Swords

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Why not take a punt on visiting one of England’s oldest towns: Cambridge?

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Month XX, 2012 Swords • Balbriggan • Applewood • boroimhe • Airside • Rivervalley

INSIDE: Damo and Ivor’s Tarquin, aka Tom O’Mahony, swaps TV for the stage P17

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counting the cost: Tidy Towns want phone units removed after points loss P6

Thumbs up: Noonan’s raises €11k for hospice a TOTAL of €11,630 has been

Tennis:

Cluskey ends fine year on a career high Page 32

Sport Awards: November nominees are announced Page 28

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES....................... 8 DUBLIN LIFE....................11 OUT&ABOUT...................17 CLASSIFIEDS.................26 SPORT............................27

raised for St Francis Hospice through a relay by 30 employees of the Swords-based facilities management company Noonan.

The participants recently ran 10km each of the 130km route of the Grand Canal from Shannon Harbour to Dublin’s Grand Canal Dock to fundraise for fitting out a new in-patient’s room for the hospice. They have surpassed their target of raising €10,000.

Wright Group venues to create 100 jobs Over €800,000 invested in Hogs and Heifers Club and Baroque Club

 Laura Webb

A jobs boost has been announced with the creation of 100 jobs in Swords by The Wright Bar Group.

The announcement was made by Michael JF Wright

after the group invested over €800,000 into two new venues – Hogs and Heifers Club and Baroque Club.

Hogs and Heifers, a 7,000 sq ft gastro pub located on South Quarter at the Airside Retail Park, will officially

open on November 29.

The second venture, Baroque Club, will be located in a secret gallery at the renowned Wright Venue, also at the Airside Retail Park and is set to open on November 30.

Commenting on the announcement Wright said: “The Wright Bar Group has gone from strength to strength and I am thrilled to announce our most recent expansion.”

Full Story on Page 5

2 swords gazette 28 November 2013

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

gala Over 450 people attend ceremony

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Michael Wright was applauded as being “dynamic, tenacious, driven, visionary and committed to success in Fingal”. Picture: Barry McCall

Michael Wright wins top business award

A local entrepreneur has scooped the muchcoveted Business Person of the Year award at the recent Fingal Business Excellence and Corporate Responsibility Awards.

Michael Wright, a member of the famous Wrights of Howth family, was awarded the title at the ceremony, which was held at the Crowne Plaza Dublin on Friday, November 15.

O ve r 4 5 0 p e o p l e attended the gala awards evening where Michael said he was delighted to be presented with the prestigious prize.

He was applauded by the judges as being “dynamic, tenacious, driven, visionary and committed to success in Fingal”.

He was also praised for “taking big risks to build vibrant sustainable business, values customer service and raising over

 natalie burke nburke@gazettegroup.com

€2m for charity”.

Commentating on the award, Michael said: “I am delighted to accept this award and congratulate Tony Lambert, the Fingal Chamber, sponsors and all those who put together this most impressive business event.

“The business community here in Fingal is fortunate to have such a hard-working chamber and I am honoured to be amongst so many innovative and dynamic individuals who promote excellence in business.”

As managing director of the Wright Bar Group, Michael Wright heads a

company that currently consists of nine bars and restaurants and one nightclub, with the business alone having created over 350 jobs in the local area.

Over the last 18 years, Wright has gone from acquiring the old derelict space under the train station in Howth, which he developed into the hugely successful Bloody Stream, to developing a full portfolio of businesses located across Fingal.

Other businesses include the renowned Wright Venue, the Anglers Rest, Wrights Cafe Bar and Findlater House.

With his businesses predominantly based in Fingal, Michael has always been committed to the development and promotion of the area.

Michael is keen to source products and supplies locally – there-

by helping the local area to prosper further.

A number of local Fingal businesses were also honoured on the night, with County Crest in Lusk being awarded International Employer of the year, and Pavilions Shopping Centre in Swords named as SME employer of the year.

Jack and Jones at Swords Pavilions picked up the award for Customer Service in Retail (Independent Sector) while Colortrend on Main Street, Swords, picked up the award for Customer Service in Retail (Multiple Sector).

The judges said that Colortrend was a “great store, the staff were real experts with extensive knowledge of the product and great advice”.

The judges also commented that the store had a great range to

choose from and would “definitely be a destination store”.

Jungle – The Flower Store in Malahide was awarded Retail Premises of the Year with judges saying that the visual impact of the local florist was “outstanding”.

The Customer Service award was given to The Grand Hotel in Malahide, thanks to its “professional staff”, while the Swords-based Indie Spice Restaurant won the Best Eating Establishment award. Judges said that the presentation of the food was excellent and the flavours “to die for”.

Other businesses to pick up awards included Acacia Facilities Management, Ingersoll Rand International, Action Ireland Trust, Golfgraffix Limited, Dogs Trust, ARI The Loop and the DAA.

28 November 2013 swords gazette 3

housing Works set to be completed by 2015

Green lights for new units

Fingal County Council has given approval to build two new social housing units in the Swor ds/ Ba lbr ig gan area, it has emerged.

The number was

revealed at a recent area committee meeting when the council was requested to state the number of local authority houses likely to be built in the area between

2014 and 2015.

Source

The council said that social housing units are provided in a number of ways, including construc-

tion, purchase, leasing, casual vacancies and the use of unsold affordable units. It stated that leasing has been the primary source of new social units in recent years.

Ho Ho Ho: Santa’s in The Loop santa Claus and his team of elves, models Tiffany Stanley and Kerri Nicole, recently spread some festive cheer to Grace Cowan at Dublin Airport. The man in red and his helpers flew in from The North Pole to The Loop at Dublin Airport to collect letters from the children in Ireland before getting ready for his big delivery of toys around the world on Christmas Eve. Santa also took some time out to look through the selection of gift ideas at The Loop, which offers savings of up to 20% on fragrance gift sets.

Picture: Sasko Lazarov / Photocall Ireland

initiative: Dubliners urged to clean after pets

Councils join forces to stop dog fouling

 laura webb lwebb@gazettegroup.com

Dog owners failing to pick up after their pets could face the wrath of the local authority as Dublin councils come together to tackle dog fouling.

A new initiative launched this week sees Dublin’s four mayors urge Dubliners to clean up after their dogs and report offenders to a new hotline number.

It is hoped that the initiative will help with the problem of dog fouling in the streets and

parks across the county and the dangers it can pose to health.

Currently there are more than 30,000 dogs living in Dublin with 30,745 dog licences issued by Dublin’s four councils last year. To date 28,122 have been issued.

Mayor of Fingal Kieran Dennison (FG) said: “In terms of complaints I would get - as a councillor - the issue [of dog fouling] would be in the top five. “ Mo t h e r s w a l k i n g to school can get it on buggies and kids bring

it into the classroom on their shoes – it’s a hassle trying to clean it off and it’s a health issue.

“You do see good people picking it up with plastic bags, while there are others who just don’t bother and don’t care,” he said.

T he initiative will include a series of marketing and promotional initiatives to raise awareness of the environmental and health issues around dog fouling, as well as events for dog owners taking place in Dublin parks.

Campaign spokesper-

son Therese Langan of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council commented: “Whether it’s with a plastic bag or a pooper scooper, safely disposing of dog litter is not only showing respect for your neighbours, it’s the law.

“We are also launching a new hotline number for Dubliners to report offending dog owners. By calling 1800251500 a report can be made of the location, time and date and the relevant Dublin local authority can take action.”

4 swords gazette 28 November 2013

initiative ‘If we get something built by early 2015, it would be great’

Skateboard park proposed for Skerries  natalie burke

Skerries could be set to see the development of a skateboard park af ter Fingal County Council agreed to meet and discuss potential plans with a newly established committee.

The local authority

said its parks and heritage properties division will meet with the Skerries Skateboard Committee, which was set up in October, in order to consider proposals relating to the potential park.

Speaking to the Gazette, chairperson

of the Skerries Skateboard Committee Darrell Kavanagh said he is happy to see the new campaign progressing.

“Realistically this is going to be an 18-month to two-year project. If we get something built by early 2015, it would be great. We’re ver y

happy with the progress so far.”

Campaign The campaign began with a letter written to the Skerries Community Association by a local teenager who was speaking on behalf of other kids his age who

love skateboarding.

“There was nowhere really proper for them to skateboard in Skerries so they usually cycle to a train on a Saturday, take the train to Santry or Malahide and spend the whole day there. A number of us in the community and the Skerries Community Association decided we would try and do something about it,” he said.

The first committee meeting was held on October 17, when 25 teenage boys aged 13 to 16 turned up, along with almost 20 adults.

“It was clear there

was a strong interest in it,” Darrell said.

“And that it would be something that would help put Skerries on the map as well.

“While we’re talking about Skerries, we’re talking about Rush and Lusk as well. There are one or two great locations in Skerries for it but it is for everyone.”

Having met with the committee recently, local Cllr Tom O’Leary (FG) says he was pleased to see such a strong response.

“It was refreshing for me as a local councillor to see a young enthused

group deciding to do something about an issue that they wanted to support and make happen, engaging in the lobbying system and local democracy,” he said.

“There are major plans to upgrade facilities in the central amenity area of Skerries and now is the time for the Skerries skateboard park committee to get onboard that bus.

“I wholeheartedly support the Skerries skateboard park group in their campaign to make a skateboard park in Skerries a reality,” he said.

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28 November 2013 swords gazette 5

expansion Ventures set for Airside Retail Park

Wright to open two venues and create 100 jobs  Laura Webb

A jobs boost has been announced for the Swords area with The Wright Bar Group creating 100 jobs with the opening of two new venues.

Michael JF Wright announced the creation of the jobs following an investment of over €800,000 into two new venues by the group Hogs and Heifers Club and Baroque Club.

The group, which has already built up a chain

of nine bars and restaurants and one nightclub in Dublin over the past 18 years, currently employees over 350 people.

Hogs and Heifers Club is a 7,000 sq ft premises located on South Quarter at the Airside Retail Park. The official opening of this venture is Friday, November 29.

According to the group, Hogs and Heifers is based on refined steakhouses from the meat packers’ district in New York.

This gastro pub will

use locally sourced quality dry aged cuts of meat, it will have sharing meat planks and hog on a spit.

There is also a large selection of craft beers from Ireland and around the world.

The venue’s centre piece is a large wooden island bar under a corrugated iron roof with an open plan kitchen. It has a late licence and will have live rock music.

Commenting on the announcement made earlier this week, Wright

Baroque Club will be located in a secret gallery at the renowned Wright Venue

said: “Last year saw pubs closing in Ireland at the rate of one every 48 hours, yet despite these conditions the Wright Bar Group has gone from strength to strength and I am thrilled to announce our most recent expansion.

“It’s about creating

something exciting for customers; we recognised a surge in demand for interesting local Irish craft beers, good local food and music and we are excited about our new ventures,” he said.

The second of the Wright Bar Group’s new ventures, Baroque Club,

will be located in a secret gallery at the renowned Wright Venue, also at Airside Retail Park. This new club will open on Saturday, November 30.

Other businesses under the Wright Bar Group include the Anglers Rest, Wrights Cafe Bar and Findlater House.

youth Cake and book sale a success Swords-Baldoyle Youth Service held a successful cake and book sale at their premises in Swords recently.

Friends and supporters of the youth service donned their aprons and baked a range of treats.

Donations of a range of cakes and breads were made by Superquinn while members of the local community also donated books, CDs and DVDs. A total of €280 was raised for two worthy causes. €100 was donated to the youth service and its Understanding Diversity programme while the remaining €180 will be presented to Dogs Trust on December 6, when groups of secondary school students from Fingal will be given a tour of their facilities.

6 swords gazette 28 November 2013

survey Satisfaction with wide range of activities and quality of services

Visitor assessment of Fingal tourism a positive one  natalie burke nburke@gazettegroup.com

The preliminary results of a visitor survey being carried out by Fingal Tourism have shown that visitors to the local area are very happy with their tourism

experience.

This is according to early results of a survey which is part of an ongoing DITAC H I E V p r o j e c t . T h e project is assessing tourism in Fingal to determine if it is being managed in a way that will ensure long term

sustainability of tourism in the region.

Attractions

Results show that visitors are undertaking a wide range of activities in Fingal, including shopping, dining and visiting attractions such

as beaches, parks, the coastline and heritage sites.

Visitors appear to be satisfied with the friendliness of the locals and service providers as well as the quality of the service they experience during their visit. Early indications also show that

they are satisfied with the overall value for money in Fingal.

One respondent stated that Fingal is a wonderful place to visit and they look forward to coming back.

T he next stage of the project is a Resident Sur-

vey which has just been launched and will ask residents in Fingal to share their views on tourism in the region.

Residents are urged to share their views on www. survey.bris.ac.uk/dit/fingalresidentsurvey.

Ryanair announces nine new routes and 300 jobs Bud ge t a i r l i n e R y a n a i r h a s announced nine new routes out of Dublin from April 2014 which will bring 300 jobs. The airline says it will carry an extra 700,000 passengers.

Senator Darragh O’Brien (FF) welcomed the announcement saying it is a “major vote of confidence” in Dublin and is a very positive move for the local economy in Fingal.

“The improved road network in north Dublin, Terminal 2 and Pier D has all helped to make it attractive for investment.

“The sustained investment in the airport’s infrastructure over many

years is one of the key factors in the expanding employments opportunities,” he said.

“Increased capacity on routes out of Dublin is a direct result of the €3 travel tax being scrapped and that is an important development we welcome,” he added.

“We need to see more effort from the Government in highlighting the positives of our capital city to bring about more investment and job creation,” he concluded.

The nine routes are Almeria, Bari, Basel, Bucharest, Chania, Chomiso, Lisbon, Marrakesh and Prague.

N?P 8;M<IK@J< N@K? K?< >8Q<KK<6 tidytowns: loss of points leads to removal motion Swords Tidy Towns Committee raised the issue of “unsightly” phone units in the area

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Local council set to remove phone units

 natalie burke nburke@gazettegroup.com

The local council is set to seek the removal of a number of Smart Telecom Phone Units from the Swords area, after their existence cost the local Tidy Towns Committee marks in this year’s competition.

Plans to seek their removal were raised at a recent area committee meeting after a local representative described the units as “unsightly” and a site for anti-social behaviour.

Cllr Darragh Butler

(FF) said the issue had originally been raised by the local Swords Tidy Towns Committee, which requested that a number of Smart Telecom Phone Units would be removed from certain areas in Swords, due to them affecting the overall look of the area.

Cllr Butler asked that the local authority seek to remove the “unsightl y ” S m a r t Te l e c o m Phone Unit from the Dublin Road, as well as any other such units on or around Swords Main Street, after they are believed to have caused

the town to lose marks in the various Tidy Tow ns competitions held in recent years.

A spokesperson at the council meeting said that if the motion was passed by local representatives of the area, a letter would be issued to Eircom to seek the removal of the units in question.

At the meeting, Cllr Butler said: “The issue was raised by Swords Tidy Towns and other groups in the area. The one unit in particular [they were referring to] was the unit on the

Dublin Road in Swords.

It can be unsightly and I know that the glass was broken during the summer as well as other damage done.”

The motion was agreed by those attending the recent area committee meeting and Fingal County Council confirmed that a letter will be issued to the telecommunications company.

“W hen a reply is received, the members for the local electoral area will be notified,” the spokesperson concluded.

28 November 2013 swords gazette 7

theatre Panto Boot Camp winners join Sleeping Beauty cast

Local youngsters are set to take the stage  natalie burke nburke@gazettegroup.com

Four local schoolchildren from north Dublin are about to hit the national stage in The Sleeping Beauty at The Helix, having won a place at a Panto Boot Camp during the summer.

Ten-year-old Lauryn Mullin and 11-year-old Sam Kelly from Swords will be joining 11-year-old Clodagh Finnegan from Rush and nine-year-old Aisling Patterson from Donabate who are all set to have their theatrical dreams come true.

The local youngsters were among 200 hopefuls who were put through

their paces at Ireland’s only panto boot camp in recent months.

Their lessons included singing, dancing and schooling in the art of pantomime but only the top talent gets picked to perform at The Helix, home of Ireland’s best produced traditional pantomimes.

Now the chosen kids are set to shine in a sixweek run of The Sleeping Beauty at the Helix, which kicks off on November 29, and finishes on January 13.

“Being on stage is really, really exciting and we’ve had so much fun learning all our new dances and songs,” explained Aisling

Patterson, who hails from Somerton, Donabate.

At just nine years old Aisling, who is in third class at Scoil Phadraic, Donabate, is among the younger members of the cast.

Best thing ever

“It’s the best thing ever, we all love performing and it’s even better being on stage when you see the audience’s reaction,” said Clodagh Finnegan, who comes from Linn Beag in Rush.

Clodagh, who is in fifth class at Rush National School, is even more thrilled with her fellow actors who include Fair City’s loveable rogue

Mondo, also known as George McMahon.

George plays the handsome Harry Smiles in this re-telling of the classic fairytale with a contemporary Dublin twist.

“The grown-ups in the cast are really kind to us, we’re like a family. It’s fantastic to tell your classmates about performing alongside real stars like Mondo,” said Clodagh.

The north Dublin crew are among the talented bunch of 44 youngsters ranging in age from seven to 14, who have graduated from panto boot camp to cast member.

“Because there is a limit to the amount of time children can perform on

The panto kids Lauryn Mullin and Sam Kelly from Swords, Clodagh Finnegan from Rush and Aisling Patterson from Donabate who will be appearing in The Sleeping Beauty at The Helix Theatre. Picture: Conor McCabe Photography

stage our child star crew is divided into seven teams,” panto writer/producer Claire Tighe explained.

“All the children will appear in a selection of shows over our six-week run at The Helix.”

This is Claire’s sixth pantomime at the Dublin

theatre following on from previous productions of Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Cinderella, and Jack and the Beanstalk.

With over 20 years of pantomime experience, her family-run company TheatreworX has established a reputation for

producing successful traditional Christmas entertainment.

Sleeping Beauty will be performed at The Helix Theatre from November 29 until January 12, 2014.

Tickets cost €25, €21 (child) and from €69 for families.

8 swords gazette 28 November 2013

gazetteGALLERIES

Emma Turcan gets a big hug from Santa

Santa and his friends have a walk about the Pavilions to meet some of the many people who turned up to greet him . Pictures: David Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Shea

Christmas: THE pavilions SLIPS INTO SEASONAL MODE

Sleigh bells ring for a special visitor in red

C

hristmas has arrived at the Swords Pavilions Shopping Centre as Santa Claus has taken up residence at his special grotto.

The man in red arrived in style with a parade around the shopping cen-

Alicia Reid, Daisy Reid and Neve Pritchard

tre with his team of elves and other festive characters, as well as the cast of Sleeping Beauty at The Helix.

Gerry Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor and his brass band led the parade. There was face painting and balloon modelling on

Lauren Martin

the day to entertain the whole family.

Santa says he is now ready and looking forward to hearing what local boys and girls have on their Christmas wishlists.

Meja Mumiute

Ethan Mullen with his mam, Stephanie

28 November 2013 swords gazette 9

Have you seen yourself in the Gazette? Buy photos online from only â&#x201A;Ź6.99 at www.gazettephotos.com

Abbie Maher and mam Claire Meeley

Andis, Ralfs, Sandija and Iveta Vaicikauskis

Hazel Kelly has her face painted

Kym Fitzsimons and her mam, Sandra, visit Santa

A large crowd turned up to see Santa arrive at his special grotto at the Pavilions

10 swords gazette 28 November 2013

gazetteGALLERY

Have you seen yourself in the Gazette? Buy photos online from only â&#x201A;Ź6.99 at www.gazettephotos.com

Antoinette and Stephen Pender with Siobhan and Declan Rice. Pictures: Dennigan Photography

Niamh Connolly and Shane Mitchell

Ashley Carroll, Jillian Murtagh, Sandra Courtney, Sarah Roche and Amy Boyd

The carnival comes to town for CanTeen T

HIS November, the carnival came to town as CanTeen Ireland celebrated its 10th winter ball recently.

CanTeenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s members, friends and supporters rolled-up at the Crowne Plaza in Swords to take part in an evening of fun and frolics, with enter-

tainment from award-winning Irish comedian Chris Kent and music by SoundCheque.

Along with entertainment on the night, guests also had the opportunity to hear the stories of some inspirational CanTeen members and Professor Desmond Carney, consultant

Ciara Barry and Patrick Mooney

oncologist from the Mater Hospital.

The annual winter ball was set up to celebrate the members of CanTeen Ireland, a national support group for young people with cancer which has been running for nine years. CanTeen has more than 260 members, who range from 12 to 25 years old.

Jennifer Kelly, Sarah MacLoughlin and Robyn Pim

Sarah Harmon and Sean Niall, Anna Marie and Ciara McKenna

Redmond

Jennifer Jordan and Martin Walsh

28 November 2013 Gazette 11

diary P14

asdfsdaf business P27 P16

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



Gazette

feature P12

what’son Christmas festival is back:

Ireland AM presenter Alan Hughes says his Toy Show will feature some of the most in-demand toys this year

hughes: ‘people forget Ireland AM have done their own Show for years’

TV3 Toy Show to vy with RTE for Xmas viewers  Laura Webb

Ireland AM presenter Alan Hughes is to take on a new challenge when he goes head to head with Ryan Tubridy’s Late Late Toy Show on Friday.

TV3’s pre-recorded Christmas Toys is bringing Christmas spirit to homes across Ireland during a morning segment on Ireland AM on November 29, which will be repeated later that night.

Filming on set, Alan took time out

to speak to The Gazette.

“I am so excited about it. It is great fun. The kids have been great all morning, it’s just a real Christmas wonderland here and we are really getting into the spirit of it. The toys are great and the kids are great,” he said.

Putting to bed talk that this show is trying to rival RTE’s Late Late Toy Show he said: “People forget that Ireland AM have done their own toy show for years.

“We have had our own show throughout the programme every year with five minute sections throughout the mornings.

“So what we have done this year, because of our extended Ireland AM show, we have just put them together and put it into a half hour show. It was then decided to put the half hour show on Friday night, which just happens to be the same night as the Late Late Toy Show.

“You can’t even try and compare

it to the Late Late Toy Show. We are not going to get one million viewers; if we get 100,000 viewers we would be delighted. It is no competition but it is going to be a lovely half-hour show.”

According to Alan, the show features some of the most in-demand toys this year, which will help parents and kids with their Christmas lists this year.

Christmas Toys airs Friday, November 29 on Ireland AM at 10am and again that night at 8pm on TV3.

Dublin Docklands Christmas Festival is back again for the ninth consecutive year, bringing Christmas cheer and magical festival treats to the heart of Dublin from the IFSC at George’s Dock.

Taking place from December 12–23, this year promises to be bigger and better than ever before with a few surprises added to the regular line-up of events, including an entertainment area taking place on the event platform in George’s Dock.

The atmosphere during the week-long event promises to be truly festive with Christmas trees, fairy lights, carol singing, traditional Victorian fairground rides, lots of gift shopping opportunities and mulled wine and festive food for every taste bud. The opening hours of the festival are Monday to Wednesday from 12pm to 8pm, Thursday and Friday from 12pm to 10pm, Saturday from 10am to 10pm, and Sunday from 10am to 8pm.

For a full list of the festival events visit www. dublindocklandschristmasfestival.ie

Gazette

12 Gazette 28 November 2013

dublinlife

feature a day in the life: youngest Mayor of South dublin

‘There’s no normal morning for me’  Ian Begley

South Dublin Mayor Dermot Looney: “This isn’t a nine-to-five job at all”

Voted in as the youngest ever Mayor of South County Dublin, 31-yearold Labour councillor Dermot Looney has accomplished a vast amount of public and political merits in his relatively short time in the job.

H e s p o ke t o t h e Gazette about a day in the busy life of a mayor.

“This isn’t a nine-tofive job at all. I aim to be in the office for around 10am, but frequently I have meetings at half

seven in the morning.

“The reason why I come into the office so late [in the mornings] is because I have events or meetings in the evening time going on until 9pm or even beyond,” said Dermot.

“There’s no normal morning for me. I’m not a great man for taking breakfast, but a cup of tea is very important.

“I drive a very fancy 1997 Toyota Corolla that I got from my Dad and it’s brilliant.

“I would often get parking spots reserved

for me, and people are kind of surprised when I turn up in this weird looking green Corolla,” said Dermot.

Interactions Dermot admits that the many interactions he has with people on a daily basis are what makes his job so interesting.

“Last week I had about 20 events to launch or attend to, then I had 20 or 30 separate meetings during the week,” said Dermot.

“The thing that’s the

most positive and fulfilling to me is meeting with all sorts of groups that are doing really important work in the community.

“I’m the youngest mayor that there has ever been in South Dublin so I think there’s an expectation on me to be full of energy.

“We’ll see next May when the local elections are on how much of that energy remains, but right now it’s quite a positive job.”

Unwind After a vigorously long day as mayor, Dermot says his favourite thing to unwind to is attending St Pat’s matches, watching television, meeting up with friends and playing the guitar.

“I play the guitar a little bit and enjoy meeting up with friends and watching a bit of television.

“I’m half way through season four of Breaking Bad and I’m a big fan of the Simpsons,” said Dermot.

“I used to be a busker that was a job I had once upon a time, and a Christy Moore tribute act is what I used to do. I’m not much good, but music is a great way to relax.”

Elected Dermot was elected in June 2009 to represent the “Tallaght Central” ward, while working as a full-time primary school teacher at St Dominic’s NS, Tallaght.

Since being elected as the Lord Mayor of South Dublin in June, 2013 Dermot has temporarily put his teaching role aside to devote his time to politics.

28 November 2013 Gazette 13

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dublinlife

Karen Koster, Lisa Cannon and Glenda Gilson greet Michelle Doherty (right) on her arrival at The Marker Hotel Dublin, when it was announced that Michelle Doherty is the newest presenter on TV3’s Xpose Entertainment Show. Picture: Brian McEvoy

TV3 introduces new Actress and TV presenter Michelle Doherty has been announced as the brand new member of the TV3 Xpose team and will be joining Karen Koster, Glenda Gilson and Lisa Cannon as Aisling O’Loughlin takes maternity leave.

Hailing from Donegal, the IFTA nominated Michelle has already hosted television and radio shows and has expanded her career into acting after appearing in the award-winning film What Richard Did. Speaking about the appointment of Michelle, TV3 group head of daytime, Victoria O’Brien, said she will be a great addition to the team.

“Her audition blew us out of the water and there is no question that Michelle is the one for

Xpose.”

Already a big fan of the show, Michelle said she is delighted with her new role.

“I’m looking forward to working alongside the girls. I have always had a big love of fashion and I can’t wait for the new challenges that lie ahead.”

Ross says sorry for comment A south Dublin TD found himself in a spot of bother this week after an off-the-cuff comment on Twitter resulted in an apology to the President.

Independent TD Shane Ross apologised to President Michael D Higgins after comparing him to “Christopher Robin” on hearing about the first official Presidential visit to Britain.

Michael D will become the first President to visit Queen Elizabeth next year.

A fter the trip was announced, Deputy Ross tweeted: “So Michael D is off to see the Queen, just like Christopher Robin. He will do us proud staying in Windsor Castle. What would Dev think?”

A second tweet read: “Bet Michael D follows visit to Queen by summons Dail for state of nation speech. Mary Robinson did. Hope he won’t read us his poetry.”

However, the TD then posted a third message reading: “That was disrespectful to both Queen and President. Apologies to Aras an Uachtarain.

He is a great President. I love him dearly.”

wanted-mania hits dundrum Forget Beatle-mania in the 60s, its all about The Wanted in the 21st century as hundreds of screaming fans made their way to HMV in Dundrum to greet the chart-topping hunks.

Irish member Siva Kaneswaran brought his four band buddies, Max George, Jay McGuiness, Tom Parker and Nathan Sykes, to Dublin last week ahead of their appearance at the Cheerios Childline Concert in the O2.

Extra security was arranged to handle the expected rush of fans to the newly re-opened music store at the Dundrum Town Centre, and they were right to beef up security as hundreds made their way to the store to get a glimpse of

Got a photo? share it with us!

Call our news team on 60 10 240 and SELECT OPTION 2

or email news@gazettegroup.com

28 November 2013 Gazette 15

R1

recruit Michelle to the Xpose crew the group.

They brought tears to fans eyes who were elated to meet the supergroup as they signed copies of their new album, Word of Mouth.

The Wanted will be back for fans next year to perform at the O2 in Dublin on March 24, as part of their Word of Mouth World Tour 2014.

show support for simon Homelessness is not as far away as people may think, especially in these tough and uncertain times.

It can happen to anyone as these factors are often out of people’s control. It is never a choice.

The Dublin Simon

Community is a place that people turn to.

They are focused on providing supportive alternatives to people living in despair, enabling them to rebuild their broken lives and empowering them to secure a safe home of their own.

This Christmas there are many ways you can support the vital work that the Simon Community does.

You can buy a Simon Gold Star and give it as a meaningful gift this Christmas.

You can also join Sing for Simon and use your voice to end homelessness.

For more information on the Dublin Simon Community and how to

contribute, visit www. dubsimon.ie or call the team on (01) 671 5551.

forty years of the Blue book Ireland’s Blue Book recently celebrated its 40th anniversary with Michelin starred Thornton’s Restaurant, Clare Island Lighthouse and Liss Ard Estate joining in the festivities.

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar, was present to officially launch the 2014 Edition of Ireland’s Blue Book at The Merrion Hotel on November 21.

The celebrations drew a host of well-know names with over 100 guests in total, including: TV3’s Colette Fitzpatrick,

FM104’s Sean Musanje, Senator Catherine Noone, and Austrian Ambassador, HE Anas Khales.

Champagne Deutz sponsored the drinks reception, along with Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau 2013, known internationally as the wine of friendship and hospitality.

The Merrion delighted guests with an array of canapes, especially selected for the occasion including McLoughlin’s rare Irish beef, horseradish mousse on brioche and crispy filo tartlets.

For additional details on Ireland’s Blue Book visit www.irelandsbluebook.com or phone 016769914

The Wanted visit HMV Dundrum for an exclusive appearance

Gazette

diary

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dublinlife

Q&A: Ben Kitchin, Business Development Director

Driving down the cost of business broadband Host Ireland Business Broadband director, Ben Kitchin, is from Sligo, and attended Glenstal Abbey School in County Limerick, before studying business and economics in Trinity College Dublin. He was a founder of Trinity Capital Student Managed Fund, the largest investment fund run by students in Ireland.

Ben Kitchin is on the board of the Trinity Business Alumni. Kitchin developed and sold a uniquely successful advertising business in Dublin before working with Host Ireland Business Broadband. Ben has been a director of Dublin-based Host Ireland Business Broadband, Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fastest growing telecommunications company and business broadband specialists, for three years.

business How long have you been in business?

Host Ireland Business Broadband was established in 1998. It grew to become a software solutions leader in Ireland by 2004 designing bespoke solutions for over 10,000 Irish customers before launching its Broadband service in 2009.

What makes your business successful?

A highly skilled, hard working team and amazing customer support.

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

We look at what our customers want and we try to exceed their expectations.

They love us for our outstanding level of customer support, our 24 hour installation lead time and the fact that we are 40% cheaper than our competitors. Our customers adore us and you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t beat that.

How has the recession impacted your business?

It has been the corner stone of our success. 1,200 Dublin businesses have moved to our service in the last four years because we are 40% cheaper than our competitors and our speeds are at least twice as fast. We predicted a huge move to the cloud for Irish businesses and that is 100% dependent on reliably fast broadband connectivity. Naturally access to credit in the Irish banking system has led to challenges, however an innova-

tive business model has overcome this challenge.

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

Working with customers to find the most appropriate service for them rather than trying to upsell all the time. Irish businesses respect good value and an honest and caring service provider.

What is your ambition for the business?

We are growing to become Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business broadband provider. We will always have the highest level of customer support for our market leading broadband service. We will always be the fastest and the most affordable.

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

The fascinating businesses I meet on a daily basis. I have always been memorized by the thousands of ways people make money. Everyone is working tirelessly at growing their own business. That energy is unbelievable.

What living person do you most admire?

Richard Branson

What is your favorite Dublin restaurant?

Pichet

28 November 2013 Gazette 17

food & Drink P23

asdfsdaf P27 travel P25

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



Gazette

style P18

PETS

help bella find a home as your new family pet

Tipperary native Tom O’Mahony is showcasing his stand-up talent in the New Year

comedy: Damo and Ivor’s Tarquin goes back to his stand-up roots

Now for the apocalypse  Laura Webb

He is widely known as toffee-nosed Tarquin from the hit RTE show Damo and Ivor, but Tipperary native Tom O’Mahony is far from his TV character and is showcasing his stand-up talent in the New Year.

Tom was first approached to play the over-the-top D4 character for a stint on a Republic of Telly episode with the Dublin duo when he was doing a standup show.

“I was just able to do that ridiculous over-the-top D4 accent. After, I had to audition for my own part in the [Damo and Ivor] show but because I just looked and sounded so ridiculous - they went along with it,” he said.

He explains how he got the right look for the character.

“It’s half about the face too, you pull a face like you are smelling something vile all the time – everything is off-putting,” he joked.

Despite living in Clonskeagh his hometown is far from any Dublin.

“I am originally from Tipperary.

“When people find out I am not actually that guy, they go - oh you’re actually acting - some people actually get disappointed with me because they were banking on me being him until they realise I am some muck-savage from Tipperary and then their dreams are shattered. Like the Nidge moment when people found out he’s not that Dub.”

Tom is hanging up his “Dubes” shoes to go back to his stand-up roots. Asked how he first got involved in stand-up he explained: “I was kind of tricked into it.

People I was working with said I should give it a go and before I knew it we were in a comedy club and they gave me a run a couple of weeks later. I got good reviews and it went from there.”

As for nerves he said: “When you are trying new material or in an environment you are not used to there are nerves there, if there wasn’t you would get worried.”

His latest show, Bring on the Apocalypse, takes a look at the world around him. “I think I am getting old, I am starting to spot things. In this show I look at what is happening around me, the

X-Factor generation - kids with skin tight trousers, hipsters – stuff that sends me over the edge.

“I can’t get my head around it but it’s dynamite material. The awkward looks on some of the lads sitting in the audience when I start into this – they all start brushing their hair down trying to take down the quiff.

“The show is basically saying the world is going to end if we don’t get this sorted, we should go right back to the 70s when moustaches weren’t fashionable they were just seen as a necessity,” he laughs.

Bring on the Apocalypse is at the Civic Theatre on Saturday, January 11, 2014. See www.civictheatre.ie for further information.

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

Our Dog of the Week is Bella, a two-year-old female Staffordshire bull terrier. Bella only arrived here recently but she has already made quite an impression on all her carers. She previously lived with a family who had had a new baby and decided they no longer had the time or space for Bella. She is a super sweet girl who is only dying to be back in the heart of a loving family!

She loves other dogs and loves meeting new people and we just know she is going to make a fantastic addition to the right family.

If you think you can offer Bella a home, please contact Dogs Trust at 01 879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off Exit 5 on the M50, and directions can be found on www. dogstrust.ie.

You can also find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ dogstrustireland or Twitter @DogsTrust_IE.

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18 GAZETTE 28 November 2013

OUT&ABOUT

Rachel Gilbert Vivienne gown €200 to hire for three days

White bandage dress €120 to buy. Grey fur coat €265.

Chunky necklace €30

stylish

Tis the season to be Crystal drop earrings €50

 LAURA WEBB

BadgelyMischka full length gold gown €170 to hire for three days

IRISH fashionista’s get ready to look fabulous with a little help from newly opened fashion store, Starla, which has some of the most desirable dresses to rent or buy.

Located at 27 South William Street, Starla is the ultimate one-stop-shop for any occasion, whether it’s a wedding, black-tie ball or just a night out with the girls over the festive season.

The store stocks a vast range of

Rachel Gilbert Azaria dress €150 to hire for three days

dresses, stunning fur coats, musthave colour-popping python-skin clutch bags and jewellery to dazzle throughout the party season. So if it’s a present for you or for someone else, these Starla favourites will definitely be topping Christmas lists this season.

This week, Gazette Style looks at just some of their most popular pieces to see you through the festive season in style.

For further information on Starla Dress Rental, see www. starla.ie

Diamante clutch bags €65 each

Python skin clutch bags €120 to buy

Starla crystal bangles, from €5 to €50

28 November 2013 Gazette 19

Gazette

STYLE

How to dress for success Stylist and broadcaster Sonya Lennon has helped 500 women Dress for Success since the initiative first came to Dublin in 2011.

Dress for Success Dublin is part of the global Dress for Success organisation, which has 125 affiliates worldwide.

Since Sonya first brought the initiative to Dublin two years ago, it has supported 500 women get ready for job interviews with confidence and build towards achieving their goal of economic independence.

Over the years 57% of candidates have secured employment.

Sonya Lennon, founder of Dress for Success Dublin, says: “Our role is to empower women to feel confident that they

Nail lacquers from the Arts Collection

The Eye and Face Palette from The Arts Collection

Pure Shine Colour Lip Balm

Must-have make-up for this festive season

Catrice Cosmetics has released its latest collection for the festive season and it must be said that if you got this for a present, you wouldn’t be disappointed.

The make-up collection comes in a range of fashion forward colours which you would easily see on palettes on high-end cosmetic shelves.

This week, Gazette Beauty takes a look at some of the products it has to offer customers this festive season.

The Eye and Face Palette from The Arts

Collection by Catrice contains six powder eye shadows with various effects, a blush shade for fresh complexion, a highlighter for that extra special glow as well as black eyeliner and an applicator.

Colour schemes range from rose and rosewood shades to green and gold nuances to copper and anthracite tones.

The boxes are designed to a high standard with art deco like graphics.

This product has a RRP price of €9.99 each.

Nails should never be neglected this time of year, and it’s the best

way to add a bit of sparkle to any outfit. There is a choice of three nail lacquers also from the Arts Collection for only €2.99. This nail varnish is long-lasting and has great shine, with A/W colours including glamorous pink, sensual green and elegant gold.

The cold winter months can play havoc with lips so to make sure they’re moisturised and protected, Catrice has brought out Pure Shine Colour Lip Balm. This product adds colour and sparkle to lips while keeping them hydrated.

It has a creamy, super-

soft texture instead of a sticky sensation, taking care of lips and offering a pleasant fragrance.

The RRP price for this product is €5.49 This is not all Catrice has to offer other products include: Brow Set Duo, Better Than False Lash Mascara, Absolute Nude Palette, Made to Stay highlighter pen, Prime and Fine Highlighting Powder and Prime and Fine Illuminating Base.

Catrice is stocked in pharmacies nationwide as well as selected Dunnes Stores and Penneys.

Stylist Sonya Lennon

are smart and capable of getting the job. When they walk through our door, they have usually lost the confidence to succeed and are not sure what to expect. We treat women with respect and dignity when we suit them and immediately start to see a positive change.”

How it works - it takes donated professional

clothing items from women that don’t need them and give them to women that do.

They provide not only professional clothing for interview, in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, in their Dublin offices and boutique, but also a range of programmes and services to help the women they are working with to get through the vital interview stage of their job search and beyond including interview techniques, CV preparation and a working wardrobe to start a job.

For further information about the organisation and how you could get the team involved at your workplace, call 01 8748064 or email info@ dressforsuccessdublin. org.

GAZETTE

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OUT&ABOUT

CINEMA

FILM OF THE WEEK: SAVING MR BANKS

When Walt met his match with Mary Poppins’ ‘mother’ Walt Disney (Tom Hanks) faces the difficult task of persuading prim, exacting and protective author Mrs (PL) Travers (Emma Thompson, inset) to allow him to make a new film – Mary Poppins – based on her work

THE behind-the-scenes stor y in Saving Mr Banks sees Tom Hanks portray Walt Disney as he desperately tries to secure the rights to produce one of the Disney studio’s most iconic films, Mary Poppins.

The dramatic backand-forth between Disney and the author of the series of Poppins books, PL Tr ave r s ( E m m a Thompson) in the early 1960s plays out as a consistently funny, and ultimately moving, reflection on the relationship between creators and their creations.

For those whose Mary Poppins-related knowledge may not be supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, the “Mr Banks” of the film’s title refers to the aloof and sad banker father and husband in Mary Poppins who learns to live and laugh again once the eponymous magical nanny shows up – as such, Mr Banks is an important character to Disney and Travers alike, for personal reasons.

Despite the fact that Saving Mr Banks is made

by Disney, and that elements are inevitably toned down for the audience or omitted (Walt’s infamous cigarette habit, which led to his death from lung cancer, is alluded to with a persistent cough – but never a wisp of smoke), the onscreen Walt is surpris-

 DAVE PHILLIPS

ingly human.

Here, he’s an old-fashioned schmoozer, who is well used to getting people to do what he wants.

And, with Mary Poppins, it’s a personal task – he not only realises the commercial potential of the project, but making the film would also fulfil a promise he made to his daughter more than a decade earlier.

However, what he wants is not at all what PL Travers wants. After years of pursuit, Disney has finally got her to come to Hollywood to meet face to face.

I t i s T h o m p s o n ’s wonderful portrayal of Travers’ culture shock that provides most of the laughs. Mrs Travers – never “Pamela” – is an excessively proper, milkfirst type of lady with an acerbic streak that strips the veneers from the legion of incessant smiles she encounters in LA. She’s appalled by the changes that the Disney team suggest – her Mary Poppins is older, not at all coy, and she would never associate with a chimney sweep.

Every line of dialogue,

costume, set, and prop that Disney suggests is meticulously scrutinised

by Travers – and that’s before the songs and animated penguins are even mentioned.

Regular flashbacks to Travers’ childhood in rural Australia reveal some of the rationale behind her possessiveness of the Mary Poppins story.

Like Mr Banks, Travers’ father (Colin Farrell) was a bank manager who struggled for a sense of happiness and meaning in life.

Dependent on alcohol, he is a mischievous and, in the young girl’s eyes, an almost magical figure that she is forced to watch degenerate.

It becomes clear that the character of Mr Banks is central to both Travers and Disney – Travers sees him as the father that she

could save in a fantastical alternative to her own troubled childhood.

Disney sees himself in Mr Banks, and ultimately hopes that Mr Banks’ on-screen redemption will fulfil a promise to his daughter and mirror a similar sense of redemption in his own life.

For both Travers and Disney, the relationship between the author and the character is inextricably linked to the relationship between the parent and the child.

Saving Mr Banks carries the hallmarks of a Disney story, but it does so in a nuanced and selfreflective way, thanks to superb writing and acting that carry it through more than two hours, and will undoubtedly see it receive a lot of Oscar attention.

Verdict - 8/10

As Mrs Travers’ father, Colin Farrell (pictured here with Annie Rose Buckley, as Travers as a girl) plays an important part in her future protectiveness

28 November 2013 GAZETTE 21

Disney’s latest animated film, Frozen, is a coming of age story inspired by Hans Christian Anderson’s Snow Queen with incredible animation such as the stunning snow laden forests

A Disney ode to the Snow Queen  DAVE PHILLIPS

DISNEY’S latest animated film sees the studio take a trip back to the familiar world of fairy tales with Frozen, a coming of age story inspired by Hans Christian Anderson’s Snow Queen.

Frozen is a tale of two sisters who are princesses in the typically idyllic Kingdom of Arendelle.

Anna (Kristen Bell) is the younger sister of Elsa (Idina Menzel), who is in line to become Queen.

From an early age, Elsa has had magical powers that allow her to create snow and ice and as she grows older her powers become stronger.

When playing one day she accidentally injures Anna, and her parents

realise that Elsa’s powers are becoming too much for her to handle. They decide to keep her confined in the castle, and separated from Anna, who loses her memory of her elder sister’s magical abilities.

Quest

Elsa is taught to “conceal, not reveal” and keeps her abilities a secret but after their parents tragic death, Elsa’s power becomes uncontrollable and she flees to the mountains to live in a palace made of ice, leaving Arendelle in a state of perpetual winter – cue Anna’s quest to find her sister and restore order.

So far, so formulaic, but the real thrill of Frozen lies in the way it manages

to play with the conventions of traditional story structure, while at the same time adhering to it.

This is no doubt down to the input of Jennifer Lee, who worked on the screenplay for Wreck-It Ralph, and who is credited for the story, screenplay, and direction of Frozen alongside Chris Buick, who had previously worked with Disney on The Little Mermaid and Pocahontas.

This marriage of old school and new school gives Frozen its greatest successes, but also has a part to play in less sparkling moments.

Fittingly for a story about adolescence, Frozen is at times a little clunky and confused. An elongated first act with too many glitzy musical

interludes radically shifts gear and adds plenty of laughs once Anna sets off on her quest up the mountain to find Elsa.

As ever, incredible animation plays a huge role and the snow laden forests and intricate levels of the ice palace are stunning.

The rocky start is quickly forgiven as once over that initial hurdle, the film thankfully remains massively entertaining to the end.

And it’s the latter half of the film that will really cement Frozen as a classic, as it manages to gently and cleverly subvert the fairy tale genre. It’s still all about finding your true love, but not in the ways you might expect.

Verdict - 7/10

GAZETTE

CINEMA

22 Gazette 28 November 2013

Gazette

OUT&ABOUT On a mission to boost home-cooked food Kitchen Hero: Donal Skehan is back on the road and our tv

Donal Skehan is back on the road in his trusty vintage Citroen H van for the second part of this third Kitchen Hero Home Cooked series.

The hugely popular presenter is on a mission, showing people just how easy it is to prepare delicious, home-cooked food as he lays out his stall at festivals and gatherings around the country. It’s Donal’s Home Cooked roadshow.

Speaking of the cookery show, Donal says: “Everything I know I either taught myself or learned from my mother and grandmother.

“T he most important thing I know is that home-cooked food can be tastier, healthier and cheaper than almost any ready-made meals, takeaways or fast food you can buy.

“If you cook your own food, you know exactly what goes into it – how much sugar, how much salt, what kind of oil or butter and of course there are none of those funny sounding ingredients, trans-fats or e-numbers.

“But for me, the satisfaction of giving people food that they enjoy is just as important as the

28 November 2013 swords gazette 23

FOOD&DRINK BITESIZEDNEWS

Rock Lobster at Harvey Nichols will offer the very best sustainable seafood

Harvey Nichols gets ready to rock

Kitchen hero Donal Skehan in his trusty vintage Citroen H van

healthy stuff and the price. I get a real buzz from cooking for my friends and family and seeing them tuck into what I put on the table.”

Donal will be travelling the country to promote the Home Cooked message and the second part of this brand new series sees him visiting Trim Castle, The Dublin Horse Show and Dublin Zoo. Donal will be tak-

ing inspiration from home and abroad and introducing us to lots of mouthwatering recipes, including seafood paella, margarita chicken, sausage and puy lentil stew and tomato crab pasta.

As well as the dishes Donal cooks for the crowds at the festivals, he will also make lots of cakes, biscuits and other sweet treats in a section of each programme

called Donal’s Home Cooked Bakery.

“Of all the recipes I put up on my blog, the most downloaded and frequently requested recipes are those for cakes, biscuits and desserts.”

So, each week in this new series we’re going to have a section dedicated to those delicious indulgences that everyone just can’t get enough of.

Crisp chewy meringues

with lashings of cream and summer fruits, plump profiteroles dripping with chocolate sauce, sweet and salty dark chocolate caramel biscuits, creme brulee doughnuts and rich peanut butter sandwich cookies – all of these will make an appearance in Donal’s Bakery.

Kitchen Hero Home Cooked is on Thursday December 5 RTE One, 7pm.

Rock Lobster is coming to Harvey Nichols this December.

One of Donnybrook’s favourite restaurants serving cocktails, steak and, of course, seafood is now opening in Dundrum.

The 100-seater restaurant and cocktail bar in Harvey Nichols is undergoing a major refurbishment to recreate the fun atmosphere that is synonymous with Rock Lobster.

Rock Lobster at Harvey Nichols will offer the very best sustainable seafood, lobsters and prime dry aged beef, keenly priced.

Owner Niall Sabongi deals daily with small independent fishermen, co-ops and farmers to source the finest fresh seafood, shellfish, lobsters and beef.

For those who think lobster is only for the rich and famous, Rock Lobster will offer a split lobster or lobster roll, served with fries and salad for just €20.00.

“Harvey Nichols is all about fun and fashion, which is exactly the style we’ve worked hard to offer our diners in Rock Lobster at Harvey Nichols.

“The opportunity to bring Rock Lobster to Harvey Nichols is very, very exciting,” said Niall.

Reservations are being accepted now by emailing Dundrum@RockLobster.ie or calling 01 2910410. See www.RockLobster.ie for sample menus.

Celebrating the arrival in Ireland of the wine of friendship and hospitality

By French law, the international release of Beaujolais Nouveau takes place on the third Thursday in November each year.

Last Thursday, the first consignment of this year’s wine that is made in the Beaujolais area of France and released after harvest in the same year will be enjoyed internationally.

Beaujolais Nouveau is presently being delivered to pubs, restaurants, O’Brien’s, other selected off-licences, and SuperValu supermarkets around Ireland for uncorking on Thursday.

Parties are held in Ireland and around the world to celebrate the arrival of the 2013

vintage of Beaujolais Nouveau known as the wine of friendship and hospitality. It marks the start of the Christmas season and is a favourite in Thanksgiving celebrations in the USA. Georges Duboeuf is credited for the popularisation and production of Beaujolais wines, resulting in Duboeuf nicknames

of Le Roi de Beaujolais (The King of Beaujolais) or sometimes Pape du Beaujolais (The Pope of Beaujolais).

The 2013 vintage is particularly soft and light in the mouth, even by the standards of Beaujolais and there are very few tannins. The colours are a lovely purple red with dark, violet-

hued flints. The wine is dominated by juicy, fruit flavours of strawberries, raspberries, and redcurrants. Beaujolais Nouveau should be drunk young and served slightly chilled to make it even more refreshing.

Beaujolais Nouveau is on sale from selected off licences for €12.95.

Gazette

24 swords gazette 28 November 2013

OUT&ABOUT

MUSIC

FASTtunes

Spiralling back to the future with Tom Hingley One of the big three Manchester acts, from the seminal scene in the early 90s - alongside The Stone Roses and Happy Mondays - Inspiral Carpets were massively popular and had as much of an impact as their brothers in music from that time.

Singer Tom Hingley was in Dublin recently, playing an acoustic show at Thomas House promoting his duo of releases, the albums Sand and Paper, as well as to promote his book, Carpet Burns, a fascinating insight into the experience of being at the eye of the cultural hurricane that he experienced, as well as the experience of battling on in the music industry after their initial flourish of fame and the eventual break-up of the band.

Speaking to Gazette Music, Tom spoke about the way that he came to the new albums.

“I’ve played guitar since I was 11, and I’ve been in bands for a long time now. I got on the successful motorway of being the singer with Inspiral Carpets, but I’ve always played guitar, and this album is blusey rock, it’s very heavy and diverse.”

The albums are part of the latest trend for artists to finance their work through their fanbase, something that Hingley was pleased to say was a huge success for him.

“We put [the albums] up on Pledge, and it has raised over 200% of what we were hoping for.

What was lovely about the Pledge thing was that we got over 100 people prepared to hammer their colours to the mast and say they were into Tom Hingley as a solo artist.”

Carpet Burns is a devastatingly honest and heartfelt hymn to the experience of going around the world with a huge band, and its detail and insight into the Madchester phenomenon makes for a great read for any music fan and anyone who was a fan of the band or their contemporaries.

“I thought there would be films made about that scene, as it was very like Andy Warhol and The Factory in the 60s,” said Tom about the maelstrom in Manchester at the time.

“There were a thousand different elements coming together at the same time. Some extremely important - like the release of the Stone Roses first album, warehouse parties, Thatcher’s deindustrialisation of the north-east - it was a convergence of so many things.

“We never thought we would get mainstream success. When we got it, it was a case of be careful what you wish for. When you’re up there, on the top of a tall of a mountain, you get five minutes to stare out. It doesn’t matter if you fall down the mountain five minutes later, at least you were on top for those five minutes.”

Producer Rob Kirwan at the launch of Budweiser Future Sounds of Irish Music. Picture: Andres Poveda

interview: renowned producer and engineer, Rob Kirwan

Future sounds of Dublin A number of bands from across Ireland have recently had the privilege of going into a studio with one of the acknowledged masters of the mixing board, Rob Kirwan, as part of the Budweiser Future Sounds of Irish Music project.

Although Kirwan may not be a household name to most, he has had a hand in some of the best records of the last two decades, including albums by U2 and PJ Harvey and local acts Delorentos and Bell X1, as well as Depeche Mode’s most recent release, Delta Machine.

Gazette Music recently caught up with Rob just before the final stages of the competition to talk about the Future Sounds

 ROB heigh rheigh@gazettegroup.com

of Irish Music.

“Bands have submitted a track, one each, to the Budweiser Future Sounds website, and we have selected 10 of those,” said Rob. “That 10 will get one day in the studio with me. I will have one day to arrange, record, mix and master the track one band a day for 10 days.

“We have built a popup studio on George’s Street, where the Richie and Richie show on Phantom FM will be

broadcasting. We will be working away downstairs, and when we finish the track, they will play the finished track [on the show] and the artist will do an interview upstairs, so it will be good exposure for them.”

Having worked on so many memorable and influential records over the course of his career, Rob was very clear about the criteria for selecting the acts who took part in the final stage of the project.

“In terms of selecting the bands, it’s the songs - you can’t get away from that. If you haven’t got the songs, you’re not going to lure people in, irrespective of how sonically brilliant you are.

Basically, I have been

listening out for good songs, and a bit of variety as well - we didn’t want just 10 indie rock pop bands.

“So, we have singersongwriters, rappers, and the ubiquitous indie pop groups. Dublin is more well-known for that [style of music], it’s not really known for its hiphop or electronic output, so the majority of songs I listened to was from bands that entered the competition.”

The acts taking part in the competition come from all over Ireland, from Offaly, Donegal, Galway and Cavan, as well as from Dublin itself.

Although Rob will be responsible for delivering a track for each of

the groups taking part, he said that this could be a jumping off point for the acts.

“The project is a great opportunity for acts to take a step forward, produce a great track and get noticed.

“Many artists don’t know how to make a really good recording so I want to take the time to listen to their music, help unlock their sound and ensure the best possible track is produced on the day.

“The next stage after this is up to them. It’s very much up to the groups to take it to the next stage.”

For more information about the project, log on to www.facebook.com/ BudweiserIreland.

28 November 2013 swords gazette 25

living history: the university town that’s perfect for a book club break

Cambridge has class written all over it

 therese caherty

Cambridge – ideal for a book club break: a little shopping, plenty of books, a lot of backstory.

We headed for our preChristmas weekend with great expectations.

This university town on the river Cam reeks of history. As we walked into Christ College (we’d opted for student accommodation) the very walls exuded it. And then there was the overwhelming sense of privilege – Cambridge belongs inarguably to a certain class!

Undeterred, we set out to explore and hit the Eagle Public House on Bene’t Street, open for business since 1667. While some of us explored the RAF bar at the rear, with its graffiti of World War II airmen on ceiling and walls, others read the menu. It’s what bookclubbers do.

The scientist among us gasped on realising it was here that Francis Crick announced on February 28, 1953 that he and James Watson had “discovered the secret of life” – DNA. Cue tea for one, wine for

others – and a discussion on Cambridge-Oxford rivalry.

A tour guide nearby explained that once, they were the only two universities in England and Wales and vied for students. Oxford is older (there since 1096) while some of its students fleeing murderous townsmen created Cambridge in the 1200s.

The Bridge of Sighs is worth a view from St John’s Bridge. Spanning the Cam, this favourite of Queen Victoria takes its name from the Venice original even though the only architectural feature they share is that they’re both covered. Or maybe you’d prefer the myth that students named it to immortalise their preexam nerves. Sigh!

At Trinity College we were suitably impressed by the tree outside Isaac Newton’s old rooms. It’s a cutting of the original under which he sat when the apple fell!

We learned of his dedication to alchemy which led to serious pollution of the grounds outside his window through which the chemicals flew from

his failed experiments.

Everything changes; everything stays the same.

The face of another famed son of Cambridge met us almost everywhere we went: naturalist Charles Darwin, who revolutionised the life sciences, had lodged in Christ’s, our home from home.

While we certainly weren’t reading his Origin of the Species on this trip, we did dip into an entertaining read (Period Piece) by his granddaughter, the wood engraver, Gwen Raverat.

At Great St Mary’s Tower, two of us conquered our vertigo, paid £5 each and slithered up the uneven 123 steps of the medieval staircase for a view of the city.

The church, which has the only ring of 12 bells in the county, was where the chimes of Big Ben were composed and first rung.

Happily, a chance wander down St Edward’s Passage led us to David’s Bookshop, a wonderland of antiquarian, secondhand and remaindered books, maps, prints and engravings. It’s the kind of place that makes shop-

Gazette

TRAVEL fast

TRAVEL If you are sick of Christmas then it’s time to hit the beach

Bridge of Sighs, St John’s College - the university town on the river Cam reeks of history, with a wealth of beautiful buildings to discover

View of King’s College, Cambridge

ping for Christmas gifts a pleasure. And everywhere the sound of music, mostly free. We strayed into ancient candlelit halls and listened to ethereal Cambridge choirs – it almost (but not quite) made this Grinch look forward to Christmas.

We rounded off our trip with an obligatory stroll across the city’s misty meadows to the Orchard Tea Gardens of Grantchester where another good menu was read by all.

This time it listed the movers and shakers who’d sipped honeyed tea there

down the years: writers Virginia Woolf and Sylvia Plath among them, Maynard Keynes and Bertrand Russell too.

And then it was back to Darwin International Airport, perhaps a little better educated than when we’d started out!

If ANY hectic Christmas shopping and freezing temperatures are dampening your mood in the run up to Christmas, perhaps a pre-season escape to the sun and a relaxing few days on the beach are exactly what you need.

Travel with Falcon and pay as little as €229 per person to stay at the popular Laguna Park II Apartments in lively Playa del Americas in Tenerife.

Dazzling Tenerife is an island of dazzling contrasts from unspoilt mountain villages and historic colonial towns to lively resorts and beaches.

With an excellent year-round climate, it’s a sun-worshipper’s paradise.

Staying at the Laguna Park II resort you’re just minutes from the nearby restaurants or bars.

Travel on December 13 from Dublin Airport and spend seven nights at the Laguna Park II from €229pp.

For other winter offers, or to book, log on to: www. falconholidays.ie, call Falcon Direct on 1850 45 35 45 or visit your nearest Falcon Travel shop.

26 swords gazette 28 November 2013

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28 November 2013 SWORDS GAZETTE 27

EAMON DUNPHY P29

ASDFSDAF GAELIC GAMES P27 P31

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



GAZETTE

SPORT AWARDS P28

FastSport COACHING WORKSHOP AT NDSL ACADEMY:

Ballyboden’s Michael Darragh Macauley was tested in the CRY unit at Tallaght Hospital as part of promotion for SADS awareness (inset)

SAFETY IN SPORT: PLAYER OF THE YEAR UNDERGOES TEST TO PROMOTE AWARENESS

Macauley calls for support for SADS and Carr foundation BALLYBODEN St Enda’s and Dublin footballer Michael Darragh Macauley recently visited the Centre for Cardiovascular Risk in Younger Persons (CRY) Centre in Tallaght Hospital for an evaluation of his cardiac health as part of the ongoing battle against sudden adult death syndrome (SADS).

Following the untimely death of Round Tower Clondalkin’s Ciaran Carr last year, SADS has been in the headlines, and Carr’s parents, Gemma and Philip, have been responsible for keeping the issue in the public conscious-

ness by virtue of the activities of the foundation they created in their son’s name.

In an effort to raise awareness for SADS and the availability of the CRY Centre, Macauley became the guinea pig to show the public how the screening is carried out for TV3’s Ireland AM programme.

“I suppose it’s really kind of shaken the GAA community. Cormac McAnallen was probably one of the first deaths that really brought SADS into the spotlight. There’s been far too many

since,” said Macauley after getting the all-clear after this test.

Speaking on the programme, consultant cardiologist Dr Deirdre Ward explained that there was a misunderstanding that exercising too intensively can lead to death in a normal person.

“If you are perfectly physically normal you can’t exercise yourself to the point of death but if you have an underlying condition you may be increasing your risk and you may be doing that in blissful ignorance so for people who are exercising to that level you can cer-

tainly argue that being testing is important so you can do that comfortably with peace of mind.”

Barry Keane, who lost his friend Ciaran, said: “To any parents, teachers, community member or leaders out there, don’t leave it until it’s too late.

Get in touch. We can help you fundraise; put defibrillators in schools and sports clubs or whatever so don’t leave it until it’s too late. Just get in touch and we can help you do it.”

For more information visit: www.cry. ie and www.ciarancarrfoundation.ie

THE COACH Diary has organised a oneday speed and power coaching workshop at the NDSL Academy at Oscar Traynor Coaching and Development Centre in Coolock on Saturday, December 7.

The workshop will focus on developing speed and acceleration for multi-directional sports, covering theory, coaching methodology and practical demonstrations. The workshop is for both coaches and athletes who want to learn how to develop and coach speed.

The workshop runs from 12.30pm to 5.30pm and costs €25.

For more information, log on to thecoachdiary.com or email info@thecoachdiary.com.

C O N TA C T S Sports Editor: Rob Heigh rheigh@gazettegroup.com

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

Gazette

28 SWORDS Gazette 28 November 2013

SPORT

DublinGazetteNewspapers 2013 dublin sports awards november nominees

WHERE is the time going? December just around the corner and the sport stars coming thick and fast, we can hardly keep up...

November proved packed to the gills with success in an array of sports, with a number of competitions coming to an end and champions being declared in a number of codes.

But not only is there success at home, but the sport stars have declared their intention to keep us busy on the international front as well, with world titles on the canvas for kickboxing, a driver making his mark on the world scene in his debut year at this level, and a young cyclist making a splash, riding for one of the world’s largest teams.

H STARof the MONTH

robert barrable

autumn collins

robbie mcmenamy

The Swords rally driver ended a season of success in ninth place in WRC2 and 21st overall in the FIA World Rally Championship. If he can get uninterrupted drives next year, he will surely improve on this year’s placings.

Adamstown cyclist Autumn Collins got a taste of the professional life in the sport when she was selected to ride for Team Sky’s Future Stars team at the Revolution series at Manchester Velodrome.

Robbie McMenamy added his second World Combat Games gold medal to his collection this month in Russia, taking home the highest honour that kickboxing has to offer three years after his initial success in Beijing.

castleknock GAA

swords thunder

lucan sarsfields camogie

The success at Somerton keeps rolling, with elevation to senior level in football in the minimum time and a provincial championship gained by the hurlers in the Leinster Special Junior championship at the weekend.

BUILDING on two years of preparation before being accepted into the National League, Swords Thunder are atop the league with an impressive win record to date, and are gathering capacity crowds to ALSAA, galavanising a community that loves the sport.

LUCAN’S camogie section celebrated one of their most successful years after the club’s minor side recorded their fourth minor A county championship victory in a row, as well as the Under14A, -15B and -16A championships, along with the Under-13A and B shield titles.

TEAMof the MONTH H

Ireland reach 2014 T20 World Cup in Bangladesh  sport@gazettegroup.com

Ireland qualified for the World Cup against Hong Kong

Ireland scored a crushing 85-run win over Hong Kong in Abu Dhabi to confirm qualification for the 2014 ICC World Twenty20 in Bangladesh.

This is Ireland’s fourth successive qualification for the ICC World Twenty20 after it also played in the 2009, 2010 and 2012 tournaments.

Paul Stirling produced a stunning man of the match performance to guide Ireland to automatic qualification for the ICC World Twenty20 finals

in Bangladesh next March.

The Middlesex all-rounder top scored with 77 from 46 balls to help Ireland to a mammoth 207-4, and followed that up with a stunning spell of 4-10 to restrict Hong Kong to 122 all out.

Stirling’s figures were the second best in T20 cricket for Ireland, bettered only by Boyd Rankin’s 4-9 against Uganda last year.

He and George Dockrell combined to spark a dramatic Hong Kong collapse, which saw them lose their last

eight wickets for just 30 runs - indeed at 92-2, Hong Kong were actually a run ahead of Ireland at the comparative half-way stage.

The turning point was an athletic one-handed catch at midwicket by William Porterfield to dismiss Hong Kong dangerman Jamie Atkinson, who had struck 48 from 38 balls (3 fours, 3 sixes) to offer his side some hope.

Ireland’s fielding was exemplary, with James Shannon, brought into the team in place of Niall O’Brien, taking two

stunning efforts at long-off.

Gary Wilson had also produced an outstanding piece of glove-work to stump Irfan Ahmed off Max Sorensen in the first over of the Hong Kong reply.

On a record breaking day for Ireland, the 85-run margin of victory was their best in a T20 game, as were the 10 sixes hit by the team.

Ireland qualify for their seventh World Cup in eight years, continuing their excellent record amongst their fellow associates.

28 November 2013 SWORDS Gazette 29

Gazette

Keane and O’Neill a positive proposition Concluding our two-part conversation with Eamon Dunphy, Gazette Sport hears about his hopes for the future of the national team and the game across the country  rob heigh sport@gazettegroup.com

Eamon Dunphy is certainly someone who could be described as passionate, and his passion for the Ireland soccer team’s success is something that has led him into conflict and disagreement in the past, as evinced in his autobiography, The Rocky Road.

T he book ends as Dunphy comes home a figure of hate after the national team’s trip to Italia 90 and his forth-

right comments on the paucity of quality displayed by Charlton’s army in their attempts to progress from the group stages.

Still never afraid to say what he feels, Dunphy was looking forward to the next phase of the story of Irish soccer on the international stage when he spoke to Gazette Sport recently.

“I love football - it is my passion, it’s John Giles’ passion, Liam Brady’s passion - that’s what we are, football people. But we are all

Eamon Dunphy signing his autobiography in Easons in Blanchardstown recently

intrigued by Mar tin O’Neill and Roy Keane and how they do with the national side.

“I would be optimistic, Liam would be pessimistic, and John would be somewhere in between.

But it will be fascinating.”

Dunphy was also clear about the differences he expects to see from the approach of the former regime and the new managerial pairing of Martin O’Neill and a man no stranger to polarising opinion, Roy Keane.

“What we have to do first is to be positive, not negative as Trappatoni was - his body language was negative and his tactics were negative - and the messages he was giving to the players were essentially negative ‘you’re not good enough, so you need to play with 11 men behind the ball’.

“O’Neill and Keane will be positive, tell the players to believe in themselves. They will know more about the players, seeing them play in England every week. And I think it’s a change for the better in every respect.”

Dunphy is aware that both men have a unique way of approaching the game.

“Martin is a very good coach and has worked with groups of new players in the past very successfully.

“Then, there is the Keane factor, and how that will work out. But I have faith in Martin’s ability to manage Roy you have to manage him as well.

“Keane brings charisma and a fascination that will help fill stadiums. If he changes his attitude

that Martin will as well.

“If Roy can go to that learning curve, accepting everyone is not as good as he was, and be patient and supportive of players, it could work really well. There are players in the team who are in the team now who would have been

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

‘I think there is a trickle-down effect when the national team does well. The appointment of Keane and O’Neill is a change for the better in every respect’ – Eamon Dunphy --------------------------------------------------------

to players - he has been critical of his players in the past - and becomes a friend and mentor to the players, then it could be very positive for him and for the team.”

Dunphy feels that the same attitude displayed

by Keane on and off the field in the past - spirit, determination and belief in the potential of the team – will benefit Ireland in the long run.

“When he was working for ITV when we qualified for the Euros, he asked why do the Irish only turn up for the sing-song, and why do we expect so little?

If we qualify for a major championship, he will make sure the players are not just happy to be there. He will set the bar very high. And I think

kids when Roy was at his iconic best, and he could be an inspiration for them.”

Finally, we discussed the potential of O’Neill and Keane being a positive influence on the way that the League of Ireland and the FAI develop and promote soccer in Ireland.

“I think there is a trickle down effect when the national team does well,” said Dunphy. “In Jack Charlton’s era, it spread all around the country.

When the national team is doing well, it gets people playing the game. In the last few years it has been rather dreary and negative. But I think that there is a knock-on effect on the local game, for sure, and it is a positive one.”

FastSport

Healy designs Mo-shirt to raise funds for charity Ireland international and Leinster star Cian Healy has joined forces with Movember to create a one-of-a-kind limited edition t-shirt available exclusively in all Life Style Sports stores nationwide and online at lifestylesports.com to assist with this year’s fundraising efforts for the cancer charity.

The t-shirt, which Cian designed himself is priced at €20 and is in stores now. With a limited run of 1,000, this shirt is sure to be the must have accessory for rugby Mo Bros and Sistas.

All the profits of the shirt go to Movember, which aims to raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer initiatives for men in Ireland.

The charity are looking to beat last year’s fundraising efforts, which saw 17,250 Mo Bros and Sistas raise over €2.1 million for men’s health in Ireland with over 1.1 million Mo Bros and Sistas raising €113.5 million worldwide.

Speaking of his collaboration with Movember, Healy said: “It was really exciting working with Movember on this t-shirt and merging my design with Movember’s own creative.

I’m chuffed that Life Style Sports is stocking it across the country and couldn’t be prouder to be part of Generation Mo in 2013.”

Sam 13 shows off Dublin’s All-Ireland year Dublin GAA fans can now relive the thrills of the 2013 run to the All-Ireland championship with the release of a new DVD, Sam 13, which features over five hours of action from all the top matches of the 2013 football championship.

Under manager, Jim Gavin, the Dubs had

an outstanding triple crown year as they also won the National League and retained their Leinster title.

That might read like it was a championship that went as expected without drama and excitement but nothing could be further from the truth.

The DVD features the full All-Ireland final and semi-final matches, as well as highlights of Dublin’s run to the final and all 13 of the goals they scored along the way.

Gazette

30 SWORDS Gazette 28 November 2013

SPORT

FastSport

soccer: seven-goal thriller sees visitors victorious

Swords super in debut Division 3 encounter Swords RFC emerged victorious from their first match in the new super five Leinster League Division 3 format against North Meath at the Grange in Kells last weekend, running up an impressive 46-13 victory on their travels.

The start saw an exact replica of the first game between the two teams, with Swords imposing their free-flowing open game against the larger Meath pack.

However, the pressure was let off when the North Meath hooker picked off a loose pass and ran in to score a try from half-way. His appearance in the centre in the second half reflected his pacy play.

Swords bounced back, scoring three quick tries to lead 17-5 after 15 minutes, but rather than push on allowed North Meath back into the game. The Kells side first scored a penalty before taking advantage of a sin binning to being the score to within four points.

To Swords’ credit, they defended well for the 15-minute period they were reduced to 14, and then 13, men.

Following half-time, Swords finally started to play the style of game that is starting to become more reliable for the club. With skipper Gordon Brennan and centre Dave Gallagher to the fore, the visitors slowly imposed their will on the encounter.

The floodgates soon opened and tries from all over the team reflected the brand of rugby they are trying to play. The pick of the tries saw Brennan pick off the back of a scrum 50m out, breaking two tackles before picking out no 9 James Kubran who scampered home.

The Swords men continued to dot under the posts, whilst full back Pat Guscott glided past defenders on his way to the line several times for the man of the match award.

Swords will hope to replicate their second half performance when they face Arklow at home next week, knowing that when they play as they can against teams they are capable of delivering the results they need.

Action from the match between Swords Celtic and Navan Road United at Balheary last weekend

United battle back at Celtic ndsl U-11 F Swords Celtic 3 Navan Road United 4  stephen findlater sport@gazettegroup.com

SEAN Carroll’s second half double underpinned a superb second-half performance to power Navan Road United to victory over Swords Celtic in Balhear y last Saturday morning.

It completed their second win of the season, the visitors to the nor th county venue coming from 2-1 down soon after the break to land a thrilling victory.

Liam Kerley had got Navan Road United off to brilliant start, scoring inside the opening six minutes, a portent of things to come in a wildly open tussle that saw seven goals scored in total.

A stunning Jamie Caffrey volley soon had the hosts back on terms, unleashing a perfect left-foot strike to the top corner of the goal from the edge of the box.

And his side were flying high when Alex Fitzpatrick lifted the ball deftly over Daniel Kenny to continue their

leinster leaders Balbriggan claim FAI Schools title in Meath THE first-year soccer team from Balbrig-

gan Community College were crowned FAI Schools First Year Futsal Leinster champions last week at Franciscan College, Gormanston, after defeating Boyne Community School in the final on penalties.

Balbriggan now progress to the All Ireland finals which will be held on Wednesday, December 4, at Franciscan College.

strong finish to the first period.

But that moment marked a sea-change when Carroll levelled the game with a powerful header, meeting Redmond’s deliciously floated corner.

Shor tly thereaf ter, Jamie Kavanagh’s casual toe-poke put Navan Road in front for a second time as he profited from series of ricochets before applying the final touch.

Caffrey then extended the margin to 4-2 when he raced onto a great pass by Lorcan Redmond through the

middle, sliding the ball between two defenders for his team mate to finish.

Caffrey, though, was proving an ever-dangerous presence and his clever cross just evaded Stephen Phiri who had initially set him free.

The striker did give his side a shot at salvaging a result when he got on the end of a pitch length move.

Fitzpatrick – who had swapped into goalkeeping duties in place of Phiri earlier in the piece – made a save from a dexterous Aaron Weldon effort.

The goalkeeper threw it out quickly, setting Caffrey and Lee Bowers through two-on-one and the former availed of the latter’s decoy run to get one back.

Caffrey then had a couple of chances to equalise but found Kenny unbeatable in the closing stages.

It leaves the two sides on six points after four games each, though Swords Celtic have the better goal difference in an incredibly close division. Just two points cover first to sixth place at this early stage in the season.

28 November 2013 SWORDS Gazette 31

Gazette

Fingallians set for BoI play-off decider  sport@gazettegroup.com

Fingallians’ Junior 7 football team will contest the league promotion play-off decider this weekend when they meet Bank of Ireland at Ringsend Park.

The team ensured that they would continue their season when they edged past St Mary’s

Saggart, on a scoreline of 3-10 to 1-12 after extra time.

Bank of Ireland will be primed for the encounter after their narrow win against Ballinteer St John’s in the play-off semi-final at the second time of asking, after drawing 3-11 to 2-14 in their first match, before a 0-7 to 0-5 win in the

replay.

Fingallians will hope to reverse the results of the league standings at the end of the season, where they found themselves in third place behind Bank of Ireland, with St Brigid’s attaining elevation to the next level automatically by topping the table.

They will also draw on

the experience of their match against Bank of Ireland at Sean Moore Park at the start of November, which they lost by 1-8 to 0-5, and will hope that their experience against St Mary’s will give them the inspiration and impetus to get past their opponents and into the next tier of the football leagues.

Club Noticeboard fingallians Two important play-off games this

an important event for these young-

week: The hurlers play in the Div 4

sters as they start their careers

semi-final v Trinity Gaels at home

in the red jersey. New players are

under lights and, on Sunday, the Div

always welcome at the Academy on

7 footballers play in the final, away to

Saturday mornings at 10am.

Bank of Ireland at 11am (venue to be confirmed).

Congratulations to Shannon Mur-

Texas Hold’em is open to the com-

tagh, the Dublin U-14 ladies player of

munity at a cost of €10 per person.

the year.

A selection of hams and turkeys are

Dublin Scor na nOg will take place

football: syl’s and enda’s to face off again

Christmas Texas Hold’em Poker is on this Friday night from 8.30pm.

the prizes on offer.

in Craobh Chiarain’s GAA club this

The club will have a TG4 TV person-

Thursday, November 28 at 7.30pm.

ality to host the awards night on Sat-

The club will be represented by our

urday, December 7. Tickets are €15

ceili dancers, ballad group, solo sing-

and are available from the club bar

er and trad group. We encourage all

or team managers. There is a limit on

to go and cheer on the participants.

tickets so please order ASAP.

Taimid cinnte go n-eiróidh sibh thar barr. Beirigi bua.

Our U-6s will host a blitz this Saturday at the club from 10am. This is

The juvenile academy Christmas party is on December 14 in the main hall. U-4 to U-7 from 11am to 1pm and U-8 to U-10 from 2 to 4pm.

fingal ravens

A last-gasp goal from Conor Dooley means the teams will meet again for a third time in the replay

Late strike lands a semi-final replay AFL DIv 1 semi-final St Sylvester’s 1-17 Ballyboden St Enda’s 2-14  stephen findlater sport@gazettegroup.com

CONOR Dooley’s last second goal last Sunday morning in Broomfield meant that St Sylvester’s and Ballyboden St Enda’s AFL1 saga will now be a trilogy with plenty of bite in the offing.

Syl’s had come from three points down to draw their regular season tie in midweek to draw 0-12 e each in Sancta Maria, meaning both sides qualified for

the semi-finals to play each other once again.

And familiarity bred a little bit of contempt as they played out an oftentimes niggly rematch with precious little between the teams.

This time, it was Syl’s turn to build a three point lead in the closing stages of extra time only for Kenny Naughton’s ball across goal to bundled in by a diving Dooley at the right post.

It was the final action of the tie, a result that will once again extend the season by a couple of weeks. Boden had the edge at half-time, ekeing

out a 0-7 to 0-5 lead.

Nigel Dunne, though, was in imperious form and ended the game with 1-9 to his name while Gary Sweeney was making a big impact coming away with a lot of good ball around the breaks.

He tied the game at seven, nine and eleven points a piece as Boden chipped ahead, usually via Naughton, only for Syl’s to comeback.

They hit the front once more when Colm Basquel punched in a point attempt that dropped short, beating Stephen Finnegan to the

ball, only for Dunne to smash home an equalising goal moments later.

Naughton put his side a point in front only for Sweeney to hoist one over to end normal time at 1-12 each.

Syl’s looked the more likely to win it in extra time with Brian Sexton making a series of key inter ventions. Aidan Relihan and Eugene Keating helped build their first significant lead of the game in the second half of an injurystrewn phase of play.

But Dooley’s goal meant they will have to do it all again.

Hard luck to our minor team who

lotto to be bundled together for the

were defeated at the weekend.

forthcoming year.

Strictly Come Dancing takes place

This week’s lotto numbers were

this Friday in Kettle’s. Best of luck

12, 17, 23 and 34. There was no win-

to all involved. Any sponsorship

ner, ¤250 to Roisin Madigan for three

contributions are greatly appreci-

numbers correct. Next week’s jack-

ated. There are a limited number

pot is ¤8,460.

of tickets available, please contact

Last week’s numbers 19, 20, 25

Maura Norton on 087 993 6458 for

and 32. ¤20 winners were Cather-

information.

ine Flanagan, Ann Kinsella and Noel

New membership offers are available to view on our Facebook page.

These allow for membership and

Dwyer.

The club would like to pass its best wishes to Christy O’Brien.

Naomh Mearnog Our AGM took place on Friday night.

lowed by our Mentors and Helpers

This was a very well attended meet-

appreciation night. All who help out

ing with lively debate on a variety of

in the club in any way are invited to

subjects especially the club’s Stra-

attend.

tegic Plan for the next four years.

Our young players were involved

Conor Kavanagh was re-elected

in two finals at the weekend. Our

as chairman and will once again

U-12 hurlers put on a great display

lead the “troops”. Conor thanked

against Kilmacud in the league final

out-going committee member John

having already earned promotion

Holland for all his hard work during

for next year. We send our best

the year. A full report on our AGM

wishes to Alex Greer who suffered

will appear on our website later in

an injury during that game.

the week.

On Sunday, our U-14 ladies football

Our senior football mentors are

team put on a fine display against

taking a well-deserved break. We

Scoul Ui Connaill in the champion-

thank Gerry Harrington, Richie

ship final. This game had everything

Johnson, Ciaran O’Callaghan and

and went to extra time. Well done to

Martin Kenny for their dedication

everybody concerned. The future

and expertise.

looks bright in all codes.

On Friday night at 8pm, we are hosting a quiz in aid of the Philip-

The club lotto is now €10,000.

Please support.

pines Disaster Fund. Tables of four

We send our sympathies to Pat

cost €40. Please support this wor-

O’Callaghan on the death of his

thy cause.

father Paddy and to Noel Rooney on

Our annual Mass takes place on December 7 at 8pm. It will be fol-

the death of his sister Anne Greaney.

May they rest in peace.

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

road to kells: Swords RFC blast back to winning ways on travels in Leinster League Division 3 P30

november 28, 2013

national treasure: Part two of our interview with Eamon Dunphy P29

James Cluskey has set a high standard in Irish tennis this year with wins on the Challenger Tour and is aiming for a place at Wimbledon in 2014

Cluskey’s best year ever Highest world ranking in doubles for local tennis ace after a season of improvement and tournament success in Portugal and Turkey  stephen findlater

sport@gazettegroup.com

SWORDS man James Cluskey closed out 2013 as Ireland’s highest ranked doubles player after easily his “best ever year” on the world tennis tour.

He closed out the season with three tournaments in the US, playing Challenger level events in Charlottesville, Virginia; Knoxville, Tennessee and Champaign, Illinois, the upshot of which saw him end the season in 153rd overall having hit a high point of 145 during a golden spell in August and September.

During that time, he became Ireland’s first doubles Challenger Tour winner with big wins in Guimaraes, Portugal and in Istanbul, Turkey to set new highs for Irish tennis.

While he says that his end of the year in the US

was slightly low key with one win in four games, he is still delighted with how 2013 panned out and is raring to go for a shot at reaching Wimbledon next year.

“In the grand scheme of things, the year was great. I finished 153 and my high was 145. If you are around your career high, you are doing something right.

“There were lots of highlights. The two Challenger wins – one in Portugal and in Turkey – and reaching the final in Turkey where we beat Philipp Petzschner, a guy who has been up to ninth in the doubles rankings and has won Wimbledon and the US Open doubles titles.

That was the biggest win of my career. Beating [world number 42] David Goffin was pretty great too!

“It was easily the best year of my career. If you look at my progression, my first year after college

I was ranked at 370, then 280 and up to 240.

Finishing this year, its 153, so it’s always going up which is really good.”

Next year, however, comes with a new set of challenges for Cluskey. A year ago, he received funding support from the Irish Sports Council, something that is not likely to be forthcoming in 2014. It means that instead of training abroad with top level players and coaches in the winter months – last year, he trained in India at the Bhupathi academy in Bangalore – this year, he will be based at home.

To that end, he has enlisted the help of John Connor at the Irish Strength Institute while he will also work with the likes of former Irish Federation Cup boss Owen Casey and ConorTaylor in Westwood Clontarf.

He will also use the time to try and get funds together to support an expensive life on tour

with his current ranking putting him very much on the verge of potential Wimbledon qualifiers.

“I’m all in for Wimbledon and have a good chance of making qualifying. I was pretty close to making a Tour event at the end of this year so I’m doing the right things.

“The financial side is tough, though. Usually people are in their off season at this stage but I need to keep working. I’m conducting clinics in Sutton this weekend and in Carrickmines. I love doing it but there won’t be funding from the Irish Sports Council next year to help out so I need to go elsewhere for funding. It’s not a great situation.

“I don’t like complaining about it because there are people who are worse off. Ideally, I would love to travel [for training] but I need the money to play in tournaments and not to train.”