Swords

Swords GAZET TE FREE

The Mazda CX-5 has a visual edge to add to its already substantial charm

SEE PAGE 24 November 22, 2012 Find us on

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

INSIDE: Let The Gazette make your Yule cool with our great party and venue guide P19

Football:

Dublin boss Jim Gavin speaks to the Gazette Page 29

Hurling:

Finian’s flying U-12s claim second place Page 31

Swords centre revamp sought  NATALIE BURKE

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

RECRUITMENT: Gift Voucher Shop puts out call for seasonal staff See Page 5

LOCAL councillor Tom Kelleher (Lab) is urging Fingal County Council to give Swords a bit of “time, attention and expertise” to revitalise the centre of the town, in order to facilitate the growth of business and tourism and to eliminate the issue of dereliction.

At a recent area committee meet-

ing, Cllr Kelleher said: “Swords is considered the Cinderella of north County Dublin when it comes to spending money on facilities and development.”

In response, the council stated that as part of the Fingal Economic and Enterprise Strategy, a new economic forum will identify key areas for actions to be carried out.

Full Story on Page 4

Ho! Ho! Ho! Santa Claus has arrived at the Pavilions Shopping Centre AT THE Swords Pavilions Shopping Centre are Sophie Biggins with Santa Claus, who came here specially all the way from the North Pole. He joined the annual parade around the centre with some other holiday char-

acters and performers from Beauty And The Beast, and took up residence in his grotto. He is looking forward to meeting all the children to hear about what they would like for Christmas.

See Gallery on Page 6

2 swords gazette 22 November 2012

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

awards ‘Outstanding’ canal rescue hailed

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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Eric Grundy and Gareth Nathan were awarded for rescuing a woman who had jumped into the Grand Canal Basin at Hanover Quay in December 2011

Bravery wins Skerries man ‘Dublin Hero’ title A SKERRIES man has been named a “Dublin Hero” this week, after he was honoured at the National Bravery Awards ceremony at Farmleigh House.

Eric Grundy was one of four Dublin men to be named a hero when he was awarded a silver medal and a Certificate of Bravery for his part in a canal rescue.

His friend, Gareth Nathan, who hails from Ranelagh, was also awarded a Certificate of Bravery for his role in the same rescue.

Shortly before midnight on December 18, 2011, gardai at Pearse

 natalie burke nburke@gazettegroup.com

Street Station were alerted that a person had jumped into the Grand Canal Basin at Hanover Quay. When two gardai arrived at the scene, they witnessed Eric and Gareth, together with two other passers-by, rescuing a woman from the water.

The young men, who are both amateur pho-

tographers, were out on a night shoot when they noticed that a woman had entered the water. The woman remained unresponsive to the calls of Eric, while Gareth approached the occupants of a van parked close by seeking out anything to assist in getting the woman out of the water.

In the meantime, Eric jumped into the deep water as the woman became more submerged. He swam to the woman and managed to put his arms under her and swam with her back towards the quayside.

On reaching the

quayside he was unable to get the woman out of the water so swam to a nearby boat where he held himself and the woman tight to a rope.

Gareth and another person returned to the quayside and threw a lifebuoy to Eric. Eric managed to get the lifebuoy under the woman and swam her back to the quayside where Gareth assisted in getting her out of the cold December water. Both Eric and the woman were admitted to hospital suffering from hypothermia.

The honours presented to Eric and Gareth

were among 15 presented by Ceann Comhairle, Sean Barrett TD, in recognition of outstanding acts of bravery.

Congratulating the recipients of the awards, the Ceann Comhairle said: “In going to the aid of others at great risk to their own safety, our award winners have brought great pride to themselves and their families and great happiness to the people and the families of those they have helped. In turn, society as a whole benefits and it is right that, as a society, we show our gratitude to them.”

Fingal Council calls for abortion legislation FINGAL County Council this week called on the Government to legislate for abortion in Ireland under certain circumstances.

The motion calling for legislation on abortion, based on the ‘expeditious consideration’

by the Government of the proposals of an expert group, was carried by eight votes to two, with three abstentions. Eleven councillors were absent from the meeting during the vote.

During a discussion of the issue, a row broke out in the

chamber as councillor Ruth Coppinger of the Socialist Party spoke on the motion which she had tabled calling on the Government to legislate for the X case Supreme Court ruling.

Labour councillor Tom Kelleher said he was unable to hear

the proceedings due to a protest outside which he claimed had been organised by Cllr Coppinger.

Cllr Coppinger said the protest was organised by the Balbriggan campaign against the household charge.

22 November 2012 swords gazette 3

careers

winners: malahide, skerries, lusk, sutton excel in supervalu event

Hospital opens to students

Four local areas tidy up at awards DUBLIN North came out on top at the recent SuperValu TidyTowns awards ceremony, when four local areas were awarded for their hard work.

Skerries was awarded the overall winning title for the region, while Malahide followed closely behind in the gold medal category.

Other successful local towns in the competition included Lusk, which was “highly commended” and Sutton, which picked up the Best Bring Bank award.

This year’s SuperValu TidyTowns awards for the Dublin region were presented at a prizegiving ceremony in the Discover Ireland Centre

in Dublin last week.

T he winners were presented with their awards by Minister for the Environment, Phil Hogan TD, and Des O’Mahony, marketing manager for SuperValu.

Awards Speaking at the awards ceremony Minister Hogan said: “I’m delighted to have this opportunity today to acknowledge the efforts of TidyTowns groups across this region, and to pay tribute to the very many enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers who get involved in this competition year on year regardless of the weather conditions.

“The unselfish effort

and the generosity displayed by these volunteers really does make a difference to our communities.

“The results of their hard work is evident across the region in towns and villages that are more attractive, better cared for, better places to live and more appealing places to visit.

“I’d like to congratulate Skerries, the overall winner for the Dublin region, as well as all of today’s other prize-winners,” he continued.

T his year ’s competition saw a record number of 855 communities entering, an increase from 821 entries last year.

Celtic are 50: Local politicians join Brian Kerr at club’s celebration pictured at the Swords Celtic FC 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner

and Dance evening in the Roganstown Hotel and Country Club are Brendan Ryan TD (Lab), Mayor of Fingal Cian O’Callaghan (Lab), former Irish football manager Brian Kerr and Cllr Daragh Butler (FF). A large crowd of current and past club members as well as managers, parents and local dignitaries attended the function. Following the meal the crowd was entertained by a humorous speech from Brian Kerr before the band came on stage and the dance floor filled until the wee hours.

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

BEAUMONT Hospital recently opened its doors to 50 local transition year students, as part of its annual Career Inspiring Transition Year Programme. The programme is designed and coordinated by members of the hospital’s nursing, health and social care professionals to inspire students to consider a career in the health sector. Throughout the week, students from schools across Dublin North were given careerinspiring talks and insight into the multi-disciplinary teams working in a modern-day teaching hospital.

They benefited from talks with industry professionals and “hands-on” experiences from all disciplines within the hospital.

4 swords gazette 22 November 2012

revamp ‘Cinderella’ town needs investment funding:

small business

€200k set to create 20 jobs  natalie burke

Cllr Tom Kelleher (Lab): Swords has huge potential when it comes to breathing new life into the area

Call to revitalise centre of Swords  natalie burke nburke@gazettegroup.com

Got a story?

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

Local Labour councillor Tom Kelleher is urging Fingal County Council to give Swords a bit of “time, attention and expertise”, and to revitalise the centre of the town, in order to facilitate the growth of business and tourism and to eliminate the issue of dereliction.

With the town coming third in a list of the 100 Best Towns and Cities in Ireland recently, Cllr Kelleher said Swords has “huge potential” when it comes to breathing new life into the area.

He raised a motion at a recent area committee meeting stating that: “Swords is considered the Cinderella of North County Dublin, when it comes to spending money on facilities and develop-

ment.”

While there are premises closing down in Swords, Cllr Kelleher insisted there are also a number of areas that are opening up and developing.

“I think this should be a catalyst for everybody with an interest in Swords to take the initiative now and push to have Swords continue to excel. We are not facilitating the development of Swords to the extent that we could.

“We need to expand the centre of Swords, make it easy for people to come, open businesses, to shop and do business generally that involves a better looking Swords, a better organised Swords and the elimination of dereliction.”

Cllr Kelleher said he was delighted with the council’s response,

which stated that as part of the Fingal Economic and Enterprise Strategy 2012 - 15, currently being developed by the Economic Development Division, an economic forum is to be set up in Swords, Balbriggan and Blanchardstown. It is intended that this forum will carry out a SWOT (strengths. weaknesses, opportunities and treats) analysis of the areas and identify key actions to be carried out.

“It’s time that Swords, with its big population and not an awful lot of facilities, got a bit of our time, attention and expertise,” the councillor said.

He also proposed a motion at the meeting for the council to deal with derelict buildings and, in particular, those owned by FCC. He said it was necessary to demol-

ish derelict buildings in the area, with particular reference to the buildings adjacent to Swords Castle.

“There is so much we could do to enhance Swords by removing the dereliction that we are responsible for whether we like it or not. They are an appalling sight and they are an insult to the people of Swords at a time when we’re trying to attract business, footfall and development to Swords.”

In response, the council stated that while a list of privately owned sites in Swords are currently being investigated by the inspectorate division, there are no immediate plans to redevelop the council owned buildings at North Street due to budgetary and other constraints.

ADDITIONAL funding for the local Fingal Enterprise Board will fund the creation of up to 20 new jobs in Dublin Fingal, according to Fine Gael TD for Dublin North, Alan Farrell.

The provision of an additional €200,000 for Fingal County Enterprise was recently announced by Minister for Small Business, John Perry. The provision will directly fund job creation in Dublin Fingal, as well as funding job creation projects in the remaining months of 2012.

Encouragement This provision is part of a national €3.78 million fund that has just been announced for County and City Enterprise Boards (CEB) to support and encourage companies to start up or expand their services, and thereby create and sustain jobs around the country.

“This announcement follows an exercise in which each CEB was asked to examine the funding it currently has available and to determine whether this was sufficient to cover the project proposals coming to them over the rest of the year,” said Deputy Farrell.

“It is well established that a huge proportion of jobs in this country are held in small, local enterprises. These companies are the lifeblood that is playing a key role in helping to restore our local economy to a healthier footing,” he concluded.

22 November 2012 swords gazette 5

environment The Burrow ‘being swept into sea’, Minister Coveney is told

Urgent action needed on coastal erosion - Ryan  Natalie Burke

LABOUR TD Brendan Ryan is calling on the Government to take immediate action as the problem of coastal erosion threatens homes in Portrane.

The TD for Dublin North called on the Minister for Agriculture and Marine Simon Coveney last week

to act immediately to stop “homes and businesses in The Burrow, Portrane, being swept into the sea”.

In a recent topical-issue Dail debate, Deputy Ryan expressed to Minister of State, Jan O’Sullivan, who was taking the debate in place of Minister for Environment Phil Hogan, the need for urgent action to

stop the dramatic reclaiming of the land from the sea which, according to Deputy Ryan, is occurring at a “frightening pace”.

“The issue of coastal erosion in The Burrow, Portrane, in nor th Countr y Dublin, is not something new.

“The sea has threatened and eroded the area for dec-

GVS chief executive Michael Dawson

retail: staff numbers to double

Recruits for Christmas sales

 natalie burke nburke@gazettegroup.com

THE Gift Voucher Shop (GVS), the Irish company behind the One4all multistore gift card brand, will double staff numbers as part of its annual Christmas recruitment drive.

T he Swords-based firm, which celebrates 10 years in business this year, currently employs 56 staff members across its operations in Ireland and the UK. With projected turnover exceeding €150 million this year, the company has recruited 54 additional employees to service the increased

demand for its products over the busy Christmas period. The new recruits, a combination of full and part-time staff, will be employed throughout November and December, to work in the areas of customer service, fulfillment, accounts and corporate sales.

Michael Dawson, group chief executive at GVS, said: “Despite a challenging retail environment, we are seeing continued demand for One4all Gift Cards both online and through more traditional channels such as the post office. The majority of our new recruits will be based

at our headquarters in Dublin, and we are also facilitating call centre activities in Waterford to support our UK operation.”

GVS outsources its UK call centre activity to Waterford-based Rigney Dolphin, where six new staff will join the existing team to accommodate the Christmas rush. In Ireland alone, over 1,600 retail, hospitality and service providers have signed up to the One4all scheme to date, representing more than 5,300 outlets nationwide and online. These include Hamleys, Next, TK Maxx and Argos.

ades. But it is the increased pace and severity of this erosion in recent times which makes this a critical and most topical of issues at this time,” he said.

“Two weeks ago, 6m to 7m of sand dunes were washed away in one night including washing away a boardwalk constructed in part as an anti-erosion measure. This

one night of high tides and winds destroyed this boardwalk highlighting the need for long-term, heavy coastal erosion defences.

“With homes and businesses within 20m of these dunes, it is easy to see why the residents of The Burrow are so concerned. They are under real threat”, he continued.

The local TD stated that the concerned residents feel they are living on “borrowed time” and are living in constant fear of high tides and high wind forecasts.

Minister O’Sullivan said she would take the very real concerns of Deputy Ryan and the residents of Portrane back to the Minister for Environment.

6 swords gazette 22 November 2012

gazetteGALLERIES

Emma Shannon and Eoin Cannon

Roisin and Raymond Creedy meet Santa Claus at the Pavilions Shopping Centre. Pictures: Una Williams

christmas: santa magically arrives to local shopping centre

From the North Pole to Swords Pavilions

S Anna Cruise and Clara McGee

Amanda and Ethan Kelvin

ANTA Claus recently magically arrived all the way from the North Pole to Swords Pavilions Shopping Centre.

He joined the annual parade around the centre with some other holiday characters and performers from

Katie Norton with Ellie, Abbie and Nicola Ryan

Beauty And The Beast, and he then took up residence in his grotto.

The Gerry O’Connor Brass Band played some festive tunes to keep the crowd entertained, and there was face painting and balloon modelling for the children.

Lauren Nevin, Colin Hughes and John Lovett

22 November 2012 swords gazette 7

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Erin Ryan, Ruby Dunne and Leon Ryan

Hannah, Orla, Martin and James Murry

The Gerry O’Connor Brass Band entertained the crowds

8 swords gazette 22 November 2012

rush

Magic Carpet Theatre Group to stage Dickens adaptation

Festive performance of A Christmas Carol  natalie burke

THE Magic Carpet Theatre Group will be staging a very special Christmas production this December at the Millbank Theatre in Rush.

C h a r l e s D i c ke n ’s A Christmas Carol will be per-

formed by the local theatre group from December 13 to 16, in celebration of the author’s bicentenary.

A magical story of yuletide spirit and redemption, the director of the upcoming production, Anne Stack, says that the theatre group

want to take the performance back to the original drama of the novel; a gothic ghost story.

“We have assembled a strong and experienced cast who have put in an incredible amount of work, in rehearsals, over the last few

months,” said Anne.

Production Swords resident Tony Cash, who is looking after production for the show, said: “While we want the ghost scenes to be properly scary and gothic, there are

other scenes of family life and love which are, in turn, heart-warming and funny.”

The well-know n characters will be portrayed by a number of local amateur actors, with Richard Norman-Wright playing Scrooge, and Graham Cour-

age playing the long-suffering clerk, Bob Cratchit.

The Christmas performance takes place at 8pm each evening, with matinee performances at 4pm on Saturday and Sunday.

For bookings phone 01 843 #7475.

Council advises on how to handle noisy neighbours FINGAL County Council has offered advice to the local community on how to best deal with disruptive neighbours.

At a recent council meeting, FCC stated the best approach to dealing with loud music and other noise nuisances is often to contact the person responsible.

In the small number of incidents where the nuisance continues, FCC recommends the complainant keeps a record of the nuisance, which may be used as evidence in a possible legal

action. A log sheet can be downloaded from the council’s website.

According to FCC, the legislation governing noise nuisance is the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992 and section 108 of that act enables people who have to endure noise nuisance to make a complaint to the district court.

An official notice of intention to make a complaint to the District Court and a leaflet outlining the steps open to complainants are also downloadable from the FCC website.

An Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore

equality: ‘higher earners left untouched’

Skerries Labour seeks ‘fair’ budget  natalie burke nburke@gazettegroup.com

THE Skerries branch of the Labour Party has urged the party leadership to fight for fairness in this year’s Budget.

The chairperson of the branch, Kieran O’Brien, wrote to An Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore last week, with a request for the government to take steps in preventing the “pattern of inequality” which he feels has been evident in previous budgets.

In advance of next month’s budget announcement, O’Brien

said that inequality has persisted in budgets allocated by the current and the former government.

“Since Labour have come into government we have reversed the criminal reduction of the minimum wage, removed the Universal Social Charge from the lowest earners and have protected the basic payments of social protection and this is to be welcomed,” he said.

“However, this is still a job half-done as long as the highest earners are left untouched by the budget - in particu-

lar those senior bankers and senior civil servants who enjoy gilt edged pensions and exorbitant salaries.

“The dogs in the street know the state of the country and people understand the obligation on Ireland to reduce our deficit, but what they won’t accept, and rightly so, are low and middle income earners shouldering this burden while the wealthiest people are left untouched,” he continued.

According to O’Brien, increasing taxation on wealth and corpora-

tions and removing reliefs that benefit higher income earners could greatly lessen the need for cuts.

“We have seen protests outside Leinster House from lone parents, pensioners and other groups who are afraid of what the budget will mean for them. But the senior bankers and senior civil servants aren’t out protesting, they aren’t even worried about being touched. These people have dined well on the Irish taxpayers’ bill. That has to change. We have to make them worry,” he concluded.

22 November 2012 swords gazette 9

jigs: Competition winners

Dancers from the Caden Academy of Irish Dance

Dancing their way to the top  natalie burke

A LOCAL Irish dancing group from Swords have won top prizes in their first-ever Leinster grade competition.

Students of the Caden Academy Of Irish Dance danced their way to the top at the recent feis, which was held at the Citywest Convention Centre.

Students aged four to 11 took to the stage at the event competing against dancers from across the country.

It was the first time for the students to compete at the Leinster level and their teacher, Lisa-Jane Caden, who opened the school at the beginning of the year, said it was a huge achievement for the talented young dancers.

“The Leinsters went

really well and everyone enjoyed it,” said Lisa.

“It was the first Leinster competition for them, which is the biggest grade set of the year. They won a lot of medals between them and did really well, and they were really enjoying themselves.

“I even had a lot of comments from other people on how well the kids were turned out,” she said.

Champion Irish dancer Lisa-Jane, who has been dancing since the age of three, opened her dance academy at the Applewood Community Centre, Swords, in January of this year.

The school has continued to grow throughout the year and now holds classes on both Saturday mornings, for beginners,

and Wednesday evenings for more intermediate dancers.

“The school has been going really well and I’ve had a lot of kids join since I first opened. I am hoping that even more kids will join from the local junior infants as well,” she said.

As the dance captain for professional Irish dancing troupe, Celtic Rhythm, Lisa-Jane also featured with the group as the opening act for a recent local fundraising show, Strictly Come Dancing, which was held by the local Gaelscoil Bhrian Boroimh.

For any young dancers who would be interested in joining the Caden Academy of Irish Dance, contact Lisa-Jane at lisajanecaden@gmail.com or phone 085 7137021.

Seasonal jobs at Boots  natalie burke

BOOTS Ireland will be creating 400 temporary full- and part-time positions in its Irish stores during the Christmas period, including its branch at The Pavilions Shopping Centre, Swords.

Carmel O’Brien, HR director of Boots Ireland, said: “Customer service is critically important at Boots and this is even more important when our stores are at their busiest the during the Christmas season.

“These additional 400 temporary positions will help us to deliver on our ambition to be the leading pharmacyled health and beauty retailer through the delivery of an excellent product range coupled with superior customer service.”

Boots will be extending its opening hours over the Christmas period, with many stores open until 6pm on Christmas Eve. For more information and to receive an application form, visit www.boots. jobs/ireland.

FastNews

The Wright situation this Christmas time

Christmas treat from Kinsealy Comhaltas

CHRISTMAS at the Wright Venue will be launched a little differently this year, when one of the world’s biggest reality TV stars lands in Swords.

Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino, who stars in US Reality TV show, Jersey Shore, will be launching Christmas at the award-winning venue, alongside his brother, Marc. The pair will throw the official Christmas launch party on Friday, November 23 and doors will open at 11.30pm.

Tickets are available from Ticketmaster for €10.

THE Kinsealy branch of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann, a group which aims to preserve and promote Irish traditional music, will be hosting a Christmas Dinner and Ceili on Sunday, November 25.

The event will be held in the Carnegie Court Hotel in Swords, and music will be provided by Pat Walsh and Tony Dunne. Admission to the special event costs €25 and concessions are available for students. For further details, contact Joe on 086 688 5374.

10 SWORDS Gazette 22 November 2012

gazetteGALLERY

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Royston Newbridge Club recently attended the IABA 2012 Awards Night at the Green Isle Hotel in Dublin. Pictures: Cathy Weatherston

Out of the ring, into the spotlight

T

HE Irish Amateur Boxing Association (IABA) recently held their Annual Awards Night at the Green Isle Hotel in Dublin.

Sports pundit Jimmy Magee was Master of Ceremonies for the evening.

The awards honoured the Irish London 2012 Olympic team, and Olympic, World and European champion Katie Taylor scooped the

Boxer of the Year Award.

Belfast light flyweight Paddy Barnes received the Outstanding Achievement Award and Joe Ward took home the Best Elite Boxer Award.

The night was thoroughly enjoyed by all, as the boxers all look forward to another successful year ahead.

Fergal and Olympic medallist Michael Carruth with their wives Aoife and Paula

Oliver McCarthy and Olympic medallist John Joe Nevin

Claire Grace

Danielle McCarthy, Amy Brien and Jamie Rose Ennis

CĂŠire Smith

Michelle Lynch

22 November 2012 Gazette 11

Schools P15

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

asdfsdaf Business P27 P16

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diary P12

ikea: fundraising drive launched by star

Soft toy campaign set to help children’s education UNICEF Ireland ambassador and Irish rugby star Donncha O’Callaghan has officially launched the Ikea Soft Toy fundraising campaign at the Ikea store in Ballymun.

For every Ikea soft toy, children’s book or kid’s meal purchased from now until December 23, Ikea will donate €1 to education programmes worldwide supported by UNICEF Ireland.

This year’s campaign aims to provide quality education to children living in poverty in developing countries.

Since the campaign started in 2003, donations from the annual Ikea Soft Toy Campaign have totalled €47.5m, helping eight million children in more than 40 countries enjoy their right to a quality education.

New to the Ikea soft toy family this year are forest friends including a hedgehog, a bear and an owl hand puppet that encourage curiosity and caring about nature and the environment. They appear on different Vandring textiles, designed

by Ann-Cathrine Sigrid Stahlberg.

Peter Power, executive director of UNICEF Ireland, said the initia-

tive raised vital funds for needy children.

“Last month world leaders rallied together in a final push to meet the global commitment to ensure access to primary education for all children.

“IKEA, the co-workers and customers who have supported the soft toys campaign are helping to make this important goal a reality.”

UNICEF Ireland Ambassador and rugby star Donncha O’Callaghan officially launched the soft toy fundraising campaign with Aoife Quigley (3) from Raheny

Gazette

12 Gazette 22 November 2012

dublinlife

Ethan Manby from Dun Laoghaire, Rossa McSwiney from Sandymount and Lily Dunne Fleming from Dalkey brushed up on their artistic skills for the launch of the 2012 Sightsavers Junior Painter Awards

diary

Sightsavers urge young artists to unleash talents T WO-time Academy Award nominee, and co-founder of Brown Bag Films, Darragh O’Connell, is calling on students to embrace their artistic side and enter the 2012 Sightsavers Junior Painter Awards.

The annual painting competition invites primary school students from Dublin to unleash their talents.

The Sightsavers Junior Painter awards also gives youngsters the opportunity to engage with the value of their sight, and to learn about those children who live without it in the developing world.

The winning student will win a host of prizes from the Art & Hobby

store. In addition, for the first time, the winning student’s school will also win a cash prize.

The closing date for entry is Friday, November 30. Parents and children can get involved by speaking to their school teacher, or by visiting www.sightsavers.ie/juniorpainter, or seeing the Facebook page at www. facebook.com/SightsaversIreland.

xmas jumpers sought for a world record IT MAY be the cheesiest world record attempt ever – but Geansai Nollaig 2012 might also be the most fun.

Dublinatchristmas.

ie is calling on people to gather on O’Connell Street at 4pm on November 25 to try to set a new world record for the highest number of Christmas jumpers in one place. Last year’s attempt secured a record number of 583 wonderful Christmas geansais, and, this year, organisers hope to smash that record.

This year’s record attempt will be in aid of Foroige, the youth organisation in Ireland, which works with approximately 64,000 young people aged 10 to 18 every year through volunteer-led clubs and staff-led youth projects, dealing with issues such

as poverty, achievement at school, school leaving, youth crime, substance abuse and family difficulties.

If you’ve got a (possibly not-so) rare Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer jumper, pull it on, head for O’Connell Street and join in the festive fun.

transform lives with an oxfam gift OXFAM Ireland has launched its Christmas Gifts campaign, which helps to transform lives.

Oxfam Unwrapped 2012 promises that every gift that is bought will go to help those in need.

The campaign supports a range of Oxfam’s work – from emergency responses to advocacy projects. Every year they work out what people need the most, and it is then featured in the gift catalogue.

Gifts include a clutch of chicks or a pair of baby ducks (€27), drought-resistant seeds (€7), piglets (€35), a goat (€38) and a donkey (€47).

Since Oxfam launched the range 10 years ago, Irish people have given more than 140,000 lifechanging gifts and, at the same time, helped to improve the lives of more than 500,000 people in need in countries such as Tanzania and Malawi.

Unwrapped gifts can be purchased online, or in your local Oxfam shop.

For further information, see www.oxfamireland. org/unwrapped.

22 November 2012 Gazette 13

Gazette

feature travel

Get on board for a cruise

Gareth Carberry, head chef at Hilton Dublin, won gold at this year’s Hilton Worldwide European Culinary Challenge

Cooking up a storm  Laura Webb

At the tender age of 16, a young man walked into a part-time job at a hotel unaware that cooking would end up being his dream job, and which would see him cook award-winning dishes and travel the world with his skills.

Some 17 years later, Malahide resident Gareth Carberry has won gold at this year’s H i l t o n Wo r l d w i d e European Culinary Challenge, showcasing his culinary skills, while helping boost Dublin’s international reputation for fine food.

Currently working as head chef at Hilton Dublin in Charlemont Place, he was there just six months before he

won gold at the contest in Britain last month.

After being away from Ireland for five years, Gareth thought it was time to come home.

“I was in Dubai for three years and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia for two years. The Middle East was great, Dubai was amazing and Riyadh taught me a lot, but I felt five years was long enough to be away so I decided I would come home.

“I knew the recession had hit here, just like in the Middle East. Some people told me don’t come home, there is nothing at home, but again my family are here so their life is here.

When you live in the Middle East the life is great, but I don’t know if it is a life to raise chil-

dren in so I made a decision to come home,” he told the Gazette.

Luckily for Gareth, it didn’t take him long to land on his feet. He arrived back in Dublin on a Friday, went on to a job-seekers website and found an advert for an executive sous, had an interview the following Wednesday and secured the job by the Saturday.

“I was only a week back. It just proved it was time for me to come home,” he said.

On his recent win at the Hilton Worldwide European Culinary Challenge, he said it is a “great start” to his new role.

“I am absolutely thrilled. The competition was in partnership

with Nestle, who have brought out a new product called Chef Lamb Flakes. The Hilton was asked to put it out to chefs with some guidelines like using lamb shoulder and what way we can use the lamb flakes.

“I entered and I was very lucky to get into the final and we went to England to the Nestle headquarters and I won gold – which was wonderful,” he said.

The winning dish was a braised lamb shoulder fillet with a stuffed savoy cabbage, romanesco puree and some heirloom baby vegetables.

“I hope to have it on the menu at Hilton Dublin’s restaurant, Uisce. The romanesco is

a very seasonal product so I have to try and get something that is more sustainable all year round, but also complements the lamb, so I am just working on that.

“I have just changed the Uisce menu concept so basically it is to focus on Irish produce and use them in innovative ways.

“It has broke away from the normal starter, main and dessert so instead it will be in sections like – nibbles, seafood, meats, poultry – so it gives you the choice to have two or three courses, four courses, because we made portions that little bit smaller to give people a chance to eat more on the menu.”

According to Gareth it is very important to

him to use local Irish produce.

“We have wonderful produce in this country and we should be using more of them,” he said.

Gareth also worked in Bang Cafe and Shanahans on the Green before his move to Dubai where he worked at Grand Hyatt and later joined Rosewoods Hotel and Resort in Riyadh.

He now overlooks all food aspects of the Hilton Dublin Hotel in the city centre, overlooking the Grand Canal.

Here he looks after four outlets from the Irish-themed restaurant Uisce, Still Bar, room service and banquet which can old up to 280 people.

With the really cold weather reputed to be just around the corner, the prospect of chilling out on a cruise is a fairly appealing one.

To help you to “sale” into 2013 and brighter waters, Thomas Cook Cr uise are offering cruise packages for under €1,000, including flights until November 26.

Until that date, there is a special sale on cruises to a variety of destinations in 2013, including a five-night Western Mediterranean fly/ cruise from €979 per person in April 2 013 , w i t h $ 5 0 onboard spend.

A l t e r n a t i ve l y, there is an eightnight Norway Fly/ Cruise from €1,479 per person in May 2013, or a sevennight Dubai f ly/ cruise from €1,262 in February 2013.

Both include $100 onboard spend per room, as does the offer of a seven-night France and Spain fly/cruise onboard from €1,309 per person in May 2013.

All offers include an upgrade from an oceanview room to a balcony stateroom.

For more information, call the Thomas Cook Cruise team in Dublin on 01 514 0336, visit your local travel agent or log on to www.thomascookcruise.ie.

Gazette

14 Gazette 22 November 2012

dublinlife

The juniors from Plunket College who played at DCU Sports Ground put on a spirited display of sportsmanship in a tag rugby competition

sport: school’s juniors battle it out in a rugby contest

Trying to tag a victory  curtis Delaney Plunket College, Whitehall

ON FRIDAY, November 9, a select few of our juniors in Plunket College went to DCU Sports Ground to participate in a tag rugby competition.

The team set off in the early morning, accompanied by two of their teachers, Mr Lynch and Mr McHugh.

Despite heavy rain, the team got on with the task at hand. There were teams from schools all around the city, with both male and female

players.

Plunket were drawn in a group of four teams, and managed to come out on top. We had outstanding performances from some of our key players.

The whole team performed at their peak; however, Daniel Lynch managed to stand out from the crowd – the leader of the pack.

At full-time, the teams were invited into the club for some food, and the banter between the lads continued over a nutritious lunch.

The organisers made

Facing into some spirited competition

an announcement, giving prizes to the school that made the best effort. Unfortunately, we didn’t win this prize; however, our players

were invited to have pictures taken with the Heineken Cup. It was a well-organised event, with extra incentives thrown in for

the participants. Each student left the games with a gift pack but, more importantly, with a renewed love of the game.

open night: warm welcome for prospective students

School opens up for questions  jason nesbitt

Riversdale Community College

LAST month, Riversdale Community College hosted an open evening to give prospective students and their parents an opportunity to experience the school’s facilities.

On the night, 150 parents took a tour of the school to ensure that it was the right one for their children.

Upon arrival, parents were greeted by members of the Student Council, and were given a welcome pack.

After enjoying a per-

formance from the school’s band and choir in the assembly hall, parents were directed to the school’s library, where they met the school principal, Tony Barry, and had an opportunity to ask any questions.

Parents and incoming students enjoyed the

various exhibitions of students’ work, which included live science experiments in the labs, as well as art, metalwork and woodwork projects undertaken by the students.

Other exhibitors on the night included NUI Maynooth, Bank of Ireland,

Blanchardstown Youth Service, Junior Achievement Awards and Gaisce, the President’s Award.

Prospective students have until the end of next January to enrol.

Further information is available on the school website, at www.riversdalecc.com.

22 November 2012 Gazette 15

class acts: plenty of events

schoolLife

Pink Day success in a happening place  Behshta Bakhshi

Blakestown Community School

STUDENTS at Blakestown had a busy week in the run-up to mid-term.

Every year, the school runs various events to reward the students, and provides an opportunity to express their talents.

Throughout October, we had three big events take place.

Firstly, the sixth-year L CA B r o s n a n cl a s s organised Blakestown’s Got Talent, as part of an assignment they were working on with Ms Kinsella.

The audience of firstand second-year students were treated to fantastic performances from a wide variety of acts, including rappers, singers and dancers.

Secondly, Blakestown were delighted to have [the initiative] Show Racism The Red Card, and FAI representatives in attendance, to film their new education pack.

As All-Ireland winners from 2011, Blakestown

SCHOOl

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6010240

Of course, staff, too, including principal Eileen O’Connor joined in the school’s events in the run-up to mid-term, such as the Show Racism the Red Card initiative

was selected to feature in the new DVD being filmed by the production team, Maxfilms.

During the filming, a group of second-year students were treated to some coaching in the gym with class teacher Ms Byrne and FAI coaches Paul Keogh, Michael Ryan and Des Tomlinson.

The final scenes were filmed in the boardroom, where the school’s commitee of students and Ms Quinn discussed scenarios and examples of racism and how it impacts children’s lives.

Thirdly, the final event that took place was Pink Day, which was organised by Ms McCullagh and Fiona Dunne to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer.

This was the second year running that the school had got involved; l a s t y e a r, i t r a i s e d €1,238.

The event was a huge success, where students were allowed to have a non-uniform day and wear something pink to raise funds.

Students and teachers were very creative in their pink choices, with fluttering pink eyelashes to superhero pink masks being worn to mark the event.

Ever ybody seemed to get a great buzz out of wearing the bright colour, and it certainly brightened up the last day of term in style.

Gazette

schools Get involved with our new schools pages

These Blakestown students joined in the fun of Pink Day at the school, which was held to fundraise for breast cancer, and which saw students dressing or accessorising in pink to help support the great cause

We are reaching out to all the schools in our catchment areas to become a closer part of our community than ever before.

Schools are the beating hearts of communities, one of the last places around which a community can gather. We are calling on budding writers and photographers from all of our schools to help fill the pages and, in order to encourage the next generation of journalists and snappers to get involved, we are partnering with Harvey Norman to present the Dublin Gazette Newspapers Cub Reporter and Cub Photographer of the Year awards.

For further details, contact me at rheigh@gazettegroup.com, or telephone 01 601 0240.

GAZETTE

16 GAZETTE 22 November 2012

DUBLINLIFE

Q&A

IAN DOWNES, FRANGOS WORLD CUISINE

Serving up a great way to keep Dundrum happy IAN Downes is a catering industry expert, with more than 20 years’ experience.

Having started at the age of 15 as a waiter, Ian has worked his way up and is now the general manager of Frangos World Cuisine in Dundrum Town Centre.

Frangos is Ireland’s largest family restaurant, serving thousands of cus-

tomers every week.

Occupying most of the third level in Dundrum Town Centre, Frangos is renowned for providing fresh food, produced on-site, and is great value for money, says Ian. He has also taken the position of general manager at The Jack Nicklaus Room in Killeen Castle Golf Club, Dunsany, Co Meath

How long have you been in business?

I believe that the recession has made us stronger as a business.

We have an amazing team of staff who, along with management, have understood that our success depends on turning each new customer into a regular customer, and we have many great customers who are supporting us through this recession.

I have been involved in catering for over 20 years. I was 15 when I got my first job as a waiter, working with my mam and aunty in the Hotel Kilkenny. I have been with Frangos World Cuisine for almost six years, and have been general manager for the past three years.

What makes your business successful?

We are based in the award-winning Dundrum Town Centre, which is one of Europe’s top shopping and restaurant destinations. This gives us a great platform to work from. We have established a reputation as a great place for families and shoppers to eat, and we pride ourselves on excellent customer service.

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

We cook our food freshly every day, using fresh local produce. We are Ireland’s largest family restaurant and provide a wide range of options, including a deli, pizzeria, steak bar, carvery, wok bar and bakery. A lot of our dishes are cooked to order, right in front of our customers, and I believe this is unique for a restaurant as big as ours. We look for the best dishes from around the world, and offer a menu that will appeal to all tastes and budgets.

How has the recession impacted your business?

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

I’ll leave the laws to the lawmakers.

What is the best business advice you ever received?

Hire the right person and let them do their job.

What is your ambition for the business?

I would love to see a Frangos in every town in Ireland, but for now I’m happy to develop the brand and continue providing an excellent place for people to come and eat with family and friends. Eating out is a social occasion, and I love seeing families dining together and talking. Sometimes, we have three generations of a family sitting together and eating – that really makes my day.

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

I love working in Dundrum. The customers and staff in the centre are great. It is like working in a village, where everyone kind of knows everyone else.

BUSINESS

Supported

by AIB

Pensions made simple THERE are currently more than 420,000 Irish citizens over the age of 65 and, by the year 2050, there will be 1.8 million citizens over this age – 767,300 by 2026, meaning that 16 years from now, more than 16% of the population will be in retirement.

In 2010, for every person who retired, there were six workers. In 2051, for every retired person, there will only be two.

If you are happy to live on the current State pension of €230.30 each week, or whatever it will be when you retire, then do nothing. But, you cannot discount the notion that, by the time you retire, there may not be enough money in the kitty to pay your weekly pension.

Even if you are only on the lower rate of tax (20%), it still makes sense to invest in a pension. For example: 1. For every €100 invested, it is only costing you €80 – meaning that the fund would have to drop by 20% before you actually start losing money. On the higher rate of tax, it makes even more sense and, though there are signs of the relief being reduced over the coming years, even at the 20% rate it makes sense.

2. All growth in the fund is tax-free.

3. When you retire, 25% of this fund can be taken by way of a-tax free lump sum, up to a maximum of €200,000. You can still take the full 25% of the fund, but if that is more than €200,000, you will have to pay taxes on the excess.

All companies are now obliged to both nominate

an insurance company for pension contributions, and have a facility to make deductions for such contributions directly from your salary. There is a €15,000 potential fine if they haven’t.

Current Government thinking may see employers being forced into making a minimum 4% contribution to employee pensions, and employees forced into 2% contributions for an initial minimum period.

This is a far cry from the permitted age thresholds: 1) Up to 29 years of age – 15% of net relevant earnings; 2) 30 – 39 years – 20% of net relevant earnings; 3) 40 – 49 years – 25% of net relevant earnings; 4) 50 years-plus – 30% of net relevant earnings; 5) 55 years-plus – 35% of net relevant earnings; 6) Over 60-years – 40% of net relevant earnings.

You have the nuts and bolts of pension parameters – in Part 2, next week, I shall tell you what you should consider when choosing a pension plan.  Contact John with your money questions at jlowe@moneydoctor.ie or visit his website at www.moneydoctor.ie. John Lowe, Fellow of the Institute of Bankers, is founder and managing director of Money Doctor

PORTLAOISE: NATIONAL BID TO UTILISE SKILLS, IDEAS

Business workshop seeks over-50s entrepreneurs

DUBLIN City Enterprise Board and Senior Enterprise are looking to introduce people aged over 50 to the world of entrepreneurship, and help bring their business ideas to fruition at a national twoday residential workshop to be held on November 26 and 27 in Portlaoise.

With more than 4,000 people aged over 50 starting new businesses in Ireland last year, the organisers hope that that number can be doubled with these types of event.

The aim of the workshop is to give budding entrepreneurs the opportunity to develop a business plan to help them establish their new business.

It is suitable for those who have an idea for a business venture and who would like assistance in taking it from concept to commercial reality.

Greg Swif t, chief executive, Dublin City Enterprise Board, said: “Entrepreneurs make a substantial impact on the Irish economy in terms of job creation, innovation and productivity.

“Our brief is to encourage entrepreneurship at a local level, and we believe that there is untapped entrepreneurial potential in the over-50s population.”

Senior Enterprise is recognised in Europe for its innovative approach to nurturing a greater engagement of those aged

Launching the two-day workshop were Hugh Reilly, chief executive, Meath County Enterprise Board; John Brophy, entrepreneur and owner of Carrig Solutions; John Byrne, director, Senior Enterprise and Aine Cuddihy, entrepreneur and owner of The Minicake Company

50-plus with business.

Its director, John Byrne, said: “Many individuals now have an opportunity to realise an idea or business concept they believe in.”

The cost is €75 for the two-day workshop, which includes all training mate-

rial, food and accommodation (single occupancy) in the hotel.

To apply, contact your local County Enterprise Board; to find the board nearest to you, see http:// www.enterpriseboards. ie/find_your_enterprise_ board.aspx.

22 November 2012 Gazette 17

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asdfsdaf P27 TRAVEl P25

MOTORS P24

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

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style P18

Pets can you give alaska a home?

Greg Proops returns to Dublin for the second Smartest Man In The World podcast of the year on November 29 at Whelan’s. Picture: Sreang Hok/Oregon Daily Emerald

interview: whose line star returns to Dublin for special online show

Laughing in the Proople reign  rob heigh

It’s not very often that we get to talk to a certified genius, but this week, we got to talk to The Smartest Man In The World.

That man is Greg Proops, stand-up comedian and improviser extraordinaire, who will be back in Dublin next week to take to the stage at Whelan’s to present his podcast, The Smartest Man...

This is the second time this year Greg has been in town to host the show, which is a blend of his unique and hilarious musings on politics, culture, literature, baseball, and everything in between.

What started as a backroom enterprise has grown into a hugely popular live experience, with the crowd invited to join in and query Greg on literally any subject as part of the show.

When Out & About caught up with

Greg, he was making plans for his return to Ireland, and started by asking him what was bringing him back from Hollywood so soon.

“I love Dublin - the vibe, the kebabs and the craic,” said Greg. “The audience is so smart and with it. I can read poetry and no one thinks it is unusual. A town filled with bookstores, music stores, great cheese and seafood? Bring it on.

“And I love performing in Ireland, the crowds are so sincere.”

Greg is probably best known for his appearances on the improvisational comedy show, Whose Line Is It Anyway? on Channel 4 in the 80s and 90s. What people here probably don’t know is that his career on the show continued in the US for a further eight seasons when ABC picked up the format for American audiences.

He has also appeared on stand-up

stages across the world, and occasionally in film – although you may not have recognised him in the Star Wars prequel, The Phantom Menace, when he played one half of pod-race announcer, Fode.

With such a range of creative careers, we naturally asked him which his favourite was.

“Whose Line has been vital to my life.

It allowed me to work with all the great people I still work with, like the Comedy Store Players and Ryan Stiles in the USA. Stand-up is my armour. Acting is fun when I can get a gig, but I am bloody awful at showbiz.

“Podcasting has been a profound turn for me. I can be myself and rant and rave and sing and drink and it goes directly to the audience without any corporate filter. People love that it is from the heart.

I love that people have been so positive about it. No TV network, no meetings,

no advertisers, no nonsense. Just our own nonsense.”

Proops is one of a vanguard of comedians – including Marc Maron, Jay Mohr, and Aisha Tyler – who have created an outlet for their talents via the podcast medium. How did Greg get the podcast bug?

“The producers, Matt and Ryan, asked me. I knew I couldn’t do the interview format as it was being done so well by so many [Maron, Mohr and Tyler’s shows all take the form of extended interviews].

So, the big moment came when we did the first one live. All the podcasts are now in front of a live crowd, and all are improvised to notes. The show organically evolved into the diatribe that it is now - I love riffing [on] the podcast and seeing how far I can go.”

Continued on Page 23

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

Our Dog of the Week is Alaska, a two-year-old husky. This beautiful lady was born with a congenital deformity in her leg. She was still trying to put weight on it which was really uncomfortable for her, so it had to be amputated. She received loads and loads of TLC in Dogs Trust, is like a new dog and loving life on three legs.

She is extremely sweet and affectionate and would need to go to a forever home with big kids (12+) and no other doggies. If you think you can give this gorgeous girl all the cuddles and love she so deserves, contact Dogs Trust at 01 879 1000.

Further information about their work can be found on their website at www. dogstrust.ie.

All dogs that are adopted from Dogs Trust are vet-checked, vaccinated, neutered and micro-chipped before being re-homed.

GAZETTE

18 GAZETTE 22 November 2012

OUT&ABOUT

STYLE

BEAUTY news Have a good hair day and be happier inside and out!

Marks & Spencer €135

Pennies €19

 LAURA WEBB

IT seems that waking up to a bad hair day can affect how we view ourselves and how others see us, with recent research by Pantene showing the state of our hair can alter our mood.

Commonly people do judge each other within seconds of meeting so having great hair can make a great first impression.

Pantene Pro-V Smooth and Sleek has launched the world’s first hair care regime entirely formulated for different hair structures to create healthy-looking locks for every hair-type, so every day is a Good Hair Day. In a recent study, women judged others based on their hair condition. Dr Bernhard Fink from the University of Goettingen revealed: “Women with smooth hair were judged to be more attractive and healthier and were considered to be calmer, more in control, and less stressed than those with frizzy hair.”

The research also revealed that hair doesn’t just affect our perception of others, but also our own mood. Women with smooth hair felt more attractive, healthier and younger than women with frizzy hair. Dr Fink explains: “Women thought they would feel calmer, more balanced, more determined, and stronger on a ‘good hair’ day, whereas they associated feelings like stress, loss of control, nervousness and irritability with a ‘bad hair’ day.”

Pa r t y G l a mH!I C S G R E AT G R A P

astic par ty e ball with fant th of le el b e u are th r €65 Make sure yo from Awear fo ne o is th e lik dress

Debenhams €85 Awear €65

Next €114

To help achieve a ‘good hair day’ Pantene Pro-V Smooth and Sleek has three simple steps to adhere to: Step 1: Pantene Pro-V Smooth and Sleek Shampoo: helps your hair behave as healthy hair should by increasing each strand’s barrier function, like a moisturiser does to the skin, calming frizz into silky smooth hair.

Fran & Jane €249

Step 2: Pantene Pro-V Smooth and Sleek Conditioner: contains a mix of ingredients similar to your hair’s natural lipid surface layer, to provide extra moisturisation and smoothness.

Dunnes €60

Next €87

Step 3: Pantene Pro-V Smooth and Sleek 2min Masques: are super concentrated to lock out humidity to help prevent frizz, moisturising hair to leave it silky smooth. Use a masque once a week for a deep smoothing care.

So take care of your hair and be a happier, more relaxed!

22 November 2012 Gazette 19

 CHRISTMAS GUIDE

party locations

Season’s greetings from Dublin Gazette Newspapers! Let us make your Yule cool with our guide to festive event venues and party planning across the city

You’ll be spoiled for choice at The Courtyard Hotel where parties can enjoy entertainment and a delicious dinner, from just €48 per person.

Entertainment in the RiverBank includes local bands The Harley’s and Hush, and returning once again this year will be renowned magician, Rodrigo Furtado.

With festive buffet menus from just €38, and options to upgrade to sit-down meals, those who are planning parties will be spoiled for choice.

Included in each pack-

age is also the Court Yard House Band followed by a live DJ. The RiverBank Restaurant at the hotel offers a great value three-course festive Early Bird menu for just €22.50, from Monday to Thursday, as well as a new “Wine & Dine” package for €59, treating couples to a fourcourse meal, to include a bottle of wine. This package is available until 7pm on Friday and Saturday.

For casual diners, the hotel is pleased to

announce the Sunday lunch menu will continue as usual throughout the Christmas period, while a new family-style dining option has also been added.

Arthur’s Live, the newly-refurbished venue, is also taking bookings for finger food and canapes for more informal occasions. For a full list of the live entertainment lineup, see www.courtyard.ie For more information, call 01 629 5100, or e-mail sales@courtyard.ie.

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party attire

partytime ENJOY the magic and sparkle of Christmas at the Court Yard Hotel, Leixlip, where it will be brimming with party fun and Christmas cheer.

With something for everyone, the Court Yard Hotel is the perfect place to celebrate with family, friends and corporate parties, and caters for parties of all sizes, from two to 100 people.

The RiverBank Restaurant, Grill and Wine Bar has re-introduced their Christmas Party Nights,

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The facilities at the Court Yard Hotel are second to none

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party planning

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20 Gazette 22 November 2012

OUT&ABOUT

Get on track for a Christmas hamper As one of Dublin’s most popular public transport systems, Luas will be making sure commuters get home safe this Christmas.

And to celebrate the festive season, Luas will be offering its customers a chance to win a Christmas dinner every day until December 9.

The ready-to-cook Christmas dinner hamper is ideal for a family of six to eight people, taking the hard work out of the Christmas preparations and giving you more time to meet up with friends, get your shopping done and really get into the festive spirit. This competition proved highly successful last year with a very significant uptake.

A total of 28 lucky winners will receive a hamper, which will be delivered on December 22 complete with full instructions on how to cook the perfect Christmas dinner for you and your guests.

The hamper includes Burren Smokehouse Salmon, a 16lb free range turkey, a fillet of pale ham, vegetables as well as all the Christmas trimmings.

Amongst the other goodies are a Christmas pudding and a selection of artisan Tipperary Cheese. In order to enter, grab your Luas ticket, leapcard or travel pass and click on the Luas Facebook page at www. facebook.com/luas and follow the instructions.

Get everything right With the festive season looming closely on the horizon, talk of the company Christmas party has no doubt begun and, for those presented with the role of organising it, the task can be a daunting prospect.

With many hotels and venues offering special Christmas party packages, often the hassle is taken out of your hands, but we have a range of recommendations available to help you organise a memorable celebration for you and your colleagues.

Choosing the location for your Christmas party can be crucial

Set the Date With Christmas being a busy period, diaries get pencilled in fast.

Send potential dates around the office and make sure you find a preferred date as early as possible. Not every date chosen

will suit everybody so remember, majority rules. Choose a date and finalise numbers to help you begin your planning.

Set the Budget The size of your company’s Christmas party will ultimately depend on the size of the budget you are allocated.

Discuss with the powers that be the budget you are allowed to spend and decide how best to dispense that budget between your venue and the food and drink it will provide.

The Christmas party is ultimately a way of saying “thank you” to the company staff, so it will need to be organised with their best interests in mind.

Type of Christmas Party Choosing the type of Christmas party your company will

22 November 2012 Gazette 21

 CHRISTMAS GUIDE

for your party night have will depend on both your budget and the amount of people attending.

Decide whether you will be hosting a day event, an evening event or both.

Do you have a budget that will accommodate husbands, wives and partners or will it be a celebration for employees only?

While more always means merrier, if a budget doesn’t allow for extras, ensure you don’t compromise the quality of your party.

Location, Location, Location With Christmas parties often taking place at the end of a work day, choosing the location can be a crucial element to the success of the party.

See what is available in your

area, choose a local pub, restaurant or venue, or look for something a little different, such as team building classes or group activities.

Some venues will also host a pre-packaged Christmas party, where a coordinator will provide a function room, entertainment and a menu, taking

the most difficult part of the planning out of your hands.

The earlier you book the venue, the better, as good venues can get snapped up quickly.

Post-Party The Christmas Party will no doubt be a success, but finding

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out what your guests enjoyed about the event and what they didn’t can help you put on an even better show next year.

During the post-Christmas party recuperations, send out an email requesting feedback from the party goers and any recommendations they may have for next year’s festivities.

Right Royal rumpus Unique cabaret night at Marine

Some venues host pre-packaged Christmas parties with decorated function rooms

the royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire is holding a Christmas Cabaret in early December to get the festive season under way early.

On the bill are old favourites like Sonny Knowles, Paddy Cole, Noel V Ginnity, George Hunter and Galaxy. The cabaret will take place on Tuesday, December 4 in the Royal Marine Hotel. For more details on the event, contact the hotel on 01 230 0030 or log on to www.royalmarine.ie.

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22 Gazette 22 November 2012

OUT&ABOUT 

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Funk up your Christmas

The Fair Isle Jumper and cardigan range

With the vogue for pop-up shops adding extra fun to Christmas party events in inventive ways, Funky Christmas Jumpers have brought those two ideas together and have opened a Funky Christmas Jumpers pop-up boutique at 60 South William Street in Dublin’s city centre.

The Irish-owned company, providers of fun, high quality Christmas jumpers, are extending their collection this year, with a range of 13 adult jumpers, three jumper designs for children and even Funky Christmas socks, so that festive enthusiasts can stand out and make

a statement this Christmas and light up and add extra cheer to their Christmas events.

Funky Christmas Jumpers has become the go-to fun Christmas jumper destination for Irish and international celebrities in recent years, and their designs have been spotted on everyone from Jedward to rugby legends Brian O’Driscoll and Cian Healy, as well as former Miss World, Rosanna Davison, TV presenting duo Ant and Dec and T V presenter and DJ Vernon Kay. For the last two years, Ryan Tubridy has also worn Funky Christmas Jumpers when presenting the Late Late Toy Show, with his jumper s e l e c t i o n p r ov i d i n g much intrigue in the

days and weeks leading up to the perennially popular show.

Funkychristmasjumpers.com was

McSharry.

The business has gone from strength to strength and the enthusiasm and networking

Ryan Tubridy has worn this Rudolph The Ryandeer jumper on the Late Late Toy Show

started five years ago and is now run by duo Fabio Molle and Donal

ability of these Dubliners will ensure the continued success of Funky Christmas Jumpers in

the future.

“We are so excited to be opening our funky pop-up boutique in such a fantastic location.

“The website is thriving with orders coming in from all over the world, so we are really looking forward to welcoming customers to our Funky Christmas Jumpers boutique to see and try on the full collection,” said McSharry and Molle.

You can find out more about Funky Christmas Jumpers on Facebook (Facebook. com/FunkyChristmasJumpers), on Twitter at @XmasJumpers, and online at FunkyChristmasJumpers.com.

The company have also created an iPhone app which can be downloaded from the Apple App Store.

Festive Arch Christmas fare at popular venue CHRISTMAS is coming soon to the Arch

Bistro and the Glenside Pub in Churchtown, and they are pulling out all the stops to help organise Chrismas parties down to a tee. As well as the lunch and dinners on offer, The Arch will reserve a special area in the pub for your party to enjoy the live music, and special taxi rates can be organised. Menus are available at www.thearchbistro.com, or call 01 296 6340.

Gazette

22 November 2012 swords gazette 23

OUT&ABOUT

Interview

CINEMA

Greg Proops from p17

The Sapphires get to grips with the big stage

cinema: Ireland’s own chris o’dowd makes waves down under

A sparkling gem  paul hosford

phosford@gazettegroup.com

IT must be pretty good to be Chris O’Dowd right about now.

He starred in one of last year’s most popular comedies (Bridesmaids), had a hit on Sky TV (Moone Boy) and recently married an impossibly good looking woman (Dawn Porter).

For his next trick, O’Dowd will elevate an Australian period comedy to the point of genuinely endearing.

Of course, O’Dowd isn’t the only good thing about The Sapphires, but he is definitely the best thing.

Based on the 2004 play of the same name, The Sapphires tells the

semi-true story of an Aboriginal all-girl group who travel to Vietnam in 1968.

Vietnam in 1968 is of course, a war zone and the girls are committed to perform for the US troops.

No mention is made of the Australian military, which allows the girls to be used as a parallel with the Civil Rights movement back in the States.

Of course, the 60’s was a time of civil rights movements across the world and by 1968, the Aboriginal people in Australia had endured over a decade of near slavery and displacement.

Normally, films that tackle the civil rights era either dip their toes in the subject or have white people as the heroes (Mississippi Burning, The Help etc.)

In T he Sapphires, O’Dowd’s Dave Love-

Film of the Week: The Sapphires h h h h (12A) 103mins Director: Wayne Blair Starring: Chris O’Dowd, Deborah Mailman, Jessica Mauboy, Shari Sebbens, Miranda Tapsell

OUR VERDICT: A VERY sweet, uplifting and warm comedy that has the bravery to take on a weightier subject, The Sapphires is a film that, much like its protagonists, refuses to be defined by any perceived boundaries. The star of the show is undoubtedly O’Dowd, who makes every scene he’s in sparkle, but huge credit must go to Deborah Mailman, who anchors the story beautifully.

lace is clueless to the plight of Australia’s indigenous people as well as being just plain clueless.

W h e n h i s d o p e y, soul-obsessed manager meets three singing sisters, all of their worlds are changed, as they head to Vietnam.

The introduction of the girl’s cousin Kay, whose r unning conflict with eldest sister Gail sets the context for much of the racial discussion, is a clever touch.

The girls roles are clearly defined, which

helps the film settle into a comfortable rhythm.

Gail, played by Deborah Mailman, is the rock of the family and her narky running battle with Dave gives the film some of its best interactions.

M i r a n d a Ta p s e l l ’s Cy nthia is man and fame hungry, Shari Sebbens Kay is the goodlooking one and Jessica Mauboy’s Julie is the lead singer.

The youngest of the girls, Julie has a child back home and is desperate to become famous to provide a

better life for her son.

All told, the characters conform to handy archety pes, but are played with a depth and warmth that really papers over that, which is a recurring theme throughout the film.

O’Dowd’s trademark charm is utilised time and again to rescue the film from some particularly clunky dialogue and the musical interludes are leaned on to get the film to its 103 minute running time.

That is not to say, however that the film is reliable just on those two things.

The acting throughout is strong and Mailman puts in a stellar performance and the bravery and likeability is enough to cover the film’s flaws.

With O’Dowd on top form playing almost against type, this is a film that for the most part sparkles.

Greg has podcasted from all around the world, away from the show’s home in West Hollywood, from places as far afield as a cruise ship in the Caribbean, the Edinburgh Festival and our very own Whelan’s. Given the very political and cultural nature of the show, and the fact that it always seems that he is ridiculously well versed in local matters, how much research does he do before a show?

“I read the papers and go out drinking! I’ve discovered that people overseas are even more involved in the subjects they find important - music, art, politics, literature. I learn so much from the people I play with, everywhere I go.”

The blend of intelligent analysis of current and cultural affairs and comedy is reminiscent of stand-up legends Bill Hicks and George Carlin. How much of an influence were comics like these on Greg’s career?

“Huge. Carlin is my favorite comedian and I listen to Hicks for inspiration. They were warrior poets in the classic mode.”

Finally, what lessons has Greg learned from podcasting? “The future is a pretty open field. Jump right in, is what I’ve learned.”

Greg Proops performs upstairs at Whelan’s on November 29, tickets are €14 and are available at www. wavtickets.ie. You can find Greg’s podcast at www. gregproops.com or on iTunes.

Gazette

24 swords gazette 22 November 2012

OUT&ABOUT

MOTORS

New showroom is Audi’s biggest in Ireland If they haven’t been there already, Audi fans in Dublin should make their way to the newly-opened state-of-the-art showroom at Audi North Dublin.

Just off Exit 5 M50 in North Park, North Road, Dublin 11, the dealership is now the largest Audi showroom, sales and service centre in Ireland. The €10m investment will see the creation of up to 30 jobs over the next two years and forms part of an overall strategic plan which sees Audi Ireland invest

€80m over the next 18 months, creating in the region of 260 jobs. Group chief executive at Audi North Dublin, Gavin Hydes, commented: “The opening of our new Audi North Dublin terminal is a significant statement of intent. The new showroom will superbly showcase the exciting 2013 Audi model range and provide an unparalleled customer experience together with premium parts and aftersales services.”

The CX-5 offers class-leading space in the boot, with space for four full-sized suitcases

An exceptionally complete Mazda

 cormac curtis

There’s a joke among motoring journalists that if a company launches a car in an exotic location with dancing girls, it’s not because they’re proud of the new arrival, it’s because they’re hoping to distract you.

Earlier this year Mazda released their new compact SUV, the CX-5, in Vienna, and as beautiful as Vienna is, the city couldn’t compete with the stunning new offering.

It’s always nice to be one of the first to test drive a new car, but it’s always more reassuring to get behind the wheel on your own turf, as I did with the CX-5 last month.

Starting with the allimportant looks, we are talking about something that is unmistakably Mazda, but with an allnew excitement and edge to it.

We’re told that the inspiration for the front end of the car is the cheetah, and, even if you never see the resemblance, the look does evoke a slight sense of menace.

You can follow the

chrome line that surrounds the grille right through into the headlights, an absolutely gorgeous design touch in my books.

The headlight clusters themselves sit at a very nice angle that follows the contours of the body, while at the same time bulging out to sit proud of the bodywork.

The power comes from a choice of engines, and those available in the Irish market are a 2-litre petrol with 165bhp, a 2.2litre diesel with 150bhp and a 2.3-litre diesel with 170bhp.

It may not be something you will need to use all that often, but the sat nav system in the car is of the TomTom variety – one of my personal favourites.

The interior of the car offers some very useful cargo space, with a threeway split for the seats, all folding down with ease to cater for a variety of load options.

With the seats up, the CX-5 actually offers classleading space in the boot, with space for four fullsized suitcases, beating both the VW Tiguan (2-3 cases) and the Ford Kuga

(3 cases).

For those moments of musical indulgence, there is a terrific Bose sound system with nine high-performance speakers and background noise compensation technology.

On the safety front, Mazda’s smart City Brake support feature is also included – offering automatic emergency braking at a 6-metre distance when travelling between 4 and 30 km/h.

Other safety features are a rear vehicle monitoring system, that lights up an LED in your rearview mirror when another vehicle is passing, as well as a lane departure warning system, where the steering wheel vibrates if you stray too far from the centre of your lane.

There are some visibility issues as the body work around the C pillar is somewhat intrusive, and the more powerful of the diesel engines might be considered a touch on the noisy side.

But, with prices starting at €25,195 for the petrol version, this is a car that will appeal to an awful lot of people.

22 November 2012 SWORDS GAZETTE 25

CORK: CONTEMPORARY COMFORTS AT A 200-YEAR-OLD HOTEL

Enjoy an Imperial, relaxing getaway  NATALIE BURKE nburke@gazettegroup.com

WHILE Cork is famed for its traditional villages and historical landmarks, and celebrated for its scenic countryside, its city has never been one to be deprived of recognition.

Playing host to Queen Elizabeth in recent years, and ranked as one of Lonely Planet’s top-10 cities, Cork city has a host of acclamations to be proud of.

Situated on the picturesque River Lee, the city has a clear dedication to the arts, entertaining numerous festivals throughout the year.

It celebrates the Cork Jazz festival in October and is set to see A Cork Christmas arrive this December.

The city is also a clear mecca for foodies, which seemed fitting when we arrived at our hotel destination, the Cork Imperial hotel.

The four-star accommodation is located on the doorstep to the city’s finest fish and meat markets, a stone’s throw from the popular English Market, and just a brief stroll to some of the city’s best dining destinations.

The aptly-named relaxation suite at the Cork Imperial Hotel presents a wonderfully calming environment

Taking my mum on a girly break to the fourstar Cork Imperial saw us arrive at one of the city’s most central havens.

The hotel prides itself on possessing a “contemporary luxury” – a detail immediately evident upon arrival.

The high ceilings, lowhanging chandeliers and meandering hallways were a gentle reminder of the building’s 1812 origins.

After settling into our third-f loor bedroom, and admiring the folded bath robe and chocolates presented on each bed, we made our way to the hotel’s main dining room,

the Pembroke Grill.

As one of the city’s top restaurants, the chefs at the Pembroke Grill make the most of their surroundings, using fresh local produce to complement the varied menu.

Dinner brought with it a warm goat’s cheese and fennel tartlet, West Cork smoked salmon and an indulgent dessert of Malteser cheesecake with fruit coulis, before we enjoyed some after-dinner drinks in the cosy alcoves of South’s Bar – a haven, it seemed, for both guests and Cork locals alike.

Since a girly break away wouldn’t be complete without some self-indul-

gence, we treated ourselves to some down-time the following morning, at the aptly-named Escape Spa, located on the lower floor of the hotel.

The boutique-style spa embraces the use of the popular Aveda brand in their treatments, as well as a vitality suite, an aroma salt grotto, an Evian hydrotherapy pool, a relaxation suite and friendly staff members.

My treatment was a personalised elemental nature facial – a 60-minute facial that used a customised masque, personallychosen aroma oils and some extremely relaxing facial techniques.

With Michael Collins and Charles Dickens named proudly as former guests of the historic hotel, you can see why the Cork Imperial still manages to attract such a huge influx of guests.

The lobby is busy with visitors coming and going, but the restaurant and bar have a steady stream of peaceful company, with the city streets failing to impact on the tranquil interiors of what must be one of Cork City’s most cherished retreats.

For further details on the packages available at the Cork Imperial, see www.flynnhotels.com, or telephone 021 427 4040.

GAZETTE

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planning Notice Fingal County Council Applicant: Patrick Rafferty Location: 2A Boroimhe Oaks, Swords, Co Dublin Planning Permission is being sought for demolition of single storey projection to side of dwelling house to contain utility room & play room. Erection of additional two storey dwelling house with single storey rear projection, to be built adjoining side of main dwelling house, to be know as 2B Boroimhe Oaks, Swords, Co Dublin. Existing and proposed additional dwelling house to share existing front forecourt and entrance off public roadway for entrance and car parking. This planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of The Planning Authority during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee twenty euro (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of this application.

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jim gavin interview P29

asdfsdaf P27 soccer P28

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

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Gazette

gaelic games P31

FastSport METS unable to end DCU Run:

Setanta hurling club members Liam O’Brien, Breandain O’Geargain, Martin O’Shea and Theresa O’Brien at the launch of There is an ‘F’ in Hurling

publication: ‘nitty gritty’ history of fledgling wild geese released

Lenihan launches There Is An ‘F’ in Hurling in Croke Park CHARTING the highs and lows of the fledgling Wild Geese hurling section, Aidan Lenihan says his new book – There Is An ‘F’ in Hurling – is one of the only GAA books to cover the “nitty-gritty of the grass roots of the vast majority of players” of the games.

Lenihan was central to introducing the small ball to the Oldtown club in 2008, a football stronghold which dates back all the way to 1888.

He and a few other like-minded individuals brought together football players from St Margaret’s, Fingal Ravens, Garristown, Starlights, Clann Mhuire, Bal-

lyboughal, Man O War and Colmcilles.

And the past four seasons have seen the team from north-west Fingal, playing primarily in the junior E championship, enjoy the highs of winning AHL9 but also endure their share of tough times to keep the show on the road.

All is documented in the book which was launched last week at GAA headquarters, an event which Lenihan was delighted with 250 people turned out with Liam O’Neill launching the book “There’s not too many junior hurling teams who get into Croke Park on merit,” he told GazetteSport.

The event acted as a reunion of sorts for the 86 players who have donned the Geese jersey in the past four years but Lenihan added that the economic situation of the country has impacted on the side.

“The reality is most of the time, we are still struggling. We’ve played about 160 matches and have never given a walkover but there’s been many games where we’ve just had the games required.

“We won the league in 2009. Ed Sweetman, one of the guys involved from the start, said this could be a poisoned chalice. It was wonderful to win it

but it did potentially make it harder as a lot of lads decided that it wasn’t going to get any better than that and stopped.

Such struggles make for a unique book in the sport’s literature “Other than club histories, there is a serious lack of literature about junior clubs. It charts Ireland, too. When we started, Ireland was sitting on top of the world and now a lot of our lads are struggling for work and to make ends meet.”

Proceeds from the book go to the club’s juvenile hurling section and it is available in Eason’s and on kennys.ie.

METEORS fell to DCU Mercy 66-58 in the women’s SuperLeague as the north Dublin club maintained their perfect start to the season despite 15 points from Beth Meany and 15 from Rebecca Nagle.

Despite the win, head coach Mark Ingle found plenty for his squad to improve upon as they prepare for an away match-up with Singleton SuperValu Brunell next weekend.

“We had a big height advantage but never used it fully. We were a bit undisciplined in that aspect because whenever we did get the ball inside we really hurt them. That said, it was a good win, it was in their home gym and they hit some incredible shots to keep it close.”

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

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

Gazette

28 SWORDS gazette 22 November 2012

SPORT

FastSport O’Brien makes fourth round of PTC: FERGAL O’Brien proved an indirect beneficiary of Ronnie O’Sullivan’s sabbatical from the world snooker tour as the Lucan man received a walkover last week in the Player’s Tour Championship round four event in Gloucester.

The pair were due to meet in the third round of the competition but O’Sullivan’s decision to withdraw from the tour left the way open for O’Brien to advance.

He subsequently played out a cracking tie with Gerard Greene but ultimately fell 4-3 in round four.

It followed O’Brien’s recent run to the last 32 of the International Championship in which he overcame a qualifier against Mark King and then progressed through the wildcard round, beating Chen Feilong 6-3 before becoming undone by the red-hot form of Judd Trump.

soccer: lucan student nets injury-time penalty to snatch title

Leinster win back Interpros  sport@gazettegroup.com

LEINSTER snatched the FAI schoolgirl’s U-15 interprovincial title last week from Connacht in dramatic fashion in Athlone Town with St Finian’s CC’s Jamie Finn, St Joseph’s College, Lucan’s Eleanor Ryan Boyle and Niamh Farrelly, Lucan CC’s Danie Murray and Balbriggan CC’s Erica Byrne all playing their part.

Connacht had the slight advantage heading into the final game as the two sides were level on points with the western province just edging it on goal difference meaning Connacht needed just a draw to annex the title for the first time in their history.

And they looked on course for this until injury time when Leinster were awarded a penalty which Ryan Boyle confidently converted to see her team bask in the glory.

It improved the province’s record to seven wins in 14 years, their last victory coming in 2009 when they put a stop to Munster’s four in a row ambitions.

Connacht deserved something more from the game as they came close on a number of occasions. The team impressed throughout.

Their intensity and hunger for the game was evident through the 60 minutes of football with the standard of play from all four provinces

immense over the six game test Earlier in the competition, Leinster had beaten Ulster 2010 2-0 in their tournament opener as two well-worked second half goals proved the difference with Farrelly impressing.

They followed up with a 2-1 win over Munster in which Ryan Boyle went close early on as Jenny Nagle cleared the ball off the line in dramatic fashion to keep the stalemate.

Lauren O’Callaghan hit the crossbar moments later as Howard’s squad advanced.

But Leinster were not to be denied too much longer as Ryan Boyle smashed the ball to the roof of the net for a splendid goal.

St Finian’s CC’s Jamie Finn captained the Leinster side at the interpros

Munster went on to equalise following the restart but the blues responded, Murray going close with goalkeeper Christine Coffey but the net minder pulled off an exceptional save to deny the young Lucan student.

With only 15 minutes remaining the Leinster dynamo and captain Jamie Finn struck a fabulous ball from over 20 yards out to leave the keeper stranded. A wonderful finish for a promising star leaving

Leinster with the upper hand.

It sent the tournament to the wire with that penalty conversion from last year’s schools internationals Ryan Boyle insuring the riches to Leinster this year with a high end finale to the game.

Following the tournament, newly appointed schools international manager Richelle O’Neill will be charged with putting together a provisional squad ahead of the Bob Docherty Cup

which will take place on April 1 to 4, 2013 in Northern Ireland.

O’Neill will be accompanied by Lorraine Counihan (Colaiste Mhuire, Buttevant) who has been drafted in as assistant manager this season. Jason Carey (St. Mac Dara’s Community College, Templeogue) has been appointed coach for the upcoming campaign.

Carey was part of the management set up for the last two years alongside O’Neill.

Balbriggan’s Nulty receives top LCU honour  sport@gazettegroup.com

Cian Nulty, left, receives advice from Max Sorenson

BALBRIGGAN’S Cian Nulty was selected by Ireland international fast bowler Max Sorensen as this year’s winner of Leinster cricket’s Find A Fast Bowler competition.

Sorenson, who recently returned from the T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka, selected Nulty after attending several under-age provincial sessions paying particular attention to the most promising quick bowlers.

Speaking about the award,

he said: “Cian is a worthy winner of the Leinster Cricket Union’s ‘Find a Fast Bowler’ talent identification pro gramme for this season.

“He possesses a fine bowling action and generates good pace for a 12-year-old. We worked on a few small technical areas including his grip and release position that should see him improve even further in the coming year.

“What particularly impressed me was the late swing he gets and his ability to bowl a very useful yorker. I

look forward to following his progress at Balbriggan over the coming years”.

Nulty started playing with the Fingal club at the age of six and comes from a strong cricketing family with his grandfather playing the game for nearly 60 years.

He has gone on to play for North Leinster U-11s for the past three years and also represented Leinster on tour in Wales against Eryi District.

His best bowling came against YMCA with a spell of 5-12 from four overs while he

also likes to play hurling and Gaelic football with O’Dwyer’s and rugby with Balbriggan.

Nulty cites hard-hitting Kevin O’Brien as his favourite current Irish player while Australian one-day master Shane Watson is among his idols from around the world, both shot-making all-rounders.

He follows in the footsteps of the likes of North County’s Andrew Sheridan, Clontarf’s David Delany, Phoenix’s Rory Anders and Pembroke’s Josh Little as recipients of this award.

22 November 2012 SWORDS gazette 29

Gazette

Gavin outlines secret ingredients to success New manager believes the ethos he witnessed over a lengthy association with An Garda can be a key tenet in his role with the Dublin senior footballers in 2013 THE watchwords of “respect, self-sacrifice, commitment, perseverance and hard work” abounded from Jim Gavin, the newly installed Dublin senior football manager, ethics he witnessed during his time with the Garda GAA club will be pivotal to his new role.

He was speaking at the launch of the most ambitious fundraiser the Westmanstown Gaels and Garda GAA clubs have run in tandem. They are endeavouring to sell upwards of 800 tickets to their Who Wants To Be A Thousandaire? event that will take place on Saturday, December 8, aiming to pack out the Acorn Suite at Westmanstown.

 stephen findlater sport@gazettegroup.com

Gavin, a former manager and coach with Garda’s intermediate side for three years, was on hand at the launch and espoused the virtues of the club that has been a second home after his native Round Tower, a place which helped him cut his teeth with adult players.

It remains his sole club management job in tandem with a glittering career with the Dublin U-21s, winning the All-

Ireland in 2003 as well as 2010 and 2012 off the back of which he became the standout candidate for the county’s top job.

Fond memories of his links to the Westmanstown outfit remain: “I worked in the Garda air support unit a number of years back so I would have known quite a number of the guards, especially playing against them with the Defence Forces.

“Jim Murphy asked me would I coach and manage their team and it was a privilege to do it. We did well with intermediate sides and I learned an awful lot working with those guys,” he told GazetteSport.

“For me, the attraction

Jim Gavin speaking in Westmanstown last week. Picture: confettismiles.ie

was the values and the culture of the club, something that Westmanstown Gaels are now associated with. It’s something I’ve always believed in, something I’ve preached to the players at U-21 level – selfsacrifice, commitment, respect, perseverance and

a lot of talent outside it.

Over the next couple of months, we’ll be patrolling the county looking for players and hopefully in the New Year, in the O’Byrne Cup, National League and championship, we’ll get consistent performances and then

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

‘Self-sacrifice, commitment, respect, perseverance and hard work. These are things I’ve always believed in’ - Jim Gavin

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

hard work.”

Since then, he has been a key observer of the development of the club, attending the opening of their all-weather facility in 2008 and noting the maiden girl’s Feile football success in 2011.

And he believes that if the club’s young charges can focus on the basics, placing an emphasis on becoming “balanced” players, there is little in the way of forging their way into more honours in the future.

The ethos is one he is very keen to imbue in the county’s senior footballers when collective training gets under way in the second week of December, “Taking on the Dublin task is an onerous one but one I look forward to and I relish.

“There is lots of talent in the current squad and

the results will follow.

“Most of the time is spent scouting at the moment. We’ve been out at the senior and intermediate club championships and also the U-21s and minors. We’ve a network of scouts profiling players, trying to identify talent and it is out there in abundance and then we try and distil the numbers down.”

To this end, he has also sought advice from predecessor Pat Gilroy, who led the sky-blues to the 2011 All-Ireland: “Pat was there for four years so I’ve spoken to him on his views about the players.

“But it is a clean slate and any new management team that comes in has fresh ideas. There’s been a hell of a lot of good work done over the past few years and, for me, it’s building on that.”

FastSport

Irish cycling show set for Citywest in March THE second Irish cycling show will take place on March 9 and 10, 2013 at the Citywest Exhibition venue, Dublin.

The inaugural show in May 2012 attracted 4,000 visitors in a very successful two days with over 90 companies exhibiting at the event.

New for 2013 will be free car parking, lower entrance prices and Sprocket Rocket for kids with a host of new exhibitors showcasing their cycling products.

Animal Bike Tour will be the star Stunt Show attraction for 2013 while freestyle BMX rider Keelan Philips will again demonstrate his skills.

The cycle test track will be featuring again for 2013. Other special guests will be announced over the coming months.

Speaking about the event, Hugh Bonner of organisers Mara Media said: “We are so happy to be involved in running the cycling exhibition again in Dublin at a time when cycling of all sorts is booming and we look forward to working with the cycling industry and public as we build on the success of the first show.”

Lucan and DSD enjoy fine runs THREE Lucan Harriers athletes took part in the BHAA/Bank of Ireland 5.5km race on Dollymount Beach last week.

Representing the women was Bernie Stapleton, who was home in an excellent time of 28.47.

For the men we had Gerry Martin coming in first in 26.31 followed by Jim Dwyer in 32.11 For the juveniles, Ciaran Cooney ran in the U-13 Dublin crosscountry 2.5km in

Marlay Park finishing in a brilliant fifth position and also qualified to run on the Dublin team as a result.

At U-19 level, Dundrum South Dublin claimed the team event with Killian Mooney finishing first with Rick Nally third and Andrew Cullen in fifth place.

On the girls’ side, Siofra Cleirigh-Buttner led home DSD in the U-19 competition with club members finishing in each of the first four positions as well as sixth place on their home turf to claim the team title in style.

Gazette

30 SWORDS gazette 22 November 2012

SPORT

FastSport

soccer: novel mary farrell cup as two celtic sides meet

Fynes claims first place at Kilrossey school’s event TWO students from St Joseph’s Secondary School in Rush competed in the inter-school’s show jumping competition in Kilrossery Lodge Stud, Swords last week with Kirsten Fynes, pictured above, taking first place.

Fynes and Emma-Jane Murphy competed in the individual competition which consisted of 52 competitors from different secondary schools.

Murphy jumped extremely well on her pony Sandy Hills Ken with just one fence down.

Fynes jumped a clear round on her pony Pennwood Rocco which entitled her to enter the speed round.

She finished the speed round in a time of 23.34 seconds which saw her win first place for the St Joseph’s team.

St Joseph’s principal Ms Hayden said: “We are very proud of the girls and their achievements for the St Joseph’s Equestrian Team and have no doubt that the girls will build on the success of last week and continue to do themselves and their families proud.”

Thompson gets Nippon drive DONABATE native Gary Thompson, Japanese Formula 3 race winner, earlier this week participated in the 2012 Formula Nippon rookie test at Fuji Speedway after being giving an exceptional opportunity to test with SGC by KCMG for the second year in succession.

Thompson, who has been ever impressive for the Hong Kong based team since his debut in the Japanese Formula 3 Championship back in 2011, got six hours behind the wheel of the team’s

Formula Nippon challenger as he evaluates a full time switch to the series in 2013.

Delighted to have been given the opportunity to test over the two-day period, Thompson was focused on making the most of his time in the car.

“I’m delighted that SGC by KCMG have given me the opportunity to jump into Formula Nippon machinery again,” said Thompson.

“My aim was to build on last year’s performance in the car and keep improving, as it is a car that I want to be racing in 2013.”

Captains Dan Dempsey, left, and Adam O’Neill, right, prior to the Swords Celtic U-17A’s match against the U-17B counterparts

Swords take on Swords mary farrell cup Swords Celtic U-17 A Swords Celtic U-17 B  peter carroll

1 0

sport@gazettegroup.com

BOTH of Swords Celtic’s U-17 panels met last Sunday in a clash in the first round of the Mary Farrell Cup, to decide who would go on to represent the club in the later stages of the tournament.

For the second year running, the Under-17A team were drawn against club opposition in a cup match.

Last season they came up against the then Under-16 Premier team

and were knocked out of the cup. This season it was U-17A against U-17B. The two NDSL teams played in a high tempo affair that saw the sides evenly matched around the field with only one goal separating the two sides at full-time, an effort from Jack O’Grady which found its way past the B team’s captain, Dan Dempsey, after a long spell of pressure that saw the keeper stop two shots before the ball found its way over the line.

Mark McCormack, manager of the U-17

officials of the year Top drawer athletics gong for Swords duo joe and Bernie Walsh, from Swords, were

among the award winners at the National Athletics Awards, in Association with Woodie’s DIY and Tipperary Crystal, Clyde Court Hotel, Ballsbridge They were presented with the Official of the Year award by Ray Colman, chief executive of Woodies DIY, alongside Ciaran O Cathain, left, President of Athletics Ireland, and Michael Ring TD, Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, right.

B side claimed that although his team didn’t come away with the result on the day, the game was a clear sign of growth on their part, having only come together as a team for the first time last season.

“At the end of last season we were bottom of the table,” said McCormack. “We had conceded about 50 goals and we really hadn’t fully found our way as a side.

“Now we’re third in the table, playing very c o m p e t i t i ve g a m e s on a weekly basis and the team are all really enjoying their football.

The football in this age group at the club is of a very high standard, and I think this game proved that.

“The two teams were evenly matched around the pitch and it would be no surprise to anyone that was there to hear that both teams are doing very well in their leagues.

“Personally, I think that one or both of the sides can come away from this season with league honours, they are certainly capable of doing so and I wish Paul [manager of A team] and his team the very best

with their challenge in the Mary Farrell Cup, and I’m sure they can go on to do very well.

“There were some great performances from our lads out there today, and I can definitely take a lot from the game, Dan Dempsey was great between the sticks and it was a shame that he had to concede in the end.

“We’ll take a lot of form playing against our talented club mates, and I believe the lads will grow from the experience of having a competitive clash with a team from a higher division,” he finished.

22 November 2012 SWORDS gazette 31

Gazette

Sylvester’s back in division one final Club Noticeboard  sport@gazettegroup.com

ST Sylvester’s ended Bally mun K ickhams hopes of landing the AFL1 crown to go with the championship they annexed last month.

The Malahide club defeated their north Dublin rivals 2-9 to 1-9 in Sunday’s top four semi-final at Pairc Cice-

am to set up a final date with Na Fianna.

The Mun got off to a great start with a first minute Dean Rock penalty but in Darren Clarke and Micheal McCarthy Syls had two in-form forwards while Ballymun were without the industrious Ted Furman in their attack.

But, capping one of

the Broomfield club’s best performances of the past few years, McCarthy hit Syl’s first goal in the 16th minute with Gavin McArdle netting the second from the penalty spot.

Gabriel Bannigan’s side will face Na Fianna in the final after Senan Connell came off the bench to score the

match-winning goal against his one-time club St Oliver Plunkett’s/Eoghan Ruadh as the St Mobhi Road men prevailed 1-7 to 0-6.

The sides are initially scheduled to meet in the final in Balgriffin on Sunday morning with St Sylvester’s hoping to add to their 2010 victory in the competition.

FINGALLIANS AGM reminder: Thursday, November 22 at 9pm in the main hall.

The closing hours of the club gym are

The club will host an All-Star night

9.30pm midweek and 9pm at the week-

next Friday at 8.30pm. In addition to

ends. The facility can only be used by

Paul Flynn and Peter Daly being hon-

fully paid club members.

oured, we will also have Amy McGuin-

Any groups or organisations look-

ness, Kieran Duff, Harry Keegan and

ing to hire the club facilities for their

Dermot Vaughan with their trophies.

Christmas parties should now contact

All members and friends of the club

Mandy or Martina in the club office

are welcome.

any morning from 9.30am- 12.30pm on

Our minor footballers are through

hurling: st finian’s second in division five

fingallians.com

01 8400125.

to the championship quarter-final

The Gathering: Our club hope to

and will play the favourites Whitehall

organise a reunion of members abroad

Colmcille on Sunday, Novembr 25. It will

next August. We are currently look-

be played in Cloghran at 11am.

ing for old and new members to get

Two of our members, Eoghan Brady

involved with this event. Please email

and Sean Hickey, won Dublin senior

Declan Kelly on fingallians@gmail.com

colleges hurling medals representing

The club are currently looking to

Scoil Chaitriona during the week at

recruit any members who wish to help

corner back and corner forward. Well

with the managing of our Facebook

done lads. We will keep everyone up to

page and Twitter account who have

date with their Leinster progress in

adequate knowledge and expertise in

the weeks ahead.

this area.

Our website has been updated over the last few weeks with an archive of pictures. Please check it out at www.

Please email fingallians@gmail.com for further details.

Bric a brac sale next Saturday.

FINGAL RAVENS

The St Finian’s U-12 hurlers last weekend following their victory over Ballyboden St Enda’s

Four-star Finian’s pin down second u-12 division 5 hurling

St Finian’s Ballyboden St Enda’s  peter carroll

4-5 2-5

sport@gazettegroup.com

JOHN McGuirk’s St Finian’s U-12 hurlers successfully negotiated their way to a second place finish in division five after they saw off the might of Ballyboden St Enda’s in their final game of the season last weekend.

Finian’s started the better of the two sides and Ballyboden barely had time to get any grasp of a defensive shape before the Swords youngsters

had clipped away two goals. However, Boden weren’t out of it and after some more scores went over for both teams, they managed to fight back to within a point of their north county rivals.

Finian’s rallied again before the interval and grabbed a goal and a point to finish off the half at 3-5 to 2-5.

Joey Boland, Peter Wr i g h t a n d A d a m McGuirk showed their class in the second and really bolstered Finian’s hopes, while Ballyboden struggled to get a handle back on the game.

One more goal went by

the Enda’s keeper before time was called on a great day for Finian’s.

“We’re very happy with the lads,” McGuirk said.

“It was a great way to finish off their time in the go-games [U-8 to U-12 non-competitive] and we’re very confident now heading into the U-13 setup because the lads are so enthusiastic.

“They’ve been together as a side since they were six-years-old and we’ve had the same coaching team since then.

“I’ve watched the development of the lads and I think if they stick together they’ll do very

well; we could even have Dublin representatives further down the line.

“We’ve got a great bunch of lads here that are always willing to work in training and learn from everybody around them.

They have a great attitude and that can only stand to them next year when they go fully competitive.

“Our preparation for the new set-up will be stepped up over the next couple of months and, after seeing the lads play 15-a-side in some challenge matches, I think they have a great chance of taking something from next year.”

BEST of luck to our U-21 team in their

ager - Ian Donnelly, coach and selector

championship quarter-final next

- Colm Nally, performance coach and

Saturday away to Oliver Plunkett’s in

selector - Stephen McGuire; we wish

Martin Savage Park at 2.30pm.

them the best of luck for 2013.

Poker Classic this Friday, November

Our children’s Christmas party will

23 at 9pm sharp in Kettle’s Hotel (bar),

be held in Kettle’s Hotel on Sunday,

€50 per ticket - 50% payout.

December 9 from 3 to 5pm.

To reserve your ticket, please con-

Thanks to all who attended our juve-

tact Declan O’Brien on 086 2673830 or

nile AGM last Thursday; Alan Manning

Peter Kettle on 087 9957429.

was re-elected as juvenile chair-

Our club AGM will be held on Thurs-

man, Stephen McGuire was elected

day, November 29 at 8pm in Rolestown

as juvenile secretary, Lisa McCarthy

Hall. All members are encouraged to

was re-elected as juvenile girl’s sec-

attend and any non-members are also

retary. We would like to thank Mick

welcome.

Foley who stepped down as juvenile

Fingal Ravens are delighted to

secretary for all the hard work he has

announce the management team for

done for the club over the last number

our senior team for next season. Man-

of years.

ST finian’s TICKETS for our Christmas grand prize

recent weeks in the Cumann Na mBun-

draw are now available from all team

scol competition.

mentors and committee members.

The senior girls team, managed

Tickets are €10 each and there are

by Emma Keely, won through to the

cash prizes and Christmas hampers.

final in Croke Park at the end of the

The first prize is €1,000 and the draw

month.

takes place on December 13 in Peacock’s.

The junior boys won their division a week earlier in St Margaret’s and

Our Under-12 hurlers had a great

received their Cumann Na mBunscol

win on Saturday against Ballyboden

winner medals. Great credit is also

St Enda’s in their division five second

due to James Devlin as he helps out

place playoff . A special mention for

with all the school teams.

Adam McGuirk and Joe Boland who put in excellent performances.

The Holy Family primary school teams have had great success in

Our AGM takes place this week. The venue is the main room in the clubhouse and the meeting commences at 8.30pm.

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

crossing swords: Two Celtic sides face off in a novel NDSL Under-17 Mary Farrell Cup tie P31

NOVEMBER 22, 2012

Exclusive jim gavin interview: New Dublin senior football boss speaks to GazetteSport P29

Donnelly the new Ravens manager  peter carroll

sport@gazettegroup.com

IAN Donnelly has been announced as the new Fingal Ravens manager, filling in the role vacated by Mick Deegan who has been brought into the new Dublin set-up by his former intercounty team mate Jim Gavin as a selector.

Donnelly is a former player and junior manager for the north county club having started with Ravens from a very young age and played all the way up through the ranks. He was also involved under Deegan’s regime as a physiotherapist.

“It has always been my ambition to manage a senior team,” said the new Ravens boss. “I’m looking forward to working with the lads, I know them well and there’s plenty of potential in the group.

The key man in a coaching staff of three, Donnelly claims he is looking to place a bigger focus on the physical condition of the team, something that may help them in their assault on the AFL2 and the championship.

“Colm Nally has come in to help us as a coach and selector.

He is very experienced in the field and he worked very closely with the Louth U-21 team last

season. Stephen McGuire is sure to make a big difference too, he’s been with the club for a long time and his great knowledge will be very important in his role as performance coach.”

Looking forward to next season, Donnelly has already picked out a few key fixtures that are sure to get his new side motivated.

“There’s a lot of local derbies for us in the AFL2 – Fingallians, Finian’s, Skerries Harps – and St Patrick’s Donabate could be on their way up too, so it should be a very exciting year.

“As far as a specific target for the year, I’m sure everybody at the club will want to get straight

back up into the first division, but I really want to sit down with the lads and have a chat about the championship. I think we can do a lot better than we have in the senior,” said Donnelly.

The new manager also claimed that he had learned a lot from Mick Deegan, but will look to apply his own philosophy to the game when he takes over.

“I was on the side line for a massive amount of Mick’s games in charge and I’ve definitely learned a lot from him. Our philosophies on the game slightly differ and I’ll be looking to stamp that into our play next year,” he finished.

Fingal Ravens’ senior footballers will start 2013 under new management