Swords

Swords GAZET TE FREE

YOUR COMMUNITY • YOUR PAPER

INSIDE: Mother and daughter return to a happy reception P9

Planning a festive family getaway in the sun TRAVEL: P22 RECYCLE THIS COPY. KEEP DUBLIN TIDY.

November 3, 2011

PARTRIDGE FAMILY: Native birds make a return to Fingal See Pages 4-5

Charity walk: Taking to the road for cancer VIVIENNE Drummond, Keira

Football: Mearnog’s Clarke is new ladies’ manager Page 32

Keegan, Joyce O’Shaughnessy, Sinead McKeon and Grace Quintero were among around 50 ladies from Curves centres in Swords and Malahide who took part in the annual walk for Action Breast Cancer. By walking, the group not only raised funds for the fight — but also promoted regular exercise, which can cut cancer risk and help women with these diseases enjoy longer, healthier lives.

Pictures: Una Williams

Full Gallery on Page 10

Sports Awards: October’s winners are announced Page 29

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ..................... 9 MOTORS ........................18 BUSINESS ................... 20 TRAVEL......................... 22 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26

Bonfire material is removed by council Around 720 calls made to Dublin Fire Brigade

Q MIMI MURRAY

OVER 14 tonnes of bonfire material was removed from areas in North Dublin in the lead up to Halloween.

Staff from Fingal County Council worked around the clock in the days leading up to the Bank Holiday week-

end to remove stockpiled material from a number of locations.

“Members of the public also assisted the council’s efforts by reporting stockpiling of bonfire material, including tyres, pallets and other household and commercial waste,” the council said.

Dublin Fire Brigade confirmed that it had received approximately 720 calls between the hours of 4pm on October 31 and 8am on November 1 across the Dublin area.

“The number of calls were slightly up on last year,” Dublin Fire Brigade said.

2 SWORDS GAZETTE 3 November 2011

SOCIETY: THE 40/70 GUIDE

In the swing: Dutch deal for local Irish company

How to talk to elderly parents C O M M U N ICAT IO N hurdles with ageing loved ones can best be overcome by following the new 40-70 Rule, according to a first-of-its-kind study

by Home Instead Senior Care, one of north Dublin’s leading in-home care provider.

Analysis of the findings revealed that when the child reaches age 40 or the parent reaches age 70, whichever comes first, communication can become difficult.

“Lack of communication can lead to misuse of medications, self-neglect and accidents,” said Tara Shortall, owner of the local Home Instead Senior Care office in Swords.

“Our goal is to educate the public about the 40-70 Rule and practical ways for adult children to talk to their parents now about topics such as driving, finances, independence and even romance.”

Obstacle

The research, which surveyed adult children 45 to 65 years of age, showed that nearly one-third of adults have a major communication obstacle with their parents that stems from continuation of the child-parent, rather than a peer-to-peer, role.

“Because of this obstacle, adult children may wait until an emergency or crisis happens before talking to parents,” said Shortall. “It’s best to open up the dialogue early.”

At the centre of the 40-70 Rule campaign is a guide of conversation starters for sensitive senior-care subjects. The free guide, available at the Home Instead Senior Care office in Swords, features possible responses to some of the most awkward senior subjects.

For the 40-70 Rule guide, contact Home Instead Senior Care in on 01 895 0010.

For additional research results, log on to www.4070talk.com or www.homeinstead.ie.

FINGAL-BASED new Irish startup, Golfgraffix, has signed a three-year distribution deal with a Dutch company to supply 3D digital course guides and apps to golf courses across the Netherlands.

With 155 golf courses in Holland, it is estimated that the deal will generate sales of €400,000 for the Irish company over the next three years.

Golfgraffix has already signed similar distribution deals to supply 3D Digital Flybys, iPhone Apps, Course Guide Books and Interactive PC Games to the owners of golf courses in Ireland, Britain, the US, Spain and Portugal.

Golfgraffix signed the deal on the same day it was approved for grant assistance from the State support agency for small businesses in the region.

Fingal County Enterprise Board approved the company for a grant worth €27,500, to help fund its business expansion plans.

Pictured at Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links were John Aherne, the founder of Golfgraffix, CEO of Golf Baan Animatie in Wessenaar, Marcel Priester and Oisin Geoghegan, CEO of Fingal County Enterprise Board.

PROGRAMME: NEARLY 40KM OF PIPES TO BE RELAID IN COUNTY IN 2011

Watermains replacement nears the 100km mark Q MIMI MURRAY

THE mammoth task of replacing the antiquated watermains system in Dublin and its surrounding areas will reach the 100km mark this month.

In Fingal, 3km of old pipes in Castleknock and Blanchardstown are being replaced as part of the Dublin R e g i o n Wa t e r m a i n s Rehabilitation project but this is only one of a number of projects that will replace nearly 40km of old water pipes across the county in 2011, in areas including the Bog Road area of Garristown, Glebe/ Coolquay, the Swords

to Malahide Road and the Naul area.

The Dublin Region Watermains Rehabilitation programme was setup to reduce leakage and upgrade the water infrastructure in the Capital and surrounding areas.

Many of the pipes, which are Victorian and are corroded, are being replaced with modern heavy duty polyethylene pipes.

T here are over 9,000km of watermains in Dublin and since the rehabilitation project started in 2007, 100km of old mains have been replaced and 11 million litres of water per day that was leaking

through the old watermains has been saved.

These savings have been made by replacing watermains, pressure management, local upgrades and associated works.

The work has been under taken on busy streets surrounded by live traffic and businesses and homes that need to be kept supplied with water.

“The Dublin Region Watermains Rehabilitation project is making real progress,” said Lar Spain, senior engineer, Fingal County Council. “ T h e 10 0 k m o f leaking watermains that have so far been replaced across Dublin

is the equivalent of the width of the Irish Sea from Dublin to Holyhead.

“A l o n g w i t h t h e 40km of pipes we have replaced in Fingal, we are making great progress to reduce water loss across the network.

“This is a great achievement and I thank motorists, residents and business people for their co -operation during these vital works.

“While there is unavoidable interruption to customer ’s water supplies during any essential water upgrade works, every effort is taken to minimise this and we do our utmost

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‘We are making great progress to reduce water loss across the network. This is a great achievement and I thank motorists, residents and business people for their co-operation during these vital works’

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to keep all customers informed and customers supplied with water.

“When householders’ water has to be shut off to allow us to work we advise newspapers and radio beforehand, and provide regular updates on our website, on twitter and on Aertel,” he said.

The watermains rehabilitation project operates a lo-call information line, 1890 88 24 10 (Monday - Friday 9am5pm).

In addition, regular updates on where and when work is taking place are available on the website, www. watermainsrehab.com.

3 November 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 3

RUSH: LOCAL SECONDARY SCHOOL COMMEMORATES ITS GOLDEN JUBILEE

FCC ‘Decision in the interest of public safety’

Elmwood Road tree is to be removed, says council A TREE on Elmwood Road, which is blocking a street light, is to be removed in the interest of public safety, Fingal County Council has said.

Fianna Fail Councillor Darragh Butler, had asked the council if the tree could be pruned back. However, the council said that, following on from FCC’s tree policy adopted in 2010, one tree needs to

Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Gerry McGuire and Minister for Health James Reilly were at a ceremony to unveil a sculpture by artist Paul Flynn called the The Tree of Life

St Joseph’s marks 50 years of education St Joseph’s Secondar y School in Rush celebrated 50 years of providing post-primary education in the community with the unveiling of a commemorative Golden Jubilee sculpture by artist Paul Flynn recently.

The sculpture, entitled The Tree of Life, was unveiled by Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Gerry McGuire during a ceremony held in the school garden.

Honoured

Unveiling the sculpture, Mayor McGuire said: “I am honoured to have been asked to preside over the ceremony.

“I am very familiar with the town of Rush, and have a good many friends living in the town, some of whom would have been past pupils of this school.

“I am aware of the

important role a postprimary school plays in the community and how it strengthens the fabric of a town. “ I my s e l f l i ve i n Donabate and we have only in recent times obtained our own sec--------------------------

‘I am aware of the important role a post primary school plays in the community and how it strengthens the fabric of a town’ --------------------------

ondary school.

“Prior to that many students from Donabate attended St Joseph’s here in Rush.

“For that reason I

have the utmost gratitude for how St Joseph’s played its part in supporting the families in Donabate and Portrane during that time.”

School Principal Patricia Hayden said: “ We we r e g l a d t h e Mayor could come to unveil the sculpture for us and I would also like to thank Cllr Tom O’Leary and Minister James Reilly for taking time out of their busy schedule to join us in celebrating our Golden Jubilee.

“It was a wonderful day, which saw hundreds of people visit the school for our open day as well.

“I also want to thank our Board of Management and Parents’ Association for their tremendous effort and support throughout the year, which made the day all the more special.”

be removed.

“One of the trees inspected obscures a street light.

“Fingal County Council’s tree policy adopted in 2010 states that, in the interest of public safety and to allow street lights to function as intended, trees within 7m of a public lamp standard will not be pruned but removed and not replaced.

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‘One of the trees inspected obscures a street light’

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“ There are over 1,200 trees within this distance of light standards in the Balbriggan Swords Operations Area alone.

“It is a further objective that all trees that are interfering with public lighting will be removed over the next 5-7 years.

“The second tree inspected was surveyed in 2009, and was found to be in good condition and no works were recommended.

“It is not considered necessary to prune this tree,” the council said in their report.

4 SWORDS GAZETTE 3 November 2011

FastNews EVENT First batch of native Grey Partridges are Contract is awarded A MULTIMILLION euro contract has been awarded to an engineering company

by Fingal County Council to develop a major water supply scheme network and reservoir in Balbriggan.

The €5.5m contract for the Balbriggan Water Supply Scheme Network and Reservoir has been awarded to the Jons Civil Engineering Company Ltd. The scheme will involve the construction of a pump station and 6,000 cubic metre reservoir at Flemington with associated rising and gravity water mains.

It will serve the high lying areas in NorthWest Balbriggan, which are currently on a pumped supply and suffer occasionally from low pressure and interruptions in supply.

Construction work is expected to commence in midNovember and commissioning should take place before the end of 2012.

Athletes attend dinner OVER 20 Kenyan athletes, including the winner of the 2010 Dublin Marathon attended a dinner in Fingal County Hall last Sunday.

The athletes attended the Ugali meal hosted by the Mayor of Fingal councillor Gerry McGuire at County Hall on Sunday, October 30.

Moses Kangogo Kibet, who had the course record for the fastest marathon run in Ireland and was the 2010 Dublin Marathon winner, was part of the group. The athletes prepared, cooked and served the meal which is a traditional event before the marathon.

Native Irish bird --------------------------

THE first batch of native Grey Partridges were released from a farm near Oldtown in north County Dublin, last week.

The Minister for the Depar tment of Ar ts, Heritage and Gaeltacht, Jimmy Deenihan TD, who released the birds, said he was delighted to return the native Irish bird to Fingal, where it has not been seen since the 1960s.

The Grey Partridge Release programme is part of the first year of - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - an ambitious five-year project to re-establish National Conservation a viable population of Strategy for the species Irish Grey Partridge in has moved on to its next phase. north County Dublin.

“Not only will grey The Irish Grey Partridge Conser vation partridge benefit from Trust and Fingal Coun- this project, but also a ty Council are manag- range of other farmland ing the Grey Partridge birds that have, unfortureintroduction project nately, declined over the last number of decades. in Fingal.

“We greatly appreciUp to recent years I r e l a n d ’s n a t u r a l l y ate the co-operation of occurring population local farmers who have of Grey Partridge was made this project posin serious danger of sible.”

Seventy Grey Parextinction, with only 22 birds nationally, in a tridge from the Boora single location at Boora p r o j e c t h a v e b e e n donated by the NationBog in County Offaly.

The National Parks al Parks and Wildlife and Wildlife Ser vice Service to kick-start the (NPWS) is responsible project.

Over the duration of for the conservation of the project a number of the Grey Partridge.

Over the last number conservation strategies of years a conservation for the birds will roll out project funded by the on farmland in Fingal.

These strategies are NPWS has turned the fortunes of the species designed to increase the around from a critically breeding productivity of the released birds. low 22 to 932 birds.

The newly established The NPWS funded Grey Partridge project population will be augin Boora is regarded mented with birds from as the most successful the captive breeding conser vation project programme for two in Europe by scientists years.

T h e l o n g e r- t e r m from the UK’s Game and Wildlife Conserva- objective of the project tion Trust, the leading is to reach sufficient scientific authority on numbers of partridges that are recruited from the species.

John Walsh of the the wild population, Irish Grey Partridge which will facilitate an Conservation Trust said: expansion of the Grey “The Boora project has Partridge within north worked and the popu- Dublin.

The project will focus lation has increased to a point where the on the creation of suit-

‘Not only will Grey Partridge benefit from this project, but also a range of other farmland birds that have unfortunately declined over the last number of decades’

The Minister for the Department of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht, Jimmy Deenihan TD (left) pictured above releasing the native Irish birds in Fingal with farmer Pat Rooney, last week

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‘Rural Fingal has lots of suitable farmland for grey partridge to thrive in the wild, and we hope this pilot project will demonstrate to other farmers in Fingal what can be done for wildlife conservation in an easy and straightforward way’

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able habitats within three intensive cereal farms in the Oldtown area.

A series of 3-4 metre wide habitat strips over the three farms will stretch out over 10km.

These strips will be located along the margins of the headlands.

The establishment of a demonstration farm

where profitable farming and biodiversity can co-exist without the loss of farming output is key goal of the project.

T his innovative approach is effectively a tweak of modern farming practices, which will ensure that many farmers see the benefits of this type of project and will continue to act

as they always have, as custodians of biodiversity in the countryside.

Hans Visser, Bio diversity Officer with Fingal County Council stated that: “Rural Fingal has lots of suitable farmland for Grey Partridge to thrive in the wild, and we hope this pilot project will demonstrate to other farm-

ers in Fingal what can be done for wildlife conservation in an easy and straightforward way.

“A narrow habitat strip in the least productive part of the field will have a minimal impact on farm income, while being of great benefit to farmland wildlife.”

The project is funded b y F i n g a l L E A DE R Par tnership through the Rural Development Programme 2007 -2013 and Fingal County Council and is supported by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the National Association of Regional Game Councils and three local farmers.

3 November 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 5

released from a farm in north County Dublin

makes a return

Minister Deenihan (left) talks with Kevin Halpenny, senior parks superintendent, Fingal County Council; Hans Visser, Bio-Diversity officer, Fingal County Council; farmer Pat Rooney and Kieran Buckley, Irish Grey Partridge Conservation Trust

COUNCIL: LAND WANTED

Bid to expand burial grounds CALLS have been made for local landowners, with sites in the vicinity of the graveyard at St Margaret’s, to be contacted by Fingal County Council with a view to extending the burial grounds situated there.

Fianna Fail councillor, Darragh Butler made the request at a recent council meeting, saying that it is a major issue for residents who fear they will not be able to be buried within their own locality.

He urged the council to prioritise the issue and to give it urgent attention.

Responding to Cllr Butler, FCC said: “It is likely that significant financial investment would be needed to purchase land from the adjacent landowners at St Margaret’s burial ground to carry out the associated development works that would be required to extend the burial ground.

“Furthermore, an area of land would have to be developed as a carpark, as parking outside the burial ground itself is not available.

“However, any landow ners who may be interested in selling their land should contact the council’s Property Section in this regard.

“There are three burial grounds in the St Margaret’s area – St Margaret’s, Chapelmidway and Killeek.

“While there are no new plots available in any of these burial grounds, consideration will be given to carrying out test digs to determine if there is potential for any additional plots.

“It should be noted that if additional plots were established in any of the three burial grounds, it would not be possible to make them solely available to residents in the area,” the council said.

6 SWORDS GAZETTE 3 November 2011

CSO: VISITS TO IRELAND UP BY 11%

DUBLIN WEST Result sees history made

Figures show tourism increase Q MIMI MURRAY swords@gazettegroup.com

THE tourism industry is showing strong signs of improvement this year with Dublin North set to benefit, Dublin North TD Alan Farrell (FG) has said.

Recent CSO figures on tourism, which show that visits to Ireland for the first eight months of 2011 were up by 11% compared to the same period in 2010, are proof that the Government’s efforts to boost visitor numbers are paying off, he said this week.

“In total, 4.5 million people visited Ireland in the period from January to August.

“This is a significant rise of 11% on the same time in 2010 and a clear indication that the tourism industry is finally getting back on track.

“Tourism has been a key priority of the Government’s since it came to office.

“The sector has been strongly supported by a number of targeted measures aimed at encouraging visitors to Ireland and places like Dublin North, such as the renovation of Malahide Castle, the reduction in airline tax and the VAT reduction on labour-intensive businesses.

“Another important

measure has included the recently introduced visa waiver aimed at making it easier for tourists from emerging economies to visit Ireland without the cost or hassle of applying for a separate Irish visa,” said Deputy Farrell. “ M i n i s t e r Va r a d kar has also recently announced a €9 million overseas tourism marketing blitz to attract visitors to Ireland over the typically quieter winter months.

“This is in addition to The Gathering, which will be the biggest ever tourism initiative in Ireland, consisting of a year-long programme of arts, sports, business and community group events in 2013.

“It is hoped that this initiative will encourage the Irish Diaspora to come home, ensuring a boost for tourism in Dublin North and the surrounding region,” he said.

“The Government is serious about tackling unemployment and encouraging job creation.

“Ireland has so much to offer and by focusing on the tourism sector, as part of the solution, we can slowly restore this country to greatness.

These figures show that we are doing just that,” he said.

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Newly-elecetd TD Patrick Nulty (right) with Labour leader Eamon Gilmore

Nulty breaks 30-year byelection hoodoo Q LAURA WEBB

L A B OU R ’ S P a t r i c k Nulty made history last week when he became the first Government candidate to take a seat in a byelection for 30 years.

A bookies’ favourite from the word go, Nulty, who is currently Deputy Mayor of Fingal County Council, finished with a total of 17,636 votes.

His first preference votes were 8,665.

He beat off competition from Fianna Fail candidate, Councillor D av i d M c G u i n n e s s who finished with a total of 11,590 votes and was elected on the fifth count after Socialist Party candidate Ruth Coppinger was eliminated.

However, a recount was requested by the

Socialist Par ty af ter Coppinger was found to be just 18 votes behind David McGuinness.

In the recount errors were found and brought Coppinger level with McGuiness, both tied on 9,873.

In a rare move, the Dublin County returning office, John Fitzpatrick, consulted Coppinger and McGuinness to tell them he was eliminating Coppinger under Section 122 of the Electoral Act. This means the person with the highest first preference goes through.

But it was clear from the start of the count that Nulty was in prime position to secure the seat left vacant by the death of Brian Lenihan on June 10, 2011.

Speaking to The

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‘I am very grateful to everyone who has supported me in the election. It is very important to remember that the seat does not belong to any individual or any party, it belongs to the people and I will work tirelessly on their behalf’ --------------------------------------------------------

Gazette he said: “I am very grateful to everyone who has supported me in the election. It is ver y important to remember that the seat does not belong to any individual or any party, it belongs to the people and I will work tirelessly on their behalf.

“This byelection has occurred as a result of the recent sad passing of Brian Lenihan who is

remembered with great fondness across Dublin West. It is important to remember that as well,” said Nulty.

Nulty is now a second Labour TD for Dublin West, joining Minister for Social Protection Joan Bur ton in the Dail.

Meanwhile Fianna Fail’s David McGuinness said he was delighted with his result:

“Across the country the entire organisation is so happy with where we have come as a party.

Nobody expected us to be in this position.

“We are just a couple of hundred votes off Labour in first preferences – that is huge. We are just so happy and pleased.”

Fine Gael’s Eithne Loftus failed to poll as well as the party might have hoped, securing 5,263 first preference votes. Sinn Fein’s Paul Donnelly gathered 3,173 first preference vo t e s , w h i l e G r e e n Party candidate Roderic O’Gorman pulled in 1,787 votes.

The highest first preference votes given to an independent candidate went to Barry Caesar Hunt who received 775 votes.

3 November 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 7

8 SWORDS GAZETTE 3 November 2011

R1

COURTS Men plead not guilty to false imprisonment

Man couldn’t drive van because of crying too much A cash-in-transit driver whose family were held hostage during a tiger kidnapping six years ago has told a trial that he couldn’t drive his van during the incident because he was crying so much.

David Byrne (39), of Old Brazeel Way, Knocksedan, Swords, Co Dublin and Niall Byrne (29), of Crumlin Road Flats, Crumlin Rd, Dublin have both pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to falsely imprisoning

the Richardson family at Ashcroft, Raheny, north Dublin city on March 13 and 14, 2005. and one count of robbery.

They have also pleaded not guilty to robbing Paul Richardson and Securicor of €2,280,000 on the same date.

Both men are alleged to have been members of a gang that held Mr Richardson, a Securicor worker, and his family hostage as part of a raid in March 2005.

The trial has already heard

that while Mrs Richardson and her sons were being held overnight in the Dublin Mountains, Paul Richardson was told to go to work as normal and collect a van “loaded with cash”.

After dropping off the cash Mr Richardson had been told to continue driving west out of the city until he got a phone call to say his family had been freed.

On the third day of the trial Mr Richardson told defence

counsel for Niall Byrne, Mr Feargal Kavanagh SC that he had to stop the van before he had heard from the kidnappers because he couldn’t see the road.

He said: “There were so many tears in my eyes I couldn’t see the road properly.

“I became very unwell with pains in my chest. I stopped the van. I couldn’t go any further.”

The court that Mr Richardson had pulled the van over on

the N4 near Kinnegad and at this point his colleagues insisted on raising the alarm.

Richard Lynch, a consultant in emergency medicine with the Midlands Regional Hospital gave evidence of treating Mr Richardson and said he was in “a state of severe shock”.

He agreed with Mr Dominic McGinn SC, prosecuting, that the victim was “frightened that his captors might come after him” in the hospital.

Year 36 for the cleaner awards PORTMARNOCK Community Association scooped the top prize at this year’s Fingal Cleaner Community Awards.

It was the 36th year the community-based anti-litter competition has taken place and Fingal County Council said the standard from participants was “higher than ever before”.

In attendance on the night was, the Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Gerry McGuire, and John Daly, senior engineer FCC. The Mayor commented that “the Cleaner Communities awards fosters great community spirit, householders who may not know each other have turned out to take part in cleanups in their local areas having been encouraged or coerced by their local tidy towns communities. We owe a great deal of gratitude to those people who encourage the rest of us to take pride in our surroundings”.

M a ny c o m m u n i t y groups from throughout Fingal participated in this year’s event. This year there were over 100 entrants across all categories, which range from Best Front Garden to the Green Business Award.

A total of 29 prizes were awarded on the night with the overall prize being awarded to the Portmarnock Community Association for their excellent work on improving the quality of the physical environment of Portmarnock village, beach and dune area.

Mr Lynch said: “I’ve never met anyone who’s been so frightened in all my life”.

In other evidence Mr Richardson said that Gardai didn’t allow him and his family to return to his home for a fortnight after the kidnapping.

He said: “I was kept in a safe spot for two weeks. We moved from one place to another.

“We were all questioned.

Gardai told us that everyone is a suspect.”

Cream of the crop: Alexandra’s a champion ALEXANDRA Szabo, from the Costa Applegreen store in Lusk, proved that she was cream of the coffee crop at the European Barista of the Year Final at Costa Dawson Street. The competition, held in Ireland for the first time, saw her battle it out against 12 of the finest Baristas from across Europe to be crowned European Champion 2011. Baristas were judged on their flair, style, creativity and passion for coffee by judges, including coffee lover Andrea Roche (left) and Costa’s International Chief Operating officer, Andy Marshall (right).

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION: CAPITAL SETS THE TONE FOR NATIONAL RESULTS

Michael D was overwhelming choice for Dublin voters Q PAUL HOSFORD

swords@gazettegroup.com

THE message was clear from voters all over Dublin – Michael D Higgins was the capital’s overwhelming choice to become the ninth President of Ireland.

In every constituency across Dublin, the votes for the former Minister piled up, as the capital set the trend for the national results.

After Dublin South East, Dun Laoghaire gave the next biggest level of support to Michael D with 52.5% of people in the constituency marking a “1” for the former Minis-

ter for Arts.

Sean Gallagher took 17% of the vote, with Norris taking 10.2%, Mitchell taking 7% and McGuinness taking 6.9%.

Again, Davis and Scallon brought up the rear, with 3.5% and 2.2% respectively.

In Dublin South, Higgins again took over half the first preferences, with 51.1%.

Gallagher took 20% in the constituency, with Norris continuing his strong Dublin showing by taking 9.8%, with Mitchell’s 7.3% putting him ahead of McGuinness’s 6.5%.

Davis and Scallon took

3.3% and 2%.

In Dublin North, Higgins led the way, with 44.8% of voters giving him a first preference.

Gallagher took 25.5% in the constituency, with Norris again taking 9.8%, but Mitchell’s 4.4% had him a long way short of McGuinness’s 10.4%.

Davis and Scallon took 3.2% and 1.8% respectively.

Dublin Mid West followed the trend established across the country, as Higgins, Gallagher and McGuinness led the way, with 40.3, 22.1 and 15.9% of the vote apiece.

Behind them, Norris, Mitchell, Davis and Scal-

Ireland’s new President, Michael D Higgins

lon each took 10.2, 6.5, 3.1 and 2% respectively.

Dublin West mirrored its own byelection by giving the Labour candidate the top spot.

In the final count, Hig-

gins, Gallagher, McGuinness and Norris were all over 10%, taking 43.2, 24.1, 11.9 and 10.1%.

Mitchell, Davis and Scallon took 5.3, 3.3 and 2% each.

Higgins was congratulated by the outgoing President, Mary McAleese, who sent her wishes to the new President-elect.

“On my own behalf and on behalf of the Irish people, I warmly congratulate Michael D Higgins, our new President-elect. His success in the presidential election marks the start of an exciting chapter for our country, our global Irish family and for the Higgins family. To Michael D, Sabina and their children, I send my very best wishes and prayers for the years ahead,” said President McAleese.

3 November 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 9

EVENT Mother and daughter return to a happy reception

Louise and her daughter, May, with friends and family at a special party at St Colmcille’s GAA Club

Mandy Monaghan, Louise Monaghan, Frank Monaghan, May Monaghan and Josh Monaghan, pictured at Dublin Airport. Picture: Joe Keogh

May is reunited with her family AY Assad Monaghan, from Swords, was reunited with her mother Louise, after being brought by her father, Mostafa Assad, to Syria.

Both mother and daughter flew home to Dublin and were welcomed with a joyous celebration by family and friends.

M

On September 7, May was brought to Syria by her father from Cyprus, where she lived with her mother.

Louise followed her daughter to Syria and brought her daughter back to Swords.

The family said: “It’s a miracle” to have her home.

Louise with her daughter

Louise and May celebrate

Louise and her daughter Louise speaks with reporters at Dublin Airport

make a toast

10 SWORDS GAZETTE 3 November 2011

EVENT Curves members take part in charity walk

Janet Rose of Cakes by Janet

Taking to the road for charity

Dee Roche, Mia Roche, Ruby Hussey and Tracy Hussey. Pictures: Una Williams

ROUND 50 ladies from Curves in Malahide and Swords took part in the annual walk for action breast cancer.

Starbucks in Malahide provided the coffee and Eurospar in Malahide helped with the food.

The event hoped to raise about €2,000.

This was the second year for the walk and it was equally supported by local businesses who kindly donated spot prizes for a raffle.

Curves Malahide celebrated seven years in business last May and is proving as popular as ever with local ladies.

A

Lili Pinzaru, Gillian Hand, Elizabeth Moles, Sinead Collins, Carmel Mooney, Leanne Grehan, Gaynor Crowe and Chelise Crowe

Maria McEneaney and Karen Bowers

Sharon O’Sullivan, Marie O’Sullivan and Bailey

Vivienne Drummond, Keira Keegan, Joyce O’Shaughnessy, Sinead McKeon and Grace Quintero

Anita White

3 November 2011 GAZETTE 11

12 GAZETTE 3 November 2011

Gazette Contacts SNAPSHOT Stories from around the capital Block 3A, Mill Bank Business Park, Lucan Tel: 01 6010240 Fax: 01 6010251

General Manager: Michael McGovern email: mmcgovern@gazettegroup.com Editor: Cormac Curtis email: ccurtis@gazettegroup.com News Editor: Dawn Love email: dlove@gazettegroup.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile email: jmaile@gazettegroup.com Sports Editor: Rob Heigh email: sport@gazettegroup.com Financial Controller: Carly Lynch email: clynch@gazettegroup.com Advertising Production: Anita Ward email: ads@gazettegroup.com

Advertising Sales: 01 6010240 email: sales@gazettegroup.com

Gazette Group Newspapers Ltd. Terms and Conditions for acceptance of advertisements Reserve the right to omit or suspend or alter any advertisement(s) in any of its publications. We also decline any responsibility in the event of one or more of a series of advertisements being omitted for any reason whatever, nor do we accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement. If your advertisement appears incorrectly, contact the Advertising Department immediately, as responsibility cannot be accepted for more than one week’s incorrect insertion. Responsibility cannot be accepted if the complaint is made more than two weeks after insertion. If one places an advertisement for more than one week and then cancels it after the first week, no refund or credit will be given for weeks cancelled. The advertiser undertakes to indemnify the Proprietors against any liability for any civil action arising out of the publication of the advertisement or any other matter printed or published in the Blanchardstown Gazette, Castleknock Gazette, Clondalkin Gazette, Dundrum Gazette, Dun Laoghaire Gazette, Lucan Gazette, Malahide Gazette and Swords Gazette. The placing of an order or contract will be deemed an acceptance of these conditions.

Full of beans …

Lucan twins, Jedward, are set to take centre stage when they appear at the Olympia Theatre in this year’s Panto this December. Jedward & The Beanstalk at The Olympia Theatre will run from December 21 until January 8

The Battle of Speeds THE stunning Orangery in Marlay Park has been announced as the location for a production of The Battle of Speeds, by Daniel Figgis this November.

The new show will consist of six short fantasy movies, each with a separate original orchestral soundtrack, composed by Figgis. The six movies will play concurrently on all available surfaces in the Orangery – four walls, floor and ceiling – totally immersing or “suspending” the viewer in the multi-sensory experience.

Figgis first presented a new work in the forest in Marlay Park in 2004. While performing there, he became intrigued by the park’s boathouse and shot all the video footage for his current show in and around the boathouse and lake in late September.

The Battle of Speeds will be performed for one day only on November 27, over a six-hour period between 10am and 4pm.

Family tickets cost €5 and are available online on www.tickets. ie.

LOCALMATTERS SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZETTE CALL 60 10 240

DIARY Career and lifecoaching event COACHING Potential, a new business and social enterprise, will hold a free Career and Life-Coaching event for parents on November 12, in the Burlington Hotel.

The event will help parents learn skills and exercises that will help them explore and understand your child’s interests, skills and abilities and how they link to potential career options, as well as enhancing communication through effective questioning and listening techniques, setting goals and actions plans and develop personal resilience to deal with obstacles and challenges.

The company diverts 10% of all of its revenue to it’s foundation that recognises ability and potential in young people, providing grants for education and training.

Places are limited and booking is essential, so to book your place, email courses@coachingpotential. com or see www.coachingpotential.com

Arch Bistro’s Christmas menu THE Arch Bistro in Churchtown

will be brimming with Christmas spirit this week when they launch their Christmas menus.

This year, the restaurant is running an Early Bird Special on Saturdays, which is guaranteed to give a great night out with fantastic value.

For €35 per person you get a three-course early bird dinner, a half-bottle of house wine and a reserved area downstairs in the Glenside, where all ladies will be treated to a glass of Prosecco on arrival and live music for the rest of the night, so you can party away for the evening without having to move.

They are also running a €35 set dinner menu all evening every evening for the month of December, but spaces are limited, so book soon.

For all bookings and inquiries, contact Mark on 01 2966340.

Clarification THE Gazette has been asked to point out that the Beechfield Nursing Home Group, which encompasses Glengara Park Nursing Home in Dun Laoghaire and Beechfield Manor Nursing Home in Shankill, will hold their Charity Bridge Tournament in the Fitzpatrick’s Hotel in Killiney on Friday, November 4, and not at either of the above mentioned nursing homes.

The Gazette is happy to clarify this.

3 November 2011 GAZETTE 13

14 GAZETTE 3 November 2011

GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY Avoid the big freeze with cozy coats this winter

Lancome’s Designer brush set

LANCOME has teamed up with worldrenowned fashion and interior designer, Ben de Lisi, to create a stylish, de Lisi personalised Lancome designer brush set. Visit the Lancome counter at your nearest Debenhams Department Store, from November, 20, 2011, and with the purchase of two or more Lancome products, receive your personalised skincare and beauty essentials along with your very own Ben de Lisi Designer Brush Set and a complimentary €5 Ben de Lisi fashion voucher.

And, with purchase of a third Lancome product, a full-size cleanser is yours, absolutely free.

ITH the three dreaded words on everyone’s mind this winter – The Big Freeze – fast approaching, Kilkenny, home to Ireland’s largest collection of Irish designers, has a fantastic range of coats and woollies to help you brave the elements in style and stay warm in the cold weather.

Wrap up in style with fabulous winter coats from a host of top Irish and international brands, such as Fee G and Fuschs & Schmitt. The Fee G Mohair Shawl Collar

W

Coat, €329.95 is available in two of the season’s must-have colours, bright red and electric blue, and the shawl collar gives the coat an effortless chic look.

Meanwhile, the beautiful Fee G Boatneck Coat, €339.95 will help you up the glam-stakes this winter, with its embellished button finish.

Fuschs & Schmitt has a great range of practical everyday coats – our top pick is the stylish and practical Fuschs & Schmitt Quilted Belt Coat, €285, with its faux fur trim hood for extra

warmth.

Chunky cardigans are essential winter fashion items, and the Fenn Wright Manson Charcoal Cashmere Mix Cardigan, €186 is a wardrobe must-have.

Wear with skinny jeans and knee-high boots for a casual winter look that will keep you fashionably warm.

For cosy accessories, Kilkenny has a range of winter knits that will not only keep you warm, but also make a difference to people’s lives. As part of its Warm Irish Hearts campaign to help raise €50,000 for the Irish Heart Foundation, Kilkenny stocks a range of hat, scarf and glove sets, all hand-knitted by members of the ICA from around and the country.

These beautiful knits are available in red, cream and purple.

Fee G Boatneck Coat (€339.95)

Young and stylish

There will be a touch of royalty at The Children’s Rooms in Brown T homas this winter, when Princess Marie Chantal of Greece’s stunning girl’s range comes to town.

With subtle hues of rose pinks, burgundy and blended chocolates and warm autumnal hues of plum and moss , the collection is perfect for any little Princess.

Highlights this autumn, are sure to be the Chantal wool dress in camel, navy or grey and, for cold winter days, the Russian gold button coat in rose or grey herringbone. The outfits are as pretty and elegant as a girl’s wardrobe should be and are destined to be treasured favourites.

Meanwhile, new for the boys is Hartford, a cool and trendy brand, with

Bonpoint dress (€115)

Fuchs & Schmitt Quilted

Mona Lisa Belted Puffa

and coat (€260)

Belt Coat (€285)

(€150)

distressed check shirts, chunky alpine knits and great leather jackets, as well as Italian favourite Paio Crippa, which specialises in tailored pea coats with velvet collars perfect for the wintry days ahead.

The children’s department will also carry designer favourites, including Armani Junior, Baby Dior, Boss,

Bon Point, Burberry, Caitmini, Chloé, Cyrillus, Dore Dore, Jelly Cat, Juicy Couture Acc’s, Juicy Couture Kids, Juicy Baby, Junior Gaultier, Marthé Francois Girbaud, Molly Brown, Moncler, Monnalisa, Natures Purest, Paul Smith, Ralph Lauren and Stella McCartney.

And one of my favourite brands, Petit Bateau,

will make a welcome arrival for baby, girls and boys, offering timeless and modern classic cottons with simple and fun t-shirts, trousers, jumpers and coats.

Tartine et Chocolat’s gorgeous baby gifts from rattles and comforters to soft toys also make ideal presents and come packaged in the brand’s power blue signature colour.

3 November 2011 GAZETTE 15

Edited by Dawn Love

Holiday gift sets from Cowshed are udderly delightful STAYING true to its philosophy for keeping things simple but effortlessly stylish, this Christmas, Cowshed have herded together gift sets to cater to everyone on your list and make this year’s shopping stress-free.

With every Cowshed formulation naturally paraben, petrochemical and sulphate-free andcreated using wild-crafted ingredients – these products are suitable for all.

In keeping with Cowshed’s unique heritage, all products contain a herbal infusion sourced

from the walled garden at Babington House.

Amongst the array of gift sets on offer is the Grumpy Cow Duo (€24.95).

Grumpy Cow is a citrus blend, with the essential oils of red mandarin, petitgrain and grapefruit.

This duo will invigorate the senses and keep the mind uplifted and energised. The gift set includes Grumpy Cow Uplif ting Bath and Shower Gel 100ml and Grumpy Cow Uplifting Body Lotion 100ml.

The Hand Care Caddy Set (€44.95) features

two of the brand’s most popular products.

This set is a must-have duo for pampering those hard-working hands and essential for any kitchen or bathroom.

Choose either the combination of Grubby Cow Zest Hand Wash with Cow Slip Soothing Hand Cream, featuring essential oils of sweet orange to cleanse and peppermint to revive, or Dirty Cow Freshening Hand Wash and Cow Pat Moisturising Hand Cream with the oils of coriander and orange.

This set features bot-

Cowshed have herded together gift sets to cater to everyone on your list

tles of each and a limited edition Cowshed-branded maple holder to the display the gifts in.

16 GAZETTE 3 November 2011

GazettePETS PETS

Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA

THE FACTS: DUBLIN SPCA OFFERS A SAFE HAVEN PROGRAMME FOR PETS IN NEED

The link between domestic violence and animal abuse URING one of my adult lectures this week, I was asked an important question by a student. He wanted to know what the term “domestic violence” meant?

My answer?

If a person, (usually a woman, but sometimes a man) is physically or emotionally abused in a relationship – then that

D

constitutes domestic violence. It’s important to mention that, in the majority of these situations, the abuser may use a range of behaviours/ tactics in order to gain control and power over their victim.

By coincidence, Safe Ireland, a support organisation aiming to create safety for women and children affected by domestic

violence, released figures for their annual one-day census report showing that on one given day last year, a staggering 555 women and 324 children received help and support from a domestic violence service. Now, when you break this down, that means 23 women and 13 children needed help every hour of that one day, which was November 4, 2010.

This led my class to have a discussion regarding the link between domestic violence, as well as mass and serial violence and animal abuse. You see, there is a connection between those who abuse animals and those who abuse their partners.

Now, I’m not sure what figures are available for Ireland concerning animal abuse/spousal abuse, (or indeed if there are any) with regard this situation; however, a recent study in Wisconsin (USA) revealed that one-in-four cases of women who reported abuse at the hands of their partners, had also witnessed those partners being abusive toward pets and livestock. I would imagine the situation is similar around the world.

To add to this, the Chicago Police Department examined the criminal histories of animal abusers who were arrested between 2000/01 and found approximately 30% of these had domestic violence charges to their credit. In my opinion, these statistics are way too high and I find them scary and unacceptable, to say the least.

I would also add that, during my own research, I found that, in association with the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, a US-based

Victims of domestic violence often remain in dysfunctional relationships in order to try and protect their pets

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

‘Seventy-one percent of those women who were pet owners and who entered a women’s shelter reported their abuser had injured, maimed, threatened or killed family pets’ --------------------------------------------------------

organisation, 71% of those women who were pet owners and who entered a women’s shelter reported their abuser had injured, maimed, threatened or killed family pets.

Worryingly, 32% of those women also reported their children had either hurt or killed animals.

So, why do those who abuse their spouse/ partner also abuse their animals? Well, there are many reasons but I believe the main ones to be: • To enforce submis-

sion • To create and further enforce an environment of fear • To prevent the victim from leaving • To prevent the victim from showing independence • To enforce submission by the victim • To isolate the victim and children from other family members/friends Those of us working in animal welfare refer to this cycle as ‘the link’.’

You see, those who com-

mit these horrible crimes have usually used animals as rehearsal tools during their teenage years, before graduating toward violence against humans.

We refer to these atrocities as “starter crimes”, when the abuser commits them during adolescence.

However, as they get older, the abuse gets more severe and we refer to these as “indicator crimes”, meaning it’s an indication the perpetrator will graduate to committing more serious crimes against human beings.

This is why it’s important that those working within law enforcement who respond to calls reporting domestic violence recognise and are familiar with “the link”and be on the alert for children and animals

who may also be suffering in that particular household.

It’s a sad fact that victims of domestic violence often remain in dysfunctional relationships in order to try and protect their pets. Unfortunately, those who take part in animal cruelty rarely stop there, so it’s vital everyone understands that an effective response/prosecution to those perpetrating these crimes will have huge benefits for society.

The Dublin SPCA offers a Safe Haven programme for those pet parents who are suffering at the hands of an abuser by providing an emergency/ safe place for their pet to stay either at our shelter when resources allow, or through our network of foster families.

3 November 2011 GAZETTE 17

GazetteMUSIC MUSIC REVIEW: NATIVE INSTRUMENTS’ LATEST UNITS

Traktor put Kontrol at your fingertips Q ROB HEIGH

THE BAT TLE of the turntables over the last year has not been who has the skills to pay the bills but, instead, who can come out with the best DJ controller as a sizable number of DJs convert to digital systems and software packages.

With the lines drawn similar to the Apple vs Android battle in the smar tphone market, the hardware wars have shifted slightly as well, with the main players, Serato and Traktor, aligning themselves with various hardware

manufacturers to produce the best four- and two-channel controllers.

However, since then, Native Instr uments’ Traktor products have taken the lead in terms of the controller battles by creating their own line of controllers that seamlessly integrate with the software they produce - well, if anyone should know how to create a controller that matches the capabilities of the software, surely it should be themselves.

Last year saw the launch of the Traktor Kontrol S4 unit, which stands head and shoul-

ders ahead of the pack in terms of it’s usability, feature set and integration with the controller software.

The S4 is unparallelled in terms of how simple and fun it is to use.

The range of configurable built-in effects, the availability of a fouroption sample deck to add depth and options to your mix and the upfront, tactile and sensitive controls allow you to build a four-channel symphony without a steep learning curve.

It also has the advantage of not draining all of the CPU capability of your laptop or compu-

ter, meaning that there are no nasty drop-outs that some DJs have encountered when using other such highend controllers.

Traktor has always been a very usable software, but the controllers match and harmoniously integrate all of the features of the software, putting physical and tangible control at your fingertips.

Traktor have come out in the next phase of the battle with the S2, a stripped back, twochannel version of the S4, that still features all of the high-spec elements of its big brother,

Traktor S2 is a more basic, but equally feature-filled version of the S4

but with a simplified interface for more novice digital DJs. In fact, it is almost a three-channel controller, with the sample deck still being available, with its own vol-

ume in the centre of the unit.

The S2 does everything that the S4 does so well - making the most of the software’s capabilities - while bringing the user experience

back to basics. While it’s not the bells and whistles approach of the S4, the S2 is still head and shoulders ahead of the pack in terms of doing what it does incredibly well.

18 GAZETTE 3 November 2011

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs SKODA UNVEILS NEW 4X4S: SKODA Ireland unveiled its new range of 4X4 vehicles at last month’s Ploughing Championships. Dublin residents are encouraged to call in to their local Skoda dealer and test drive the new 4X4 models, which will be available to test drive during an Open Week at local dealerships from November 1-6.

There are three Skoda dealerships in Dublin, Annesley Williams Ltd, Swords Road Clogran, Autostation, Sandyford Business Park, and Pilsen Auto Ltd, Ballymount. As an added incentive, those who undertake a test drive will receive a free winter driving pack, which will be useful in the months ahead.

All new Kia Rio on the market KIA Motors Ireland have announced the prices and specs of the all-new Rio Range which went on sale in Ireland towards the end of October.

There are two model trims for Rio in Ireland – LX and EX. The entry level LX, at €15,295, is powered by a 1.25-litre petrol engine, which is A rated for annual road tax.

The EX model is available in both the 1.25-litre petrol and 1.4-litre diesel (also A rated) at €16,495 and € 17,895, respectively.

Like all Kia models, the new Rio comes, of course, with Kia’s unbeatable seven-year warranty.

The new Rio is one

of the company’s most anticipated launches in recent years, and attendees at this year’s National Ploughing Exhibition had an opportunity to preview the car before it’s launch.

Space

The new model is longer, wider and lower, and features a wheelbase extended by 70mm – greatly enhancing passenger space and cargo capacity. With an overall height of 1,455mm, new Rio has one of the lowest rooflines in Kia’s European product range, emphasising its purposeful stance.

The cabin is more spa-

cious than its predecessor’s, enhancing occupant space and cargo capacity. The base of the windscreen is moved for wards by 156mm and up by 18mm, while the wheelbase is 70mm longer and the bodyshell 25mm wider. Front legroom is increased by 45mm, front headroom by 8mm.

Trunk space in threeand five-door hatchback models is 100mm wider and the capacity is now 288 litres – a 6.6% improvement over the previous model – with the rear seats upright, and more than 920 litres with the rear seats folded down. The backrest of the

There are two model trims for Rio in Ireland

rear seat is split 60/40 for maximum versatility and creates an almost flat load area when folded down.

Standard safety equipment features six airbags (including side curtain airbags ), ESC electronic stability control, HAC hill-start assist control, and “active” front seat head restraints to protect against whiplash injury

in a rear impact.

For additional safety, an ESS (Emergency Stop Signal) system is standard. Sensors detect when the driver is braking suddenly and hard, and then flash the brake lights three times to alert following drivers that the car is slowing rapidly.

In addition to the enhanced space and safety, new Rio custom-

ers will enjoy audio comfort features, such as Bluetooth, remote audio controls and iPod compatibility. The EX model, which is expected to be the volume seller, comes with a host of features, including 16” alloy wheels, front fogs, allround electric windows, leather trimmed steering wheel and gearshift and cooled glove box.

3 November 2011 GAZETTE 19

Opel Astra GTC set to rock mid-size coupe class NEXT MONTH will see the arrival of the Opel Astra GTC in Opel dealerships. The sports coupe, which will lay down the gauntlet to the mid-size coupe segment with a heady mix of dynamic excellence, dramatic design features and competitive pricing.

Closely based on last year’s stunning GTC Paris concept, the production Opel Astra GTC enters the Irish market priced from €22,995. But even in entry-level trim, the Astra GTC adopts the sophisticated front suspension from the Insignia OPC, featuring Opel’s HiPerStrut (High Performance Strut), combined with the clever Watt’s link rear axle for unmatched stability and handling precision.

The third body style to come off the new Astra’s Delta platform (following the Hatch and last year’s Sports Tourer), the only

elements the GTC shares with its siblings are door handles and the roof aerial – even the wheelbase and tracks are different. Mark Adams, Opel’s vice-president of design, has aimed to create a car that looks like it has been plucked from the class above, with its low, wide stance and simple, yet rakish lines.

But don’t be fooled – the GTC’s “straight-fromconcept” looks shroud a cabin that’s roomy and comfortable enough to accommodate four adults and their luggage.

“The Astra GTC is the sporty member of the Opel family,” says KarlFriedrich Stracke, chief executive officer of Opel.

“It has been designed and engineered in our facilities in Rüsselsheim to be a highly desirable sports coupe, with invigorating driving performance, while remaining affordable, roomy and

The GTC range starts at €22,995 for the 120PS Sport 1.4-litre Turbo and extends to €30,495 for the 165PS SRi 2.0-litre CDTi

flexible. We’re convinced that it will bring a breath of fresh air into the midsize coupe segment.”

The Astra GTC can be ordered initially with a choice of four engines – three petrols and one diesel, with two 1.7-litre CDTi engines to follow in January, 2012.

With 165PS, the 2.0litre CDTi is an upgraded

version of the diesel that’s fitted to some models in the Insignia and Astra ranges. All engines feature six-speed transmission and Start/Stop as standard, maximising economy and performance. Delivering 380Nm of torque (including overboost function) the 2.0-litre CDTi engine provides excellent mid-

range acceleration for the GTC, combined with a 0-100 km/h time of 8.9 seconds and a top speed of 210 km/h.

That torque also allows the GTC a relaxed cruising gait, meaning a combined fuel consumption of just 4.9 litres per 100 km and C02 emissions of just 129g/km. It also gives drivers a range potential

in excess of 1,100 km.

Standard equipment is generous no matter which GTC model customers choose. Even in entry-level Sport trim, the GTC comes equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, DAB stereo and USB functionality. Move up to the top-spec SRi, and buyers get, as standard, tinted glass, onboard c o m p u t e r, l e a t h e rtrimmed steering wheel and fog lamps. The latest generation Bi-Xenon Advanced Forward Lighting (AFL), which offers nine separate light beams, is optional across the range.

A range of new colours and materials, bespoke to the GTC, set the car apart from others in the Astra range. Morello Red, a new premium leather trim, is also available as an option and brings with it six-way adjustable front seats.

EUGEOT’S new 508 is a spacious and solid looking car. The car has been designed as a purpose-built estate, and that gives it a presence and standing on the road that’s volumes ahead of the previous 407 model.

The comfort levels are good and there’s plenty of space on board, from the large boot to the rear seats. The car has a solid, functional feel to it that was made special by the extra features included in the test car.

The inside is made feel more airy with the panoramic sunroof that runs the length of the car, well

P

20 GAZETTE 3 November 2011

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS

Supported by AIB

Interview: Frances Flannery, owner of Dublin Vitality Centre

WHOLE OF LIFE POLICY Q – I have just found out I was sold a whole of life policy on my mortgage more than 11 years ago.

I am livid, as I could have had a much cheaper policy all these years. Do I have any comeback on the broker who sold it ? Jimmy – Churchtown A - Yes you are quite right that a whole of life policy is much more expensive than decreasing cover or mortgage protection, which only covers the balance on the mortgage at time of death. Whole of life insurance pays out a lump sum WHENEVER you die.

But, really, you only want to cover the term of your mortgage, so if you live well after the repayment of your mortgage, it can be very expensive mortgage protection. Obviously mortgage protection is much cheaper, while level term insurance cover (covering the mortgage term for the FULL amount right throughout the term) is slightly more expensive than decreasing term. Perhaps your broker did explain, but possibly did not stress the pecuniary differences. You could take a case to the Insurance Ombudsman but, personally, I believe with your having signed the proposal, received the policy document and left it for 11 years, the chances of success would be slim. I would ask for a new quotation, choosing the decreasing term for the number of years left on your mortgage and at least save some money now. You might also have a small pay back from the whole of life policy.

BUDGETING Q –I am useless at budgeting. Is there any quick fix method which will help me focus on managing my money in a better way ? Joan - Lucan A - The key to financial happiness is having enough money to meet your commitments. You need to total all your annual household bills – do not hold back, include everything – and divide by 12. That’s the amount of money you need just to keep you ticking over. Capital expenditure (washing machines, car break downs, summer holiday costs) should be provided separately. We should all live within our means i.e. the costs of living should be borne by what we earn NOT by our savings. Email me for a simple free word document budget template to track your household costs.

Remember the Money Doctor mantra … ensure best value at all times. Ask yourself on every item of expenditure a) do you need it and b) is there a better or cheaper alternative.

This month sees the launch of a FREE Money Doctor mobile app to help you track your spending.

Extremely easy to operate – just tap in the amount every time you spend money into the drop down menu for a set period, at the end of which you will be sent a full report on exactly what you have spent for your own analysis or professional consideration.

For iphones, androids, blackberries and Microsoft 7 mobiles, you can access the APP in the usual sources, plus through the web site www.moneydoctor.ie and help you better manage your money.

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

A health clinic with a difference FRANCES Flannery is a business woman who knows the value of excellent training and diversification. She completed a post-graduate degree in eBusiness and Business at NCI, and ranked one of the highest in her year with a first-class honours qualification. She also has qualifications in web design, graphic design and is certified by Google as an Adwords Professional.

“I spent many years working in marketing and design. I had a fabulous marketing role in Brown Thomas for three years and had the opportunity to work with some top people. That gave me a 3D perspective on service, product and quality.”

Frances is an example of a new breed of Irish business owner – one who has many feathers in her cap. As well as being a highly qualified business professional, she is also a registered dental nurse and internationally qualified health practitioner.

Her clinic, Dublin Vitality Centre, is located in Blanchardstown Village and provides laser teeth whitening, red vein removal, microdermabrasion, food intolerance testing and colonic hydrotherapy.

“At this time of year, people are preparing for the party season – which means looking and feeling good inside and out.”

Frances Flannery, owner of Dublin Vitality Centre

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

A: I wanted help people and also to run a business. I feel so lucky to be doing what I’m doing.

Q: What was your first job?

A: One of my first roles was a temp placement at Saatchi & Saatchi in London, where I cultivated a love for branding, marketing and design.

Q: And your first pay cheque?

A: Probably about £200 per week.

Q: When did you start your present job?

A: I’ve been running Dublin Vitality Centre for two years.

Q: What is the best thing about your job?

A: I love making people feel better about themselves. I have qualifications in dental laser teeth whitening, colon hydrotherapy, Indian Head Massage, Microdermabrasion, red vein removal and food allergy test-

ing. My training has taken me all over the world.

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

A: Very little. In order to offer the very best prices around, which we do at Dublin Vitality Centre, I work very hard. When in not working in the clinic I am doing something else related to the business.

Q: What sport do you follow?

A: Gym time is imperative for me. I practise what I preach. A 7am session is not unusual.

Q: What sport can you play?

A: Tennis, but horrifically out

Irish President, in my opinion.

Q: What music/pictures/movies do you have on your iPod/ iPad? A: High Energy Dance music for the gym

Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook?

A: Health forums, raw food blogs, detox and body health pages.

Q: What was your last Tweet/ status update?

A: I posted a notification about how detoxing your liver can speed up weightloss. Have a read on our website.

ing money frivolously?

A: I enjoy spending but never frivolously.

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own?

A: A yearly cull on clothes and shoes ensures those not worn get brought to a charity shop. I choose quality over quantity.

Q: What was your worst holiday experience?

A: I really love diversity. Even if things don’t go according to plan, its always an adventure.

Q: What would be your dream job?

A: I’m very lucky. Running

Q: Describe your dream meal?

A: At this time of year, look out

Dublin Vitality Centre is my dream job.

Bellx1 right now.

for chestnuts, which can be deliciously roasted on a baking tray in the oven.

Q: What do you plan to do when you retire?

A: I’ll tell you exactly. Im go-

Q: Who best represents modern Ireland – Michael D Higgins or Jedward?

A: Michael D. Impressive com-

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

A: Dame Edna for her fashion

munication and transparency will make Micheal D a great

Q: Where do you enjoy spend-

ing to pioneer a very unique retreat/health workshop centre, where I will offer health retreats and have clients visit Ireland from all over the world.

I may live to be 110.

of practise.

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

A: I’m loving Snow Patrol and

sense and sparkling repartee.

3 November 2011 GAZETTE 21

Fresh fruit and vegetables are an excellent source of vitamins and Brazil nuts contain zinc and selenium

NUTRITION: FIGHTING THOSE WINTER GERMS

David Killeen, chairman of The Irish Franchise Association; Orna Stokes, senior manager, SME and Franchising, Ulster Bank; Anita O Neill, area manager, Ulster Bank Commercial Banking, Central Dublin and Tom Shanahan, executive director of The Irish Franchise Association

Onwards and upwards for the franchise sector ON Friday, April 27 and Saturday April 28, 2012, the Irish Franchise Association hosts the Ulster Bank Irish Franchise Association EXPO and Awards at the RDS, Dublin.

The purpose of the exhibition is to act as a showcase for Irish franchisors and the franchising sector. With an unrivalled series of seminars and exhibitors, this event is an opportunity for people to access and avail of real-time information on franchising that normally takes months of painstaking research.

The Irish Franchise Awards, which will run in conjunction with the exhibition, recognises excellence in franchising and rewards outstanding achievements of businesses and individuals engaged in the franchise industry.

As the recessional dust begins to settle, it’s clear that more and more people have been turning to franchising. As a result of redundancy, job dissat-

isfaction, or just a deeprooted entrepreneurial desire, the country is rapidly awakening to the vast opportunities to be found in franchising – it’s one of the few buoyant markets in uncertain times.

According to the latest Irish Franchise survey, there has been a marked increase in turnover for the sector to €2.4 billion, representing an increase of 15% since the last survey in 2006. In total, the Irish franchise industry contributes 4,086 operating units on the island of Ireland and has generated 42,927 full-time jobs The EXPO and Awards will be the highlight of the franchising calendar for 2012.

The exhibition will take place from 10am to 6pm on Friday and 10am to 4pm on Saturday and will feature guest speakers, seminars on franchising, exhibitors from the franchise sector and extensive information and advice for individuals interested in franchising.

New workshops will be introduced and a separate seminar area, panel discussions as well as private meeting rooms for franchisors and prospective franchisees to discuss opportunities privately. Monthly easy payment options, as well as substantial early booking discounts, are now in place for exhibitors to avail of.

The Irish Franchise Awards will be presented at a formal black-tie awards ceremony in the RDS Concert Hall on Friday, April 27.

The award ceremony is anticipated to be one of the most impressive business events of the year reflecting the remarkable growth of the franchise sector in these challenging times.

Booking forms and information packs are available from the Irish Franchise Association.

Call 01 8134555 or email expo@irishfranchiseassociation.com or see www.irishfranchiseassociation.com

Strengthen your immune system LEILA JOHARI

WITH a mini ice age apparently on the way, this winter could be the coldest we have faced in decades.

This means that it is even more important we ensure that our immune systems are working at their best, so we can fight the nasty germs that thrive during the winter months.

White blood cells work to fight these germs and protect us against infection.

These white blood cells need to regenerate to do their job and need the appropriate nutrients. We can help our white blood cells help us by eating the right foods.

Fresh fruit and vegetables

All fresh fruit and vegetables, such as green leafy vegetables, sweet potatoes and citrus fruits, will provide excellent sources of vitamins A (beta-carotene) and C. Green leafy vegetables, like spinach and kale, are high in folate. Folate prevents DNA and blood vessel damage.

Fruit contains powerful antioxidants that detoxify and fight bad bacteria. Phytonutrients strengthen the immune system by rebuilding

damaged cells and enhancing new ones and are found in peppers and broccoli.

Garlic, ginger and chillies

Garlic, onions, leeks, ginger and chillies have antibacterial properties and are decongestants.

Raw garlic can be eaten in salads or dressings, such as pesto and salads. Onions and leeks can be used in warming winter soups and ginger and chillies can be used in spicy curries.

Brazil nuts, wheat germ, oysters and beef

Brazil nuts, wheat germ, oysters and beef contain zinc and selenium. Selenium is an anti-oxidant and fights free radicals which damage cells. Zinc is a mineral that can enhance your immune system by strengthening antibodies and helping white blood cells reproduce more quickly. So, get those slimy oysters down your throat!

Whole grains, yeast extract, tuna and pulses

Whole grains, yeast extract, tuna and pulses contain the B group vitamins, which are important in combating stress. Stress can lower the effectiveness

of the immune system, which will leave us vulnerable to catching an infection. Vitamin B and vitamin C will help prevent stress.

Natural, low-fat probiotic yogurt

Most people don’t associate the word “bacteria” with health but there are certain bacteria that we could not do without. Good bacteria, such as lactobacillus and bifidobacterium, regulate the immune system by increasing the antibodies and preventing the rise of pathogenic organisms.

Fight symptoms the natural way

If you do begin to feel signs of the sniffles, there are natural remedies to ease symptoms. There is no need to run to the chemist and by packets of medication.

Besides, if are going to have another ice age you may not be able to leave the house anyway!

Honey will help ease a sore throat, green tea can help kill bacteria and a hot lemon drink is rich in vitamin C, and is ideal for sufferers of colds, coughs, bronchial problems and flu.

Thyme and eucalyptus oil may help clear congestion, use a few drops in boiling water as an inhalant and use

thyme in your cooking.

Echinacea will stimulate the immune system and you should drink plenty of water.

F o o d s t o avo i d include diary produce, chocolate and all foods high in saturated fats.

These foods are mucus forming and will make you more congested.

Immune-strengthening diet

• Breakfast: Pink grapefruit followed by muesli with extra nuts and seeds and 1 dessertspoon wheatgerm.

• Lunch: Warm broccoli, red pepper and sesame salad served with rye bread.

• Dinner: Salmon, sweet potato and stirfry of green beans and spinach • Dessert: Mixed berry compote with low fat, natural pro-biotic yogurt We have all been warned to prepare for The Big Freeze but it is equally important to prepare for The Big Sneeze!

And remember, prevention is better than cure, so start your immune boosting diet now and keep those nasty winter bugs away.

22 GAZETTE 3 November 2011

GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel

Sunset Beach Club can offer a wide range of venues for your special day

A Spanish Wedding Open Day to be hosted by Sunset Beach Club this November ANYONE considering getting married abroad should make a note of an upcoming Spanish Wedding Open Day being hosted in November by Sunset Beach Club.

This is an ideal opportunity to learn everything you need to know about getting married in Spain, and to personally meet with wedding planner, Kerry Vear Smyth, and wedding coordinator, Claire Mitchell, who are the key personnel who take care of all the details of a wedding at Sunset Beach Club.

Four-star hotel Sunset Beach Club, one of the most popular hotels on the Costa del Sol, offers complete wedding services and boasts a fabulous location on the seafront of Benalmadena, just 15 minutes from Malaga airport.

Depending on the date of the wedding and size of the party, Sunset Beach Club can offer a wide range of venues, from their formal banqueting room with spectacular sea views, terrace restaurant for an al fresco reception, or the new Luna Beach Club, the ideal spot for an informal wedding or day-after party.

As well as bespoke wedding services, Sunset Beach Club offers complete weddings, which include every detail of your special day; the wedding ceremony and legal paperwork, hair and make-up, flowers, wedding car, photography, cava for the speeches, reception with free-flowing wine, wedding cake, table centre, chair bows, menus, live entertainment, and much, much, more! For example, a complete wedding for 40 guests starts from €5,100.

The open days take place on November 19, in Bewley’s Hotel In Dublin, and in the Clarion, in Cork, on November 20.

To find out more about the Open Days in November and the Wedding Services at Sunset Beach Club, visit www.sunsetbeachclub.com or contact the hotel wedding coordinator, Claire Mitchell directly at weddings@sunsetbeachclub. com or telephone (34) 952 579 400 Ext. 3123

Holiday heat: The family-friendly Smugglers’ Cove in St Lucia (above) and Riu Cancun Resort in Mexico

HAPPY HOLIDAYS: FESTIVE TRIPS S ABROAD D

Plan a Christmas family getaway CHRISTMAS is just around the corner and, for many, stress levels are already rising. For those who bite the bullet and decide to forgo the endless last-minute shopping, snow and spending, there are plenty of festive trips abroad.

Set in 60 acres of lush, tropical gardens on a secluded bay, seven nights on an all-inclusive basis at the four-star Smugglers’ Cove in St Lucia is available from €4,646, for a family of four. Boasting extensive facilities including a popular kids’ club, mum can escape to the spa, which offers yoga and Pilates classes, while older children and dad can also enjoy a wide

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‘With a reputation for world-class shopping, pampering and glamour, Dubai makes an excellent choice to ring in the New Year’

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range of watersports, as well as tennis, squash, seven freshwater swimming pools and archery.

The price includes scheduled flights on December 20 from Dublin (via Gatwick), resort transfers, taxes and surcharges.

Families will love the four-star Almond Beach Village in Barbados, with seven nights on an all-inclusive basis, from €4,249 for a family of three. For the ultimate bucket-and-spade festive holiday, this family-

friendly resort is located on the stunning Platinum Coast. Facilities include a selection of kids’ clubs, 10 swimming pools, fitness centre, tennis courts and fine restaurants and bars.

The price includes scheduled flights from Dublin departing December 20 (via Gatwick), resort transfers, taxes and surcharges.

After Christmas, travellers can combine a city and beach holiday in Dubai departing December 27.

With a reputation for world-class shopping, pampering and glamour, Dubai makes an excellent choice to ring in the New Year. Enjoy nine nights on a bed-and-breakfast basis at the five-star Movenpick Ibn Battuta Gate from €1,499 per person. This luxury city resort houses eight restaurants and bars and has access to the Oceana Beach Club, just 10 minutes from the hotel, via complimentary shuttle bus. The price includes scheduled flights from

Dublin (via Gatwick), resort transfers, taxes and surcharges.

The five-star RIU Cancun Resort is in an enviable position on the beachfront, opposite two shopping centres and just a short distance from Cancun’s lively restaurants and bars. Enjoy seven nights on an allinclusive basis over New Year from €2,099 per person, to include scheduled flights from Dublin (via Newark), resort transfers, taxes and surcharges.

Resort facilities include windsurfing, canoeing, a spa and four restaurants.

To book any of these offers, visit www.tropicalsky.ie or telephone 01 8077996/ 068 56800.

3 November 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 23

Edited by Mimi Murray

WEEKEND GETAWAY: RECHARGING THE BATTERIES

Travel B ri e fs A touch of luxury at The Lodge at Ashford Q DAWN LOVE

ALTHOUGH I always enjoyed holidays in the West as a child, I have to say I don’t miss the four hours – if we were lucky - it took to get there. It was an endurance test in patience, although probably more for my parents than us kiddies.

Okay, so the motorway isn’t as picturesque as the winding roads I remember as a child but the trip down to The Lodge at Ashford, Co Mayo took us no time at all.

Once home to the estate manager of Ashford Castle, the Lodge is perched at the crest of a hilltop and enjoys incredible views of Lough Corrib. Today, the hotel boasts 24 deluxe bedrooms and 26 suites, one of which we stayed in.

It’s really ideal for families or couples who enjoy the great outdoors.

The Lodge itself is comfortable and the suite we stayed in had oodles of space and lots of extra little luxurious touches, such as underfloor heating in the bathroom.

And, I have to say, although there was a wedding on our second night we didn’t hear any music or any revellers, which can so often be the norm in hotels and can make you wish you had just stayed at home.

For me, the big highlight of The Lodge was the food and the wonderful walks of the Ashford Castle estate. Head Chef Adrian Bane was previously the Sous Chef at Ashford Castle and the dinner menu at Wilde’s (named after the father of Oscar Wilde, who holidayed nearby and later wrote a book on his beloved Lough Corrib) features an array of tempting treats.

For starters, I went

Be adventurous – visit the highlights of Jordan such as Mount Nebo, Amman and ‘rose city’ of Petra

The Lodge at Ashford, Co Mayo, which was home to the estate manager of Ashford Castle which enjoys incredible views of Lough Corrib

JORDAN is a land steeped in history and culture and conjures up images of sultry desert nights.

Visitors can now see the highlights of Jordan’s capital Amman, visit historical sites, including Jerash, the Desert Castles, Mount Nebo, Kerak and Madaba and explore Jordan’s jewel, the Nabataean ‘rose city’ of Petra, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Adventurous types take a jeep safari into Wadi Rum and marvel at its stunning desertscapes, or languish in the warm waters of the Red Sea and stand at the lowest point on earth, the Dead Sea, long famed for its therapeutic powers.

An eight-night package with GoHop.ie costs from €1,263 and includes flights, all transfers in an air-conditioned car, eight nights accommodation in four-star hotels, sightseeing and meals as indicated, services of an English-speaking driver, local guide in Petra, short horse ride to the entrance of the Siq in Petra, as well as a two-hour tour of Wadi Rum by Jeep and all entrance fees.

For more information, visit www.gohop.ie.

Fitzwilliam Hotel is offering packages to help you look and feel your best this Christmas season for an Autumn Harvest Salad (€7.50) with organic local leaves, walnut oil and reduced fruit vinegar with autumn fruits. It was slightly too salty for my taste buds but I particularly loved the pretty baked apple slices tossed through the salad and I think it’s little extra surprises like that, that makes Wilde’s excellent reputation well-deserved.

For the main course, I opted for the Rack of Pork (19.50), which came with buttered savoy cabbage, bacon, potato croquette and wholegrain mustard emulsion. This was, to sound like Darina Allen, simply delicious.

Cooked to perfection, I would recommend it to anyone.

As for dessert, well, on a cold autumnal evening there is nothing like a hearty Warm Crumble with Granny Smith Apples, Fresh Sage and Preserved Berry (€6.50).

T h e n e x t d ay we enjoyed a great walk around the grounds of Ashford Castle and the ruined abbey nearby.

There are different trails to suit all fitness levels and, if you fancy getting on your bike or pony trekking, then this can all be organised by the team at the Lodge.

For lunch, we ate from

the Quay Bar menu and again the food was really lovely and, after we had recharged the batteries, it was off again for some more sightseeing.

Arriving back at around 4.30pm, we decided to order some room service and have an early meal at around 5pm. I have to say the only downside to a lovely stay was that, due to the fact there was a wedding on, we were informed the kitchens would be closed to other guests until 8pm.

So, with no food available at The Lodge, we headed to the castle for a more extravagant meal for two.

THE Fitzwilliam Hotel Dublin has created three seasonal packages guaranteed to help you look and feel your best this Christmas. Whether you want to spend the month of November getting party ready, or perhaps getting all your Christmas shopping done early, The Fitzwilliam Hotel Dublin has some great packages.

The Seasonal Style package allows guests to check into their signature guestroom and receive a fashion-inspired welcome amenity, followed by a complimentary glass of bubbles in The Inn on the Green. This get-away costs from €99pps.

The Naughty and Nice package includes a three-course meal in the hotel’s Citron Brasserie on the evening of your stay, and costs from €115 pps.

The Fitzwilliam Feel Good Factor includes a rejuvenating and revitalising hour treatment at the hotel’s in-house Spirit Spa. The Feel Good Factor package also includes a healthy breakfast in the hotel’s Citron Brasserie on the day of your departure and costs €140 pps.

For more information, log on to www.fitzwilliamhoteldublin.com.

24 SWORDS GAZETTE 3 November 2011

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT 1GoingOUT PAVILION 01 231 2929 Paddy Casey

AWARD-winnging singer-songwriter Paddy Casey is playing a special fundraising gig at the Pavilion, with everyone invited to come along and support a worthy cause – and hear his great music too, of course. Casey’s gig is in aid of Children’s Hope, the South Dublin children’s charity, and, he says, he hopes as many music lovers and charity supporters as possible can come along to help him support the cause.

His fundraising gig takes place on at 7.30pm on Sunday, November 6, with the fundraising tickets priced at €15.

MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 Aristocrats

BRIAN Friel needs no introduction to theatre audiences, with his popular plays continuing to strike a chord with arts lovers. Now, one of his most best-known plays, Aristocrats, is coming to the popular Dundrum venue, as a family wedding in a crumbling mansion sees the past very much intruding on the present, exposing the fragility of the characters’ relationships ... Regarded as one of Friel’s finest plays, Aristocrats is running nightly at 8pm until Saturday, November 5, with tickets priced at €16/€14.

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 My Way

GARVAN Gallagher’s exhibition on the “invisible” status of older citizens is drawing to a close, with his diverse range of work having very successfully examined and highlighted the status and self-image of our elders. My Way is an excellent, diverse project underlining how valuable our “invisible” citizens are, and how age should not affect anyone’s status in society. My Way runs at Driaocht’s ground floor gallery until Saturday, November 5.

Dusty old tomes with long-forgotten tales are actually part of the puzzle that will lead reporter, Tintin (Jamie Bell) and his faithful pet, Snowy to the trail of a long-lost 17th century galleon. However, as always, there’s also a bad guy on the trail, with a race on to find the ship ...

Galleons of appeal Brussels sprouts another unlikely hero, with the wellknown cartoon character making his big-screen debut Q KATE CROWLEY

SPEAKING of winter of discontents – and I was, last week, when sending Mr Crowley up to the attic to retrieve wellies to deal with that dreadful downpour we were all drenched by – I note a certain new release that’s soon to come sulking onto our screens.

Thankfully,The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 isn’t here just yet, so my inner Scrooge will just have to wait.

And so, moving from one timeless character to another, I’m not sure what kind of space Tintin comes from (as the iconic cartoon character certainly comes from an entirely different universe than most clean-cut heroes), but it’s one that has kept him popular for several decades now.

Irish readers – and cinema audiences – don’t have quite the same passion for the plucky Bel-

FILM OF THE WEEK: Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn +++ (PG) 106 mins Director: Steven Spielberg Starring: Jamie Bell, Andy Serkis, Daniel Craig, Nick Frost, Simon Pegg, Mackenzie Crook, Toby Jones

OUR VERDICT: ALTHOUGH at times, Tintin seems to have less personality than his dog, there’s still plenty to admire in this debut big-screen film for the well-known sleuth reporter. Purists won’t be happy with all of the changes made to Tintin’s background, with three well-known Tintin tales blended to create this version, but regular audiences should warm to this clean-cut, determined “new” hero ...

gian super-sleuth reporter, but Steven Spielberg’s (and producer, Peter Jackon’s) new film is all set to give Tintin more fans here than he’s had since he first appeared in 1929.

(And no, dear readers, I’m not quite that old.)

The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn is a realistic, yet highly-stylised, computeranimated film, and – Oh! I spy readers running off to hide under their beds, suddenly thinking of the CG horrors of Tom Hanks’ The Polar Express, and Jim Carrey’s wretched A

Christmas Carol.

Well, stay where you are, folks, as this is a busy, dynamic tale that’s both a good showcase for Tintin’s stories and characters, and is also a decent film on its own merits.

Tintin (voiced by Jamie Bell) is a plucky Belgian reporter getting by in a European vaguely old-world setting, which nicely sums up the 20th century.

Of course, any good repor ter-cum-sleuth needs a good mystery to solve, and it isn’t long before Tintin, and faithful pooch, Snowy, are caught

up in the mystery of a long-lost 17th century galleon, with The Unicorn, and her secret treasure, being sought after in the modern day.

Following a swift kidnapping by Sakharine, a descendant of the pirate that sank The Unicorn (both played by Daniel Craig), Tintin’s on board an old steamer, where he soon runs into Captain Haddock (Andy Serkis).

Ever sleuth needs a bumbling, bad-tempered sidekick, and so Tintin and Haddock, are soon on the trail of both The not-so-lost Unicorn and Sakharine, who’s strangely determined to find the ship and get his hands on its loot.

However, what use could something from the 17th century have for a very modern villain?

And how can Tintin, Snowy, Haddock – and a number of other characters from Tintin’s universe – beat Sakharine to

the treasure? Tintin’s on the case ...

Mashing together a number of Herge’s tales into an introductory opening film in the planned Tintin trilogy has upset purists, but it’s an effective enough way to introduce Tintin to modern audiences.

Of course, the animation is pretty great, for the most part – although the stylised characters still feel somewhat uncanny.

However, its globetrotting antics, broad comedy and stylish animation make for a decent first entry and “return” of Tintin.

Finally, speaking of mysteries, a cer tain stunning reviewer went snooping around on Tintin’s international website, but couldn’t find “Ireland” listed under the European release dates section. Tsk, tsk. Perhaps Tintin’s next adventure could be “The Curious Case of the Missing Country ...

3 November 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 25

GazetteGAMING GAMING Bytesandpieces Happy about another Angry Bird?

Deliberately more detailed to behold than the in-game vehicles, the virtual showroom models are simply stunning to examine – and could pass for the real thing on our motoring pages – with the in-game’s vehicles also looking great as they tear around the tracks

A worthy champion of the racing genre SHANE DILLON

LAST week, I mentioned the recently released XBox 360-exclusive title, Forza Motorsport 4 (or Forza 4, for short) which I’m taking a deeper look at today.

In terms of new and current racers on the XBox, nothing else comes close to Forza 4, with it certain to continue motororing into plenty

of homes, both now and at Christmas.

For newcomers to the Forza series, or for those who’re just looking for some more information, here’s some more info that should help you decide if this is the racer for you.

Although the 360 has seen accomplished racers jockeying for position in the past couple of years, Forza 4 has the graphical

edge, with a number of clever processing effects putting a noticeably polished edge on an already highly-impressive title.

The tracks are eyecatching for all the right reasons, while the cars have both the looks – and the muscle – to grab racers’ attention from the get-go.

In fact, the car modelling seems taken to another level here, with

Anotherweebyte...

Grand new title on the way ...

BY THE time Gazette readers see this, it’s likely that the question of what the next Grand Theft Auto title will be will be answered, with the first trailer by Rockstar set to spill the beans on Number 5 in the series on November 2.

There’s been an awful lot of speculation over

the past year, with the New York-inspired 4 seeming a long time ago by now.

Still, the hints, nudges and winks dopped by Rockstar, as well as “those in the know”, have all been pointing towards a Los Angeles “inspired” setting for the next title. True, we’ve already seen this in the “Los Santos” setting of Grand Theft Auto: San

Andreas, but it would be intriguing if this was the direction for the next in the series, which would just mark the second appearance for the series on current consoles.

Although Grand Theft Auto 5 may not even hit consoles in 2012, it’ll be great to have some idea on November 2 of what we can expect, then.

the virtual showroom that lets you look at, and, in some cases, climb into, all kinds of both ordinary cars and supercars presenting them in stunning detail.

I bet the range of car manufacturers whose ranges are presented here wished their cars looked quite as ... perfect, in real life.

For those who may be looking for their own unique racing experience, it’s quite interesting that cars can be modified, with a comprehensive paint editor allowing all manner of interesting user designs to be created, which is certainly not standard for racers.

However, all this polish and clever design is just icing on the cake – gamers demand a lot from their racers, and boy, does Forza 4 deliver.

There’s a vast range of tracks, vehicles, brands, licences and challenges to unlock – and that’s even before hardcore

petrolheads start delving into the comprehensive tuning options, to really maximise and individualise their Forza experience – offering a comprehensive, detailed experience with plenty of depth.

Starting off with the lowest-class vehicles which, predictably, handle like shopping trolleys (but with less speed), a few determined races later sees the driver and manufacturer experience begin to rack up, unlocking extra cars, challenges and grades.

In short, Forza 4 lays down the gauntlet, both to other XBox racers, as well as to the PlayStation 3.

It’s difficult to see what the next evolution, or iteration, can be for the racing genre, given the level of graphical polish, programming cunning and gameplay options that Forza 4 delivers, but, for now, this genuinely seems like a must-have title for any XBox racing or car fans.

HOW do you make gamers happy with a longrunning series? Give them more of the same, it would seem, as the all-conquering Angry Birds title has received yet another update – with this one introducing a new bird to the tried-andtested forumula.

Rovio, the Finnish developer, doesn’t seem to have to do very much to push and develop the brand, given the global march of the unlikely smartphone/ IOS-ruling game.

With sales of approximately 12 million downloads from Apple’s iTunes alone, to date – which ignores the vast range of spin-off merchandise – Rovio needn’t do anything else but sit back, and watch the cash roll in.

Still, in a nod that other developers could note, at least Rovio continues to develop its brand with its spin-offs and expansions rewarding loyal customers.

And so, it’s likely that gamers will welcome the arrival of the new Globe Bird, within the 2011 update of the Angry Bird Seasons pack. Sure, it’s just more of the same – but more Angry Birds just seems to keep creating more happy gamers ...

GAZETTE

26 SWORDS GAZETTE 3 November 2011

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3 November 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 27

GazetteSPORT

WINNING FORMULA: October winners of Dublin Sports Stars are announced Page 29

PERFORMANCE: THIRD ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON EXCELLENCE COMES TO DUBLIN

sporttracker bring elite to the elite once more sport@gazettegroup.com

SPORTTRACKER.IE are hosting the third annual multi-sport coaching conference at the Regency Hotel on November 19 from 9 am to 3.30pm.

The event, entitled Preparing To Perform, is another gathering of high-profile dignitaries from the world of sport in Ireland and abroad, who will inform and inspire. Last year’s event saw some 600 delegates

in attendance, including well-known sports personalities.

It provided a networking platform for attendees to exchange knowledge, ideas and personal experiences.

This year’s event will feature keynote addresses from the likes of former head coach of British Triathlon and Welsh Athletics, Chris Jones. He has worked extensively with Dr Greg White in pioneering the first UK

Sports Science research programme with elite triathletes, and his athletes compete at Olympic, European, Commonwealth and World level.

Also speaking is Guro Strøm Solli, from Norway, an elite cross-country skier with a Masters in Exercise Physiology and Sport Science, and has researched the effects of increased exercise intensity on the female athlete.

The Regency will also

World champion cross-country skier, Guro Strom Solli, will be one of the keynote speakers

welcome Billy Walsh, head coach of the Irish Amateur Boxing Associations High Performance Unit, as well as sport psychologist, Phil Moore, and athlete management expert, Ken Lynch.

With such an array of topics the aim of the conference is to cater for coaches, trainers, fitness experts, managers, triathletes, athletes and the amateur enthusiast.

The list of speakers for

the conference is being updated daily, and will include Pete McGrath, Down’s double All-Ireland winning manager, and Jim Kilty, who has coached many athletes and coaches internation-

ally with great success.

Log onto www.sporttracker.ie to view the full programme and list of speakers or, alternatively, you can telephone 042 93 24504 or email info@ sporttracker.ie.

28 SWORDS GAZETTE 3 November 2011

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

Recovering the need for speed

PETER CARROLL spoke to Jack Kennedy, a local superHeineken Cup defence set bike ace, who has proved his mettle with a return to to begin in Montpellier the saddle after a crash nearly ended his career LEINSTER captain Leo Cullen was on hand last week to help to launch the Heineken Cup for 2011/12 at the National Convention Centre in Dublin.

Leinster, who will be playing in Pool 3 for the opening phase of the competition, will kick off their defence of the title on Saturday, November 12 against Montpellier Herault in the Stade de la Mosson.

They will then welcome Glasgow Warriors to the RDS the following Sunday for a lunch-time kick-off before travelling to Bath on Sunday, December 11 in the first of the traditional December double-headers - with the fourth-round tie taking place in the Aviva Stadium the following Saturday evening.

For more information, see www.leinsterrugby.ie

Development seminar set for November 19 The second annual Club Development Seminar, organised

by Dublin, Wicklow and Kildare Sports Partnerships, will take place at Croke Park on Saturday, November 19.

This follows on from the very successful inaugural seminar held in the Aviva Stadium in 2010.

The seminar will host leading speakers on issues such as budgeting, strategic planning and volunteer recruitment, and has been set up to help

clubs to tackle the problems they face and to ensure they are well positioned for the future.

The event will run from 9.30am (registration is from 9.00am) to 1pm, followed by lunch, and the whole day will only cost €20 per person.

Contact Audrey Grainger at South Dublin County Sports Partnership, on 01 414 9000 ext 2678, or email agrainger@ sdublincoco.ie for more information.

For more information on the speakers at the seminar log onto www. eventelephant.com/ thefutureofyourclub

THE world flies by. The rider reacts and guides his machine through meandering circuits. Splitsecond decisions are the difference between champions and obscurity.

In a sport with a welldocumented history of danger and high-risk endeavours, local racer Jack Kennedy knows all too well that the adrenaline and satisfaction of the race far outweigh the injuries and forks in the road.

Last May, Kennedy came off his Appleyard Yamaha in the meeting at Thruxton, while he was sitting second in the British Super Sport (BSS) standings.

A big moment in the 23-year-old Clon-

silla man’s racing career, Kennedy knew his future lay in his reaction and recovery from the injury.

“It was very difficult.

It was a bad back injury, a fracture to my L1 ver-

tigious Brands Hatch circuit, Kennedy showed the world that he couldn’t be discounted, claiming a victory against the odds.

“To win that race itself is brilliant. The fact that I

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

‘The problem was that the mini-motos and training were on the same day. Even though I loved playing football, I just knew racing was for me.’

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

tebra. It’s a horrible feeling sitting the races out, watching them on television. You miss the feeling of the competition,” said the passionate rider.

In the last meeting of the season at the pres-

was just back from injury made it a lot more special. A lot of spectators and critics watch to see if a rider can come back and be competitive after they have a spill.

“There have been a lot

Jack Kennedy is looking forward to developing his superbike career

of decent pilots who’ve never recovered after coming off their bikes, so it was a really important win for me.”

Kennedy began his racing career at the age 10, and was much inspired by his father, David, who was well-known on the Irish scene, competing in both cars and bikes.

The young adrenaline seeker had to make a choice between hurling and football at O’Toole’s, or the sport that would later go on to be his career.

“The problem was that the mini-motos and football training were on the same day. Even though I loved playing for O’Toole’s, I just knew racing was for me.

“I always took it very seriously and a had a lot of discipline. I just knew it was what I wanted to do with my life.”

Colin Appleyard called on the skills of the dynamic rider in 2010, which allowed Jack a taste of the higher level of the game on the British scene.

“The British and Irish bike communities are both very similar, they’re all very passionate fans.

Of course, I’ll always have a lot of time for the Irish people that have supported me. It’s a great feeling when I’m down in Mondello and people come up and wish me luck or tell me they’ve been watching my races, it means a lot.

“There are big differ-

ences though as far as the racing is concerned. It’s a big step up, it’s like comparing the Premiership to the Championship. The timing is a lot better, the officials are far more professional. It’s just 100% racing.

“There are big rivalries in the pits. Alistair Seeley won it last year and even though I get on very well with him, he’d play his cards very close to his chest. Everyone out there is trying to make a living.”

The tragic death of Marco Simoncelli sent shockwaves throughout the racing world, and it really hit home to Jack, who was watching the race from home.

“I was sitting watching in my house in my cast. It really hit me hard, he just lost control of the bike and it can happen to anyone. He was 24, I’m 23. I was crying my heart out, it’s very frightening to see that,” said Kennedy.

Despite this, the future looks bright for Kennedy, the racing world is his oyster and he hopes to continue pursuing his path in it for the foreseeable future.

“I just want to make a career out of this. In a few years time the dream move would be to World Super Sport I’d get to travel the world and really enjoy myself. At the moment I just want to focus on winning the BSS championship, then who knows?”

3 November 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 29

in association with

HOCKEY: SCHOOLBOY TEAMS EXIT IN SEMI-FINALS

2011 DUBLIN SPORTS AWARDS OCTOBER WINNERS IN ASSOCIATION WITH

STARof theMONTH

PAUL RYAN BALLYBODEN St Enda’s Paul Ryan has been at the forefront of his club’s drive for five. He has taken over the main scoring mantle for the Firhouse Road club since the injury of talisman Conal Keaney and his contribution in the final against O’Toole’s was one of the main reasons that Boden claimed the fivein-a-row.

TEAMof theMONTH

EGAN AND FLEMING

SALMON Leap Canoe Club members Peter Egan and Neil Fleming took the Liffey Descent title to add to their huge achievements this year, having claimed the Irish and British canoeing championships. The pair will now focus their attentions on attaining the qualifying standard for inclusion in the Irish team to compete at the 2012 Olympic Games.

THE autumn arrived with a vengance in the last weeks of October and it’s no surprise that the fast waters provide us with one of the month’s Dublin sports stars.

Peter Egan and Neil Fleming have been slowly rising through the ranks of Irish canoeing and it is heartening to see them at the top of their game just before the crucial qualification process for London 2012 begins. Three huge titles in 2011 is a great platform to begin from.

Paul Ryan assisted Ballyboden to their 2011 Dublin crown and helped them claim the first five-in-

a-row in the capital since Garda achieved that milestone in 1929.

His contribution throughout the campaign meant he could not be ignored in the shakedown.

Let us know!

Let us know about your achievements in sport, so that the Gazette can tell the rest of Dublin — and give you, or your team, a chance of being one of our monthly stars.

Contact us on 01 601 0240 or sport@gazettegroup.com to tell us all about your successes, and follow us on Facebook at facebook. com/gazettesportII.

St Andrew’s David Cole celebrates a goal against Regent House

Local sides bow out of Leinster chase sport@gazettegroup.com

LEINSTER’S challenge for the All-Ireland Schoolboy’s hockey championships title came to an end at the semi-finals stage as, for a second year running, both final four ties went to penalty strokes.

St Andrew’s fell 3-0 to Banbridge in their competition after Matthew Bell’s late flick tied up a game which the Dubliners led for a long period.

Fiachra Maher had put his side in front in the second minute with a brilliant touch to David Cole’s flick.

Wesley were undone on the eighth round of

sudden death penalties, 7-6, by Cookstown.

Ian Sloan had put the Ulster side in front with time running out before Kirk Shimmins gave his side a lifeline with four minutes left but they could not see it home in the shoot-out.

Both had reached the last four a year ago and they returned to the semis as they got the wins they needed against Ashton and Friends, respectively, in deciding group games.

Their progression was far from comfortable, though. Ashton lost the cutting edge that marked their 6-1 win over Sullivan Upper earlier in the com-

petition and let slip seven penalty corner chances.

Ian Stewart, meanwhile, snapped up the chances that came his way, netting in the first minute of the tie and got an insurance goal later on to punish the Blackrock Road school’s profligacy.

Andrew’s corner prowess helped them through against Lisburn’s Friends School. Needing just a draw, the first half was tight for the Booterstown side as the Ulster school held more possession and clipped a post and the bar.

After a scoreless first half, though, Andrew’s stepped up as Fiachra

Maher twice slid onto disguised David Cole corner flicks, sandwiching a straight Cole drag.

Friends did pull one back but Lee Cole’s solo effort capped a solid win, overturning a 4-3 loss to the same opposition a month ago in a friendly tie.

Sutton Park came close to beating Cookstown when they led 3-1 at halftime but four second-half goals denied them, leaving them with just a point from three group games a 2-2 tie with Newpark.

St Columba’s garnered a draw from their game against Munster champions Midleton but fell to Banbridge and RBAI.

Juveniles in final Win tickets to see UCD in friendlies action: across Dublin this weekend

Villarreal finished UCD AFC have announced recently that fourth in last seasons La they will host two friend- Liga and so are qualifiers for next season’s Chamly THE matches at the Belfield Tesco juvenile football championship pions League.

As well Bowl against Scotland’s finals take place this weekend, on Novemas this, they have a wide Stber Johnstone FC on July 5 and 6. range of talented 10, and Spain’s Villarreal Over 2,000 girls will take part in 63 finalsfootballers at their disposal CF on July10 16. across locations in Dublin. withbut Barcelona StEntry Johnstone finished to the finals is free, there willtarget be and former Manchester eighth in the SLP last a collection for Guide Dogs for the Blind United player, Giuseppe season, and have the a long at each venue, official charity of DLGF. Rossi, on the top tradition in Scottish Pictured are players from St Maur’s and of the list. of Tesco, at the football.

Former with players St Slyvester’s, Mr Ping GazetteSpor t and include Sir Alex Ferguson Junior A final in September.

Picture: GAApics.com UCD are giving lucky and Ally McCoist.

readers the chance to win pairs of tickets to these matches.

Simply answer the following question: Where was Villarreal striker Guiseppe Rossi born?

Send your answer, together with your name, address and mobile phone number, to sport@ gazettegroup.com, with “UCD Friendlies” in the subject line of the mail.

UCD’s Robbie Benson

30 SWORDS GAZETTE 3 November 2011

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

RUGBY: BLACK AND GOLD STAY SECOND IN LEINSTER LEAGUE

Heroes all at the 2011 Dublin Marathon DAN Gilbride, from Malahide, pictuired above, was one of the record numbers of participants in the 2011 National Lottery Dublin Marathon which took place last week.

The day was an historic one, with more runners taking to the streets than ever before, as well as seeing Dundrum runner Linda Byrne qualify for the 2012 London Olympic Games, achieving the qualifying standard when she came in sixth in the race, in a time of 2.36.21 The men’s race was won by Kenya’s Geoffrey Ndungu, who ran the fastest ever time for the Dublin course, completing the race in 2.08:32.

Swords minis set-up seek volunteers Swords RFC’s mini’s rugby season recently kicked off on their new youth pitch in Holywell, and the club is calling for volunteers to get involved.

The matches run from 10.30 to 11.30am every Sunday morning and the club are looking for people to help out with the supervision of their young talents.

According to the rugby community in Swords, there has been a lot of people interested in the past and they would very much like to see some people get up and help out as the time has come where they need some support.

If anyone has any

questions or if they are interested in helping out in any capacity, they should make themselves know to Martin on 087 221 8060 or at mgtroy@ gmail.com.

Malahide YC’s fundraising raffle on track MALAHIDE Yacht club are holding a fundraiser for the Broadmeadows clubhouse, which is currently being rebuilt.

The draw will take place on November 12 at 8pm in James Terrace.

Anyone who has yet to drop there tickets back or people looking to buy tickets can get in contact with Peter and Bob on 086 805 1783 and 086 804 8048.

Malahide RFC’s Richie Forbes scored his side’s second try against North Kildare last weekend

Malahide stay in touch LEINSTER LEAGUE DIV 2A North Kildare Malahide RFC

13 23

sport@gazettegroup.com

MALAHIDE continued their challenge for Leinster League Division 2A honours with an away trip to second-frombottom side, North Kildare.

Malahide were missing a number of key players, but started well and were camped in their hosts’ half for the majority of the game.

After a number of early near misses Malahide were able to create the space for wing Eoin Barber to cross for the

game’s opening score after eighth minutes.

North Kildare responded quickly and, after a number of tight drives, Malahide were penalised, when a superb kick from distance put the home team on the scoreboard.

Again Malahide kicked into gear with the running of Mat Barnes, Richie Forbes and Mick Fitzmaurice terrorising the home team’s midfield.

With 20 minutes gone they were again able to create a mismatch in midfield and Forbes gratefully accepted the opportunity to cross for

At your service: Naomh Mearnog’s new sponsors NAOMH MEARNOG’S Under-12 girls’

footballers were celebrating last week when they were presented with their new jerseys from sponsor Philip Duffy of Portmarnock Service Station. Pictured here with Philip were players from the side, Lauren O’Brien and Sarah Brennan, who will be wearing their new jerseys with pride at their upcoming matches.

Picture: GAApics.com

Malahide’s second try.

Malahide continued to play open rugby and they got their reward with a Rory O’Driscoll penalty on 30 minutes to increase the lead to 13-3.

North Kildare were starting to come to terms with the pace of the Malahide attacks and as they increased the pressure on the away side, putting the line under pressure and eventuallt coming away with a try after a sustained assault brought the scores to 13-10. Another penalty for the home team on the stroke of half time saw the sides go in tied

at the break.

Malahide again started the half quickly, with scr um-half Brendan Carpenter ensuring the pace of the game never dropped.

Although Malahide were dominating, a combination of that last pass not going to hand and great scramble defence from the home team saw increasing anxiety in the visitor’s ranks as they could not get the score to pull clear.

Eventually, on 60 minutes, the pressure told Forbes found a gap in the home defence and crossed under the posts for a converted try.

Malahide continued to press and the North Kildare were penalised for offside in the midfield, Rory O’Driscoll converted the kick to give the visitors a 10-point lead.

Malahide may feel that they could have closed the game out with one more score but will be very happy to get the away win with such a large injury list. ] The result maintains the team’s standing in second place in the table just two points behind leaders, Portarlington.

The next challenge is a home fixture against New Ross in two weeks time.

3 November 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 31

in association with

FOOTBALL: SAINTS GAIN ADVANTAGE IN PLAY-OFFS

CLUB NOTICEBOARD FINGALLIANS U-15 championship final: Fingallians

second International Rules test,

v Skerries in St Peregrine’s, Blan-

from The Metricon Stadium, Gold

chardstown, this Sunday, Novem-

Coast.

ber 6 at 11.30am.

The club shop is now open every

A big thank you-to all who attend-

Saturday from 10am to 12.30pm,

ed our coaching conference and

and good news for November is

particularly our three guest speak-

that is will open on Sunday, Novem-

ers, Paudie Butler, Munster hurl-

ber 6 and November 20 from 11am

ing tutor, Philip Kerr, Ulster mas-

to 12pm.

ter tutor and Martin Kennedy, of

AGM: November 17 at 9pm. An

the National Athletic Development

updated Clar will be available this

Academy. Please check out the pic-

week by email and also from the

tures on Facebook.

club offices from 9.30am to 12pm.

Applicants are invited to apply for

It is not to late to sign up for the

the position of U-21 football man-

Movember challenge. Please text

ager. Please apply in writing to the

Jarleth on 086 8281865 for further

Secretary no later than Thursday,

details or http://ie.movember.com/

November 3.

register

International night in the club: Ireland v Australia at 7.45pm. The

Last week’s Lotto numbers drawn were 7, 11, 20, 34 and 36.

FINGAL RAVENS St Sylvesters shook off their championship disappointment to register an important league win against Vincent’s

Sylvester’s end on a high at Broomfield DUBLIN AFL 1 St Sylvester’s St Vincent’s Q PETER CARROLL

2-13 1-15

sport@gazettegroup.com

S T S Y LV E S T E R ’ S managed to pip St Vincent’s to the line in last weekend’s AFL 1 clash at Broomfield, in the process cementing their place at the top of the table, and in turn giving the Malahide team the pick of the draw and the home advantage in the first tie of the league finals.

With both sides suffering from championship exit hangovers, and despite the good football that was on display, the game was a fairly low-intensity affair to begin with.

Strikes from Michael McCarthy and David Glennon opened the scoring for Sylvester’s, to which Diarmuid Connelly answered with one of his own.

Darren Clarke

grabbed a goal to put the home side ahead in the first fifteen minutes, before the two sides exchanged a couple of points.

A stunning effort from Ross Hazeley put light between the two sides for the first time midway through the first half.

In a move that started at the half-back line, the ball was worked through the field, with Hazeley passing the ball off to the forward line, before he received a pass from David Clarke, that he rocketed into the back of the Vincent’s net with his left foot.

Gabriel Bannigan’s side took their foot off the gas after that major, and Vincent’s went on to fire some unanswered points, with an in-form Connelly doing most of the damage, leaving the half time score at 2-5 to 0-10. in the visitor’s favour.

V i n c e n t ’s h i t t h e

Malahide men with a sucker punch in the second half with a quick point from the kick-off, and a Connelly goal which was ever y bit as good as Hazeley’s, that put Vincent’s three points ahead and had Sylvester’s wondering what had hit them early on.

However, Hazeley and McCardle were exceptional in the Syl’s fight-back, with Hazeley doing especially well against Eamon Fennell.

The second half was a far much more explosive affair, played at a high tempo throughout, and, with just a quarter of the game remaining, the Malahide men were level, with McCarthy and Glennon grabbing some crucial scores.

The contest remained extremely intense with the two sides trading points until Darren Clarke put the last point over the Vincent’s bar during the six minutes

of added time.

“We’re still disappointed by our result in the championship and the lads deserved more after such a consistant season,” said manager, Gabriel Bannigan.

“With such a young squad, the average age of our full panel is 24, and with the injuries 9 of our 15 during the c h a m p i o n s h i p we r e under 21, they’ve shown a commendable level of consistency.

“We’ve got seven lads out now for the rest of the year and it would be no harm to us to have whoever wins the Dublin Championship Final to have a good run in the Leinster.

“This team is ver y young and af ter the League finals we’ll be looking to remain solid in the league and grab some more significant silverware in the championship, and I have every faith in the lads to do so.”

OUR awards night last Sunday in

We hare having a white-collar

Kettle’s Hotel was a great success.

boxing fundraising event on Febru-

Well done to our U-21s who won the

ary 17 In the Wright Venue. Compet-

2010 championship, and congratu-

itors are now required. Six weeks

lations to Ronan Glynn on winning

intensive training with professional

Player of the Year; also, well done

boxing coaches commences Mon-

to our ladies team who won their

day January 9, and each Monday

2010 league.

and Wednesday until February 17.

Best of luck to our minor team

If you are interested in competing

who play Liffey Gaels next Sunday

text your name to 086-8587231 or

morning at 11am in Rolestown in the

email: ravensboxing@gmail.com

semi-final of the championship.

Club AGM will take place on Thursday, November 17 at 8pm in Rolestown Hall.

Help also required to run the event - on going or on the night, if you can help send your name to above.

Last week’s lotto results: num-

We will be holding a pub quiz on

bers drawn were 6, 18, 28 and 35.

Thursda y, November 24 in Ket-

There was no winner; €20 to Micko

tle’s Hotel for our juvenile section,

White, Nicky O’Callaghan and C

please keep this date free and come

McArdle. Next week’s jackpot is

along and support this fundraiser.

worth €2,638.

ST SYLVESTER’S AFL1: St Sylvester’s 2-13, St Vin-

down to support.

cent’s 1-15: The senior football team

St Sylvester’s, 0-16, St Oliver

got back to winning wa ys af ter

Plunkett’s 0-6: The minor hurlers

their disappointing defeat in the

put in a magnificent performance

championship with a hard-fought

to progress to the semi-final of the

league victory over St Vincent’s

championship.

to show the real character of this great team.

The defending against a very lively Plunkett’s forward line was very

The ladies football team travel

committed and we put over some

to Tipperary Town next weekend

brilliant points. The suppor ters

to play Aherlow in the All-Ireland

were great as well.

junior semi-final. The day and time

The Under-13 hurlers had a hand-

have still to be confirmed, so please

some winning margin over St Jude’s.

check with the website, www.sys-

They finish third in their division

tlvesters.ie, for details and come

and have had a very good season.

Follow GazetteSport on Facebook and Twitter and at www.gazettegroup.com

ALL OF YOUR SWORDS SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31

WINNING! October’s Dublin Sports Stars are announced inside P28

NOVEMBER 3, 2011

BACK ON TRACK Kennedy on his superbike return P29

GazetteSPORT

Peter Clarke brought Monaghan ladies to the verge of All-Ireland glory in 2011, and will look to repeat his successes with the Dublin panel

Clarke appointed as Dublin ladies’ boss Noamh Mearnog man takes up the senior football role after coming close to All-Ireland glory with Monaghan ROB HEIGH swordssport@gazettegroup.com

NAOMH Mearnog clubman, and the manager who led the Monaghan ladies’ team to this year’s All-Ireland final, Peter Clarke, has been appointed as the new Dublin ladies’ senior football manager.

He replaces the influential Tommy Browne, the Naomh Olaf man who brought the county side to All-Ireland glory in 2010 in an epic final against perennial foes, Cork.

Clarke’s appointment was announced at last week’s county board meeting in Parnell Park, which also saw the announcement of Clarke’s backroom team, which will include Ballinteer St John’s Angie McNally, St Sylvester’s Colm Kearney, Pat Ring from Foxrock-Cabinteely and Cathy Gallagher of Trinity College.

The presence of former Dublin star McNally provides a link between the management team from last year. McNally has also previously worked with Clarke, both at inter-county and college levels, and

the pair were part of the Dublin Senior B management team that led Dublin to All-Ireland success in 2010.

Clarke himself is no stranger to success, winning the Ulster crown this year, before which he won three successive O’Connor Cups with DCU. Dublin county chairperson, Maureen King, stated that the committee were keen to ensure that all management teams were in place early to ensure the maximum opportunity is afforded to prepare for the 2012 season.

“I believe that Dublin is on the verge of a breakthrough at all levels of county football having reached four out of five All-Ireland finals in the 2011 season.”

She was clearly delighted that Dublin have appointed Clarke to the post when she spoke to GazetteSport.

“We have to ensure that we get the right senior manager for the team, and Peter comes with a proven track record in ladies’ football.

“Anyone involved in ladies’ football will look

to Monaghan and see the immense progress they have made as a senior county panel, and Peter was instrumental in that in the 12 months he was with them.

“It’s so competitive at this level you cannot take anything for granted, and we need a manager who can bring Dublin more success.

“Peter brings a huge amount of experience and knowledge on how to execute a plan to get a team to an All-Ireland final and win it. He has demonstrated that he can do that with Monaghan, and he has proven he can succeed. He has won big titles at a number of levels.”

King was also fulsome in her praise of the departing manager, Tommy Browne.

“Tommy didn’t just give one year to Dublin ladies’ football, he gave five years, and that is a huge undertaking. He took that team, along with Gerry McGill, and won an All-Ireland title. His knowledge and experience were instrumental in doing that along with the previous management team and we are hugely grateful for his contribution.”