Malahide

Malahide Gazet te FREE

October 3, 2013

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2012

Malahide Gazet te FREE

Country queen Susan McCann gives us a taste of her next TV show

see page 19 October 3, 2013

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M a l a h i d e • P o r t m a r n o c k • K i n s e a ly • C l a r eMonth h a lXX, l INSIDE: N Zone creche has a birthday bash to celebrate 30 years in business P10

Football:

Sylvester’s fit for Ballinter SFC Friday date Page 30

Soccer:

Malahide United trio star for Republic U-16s Page 28

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES..................... 10 DUBLIN LIFE................... 13 OUT&ABOUT.................. 19 CLASSIFIEDS.................26 SPORT............................27

the seanad: Arguments for and against the future of our second House P16-17

Dunes must be repaired – Lavin  Natalie Burke

A councillor has called on the council to repair and renew dunes that were damaged during a summer carnival earlier this year.

Cllr Anthony Lavin (FG) asked the local authority to arrange measures to repair the dunes and the surrounding damaged grass in the area next to the Seabanks car park in Malahide, with a view to saving natural vegetation.

2012

The area was damaged as a result of heavy pedestrian and carnival truck traffic during a funfair held in July.

“It’s normally a picturesque area so I’d like to see it returned to the way it was,” said Cllr Lavin.

In response, the council said it would not be appropriate to use topsoil to reinstate the area, with natural regeneration being the preferred option.

Full Story on Page 6

A fresh approach: Launching Ireland’s first mobile food bank six-year-old Jake Church from Malahide helped to launch a partnership between Lidl Ireland and Crosscare Dublin to launch Ireland’s first mobile food bank, diverting 300 tonnes of waste a year from landfill and creating 120,000 meals annually. Caitriona McCarry,

PR and marketing, Lidl, said: “This is the first time a retailer in Ireland has ever established a mobile food bank, taking food that is perfectly edible but may not meet the requirements for sale, and bringing it directly from the store to those most in need right across Dublin.”

4 MALAHIDE Gazette 3 October 2013

dublin GAZETTe newspapers i n f o r m at i o n Block 3A, Mill Bank Business Park, Lucan Tel: 01 - 6010240

call No space for footpath on Back Road

Footbridge is sought to improve pedestrian safety

Dublin Gazette Newspapers publish eight weekly quality free titles, covering the greater Dublin area from Swords to Dun Laoghaire

 natalie burke nburke@gazettegroup.com

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A local councillor is calling on Fingal County Council to develop a footbridge beside an existing railway bridge on the Back Road in Malahide, in the interest of pedestrian safety.

Cllr Anthony Lavin (FG) this week put down a motion for the next local area committee meeting, which was due to take place on Wednesday, October 2, for the development of a safer route for pedestrians to take when walking in the area.

The bridge is situated on the Back Road in Malahide and crosses the railway towards The Hill Road.

But, according to Cllr Lavin, there is no space for a footpath and it is currently not safe for pedestrians or children using the road.

“Unfortunately there is no space for a footpath on the bridge

Cllr Anthony Lavin (FG) wants the council to develop a footbridge in the interest of pedestrian safety

and it is very narrow.

Two cars can probably just about get across at the same time,” the local politician told the Gazette.

“W hat I would be asking the council for is for them to construct or build a footpath, which might need to be a smaller footbridge either side of the bridge.”

Cllr Lavin said the bridge is currently busy

with pedestrian traffic as well as vehicle traffic, with large numbers of children travelling to and from local schools on a daily basis.

“It has become quite a busy stretch of road, particularly with the development of Malahide Castle.

“It’s also used by all the school kids heading up to Malahide Community School, which

is one of the biggest secondary schools in Ireland.

“Then also in the locality, you have St Andrew’s school and St Oliver Plunkett’s School as well, and as they are national schools there are quite a number of kids using it for school access.

“Then you also have a lot more pedestrians and people coming to and from the castle who are being forced out into the traffic,” he added.

“It has also been brought to my attention by a local resident who lives around there that if you’re walking and pushing a buggy, you have to push the buggy out over that space which isn’t very safe.

“In fairness to the cars driving by, they do slow down a little bit and give way, but at the same time, it’s not ideal and it is something that does need replacing.”

While Cllr Lavin says there are some traffic calming measures already in place, he believes the construc-

tion of a footbridge would be a “timely piece of infrastructure”.

He also believes a small footbridge would be the ideal solution to the safety issue and says he has seen other similar bridges in place and working well in other areas.

“T here is already a railway bridge in Malahide village at the Bridgefield car park and there is a small little pedestrian bridge beside the main road bridge so I would be thinking something along the same lines.

“There is also a similar one constructed at the railway bridge in Portmarnock as well.

The bridges can be a nice way of dealing with these kind of problems,” he said.

A spokesperson for Fingal County Council said the local authority was not in a position to comment on the issue as it was set to be discussed at the Howth / Malahide area committee meeting on Wednesday, October 2.

3 October 2013 MALAHIDE Gazette 5

flags

council: ‘Not all Development fees are due at any given time’

Beaches should all be blue – Dunne

€8m of €123m in levies owed paid  laura webb

Only €8m of the more than €123m outstanding development levies owed to Fingal County Council last year has been paid.

At the end of August 2012, €123.8m was recorded as outstanding.

This figure was reduced to €113.2m by the end of August this year.

According to a spokesperson for Fingal, €7.9m in development levies was paid to the council between August 2012 and August 2013.

The spokesperson said that it is important to understand that not all of the €123.8m in outstanding levies “is due at any given time”.

“Fingal’s policy is to invoice upfront for the

total amount of a development levy that must be paid once a commencement notice is issued for construction to begin.

“Payment of levies is then made on a preagreed phased basis as units are completed and sold in a development.

“The assumption in doing this is that the entire development will go ahead over the lifetime of the planning permission. If it doesn’t the whole levy amount may not be due but this cannot be determined until planning permission expires.

“Developments are therefore only considered to be ‘in arrears’ when the number of units completed and occupied is greater than the number

for which levies have been paid on a pro-rata basis,” the spokesperson said.

The council said a sum of approximately €7m was currently considered to be in arrears, with legal proceedings taking place in respect of approximately €6m of this.

“T he council also administers a number of Section 49 Supplementary Contributions Scheme for projects like the deferred Metro North scheme and these figures are not included.

“T he development contribution scheme is a countywide scheme and all levies are applied, accounted and spent on a countywide basis. The area based figures requested are not available,” the council said.

Final project: Kirsten’s grand design exhibited at Just Imagine launch pictured at the launch of Just Imagine at the Darc Space Gallery

in Dublin city centre is Donabate native and Griffith College Dublin graduate Kirsten McDermott. Kristen showcased her interior architecture final year project, Upcycle furniture store.

Just Imagine is the final year project of interior architecture students from Griffith College Dublin. The project and exhibition aim to rethink Dublin’s north eastern inner city whose architectural gems and cultural history are often ignored.

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

A local councillor is calling on Fingal County Council to take action in ensuring that all beaches in the Howth/Malahide area will qualify for a blue flag next year.

At a recent area committee meeting, Labour Cllr Judy Dunne asked the council for a report on what action was being taken by the local authority to ensure that local beaches would qualify for blue flags in 2014.

The council said that applications for the blue flag primarily depend on water quality which is based on sampling throughout the bathing season. A further report is expected to be brought before the committee when this information becomes available

6 MALAHIDE Gazette 3 October 2013

Environment Carnival traffic cited for state of dunes

Damaged habitat ‘must be repaired’  natalie burke nburke@gazettegroup.com

A l o ca l c o u n c i l lor has called on Fingal County Council to repair and renew dunes that were damaged during a summer carnival earlier this year.

Cllr Anthony Lavin (FG) asked the local authority to arrange measures to repair the dunes and the surrounding damaged grass in the area adjacent to the Seabanks car park in Malahide, with a view to saving natural vegetation.

The area was damaged as a result of heavy pedestrian traffic and

carnival truck traffic during a funfair held at the location in July 2013.

At a recent area committee meeting, Fingal County Council confirmed that both pedestrian and carnival truck traffic played a part in affecting the vegetation along the stretch of land from the public toilets to the car park.

Commenting on the issue, Cllr Lavin said he hopes to see the natural vegetation form again.

“I’m not an expert in this area so I hope that whatever needs to be done will be done to get it back to the way it was.

“I think lessons will be learned for the future as regards heavy vehicles crossing across that space.

“I saw that myself even before the carnival; there was a lot of pedestrian traffic because of the dry weather.

“People were avoiding the heavy grass and had worn paths themselves through the area.

So it’s obvious that it is a delicate area.

“I’m told that it was naturally a sand dune 40 or 50 years ago. The council at the time landscaped it, took the tops off the sand dunes and planted grass on them so there is a grassed

area there now. It is normally a picturesque area and I’d like to see it returned to the way it was,” he said.

In response, the council said that it would not be appropriate to import topsoil to the dune habitat in order to reinstate this area to grass.

“Natural regeneration of existing vegetation would be the preferred option, which on examination, is already occurring,” the council said.

According to Cllr L av i n , h owe ve r, h e believes the provision of top soil could be essential in helping the

Cllr Anthony Lavin (FG): “I’d like to see [the dunes] returned to the way they were”

regrowth.

“The dry weather that we had has caused the dune to rip open and the sand is coming through so to restore it to the way it was, I would be

advocating that we put down a small bit of topsoil just to re-establish the grass.

“Obviously it would need to be the same or natural gras s as

was there before. [The council] have said there is evidence of growth already in the sand, but I think the growth will be poor for quite a while.”

3 October 2013 MALAHIDE Gazette 7

crime figures Cuts to Garda resources being blamed for rise in theft

Robberies increase by 22% on last year  natalie burke

nburke@gazettegroup.com

There has been a spike in theft in the Dublin North area according to recent reports.

Figures from the Fingal Joint Policing Forum shows a 22% increase in theft from last year in Malahide and Swords.

T he figures follow a report of the Fingal Joint Policing Forum (JPF) outlining crime statistics in the area from January 1 until August 31, 2013.

According to the figures, there were 27 incidents of theft from a person in 2013, compared with 22 incidents

during the same period last year, showing an increase of 22%.

Theft from MPVs (or mechanically propelled vehicles) increased by a total of 20% in 2013.

There were 275 incidents of items being stolen from cars this year, compared to 228 in the same period in 2012.

According to gardai, mobile phone snatches from young people and pickpocket-type offences in supermarkets and car parks are contributing to the increase in theft of person offences, while the prolonged good weather and increased visitors to car parks have contributed

suitcase: Aiming to net €10k for Make-a-Wish

Cleva idea to mark 10th  natalie burke

A north Dublin company is aiming to raise €10,000 for the Make-AWish foundation as it celebrates 10 years in business this month.

Clevamama, a business based on the Feltrim Road, Swords, has recently launched its charity initiative to coincide with its 10th anniversary. The initiative has taken the shape of Clevamemories, an old-style suitcase which stores baby keepsakes and memories, which will see 15% of all proceeds raised from its sale going towards Make-A-Wish Ireland.

By the end of the year, Clevamama hopes to raise €10,000 to help grant lots of wishes to children living with life-threatening medical conditions.

Martina Craine and Suzanne Browne are two sisters from north Dublin who for the past 10 years, have been coming up with innovative and affordable

products to make parenting easier in some 30 countries worldwide.

Clevamama develops new and practical baby products which are cleverly designed to make caring for infants easier, healthier and safer at home and abroad.

Over the past 10 years, the Irish-owned and family run business has won a number of awards for their innovative business ideas.

The old style suitcase set to raise much needed money for the Make-AWish Ireland can be personalised with your baby’s name and date of birth. It contains an illustrated hardback baby record book, to document your baby’s milestones, and three delicate keepsake boxes to store priceless items including your baby’s first curl, first tooth and hospital ID band.

The new Clevamemories is available nationwide. For more information, see www.clevamama.com.

to the increase in theft from vehicles. A Garda representative attending the forum said a lack of CCTV in these car parks has a tendency to hinder the detection of such thefts.

There was good news in other areas of crime however, with north Dublin seeing a decrease in certain categories this year.

T here has been a significant decrease of 54% in assaults causing harm, which gardai have said could be a result of ongoing and beneficial liaisons with licensed premises in the Malahide and Swords areas.

Senator Darragh O’Brien (FF) said there was “no doubt” that the reduction in Garda resources has played a part in the increase in theft

At the policing forum meeting, local gardai said burglaries in the

area have seen a “very encouraging decrease” with an 18% drop in

figures. Offences for possession of drugs for sale or supply have also fallen by 31%.

Meanwhile, the forum report stated that local gardai were continuing to focus on underage drinking and anti-social behaviour with underage individuals returned home to their parents by ongoing operations in Swords and Malahide.

The Street Crime Unit is also concentrating on tackling burglaries and thefts from MPVs in Swords and Malahide, with special attention being given to public car parks.

Commenting on the recent figures, Senator

Darragh O’Brien (FF) welcomed the decrease in some crime categories but said there was “no doubt” that the reduction in Garda resources in Swords and Malahide has played a part in the increase in theft.

“Gardai are doing ever y thing they can do. It’s very difficult for them to do any more without any more resources.

“People whose houses are broken into and their valuables stolen, and people who have been assaulted, are the ones that are suffering because of the lack of resources given to the gardai.”

8 MALAHIDE Gazette 3 October 2013

fundraiser Blow-dry day for charity A Belmayne hair salon will be hosting a special blow-dry fundraising day next week in aid of Robyn’s Life Trust.

Radiance Hair and Beauty, which is located in Belmayne off the Malahide Road, will be hosting the fundraising day on Monday, October 7. Throughout the day, a blow-dry will cost just €15 with all funds raised going directly to Robyn’s Life Trust.

Robyn’s Life Trust was set up by family and friends of Robyn Smyth, a nine-year-old girl who was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma at just three years old.

To make an appointment contact Radiance Hair and Beauty on 01 5371617.

Smorgasboard Couple with a taste for food, fun

Foodies

 natalie burke nburke@gazettegroup.com

Smorgasboard is a new board game aimed at foodies and their friends

Whether you’re a fan of board games or a serious foodie, one Irish couple have managed to combine their love for both into a product that is set to bring a bit of excitement into game nights everywhere.

Smorgasboard is a new board game aimed at foodies and their friends and was launched by Malahide native Maggie Leonard and her husband, Richard Kelly, last year.

Speaking to the Gazette, Maggie – who originally comes from Millview Court in Malahide and now lives with her family in County Louth - says she has been “blown away” by

the support and positive feedback the new board game has received. “ We a r e p a s s i o n ate about food, design and fun and we have combined these three elements in our board game,” she said.

“Darina Allen was actually one of the first people to see it and she loved it.”

Maggie says the startup journey for Smorgasboard has been an exciting one so far, and she is proud to say the story “just keeps getting better”.

“When I had my first son two years ago, I spent hours researching questions for the foodrelated categories while he was napping. On his arrival, and when I returned to work as

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3 October 2013 MALAHIDE Gazette 9

and business design popular product

flock to board game a primary teacher, the business really started to take off and we were busy juggling our job as new parents and launching our business,” she said.

“Since then I have grappled with many new skills such as accounting, sales, marketing and PR. We put baby Tom in charge of quality control, if he can’t break it then it passes the test.

I have since had my second child, Rose, and she is four months old. It is shaping up to be another very busy maternity leave.”

The game was first launched in November 2012 and the family are fast approaching their second Christmas with their product, saying they are “over the

moon” to see it stocked in stores such as Avoca, Fallon & Byrne and Brown Thomas.

“We’ve never been busier and never been happier. Juggling motherhood with starting a business is at times over whelming but both experiences have brought such a sense of achievement and pride into our lives.”

So why the name?

Maggie explains that some foodies will recognise Smorgasbord as a Swedish word for a buffet of food.

“It was a play on words and we added in the A in ‘board’.”

With Richard being a foodie himself, and Maggie’s family having a love of board games, they said it was only

‘Everyone can play it, you don’t have to be an expert.

It’s just good craic and a bit of fun’

natural that they would create a game one day.

“We met in college and had the same group of friends. We used to all order takeaway and stay up playing different board games. The years went on and that

evolved into having dinner parties and having friends over and we would always take out a board game,” Maggie continued.

Last year, the couple launched their idea with the help of a Fund

It campaign. Fund It is a website for Ireland’s creative projects where people can upload their ideas and appeal to people to help fund it.

“We used it as a way to pre-sell games. First of all to family and friends, and then to a wider network; that’s when we started realising that this was something people were genuinely interested in.

“We designed it so that it would appeal to foodies but if you were inviting people around, everyone could play it, you don’t have to be an expert. It’s just good craic and a bit of fun.”

Smorgasboard retails at €34.99. For more information, or to buy online, visit www.smorgasboard.ie

FastNews New bins approved for car park at Robswall Park A park in Malahide is set to see the addition of a number of new bins it was announced in recent weeks. The new bins will be placed at the car park at Robswall Park in Malahide by Fingal County Council over the coming weeks.

The announcement was made by the council at a recent area committee meeting, after Cllr Anthony Lavin (FG) requested the provision of bins in addition to those already in place at the park’s playground.

Malahide library set to host wildlife workshop Malahide library will be hosting a special wildlife workshop next week, as part of the library’s Children’s Book Festival celebrations. The workshop aimed at children will be given by well-known ecologist Dale Treadwell where he will introduce children to Scrappy, his orphaned hedgehog, and other characters.

The workshop will take place on Wednesday, October 9 from 4pm until 5.30pm at Malahide library. For more information, email malahidelibrary@fingalcoco.ie or call the library on 01 8704430.

10 MALAHIDE gazette 3 October 2013

gazetteGALLERIES

Cathy McConnell, Tina Mulligan, Jackie Haughey and Jane Fitzsimons

Colm Walsh

Sinead Bury (second from left) is presented with a bouquest of flowers as she has Susan McLaverty and Kay Hutton

Stuart and Katrina Heffernan

Nugent, and Nicola Morris. Pictures: Una Williams

Emily Shattock and Kamila Waktorowacz

Brid Feehily and Sharon Whelan

John Clarke, Paula Ruano and Darryl Calder

Sandra Phelan and Orla Cronin

3 October 2013 MALAHIDE gazette 11

Have you seen yourself in the Gazette? Buy photos online from only â‚Ź6.99 at www.gazettephotos.com

Anna Bracken and Karen Gorman

Jane Aston and Sarah Lynch

birthday: N ZONE CRECHE MARKS ITS 30TH YEAR

Staff and parents party like kids... worked with N Zone for 18 years. She is pictured with Michael, Karl and Mary

N

Zone Creche has recently celebated its 30th birthday at The Grand Hotel in Malahide.

The creche staff were joined by the children’s parents at the party to celebrate their

milestone.

Staff member Sinead Bury was also given a special presentation of a bouquet of flowers, to acknowledge her 18 years of service in the baby room.

12 MALAHIDE gazette 3 October 2013

gazetteGALLERY

Have you seen yourself in the Gazette? Buy photos online from only â‚Ź6.99 at www.gazettephotos.com

Scott Grove lifts Alice Muntz single handedly during the Wunderkammer show at the opening of the Dublin Theatre Festival

Freyja Edney performs with numerous hoops as part of the Wunderkammer show at the launch of the Dublin Theatre Festival.

Picture: Mark Stedman / Photocall Ireland

Plenty of hoopla and wonder at theatre fest

T

HE Dublin Theatre Festival has returned this year to showcase the best Irish and international theatre and talents.

The Wunderkammer show was staged to mark the

Jarred Dewey getting himself in knots

opening of the 2013 festival, which is running for 18 days and nights from September 26 to October 13.

For the full festival programme log on to www.dublintheatrefestival.com.

Scott Grove’s head is steady as she goes

Jarred Dewey displaying strength and flexibility

3 October 2013 Gazette 13

asdfsdaf business P27 P15

opinion P14

dublinlife Let Dublin Gazette Newspapers take you on a tour of the news and events taking place across the city and county this week

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what’son All Star Grand Final Charity Concert: Kath-

Linda Murphy, David Shaw, Twitter’s managing director in Ireland Stephen McIntyre, Jennifer Prior and Katie Doyle at their new offices in the Academy on Pearse Street in Dublin city. Picture: Sam Boal/Photocall Ireland

Social networking site: recruitment to be complete by 2014

A tweet deal for Dublin as Twitter creates 100 jobs Twitter’s base in Dublin is continuing to grow with the addition of an office in the city centre, as well as the announcement of 100 new jobs.

The announcement came last week after social networking site Twitter revealed plans to expand its workforce in Dublin and create jobs across multiple business functions including sales, HR, finance and marketing These new positions will bring the grand total of Twitter employees in Dublin to more than 200 people, and recruitment should be complete by

the end of 2014.

Twitter’s European headquarters opened in Dublin in 2011 and last week the social network company will open the doors to its new Pearse Street location.

Commenting on the news, chief executive officer of IDA Ireland Barry O’Leary said the announcement demonstrates the confidence a global brand, such as Twitter, has in Ireland.

“This investment underlines Ireland’s continued ability to attract

high quality staff to manage and rollout pan European and international operations,” Barry said.

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton also welcomed the announcement by Twitter, saying the project is supported by his department through IDA Ireland.

“ICT [information and communications technology] is a key sector targeted in the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs, and in recent years we have seen significant jobs growth in the area,” he said.

“Twitter is one of the biggest names on the internet and one of the fastestgrowing companies in the world. Twitter’s decision in 2011 to establish its European HQ in Dublin was a major coup for Ireland and further confirmation of our status as the internet capital of Europe.

“The strength of the Twitter name is a huge advantage for me and the IDA when we go into boardrooms across the world pitching for new investments. I wish Twitter every success with their new office in Dublin.”

ryn Thomas will present the All Star Grand Final Charity Concert in Vicar Street as part of RTE’s Big Music Week, this October.

The week will celebrate the best of home-grown musical talent and bring live performances to audiences across the country on TV, radio and online.

The All Star Grand Finale Charity Concert, in aid of Barnardos, will take place on Saturday, October 5, and will be a night full of collaborations and surprise guests with all funds raised going towards the children’s charity.

The line up on the night will feature top names from a wide variety of musical styles, including the recent winner of RTE’s The Hit, Finbar Furey, along with Sharon Shannon, Paul Walsh, Jerry Fish, Scullion, Robbie Overeson and Philip King.

Tickets are available at Ticketmaster and are priced at €25.

For further details visit www.rte.ie/bigmusicweek or www. ticketmaster.ie.

Gazette

14 Gazette 3 October 2013

dublinlife

The Gazette’s late, great head photographer, Peter Doyle

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Remembering Peter A SPECIAL tribute to the late Peter Doyle – a fondly-remembered colleague of all in The Gazette – will take place during the Nutgrove Arts Festival, with a showcase of his photography.

The former Gazette head photographer’s work will be displayed on Thursday, October 3, in Nutgrove Shopping Centre, as part of the third Nutgrove Arts Festival, which started on September 26 and runs until October 6.

Some of Peter’s shots will be on display – both a selection of work from his years with The Gazette, as well as some of his personal work, too.

During the festival, there’ll be appearances and workshops from performers, photographers and artists, as well as a variety of dance demonstrations, from belly

dancing to Bollywood and Irish dance.

The festival will also play host to live music, courtesy of Kicking Birds, Rouge and Rathfarnham Ukulele group.

For further information, see www.nutgroveshoppingcentre.ie.

have a brekkie for childline THE annual Cheerios Childline Breakfast Together Week is set to take place once again next month.

The fundraising event was launched by Claudine Keane, the wife of Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane, at The Mansion House last week.

Over the past six years, this event has become one of the biggest fundraisers for Childline, with last year’s event raising more than €225,000 for

the Childline service, which this year celebrates its 25th anniversary.

Breakfasts big and small will take place around the country, and Childline is encouraging everyone – schools, companies, coffee shops and friends – to host or attend a breakfast.

The charity is entirely funded by the Irish public, so support is vital. Funds raised will help charity volunteers answer more calls from vulnerable children and young people in Ireland who have nowhere else to turn.

The week will take place from October 7 to 13. To register, see www. childlinebreakfast.ie.

select a carer for top award THOSE wishing to nominate a young carer from Dublin in the Carer of the

Year and Young Carer of the Year awards have until October 4 to do so.

This week, The Carers Association issued their final call to Dubliners to nominate an exceptional carer in their community.

The competition selects a family carer from each county in Ireland from all of the entries and those chosen will be invited to a special awards ceremony, where The Carer of the Year and Young Carer of the Year 2013 will be announced.

The award ceremony, hosted by Mary Kennedy and Marty Whelan, will take place in Dublin on November 5.

Catherine Cox, of The Carers Association, said: “This is an opportunity to celebrate carers and their round-the-clock dedication to their loved ones.”

3 October 2013 Gazette 15

To nominate a carer in your area, go to www. carersireland.com, drop into your local resource centre, or freephone 1800 240 724.

02 gets behind small business A BUSINESSWOMAN from Blanchardstown is being featured in a poster campaign to publicise an O2 competition for small businesses to be in with a chance to win an advertising campaign with rugby legend Brian O’Driscoll.

Until the end of October, 10 small business owners from around the country will get to promote their businesses and publicise the competition by appearing on posters

in O2 shop windows.

Fun Days Playschool owner Carol Curly’s image will be on display in the O2 store in Blanchardstown Shopping Centre for October.

Carol, who runs her playschool in Blanchardstown, met O’Driscoll at the launch of the O2 initiative last week.

If you are an O2 customer and small business owner, you could have O’Driscoll appear in your video by entering O2’s Small Business Bundle competition.

O2’s head of brand and sponsorship Rita Kirwan said: “This is a great opportunity for O2 to really get behind small businesses in a meaningful way.”

Blanchardstown businesswoman Carol Curly with rugby legend Brian O’Driscoll

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and his photography skill

diary

PROMOTEyourSCHOOL tell u s a b o u t y o u r school’ s e v e n ts co n t a ct the G a z ette c a ll 6 0 1 0 2 4 0

Gazette

16 Gazette 3 October 2013

dublinlife Abolish this elitist House opinion: two leading voices call on everyone to make

An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny. Picture: Photocall Ireland

ON FRIDAY October 4, you will be asked a straight question. Do you want to abolish the Seanad? The answer is “yes” or “no”. I’m asking you to vote “yes”, and here’s why.

In our democracy, although the government governs, it is the people themselves who rule. That means you.

You choose the men and women who you

believe will best represent you, your values and interests in Dail Eireann.

One voter, one vote. All equal.

In a democracy, that is how it should be. Now think of this.

When it comes to the current Seanad, just 1% of the population elected it. Unless you’re one of that privileged 1%, you, as a voter, have no say in who is elected to this “democratic institution”.

We must bring Ireland into line with every other European country of our size, all of which have just one chamber of parliament.

That’s one of the clear

reasons I believe the Seanad must go. It is an oldfashioned, elitist assembly of “entitled insiders”, elected by the privileged few.

What place can it have – or should it have - in a modern, Irish democracy? I believe, none. That is why I’m asking you to vote “yes” to abolish the Seanad on October 4.

On coming to office, I committed to making our government more democratic, more efficient, more transparent and more accountable to you, the voter.

I promised four real reforms so that government and politics could

serve you better.

These include that we would have fewer politicians, along with a smaller Dail that would do more and sit longer, and that stronger committees with real power to hold people to account are set up.

Three of those reforms have begun. Number four – the abolition of the Seanad – is in your hands.

You will decide.

I’m hoping you will decide to take positive action, because it is time to wipe out the elitism and entitled privilege that have dogged Irish politics.

It is time to haul our political system into the 21st century.

I’m asking you to vote to abolish the Seanad not just because we need to close a quaint curiosity that has no place in 21st century Ireland – I’m asking you to vote “yes” because I believe the abolition itself would signify Ireland’s desire and will to create a new and better kind of politics and public life.

Both of which steps would reflect the standards and values we try to keep in our personal lives – including that we are a hardworking, nononsense, ambitious, fair, decent, dignified, compassionate, confident and common-sense people.

That disconnection between life as lived and politics as practised has led to the chaos and pain of recent years.

For the sake of democracy, for our future success and prosperity as a people, I am determined to close that gap.

To do that, politicians must show the people of Ireland that they, too, are facing up to our new economic demands; that they, too, are willing to do more with less.

And “less” means closing down an institution that belongs to the last century, and that hasn’t used its limited powers to delay legislation since 1964.

We are a small country.

We are a dignified, brilliant people, returning to prosperity and success.

Above all, we are democrats.

Therefore, one house is enough on the say-so of all of our electorate – not two, at the pleasure of the 1%. I’m asking you on Friday, October 4, to please vote “yes” to abolish the Seanad.

Enda Kenny An Taoiseach

3 October 2013 Gazette 17

features their vote count and remove or retain second house

Seanad plays a vital role THERE are three key reasons why the Seanad should be retained and reformed – scrutiny, oversight and reform.

Firstly, within our Oireachtas, the Seanad plays an important role in scrutinising legislation. We exercise rigorous scrutiny over legislation.

In committee debates, senators on both sides can contribute, whether they are spokespersons or not – so debates tend to be more wide-ranging and reflective than they are at committee stage in the Dail.

The Seanad has a proud tradition of thoughtful and deliberative committee stage debates on

legislation, such as the Electoral (amendment, political funding) Act 2012, introduced first in the Seanad – it will [also] introduce a gender quota for political parties in their general election selection procedures.

We have often picked up on flaws in different bills. Each year, the Seanad makes hundreds of amendments to legislation.

The Seanad also has a strong history of introducing Private Members’ Bills in areas overlooked by the Dail. For example, we have Senator Mary Robinson’s Private Members’ Bills on contraception in the 1970s; Senator Mary Henry’s Bill on assisted

human reproduction, and Senator Feargal Quinn’s Construction Contracts Bill, which passed into law in July.

The Bill to prohibit Female Genital Mutilation – which I introduced – became law in 2011.

My Bill to allow humanists to conduct legal weddings was passed in 2013 – helping couples who do not wish to have a traditional religious ceremony to celebrate their marriage in a way that is special to them.

Secondly, the Seanad provides an extra layer of oversight within our highly-centralised political system.

In countries with just one house of parliament,

there are generally very powerful local and regional government structures.

In Ireland, our councils lack any real power – so it is vitally important to keep a second house to maintain some level of check, or balance, on the excessively strong power of the executive (the Government). This is especially the case when we have a big government majority in the Dail, as we do at present.

Thirdly, if we abolish the Seanad, then there is no possibility of reform.

Some people argue that we should abolish the Seanad to save money (although nobody can say exactly how much).

They miss the point

that large amounts of money could be saved by reforming the Seanad – by reducing the amount that senators are paid, for example.

Of course, even an unreformed Seanad has traditionally offered a forum or platform for individual voices and viewpoints not generally reflected in the Dail – such as strong voices in support of LGBT rights from Senators David Norris and Katherine Zappone, for instance.

And so, the Seanad has contributed significantly to the strength of the democratic process.

However, there is no doubt that fundamental reform of the Seanad is

Senator Ivana Bacik

needed – in particular, the method of election needs to change.

Two Bills to reform the Seanad, introduced by the independent senators, have now been accepted by the Government and would allow for every citizen to have a vote for senators. If the referendum is passed, this reform is no

longer possible.

If the referendum is defeated, the case for reform is unarguable. It should be defeated. For greater scrutiny, oversight and for reform, vote “No” on October 4.

Ivana Bacik Senator

Gazette

18 Gazette 3 October 2013

dublinlife

Q&a - kevin towey

Hotelier has decades of experience in the trade KEVIN Towey is the chief executive of the Towey Group, which operates a number of hotels and pubs in the greater Dublin area, including The Silver Granite in Palmerstown; Arc in Liffey Valley; Leixlip House Hotel and Leixlip Manor and Gardens.

Kevin has been involved in the family business for more than 30 years and has been instrumental in developing The Silver Granite in becoming one of West Dublin’s best-known music venues.

This year, The Silver Granite this celebrates its 50th anniversary and Kevin has put together a calendar of highprofile events and activities for locals and visitors to mark the occasion.

Brought up in Palmerstown, Kevin

business How long have you been in business?

The Towey family has been in business for 50 years and I have been involved for 30 years. This year, The Silver Granite is celebrating its 50th anniversary so we have lots of celebrations under way.

What makes your business successful?

We are successful for a number of reasons, but mainly because we have constantly adapted and evolved as consumer demands have changed.

The Silver Granite is hugely centred on entertainment and TV sport, for example, whilst Arc has an extensive all-day food offering and is a very different style of outlet, because that’s what we believe the Arc customer demands.

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

We like to think we get a competitive edge by constantly reviewing our offering and ensuring our customer is getting value for money. We look at doing things differently, and recently introduced the “beer tower” concept to The Silver Granite. This is a five pint-tall glass container, available at a value price, and is ideal for a group that can self-pour, allowing them to drink at their own pace. For our hotels in Leixlip, we were among the first operators to offer an all-in wedding package.

How has the recession impacted your business?

attributes the success of the Towey Group, in part, to knowing its customers so well.

The recession has had a profound effect on our business as customers are going out less often and are seeking greater value for the limited amount of disposable income they have. In the Silver Granite, we have put on a significant number of special events for our 50th year that encourage people to come and reconnect with the pub. We have tried to ensure that despite the economic climate, we have

not reduced the quality of our offering.

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

The most significant change I would make would be to ban below cost-selling of alcohol in the off trade (off licence) sector. This has fuelled an upsurge in binge drinking at home where there is no control of consumption. Supermarkets sell below cost to drive footfall and price the family staples like bread, butter and eggs to subsidise the losses on drink.

The hospitality sector employs far more people on a pro-rata basis, sells a higher percentage of Irishproduced drink, and provides a more controlled and convivial environment in which to eat and drink sensibly. Supermarkets are contributing to the demise of the Irish pub sector, which is a vital component of our tourist offering.

What is your ambition for the business?

Our ambition at the moment is to maintain our current level of business until the worst of the recession passes, which I believe will take another two years. We will then be in a good position to increase our business and, perhaps, to invest in additional outlets.

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

The best thing about our business is that it is a people business. I grew up in Palmerstown and so knew so many of our customers even before working in the business. You build up a personal connection with your customers.

There can hardly be another business in the world where you have such an intimate relationship and where you share their happiest and saddest moments.

Your customers become part of your extended family.

accolade: prestigious industry award won in d15

Castleknock hotel checks in top award  laura webb

CASTLEKNOCK Hotel and Country Club has come up trumps at the hotel industry’s equivalent to the Oscars by taking home the AA Hotel of the Year award.

This is the highest accolade for any Irish hotel, making it a superb win for the Dublin hotel.

The hotel was chosen

by AA inspectors who were hugely impressed by the consistent standards of excellence, innovation, attention to detail and service to guests.

The Minister for Tourism, Leo Varadkar, presented the award to Guy Thompson, general manager, FBD Hotels Dublin, at an event ceremony in Dublin recently.

Accepting the award of AA Hotel of the Year,

Thomson said: “This is a great boost to the team in Castleknock and we are delighted to have been chosen for the award.

“A A standards are extremely high and when a hotel receives an award like this, it makes a big impact at home and internationally.

“We have worked really hard to continually improve the experience for our guests and it is very satisfying for that to be recognised by the AA. “We take great pride in what we do at the Castleknock Hotel and Country Club. Whether our guests are with us for a private leisure break, a company conference or working session or for events like weddings, we like to believe that everyone enjoys the experience and leaves the hotel wanting

Pictured are Guy Thompson, general manager of FBD Hotels Dublin, with Minister for Tourism Leo Varadkar and Arwen Foley, AA Roadwatch

to return,” said Thomson.

Conor Faughnan, AA director of consumer affairs, said the team at Castleknock Hotel and Country Club are “an example of the superb standards that the AA is finding in Ireland’s leading hotels on a consistent basis in recent times”.

He went on to say: “In

Castleknock, we find a passion for innovation and improvement. There is an entrepreneurial flair combined with a ceaseless determination to put the guest first.

“It results in an experience that is second to none; it is a hotel that deserves its success and is an inspiration to others.”

3 October 2013 Gazette 19

MOTORS P24

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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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Gazette

MUSIC P21

Pets lolli would be a perfect pet to pop into a life

Wee Daniel and Susan McCann need no introduction to Ireland’s many country music fans, with both featuring on Opry an Iuir on TG4 on October 9

music: susan mccann talks to the gazette ahead of her next tv show

Country queen opens up  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

COUNTRY music fans are in for a treat this month as a popular music show, hosted by Daniel O’Donnell, will hit the small screen on BBC 2 Northern Ireland and TG4.

Opry an Iuir has been hailed as the biggest show in Irish country music and the second series comprises six shows, featuring some of the most legendary names in the industry.

Throughout the series, Daniel will introduce performers – including veteran country singer Susan McCann on October 9, and Robert Mizzell on October 16, on TG4 at 10.30pm.

The show featuring Susan will be broadcast from Newry Town Hall. She spoke to The Gazette about her upcom-

ing appearance on the show, and her 38-year career, to date.

Susan said: “I’m exhausted from travelling! I love singing but I don’t like getting to each place.

“I don’t know how to account for my longevity except that country music fans are very loyal and when they have favourite singers, they stick with them for ages.

“I think Irish people respond to country music because of the stories in the songs.

“They’re like Irish ballads, in that way, and that’s the connecting thing about them.

“Country music seems to be coming back in a big way with young bands and singers now starting off and younger audiences coming to see them. It’s great

to see them dance to live bands rather than swaying at a disco,” she said.

Susan got into the singing and performing at home with her very musical family.

“Daddy would play the accordion and we’d sing songs. We had no television, so we entertained ourselves.

“We were all good singers but I was the only one with the brass neck to go out and do it for a living!

“Daddy had great faith in me, and grabbed every opportunity to get me on a stage,” she said.

“I met my husband, Dennis, in my first band when I was 16 years old, and we’ve been together for 42 years now.

“I could kill him sometimes, and I’m sure he could do the same, but we’ve had a great life together!

“Nowadays I don’t gig as much, though I’m just back from Boston this week where I was performing.

“I try to spend lots of time with the grandchildren, as I missed out on my own [children’s growing up] and don’t intend on missing out with them.

“They love music, and it’s great to see them carry on the tradition with the accordion and tin whistle, and out dancing in time to the music,” said Susan.

Each week in the show, the acts will perform an Irish language song with a special guest, some of whom include Liam O Maonlai, Caitriona Ni Cheannabhain, Claudia Buckley, Caitriona Ni Cheannabhain, Aoife Ni Fhearraigh, Maria McCool and Patrick Connolly.

Opry an Iuir is on at 10.30pm on Wednesday nights on TG4.

The Gazette Newspaper has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for unwanted and abandoned dogs.

Our Dog of the Week is Lolli – a four- year-old Lurcher cross.

Lolli came to us from the pound with her puppies, suffering from an awful case of mange.

Her skin is all better now, but she can be sometimes a little sensitive to touch because of this.

She needs a calm, quiet home with understanding adopters (and definitely a confident doggie companion, too) who can help this beautiful dog grow in confidence and blossom into the incredible companion we know she is inside.

If you think you could give Lolli a perfect home, please contact Dogs Trust on 01-879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50 and directions can be found on www.dogstrust.ie. You can also find them on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ dogstrustireland) or Twitter (@DogsTrust_IE).

GAZETTE

20 GAZETTE 3 October 2013

OUT&ABOUT

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THE sun may be shadowed by dark clouds, but that doesn’t mean we can’t embrace nature’s colourful flowers. They might not be as bright and cheerful as summer months, but autumn/winter floral is just as delicate and just as on-trend this season.

The only difference between the two seasons is that its shades are that little bit darker.

These pieces can be worn individually with one block colour top or with trousers and jeans.

They can even be mixed with other prints. This week Gazette Style takes a look at some dark floral to arrange in your wardrobe this year.

3 October 2013 Gazette 21

Gazette

MUSIC FASTtunes with Radio Nova’s Dee Woods

More Floyd on the way for fans of Pink legend

California dreaming: Alana, Este and Danielle Haim are the hype machine’s most prominent product of 2013 so far

MUSIC REVIEW: an assured but frustrating debut from haim

Don’t believe the hype THE HYPE machine has been overdriving for Haim, the band based around sisters Alana, Este and Danielle, for the last year, but finally their debut album has arrived, and it sums up their conf licting and sometimes frustrating presence on the pop platter.

Bigged up by acts like Mumford and Sons, Vampire Weekend and Major Lazer, and signed to ROC Nation, as well as the recipients of the top BBC Sound of 2013 accolade, you would expect that there was

 ROB heigh rheigh@gazettegroup.com

something very, very special about this act, and it has to be said that in spite of their immense musical debt to the Eighties, there is something going on here.

Opening with your three biggest and bestknown tracks is a move either packed with folly or supreme confidence

in the rest of your material that graces your debut album. It turns out that both of those statements are true in almost equal measure over the remaining eight tracks.

The first non-familiar tracks, If I Could Change Your Mind, is the equal of any of their pre-album releases, with it’s juddering backbeat and choppy guitar lines, a conscious call-back to Michael Jackson’s Wanna B e Star ting Something, and slick harmonies delivering an impressive, albeit retro-

gressive, pop moment, matched for its 30-year old feel by the Cindi Lauper-esque Go Slow a few tracks later.

Where Days Gone By doesn’t fly is in the almost strict adherence to formula, making a few of the tracks less memorable and more likely to make you ask yourself if your generic music playing device has skipped back and played the same song again.

But there is certainly enough here, particularly on their singles to date, to suggest that

their time in collaboration with artists from diverse genres and their time on the stages of the world over the past nine months will see them come up trumps once they develop an identity that they can truly call their own.

By converting Haim the band into something that calls back on their obvious influences while pushing forward beyond the trappings of the Eighties pop sensibilities that they are so completely versed with will make them an unstoppable force.

If you saw Roger Waters perform The Wall live at The Aviva Stadium in September, then I’m going to go right ahead and assume your jaw is still on the ground.

The highly-anticipated aural and visual spectacular did not disappoint the tens of thousands at The Aviva Stadium, where a giant wall was built and then torn down before their eyes.

And there’s good news for Pink Floyd fans if the show left you thirsty for more. Brit Floyd are bringing the Pink Floyd Ultimate Light & Sound Experience (PULSE) show to The O2 on November 2.

Brit Floyd is so much more than a tribute act; they are the closest thing you will get to experiencing everything that Pink Floyd is about without inventing a time machine.

If you are a Floyd fan, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of this group. But if you’re a diehard Floyd fan with a fear of going to see anything but the real thing (and remember as Roger Waters says, fear builds walls) then here’s something that might change your mind.

Guitarist and vocalist Damian Darlington who heads up the group - as the David Gilmour, if you like – actually played Comfortably Numb for the real David Gilmour as part of his 50th birthday celebrations alongside the late Floyd keyboardist, Rick Wright.

Check out www.britfloyd.com to see exactly what they can do. Tickets for PULSE start at €25.50, and this show does exactly what it says on the tin.

Enjoy note-perfect tracks from Pink Floyd’s repertoire alongside a stunning light show. Worth checking out if you still believe it can only be the original Pink Floyd for you, or pigs might fly...

Dee Woods presents Nova Nights from Monday to Friday from 7pm to midnight, and Sundays from 12 noon to 2pm. Follow here on Twitter @RaDeeOh

GAZETTE

22 GAZETTE 3 October 2013

OUT&ABOUT

more

theatre THE PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929

Skin in the Game THE continuing fallout from the recession is fuelling many artists’ work, as this documentary reveals.

Poets, writers, playwrights, artists and many more are creating a diverse body of work, fuelled by the crash.

Musician Christy Moore, one of those featured, will be on hand for a postscreening discussion.

Catch Skin ... at 8pm on October 9; tickets priced €7.50/€6.50.

MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340

Frank Pig Says Hello PATRICK McCabe’s Frank Pig says Hello is the stage version of his critically-acclaimed novel, The Butcher Boy. A black comedy with a difficult theme, two very versatile actors portray more than 30 characters, creating a memorable production.

Catch Frank Pig nightly at 8pm until October 5, with tickets priced €18/€16.

CIVIC THEATRE 01 462 7477 Fly me to the Moon

IN THIS comic new play, two cash-strapped community care workers learn something one of their elderly charges doesn’t know – that he’s had a big win on the horses. With the inside track on his luck, they should race to tell him.

Should ... The play runs nightly at 8pm until October 5; tickets priced €20/€16.

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622

Let Me Entertain You THIS upcoming show will delight audiences of all ages with its mix of song, dance and comedy routines, as a range of accomplished groups and individuals come together to stage two shows to remember. From Bollywood to, well, Hollywood, classic showtunes to the latest hip-hop, everyone will be entertained at 8pm on October 18 and 19; tickets priced €18/€16.

ARTS

BOOKS: A FASCINATING FIRST-HAND ACCOUNT DEBUNKS 1916 CLAIMS

Taking aim at some of the Easter Rising tales

 BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

ANOTHER journey into autobiographical history continues this week with a bird’s-eye account of the Easter Rising. entitled, Dublin Burning – The Easter Rising from Behind the Barricades, as told by a senior member of the Irish Volunteers, Commandant WJ Brennan-Whitmore.

Wexford man, Brennan-Whitmore, who died in 1977, tells the tale of the Rising from its first tentative stirrings – which he describes as “groups of ideas” without a coherent plan – to the full-scale burning of Dublin by British troops and the capture of the insurgents.

He recounts his meetings with the leaders of the Rising with a startling familiarity that is quite disarming.

Dublin Burning is a fascinating fly-on-thewall account of the Rising, containing some very surprising information that is scarcely known.

Brennan-Whitmore, tells the story of the Rising as it happened, and

sets the record books straight about those who have painted themselves in a more attractive light as to their true involvement in the Rising.

The foreword speaks of play w right Sean O’Casey’s involvement in the Citizen Army up to the point where he left for England and “shirked the Rising”.

Another Irish figure who does not come off well is Sean T Kelly, who later became president of Ireland.

In Kelly’s version of events, he claimed to have commandeered food and bedding for the garrison in the GPO, but BrennanWhitmore said this was a “neat little fiction”, and that Kelly only appeared in the GPO for an hour and then went home for tea, where he remained throughout the Rising.

The author’s accounts of Connolly, Pearse, Plunkett and a very young Michael Collins are a warts-and-all account of these figures as human beings. Brennan-Whitmore description of Connolly paints him as

being decisive, sharp and all-action in the GPO, checking all of the barricades and complaining that they were too flimsy, while Pearse, his opposite in every way, is described as having glided around emitting a mystical air and talking to noone.

Connolly gave orders to Brennan-Whitmore to create a barricade blocking North Earl Street, near the GPO, and to occupy a block of buildings by punching holes through the walls.

The author and his compatriots engaged in back-breaking work from the Pillar Cafe up to the Imperial Hotel.

Here, they stayed for the four days’ duration of the stand-off, identifying snipers and taking them out.

The author and his troops experienced a lot of trouble from civilians while occupying their North Earl Street position, as the streets were full of curious Dubliners who were not taking the rebellion seriously.

There are many funny incidents relayed about these Dubliners who,

Although there are many accounts of the 1916 Rising, few are as bluntly informative as Commandant WJ Brennan-Whitmore’s first-hand account of his experiences, vividly retold in Dublin Burning - The Easter Rising from Behind the Barricades

when they weren’t looting and being drunk, were telling the Volunteers to go home before they were killed.

Brennan-Whitmore paints a very vivid image of one old man with a very long white beard walking down the street wearing a silk top hat, with a lady’s feather boa around his neck and lady’s underwear on his arm – all the spoils of his looting.

There are too many such fascinating insights in this book to mention, but suffice it to say, every

person wishing to know the truth about the 1916 Rising should read this book.

Commandant WJ Whitmore-Brennan was a senior member of the Irish Volunteers and a journalist from Wexford.

As well as Dublin Burning, he also wrote With the Irish in Frongoch – an account of his time as an internee. He was the last

surviving commandant of the Easter Rising when he died in 1977.

Dublin Burning was first published in 1996, and is being re-issued this year in advance of the 2016 centenary commemoration of the Easter Rising.

It is published by Gill and Macmillan and is available at all good bookstores, priced €19.99.

3 October 2013 malahide gazette 23

24 malahide gazette 3 October 2013

Gazette

& OUT ABOUT road NOISE

Top marks ... Kia’s new Carens has attained a 5-star safety rating from Euro NCAP

Kia’s Carens impresses with its safety features KIA’S all-new Carens compact MPV has been awarded a maximum 5-star safety rating by Europe’s leading road safety organisation, Euro NCAP, withe the Carens now one of only two compact MPV models currently on sale in Europe to earn 5-stars in the 2013 Euro NCAP tests.

The five-door, five- or seven-seater Kia achieved high scores for adult occupant protection (94%), child occupant protection (76%), safety assist equipment (81%) and pedestrian protection (64%), while maximum points were awarded for side impact protection against a barrier, child protection for 18-month old infants, front seat whiplash protection and protection for pedestrians’ legs.

Standard safety equipment fitted to the new Kia Carens across Europe includes six airbags (front, front side and curtain), seatbelt reminders (front, middle and rear seats), electronic stability control, hill assist control to prevent roll-back and emergency stop signal, which flashes the brake lights when the driver makes an emergency stop.

The Carens joins six other Kia models – the cee’d, Rio, Venga, Soul, Sportage and Sorento – in scoring a 5-star rating in Euro NCAP crash test results.

Sailor Annalise Murphy admires her sponsored Mercedes-Benz Vito Mixto van

Van makes quite a splash DUBLIN sailing sensation Annalise Murphy is off on the next stage of her journey to the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, helped on the way by Mercedes-Benz, who have supplied her with a new Vito Mixto as part of a sponsorship arrangement.

Decked out to transport her and her team, with room inside for most of her equipment, the Vito Mixto crew van – with its five passenger seats and a spacious, load-carrying interior – is wrapped in a colourful, eye-catching picture of Annalise doing what she does best.

MOTORS

Motors: the Kuga Zetec is an impressive, powerful beast

Ford stalks the market with a redesigned SUV  cormac curtis

FORD’S first foray into the lucrative SUV market was a long time coming.

Many manufacturers came before them, wildly trying to impress with over-the-top offerings that did nothing for the environment and were less than pleasing on the eye.

Ford didn’t rush into anything; they slowly and carefully took their time.

They watched the market and they stalked their prey until, like all good cougars, the time was right to pounce.

In 2008, the Ford Kuga was unleashed on the Irish market and was an instant hit.

Buyers were attracted to the Kuga’s good-looking body, wrapped in sleek lines and carefully crafted body accents that disguise its raw power, driving ability and an array of features and technologies that make this car stand head and shoulders above much of the competition.

There is now a new version of the car, and what I find most attractive about the Kuga is just how understated its styling is.

There is a generous spattering of body contours and accents that invite the eye to admire the shape, but designed in a way that is subtle, and enhances the overall look.

When you scratch the surface of the Kuga, and explore what awaits on the inside, you are truly rewarded. Ford are often guilty of having some of the most cluttered dashboards in the business, but this Kuga is a far more refined feline.

Prowl around in the Ford Kuga Zetec – a refined version of the already highly-popular Kuga

Ford kuga zetec 2.0 TDCI 140 PS  Six-speed manual  VRT Band B2  Roof rails  Rear parking sensors  Ford keyfree system  Handsfree tailgate  

Ford Kuga Zetec from €33,450 (price excludes delivery and related charges)

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Yes, there is more piano-key black trim than you will find in Elton John’s recording studio, but it is beautifully offset by generous, large matt black panels and brushedsteel highlights.

There isn’t the dizzying array of bright panels and instrument clusters that so many other SUVs feel obliged to shoe-horn into their cabins – just the information you need in elegant blue-light displays.

Naturally, as this is a car with volume, the new Kuga offers 46-litres more luggage compartmentspace than the current model, while the rear seats

fold flat in one movement.

Moving people and gear in this car is not a problem, with roof bars ready to take anything even bigger along.

One of my favourite features is the handsfree tailgate. This is a natty little feature developed by Ford that enables anyone who has the car keys on their person to simply wave their Louboutin-clad foot under the rear of the car for the boot to automatically open. Class!

No more bending down or balancing boxes on your knee while fumbling for the key fob with this baby!

So, we have brains, beauty and muscle ... but at what cost? Does this Kuga pump out emissions? Now, that just wouldn’t be right.

This new Kuga will deliver class-leading fuel economy through significantly improved fuel efficiency. Diesel engine fuel consumption has been improved by an impres-

Even the boot and storage space impresses

sive 10%.

In Ireland, the new Kuga is available with a 2.0-litre TDCi Duratorq diesel engine with 140PS in front-wheel drive and AWD versions.

There is some impressive details in terms of safety, as this model was awarded a maximum fivestar rating by Euro NCAP after achieving an overall protection score of 88% – the highest-ever for a midsized SUV. The independent vehicle safety organisation awarded new Kuga an Advanced reward for

Ford SYNC with emergency assistance.

Upon detecting airbag deployment or activation of the emergency fuel shut-off within the car, emergency assistance uses the on-board GPS locator and bluetoothpaired device to set up an emergency call and provide GPS co-ordinates, in the local language, which gives any driver huge piece-of-mind at home and when driving abroad.

With a starting price of €33,450, the Kuga is a car you are going to want to cage as soon as possible.

3 October 2013 MALAHIDE gazette 25

Gazette

TRAVEL fast

TRAVEL Pamper yourself – and fight cancer, too

The Europa hotel’s Causerie restaurant is an ideal spot to grab a bite

northern ireland: make tracks to belfast for a great value getaway

This theatre deal deserves an encore ...

 dave phillips

IN OUR recent history, theatre has played an important part in shaping our national identity.

While we’re lucky to enjoy a good selection of performances in Dublin, it’s encouraging to see even more options being added to the mix through the new Theatre Express service offered by NI Railways .

The Theatre Express is a package deal that includes rail travel from Dublin to Belfast, tickets to a show at the Grand Opera House, and bed and breakfast at the Europa Hotel in Belfast city centre, for approximately €120pps.

The Grand Opera House has been one of the centres of theatre in

Belfast since its construction in 1895, and regularly hosts shows and musicals on tour from London’s West End. With just over 1,000 seats, it is an intimate venue, so every seat in the house commands a great view of the stage.

Part of the appeal of the new package is its ease of use. The Enterprise service goes direct from Connolly station, and takes around two hours to reach central Belfast.

From there, a 10-minute train journey brings you to Great Victoria Street station, which is right next door to the Europa hotel.

The Europa, which dates back to the early 1970s, is one of the most prestigious hotels in Belfast and has hosted US

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

‘The walk from the train station, to the hotel, to the theatre takes less than a minute – cumulatively’

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

presidents, politicians, and famous performers through the years.

T he hotel is also located right next to the theatre. And so, the walk from the train station, to the hotel, to the theatre takes less than a minute – cumulatively – which makes it very accessible, particularly for anyone bringing along children.

 natalie burke

The Europa hotel has hosted presidents and movie celebrities – you could feel like a star yourself with its surprisingly affordable deals

While not included in the package, the Europa’s Causerie restaurant is an ideal spot to eat and provides a two-course pretheatre menu with tea or coffee for approximately €17 per person.

The Theatre Express package also allows you to choose from a range of trains going back and forth, so it can be a great opportunity to spend a little extra time exploring Belfast, either during the day before the show or on the day following.

With a very successful fortnight run of Evita having just finished, which saw plenty of people coming up from Dublin, NI Railways are planning to extend the offer for the rest of the year, and hopefully for next year as well.

Next up on the sched-

Get behind this great deal which includes a topshow at Belfast’s Grand Opera House

ule – and representing some more excellent-value Theatre Express deals – the Grand Opera House is set to feature some more musical Andrew Lloyd Webber action by staging Cats, from November 4 to November 16 (€120pps), and then

moves into panto season with Sleeping Beauty, which runs from November 30 to next January 19 (€110pps).

For further information on these and other offers, see www.translink.co.uk/ theatreexpress, or call (0044) 028 9024 2420.

DUNBOYNE Castle Hotel’s Seoid Spa has launched a brand-new fundraising initiative to coincide with this year’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this month.

All of October, Seoid Spa will donate €10 from every Voya Facial Experience booked from Monday to Friday to the Irish Cancer Society (ICS).

This organic, holistic facial treatment uses natural Irish seaweed, which gently exfoliates while hydrating and plumping tired, dehydrated skin.

Located just minutes from Dublin, Seoid Spa is set over three floors and has one of Ireland’s most extensive thermal treatment facilities, including an outdoor jacuzzi.

The Voya Facial Experience is priced at just €50, with €10 going to the ICS. To enjoy a midweek treat while supporting services for breast cancer, book your appointment now.

See www.dunboynecastlehotel. com, email seoid@ dunboynecastle.com or call 01 681 6534.

26 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 3 October 2013

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3 October 2013 MALAHIDE Gazette 27

soccer P28

gaelic games P29 asdfsdaf P27

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



Gazette

sport P28

DublinGazetteNewspapers 2013 dublin sports awards september winners

H STARof the MONTH

Jim gavin

Children from across Ireland were on hand at the GOAL Challenge which saw All-Ireland champions Dublin play an exhibition match

charity: wear your colours to help international aid effort

round Tower’s All-Ireland hero of 1995 proved his mettle once again on the largest stage in September when he guided his Dublin senior footballers to their second national title in three years against Mayo in an enthralling and composed performance on the big day.

Going for GOAL as Dublin TEAM MONTH H gears up for Jersey Day

of the

International aid charity GOAL is encouraging schools and organisations across Dublin to sign up for GOAL Jersey Day on Friday, October 11.

People across the county will be wearing their favourite sporting jersey to school or work for the day to raise money.

It will give Dublin fans the perfect chance to show their support and gratitude to the All-Ireland football champions by donning the famous blue jersey.

Students from DCU in Glasnevin, Divine Word NS in Rathfarnham, Dun Laoghaire Senior College, Griffith College on the South Circular Road, Harold Boys NS in Dalkey, Kildare Place School on Rathmines Road, Sacred Heart BNS in Ballygall and Oatlands College in Blackrock have already signed up, while staff in 123.ie in Dublin 18, AIG on Merrion Road, Dexia Bank Belgium in the IFSC, Diageo in St James’s Gate, Facebook on Hanover

Quay, FBD Insurance in Bluebell, HP Ireland in Tallaght, The National Lottery Offices, Pfizer Ireland in Clondalkin, Salesforce in Sandyford, Heatons in Tallaght are also taking part, along with all AIB, FBD and Ulster Bank branches throughout the county.

However, it’s still not too late for others to join in the fun, according to GOAL chief executive, Barry Andrews.

“One of the reasons why GOAL Jersey Day is so popular

is that it is so easy to organise,” he said.

All proceeds from the event will be used to fund GOAL’s programmes in 13 countries across three continents, where it continues to assist hundreds of thousands of vulnerable people. The organisation is one of a small number of aid agencies working inside Syria.

To register for GOAL Jersey Day and receive a start-up pack, call GOAL on (01) 2809 779, or email jerseyday@goal.ie.

malahide united MALAHIDE United broke new ground for Irish football last weekend when their Under-13 side finished fourth at the Danone Nations Cup in London’s Wembley stadium, beating Germany, Holland and Spain on their way to the semi-final against Brazil.

Gazette

28 malahide Gazette 3 October 2013

SPORT

FastSport

soccer: local players contribute to U-16 success

Shillington nominated for cricketer of the year Malahide Cricket Club star Clare Shillington has been nominated for the accolade of RSA International Women’s Player Of The Year from Cricket Ireland.

The Malahide opener, who won last year’s award, scored the only century of the season - an unbeaten 114 against Japan at The Hills - and enjoyed another productive season, scoring 373 runs.

She takes her place in the shortlist with Laura Delaney and Ireland captain Isobel Joyce.

Ed Joyce, William Porterfield and Max Sorensen have been shortlisted for the RSA International Men’s Player of the Year award.

The RSA Cricket Ireland Awards will take place on Friday, October 11 in the Hilton Double Tree Hotel in Dublin.

For further information about the awards and to purchase tickets for the gala event, log on to www.cricketireland.ie/about/awards or email awards@cricketireland.ie.

Whelehan misses out on interpro treble THERE was to be no repeat glory for Malahide United’s Ray Whelehan as three draws saw the Leinster Senior League side miss out on retaining the interprovincial title in Sligo last weekend.

The province initially drew 0-0 with Ulster on day one of the campaign before going on to tie 2-2 with Munster, denied victory by Mark O’Sullivan’s controversial late penalty.

Earlier, Darren

Lacey had given Leinster the lead off the back of Whelehan’s corner which was nodded into Lacey’s path for 1-0.

Denis Moran added a second to leave them in control but O’Sullivan gave the southern province a lifeline with 15 minutes to go and duly equalised.

With Ulster beating Connacht 9-0, Leinster’s final game against their western hosts needed to be a 10-goal victory to stand a chance of winning back the trophy but despite an early goal, that outcome did not materialise, Leinster drawing 3-3.

The Republic Of Ireland side at Muckross as they took in the scenery and good weather ahead of their matches against Estonia

Malahide trio assist Ireland  sport@gazettegroup.com

A MALAHIDE United trio of JJ Lunney, Zachary Elbouzedi and Nathan Seery were all part of the Republic of Ireland Under-16 panel that ran up 5-0 and 6-0 wins over Estonia last week in County Kerry.

In game one, Lunney and Elbouzedi both star ted, while Seer y came off the bench in the second half in a strong opening showing in which Templeogue’s Conor Davis scored a hattrick in Ireland’s win in St Brendan’s Park, Tralee.

After an initial penalty concession was saved

by Ross Treacy, Ireland began to dominate the match with Malahide’s midfielder Elbouzedi combining with Steven Kinsella and Avis Ganiyu to create a handful of problems for the Estonian defence.

Davis opened Ireland’s account in the fifth minute, and he went on to score again twice, once before half time as well as providing the only goal of the second half for his hattrick.

Kinsella scored Ireland’s well-deser ved

keane for progress Aer Lingus swimmer backs Dail submission CONOR Hillick, modern pentathlete,

John Mooney, Irish cricketer, Ellen Keane, Paralympic swimmer, and Chris Bryan, Olympic open water swimmer were at Dail Eireann last week to help deliver the Federation of Irish Sport’s pre-budget submission to the Government, calling for investment in a programme to create jobs in sport.

Picture: Brendan Moran/SPORTSFILE

second goal and followed this up seven minutes later, delivering a superb cross to find Liverpool signing Conor Masterson in the air to make it 3-0 to Ireland.

Mark Buckley scored Ireland’s last goal of the first half on the 38th minute, with the impressive K insella again involved in the build-up.

The side then completed the double over their Estonian visitors with a 5-0 win on a sun drenched evening at Celtic Park in Killarney last Thursday evening.

Played before a big crowd, and in the presence of FAI chief executive John Delaney, Estonia looked a much slicker side than they had been in the opening encounter.

Indeed, they matched Tom O’Connor’s Irish side for the opening quarter, but the Boys in Green were creating the better chances. And in the 24th minute, they took one of these when Daniel Mandareu got the first of his two on the night. Ahern made it 2-0 in the 32nd minute giving the Estonians a mountain to climb.

Mandareu made it 3-0 in the 50th minute.

It was game over and Davis got in on the scoring act in the 60th minute with a screamer from distance to make it 4-0 and Mark Buckley wrapped it all up in the 74th minute.

St Brendan’s Park Tr a l e e ’s J e s s e S r a f ford Lacey captained the side for the second time in three days in his home county.

Earlier John Delaney officially opened Killarney Celtic’s stand now named in honour of the late John “Doyler” Doyle.

3 October 2013 MALAHIDE Gazette 29

Gazette

football: all-ireland comes to north dublin

Sevens heaven again at Naomh Mearnog

Club Noticeboard fingallians The BIG two this week: Intermediate

urday, October 26. The conference

Football Championship on Thurs-

is open to all. The theme this year

day night Fingallians v St Finian’s at

is Making a difference through the

7.30pm in Garristown and the senior

years and will be delivered by high-

ladies play Sarsfields (Laois county

profile speakers and practitioners.

champions) in Mountmellick this Sat-

There will be practical hurling /

urday, October 5, in the Leinster club

camogie and football sessions with

championship semi-final at 2pm.

appropriate drills for both adult and

Well done to the members of the

The club are hosting a stand-up

on Sunday at half-time of the senior

comedy night on October 19. The

ladies All-Ireland football final.

event will be held in the hall. All men-

Thank you to all of those who

The victorious Na Fianna team who won the senior competition at Naomh Mearnog. Pictures: Matt Brown/SPORTSFILE

juveniles.

U-10 girls on playing in Croke Park

tors will sell tickets at €10 each.

supported the Opel Airside open

Well done to club members John

coaching session on Saturday in

Halpenny and Paul O’Neill on their

the club. Those who attended were

participation in the Berlin marathon

lucky enough to be coached by Opel

on Sunday morning.

ambassador s Michael Darra gh

Our Sunday dancing team held the

Macauley, Eoghan O’Gara and Joe

Martin Tracey old time waltz compe-

Canning.

tition with music from Unity.

Any parents or club members who

Our Irish language group will

are willing to help out at the nursery

be participating in a world record

on a Saturday morning for our U-4 to

attempt as part of Bliain na Gaeilge

U-7 players, can you contact Nicky at

where the longest Irish conversa-

nicola.fitzgerald.gpo.dublin@gaa.ie.

tion will be held by various groups

The club’s fourth annual coaching

throughout the world over a week-

conference will take place on Sat-

long period to October 6.

st colmcille’s THE club, its members the adult team,

The Naomh Mearnog panel. Pictures: GAApics.com

The Castleknock team receive their runner-up prize

New players always welcome.

the coaches and management staff

At the time of going to print there

would like to congratulate Derek Nor-

were no scheduled matches; however,

ton, one of our key players and Helen

keep an eye on the Facebook page and

Smith, the team’s number one sup-

website for any updates.

porter, on their marriage on Friday in Spain.

Juvenile training every Saturday at 12pm. If you have yet to register your

On Sunday, the adult team played a

child, feel free to drop down to us any

league match at home against St Per-

Saturday, and all welcome. Alterna-

egrine’s and maintained their 100%

tively you can drop in to the clubhouse

unbeaten record in the league.

any day and leave your details, or leave

Adult training this week takes place on Tuesday and Thursday at 7.30pm.

a message on our Facebook page, Colmcilles Juveniles.

fingal ravens The St Sylvester’s ladies

Hard luck to our senior and Division 5

over the weekend with particular

sides who were defeated at the week-

mention to Ann Fox.

end.

The senior team play Raheny in the championship in Balgriffin.

Well done to everyone who participated in and organised the duck race

Congratulations to Declan Hannigan on being the proud owner of two new ducks.

No lotto results, when the draw is complete, winners will be notified.

Action from the final between Na Fianna and Confey

The village of Portmarnock was packed with some of the most talented players in ladies Gaelic football from all over Ireland last weekend when the annual sevens tournement lit up the women’s All-Ireland weekend.

Three levels of competition were contested, at senior, intermediate and junior levels, and as ever, there was a great sense of competition, camaraderie and fair play that went on throughout.

Na Fianna proved the victors in the senior competition, one of among 18 Dublin clubs who took part across the weekend.

st finian’s

Kilmacud Crokes

On a great weekend for hurling (con-

Our U-16 camogie team celebrated

gratulations to All-Ireland champi-

their years together after their final

ons Clare) our minor hurlers, under

championship game on Saturday, with

the Swords Gaels banner, had a fine

a party in the clubhouse. Presenta-

championship win over Commercials.

tions were made to team mentors Edel

Ciaran O’Carroll had another out-

Dunne and Bernie Longe.

standing performance, scoring 2-5 of

Our senior footballers have their

the team’s total of 2-8, including the

second round championship game

winning goal two minutes into added

versus Fingallians on Thursday next,

time at the end of the game.

October 2, in Garristown at 7.30pm.

GazetteSPORT all of your malahide sports coverage from page 27-29

Ireland’s call: Malahide United trio star for Ireland in pair of comprehensive wins in Kerry P28

october 3, 2013

going for goal: Get set for Jersey Day to help international charity P27

St Sylvester’s Conor Daly is among a wealth of players who have overcome injury issues to be ready for the Malahide club’s championship date with Ballinteer St John’s

Friday night’s alright

St Sylvester’s manager says restart of senior football championship has come at the right time as injuries clear up ahead of first clash  stephen findlater

sport@gazettegroup.com

GABRIEL Bannigan says that the signs are that Friday night’s return to the Dublin senior football championship has come at just the right time for St Sylvester’s after a glut of absenteeism.

They face Ballinteer St John’s on Friday night in Balgriffin, with the throw in at 7.30pm, with as many as nine players back in contention for a starting spot after an injuryravaged summer.

Michael McCarthy, Gary Sweeney, Collie McIntyre, John Coughlan, Eoin Fanning, Alan Foy and Conor Daly all missed part of the AFL1 campaign to date but look to be back in the mix while Dublin Under-21

Stephen Cunningham and former minor star Eoin Boyne are back after stints in America.

There are still doubts over Declan Rooney and Mark Brennan while goalkeepers Rob Wallace and Dominic McDonnell are both long-term injury victims but Stephen Finnegan has stepped in to good effect.

It means that the Malahide club are in much better shape for the battle compared to when the draw was made for the second round of the competition.

Back then, Ballinteer St John’s were flying off the back of a first round win over St Oliver Plunkett’s/Eoghan Ruadh and pushing on in AFL2.

But games have been limited for both Ballinteer and Syl’s in recent times, meaning that a form guide of sorts is difficult to

come by.

Bannigan’s charges have not played a competitive tie since mid-August, making do with four challenge games against clubs from outside Dublin with Ballinteer doing likewise.

“Challenge games are challenge games,” the St Sylvester’s manager told GazetteSport. “Training has gone well and so have the challenge games and we’d be happy with where we are at physically but we won’t know until Friday night when the action commences just how sharp we are.

“We have to expect them to be in good shape and well up for it but we can only focus on our own camp and being as right as possible.

“We’re certainly in better shape than

we were in June. We’ve timed our training to peak at this stage. It’s been a year of a lot of changes and we’ve been moulding a new team effectively and we’d be happy that has got better as the league has progressed.

We are in the shake-up in division one and happy to be there.

“We’ve got most of the players injured and away back from abroad and so we’re coming together nicely.”

Ballinteer will look to their young charges to supply much of their impetus with the likes of Peter O’Curry and Fearghal Duffy emerging as top quality options.

Dublin senior Nicky Devereux provides the engine in midfield for a dynamic young side that are still hopeful of gaining promotion up to AFL1.