDS

City Enterprise Boards suppor ted 35 small businesses at showcase through subsidised stands.

This number rose to 50 in 2011, before reaching 57 last year.

Michael Hanley from the county and city enterprise boards said: “There has been an unprecedented level of demand for places at this year’s Enterprise Zone in show-

case, reaching record numbers this year. With the support of the county and city enterprise boards, this new generation of craft and design companies can potentially break into new markets, secure valuable export orders and create additional jobs locally.”

For more details, visit www.showcaseireland. com.

17 January 2013 Gazette 17

Collegeoptions Exploring third-level education

| student resources |

Finding the financial support to help fund your education Students getting ready to take the next step into thirdlevel education, or those going back to education, can find an abundance of information on the types of financial support available to them at studentfinance.ie.

This convenient and userfriendly source goes through all the different financial assistance schemes that are available in Ireland.

Although there has been criticism over the delay in the student grant run by SUSI (Student Universal Support

Ireland), this is the main source of financial assistance for anyone looking to embark on further study. Hopefully, by the time the next college year begins, delays will be sorted and applications processed more quickly, but it is worth checking your eligibility now.

Sources

The website also explains other sources of assistance for students including the Fund for Students with Disabilities, the Back to Educa-

tion Allowance and the Student Assistance Fund.

The Student Assistance Fund provides financial assistance for full-time higher education students who are experiencing financial difficulties whilst attending college. Students can apply for student assistance to help them with either temporary or ongoing financial difficulties.

The fund provides a further source of funding for higher education students in addition to the student grant. The

Student Assistance Fund is not available in further education/PLC colleges.

The Back to Education Allowance allows qualifying persons to return to fulltime education in approved courses while continuing to get income support such as social welfare payments whilst in an approved fulltime courses in further and higher education.

For full details on eligibility and application forms, Studentfinance.ie offers an abundance of information on the check out www.studentfi- types of financial support available for those stepping into third-level education nance.ie

18 Gazette 17 January 2013

Collegeoptions

New Frontiers programme returns THERE is great news on the horizon at the New Frontiers programme, an Enterprise Irelandfunded entrepreneur development scheme at The Learning and Innovation Centre (LINC) in IT Blanchardstown and the Synergy Centre at IT Tallaght.

Together, the two colleges will continue to provide the programme in 2013, with the first phase of the scheme, which runs for six weeks, set to commence in February. Phase two, which runs over six months, will commence in May 2013.

Both The LINC and

Synergy centres have significant track records of successfully providing a business incubation environment that nourishes business skills and company growth.

The partnership between the two incubation centres provides a support platform for wider regional business development.

Phase one brings new entrepreneurs through a six-week part-time evening programme to help them test their business concepts and ideas, and enable them to produce a clear analysis of the commercial opportu-

Exploring third-level education

| finding the key to success|

nity within their business idea. The new frontiers programme phase two is a six month full-time programme to help entrepreneurs plan the business, which will start recruitment during April 2013.

Both phases will have sessions and modules delivered at both The LINC and the Synergy Centre. Both phases require strong commitment on the part of the prospective entrepreneur.

For more details, contact Colm O Maolmhuire, Enterprise Manager at The LINC on 01 885 1119 or email colm.omaolmhuire@itb.ie

Lr Rathmines Road: Rathmines College will hold an open day on January 24

Rathmines College focus on work skills COLLEGE life is a lot of fun, but the key to a successful college experience is matching students’ skills with employer needs.

That is what Rathmines College set out to do, and they are calling on prospective students to attend their open day, which takes place on

Thursday, January 24 from 2 to 6 pm.

Staff and students will be on hand to answer questions and help in finding an educational match for all who are interested in further study.

A spokesperson for the college said: “Today, employers want highly skilled and trained graduates and, because of this, Rathmines College is dedicated to offering a range of one, two and three year study options in the key skill areas such as accounting, business, marketing and media and many more.

“From a student perspective because Rathmines College offers a full range of recognised, reputable and relevant courses our students are also confident that they will meet the needs of employers in many sectors.”

While the courses in the college can equip learners to go straight into the workplace they also provide opportunities to

progress on to institutes of technology or universities, in many cases with exemptions. This means students who successfully complete relevant awards can gain access to year two or three of many degree programmes.

“The college is a student-centred, dynamic provider constantly developing and adapting courses to suit learner and employer needs. The importance of practical experience in a skills area is often highlighted by employer groups and reflecting this Rathmines College includes a work experience element on most courses.”

As a College of Further Education, the courses are all state-funded and so minimum charges apply.

For more details on the open day and courses available, contact Rathmines College on 01-4975334 or click on www.rathminescollege. ie.

17 January 2013 Gazette 19

20 Gazette 17 January 2013

Collegeoptions

Exploring third-level education

Encyclopaedia Britannica | free course gives insight | is about to come on line AT a time when students are looking for every kind of advantage they can find, the National Parents Council Primary (NPCP) h a s we l c o m e d t h e announcement by Minister for Education Ruari Quinn that all school children will have free home access to the online edition of the Encyclopaedia Britannica.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the NPCP said: “Research strongly indicates that the most effective forms of parental involvement are those which engage parents in working directly with their children on learning activities in the home.

“Learning in the home

can take on many different forms and there are many activities that do not rely on technology.

However, using technology can also offer stimulating and fun ways of learning which parents can share with their children.

“Trustworthy online educational resources suitable for children of primary school children can be difficult and sometimes expensive for parents to obtain. This announcement will provide a significant amount of children and families with a valuable and trustworthy resource which will also support parents in their vital role in their children’s education.”

ITT prep course for older students IF YOU are over 23, thinking about going to college, and want the opportunity to find out if it is for you, the Institute of Technology Tallaght (ITT), Dodder Valley Partnership and County

Dublin VEC are set to offer their preparatory course for study at thirdlevel again this year.

This a free 10-week, part-time course, especially tailored for those who are thinking about extending their knowledge and skills, and who may be unsure whether

ITT are offering a free 10-week part-time preparatory course for mature students

college is for them, which subjects to study, or how to go about it, and there is an opportunity to find out more when there is an information night in ITT Dublin on January 24 at 7pm.

This opportunity will be of particular value both to those who are thinking about doing a third-level course but unsure what course to choose, and those who have already applied to

the CAO for 2013.

In addition to taster courses in business, accounting, engineering, computing, social care practice or European studies, there will be a broad range of workshops including back to education and finance for mature students, study and presentation skills, using the librar y research databases, group work, academic English and many more.

The preparatory course lecturers have extensive experience with mature students, and are sensitive to the fears and anxieties that many feel when re-entering the education system after a gap of several years.

Many of last year’s preparatory course students are now approaching the end of their first year, and there is an overwhelmingly positive reaction to the experience, including statements such as “I wholeheartedly recommend this course to all mature students” and “I am genuinely appreciative of the opportunity I’ve been given to be on this course”.

For more information, email the course coordinator John Keogh at ittprep2013@gmail.com, or log on to the college website www.ittdublin. ie.

17 January 2013 GAZETTE 21

Essential reading for Leaving Cert students

| COURSE CHOICES |

Research and apply before CAO deadline

www.

THIS is one of the most important times of the year for the more than 50,000 Leaving Cer tificate students nationwide considering their career and college options.

Faced with the CAO deadline of February 1, there is a daunting task ahead, with the application form to be filled out that will determine their college options and potential career directions, as well as an important step towards securing their college and course of choice.

But help is at hand, and Griffith College schools liaison office r R i c h a r d Mu r p hy explained recently that there is no need for students or parents to be fazed by the CAO form.

Tips • Research your course choices in advance. Sites such as www.cao.ie and www. qualifax.ie are very useful to assist students with their decision.

• Check the basic entry requirements for each of the courses you

are interested in. Some courses will have language requirements or may require a certain grade in maths.

• Apply online, as opposed to the paper format. The online form is significantly cheaper and it does not allow applicants to make mistakes by entering a course code that does not exist.

• Don’t leave it to the very last minute even with the online form, as computers can crash!

• Do fill in all 20 spaces provided for the 10

Level 8 choices and the 10 Level 6 and 7 choices to give yourself as much choice as possible.

• Do put course choices in order of preference with what you really want to do first.

Don’t try to secondguess what the points will be in August.

• Don’t forget the change of mind facility that is available after May 1 until July 1.

R ichard also says: “While dedicating time to school work and study is of utmost importance to secure

gazette .com

group

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

More than 50,000 Leaving Certificate students nationwide are considering their career and college options

the best results in the Leaving Cert, it is also essential that due time is given to researching what course and college will be the right fit

for you.

“College is an important time in any students’ development and picking the right course will ultimately secure

the career you are working towards.”

For more information, log on to the Griffith College website at www.gcd.ie.

22 Gazette 17January 2013

Collegeoptions

Exploring third-level education

| over 18,500 students support secondary school programme |

Huge support for Aware’s Beat the Blues and resilience for the future, which is especially important given the difficult situations which many young people in Ireland now face.

“Educating young people at this age about mental health is so vital, and we know that the more coping tools a person has, the better their outcome in times of stress,” said Dr Hayes.

“Beat The Blues is a proactive programme and helps young people develop the resources to deal with any issues they face now or in the future.

The key message of the programme is that there are always helpful actions that young people can

choose, no matter how unhappy, distressed or worried they may feel.

“Beat the Blues teaches young people to acknowledge their feelings, identify their thoughts as ‘helpful’ or ‘unhelpful’ and most importantly, focus on helpful actions they can take: this is a message which is so fundamentally important for our young people to hear.

We are delighted with the feedback we have had from more than 18,500 students who have participated so far and we look forward to bringing it to many more schools before the summer holidays.”

Beat the Blues is availa-

Pictured at the launch of Aware’s new-look secondary schools programme, Beat the Blues, funded by the Tesco Charity of the Year partnership, is Ray D’Arcy, Dr Claire Hayes, Aware (centre) and Leanne Delaney, Tesco Ireland, with RTE’s Louise Heraghty (left of pic), actress Tara Lee (from RAW, right of pic) and students from St Kevin’s College, Dublin

ble free of charge to every secondary school in Ireland, thanks to the fundraising efforts of Tesco staff members nationwide and its customers as part of the Tesco Charity of the

Year programme.

Michelle Mahon, corporate responsibility manager forTesco Ireland, says the company is delighted to support this important programme: “Our staff

and customers in communities across Ireland have been raising funds specifically for Aware’s schools programme since April, and we are thrilled to have collected over

€700,000 to date to fund the roll out of Beat the Blues.”

More information on Beat the Blues, as well as booking, is available on www.aware.ie

SUPPORT

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More than 18,500 senior-cycle students in secondary schools in every county in Ireland have taken part in Aware’s positive mental health programme Beat The Blues in the past four months.

Devised by Aware, the national organisation providing support, information and education around depression, under the guidance and direction of the organisation’s clinical director, Dr Claire Hayes, and funded by the Tesco Charity of the Year scheme, the programme focuses on positive mental health and how to deal with challenges in life. It also helps build strength

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17 January 2013 Gazette 23

24 Gazette 17 January 2013

Collegeoptions

Exploring third-level education

| after school |

Fun activities at Rosemont ROSEMONT School, a secondary school for girls in Sandyford, is opening a unique after school for local pupils from third class and up, located in its newly-built modern campus.

The after school intends to take the stress away from parents of school pickups, homework and meals. Students at the after school will benefit from enrichment activities, including cooking in Spanish and sports in Irish, as well as outdoor activities. Attendees also get

to sample the nutritious and healthy menu on offer.

Rosemont after school will have fully trained, highly experienced and qualified staff to work with young students who attend.

Parents will not have the hassle of collecting their children from school to bring them to the after school, as there will be a bus collecting students from local schools to the Rosemont Campus.

Jennifer McPhail, coordinator manager of the

after school said: “After careful planning and perfecting, we are really excited to open our after school. This is fantastic for working parents as we will have enrichment activities including Spanish, Irish and science and maths for fun. For children who love sport we have tennis, basketball, uni-hock, orienteering, nature walks and selfdefence.”

For more information, contact Jennifer on 01 207 8007 or email enquiries@rosemontafterschool.ie.

The children can have fun at Rosemont’s School’s new after school service for primary school children

XXJanuary Month 2013 17 2013 GAZETTE GAZETTE 25

Essential reading for Leaving Cert students

New year brings changes to Dun Laoghaire College of Further Education DUN LAOGHAIRE College of Further Education (DCFE) is ringing the changes in the New Year in a number of ways.

Most significantly, the college has rebranded to become Dun Laoghaire Further Education Institute (DFEi).

A spokesperson for the col-

lege said: “For over 35 years, DFEi has been central to the provision of high quality day and evening courses within Dun Laoghaire. Our facilities have been upgraded in order to enhance and develop our courses in line with current trends in FE both nationally and internationally.

“Our new brochure and website, www.dfei.ie, contains detailed information on how to apply, what services and assistance is available to learners and details of life and activities at DFEi.” People interested in taking part in the array of courses available at the college, which

include instruction in Craft, design and construction; arts, business and humanities; health and sport; information technology and media, radio and sound, should avail of the opportunity to tour the campus and talk to staff and students at the information day that the college are run-

ning on Wednesday, January 23 from 10am to 4pm.

Visitors will be able to find information and advice on courses, opportunities outwith the CAO points system, and obtain advice and guidance on learner supports at the college.

Applications for day cours-

es for the academic year 2013/2014 will open for both online or manual applications on January 30.

Learners of all ages and backgrounds are welcome in DFEi, and for more information, contact the college on 01 280 9676 or email info@dfei. ie.

COMMERCIAL FEATURE

| ONLINE GUIDANCE |

Mocks.ie an aid to informed career moves AS students now focus on exams, study and career choices, the Irish online study resource Mocks.ie has introduced a range of psychometric tests and career guidance tools on their website to assist in determining possible college and job options.

The new career guidance tests will complement the resources currently available to students, which have been limited following cuts to guidance counsellors in Irish schools and colleges.

Cuts in the education budget mean schools no longer receive a specific allocation for guidance counsellors, a move which could see a reduction in the personal, educational, and career supports available to students.

The Mocks.ie assessments, however, provide a useful new tool for students, parents and counsellors, to inform and assist in career decision making. The Mocks.ie programme, which gauges occupational interests and personality type, is combined with input from qualified guidance coun-

sellors, to point students in the direction of careers they would be suited to.

Students take online tests of their general ability and assessments of their own thinking on a career choice.

Associated psychometric tests on Mocks.ie also help identify their values, and how they interact, absorb information, think, make decisions, communicate, and learn; all of which can pinpoint a career or work environment to which they would be suited.

“Students are faced with class-work, study, and exams, so the task of properly reviewing their interests and aptitude, in order to decide on a future

career or course of study, tends to get neglected”, said Ailish Ryan, one of Mocks.ie’s founders.

“These online assessments not only help students make an informed choice on their career, but are also invaluable in helping the students and parents understand the child’s learning style and motivation,” she adds.

Full detail on all Mocks. ie career guidance supports is on the website, www.mocks.ie, alongside sample questions and sample reports outlining the kind of information the candidates receive.

Personal career guidance consultations are provided by a qualified guidance counsellor.

Mocks.ie has introduced psychometric tests and career guidance tools to assist in determining possible college and job options

DCU Students’ Union’s Aaron Clogher, Education Officer; Paul Doherty, President and Neil Collins, Welfare Officer praised the ChefDirect.ie initiative (inset)

DCU Students’ Union dish up a treat for 2013 CHEFDIRECT.IE are pairing up with Dublin City University Students’ Union to launch Ireland’s very first ready prepared meal service for students who are living away from home.

Currently delivering to the elderly at home in the greater Dublin area, chefdirect.ie has seen the need in students for fast, quality, hearty Irish meals.

Paul Doherty, President of DCU Students’ Union (DCUSU), says: “This is a great value, healthy option for students.

“We want to promote healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle for all our students, and we think this is a big step in the right direction.”

“Students want something fast, tasty and value for money and this ticks all the boxes,” says Aaron Clogher, Education Officer, DCUSU. The ChefDirect.ie team

have designed a wholesome range of 12 carvery meals that are 100% Irish.

Once fully cooked, all meals are freshly frozen and are ready for you to enjoy in less than 10 minutes from your microwave, or under 35 minutes from your oven.

Costing only €5.50 per meal, which is just €22 for a delivery of four meals for the four nights which the students live on campus, this delivery service is light on the pocket.

Neil Collins, Welfare Officer in the SU, adds: “The majority of students will spend a lot of money on takeaways.

“This is a much more affordable option as well as being a lot healthier, it’s just like having a homecooked meal.”

ChefDirect.ie only use 100% Irish ingredients in their meals, their meats are quality assured by

Bord Bia and their vegetables are purchased from Irish farmers.

ChefDirect.ie are very proactive in Irish employment, with their produce being manufactured here in Ireland.

Hearty Irish meals Paul Kavanagh, Chief Executive, ChefDirect.ie says: “We only produce hearty Irish meals, such as our tender cooked bacon, roasted Irish beef, tender cooked turkey ham with handmade stuffing, all served with at least three vegetables or maybe traditional Irish beef and stout stew, to mention just a few.”

The service is very simple really. All that the student or parent of the student has to do is visit www.chefdirect. ie, register as a new customer, then go onto their brand-new webshop page and buy four meals for

that week, which will be delivered every Monday afternoon direct to the DCU campus, or contact them on 01 491 6262 to make your order over the phone.

With the brand-new ecommerce website going live in February, the service enables students and family to buy online from a distance.

ChefDirect.ie’s delivery service has proven to be hugely convenient for their customers and gratefully received in the Irish market.

ChefDirect.ie directors Paul Kavanagh and Keith McGovern say that they are really looking forward to working with Dublin City University Students’ Union, and say that the team in the Students Union have come up with a very pioneering and healthy solution for the students living on campus.

Gazette

26 Gazette 17 January 2013

OUT&ABOUT Accessorize Egyptian Stud Belt €23.50 NOW €10.90

Miss Selfridge Faux Fur €110 NOW €85

Accessorize Leather Driving Gloves €34 NOW €16.90 Miss Selfridge Zip Detail Embellished Dress €85 NOW €32

Get your SALE  Laura Webb

The January blues have definitely kicked in and what’s going to bring us further into the slump is seeing those dreaded bills, so to cheer our readers up this week, we have decided to showcase all things discounted - let the sales begin.

No matter what high street you end up on or what shopping centre you will visit there will be one thing that you will want to see - and really you won’t be able to avoid it - and that’s the bright red signs that read SALE NOW ON. When you are looking through the rails for a great bargain, maybe think about what you might need over the coming months - a dress for an occasion? A bag for a weekend away? Or a

Accessorize Moustache Laminate Satchel €34.90 NOW €19.50

Littlewoods South PU Leather Skinny Jeans €39 NOW €8.36

Littlewoods Love Label Platform Ankle Boots, €67 NOW €35.72

17 January 2013 Gazette 27

Littlewoods Fred Perry Tennis Shoes €74 NOW €33.44

Littlewoods Lacoste Tipped Polo Shirt €115 now €67.64 Burtons Jeans €32 NOW €13

ON this month little t-shirt to get you through casual Friday?

Whatever the reason make sure you have one, otherwise you could be left with unwanted items and that only adds to that cluttered wardrobe. Is there a friend or family member’s birthday coming up? Then now is the opportunity to find something of good quality but for half the price. The January sales are always the best as the range is so vast. So if you have a few quid to spend, take in some of the fashion sights and give your self a little pickme up.

Main pic left, Cardigan from South was €89 NOW €33.82, Main pic right Shirt from Fred Perry was €91 NOW €48.26 - both available at Littlewoods.

Burtons Rust Square Textured Scarf €20 NOW €5

Topman Top €24 NOW €7

Burtons Boots €64 NOW €56

Gazette

STYLE

Gazette

28 Gazette 17 January 2013

OUT&ABOUT

CINEMA

Theatre

THE pavilioN THEATRE 01 231 2929 Snow White

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

Draiocht 01 885 2622 Aladdin

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

CIVIC THEATRE 01 462 7477 Tenderfoot

In September 2012, 42 transition year students from eight schools in South County Dublin signed on for their first day of Tenderfoot, the Civic Theatre’s apprentice theatre programme.

Transition year is all about new experiences and new ways of learning. Tenderfoot is funded by The Civic Theatre, South Dublin County Arts Office and The Arts Council’s Young Ensemble Scheme.

Running for two shows on Thursday, January 24, and Friday, January 25, tickets are priced at €10 with €5 concessions.

Newcomer Tom Holland stares down a tsunami

review: Ewan mcgregor and naomi watts star in this epic

Impossibly good IT seems odd that it has taken eight years for a major film to come along about the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami.

It was touched upon in the 2010 Clint Eastwood film Hereafter, but given that 250,000 people lost their lives in the sixth-deadliest natural disaster of all time, it has been largely ignored

by Hollywood.

It seems too far away a place and subject to really interest Western audiences and even The Impossible, which stars Ewan McGregor and Naomi Watts, is a Spanish funded production that changes the ethnicity of the protagonist family from Spanish to British.

Very, very British.

Whether or not this deters you from seeing, or enjoying The Impossible is entirely up to you, but in the rush to condemn the film mak-

Film of the Week: The Impossible h h h h (12) 107 mins Director: J.A Bayona Starring: Ewan McGregor, Naomi Watts, Tom Holland, Samuel Joslin, Oaklee Prendergast

 Paul Hosford phosford@gazettegroup.com

ers and posit on the homogeny of Hollywood, remember that the film comes with the blessing of the Spanish family, the Belons.

It is their story that is told, but really it is a universal story; one of family, survival and adversity.

As the tsunami struck on St Stephen’s Day 2004, paradise was turned into hell for holiday-makers and locals alike.

Part of the reluctance to film the event may have been the trouble with capturing the sheer scale of the disaster.

On a physical film-

OUR VERDICT: IT is not a popcorn movie nor is it one to take in if you’re already feeling any way emotional, but it is a very good film. Under all of the drama and emotional turmoil is a very real, very raw story of a family put into a chaotic situation. While the changing of the family from Spanish to white British will irk some, it says more about Hollywood, and audiences, than it does about this film itself, which is excellent.

making level it is an onerous task and one which could not be achieved by half-measures.

Spanish wunderkind J A B ay o n a s h owe d in 2007’s horror The Orphanage that he more than has the chops for such a task and his 10-minute take on the moments the water hit land is nothing short of spectacular.

As characters are flung around underwater, tossed among debris and detritus, the shuddering camera work

and thunderous sound design make the wave as scary as it is spectacular.

B a y o n a ’s t e c h n i cal expertise belies a director with an ability to capture real human drama.

Here, the wave does not form a large portion of the running time and is instead the set up for a harrowing family drama.

Eldest son Lucas (Tom Holland) and mother Maria (Naomi Watts) are separated from the rest of their family.

From there, the spectacle is dropped down a notch as the focus becomes survival.

If there were any gr umbles about the changing of ethnicity of the main characters, there can be no complaint about the actors drafted in to play the English family.

In Naomi Watts, the family finds a fitting matriarch; strong-willed, selfless and vulnerable, her performance is one that could easily go over the top, but in the hands of as skilled an actress as Watts, it never does.

Likewise Ewan McGregor, who never lets his performance stray in melodrama.

But the highlight of the film is a breakout performance from Tom Holland.

Playing stroppy eldest boy Lucas, the 16-yearold delivers one of the best film debuts ever.

17 January 2013 GAZETTE 29

GAZETTE

GAMING TECH: TIMELESS ITEM GETS A SECOND WIND WITH AN UP-TO-DATE DESIGN

BYTES&PIECES WANT TO PAY TO CONTACT A VIP ONLINE?

Time will tell if the Pebble watch makes quite a splash GOSH. You wait a few weeks for some interesting games-related news, or a great new game to review to come along … and then it doesn’t.

Which is why I’m once again taking a look at some technology news, as new games are still thin on the ground.

First up, at the time of writing, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) has just wrapped up in Las Vegas. Still very important to, well, pretty much any and all electronics firms – including IT developers – CES is always where you see the technology of tomorrow, today.

In theory, terrific technologies and exciting new gadgets, and goods, go on show each year – all of which their makers hope will go on to sit in homes, offices and firms around the world.

However, this year’s CES seems to have been pretty underwhelming, best summed up as “more of the same”, with the likes of bigger televisions, bendable OLED screens, and larger phones on show, leaving those in search of “the next big thing” a little underwhelmed.

While, of course, new

Facebook continues trials on a new revenue stream “BUDDY, can you spare a hundred dollars to speak to Mark Zuckerberg?” With the news that Facebook has confirmed that it’s experimenting with a system to charge interested users to message “VIPs” – including its founder, above – it’s interesting to note the way that the company is continuing to attempt to monetise its services.

It’s a bold experiment, and one that could reap plenty of financial rewards in the short term, depending on who – and how many – well-known people might agree to commit to such a service, thus prompting user take-up.

Personally, I can’t help but wish Facebook offered a “Pay us for no advertising” option, which seems like a no-brainer as a means to generate hefty revenues from the hundreds of millions of users – like me – who have never, and will never, click on a single one of the ads on Facebook, and would rather see none.

Perhaps after rolling out its “Pay us to talk to them” scheme (if it indeed proceeds, after these trials and their feedback), Facebook can then roll out a “Pay us not to talk to you” one, too. Here’s hoping …

For many, Eric Migicovsky (right) was the star of Consumer Electronics Show 2013 in Las Vegas, where his Pebble digital watch stirred up great  SHANE DILLON

interest. At first sight

sdillon@gazettegroup.com

just a digital watch, the Pebble utilises wireless

technologies and iterations of existing products were on show, it doesn’t look like we’ll all be getting hover cars or robot monkey butlers any time soon. Pity.

In fact, something that was conspicuous by its noticeable absence was 3D. Previously touted as the future of television, 3D TVs have by and large stalled at retail.

Given 3D’s generally lukewarm attraction at cinemas, it’s possible that 3D televisions are trotting towards extinction, but time will tell.

Wireless Speaking of time, something that attracted a surprising amount of media and business coverage at CES 2013 was the Pebble – a digital watch that also uses wireless technology.

Interestingly, it was something that was funded through Kickstarter – the online facility that sees budding entrepreneurs, inventors, and

technology to give it several uses beyond being “just” a watch.

anyone with a product or service ask anyone using the site to fund their project to fruition, in return for agreed returns in the product’s success.

Using this “crowdfunding” method, the Pebble’s developer, Eric Migicovsky, shot far beyond the $100,000 he was looking for to create the Pebble, reaching just over $10 million in backing, becoming Kickstarter’s most successful project by far, and making business watchers and tech heads sit up and take notice.

Now, the Pebble is out, and caused a stir at CES 2013. Basically a “smart” watch, it runs a number of simple apps, and uses Bluetooth connectivity to pass on text messages and email from a paired smartphone, as well as controlling music on a paired player. Oh, and it’s waterproof, too, in addi-

tion to a number of other features.

It’s of note that such a small product could go on to create such a big fuss, given the much more technologically advanced (not to mention, larger) products on show at CES 2013.

Messenger Moving on, and since I was talking about the Pebble watch above, we’ll stick with the changing times theme – and Microsoft has announced that time’s up for its popular Windows Messenger facility, which is being shut down in the middle of March (except for mainland China).

Once by far the world’s leading messenger service – you couldn’t walk into a cyber cafe without seeing Messenger open on virtually every screen – the service has been declin-

ing for some time, given the shift in consumer patterns online and the inexorable rise of social media.

While it still has a substantial user base, Messenger is, however, racing towards obsolescence in a world where people communicate through Facebook, Skype, Twitter, WhatsApp, and a dozen other leading facilities in the increasingly fragmented social media/ communication world.

With a 14-year run, Messenger had more than a good innings, and its retirement shows that even the biggest companies in the world have to adapt and change.

No doubt Microsoft – which now owns Skype, don’t forget – has plans for how to dominate the instant messaging service once more, but, again, time will tell …

Gazette

30 Gazette 17 January 2013

OUT&ABOUT

music

FASTtunes

Songwriter Club back for 2013 gatherings The Songwriter Club has proved itself to be a positive social network for aspiring musicians in 2012, and is looking to keep up its momentum throughout 2013.

The Songwriter Club returns later this month with Dundalk singer/songwriter Sinead McNally and community radio presenter and music manager Keith McLoughlin hosting the gathering on Saturday, January 26 from 2 to 5pm at The Teachers Club on 36 Parnell Square West, Dublin 1. There is a €2 donation per person for the use of the venue.

Guest speakers on the day will include Mark Crossingham, the managing director of Universal Music Ireland and Tamala Clark from Music Medium Live.

Singer/songwriters who attend have the opportunity to perform a song to their peers.

Speaking about the club and its goals for the coming year, Keith said: “The purpose of The Songwriter Club is to form a new music community whereby songwriters, performers and independent professionals connected to the music industry can meet regularly to discuss issues of importance, share experiences and information and become a voice for ‘independents’ in the industry.

“The club started in late 2011 when Sinead and I spoke about trying to set up a meetup group for musicians. The club has met a number of times during 2012 and is set to carry on doing so in 2013. The club has had many guest speakers, from music managers, producers, CD printing companies, organisations such as IMRO and RAAP plus many more.”

The Songwriter Club is a non-profitable organisation and contributors operate on a voluntary basis. The meeting will have a number of special guests who wish to share their advice, their experience or their business ideas.

Anyone involved in music is welcome to take part and you can find more information on The Songwriter Club page on Facebook.

Singer songwriter Corrina Jaye entertains her peers at a meeting of the Songwriter’s Club

David Bowie, at 66, still has the power to shake the very foundations of music and create a level of excitement other acts never will

Legends: a graceful return to the scene by david Bowie

Where we are now  Rob Heigh

2013 is barely two weeks old and it already seems that this is going to be the year of the comeback.

Starting out with a whimper — hold onto your hats for the return of Atomic Kitten, people — and ending with a tumult of acclaim and delight with the emergence from the wilderness of a certain Thin White Duke, there have been some incredible events before the New Year’s hangover has barely passed into the realms of never again.

Destiny’s Child, Justin Timberlake, Outkast... just three of the returning acts so far this year, but, really, there is only one that matters.

The amazing birthday gift to the world of

 ROB heigh rheigh@gazettegroup.com

David Bowie’s return to the game was a stunning piece of theatre worthy of the onstage retirement of Ziggy Stardust or the Top Of The Pops performance of Starman.

What was so amazing was its subtlety and the sense of utter surprise felt around the world. In a world of spoilers and leaks, where instantaneous news is fed to us constantly and we crave the next thing immediately before moving onto the next with barely an impression being left on

us in the process.

No fanfare, no tweets, no status update, just a ripple that turned into a tsunami of chatter, hope and expectation by the following morning as people woke up to the news that Bowie was back.

The track, Where Are We Now?, is an exercise in restraint and melancholy, reflective and heartfelt about a time when Bowie was undergoing another fundamental change as an artist when he came to Berlin, recording seminal albums like Heroes that defined more markers in the uninterrupted succession of epochal records that ran from Hunky Dory to Let’s Dance.

It’s on the basis of the legacy of that period that the current shock and

awe is earned, alongside the presumption that Bowie had left the building. Following his last outings on record and on stage that included a pair of simply astonishing appearances at The Point that will linger to the dying day of anyone who was privileged to be there, there was little heard since 2006. Health issues, and the ongoing radio silence from New York made the presumption of retirement a more likely reality. But without official confirmation, there was always the possibilty of a comeback. And so it comes to pass...

The news that Tony Visconti, Bowie’s long time producer is on the boards, that the record has taken two years to craft, and features both

classic Bowie and experimental Bowie is fantastic.

Hopes will remain high and hopefully internet hype and expectation will not crush the project when it finally appears.

But given the theatre and subtlety of the initial announcement, it makes sense that the arrival of the album in March will have the same impact.

Bowie is not one of the legends of music for no reason. He remains able to create an enormous effect with four minutes of song in the same way he shook and changed a generation with an unimpeachable back catalogue and seismic cultural impact nearly 40 years ago. To say we should be looking forward to the album is a massive understatement.

17 January 2013 swords gazette 31

Gazette

MOTORS road

NOISE €500 free fuel with every new Citroen

Skoda are currently offering the Octavia Exclusive 1.6TDI for €22,995

skoda: a host of attractive options bound to appeal

Octavia proves to be a whole lot of car

n Cormac Curtis

In my opinion, Skoda make some of the best cars on the market today.

At each level and in every one of their models, the attention to detail is never anything less than precise.

And somewhere in amongst all that precision and VW know-how, the brand has developed a character that is completely on my wavelength.

In every one of the cars in the Skoda range, you feel like you are getting more for your money.

A few weeks ago, my wife and I did something we haven’t had a chance to do in quite some time, we dined (just the two of us) at a real, honest-togoodness grown-ups’ restaurant in the city centre.

What the hell! It was the night of the Christ-

mas party so we decided to treat ourselves.

The prices were a lot steamier than we would usually cough up, but we were having a wonderful evening so we didn’t care one jot. But what really topped off the evening was the bill.

Somebody had definitely hit the wrong button on the till so we were undercharged considerably.

What a great feeling.

And it’s that feeling I get in Skodas, and the Octavia in particular.

This is a car that is supposed to be functional above all else.

It’s not the prettiest car on the road, but it holds its own, from the front at least.

It’s not a car you aspire to owning – nobody wins the lottery and buys an Octavia, unless they’re giving it to their uncle the

taxi driver, he would think all his birthdays had come at once.

But sitting into the car is at complete odds with the somewhat dull reputation the car has.

It feels so solid and shares an awful lot of kit with its far loftier stable mate, the Superb.

The build quality is bullet proof, which is why it feels like so much more of a car.

The upholstery is quality, giving the car the feel of a premium saloon, and the interior space is doing everything it can to mimic the Superb in terms of generous space.

For storage – I don’t remember the last time I was quite so impressed by a boot, the thing is huge.

Considering there is an all-new Octavia hitting our shores in early March, it may seem a little redundant to talk about this

particular model so close to its retirement, but there are some very attractive options that are certain to appeal to potential owners.

Skoda are currently offering the Octavia Exclusive 1.6TDI for €22,995.

The Exclusive model comes in just behind Skoda’s premium Laurin & Klement specification, giving owners all the spec of the Active and Ambition models, along with a wealth of extra features.

On the outside, the car sits on a set of attractive 16” alloy wheels of the Crateris variety.

The inside of the car is treated to the Interior DUO spec, which features half leather upholstery.

The dash comes in OnyxOnyx style and the overall decor is of the Elegance Design spec.

For safety, functional-

ity and comfort, the front passenger glove compartment is illuminated and cooled via the air-conditioning system.

Navigation comes in the form of the Amundsen+ sat nav system, and the climate is controlled by the Climatronic – Dual-zone air conditioning with electronic regulation and combifilter.

This Octavia boasts the very attractive Maxi DOT large dashboard information display, but before you even get in to the car, illumination is provided via boarding spots that are integrated in to the door mirrors.

So, all-in-all, there is an awful lot to enjoy in this bastion of practicality, a whole lot of car in a very subtle body. If you’re sitting on the fence when it comes to the Octavia, I think you know which way to jump.

During the Citroen 10-Day Free Fuel Giveaway, from January 17 to 27, every customer who orders a new Citroen can drive away with €500 of free fuel, and look forward to free trips to the fuel pump.

Retail customers who take advantage of this high value offer across the Citroen passenger range will receive, on collection of their new Citroen, a pre-loaded Topaz Gift Card to cover the cost of €500 fuel. This equates to over 9,000km of free driving in Citroen’s most fuel efficient engines.

Citroen now offer an ever cleaner, greener and more efficient range, so even after all the free fuel has been used, future petrol or diesel costs can be kept to a minimum.

Models such as the stylish C3 and New C4 already deliver impressive fuel economy of up to 3.4L/100km (83 mpg) and 3.8L/100km (74 mpg) respectively.

What’s more, those who take a test drive during the giveaway can avail of a free winter vehicle health check in any participating authorised dealership.

Frederic Soulier, managing director of Citroen Motors Ireland, said: “We are committed to giving our customers more for their money with our incredible €500 free fuel giveaway, and with a wide range of quality passenger cars to choose from our customers can be confident that it is a great time to buy a new Citroen.”

For more information or details of the nearest participating Citroen dealer, visit www.citroen. ie

32 swords gazette 17 January 2013

Gazette

&ABOUT OUT fast TRAVEL NEWS

Cheap Sunday rate at Everglades Hotel FOR those planning on visiting the 2013 City of Culture Derry-Londonderry, the Everglades Hotel is offering guests a brand new Sunday night special with prices from just €60 per room.

The four-star Everglades Hotel overlooks the River Foyle as well as the rugged hills of County Donegal, and is situated just five minutes from Derry city centre. It is a great place for guests to relax in comfortable surroundings, enjoy some good home-cooked food, and relax having a pint by the roaring fire.

To book or for further information, log on to www.hastingshotels.com/everglades-hotel or call 048 7132 1066.

Lap up the sun at Lisbon’s beaches THE Lisbon coast is a popular holiday spot amongst the Irish, famed for its golden beaches, stunning architecture and chic resorts like Estoril and Cascais.

Gohop.ie, Ireland’s leading online travel company, have some great offers for 2013 to let you experience the Portuguese hot spot for yourself.

Visit Estoril in March for four nights from just €198 per person, or in April for four nights from only €204 per person. Or visit Cascais in March for four nights from €210 per person, or in April for five nights from only €234 per person.

Prices are based on two adults sharing and include return flights from Dublin Airport, accommodation as stated as well as all taxes and charges. Prices are subject to availability.

For further details or to book, log on to www. gohop.ie.

event calendar: beat christmas blues with a cheap road trip

Brighten January with a trip up North

JANUARY is often discarded on the travel calendar. Its unfortunate proximity to postChristmas blues and the lack of funds for many people ensure that it remains a quiet month.

But for those who do fancy hopping in the car and doing something a little different, Northern Ireland has a lot to offer. So without having to break the bank, take a look at some of the top things to do this month in Northern Ireland.

The Lisbon coast is popular among the Irish Fireworks in Derry City

Countryside Walks Castlewellan, Co Down, Until January 23.

Join one of the many walks taking place until January 23. Walks are generally five to six miles and are open to everyone above 16 years of age.

Family Favourites Cookery Course Belle Isle Estate, Lisbellaw, Co Fermanagh, January 18.

Be inspired with simple, cost effective dishes

that can be prepared in advance and that everyone will love. The cookery course sees recipes that are easy to dress up or down with ideas for breads, one pot dishes and puddings.

Arenacross Odyssey Arena, Belfast, January 19.

Arenacross is the crazy indoor off-spring of motocross racing.

The racing is short and sharp with huge triple jumps, killer mogul sec-

Derry-Londonderry has plenty of activities on offer

tions and fast, banked corners, all designed to provide high-octane sensory fun.

Sons and Daughters Ebrington, Co Derry, January 20.

The opening event of Derry’s City of Culture year will be the massive Sons and Daughters opening concert.

The event will feature all the city’s top names from stage and screen including Phil Coulter, Fergal Sharkey, T he Undertones, Dana and Paul Brady.

Dominic Kirwan in Concert Market Place Theatre, Armagh, January 25.

Dominic Kirwan has built up a very loyal following in Ireland and the UK as a consequence of his dynamic stage shows. This concert features songs from his many albums and features everything

from country to pop.

An Evening with Brendan Shine A r d h owe n T h e a t r e , Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, January 26.

Sit back and enjoy an evening with one of Ireland’s top TV, radio and recording stars, with Sean Wallace as compere and special guests Rod, Tracey and The Barroom Buddies.

Titanic: Window on Emigration Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, Co Tyrone, until January 26.

Set in the context of European emigration, this exhibition lets visitors explore the stories of the Irish emigrants and why they left for the New World. Explore a third class cabin on the Titanic, listen to the voices of those involved and bring to life the stories of the people who

17 January 2013 swords gazette 33

Gazette

Travel

fast

TRAVEL NEWS

Escape to Madeira this February with Concorde Travel

to new visitors

journeyed to a new life.

Megaliths of Northern Ireland Exhibition Mid-Antrim Museum, The Braid, Ballymena, Co Antrim, until February 23.

This exhibition gives an insight into what life was like here 6,000 years ago during the Neolithic age. Visitors will discover more about the Neolithic people, how they lived and farmed, as well as the different myths and legends surrounding the standing stone structures that are scattered throughout the region.  For more details on

these and other events, Callsave 1850 230 230, visit Northern Ireland Tourist Board’s Information Office at Suffolk Street in Dublin 2, or log on to www.discovernorthernireland. com/events.

Jet away to Bodrum Peninsula with WingsAbroad this year F OL L OW I N G t h e success of the new route in 2012, the Turkish holiday specialists WingsAbroad have extended their Shannon to Bodrum route for the upcoming summer of 2013.

In order to ensure that more people can experience what has

become the extremely popular Bodrum Peninsula, WingsAbroad have added extra dates to their holiday programme this summer.

The first flight from Shannon will take-off on June 2 with the final flight of the season on September 1.

Travel on June 9 and

stay at the three-star Summer Garden, Bitez, in a self-catering studio from only €429 per person. Or stay at the three-star Sami Beach Hotel, Gumbet, on a B&B basis from only €479 per person.

Price includes return flights from Shannon, seven nights accom-

modation as stated, return airport transfers and charges. Prices are based on two adults sharing.

For more information or for bookings, log on to their website, www.wingsabroad.ie, or call 01 871 9444, or contact your local travel agent.

THE Portuguese Island of Madeira is aptly known as The Island of Eternal Spring because of its mild climate. The temperatures rarely fall below 17C or rise above 24C, giving it the kind of weather most Irish tourists would give their left arm for.

The capital Funchal is a bustling seaside town, offering plenty of amenities and services for the holidaymaker. The island is the perfect destination for families, couples or indeed, any tourist looking for quality hotel accommodation at reasonable and affordable prices.

Madeira is praised for the friendliness of its people, its unique atmosphere and is ideal for anyone who loves outdoor activities or simply relaxing by one of the many hotel swimming pools.

This February, Concorde Travel are offering springtime escapes to Madeira from Dublin from just €479 per person (pp). Leave on February 3, and stay at the three-star Dorisol Hotel on a B&B basis from €479pp, or at the four-star Madeira Panoramico on a B&B basis from €659pp. Or treat yourself to a stay at the four-star Four Views Baia, also on a B&B basis from €699pp, or at the five-star Vidamar Resort – in a sea view room – from just €729pp. Guests can enjoy more five-star luxury at the five-star Melia Madeira Mare from €799pp including B&B, or at the fivestar Pestana Casino Park, also on a B&B basis and priced at €799pp.

Packages from Concorde Travel include direct return flights from Dublin to Funchal, 20kg luggage allowance, return airport transfers, all taxes and charges, rep assistance and seven nights accommodation as specified.

Optional trips are also available.

To book your Madeira break, visit www.concordetravel.ie, email info@concordetravel.ie or phone (01) 775 9300 to speak with one of Concorde Travel’s representatives.

34 SWORDS GAZETTE 17 January 2013

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rugby P36

asdfsdaf P27 gaelic games P39

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



Gazette

golf P37

FastSport harriers on form in tymon:

Republic of Ireland supporters from Dublin and beyond will join together as part of the FAI’s The Gathering initiative

soccer: national association’s event to coincide with vital austria clash

FAI ready to host supporters conference for The Gathering THE Football Association of Ireland is looking to invite representatives of Republic of Ireland supporters clubs around the world to attend a supporters’ conference in Dublin on March 26.

As part of the FAI’s involvement in The Gathering 2013, the association is reaching out to all supporter clubs to come together at an event in the Ballsbridge Inn on Tuesday, March 26 – the day of Ireland’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Austria at Aviva Stadium.

This event will see representatives of the official Republic of Ireland Supporter Clubs join with newly formed supporters clubs to discuss matters of mutual interest which the FAI hopes will help those clubs grow in the years to come.

FAI regional manager Gerry Reardon has been delighted with the response so far. “We’ve already had representatives confirmed as attending from supporters clubs including London, Midlands UK, Huddersfield, Dublin, Derry, West of Ireland, Edinburgh, Vancouver, ‘You

Boys in Green’ and the ‘FAI Inclusive Supporters Club’,” he explained.

“We are also looking to engage with the established clubs and will be seeking interest from new groups of supporters from around the globe.

“With the growth of the diaspora worldwide in recent years there are still a number of clubs out there who are off the radar or a number of loose affiliates that haven’t organised themselves yet which we may be able to assist.

“It’ll be a get-together first and foremost where clubs can share their

knowledge then we can explore ideas around good practice to hopefully improve and develop further partnership work between fans and the association.

“We will also explore the possibility of a worldwide Republic of Ireland supporters’ club confederation.”

If you are a member of a supporters club that has yet to be contacted or are in process of forming a club and would like to do so or would simply like to register your interest in the congress, contact: gerry.reardon@fai.ie.

THE first BHAA race of 2013 took place last week in Tymon Park, Templeogue, with conditions ideal for the cross country race.

The ladies event was a two-mile race, and Bernie Stapleton was the first woman home for Lucan Harriers, in a time of 14.42.

Stapleton was also second in her category. Next home for Lucan was Eileen O’Brien in a time of 16.43 and was the first home in her category.

The men’s race was over four miles, and Lucan was represented by five men, first home being Gareth Faraday in a superb time of 24.45, he was quickly followed by Gerry Byrne Snr in 29.33.

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

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

Gazette

36 SWORDS Gazette 17 January 2013

SPORT

FastSport Dubliners to the fore in cricket sides: A LARGE number of local cricketers have been named in the Ireland underage training programmes ahead of the 2013 season.

The Anders of Phoenix are well represented with Thomas included in Ryan Eagleson’s U-19 selection while Rory is in the U-15 selection and Ian is included at U-13 level. In the elder team, Malahide’s Peter Chase is joined by St Andrew’s student Lee Cole and St Columba’s Patrick Tice.

Jack Balbirnie, another Andrew’s student, is in the U-17 side along with Lorcan Tucker from Colaiste Eoin. He is included along with his younger brother Fiachra in the U-15s.

There, Phoenix have three players involved with Rory Anders joined by Sim Singh and Marc Gibson-McKenna.

Malahide’s Cameron Shoebridge gets the nod for this panel, too while Gonzaga’s Rory McGovern is in the U-13s.

rugby: several local players in the extended irish women’s panel

Leinster lionesses in line up  sport@gazettegroup.com

A LARGE number of local women have been included in the Irish women’s rugby panel as they commence their preparations for this year’s RBS Women’s Six Championship with a training camp this weekend for the extended panel.

Ireland Women’s head coach Philip Doyle has had some tough decisions to make in selecting the 34-player extended squad for this year’s campaign.

One thing that stands out is the increase in the number of Exile players coming into the squad, which is a testament to the work being done by Mark Blair and his team in the UK. The Exiles played

two very competitive matches again Leinster and Munster before the IRFU Women’s Interprovincial Championship in December and there were a number of new players who put their hands up for selection.

Swords woman Lynne Cantwell is included among this number while Blackrock RFC provides Shannon Houston to the mix, Sharon Lynch is Garda’s representative while St Mary’s Paula Fitzpatrick is also in the running for a berth.

The remainder of the Leinster representative players involved come from Old Belvedere with Jenny Murphy, Nora Stapleton, Ailis Egan and Marie-Louise Kelly There are a number of

new faces coming into the squad this year and this, coupled with seasoned internationals and exciting younger players coming through, will certainly make training particularly competitive.

Speaking ahead of the training camp, Doyle said: “This year was definitely one of the toughest selection processes to date for myself and the coaching staff.

“The difficult part of my role is not including players who may have been with the squad before.

However, it is a credit to the players who have been working extremely hard to make our jobs so difficult in the selection process.

“Following on from the campaign last year which

The extended Irish women’s panel was named this week for the Six Nations

was our best to date, it is hard to be anything but excited for the season ahead.

“There is a lot of hard work and training ahead of us but I am confident in the ability of the players to deliver on the field this year.”

There is a significant importance to the 2013 Six Nations - not only because it is the premier tournament for women’s rugby in Europe, but

qualification for the 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup in France is dependent on the results from the 2012 and 2013 tournaments.

There are six automatic qualifiers for next year’s World Cup - reigning world champions New Zealand, 2010 runnersup England, 2010 bronze medallists Australia, 2014 hosts France and USA and Canada by virtue of their top six placing at the

2010 tournament.

After England and France, the two highestplaced teams in the Six Nations on aggregate over two years - 2012 and 2013 - will secure places at France 2014.

The remaining two other teams from the Six Nations, plus the highestranked teams in Europe, will be joined by a team from Oceania in a qualification tournament in 2013.

Operation Transformation returns to Marlay  sport@gazettegroup.com

Last year’s Marlay Park walk attracted over 900 people

AS PART of Dun LaoghaireRathdown Sports Partnerships’ aim to encourage everyone in the county to get active, a free walking event, the Operation Transformation public walk, will be held at 11am on January 19 in Marlay Park.

This event is being held in conjunction with the Irish Sports Council and RTE’s Operation Transformation programme. On the day, every county in Ireland will have a similar walking event to cater for all levels of fitness,

but in particular those looking to start exercising again.

Meeting at 10.45am beside the new playground at the College Road entrance to Marlay Park, the 4km route will be around the picturesque park, based on pathways and suitable for all levels of walker. Supported by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, this event will provide the perfect chance to put those New Year’s resolutions into action.

Speaking in advance of the event, Shane McArdle, coordinator with the sports partner-

ship, said: “Getting active makes such a big difference to your health, helping to reduce stress, ease back pain and reduce the risk of heart disease.

“For heart health, adults need at least 30 minutes of physical activity, such as brisk walking, five days a week.

“By taking part in these types of local events, people can become more aware of the excellent parks available in the county and how walking can be made social and fun.”

Trained walking leaders will be present on the day for a help-

ing hand and information on the history of the park. All are very welcome and encouraged to attend.

For further information on this event and to register your interest please contact Dun LaoghaireRathdown Sports Partnership at 01-2719502 or sportspartnership@dlrcoco.ie.

Over 900 people of all ages and fitness levels took part in the event last year, leading to a fantastic spectacle with a trail of people nearly 1km long stretched out along the pathway.

17 January 2013 SWORDS Gazette 37

Gazette

Club captain relives Castle’s dream year

After a groundbreaking 2012, club captain Paschal Taggart looks back with fondness on the Rathfarnham outfit’s success, most notably in the Irish Senior Cup PASCHAL Taggart admits he enjoyed “a dream” year as the 99th club captain of Castle golf club as the Rathfarnham outfit finally ended their long wait to win the Irish Senior Cup, the pinnacle in the club game in the country.

It was the icing atop an incredible year as they landed the Bloom Cup while their Fred Daly Cup team – the equivalent of their All-Ireland championship – claimed Leinster glory.

Reflecting on those successes, Taggart said: “As a sporting fanatic who is pretty useless at all sports, I have to admit that 2012 was one of the great years in my life” Specifically, he first looked back at the Bloom Cup win, a competition for South Dublin clubs for players with handicaps over 14.

“You would think it

was the Ryder Cup such is their planning, enthusiasm and commitment, not to mention their celebrations.

“It was only after coming from a long way behind that they managed to defeat a very talented Elm Park and beat our old rivals, Newlands in the final.”

The Fred Daly team of Alex Gleeson, Peter McKeever, Jack Walsh, Ross McKeever, Ross Murray, Rob Browne, Conor Harte, Barry Fitzpatrick and James Pender were similarly successful.

“Starting out the year, I had great expectations for our team, “Over the past decade, many dedicated club members, along with our much admired professional David Kinsella have put enormous time and effort in developing our juveniles.”

They squeaked through an initial 16-team qualifier in Lucan golf club, qualifying on countback before progressing past Carton House – the reigning European champions – in the Leinster final.

Connacht champs Rosses Point, though, proved a hurdle too far in the All-Ireland semifinal.

Nonetheless, it set the stage for the senior men’s team, amazing run, becoming the first south Dublin club to win the national title since 1926.

The team had impressive pedigree in the management team of Harry Gleeson and Jim Pender.

“Intelligent, very good and experienced golfers, tough but always fair and dedicated to the Castle; incidentally both of their fathers were captains of the Castle in the 1980s.

“They left no stone

Castle Golf Club celebrate their first ever Irish Senior Cup team

unturned in the quest of the Holy Grail, with trainers, psychologists, bonding trips in Rosslare, female masseur and numerous practice days.

“All this counted for zilch without a bunch of

bers who made the trip, but we certainly outnumbered our opposition by four to one.

“Our semi-final opponents were former winners, Rosses Point.

“It was fitting that

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

‘You would not want a bad heart watching these Irish Senior Cup matches’ – Paschal Taggart

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

really talented and dedicated team members.

“Their handicaps ranged from two to Conor Deegan at plus five, an absolutely amazing handicap for a 42- year-old who had won two All-Ireland football medals for Down in 1991 and 1994.”

They edged past Killeen in the first round, young Peter McKeever holding his nerve at the 18th to win at the last.

A succession of good clubs were also ousted to reach the Leinster final where they met reigning champions Portmarnock in Hermitage.

“You would not want to have a bad heart watching these matches. At the end, Daniel Holland played four superb shots to win on the 17th and the Castle were Leinster champions for the first time.”

It meant the club were bound for the All-Ireland finals in September on the old course at Kinsale.

“I lost count of the number of Castle mem-

16-year-old Jack Walsh of the defeated Fred Daly team, rolled in a putt on the 18th to clinch our place in the final.

“The final was against previous winners from Ulster, Warrenpoint Golf Club who were beaten by Portmarnock in the previous year’s final.

“Once again, Holland held his nerve to win the deciding match on the last green. He played all nine matches and was unbeaten in all. Not bad for a young golfer that has not won a major competition.

“Indeed, an amazing fact about all the eight members of the Castle team is that not one of them has ever won a major singles competition and yet they were playing against an ex-Walker cup players and many who have won majors.

“It was especially fitting for Jim Mulready to eventually win an All-Ireland medal having soldiered for the Castle for 18 years.”

FastSport

Dublin ladies football puts committee in place at SGM THE Dublin Ladies Gaelic Football Association this week installed an executive committee at a special general meeting after almost six weeks with positions vacant.

Dublin had been without a committee since December 1 following the resignation of the previous regime as former chairperson, Maureen King, and her fellow officers were unable to get the majority backing of Dublin clubs when they sought the re-appointment of former senior manager Peter Clarke. Clarke has since been installed as Mayo manager Raheny man Paul McLoughlin was elected as Dublin chairperson unopposed and now has the task of securing Dublin a new senior manager along with regrouping a panel of players in time for the visit of Leinster rivals Meath to the capital for the first NFL fixture of the 2013 which is pencilled in for Sunday, February 3.

McLoughlin has been quick to act, having already received the backing of clubs to appoint an interim senior management team who presided over a training session of an assembled squad last weekend.

Along with the senior post, Dublin LGFA has also advertised for candidates for the unoccupied positions of U-21 and U-14 manager, on the association’s website.

McLoughlin will be joined on the committee by a number of experienced and well known administrators. Long time serving executive member Kathleen Colreavy (Naomh Mearnog) was re-elected as assistant county secretary along with former chairperson Camillus Kilpatrick, from Naomh Olaf, who will take on the role of county registrar.

Additional committee members elected were Joe Keane of Clann Mhuire (vice-chairperson), Mary O’Connor of St Brigid’s (secretary), Siobhan Walsh of Naomh Mearnog (treasurer), Bernice Jones Moore of Man O War (children’s officer), Amy Branigan of Clan Na Gael Fontenoy (development officer).

Also elected to serve as central and Leinster council delegates were John Sheridan, Yvonne Burke both Kilmacud Crokes, Finbarr O’Driscoll (Naomh Olaf) and David McCabe (Round Tower, Clondalkin).

Gazette

38 SWORDS gazette 17 January 2013

SPORT

FastSport

O’Neill comes back in style in Dundalk race RETURNING Swords cycling club member, Dave O’Neill put in his performance of the season to take seventh place at the crosscountry nationals in a tough race in Dundalk on Sunday.

The club’s John Rowan competed in his first ever elite race whilst Michael Donoghue and Conor McGrane showed colours for the support race.

In the main event, O’Neill showed how important a good start is on such a narrow and twisty course.

Starting on the second row he jumped to sixth place but a tumble saw him drop out of the top 10. He steadily worked his way back up to seventh battling against some strong riders to stay there.

With the course cutting up, bike changes were the order of the day and with no hoses available to clean off the mud, the pit crew were the busiest that they have ever been this season.

O’Neill repaid their efforts with his fantastic ride, the last of the riders not to be lapped by a hugely impressive pairing at the front.

Banbridge’s Roger Aiken was first overall in a time of 1.01.50 with Olympian Robin Seymour second just 11 seconds back with the battle for supremacy and the value of an Irish title was laid bare.

“I feel brilliant, I’m really delighted to have won it for a third time, I’ve been doing cyclocross for 13 years now,” the winner said immediately after his victory.

“It was neck and neck until one-and-ahalf laps to go. We were swapping bikes every two laps and I just got a bit of a gap on Robin with one-and-a-half laps to go.”

However, Aiken said it was not a case of knowing he had the victory in the bag at that stage.

“No, I kept the pressure on. I didn’t want it to end up a tactical race so I kept the pressure on, kept trying hard. Then the elastic just broke or he might have made a slight mistake and I got the gap.”

soccer: seven goal thriller swings home side’s way

Swords Celtic celebrate one of their goals in a 4-3 win over Castleknock Celtic in the AUL U-19 league

Kenny Swords’ super sub Aul u-19 league Swords Celtic Castleknock Celtic  sport@gazettegroup.com

4 3

SWORDS Celtic’s AUL U-19 side started off 2013 with a spectacular goal glut against Castleknock, beating their opposition 4 -3 with super sub Paul Kenny bagging a brace from the bench to clinch the victory for the north county side.

Kenny struck first having been on the pitch for just 10 minutes, rounding off a good passing move with a real poacher’s effort to put Celtic

ahead on 65 minutes 3-2.

Castleknock came right back at the Swords men and equalised 10 minutes later when their left winger sent a wonderful cross into the box which bypassed the Swords defence leaving the striker the simple task of just making contact to regain parity at 3-3.

Swords needed to bank the three points on the day to keep themselves in the race for the title and after a big spell of pressure that Castleknock looked confident of absorbing, the ball

taking the plunge Margaret’s members brave the elements members of St Margaret’s GAA juvenile club held a sponsored dip on New Year’s Day at Portmarnock strand to raise funds for Youth Suicide Prevention Ireland.

A large number of brave souls decided to take the plunge and were well supported by club members who came out to cheer them on a brisk January 1, braving the elements of the Irish Sea.

fell to the determined Kenny who smashed the ball home from the edge of the area.

Castleknock opened the scoring in the 20th minute after a cross form their left winger forced an error out o f Swo r d s ’ s t o p p e r Gareth McGrath, leaving the goal open for an unmarked striker to finish to give the away team a 1-0 lead.

Swords winger Jamie Hore levelled the score when he cut in from the left hand side, taking the wind out of the Castleknock sails into the second stanza.

Swo r d s t o o k t h e lead 10 minutes into the second half when Eoin James was clearly tripped as he advanced on the Castleknock goal.

The referee pointed to the spot and Gary Bohan placed the ball in the back of the net to make it 2-1, followed by a quick fire equaliser that saw Castleknock pounce on a sleeping backline.

“We want to finish in the top three, it’s an incredibly competitive group of teams,” said manager Paul Darcy with regard to the inaugural AUL U-19 league.

“The standard is very high and there are some seriously talented squads.

“This the lads’ last year together as in the schoolboy ranks and with some of them looking for scholarships in the states and others considering senior, they want to take something from the year.

“We’re still involved in the two cups and if we get wins against sides like Leicester Celtic and Crumlin we’ll be there or thereabouts and I’m very confident that the lads can compete with them.”

17 January 2013 SWORDS gazette 39

Gazette

Dublin North dismiss Westmeath schools  sport@gazettegroup.com

CASTLEKNOCK man Niall O’Callaghan produced the star turn for Dublin North as they got the better of the We s t m e a t h s c h o o l s 4-16 to 1-8 last Saturday in DCU in the Leinster colleges senior hurling championship group A playoff.

He struck 2-3 while Sean Gray weighed in with 0-6 as the Dublin selection ran riot, building a huge 3-10 to 1-1 lead as they made great use of the wind in the first half of the tie. Westmeath’s only scores came from the Doyle twins from placed balls – Killian (a goal) and Ciaran (a

point).

St Oliver Plunkett’s/ Eoghan Ruadh club man Cian Boland scored one of the other goals while Lucan man Eoin O’Conghaile continued his family’s excellent week as he chipped in with 1-3.

His was the fourth goal, a superb individual effort with seven min-

utes left on the clock. It came in a week when Emmet O’Conghaile made his Dublin senior football debut.

Amid the goal rush, D u b l i n N o r t h we r e never in danger of defeat and their mentors took the opportunity to test their squad, making a series of changes in the second half.

football: Dubs through despite wicklow loss

Club Noticeboard fingallians MEMBERSHIP is now due for all mem-

Gary on 086 3867036 if interested.

bers before the end of the month.

The club nursery (four- to seven-

Applications are available on www.

year-olds) will start back on Satur-

fingallians.com or at the club bar.

day, January 19 from 10am. Further

A double for the club at the Fingal

details from nicola.fitzgerald.gpo.

Independent Awards over the week-

dublin@gaa.ie or simon.lambert.

end. Anne Marie Torsney won the

gpo.dublin@gaa.ie.

junior athletic award and Catherine Walsh collected the senior award.

The club shop will be open and mouthguards are available.

Well done to our U-16s who will now

Social football takes place in the

play in the division one and U-15s

club every Friday evening at 8pm.

who will play in division two for 2013

The numbers have increased dra-

in football.

matically but there are still places

The lotto can now be done online via

available for new members. For

www.fingallians.com. Last week’s

further information, please con-

jackpot winner picked his numbers

tact mark at, ecotaxisdublin@gmail.

online - please spread the word.

com

The first coaching forum of 2013

Athletic club membership is now

will take place in the club on Friday,

also due €20 for juvenile and juniors

January 25 from 9 - 10.30pm.

and €25 for adults.

The second and third football

Texas Hold’em poker scheduled

teams are back training every

for Friday, January 25 will now take

Tuesday and Thursday at 7.30pm.

place on February 1.

Both squads are looking to recruit

Fingallians extends deepest sym-

additional players. Please contact

pathy to the Howard family. Ar dheis

garymccallion21@hotmail.com or

De go raibh a anam dilis.

st finian’s MEMBERSHIP fees are now due and

coming year. Please contact Brian

can be paid by downloading the mem-

Fetherston (086 6041200) if you know

bership form from the download sec-

anybody interested in joining the

tion of the club website, www.stfin-

team.

ians.com, and then returning it to the Dublin manager Jim Gavin, pictured left in conversation with Ger Brennan

Gavin continues to test Dublin options  sport@gazettegroup.com

DESPITE a loss last Sunday to Wicklow, Jim Gavin was not overly perturbed by his first defeat as Dublin senior football manager.

Indeed his side had booked their place in the semi-final of the O’Byrne Cup with victory over DCU three days earlier as he continues to experiment with his line-up.

Speaking after the Wicklow loss, he said there was no need for drastic measures: “We’re not going to use the guillotine based on one par-

ticular performance,” he said. “Most of the guys have got opportunities in the last few games, and again we’ll use a blended approach in the next game.

“But it’s the O’Byrne Cup. We’re talking about the third week in January, so there’s a long way to go till the end of the season, and it’s a chance for me to see players, and for players to show their potential.”

In the DCU game, Diarmuid Connolly led the scoring for the boys in blue with 1-3 when they breezed past DCU in a one-sided 3-16 to

1-11 win.

Fingal Ravens man Darren Daly continued his role in defence trying at intervals to keep tabs on Fingallians’ man Paul Flynn who will more than likely be one of Gavin’s key men this summer.

He was in DCU colours this time around, though, and kicked a point.

An injur y to Cian O’Sullivan just shy of the 20-minute mark is sure to leave a sour taste in Dublin mouths after a tweaked hamstring forced the defender off.

Peregrine’s man Rob-

bie McCarthy kicked two frees on the night and took another when a more youthful Dubs side lined out against Wicklow, with the Dubs coming up short 1-11 to 0-10.

That was in a side which saw Eric Lowndes return, joining Byrne, Emmet O’Conghaile and Gary Sweeney, who suffered a broken leg in league action for Syl’s last year, in the 15.

Although the victory didn’t come, Gavin’s men were already through to the semi final where they will face Louth next Sunday.

club office.

Operation Transformation kicked off last week and evening walks are

Tickets for the Mock Wedding are

organised each night, Monday to Fri-

available from Warren Hanley, Maree

day, at 8.15pm from outside the Club-

McDonagh or any committee mem-

house.

ber. Deposits are required in order

Morning walks will start at 9am

to reserve your ticket and weekly

from the clubhouse. If you have any

instalments can also be made.

queries or want to get involved please

Our ladies football team are looking for some additional players for the

give Jenny Foster a call on 087 755 9499.

fingal ravens WE ARE holding a meeting for all man-

member would like to pay by instal-

agers, mentors and selectors of all

ments, they must have their last

teams, adult and juvenile, this Fri-

instalment paid by March 31. Only fully

day, January 18 at 7.30pm in the Arkle

paid up members can travel to Ventry

suite of Kettle’s Hotel; it is vital that

in February for the Paidi O’Se tourna-

all managers, mentors and selectors

ment.

attend this important meeting. At the

Instead of holding a formal dinner

very least, one representative from

dance, we are having a club social

the management team of each of our

night with a BBQ on Friday, February

club teams (adult and juvenile) should

1 in Kettle’s Country House hotel. We

attend.

will have our player of the year pres-

Congratulations to our U-14s who

entations, minor league winners pres-

won the final on the Olaf’s tournament

entations and a presentation to Mick

on Saturday.

Deegan, we encourage all members to

2013 membership is now due, mem-

come along.

bership forms are available on our

Lotto numbers were 4, 32, 34 and 35;

website www.fingalravens.com or at

there was no jackpot winner, €20 to

the clubhouse. As agreed at the AGM

Kenny McDonagh, Declan O’Brien and

all members must have their mem-

Tom McGrath. Next weeks jackpot is

bership paid in full by March 31. If any

now worth €5,154.

GazetteSPORT all of your swords sports coverage from page 35-39

Super swords: Balheary club on fire as they see off Castleknock Celtic in the AUL U-19 division P38

JANUARY 17, 2013

Six nations call-ups: Leinster players abound in Irish women’s squad P36

James Cluskey won an ITF Futures title in his first outing of 2013, not dropping a set en route to the Sudwestbank Grand Prix doubles event

Cluskey wins in Germany Swords tennis star sweeps to doubles glory at the Sudwestbank Grand Prix to start Davis Cup preparations in confident fashion

 peter carroll

sport@gazettegroup.com

JAMES Cluskey started 2013 with a bang, banking the Sudwestbank Tennis Grand Prix doubles title on the ITF Futures circuit as the Swords man teamed up with German player Alexander Satschko to great effect.

Cluskey and Satschko went through the field without any real challenge on the way to victory, seeing off the Italian and German duo of Eros Siringo and Yannick Zuern in the first round in what would prove to be their biggest test of the competition, in straight sets 6-2, 7-6.

The partnership went on to the quarter final opposition consisting of Germany’s Moritz

Baumann and Switzerland’s Sandro Ehrat who they went through with relative ease again in straight sets, 6-4, 7-5.

They subsequently made short work of Croatia’s Marin Draganja and Germany’s Kevin Kraweitz who suffered a similar fate to Cluskey and Satschko’s previous opponents, going out in straight sets, 6-4 and 6-3.

Leaving the biggest landslide victory for the final, the Swords man and his team mate completely outclassed their opposition, the German duo of Dominique Denis Maden and Yannick Maden, with the victory coming in straight sets, 6-0 and 6-1.

“It was a great week and I’m very happy with the result considering that I’ve never played

with Alexander before,” said Cluskey.

“He gave me a call and told me his usual partner was injured and I was delighted to step in.

“I had a really good pre-season in India playing with some world class players and I felt it really helped my game when I got out on court.

“There is one more tournament in Germany which I’ll be playing with Alexander again and I think it’s fantastic preparation for the Davis Cup, because we have got a very important first round match with Estonia.

“To be winning at this stage in the year is considered very good because there are not a lot of tournaments available to play in at this time so

I’m taking a lot of confidence from that and hopefully I can perform well come February.

“This will be Ireland’s first tournament without Conor Niland and his absence will definitely be felt throughout the team, but considering he is now one of the coaches he can still have a big impact on the way we play.

“The Estonians have some great players but Jurgen Zoop, their number one, has been suffering with a back injury and he could be a massive loss to them.

“They have a good number two as well who is ranked at 400 so they have a good team, but every match is very challenging in the Davis Cup and we’ll have to play well to get through,” he finished.