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FESTIVAL FEVER: Crowds turn out to enjoy Malahide Has It See Pages 6-7

Soccer stars: Sean gets some sound advice Hurling: St Sylvester’s reach inter semi-finals Page 31

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10-YEAR-OLD Sean McCabe from Malahide, pictured with Niall Quinn, will be representing his country in the Diabetes Junior Cup. Sean will be part of the first ever Republic of Ireland team of children with type one diabetes representing their country at the Diabetes Junior World Cup at the Olympic Stadium in Lausanne, Switzerland. Niall met up with the team at their training session and offered plenty of tips and advice on how to prepare for international football.

Council celebrates award nominations Three initiatives nominated for Excellence awards

I LAURA WEBB

FINGAL County Council was celebrating last week when it was announced that three of its innovative initiatives have been nominated for Excellence in Local Government awards.

The three initiatives were nominated in two categories Innovation in Technology and

Local Authority Economic Efficiencies.

In the Innovation in Technology category, FCC has two nominations, including the Fingal Open Data programme and #Apps4Fingal initiative, while the council is also shortlisted for the Local Authority Economic Efficiencies category for their Process of Organi-

sational Change 2009-2011.

Delighted with the nominations, Fingal county manager, David O’Connor, said: “To be nominated for [these] awards recognises the strategic work which has been taking place in the background over recent years.”

Full Story on Page 4

2 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 23 August 2012

EVENT Crowds line the streets to cheer on runners ST ITA’S HOSPITAL: LACK OF RESOURCES REASON FOR SITUATION

Wait on pension increase ‘a scandal’ I SUZANNE BYRNE

NORTH Dublin TD Brendan Ryan (Lab) has described as “a scandal” the case of former workers at St Ita’s Hospital in Portrane who are still waiting for a pension rise promised eight years ago.

The former HSE workers in question are non-officer grade whose pension entitlements are integrated with their social welfare pensions, he said. They include care staff drivers, porters and general operatives and are among 2,000 people across the country in the same situation, according to Deputy Ryan.

T he Labour par ty deputy said: “I have raised this issue on numerous occasions through parliamentary questions and in the Dail chamber and I have repeatedly been told that the reason these increases have not been implemented is due to the complexity of the work involved and the lack of resources within the HSE. This is no longer acceptable and I am seeking a guarantee from the Minister that these changes will be implemented by the end of 2012.”

He added: “The implementation of the increases could see a relatively modest increase of a weekly pension of anything between €5 and €70, depending on individual cases.

“Any increase would make a massive difference to their quality of life. Regrettably quite a number of the pensioners have died dur-

ing the last seven years and has such were not able to benefit from the increase in their pension entitlements” Ryan continued: “During the past seven years, senior executives of the HSE have left the system with huge bonuses and massive pensions, whilst at the other end of the scale, nearly 2,000 of some of the lowest paid workers in the public services have been denied the benefits of an increase which was granted to them by the Government in 2005. This is a scandal that must be rectified immediately.”

In a statement, a s p o ke s m a n f o r t h e HSE told the Gazette: “Significant progress has been made on this issue recently and a full examination has now taken place of all files.

This process has identified approximately 1,100 people in the former EHB area as being potentially due a revision under the terms of Circular 20/2005.

“In relation to those 1,100 people, work has now been completed on approximately 220 people’s files or 20% of all cases. It is planned that this circular will be fully implemented by the end of 2012 and that any monies due to people will be paid in that timescale.”

St Ita’s in Portrane is a long stay facility for those with intellectual disabilities and those with long term mental illnesses.

It is currently being scaled back in operations with planned mixed use development.

The runners fill up Swords Main Street before the start. Pictures: Paul Walsh

Swords 10k off to a winning start M AYOR of Fingal, Cllr Cian O’Callaghan was on hand recently to officially start the first ever Fingal 10k which saw over 4,300 runners take part in the race. They were cheered on by around 2,500 spectators who lined the streets of Swords to show their support. The race generated great excitement locally and runners from all areas of the North

County supported the race. The event was Part 2 of the Dublin Marathon Race Series 2012, which supports runners in their preparation for the Dublin Marathon.

Bringing one of the four races to Fingal for the first time represented a coup for Fingal athletes as the other three races are held in the Phoenix Park.

Orlaith Ffrench, Liz McLaughlin and Suzanne Garry

Michael Keane and David Leavey

Caoimhe Regan, Michael Regan and Mandeep Kaur

Michael MacDiarmada wins the first Swords Pat McCabe and Lisa O’Connell

10k

Eamonn and Emily Richardson

Luke Storey and Colm Montgomery

1st Place Michael MacDiarmada, 2nd place Gary O’Hanlon and

Siobhan O’ Doherty wins the Swords 10k, with Niamh Devlin 2nd,

3rd place Mark Hoey, with Mayor of Fingal Cian O’Callaghan

and Ailish Malone 3rd

23 August 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 3

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EVENT Race raises €1,000 for two worthy causes

Smooth sailing for first Velvet Strand Race I SUZANNE BYRNE

SPECTATORS at Malahide beach were treated to a little maritime community spirit last Saturday week when rowers, kayakers and paddle boarders came together for the inaugural Velvet Strand Race 2012.

Seafarers came from far and wide to take part in the competition, which was a fundraiser for both the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and the Mark Pollock Trust.

The multi-sport contest involved single races with three separate courses to accommodate novice standard and elite competitors.

The Velvet Strand Race 2012 was supported by the Fingal Sailing School, Union Chandlery, Malahide, and Village Bookshop, Malahide, and €1,000 was raised for the two causes.

Mark, an enthusiastic sailor who competed in both the New Zealand Coast to Coast race and the Round Ireland yacht race, suffered massive spinal-cord injury in 2010.

He hopes, however, to recover and continue his work as a pioneer in the quest for better therapies, and ultimately, a cure for spinal-cord injury.

According to Piers White, head of fundraising for the trust: “Mark

is improving every day through aggressive exercise therapy programmes and innovative robotic technology.

“All the funds raised through the Velvet Strand Race will help greatly in his cause,” he added.

Rose Michael, chairperson of Howth RNLI Fundraising said: “The funds donated from the race will enable us to equip our volunteer lifeboat crews with new state-of-the-art lifejackets, which will help to ensure our crew’s safety when saving lives at sea.”

Although he had planned to attend, unfortunately Mark could not make it on the day.

The Velvet Strand Race

Seafarers came from far and wide to take part in the competition

was the brainchild of William Irwin, who also organised the event. The weather gods smiled on the race, although Irwin admitted a little more participation would not have gone astray, with 40 competitors taking part: “The turnout was good, but lower than I had

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hoped. With more planning and support from the governing organisations, hopefully we’ll be able to increase participation for the Velvet Strand Race 2013.”

Despite the good weather, the course between the Malahide Estuary and the Velvet Strand proved to

be challenging for novice and experienced competitors alike.

“I was extremely happy with how the race went. It was especially rewarding to see some of the juniors tackle the conditions on the course with relish, they really enjoyed themselves,” said Irwin.

EVENT

Free play and coffee mornings FRESH from the success of the members’ coffee morning in CityWest last month, mums’ website eumom.ie and mother and child playgroup, ClapHandies, have organised eight more free play and coffee mornings across the city in September, including one in Malahide.

T he coffee mornings are designed as a way for new-mums to bond with others local mothers, while children are kept occupied by ClapHandies’ PlayLabs, which feature goodie bags, music, storytelling, games and special prizes.

Malahide residents can find their morning at Malahide Rugby Club on the Estuary Road on September 4 between 10.30am and 12.30pm.

For more information, log on to www.claphandies.com/coffee_mornings.php

4 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 23 August 2012

FCC Fingal has been short-listed in two categories

Fingal county manager, David O’Connor, said he was delighted with the nominations

Council up for two Excellence awards FINGAL County Council has received three nominations at this year’s Excellence in Local Government awards.

This is the ninth year of the awards Chamber Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards, held in association with the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government.

Fingal has been shortlisted in two categories - Innovation in Technology and Local Authority Economic Efficiencies.

In the Innovation in Technology category, FCC has two nominations, including the Fingal Open Data programme and #Apps4Fingal initiative, while the council is also short-listed for the Local Authority Eco-

nomic Efficiencies category for their Process of Organisational Change 2009-2011.

Delighted with the nominations, Fingal county manager, David O’Connor, said: “Here in Fingal County Council we have made huge strides to streamline our services where they are needed most. “ C e r t a i n l y, i n a n ongoing climate of less resources, both financial and staffing resources, we have to consider different ways to deliver customer services. This process of organisational change has resulted in a very different model for service delivery, one that is unique to Fingal and one which places emphasis on the locality

and community, and not on the traditional service departments.

“To be nominated for an award for this change process is very satisfactory, and recognises the strategic work which has been taking place in the background over recent years.”

He continued: “The nominations in the Innovation and Technlogy category are very welcome as we strongly support openness and transparency in what we do and how our data and information is used by many other agencies and organisations.”

Commenting on the short-listed nominees, Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government,

Phil Hogan, said: “I am delighted that my department is once again supporting these awards which recognise the great work that local authorities do.

“The work carried out by local authorities plays a key part in the development of both the local economy and the local community. The strength of applications this year is to be commended and highlights the rich and diverse initiatives taking place in communities across the country”.

The Chamber Ireland Awards are scheduled to take place on Thursday November 8 in the Burlington Hotel Dublin.

There will be a total of 17 awards presented across a variety of categories

including: Supporting Active Communities; Festival of the Year; Sports Development and Local Authority Economic Efficiencies.

Awards will also be presented to the City/ County Council of the Year and the Town/ Borough Council of the Year.

Meanwhile local authorities across Dublin have also been shortlisted. Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council seems to have impressed the judging panel already as it gets listed in ten categories. Dublin City Council enters the competition by getting shortlisted in 7 categories, while South Dublin County Council matches Fingal with two categories.

Network’s autumn/winter diary FINGAL County Enterprise Board’s Women in Business Network is calling on all local women with an interest in succeeding in business to take part in their autumn and winter programmes, which were announced last week.

Publishing its autumn/winter diary, the network has planned six stand-alone events over the next six months that will keep women business people and managers busy up to February next year.

Kicking off on Thursday, August 30, Sharon Kearns from

SGK Accountancy Services will be helping participants prepare for the 2012 tax deadline.

The evening event, which is being held at the Grand Hotel in Malahide, will focus on giving advice and guidance to small business owners around their tax obligations.

And as part of Fingal Enterprise Week, a Speed Networking Event for members takes place on Thursday, October 4, at Roganstown Hotel and Golf Club in Swords.

Meanwhile, a course entitled Digital Marketing for the Small

Business will be held on Tuesday, November 6 at the Carnegie Court Hotel in Swords, with the final pre-Christmas event taking place on Tuesday, December 11.

The theme for these events will be Sales and Business Development. The sixth and final event in the schedule, Clear and Critical Thinking for Small Business Owners, is taking place on Wednesday, February 6 at the Carlton Airport Hotel near Dublin Airport.

Fingal Women in Business Network manager, Eve Bulman,

told the Gazette: “The purpose behind these events is to help members gather expert information for their own businesses and share ideas with fellow entrepreneurs, whilst making important new business contacts along the way.”

For more information on the Fingal Women in Business Network, see www.fingalceb.ie The full programme of events for this year’s Fingal Enterprise Week in October, www.fingalenterpriseweek.ie, is being officially launched at the end of August.

23 August 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 5

SUMMER

COUNCIL: HOUSEHOLD CHARGE HAS COLLECTED OVER €100 MILLION

Beach is back after safety fail

‘Thanks for paying charge’

I LAURA WEBB lwebb@gazettegroup.com

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FINGAL County Manager, David O’Connor, has thanked the majority of people in the county for paying the controversial household charge that has collected over €100 million nationally, and appealed to those who have yet to pay to register as soon as possible.

It has been revealed that over €100 million has been received to date from 990,459 households nationally in respect of payment of the household charge.

Mr O’Connor thanked “the majority of people in Fingal who have paid”, and said he is “encouraged by the number of citizens who continue to pay the charge”.

“Fingal County Council will use the proceeds

of the charge to maintain essential local services.

This money is critical to fund essential local services such as public parks, libraries, open spaces and leisure amenities, planning and development, fire and emergency services, maintenance and cleaning of streets and street lighting – all facilities that benefit everyone in the community.”

Mr O’Connor went on to appeal to owners of residential properties who have not yet paid, to register and pay as soon as possible. The council said that the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) had advanced the process of analysing data in order to identify householders who had not yet registered and paid the levy.

The first data set was completed and letters

were issued by FCC in July, while second data set is due for completion in September with further letters being issued by FCC then.

The agency has legislative power to bring legal proceedings for an offence. However, before any proceedings are commenced those who haven’t paid will be written to and given the opportunity to pay, the council said Nearly all householders who received letters were second-home owners already liable to pay the non-principal private residence or second home tax.

Payment of the charge and all penalties due can be made online at www. householdcharge.ie, or by posting an application form to PO Box 12168, Dublin 1 or at local authority offices.

Having a ball: Irish star shows his support for event in aid of hospital PICTURED at the launch of the Support Your Colours Ball at Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links was 9-year-old Caoimhe Neill from Malahide with Republic of Ireland player John O’Shea who dropped by to lend his support to the event being held in support of Temple Street Children’s University Hospital. The Support Your Colours Ball, supported by Mercury, will be held on Friday, September 21 in the Hogan Suite at Croke Park. For more information contact Temple Street on 01-878 4344 or visit www.templestreet.ie.

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RUSH South Beach has reopened to swimmers after it was closed over the recent Bank Holiday weekend following its failure to meet acceptable EU limits.

Te s t s done a t t he beach on July 31 showed it had poor water qualit y, according to the E nv i ron ment a l P ro tect ion A gency. T he wet summer weather is being blamed for the beach’s contamination by e-coli bacteria.

During the test, the strand recorded bacter ia levels of 2,143, above the EU mandatory level of 2,000.

Fingal County Counc i l h a s n i ne de s i g nated beaches under the Quality of Bathing Water s Reg u lat ion s, 1992 and regular monitoring is carried out on these beaches during the summer months as required by the regulations.

6 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 23 August 2012

EVENT The Malahide Festival attracts huge crowds with a

Theresa Ward, Eric Singleton, Debbie Doolan and Kieran Caulfield

Joshua Williams

Festival fever hits Malahide crowds HE Malahide Festival 2012 again attracted great crowds to the town, with a very happy community atmosphere throughout the weekend. Malahide businesses sponsored many of the events allowing people to enjoy the many and varied activities with little cost involved.

The Festival started with the ‘Vladimir’ concert at the Grand Hotel. The Mayor of Fingal, Cian O’Callaghan, officially opened the Festival prior

T

to the concert.

The mixture of classical music with a contemporary interpretation was a big hit with everyone in attendance. The Festival was organised around the Green and New Street in the Village and featured a Fun Fair on Malahide Beach.

The Green was the main area for community events which culminated in the annual Tug O’ War competition.

Kirsten Hart

Rachael Wallace, Faye Rooney and Lisa Nolan

Holly Williams and Grainne Burke Charlotte Hirst and Emily Wigham

Carmel Prizeman and Andy Smith

Fran Murphy and Stephen Cluskey

Rebecca Steele and Anna Leahy

Gareth Downey and Noelle Downey

23 August 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 7

range of fun attractions

Bubbles the Clown with Darragh Keating and Evan Murray

Emma Kelly, Jessicia Smith and Brian Whittington

Wes Singleton, Robbie Rooney and Helen Clifford

Carmel Prizeman and Andy

Favue Chapman and Paul

Smith

Donohoe

8 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 23 August 2012

SCHOOL leavers are being urged to apply as soon as possible for third-level grants for which they may be eligible.

The student grant system has been reformed in recent times and a unified application process is now to be implemented by a single body, Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI).

SUSI will replace the 33 VEC’s and 33 local authority bodies currently processing applications, so new students should apply for their grant though SUSI. Students or parents with queries on the application process can contact the SUSI Support Desk on 0761-08-7874 or by email at support@susi. cdvec.ie.

Players step up for white collar boxing I SUZANNE BYRNE

RUGBY takes on the GAA for the Pride of Malahide next month, when 12 players from both codes get into the ring – literally – for a white-collar boxing contest that will benefit local sporting clubs.

Former boxer, Cathal O’Grady, who is organising the event, which takes place at the Wright Venue, said: “It’ll probably be rugby versus GAA most of the time,” but admitted that organisers would be trying to make

it as fair as possible “as the rugby lads tend to be a bit burlier”.

According to Cathal, the participants only started training last week, so they are “all complete newbies”.

“It’s a steep learning curve [for them] to climb into the ring so soon,” he said.

Whitecollarboxing.ie was formed in 2005 – the brainchild of O’Grady, a former Irish Olympian and professional boxer.

His mission, according to his website, is “to bring

the benefits of boxing to a previously neglected audience”.

In 2009, whitecollarboxing.ie featured in a three-part TV documentary produced by the BBC, Fight Club.

The result has been phenomenonal, said O’Grady. “Masses of white-collar boxers are making their maiden voyage in to the squared circle, to experience the benefits of a more traditional approach to training.

“What we’re doing is six weeks pre-event training, twice to three times a week, learning the basic defence and punch of boxing. From a spectator’s point of view, people

The white collar boxers will only have been training for six weeks before their match

can relate to this because [the fighters] are only six weeks removed from the standard they’re at themselves.”

As a dangerous sport, what measures are taken to ensure nobody actually gets seriously hurt?

O’Grady said: “To learn how to punch properly takes a good few years, and so they’re not punch-

ing that hard and they wear the oversize gloves, which are twice the size of regular gloves, and wear full headgear.

“However, you still feel the punches,” he said.

“What we tell them is to try and do the training you’ve done over the past few weeks. You’ve learned the basic skills. We don’t want you going in there

and having a brawl – it’s a highly-skilled game, as you’ll have seen from the Olympics.”

The Pride of Malahide bouts will take place at the Wright Venue on Friday, September 21. Doors open at 7.15pm and tickets are €20 and €30.

For further information, email info@whitecollarboxing.ie.

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10 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 23 August 2012

BAG-PACK

Call for help from charity CHARITY Anam Cara is calling on volunteers to help make their next fundraising event a big success.

The charity’s national bag-pack day is taking place on Saturday, November 3 at Dunnes Stores throughout Ireland. As this is their big fundraising event for 2013, they still need volunteers.

T h i s e ve n t r a i s e s awareness of the organisation and the necessary funds for them to deliver their online and face-toface services to bereaved parents throughout Ireland.

The team are looking for people to volunteer in different areas, such as supervising the bag packers for a couple of hours.

If you can assist, contact Anam Cara on 01 404 5378, or email c.curley@anamcara.ie or visit www.anamcara.ie for more information.

THEATRE Hollyoaks’ star thrilled to be in Dublin

Bastian buzzes as Chicago comes to town I PAUL HOSFORD

CHICAGO, one of the world’s most successful musicals, returns to Dublin this month, with an all-star cast set to light up the stage of the Bord Gais Energy Theatre.

Alongside Bernie Nolan, Duncan James and former Coronation Street star Tupele Dorgu, the cast is ably led by Ali Bastian.

The former Hollyoaks’ and The Bill star told the Gazette that she is eagerly anticipating the Dublin dates, having grown fond of our fair city in recent years.

“I’m really looking

forward to it. I absolutely love Dublin and have friends in Sligo, and I love it there. Every time I go to visit them, we spend a couple of days in Dublin,” says Ali, who plays Roxie Hart in the 1920’s musical.

Based on real-life events back in the roaring 1920s, nightclub singer Roxie Hart shoots her lover and along with cell-block rival, doublemurderess Velma Kelly, they fight to keep from Death Row with the help of smooth-talking lawyer, Billy Flynn.

This production of the show opened in England in February and has filled theatres across

Europe since then.

“We opened in February and have played to full houses everywhere, and it has been a lot of fun. It’s tough because we do eight shows a week and I’m on stage a lot, but the crew and the cast are just great to work with.

“Because I’m on stage so much, it’s very easy to build a lot of momentum.”

Having competed on Strictly Come Dancing, Ali is taking to the stage in her first-ever musical, but has found a character in Roxy that she finds is a joy to play.

“Roxy is great. She’s so feisty and headstrong

Ali Bastian as Roxie Hart in the hit musical Chicago

that being able to play her is great.

“I think I’m a little like her, but I’m not capable of murder!

“A lot of people have played her, so I had to try put my own spin on it and avoid trying too hard to copy what had already been done.

“Rox y has a child inside her in a way, she’s very vulnerable.”

As for sharing the stage with an Irish legend in Bernie Nolan, Ali says that getting to watch her perform nightly is “extraordinary”.

Chicago will play at

the Bord Gais Energy Theatre for two weeks only from August 21 to September 2. Tickets, priced from €20 are on sale now from Ticketmaster.

For more information, see http://www. bordgaisenergytheatre. ie.

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23 August 2012 GAZETTE 11

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SNAPSHOT: THE STORIES OF THE DAY FROM AROUND THE CAPITAL

Fantastic fringe fest set for September GET READY for absolute fun when Absolut Fringe gets under way this September for a spectacular 16-day festival packed with a variety of entertainment.

Limerick radicals The Rubberbandits were on hand recently to launch the programme, showcasing what people can expect from the festival.

Accompanying the Horse Outsiders at the launch were just a few of the festival’s 90 contributors including aerial acrobatic act, PaperDolls, Ireland’s leading young theatre companies THEATREClub and the hipsters of the Irish theatre world, The Company.

This year is the 18th anniversary of the festival, which hosts performances from up to 90 artists with companies presenting 624 events spanning theatre, dance, music, live and visual arts in over 30 venues across Dublin.

With its extensive programme of events, we couldn’t possibly name them all, so log on to www.fringefest.com for further information and booking details.

Nestle targets big fund for Jack & Jill The staff at Nestle Ireland have committed themselves to raising over €120,000 for the Jack and Jill Foundation by the end of this year.

With less than 20% of the charity’s €2.7 million annual budget coming from the State, every fundraising effort is essential to the running of the foundation, including corporate fundraisers like Nestle Ireland.

It is hoped that the €120,000 raised will provide 7,500 hours of vital nursing home care for children who need 24 hours a day support. The “Gift of Time” is how parents describe Jack & Jill’s support.

The nationwide service includes nurs-

DIARY ing home visits and care, advice and bereavement support, with the Foundation providing funding for up to 64 hours of home nursing care per month at a cost of up to €1,024 per family.

To see how you can help contribute to the Foundation, or to find out more about their work, log on to http:// www.jackandjill.ie/

AWARE to benefit from virtual cycle Last week saw Tesco staff members across Dublin get on their bikes for charity to support the depression support charity, AWARE. Tesco employees cycled the equivalent distance from Dublin to Cork to raise funds for the charity on August 16.

Yet the riders didn’t go anywhere during the ride, as they used stationary bikes in stores. All day long, staff members took it in turns to cycle the 160-mile virtual journey.

Aware is the national organisation providing information, support and education about depression, a condition which affects more than 450,000 people in Ireland at any given time.

The focus in this year’s partnership between Tesco Ireland and AWARE is on teenage depression.

Depression affects many teenagers in Ireland and funds raised through the partnership will enable Aware to deliver Beat the Blues, Aware’s free secondary schools’ programme, to approximately 16,000 additional teenagers this year.

For more information, see www. aware.ie

23 August 2012 GAZETTE 13

FESTIVAL International race ends in Dublin

The Polish barquentine, Pogoria, moors for the night in Dun Laoghaire, with the vessel’s early arrival last weekend marking the first Tall Ship to reach Dublin ahead of this weekend’s festival celebrations. Picture: Geraldine Woods

Hoist the mainsail for arrival of the Tall Ships I LAURA WEBB

D U BL I N r e s i d e n t s should get ready to set sail when the spectacular Tall Ships Race Festival arrives in Dublin’s Docklands this month.

Families can end the summer with a bang with this action-packed, free festival, that marks the last leg of the international Tall Ships Race 2012.

People are invited to join the crew for what organisers are describing as the biggest party

of the summer when the north and south quays of the Docklands come alive over four days with music, children’s activities in a special Family Zone, a food theatre, markets, watersports, street performances and Dublin’s first-ever floating cinema.

Literar y trails and art exhibitions that celebrate personal stories and memories of the city’s seafaring community and life on the docks are also part of the programme.

The capital is the last port for this visually stunning sailing race, with 60 magnificent ships taking part.

The fleet set sail at the Northern French port of St Malo in early July, and will have raced across the Bay of Biscay to Lisbon in Portugal and Cadizin Spain before its arrival in Dublin.

One highlight of the festival will be the Crew Parade on Saturday, August 25, which will see 1,500 sailors parade through the city to a

prize-giving ceremony.

The weekend will end in spectacular fashion with the Parade of Sail on Sunday, August 26, when all the ships will leave port together with their sails hoisted.

So, whether you’re a seafarer or a landlubber, there is no chance the family won’t enjoy this festival, which takes place from Thursday, August 23 until Sunday, August 26.

For further details, see www.discoverireland. ie.

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Manager

AT Rotunda Private Clinics the patient always comes first, and the professionals at the Clinic are committed to ensuring that every pregnancy is as comfortable and incident-free as possible Information and continuity are crucial for a comfortable pregnancy. This is why Rotunda Private

“Most of our patients will do a pregnancy test at home,” said Darina Martin, head of Patient Services at Rotunda Private Clinics. “But many of them come for a scan at six, seven or eight weeks, just to see that everything is ok.”

Additionally, many women who visit the Private Clinics could be classified as “high risk” – they may have undergone a miscarriage in the past, or may have conceived through IVF – and in these cases it is hugely reassuring for them to be able to see at the earliest stage possible exactly how the pregnancy is progressing.

These early scans are generally available only to Private patients. But what truly sets the Private experience apart is the fact that the parents will be dealing with the same consultant throughout the pregnancy, allowing them to develop a relationship with the third most important person in the pregnancy

Clinics offer not only the reassurance of dealing with the same consultant throughout the pregnancy, but also early scans to reassure mothers and fathers that everything is progressing as it should be.

process.

“People want to get to know the person who will be delivering the baby,” said Martin.

“A good relationship with the consultant will ensure that they are comfortable with talking about how they will deliver the baby – section, induction or natural - and what expectations they will have post-delivery.”

Of course, there is also the important issue of accommodation (especially if the mother is in for a longer stay). Private patients are “99%” guaranteed a private room following delivery, and the Lillie Suite (Rotunda’s private postnatal unit) offers something close to a hotel experience, with excellent menu options and comfortable, clean rooms.

The only difference is that you will generally leave this “hotel” with more people than you came in with!

Stephanie Sinnott, founder and personal trainer at Baby Body Fit

Stay in shape during and after your pregnancy I NATALIE BURKE

THE LATEST innovation in pre-natal and post-natal fitness to hit Ireland, Baby Body Fit, has already proved to be hugely popular, with mums-to-be and new mothers rushing to attend classes across Dublin.

Baby Body Fit is a new fitness regime which promises to help both pregnant women and new mums to get in shape, and stay in shape, both during and after pregnancy.

Baby Body Fit is the brainchild of young mum, Stephanie Sinnott, from Dublin, who, having had her own daughter in 2008, struggled to feel fit and healthy afterwards.

Following some research, and realising her fitness programme should have started earlier in her pregnancy, Stephanie went back to college and retrained as a fitness instructor.

Recognising a demand for her speciality, Baby

Body Fit was launched just over a year ago, with the aim of helping women to get through the maternity cycle while maintaining a good level of fitness and staying healthy.

The unique fitness programme is the only course in Ireland to provide a light, safe, and effective cardio workout during pregnancy, combined with yoga and pilates exercises, and then follow-up with simple but effective sessions on how to lose weight and build energy after having the baby.

According to Stephanie, Baby Body Fit is completely unique in that it takes women from early pregnancy days, right through to toddler years, providing them with a safe and effective exercise routine for during and after the pregnancy.

“I know from personal experience how hard it can be to do this, so we set out Baby Body Fit to

show women how to get fit and lose weight, while actually enjoying the exercise and making new friends at the same time,” she explained.

Structured into three exercise modules, Prepare, Regain and Maintain, Baby Body Fit caters for all levels of fitness. Course participants are encouraged to “bring their bumps to the pre-natal class, and their babies to the post-natal class”, with infants often slumbering in the buggy while mum works out nearby.

Classes are managed in Dublin by Stephanie, while a number of qualified fitness instructors are now employed to cater for demand with locations in Dublin City Centre, Swords, Lucan, Cabinteely, Clontarf, Sandymount, Stepaside, the Phoenix Park, and Firhouse.

Fur ther details of courses and venues are available at www.babybodyfit.ie.

23 August 2012 GAZETTE 15

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT

John’s girlfriend (Mila Kunis) tries to get him to let go of his childhood friend, Ted, but it’s not that easy...

The bear don’t care Teddy bears are supposed to be cute but this one is something else entirely, and that’s all part of the fun I NIALL BERMINGHAM

HAVING grown up with a mother who never really had any appreciation for crass or immature comedy films, shock is the only word I have to describe how I felt upon hearing that she found Ted to be one of the funniest things she had ever seen. Honestly, I was in a state of disbelief.

I decided I had to see this film and find out how it had made the woman who hates Jim Carrey and wouldn’t be caught dead watching Family Guy nearly die from laughter.

Conceived by and starring Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane, Ted is indeed a crass, immature comedy but with some heart and soul thrown in.

The story follows John Bennett (played very well by Mark Wahlberg) and his magical little

FILM OF THE WEEK: Ted #### (16) 106 mins Director: Seth MacFarlane Starring: Seth MacFarlane, Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis, Giovanni Ribisi, Joel McHale, Patrick Warburton, Matt Walsh, Bill Smitrovich, Patrick Stewart

OUR VERDICT:

Crude, immature and vulgar but undeniably lovable Ted is a film for fans of Seth MacFarlane and maybe for some people who don’t hold him in high regard. This is that special thing in cinema that doesn’t happen too often: a pleasant surprise. Just don’t bring your young children to it.

teddy bear, Ted (voiced

by MacFarlane). We see how the two best friends first got together when John was just a young unpopular child growing up friendless in Boston.

A fter receiving the bear as a Christmas gift, little John makes a wish that his new plush toy could really talk to him.

During the night, a little Christmas magic is worked and John has a brand new sentient furry friend.

T he t a l k ing bea r qu ick ly becomes a household name, making appearances on late

night television shows and posing for magazine covers. Cut forward 27 years and we find John and Ted have, unsurprisingly, grown up. Physically at least.

John’s successful girlfriend (Mila Kunis) is a little sick of John’s reluctance to move on and achieve something with his life and asks that Ted moves out so that John and herself can live together alone.

It ’s not a hu gel y original storyline but it doesn’t really need to be as the comedy is fantastic and the relationships

b e t we e n cha r a c t er s prove enough to keep you interested. It’s quite clear that MacFarlane hasn’t been spreading himself too thin with three television shows and this film to work on.

Right from the outset we see that the two main characters have brilliant chemistry together which is a testament not only to how Marky Mark has improved as an actor but also to the special effects team who have done a brilliant job bringing Ted to life.

Technology has come an aw fully long way since Whiskers the cartoon cat shows up in Last Action Hero.

Wahlberg isn’t the only actor showing their talent in this film as Kunis also gives a brilliant performance as worried girlfriend Lori.

Giovanni Ribisi is genuinely creepy as lifelong

Ted fan and stalker, and Joel McHale shines as Lori’s over-interested boss.

Along the way we are treated to some fantastic cameos, starting with Patrick Stewart as the narrator and some brilliant surprises that I’d rather not ruin for you.

MacFarlane brings a lot of the people he worked with on his television outings to the film too. Some of the voiceactors have bit parts here and it was co-written by his Family Guy staff.

All in all this is a solid film. It’s up there with the best comedies released over the last few years, however a weak ending and a handful of jokes that didn’t quite hit the mark stop this from being a classic.

Definitely a three-star film. All the Flash Gordon references however, compel me to bump it up to a four-star rating.

16 GAZETTE 23 August 2012

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS

Supported

by AIB

Interview: Educating the next generation of local actors, Jill Anderson

OPTION FOR A COLLEGE PAYMENT Q – MY PARENTS are not well off; even the registration fee for my college (of €2,250) is beyond them.

What options do I have, and what security will be asked for by any lender? Peter, Rathfarnham A - FIRST of all, well done on reaching third-level.

One recent survey estimated the total cost of third level education, without fees, can run to €42,000!

So, for those new parents out there, if you invest the current monthly Child Benefit of €140 into an account from birth to your child’s 18th birthday, and at a net interest rate of 3.5% each year, you will have accumulated €42,000 – and that’s just for one child !

With the current recessionary times, it is not surprising parents cannot find the money for such necessary expense. They may, however, still be required to guarantee a loan facility with certain lenders.

Depending on your degree course, lenders may not require a parental guarantor. One recent development has been the launch of a loan facility for DCU students from Bank of Ireland.

Parents must apply first and, while the usual parameters for these loans are required, it is expected all students will be approved. What is unusual with this loan is: - Interest rate is 5.1% (best unsecured loan rate on the market); - If, after graduation, the loan has not been repaid, the debt transfers over to the student and they become responsible for it – the rate also changes to 9.7%, compared to their normal rate of 14.02%; - The loan is up to €9,000 – covering up to four years’ registration fees (payable annually and directly to the college at the start of each college year); - These loans will probably become available throughout all third level colleges (15 have already signed up, and 10 more are in discussion); and - If the parents want to pay off on a yearly basis, the repayment on €2,250 over 12 months would be €192.72 per month.

Meanwhile, the Higher Education Authority is presently putting together proposals on funding for the Department of Education, and hope to have a report published before the end of the summer covering student loans, graduate tax and a return to fees of at least €5,000 per annum.

Happy studying!

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

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Staging a great local enterprise IT SEEMS that the acting bug has been busy biting in South County Dublin recently, with national and international success for local actors, most notably with Andrew Scott winning the BAFTA for best supporting actor in the acclaimed BBC production of Sherlock.

Helping young thespians in the area is Jill Anderson, who runs the School of Speech and Drama, which operates from the school hall of Our Lady’s National School in Ballinteer on Monday, after school, and on Saturday mornings.

Anderson trained at the Leinster School of Music and Drama and is LLSMD-qualified. All aspects of speech and drama are covered at the school, including Mime & Movement, Speech Training & Projection, Characterisation, Improvisation and Public Speaking.

Students from the age of four upwards attend the upbeat speech and drama classes and, according to Anderson: “Dublin’s got talent. So many of our students have never acted before coming to classes, but it’s obvious that there’s a lot of raw talent out there, just waiting to be trained.

“The enthusiasm of the children is amazing, and really makes my job very easy. They love to act and participate in the many different activities which are specially designed to encourage confidence and creativity.

“Furthermore, it enables them to interact with other children in a fun environment, developing their communicative and social skills,” says Anderson.

Further information on all classes and activities is available by contacting Anderson at 087 219 6516, or by emailing jillspeechanddrama@gmail.com.

Founder of the School of Speech and Drama, Jill Anderson

Q&A Q: When you were a kid, what did you want to be?

A: I wanted to be a farmer, but I grew out of that notion when I realised that high heels were not farmyard-friendly

Q: What was your first job?

A: A receptionist in an estate agent’s

Q: And your first pay cheque?

A: Enough to save up for a trip to London to see the musical, Hairspray – magical, and worth the hours spent photocopying

Q: Have you ever done a job you loathed?

A: See above Q: When did you start your present job?

A: I founded my school three years ago, but as an actress you’ve got to allow me to point out that this is a vocation – my parents tell me that I’ve been acting out since I was very little

Q: What is the best thing about your job?

A: Getting to do something I

love and meeting interesting, quirky and talented people who also inhabit this world

Q: What sport can you play?

A: Hockey, netball and, eh – is yoga a sport?

a diverse mix of people, from Lady GaGa to Julian Lloyd Webber

Q: Have you achieved anything that you once thought you could not pull off?

A: I always dreamt about

Q: What habits would you like to lose?

A: Being a perfectionist

Q: What was your last Tweet/ status update?

A: Anyone out there who can

Q: What is your guilty music/ TV or movie pleasure?

A: I love 80s music and musi-

make a Grease Lightning car?

having my own drama school – dreams do come true, but with a lot of hard work and effort

Q: What part of your working day do you ‘delegate’?

A: None – I’m all hands on deck

Q: What’s currently on your desk that shouldn’t be?

A: An empty Galaxy wrapper – enough said

Q: Is there anything about yourself that you would like to set the record straight on?

A: Yes – not all of my salary goes on shoes (boyfriend, please take note!)

Q: What sport do you follow?

A: Anything that Ireland is involved with – especially rugby and soccer

cals; I can generally be caught humming songs from either

Q: Who best represents modern Ireland – David Norris or Jedward?

A: Depends on who you’re asking; for under-20s, definitely Jedward

Q: Describe your dream meal?

A: Beans on toast, and champagne, of course!

Q: Who would you rather have dinner with – Enda Kenny or Dame Edna?

A: Dame Edna all the way Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously?

A: There are tons of great

Q: What music/pictures/movies do you have on your iPod/ iPad? A: In music, I’m listening to

stores in Dublin city centre and Dundrum Town Centre – that’s where you’ll find me

Grease, Duran Duran (yes, I know!); for pictures, I have lots of shots of my new puppy, Harvey

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own?

A: Four wardrobes full, on the

Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook?

A: Anyone who interests me –

Q: What was your worst holiday experience?

A: A monkey on my head,

last count

and swimming with snakes in

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EXPLORING LEARNING

A golden opportunity: ITB’s diverse activities can enrich every student’s spirit

Choosing the right path: Guidance for students of all ages, and at all levels of learning

A fashionable fundraiser: Sallynoggin College helps disadvantaged women

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18 GAZETTE 23 August 2012

EDUCATION LOCALMATTERS

OPTIONS

Sound advice

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View your time in college as a building block towards the life that you want to lead when you graduate

SO, you have accepted the course offer that you have been working towards over the last few years in secondary school. Well done and congratulations, you are well on your way to planning your entry into the adult world of work.

In selecting your course, you will have been advised on ensuring that the course choice was in a field that you have a genuine interest in, as this is necessary to ensure that you are completely engaged over the duration of the course.

It would be inadvisable to select a course in a topic that you think you might like, without researching what the course content involved. In a lot of cases, you might be more interested in some mod-

ules than others and that is normal. Your overall interest in the core subject should encourage you to engage in the modules --------------------------

The main difference that you will notice between secondary and third level is that there will be no one organising your day --------------------------

that are less appealing and keep an eye on the bigger picture.

The main difference that you will notice between secondary and third level is that there

will be no one organising your day to ensure that you attend lectures and complete assignments on time, what you would have called homework up to now.

As young adults, you will be expected to manage your time effectively, attend lectures at the appointed time and place and submit assignments in the correct format, usually electronically, using a system like Moodle.

You can also expect to be given group assignments, where you will be expected to work with other students in preparing a piece of research or writing a report. This is excellent preparation for the world of work where group or team work is the norm. You will learn how to interact with diverse

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23 August 2012 GAZETTE 19

EXPLORING LEARNING

for college first years ANDREW MULLIGAN, career coach and graduate of DIT, presents some advice and words of encouragement for all students entering their first year of life in college personalities in these situations and how to divide up the task between the group members. You will also quickly learn to spot the freeloaders, those who let the other group members do the work but share the credit. Your lecturers should explain how to deal with these situations.

When you are assigned to a group, consider volunteering to be the leader, as the experience of leading people is highly sought after in the workplace.

Keep a log or diary of your achievements in col-

lege as this information is valuable when constructing a CV. Record the details of the task that you were assigned, what action you took in completing the task and what was the end result. Employers will be interested in your individual contribution and it is much more valuable and impressive to be able to say, truthfully and with confidence, that you took this action and achieved the result.

View your time in college as a building block towards the life that you want to lead when you

graduate. You should be in college because you want to be, as college life would be very difficult otherwise. Take part in college activities and join groups to widen your network of colleagues, some of whom will become lifelong friends. The bonds built through sharing an experience like college can be very strong and rewarding. A strong circle of friends can be a great source of support when the inevitable difficult times come along.

Don’t despair in the tough times – if you are

coping with a personal difficulty or struggling with the course content.

There is always help at hand and people genuinely willing to help you along. You won’t be the first or last student to need help and support and remember that, in the words of a famous song, “All Things Must Pass”.

If you do find that you are not happy with your course choice, don’t give up. Talk to the college and see what alternatives are available. There are always other options and you will have demon-

strated maturity in recognising that you need to change. You will be supported and guided along the way. Everyone wants you to succeed.

Finally, enjoy the journey.

Andrew Mulligan is the founder of Irish Career Resolutions Ltd. He is a fully qualified career coach holding a Diploma in Career Coaching, awarded by Dublin Institute of Technology. He is also a fully qualified trainer, holding a Certificate in Train The Trainer.

Going through financial difficulty, try the student assistance fund A LITTLE-KNOWN form of financial help for struggling students is the Student Assistance Fund. This fund was set up to lend financial assistance to full-time higher education students going through financial difficulties while in college.

If you find yourself in such a situation, you can apply for student assistance to help with either temporary or more long-term financial difficulties. The fund is used mainly in emergency situations and in addition to the student grant.

Each year, the State allocates a certain amount of student assistance funding to all publicly funded higher education colleges based on the size of the college’s full-time student population.

To avail of this help, students can make an application in their college for assistance under the fund.

The fund is, however, only open to university students and is not available in further education or PLC colleges.

To find out whether you may be eligible for the fund you need to be aware of the main conditions of the programme, which are outlined on their website at www.studentfinance.ie, which also contains a wide range of information on the various types of funding and financial assistance available to students throughout their time in further and higher education.

20 GAZETTE 23 August 2012

EDUCATION

OPTIONS

Dr Trevor Duffy and Conor McNamee, at the opening of the renovated Court Yard Garden at the Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown, created by First Year BSc Horticultural

Joshua Richardson

Students from ITB

and Ailish O’Brien at the

“Coder Dojo” at ITB, learning about coding, developing

ITB lecturer Rachel Freeman

websites, apps, programs, games and much more

medal in the Education category for its colourful stand at the

with horticulture

students Philip Hughes and Christopher Mills, celebrating Bloom Festival in the Phoenix Park

| 12 MONTHS WITH MANY DIVERSE EVENTS AT ITB |

So much more than just college courses ITH students accepting CAO offers and deciding what college to head to this week, it seems a fitting time to give an insight to what life at a college such as the Institute of Technology Blanchardstown (ITB) offers – aside from education, of course.

This past year has seen ITB connect with the local community by hosting events for children in the area, such as robotics courses and “Coder Dojos”.

The college’s Digital Media students held an exhibition of the top-quality work that they are turning out year on year, showcasing their film, animation and photography skills.

In the garden, ITB has had a great year, competing with distinction once again at the prestigious Bloom Festival, as well as opening a memorial garden at Connolly Hospital.

The institute also welcomed delegates from the Hubei University of Economics, Wuhan, China when they came to visit the campus to further develop relations between the two colleges for academic collaboration.

W

Minister Joan Burton, at the opening of the Garden at Connolly Hospital

Mathieu Chardon, Digital

in Blanchardstown,

Media student at ITB’s

created by First Year

first-ever end of year

BSc Horticultural

exhibition in Creative

Students from ITB

Digital Media

23 August 2012 GAZETTE 21

EXPLORING LEARNING

Derek Browne, Lucy Hiseman and David Oleman

of St Philip’s

School, Mountview, at the ITB Robotics Summer School

Mary Meaney, president, ITB and Hu Maocheng, president, Hubei University for Nationalities, following the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between the Blanchardstown and Anshi universities

ITB being awarded a gold

Niamh Reid Burke, Sports Management

Traditional singer Jerry O’Reilly at the

and Coaching student at ITB, and Irish

opening of the renovated Court Yard

International Women’s Soccer player,

Garden at the Connolly Hospital in

and an Olympic Torch Relay bearer

Blanchardstown

22 GAZETTE 23 August 2012

EDUCATION | FINANCING COLLEGE |

OPTIONS

Making

A range of exclusive offers available to students from Stuff4students.ie

I DIARMUID HAUGHIAN

BEING a student can be hard on the pockets, so banks try to offer some great deals on banking and finance college years – AIB has a specialised website just for that.

Stuff4students.ie is a student website that is all about the stuff students need. Anyone who is an AIB Student Plus account customer can avail of the offers available on the site.

There are exclusive vouchers, weekly giveaways, discounts and treats, as well as some great spot prizes.

It also gives the inside track on managing your finances by helping out with any money worries or queries.

There is also a dedicated section on helping students find the right accommodation while in education. The career’s corner gives advice on making a CV, interviewing techniques and general advice on how you can plan your life after college.

If you’re not already an AIB Student Plus Account holder, you can avail of what www. stuff4students.ie has to offer.

For information about the AIB Student Plus account, log on to www.aib.ie

CAREER guidance practitioner Diarmuid Haughian (MA Career Guidance), the founder of careerguidance.ie, provides some useful insight into college life and ref lective career choices for both prospective students and lifelong-learning students.

What advice do you have to students going into sixth year who might be worried about making the right college choice?

Career guidance practitioner, Diarmuid Haughian

First of all, there is no need to worry. Some students take the scenic route in life, which can be even more rewarding than the professional

who ticks all the boxes.

The word career originates from the words race and journey; as such, we are all on different journeys.

It is difficult to be fully “self-aware” at 17 years of age, and making the right decision can feel like a mammoth undertaking at such a relatively young age Keep an open mind early in sixth year and remember you can always change your CAO form in May, so there is no need to panic; always consult a qualified career guidance practitioner.

Do you advise students to choose a college course that is more likely to provide a job or would you advise

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EXPLORING LEARNING

the right choice for college them to do something they love?

Students should be aware of the employment prospects and challenges that certain sectors are facing; research must be carried out on labour market information and future forecast upon graduation.

Regardless of what course of study you undertake, the experience and personal aptitude displayed within your period of study will be an invaluable asset which can be applied to a transferable career direction upon graduation.

Research publications like FORFAS or The Expert Group on Future Skills Needs and make a decision with the aid of

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a guidance practitioner factoring your interests, vales, aptitudes and employment prospects.

‘Students should be aware of the employment prospects and challenges that sectors are facing’

Is it a bad idea to take up a college course just for the sake of going to college and do you advise students to have an interest in the course before accepting?

Yes, however, before any decision is made, do your research. Contact the head of the department, go to an open day, have questions prepared — what exactly is the course content, how is the course examined (coursework/exams), is there a work placement — speak to some current students of the course; what career paths did

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Diarmuid Haughian

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ing. Communicate with your lecturers and don’t be afraid to raise any issues or concerns you may have; modern day learning can be fun and enjoyable.

Research and understanding the sector is key in making college choices

the past students undertake, what are the job prospects? The key is to research and know that you are making a sound decision.

What advice do you

have for mature students, as going back to college at an older age can be daunting?

Maintain a strong relationship with your lecturers, they understand that

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you have been away from education and that the educational landscape has changed drastically over the past number of decades.

They are there to help and facilitate your learn-

What is careerguidance.ie and what does it offer students? careerguidance.ie allows you to make the most informed educational and career decision and if you are unsure of what career direction you should take

you can make a face-toface appointment nationwide to see a qualified and impartial career guidance practitioner.

The website can manage your career, search courses at all levels, research jobs, reinvent your CV and make an appointment nationwide to see a career guidance practitioner.

Diarmuid Haughian MA Career Guidance, MSc., BSc., QCG. is the founder and MD of careerguidance.ie.

24 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 23 August 2012

EDUCATION | ALL HALLOWS COLLEGE |

OPTIONS

| DUNDRUM |

A more personal and intimate experience STARTING your college career can be daunting, but a little faith and belief goes a very long way, as Niamh Kavanagh discovered when she started her higher education at All Hallows College, part of Dublin City University.

“I decided to study Theology and Philosophy because I was always interested in questions to do with faith, religion and the meaning of life.

“I found that throughout my four years studying at All Hallows College my questioning and thinking around these and many other concepts was always encouraged,

and I found that the lecturers’ presence in the college inside and outside the classroom was always friendly and welcoming.”

All Hallows specialises at undergraduate level in the teaching of theology, philosophy, psychology, and English literature, as well as programmes in personal and professional development.

The college is a relatively small, intimate and friendly one, with smaller class sizes in relation to other universities and colleges allowing for a great deal of interaction among both students and

staff, which the college encourages.

“W hat was exceptional was the welcome I received when I became a part of the student body at All Hallows College.

“From the moment that I stepped onto the campus I knew I had made the right decision, and, I received encouragement support and a sense of community from students and staff alike,” said Naimh.

All degrees from All Hallows College are validated and accredited by DCU. For further information, visit: www.allhallows.ie

New social networking initiative is launched

Growing skills: Launch of programme PICTURED at the launch of Digital Skills Academy’s new WebElevate programme was Jamie McCormick, online game development company Gala Networks Europe and Paul Dunne, CEO, Digital Skills Academy (centre) with WebElevate participants Ronan Hurley and Elaine Kinahan. The new Government-funded programme, encourages jobseekers to upskill to take advantage of booming digital technology sector – over 4,500 jobs have been announced in the sector since the start of the year. Visit www.webelevate.ie.

THE College of Further Education in Dundrum has recently launched a new social networking initiative on their website, www.cfedundrum. com.

The online service allows visitors and students to interact with all support services within the college.

In addition, students can now access the college’s cloud applications, with the support of Google, which includes email, eLearning, and a calendar application.

Visitors can access the news updates section, which provides all the latest college news.

A spokesman for the college said: “We continue to renew our online services to students and the community at large, and are delighted with the result.”

College of Further Education in Dundrum is a provider of post-Leaving Certificate and adult retraining courses in the areas covering Dundrum, Ballinteer, Rathfarnham, Churchtown, Sandyford and further afield.

The college has an open and supportive approach to education and training, and students can avail from a wide variety of courses leading to FETAC certification in the areas of business, computing/ multimedia, health and community care, and creative studies.

The college has established many links with Higher Education establishments over the years.

In addition to its innovative service, students and visitors can also keep up to date on the wider social networking sites, including Facebook (www.facebook. com/furthereducationdundrum) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/cfedundrum).

23 August 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 25

26 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 23 August 2012

EDUCATION | BUSINESS TIME |

OPTIONS

| GOING BACK |

Dorset offering two degree scholarships DORSET College is this year recognising its 30th year in education, and to celebrate that, is offering a full-time and a part-time scholarship on its recently launched Bachelor of Business (HETAC) Level 7 Degree.

The Bachelor of Business (HETAC) Degree programme is a new programme which aims to assist students in enhancing their ability to work within today’s complex global business environment, with the goal of giving them a competitive advantage. This programme is designed to extend knowledge and broaden students’ skill bases, with a clear focus

on practical application.

In addition to the new Bachelor of Business degree, the college is offering a range of full-time programmes which also includes the ACCA Diploma in Accounting and Business, which provides a comprehensive range of subject areas, providing excellent preparation for a variety of careers in a wide range of business organisations.

Speaking about the offering at Dorset College, a spokesman said: “Our lecturers have a unique blend of academic expertise and real world business acumen, resulting in a truly dynamic classroom atmosphere. The pro-

grammes are designed to meet the needs of industry and provide excellent career and academic opportunities.

“At Dorset College, we provide high quality, career focused and globally recognised leadingedge educational programmes to domestic and international students, delivered in a dynamic environment by a highly qualified and industry experienced team of professionals.

“We focus on smaller class numbers and quality of education.”

For further details contact the college at 01 830 9677, or log on to www. dorset-college.ie

Return to education assistance is available

In tune: Launching Innovation at DIT MINISTER for Research and Innovation, Sean Sherlock TD, is

pictured with Martin Gallagher (left) and Dan Barry of Riffstation, the ultimate guitar software, at the launch of Innovation at DIT, a major DIT and Innovation Showcase, taking place on campus in Aungier Street, Dublin 2. The showcase highlighted the diversity and positive social and economic impact of DIT research activity.

MORE and more people are opting to go back to college as mature students and it has never been a more appropriate time to upgrade or retrain to give yourself an edge in a sparse jobs market.

According to the Department of Social Protection, if you missed out on educational opportunities when you were younger, or if you need to update your skills, there is plenty on offer, including a wide range of secondchance education programmes for unemployed people.

One of these is the Back to Education programme, which covers full-time second- or thirdlevel courses, and which ensures that you continue to get your social welfare payment while involved in education.

The third-level option comprises a course approved by the Department of Education and Skills at any university or third level college for grant purposes, and is recognised by the Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC).

If you are starting a course, you can apply for the Back To Education Allowance (BTEA), which applies to undergraduate courses and any postgraduate course of study that leads to a Higher Diploma (HDip) qualification in any discipline, or a Graduate Diploma in Education (primary and secondary teaching).

To qualify, you must have been accepted onto a qualifying course, be over 21 for undergraduate courses and over 24 for postgraduate and have been receiving a qualifying social welfare payment.

For more, see www. welfare.ie/EN/Schemes/ BackToEducation/Pages/ btea.aspx

23 August 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 27

EXPLORING LEARNING | SALLYNOGGIN COLLEGE |

Raising your creative colours at Sallynoggin I STAFF REPORTER

SALLYNOGGIN College recently held its Fashion Industry Practice fashion show in aid of Dress for Success, the international not-forprofit women’s organisation, at the Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire.

The show proved a huge success and a lot of fun for those who took part on the catwalk and behind the scenes in putting the show together, and raised funds for

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the organisation which promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.

The Fashion Industry Practice course is only one of the courses available at Sallynoggin College, with this being the first year that the course has run.

The course caters for those who wish to work

at the cutting edge of the fashion industry, whether as a stylist, fashion buyer, in fashion event management or as a fashion journalist.

The college has also recently launched its inaugural theatre studies course, which is aimed at those who wish to develop a career in the theatre and the performing arts.

Other courses available at the college, which is located near Dun Laoghaire, range from Creative Studies

Sallynoggin College students backstage at the recent fashion show, styled by Jessica Campbell

in Art, Design, Fashion, Dance, Theatre Studies and Photography to Childcare, Tourism, Social Studies, Leisure Management and Sports Therapy, among others.

All courses are certified by national and/or

international examining bodies, and have strong links with industry and the professions.

Sallynoggin College is well known as a centre of excellence and innovation in its field, with a lively atmosphere, and

an emphasis on developing individual strengths.

Entr y is by direct application to the College of choice, and usually involves an interview. Further Education courses are grant-funded (www.studentfinance.ie),

and applications are welcomed from all, including adults who wish to return to education.

For more information, log on to www.scs.dife. ie or contact the college at (01) 2852997 or email reception@scfe.ie

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GazetteSPORT

GLORIOUS GAA: All the best GAA stories from around the city: Page 31

SUPPORT YOUR COLOURS BALL: O’SHEA AND LONG LAUNCH ANNUAL EVENT IN PORTMARNOCK

Annual ball set to raise €40,000 for Temple Street sport@gazettegroup.com

TEMPLE Street Hospital were joined by John O’Shea, and Shane Long at Portmarnock golf club this week to announce the details of Support Your Colours Ball, supported by Mercury, in aid of Temple Street Children’s University Hospital.

Support Your Colours Ball, supported by Mercury, will be held this year on Friday, September 21, in the Hogan

Suite, Croke Park.

The evening will kick of with a drinks reception, followed by a threecourse meal, a sports quiz and entertainment throughout the night with some fantastic prizes up for grabs.

Michael Lyster will MC the evening and Paul Collins will act as quizmaster. Guests are encouraged to grab an outfit in the colour of the team they support and join us for an evening of fun and entertainment.

Tickets for the ball are €100 each.

In keeping with the theme of sport which is everywhere you look this year, O’Shea and Long joined up with Temple Street Hospital and some local children to hit a few balls and have a bit of fun to announce the launch of Support Your Colours Ball in aid of Temple Street Children’s University Hospital.

This is the second year that Mercury has come

Cian Smith and Ava Darcy, from Malahide, with Republic of Ireland players John O’Shea and Shane Long at Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links launching the Temple Street Colours Ball

on board to sponsor Support Your Colours Ball and speaking about the event, Aidan Bird, Business Development, Mercury Engineering said: “Mercury Engineering is delighted to be sponsoring the Support your Colours Ball 2012. We

have attended the event in previous years and know it is a great night of sporting fun and more importantly a great way of raising much needed funds forTemple Street.”

Marianne Rowan from Temple Street’s fundraising office said:

“This is the sixth year we have been running the ball and we are thrilled by the response we have received so far.

“We hope to raise €40,000 from the ball to continue to provide the best possible service and care to the children who

come through our doors.

If anyone is thinking of joining us on the evening you can be sure to have a fantastic night out.”

For more information or to purchase tickets for the ball call 01 878 4344 or email info@templestreet.ie.

30

MALAHIDE GAZETTE 23 August 2012

GazetteSport Sport Malahide SOCCER: MALAHIDE’S ELBOUZEDI STARS FOR FAI EMERGING TALENT SQUAD all set for Dundalk MALAHIDE United will host Dundalk this Friday in their huge FAI Senior Cup third round tie at 7.45pm in Gannon Park on the Coast Road.

Following wins over College Corinthians and Blarney United in the opening two rounds, Vinny Perth’s side earned themselves a date against the financially troubled Airtricity Premier division side, a cup for whom Perth used to play in his professional days.

Tickets are €10 for adults while children under 14 get in for free.

Malahide’s return to the LSL Sunday Senior division last Saturday was a low-key one as they fell 3-0 to Mount Merrion in Ringsend in their first outing since promotion.

United’s Zach a Hibernia hero

I PETER CARROLL

ZACHARY Elbouzedi made a big impact as part of the FAI’s U-15 Emerging Talent squad that competed in the Hibernia Cup last weekend, the ninth instalment of the annual tournament which was hosted by St Joseph’s.

The Malahide midfielder looked a class act in Ireland’s first group fixture against Linfield, putting himself about the midfield area, effortlessly chasing back and spraying balls around the field that created attacking avenues.

Despite not claiming

the three points, the boys in green looked the better of the two sides and were disappointed with the 0-0 outcome.

The following day, The Irish contingent took on the might of Wolverhampton Wanderers, with the United midfielder taking in the game from the sideline with an eye to the later fixture with Celtic.

However, with the Irish 2-0 down at half time, a reshuffle saw Elbouzedi and Corduff’s Johnny Pomme take to the field and the game completely changed.

The Malahide talent put in a sterling perform-

ance allowing Pomme to create in front of the goal, with his determined tracking back and enthusiastic deliveries leading to many opportunities.

Another hard fought game, the score finished up at 3-3, and it was a massive contribution by Elbouzedi that made such a result possible.

In the final group fixture, the Emerging Talent side met Celtic, and despite a spirited display by the Irish, who seemed to dominate vast portions of the game and have more attempts on goal, they came out second best with the Scottish opposi-

The FAI Emerging Talent side debrief after a Hibernia Cup game against Linfield

tion claiming the winning goal in the dying embers of the game.

Elbouzedi was given a break from the rest of the panel to get some game time in the fifth place playoff against St Joseph’s, but was clearly one of the stand-out performers from an Irish perspective

over the weekend.

“We’re as proud as punch here at the club,” said Malahide manager Brian Kenny. “I’ve sent on my congratulations to Zach on a fantastic weekend of football for him.

“He went out and showed everyone what we already know he can do;

he’s a great role model to a lot of young players at the club and he’s just a really nice young fellah too.

“His Malahide teammates made the trip out to see him playing; it’s a real buzz for them to see one of their friends out there in the green shirt.”

23 August 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 31

HURLING: SYL’S MAKE COMMERCIALS PAY

CLUB NOTICEBOARD ST SYLVESTER’S THE big game this week is the adult

nell’s in their championship match.

ladies intermediate football cham-

It’s a full week of football for all our

pionship final against Parnell’s next

adult teams this week with the senior

Friday evening, August 24 at 7pm in

team playing a league match at home

Parnell Park. Please come along and

to Ballyboden on Saturday evening at

support the girls. They are always a

6.15pm. The intermediates are home

treat to watch.

to St Brigid’s also on Saturday in a

The intermediate hurlers had a brilliant, hard-fought win over Commercials in their championship

great double bill.

All the fixtures are available on the website www.stsylvesters.ie

encounter and they move on to the

The historic fundraiser match for

semi-final stage. They also put on

Nicky Cleere played in very wet con-

another thriller on Saturday and fin-

ditions against Malahide rugby club

ished level with Erin’s Isle. Darragh O

was a great success. Many thanks to

Flaherty’s late and lovely point was

Malahide rugby for hosting and tak-

cancelled out by an even later free to

ing part and there are unconfirmed

Parnell’s. The junior hurlers agonis-

reports that they won as well.

ingly lost out by a single point to Par-

This week’s lotto jackpot is €1,250.

INNISFAILS THE Division 11 te am pla y Fin-

day along with food and craic with

gal Ravens at home on Thursday,

Monday Club. There were no lotto

August 23.

winners, subject to recheck. The

Membership fees are now overSt Sylvester’s intermediate hurlers fought off the challenge of Commercials at Broomfield last week

due. Unpaid members will have

Syl’s soar to reach hurling semi-final

their membership cards blocked.

IHC QUARTER-FINAL St Sylvester’s Commercials I PETER CARROLL

0-11 1-5

sport@gazettegroup.com

SAINT Sylvester’s intermediate hurlers are ready to redeem themselves after last year’s semi-final exit in the county championships, after seeing off Commercials in the quarterfinals of the tournament in Broomfield last week.

Before the match, a minute’s silence was observed by both sides due to the passing of Michael Ormonde, father of the Malahide side’s free-taker Martin, who passed away recently.

Playing into a gale in the first half, Syl’s managed to get the better of Commercials, despite missing the Ormonde’s p r owe s s a n d m a ny attempts going amiss both from open play and from frees.

Hillar y MurrayHession took a point a la Stephen Cluxton, leaving his goalkeeping duties to convert a free, while Andrew Richardson managed three from frees too.

With free-taking royalties being split on the day, it was Darragh O’Flaherty who converted another to finish off Syl’s first-half tally, leaving the scores at 0-5 to 0-1.

Former Dublin boss Tommy Naughton - now a trainer at Syl’s - had a stern word at half-time and reminded him of last year’s heartache when they stumbled in the championship. It seemed to spur the home side on with O’Flaherty popping up again to grab the first score.

The two backlines of Syl’s started breaking down a lot of Commercials attacks, working very well as a unit, while Richardson added another point along with

Russy Cleere.

Commercials grabbed a fortuitous goal after the ball broke between the Syl’s backlines which failed to be cleared along the ground, putting the travelling team within two points of the Broomfield side.

However, Syl’s weren’t going to give it up and substitutes Stephen Keogh and Johnny Conway bolstered the side’s attack as they traded points until the end of the game, with the Malahide side coming out the better winning by three points, 0-11 to 1-5.

Manager Leonard O’Carroll lauded the support at Broomfield.

“The support out there was fantastic, they really helped the lads out and I hope we get the same crowd when we get the semi-final date.

“Our lads learned the hard way last season getting knocked out in the semis, and this year they don’t want to let the same thing happen.

“I believe that the side are fitter and stronger and we’ve brought in a lot of good young players that can make a big difference.”

Live music this Saturday and Sun-

jackpot is now at €8,400.

The Pitch and Putt club meet every Wednesday, new members welcome.

FINGALLIANS THE countdown is on to the opening

some excellent matches being played.

ceremony for the 2012 Paralympic

Special thanks to Oisin O’Murchu

Games on August 29. Catherine Walsh

and his team of helpers from across

is currently completing her final prep-

the club for making the day such a

arations in a holding camp in Portugal

resounding success. This was the

on the road and also in the velodrome.

inaugural festival in what will be an

Her team will travel to London on

annual event for Under-10 girl’s foot-

August 24, (log on to the club twitter

ball teams, with several visiting clubs

account for updates during the Olym-

already in contact to book their place

pics).

for next year.

The club are currently running the

The camogie section is running Mum

Satellite Games each Wednesday

and Me programme which has been

with two weeks to go. We would like to

designed by the camogie association

encourage neighbours and members

to introduce playing skills to parents.

from their estates to come out to sup-

The six week course which starts

port an hour of fun games with some

on September 20 will be run by Simon

football and hurling, each evening,

Lambert and is a great practical way

6pm - 7pm. Dates and venues: Bubury

of learning the basics of the game to

Estate, August 29: Glen Ellen Estate,

help your child develop their skills. The

August 30: Cian Lea/Lios Cian Estate,

course will take place on Thursdays

August 31.

between 6 and 7pm. At the end of the

The Rising Stars, U-10 girls football festival took place in the club on Sat-

course (which is free), you will receive a hurl and a sliotar.

urday. Ten teams in total took part in

Both mothers and fathers are more

the festival from four different coun-

than welcome - it’s a great way of get-

ties. The day was a great success with

ting an introduction to the sport.

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ALL OF YOUR MALAHIDE SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 29-31

LONG SHOT: Republic of Ireland stars line out for Temple Street Hospital P29

AUGUST 23, 2012

LOVELY HURLING: The best GAA coverage from around Dublin P31

GazetteSPORT

St Sylvester’s manager Brian Sullivan, pictured left, with captain Sinead Treacy are looking forward to their inter final date with Parnells

Syl’s Sullivan hails club’s meteoric rise Just three seasons since going solo, St Sylvester’s rise sees them stand on the verge of intermediate championship glory STEPHEN FINDLATER

malahidesport@gazettegroup.com

ST SYLVESTER’S ladies football manager Brian Sullivan admits that he could never have envisaged the massive strides his side have made since separating from their amalgamation with Naomh Mearnog.

Paired with their Portmarnock neighbours, the Malahide women reached the senior county final in 2009 before reverting back to a single entity in 2010. It meant starting well down the junior ranks but the side has performed wonders ever since, reaching a county final in their first season before claiming the Dublin and Leinster junior crowns in 2011.

They have carried that momentum through to this year and now stand on the brink of senior football and face Parnells on Friday night in Parnell Park (7pm) for the county’s intermediate title.

It has been an incredible journey for Sullivan and his young stars and one that has surpassed all expectations to date.

“We really didn’t know when we restarted what depth we would have and how the girls would react,” he told GazetteSport. “In our first year back, we lost a county final but that started to build the hunger and momentum. We had a lot of girls 15, 16 or 17 coming up who had never played with the older girls.

“A couple of years have helped them bond and bridge that gap. From a footballing perspective, they know each other for two or three years. We definitely surprised ourselves but we have now played so many high profile matches, it has just gelled the whole thing and we’re hoping to go from strength to strength.”

Chief among the side’s attributes have been a nucleus of intercounty players with Sinead Aherne the fulcrum of the attack while Nicole Owens has emerged as a key player, rising through the Jackies Aisling McGing team, to join the senior panel.

In total, nine Syl’s players have been part of intercounty panels in 2012, making for some disruption to the continuity of training but Sullivan says it has been a key factor in developing more of

the club’s youth.

“When you have so many players, you can become victim of your own success. We had nine girls involved in intercounty teams so it can be difficult. You don’t really have them training and only get them for some matches so it’s hard to get momentum.

“But we’re fortunate we have a strong juvenile structure. There was a huge amount of work done five or six years ago to build the juvenile end of it.

For the last number of years, we’ve been able to bring four or five players through that are capable of playing at this level. The volume coming through the U-14 and U-16 teams means the conveyor belt is strong.

As for Parnells, he is wary of the strong threat they pose in Friday’s final: “They lost two of the last three intermediate finals so they have experience of playing at that level and in Parnell Park.

“They’re physically strong and have a smattering of current and ex-Dublin county players as well as county players from outside of Dublin so we’re under no illusions. They’d be hot favourites.”