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INSIDE: Ghana Union Ireland Inauguration and

Dinner Dance P8-9

All Fingal beaches meet EU standardsBathing waterup to scratch, says EPA report

� NATALIE BURKE

ALL beaches in Fingal meet basic EU standards for water quality, it was revealed last week. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), launched their report on The Quality of Bathing Water in Ireland – An Overview for the

Year 2011 last week, which list-ed Fingal’s beaches as either having “sufficient” or “good” quality status.

According to Labour Party TD for Dublin North, Brendan Ryan, it is impor-tant for the beaches to meet these standards, due to the business and tourism they

attract to the area. “With over 30 miles of picturesque coast-line, the beaches of Fingal are an important resource and tourist amenity. I am encour-aged to see that all beaches in Fingal have met the minimum standards for water quality as set by the EU.”

Full Story on Page 4

Playing their part: Locals show support for charity SPECIAL Olympics Ireland’s annual collection day, sponsored by Eircom, took place on Friday, April 27. 4,000 volunteers took to the streets of villages, towns and cities all over Ireland on the day to collect and Malahide was no exception. In Dublin City over 1,000 volunteers took to the streets for Special Olympics Ireland.

Seen here collecting for the cause are Marie Dackand and top stylist, Amanda Kevlin.

FREE GAZETTEGAZETTEMalahide

MAY 10, 2012

TREATY: Senator Darragh O’Brien on why FF wants a Yes vote See Page 6

Soccer: Ward named in Trappatoni’s Poland squadPage 32

Rowing: Olympic dream comes true for Kinsealy rowerPage 30

2 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 10 May 2012

E X C I T E M E N T i s mounting for the staff of Donabate and Skerries train stations who have made the shortlist for being crowned Iarnrod Eireann’s Best Com-muter Station.

With 141 railway sta-tions entering the com-petition, the votes have been cast and the short-listed stations have been named in each category, putting them in the run-ning for the overall title of Best Station.

Almost 5,000 people voted as part of the com-petition, which was con-ducted through a text and email poll during January this year. Com-muters were asked to rate their station under the following criteria; Customer Information, Staff Appearance, Staff Helpfulness and Station Appearance, and both Donabate and Skerries scored highly in all cat-egories.

The awards will be presented at a gala cer-emony at Iarnrod Eire-ann’s training centre in Inchicore on Wednes-day, June 6, by Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varad-kar TD.

A c c o r d i n g t o a spokesperson for Iarn-ro id Eireann, they were delighted with the response from custom-ers.

The awards reward excellence in customer facilities, cleanliness, innovation and cus-tomer service across the country’s railway stations.

Local stations up for award

TRANSPORT: SHORTLIST ANNOUNCED

Hitting the right notes: Maire plays her part in the launch of competitionMAIRE Carroll, (20), from Malahide and Ulrich Gerhartz, Steinway and Sons Concert and artist director, are pictured in the RDS at the launch of the Dublin International Piano Competition which commenced on May 4 in the RDS with the grand final concerto performance taking place in the National Concert

Hall on Tuesday, May 15. Since its forma-tion, the Dublin competition’s reputa-tion has grown in stature, and now ranks among the most important piano compe-titions in the world. It offers a generous prize fund, but perhaps the most impor-tant prize is the prestigious list of engage-ments secured for the winner.

� NATALIE BURKE

MEMBERS of the public are being encouraged to help protect their local coastal environment in advance of this year’s Coca-Cola Clean Coasts Week, due to take place next week.

Coca-Cola, in associa-tion with An Taisce, are hosting a special clean up week around the country

which will provide the perfect opportunity for people in local commu-nities to come together with the aim of conserv-ing their local marine environment.

The event will take place from Friday, May 11, until Friday, May 18.

“As I’m very involved with Malahide Tidy Towns, I would really encourage people to take

part in the initiative,” Fine Gael Cllr Anthony Lavin, told the Malahide Gazette.

“There are very suc-cessful schemes in other coastal towns where the beaches are split into sections and different groups of people take charge of each section to work on it and keep it clean. It’s proved to be really successful and

I’d be really interested in seeing something similar in Malahide. There’s no reason why something similar wouldn’t work in Malahide, Portmarnock, Howth or the surround-ing areas.

“With the summer months coming up, the number of people visiting these areas will increase so it’s important that we keep on top of protecting

the area and keeping it clean.

“I’ve put questions to the council to increase the amount of litter bins and other resources in the area also,” Cllr Lavin continued.

The An Taisce and Coca-Cola programme enables those who have pride in their communi-ties to collaborate and protect their local envi-

ronment. Those who reg-ister with Clean Coasts Week will be sent a clean-up pack containing all that is needed to take part including gloves, bags, data collection cards, posters and litter pickers. Further informa-tion about Clean Coasts Week can be found on the website, www.clean-coastsweek.ie or by call-ing 01 4002205.

Public are urged to help protect coastINITIATIVE Special Coca-Cola clean up week around the country

Bringing the best foodto Dublin� NATALIE BURKE

[email protected]

MENUS from famous restaurants around the world will be coming to Malahide this year, when Michelin starred chef, Oliver Dunne, will be hosting a spe-cial dining experience at the restaurant, Bon Appetit.

Over the next six months, Chef Oliver will be hosting a Restaurants of the World series of dinners, paying homage to a special selection of internationally revered restaurants and creat-ing a ten-course menu inspired by their signa-ture styles.

A separate restaurant will feature each month, with the first, El Bulli res-taurant to be hosted on Thursday, May 24, signifi-cant for Chef Oliver who worked alongside legen-dary Chef of El Bulli, Fer-ran Adria.

Noma will be the res-taurant of choice for June, followed by The Fat Duck in July and Restau-rant Gordon Ramsay in

August. Another restau-rant Oliver has worked in will be featured in September, The French Laundry in October and finally, Nobu, in Novem-ber.

“So many people will never get the opportu-nity to actually visit these amazing restaurants, and with El Bulli now closed, the chance is gone forever,” Chef Oliver explained.

“I want to create the most authentic menus possible, so that my din-ers can enjoy the closest possible experience to actually being in the res-taurant itself.

“We’ll also present the diners with a commemo-rative copy of the menu, detailing the food they’ve enjoyed across all ten courses!”

Each Restaurant of the World event is priced at €60 for a ten-course meal.

Booking to attend two or more evenings in the series will deliver a dis-count.

For more information, visit www.bonappetit.ie.

10 May 2012 MALAHIDE GAZETTE 3

Move to deal with floodingAFTER suffering severe flooding and sewerage problems last year, Fin-gal County Council have been carrying out inten-sive investigation work in the Bawn Cottage area of Malahide.

The council provided an update on steps taken to resolve the issue at a recent area committee meeting, where it was confirmed that investiga-tion work has taken place since the flooding, includ-ing a CCTV survey of the pipelines.

A number of preventa-tive maintenance works were carried out as a result of the investiga-tions including the jetting of the pipelines, cutting and removal of tree roots and removal of rubble.

There has been no reported flooding in the area since the works were carried out and the area continues to be monitored and checked regularly.

COUNCILENTERPRISE Success for firms at New Jersey show

‘Fingal’s finest’ group strike €51,000 orders� LAURA WEBB

BUSINESSES from Fin-gal’s Finest are coming back from the US with smiles on their faces after securing direct export orders of $66,500 (€51,180) and over $329,569 (€253,569) pro-jected for the next year.

Eight small craft com-panies from across Fingal, known as Fingal’s Finest, signed multiple deals in New Jersey last week.

The companies secured direct export orders of €51,180 with €253,569 in combined export orders projected for the year ahead.

Fingal’s Finest, led by Fingal County Enterprise

Board, went to New Jersey for the Ireland Show to showcase their products and secure direct and potential sales from US buyers.

Last year, six Craftspeo-ple and Designers from Fingal’s Finest secured €154,005 in advance orders.

Oisin Geoghegan, CEO of Fingal County Enter-prise Board, highlighted the increasing importance of trade fairs to small Irish businesses, saying: “The Ireland Show in New Jer-sey is one of the biggest and most commercially important trade shows in the US for companies involved in the craft and gift markets. The eight

small businesses from Fin-gal made excellent retail and wholesale contacts during the show and we anticipate very substantial sales orders for them all, as a direct result of their involvement this year.”

Liam Caulfield, from Swords-based company Crystal Eire, secured substantial orders for his range of cut crystal, while Maura O’Rourke from Oldtown secured com-missions for her original art of Irish landscapes.

Meanwhile, other Fin-gal businesses had similar success stories. Killian O’Driscoll from Heraldic Gifts in Sutton, signed up a number of new retail outlets for his com-

Liam Caulfield, director, Crystal Eire, Swords

memorative gift plaques. Greg and Mary Whelan, owners of Castleknock business, the Irish Linen House, met with high-end retailers, securing orders for their embroidered table-runners, placemats and napkins.

Philip Gaffney from O’Gowna Studios in Naul, launched a range of Titanic memorabilia and wall plaques at the

show, marking its cente-nary. Michael Fahy and Patrick McCartin from Privatmark in Baldoyle, re-launched the Mullins Map of Ireland which sold over 100,000 copies since its original launch back in the 1960s.

Making their Ireland Show debut was Teresa Gaffney from Exclusive-ly Irish, in Naul, selling handmade cards and

block mounted prints, and jewellery-designer, Sinead Cooke from Lusk.

Geoghegan went on to say that such international trade shows were proving to be “vital sales platforms for small companies”.

“An increase in export sales orders will help to sustain and create more jobs locally, which will in turn give a welcome boost to our local economy.”


Lidl set to open its new Swords storePOPULAR discount retailer Lidl is set to open the doors to its long-awaited new store in Swords on Thursday, May 17.

The store, which is located on the Rathbeale Road, will serve Swords and the surrounding areas with qual-ity food for less with its range of award-winning own brand products as well as creating an undisclosed number of jobs for the area.

The new look, ultra-modern-designed store will boast an innovative

new baking facility and will be featur-ing many Irish suppliers in the produc-tion of its own brand products.

Chris Bell, sales operations man-ager for the new Swords branch, says the store looks forward to being part of the town.

“We have so many exciting activi-ties planned for the opening, there really is something for everyone and it promises to be a great local event for families and anyone else who wants to come along and join the fun.”

EPA REPORT Bathing water quality improves

Labour Party TD for Dublin North, Brendan Ryan: welcomed the news

All Fingal’s beaches pass water test� NATALIE BURKE

ALL beaches in Fingal meet basic EU stand-ards for water quality it was revealed last week.

This latest news comes as a marked improve-ment from 2009, when three of Fingal’s nine beaches failed to meet the minimum standard.

The Environmen-tal Protection Agency (EPA), launched their report on The Quality of Bathing Water in Ire-land – An Overview for the Year 2011, last week, which listed Fingal’s beaches as either having “sufficient” or “good” quality status.

Labour Party TD for Dublin North, Brendan Ryan, has welcomed the news.

According to Deputy Ryan, it is important for the beaches to meet these standards, due to the business and tourism they attract to the area. “With over 30 miles of picturesque coastline, the beaches of Fingal are an important resource and tourist amenity. I am encouraged to see that all beaches in Fingal have met the minimum standards for water qual-ity as set by the EU.”

Deputy Ryan contin-

ued to thank both Fin-gal County Council and the local community for helping increase the standards of the local beaches and in helping them achieve this latest status.

“A lot of credit needs to go to FCC for their great work in improv-ing the standards of our beaches and water quality. Local people

are very proud of the clean beaches and clean environment in North County Dublin and this pride manifests itself in a loud and vocifer-ous fashion against any threat to the delicate ecology of the North County,” he said.

“We saw this most recently in the protests against the Monster Sewage Plant, protests which I took part in and wholeheartedly sup-port. The goal now for the council and people of North County Dub-lin is to keep our water quality clean so we can

invite and encourage more people to use the wonderful amenity of our beaches.”

The findings of the EPA showed that over-all, the quality of Ire-land’s bathing waters remains high, with over 98% of identified bathing areas meet-ing the EU mandatory standards and classed as being of “sufficient”

water quality status. The report also showed that 83% of bathing waters met higher EU guideline standards and are clas-sified as being of “good status” while five local authorities achieved “good” status for all of their designated bathing areas.

Commenting on the bathing water qual-ity results, Laura Burke, EPA director general, said the results show a sustained improvement in the numbers of bath-ing areas achieving an improved status over the last few years.

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‘With over 30 miles of picturesque coastline, the beaches of Fingal are an important resource and tourist amenity’- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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Voting Yes provides a more secure future

TREATY Pact ‘will not cure all our economic woes’

Senator Darragh O’Brien (FF): “EU will play central role in Ireland’s recovery”

THE vote on May 31 on the Stability Treaty

is extremely important for Dublin, for Ireland and for Europe. The trea-ty sets out a new frame-work for countries so that the crisis of budget defi-cits and high debt can’t threaten the Eurozone in the future.

I will be honest and say that the treaty will not cure all our economic woes of today, but it will definitely allow Dublin and Ireland to have a more secure foundation

for our future. By voting yes, we will have access to the funds needed for our public services at a lower interest rate.

We will be sending a message that Irish people want to have a strong voice at the Euro-pean table when growth opportunities and invest-ment in job creation are being discussed. We need to maintain strong ties and influence in Europe and make sure our voices are heard and we will do this by voting Yes.

There has been much

debate in my party about this treaty and what it means for Ireland and Europe.

At the Fianna Fail Ard Fheis, 50 years ago in 1962, Sean Lemass told delegates that the alter-native to joining would be that “Ireland would be an isolated unit on the fringe of a dynamic European confederation”. The last thing Ireland needs to do today is to retreat to the fringes of Europe.

The European Union will play a central role in Ireland’s recovery.

That is why Fianna Fail is vigorously campaign-ing for a Yes vote. This fiscal crisis has been a crisis of globalisation. It has crossed borders and many other countries, not just Ireland, are facing unprecedented pressures in controlling budgets and raising the money to fund public services. A crisis of this massive scale requires collabora-tion, co-operation and a joined up approach to achieving solutions amongst the countries of Europe.

Fianna Fail has con-sistently been calling for three principal issues to be addressed: chang-ing the mandate of the European Central Bank; increasing the central funding of the EU; and federalising financial regulation.

If the euro is to be saved and if it is to retain democratic legitimacy, these measures must be taken up and Fianna Fail will continue to press this.

Many of the problems facing people in Ireland are shared by other coun-tries. The budgets in cap-ital cities around Europe, like Dublin, are under huge pressure. It makes sense, therefore, that the best way to tackle them is for countries to work together. This treaty rein-forces the rules to make sure that budgets are better controlled so that major debt is avoided.

In return for agreeing these controls, countries will find it easier to raise money to fund public services, like the ones we benefit from in the city every day, our buses, gardai, schools and hos-pitals. It provides a more secure future for our country.

SENATOR DARRAGH O’BRIEN (FF) explains why his party believes the Stability Treaty will give Ireland more growth opportunities and employment

In fact, had this new emergency funding sys-tem and other new poli-cies been in place years ago Ireland would never have required a bail-out. Its support programme is based entirely on tar-gets that were already proposed by the then Irish government, and Ireland’s debt is due to top out at a level of less than that of Italy today or Greece after all their adjustments.

In the 2009, refer-endum on the revised Lisbon proposal, public support for a Yes vote

actually rose during the campaign. This was because we worked hard to bring a positive mes-sage directly to people.

That re ferendum changed the nature of EU debate in Ireland and this is what is reflected in the current large majority indicating an intention to vote Yes, including 70% of my party’s voters.

One of the key reasons for Ireland’s attractive-ness is its export platform to the rest of the EU.

Today nearly 100,000 people are directly employed in over 600

US firms in Ireland. US companies have a $190 billion cumulative stock of investments in Irish- based operations. I really believe that Ireland’s full and active membership in the EU is critical for stability and investment across Dublin.

I believe Dublin needs a strong Yes vote on May 31 to secure sta-bility and eco-nomic recovery.

Darragh O’BrienFianna Fail Senator for Dublin

North and Seanad Spokesper-

son on Finance


COMPETITION Action plan to improve the area

Community’s help sought for Tidy Town title� NATALIE BURKE

[email protected]

THE Malahide Tidy Town’s Committee is seeking the help of the local community with the busy summer period ahead, in an effort to succeed in this year’s National Tidy Towns 2012 Competition.

The local committee held their AGM in the Grand Hotel, Malahide, at the end of March, where they outlined a promising action plan for improving the local area.

The committee held their first “clean-up day” at the weekend and, according to the com-mittee’s secretary, Heidi

Bedell, with the help of the local community, this year could be a successful one for Malahide.

“We really appreci-ate any support people can give us. We have had some great dona-tions from residents’ associations and it would be great if people could come to the clean-up days or help in their own time,” she said.

The committee dis-cussed the areas of Mala-hide they want to focus on for this year’s project.

“There are some ongo-ing problems which we constantly have to work on and they are weeds, litter and painting over graffiti,” explained Heidi.

“We also need to do some work on the library garden; we want to devel-op a little area down Gas Yard lane and are hoping to turn that into a bio-diversity garden. Some-times we get requests from different residents’ associations about par-ticular black spots that are particularly over-grown and we will target those areas too.

“We have been lobby-ing for years now to get seats and signs along the coast so we’ve had some success with that. We should hopefully see four or five seats along the coast this year and are gong to continue to put biodiversity and heritage

Malahide is bidding to win this year’s Tidy Towns 2012 Competition

signs up along the coast,” Heidi continued.

“We tackled the graf-fiti last year and put a lot of time into covering it up. There was great work done with the gardai as well because they actu-ally caught some of the graffiti culprits,” she said.

“Brian Geraghty of

Malahide Allotments also attended the meeting, he told us a little bit more about the project and even offered the com-mittee a space to develop which was really great.”

The clean-up days will be taking place every Sat-urday during the summer, starting at 10.30am at the

train station and running for approximately two hours.

“Everybody is wel-come. Any member of the public can come along and volunteer and people can volunteer for whatever length of time they would like to,” Heidi concluded.

Plenty of high notes for NaulA NUMBER of events are set to take place over the coming weeks at The Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul, Fingal.

Rock singer Hazel O’Connor starts the sea-son off and returns to her soul-folk roots when she performs an acoustic set with celebrated Irish harpist, Cormac DeBarra, in a captivating, intimate one-off performance on Friday, May 11.

Three influential and creative musicians, Donal Lunny, Padraig Rynne and Sylvain Barou, will be returning from a suc-cessful trip to Paris to per-form a traditional Irish music evening on Friday, May 25, while native Texan, Kimmie Rhodes, performs a selection of her top selling songs in a special trio show on Sat-urday, May 6.

For more information on tickets and events, visit www.seamusenniscentre.com.

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Dining and dancingT

HE Carlton Hotel in Tyrrelstown hosted a very special event recently when it hosted the Ghana Union Ireland Inauguration and Dinner Dance.

The event celebrated all things African and a large number of African ambassadors were in attend-ance with the guest of honour, His Excellency, Prof Kwaku Danso-Boafo (Ghana High Commissioner UK/Ireland) visiting. Guests enjoyed some great food and drink and were entertained with some fantastic music. Fingal Mayor, Cllr Gerry McGuire (Lab) was also an honoured guest.

Randy Asante, Owusu Agyeiwa and Joan Asante. Pictures: James Devon

Erica Birch-Abban and guest artist, Twi Teacher

Ahenfie Drummer GroupRichard Mtow and Jacqueline Mtow

EVENT The Carlton Hotel in Tyrrelstown hosts the Ghana


Aba, Cassandra, Sharon, Gizzella, Emmanuella and Gabriella

Rose Yeboah, Ghana Union Letterkenny Dr Nana Yao with children

Gerry McGuire, Fingal County Council mayor attended

the event to show his support

Nigerian ambassador to Ireland, Felix Y Pwol, and Ghana High

Commissioner, Prof Kwaku Danso-Boafo

Union Ireland Inauguration and Dinner Dance


EVENT 2012 Dublin Gala Rose Ball in the Carlton Hotel

Setting the ball rollingT

HE Carlton Hotel Blanchardstown hosted the 2012 Dublin Gala Rose Ball on April 27. The event was a great occa-

sion for potential Dublin Roses to meet and greet guests and chat to former Dublin Roses. There was plenty of excitement as the Roses themselves spoke about the forthcoming 2012 Dublin Rose of Tralee Selection which will also take place at the hotel from May 18 to May 20. Over the course of the event, all Dublin Rose contestants will enjoy a compli-mentary three-night stay including breakfast and dinner at the Carlton Hotel.

Eleanor Hession, Jennifer Ward, Nicola O’Donoghue and Sinead Grant

David Farrell and Shauna Lawes

Saoirse Bardin, Paige Bardin, Monijka Bardin, Mary Bardin and Shannon BardinFionan Henry and Tara Talbot, Rose of Tralee 2011

Alan McEvoy, Ellen OBrien, Carleen Stringer

and Shane Collins

Darragh McGrath and Siobheal Nic

Eochaidh, Rose of Dublin 2011

Grace Nixon, Mark Nixon and Mel O’Conghaile

Peter Richardson, Christina Ryan, Ann Ryan and

Thomas Ryan

Julie Beathie, Ciara Ross and Aoife McManus

Susan Dowdall, Sarah Fitzgerald and

Mark Dowdall

10 May 2012 GAZETTE 11

The Emmet Suite

Summer Wedding Open DayT H E C a s t l e A r c h Hotel in Trim will host its Summer Wedding Open Day on Sunday, May 13, from 2 to 5pm.

The Castle Arch is one of the leading wed-ding venues in County Meath and this event will be one of their best open day’s with the hotel set up as it would be on the bride and groom’s special day.

ExperienceThe management

team have years of experience with wed-dings and will be on hand to guide you through the planning of your special day.

Their hallmark is attention to detail at all times by experienced staff in the art of creat-ing a perfect wedding.

The Castle Arch loves

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12 GAZETTE 10 May 2012

weddings and this is obvious from the atten-tive service you receive from the initial enquiry through to departure the next morning after your perfect wedding.

The Emmet Suite is the hotel’s dedicated wedding suite and will be set up with beauti-ful chair covers and a choice of sashes, as well as luxurious floral arrangements on each table and a fairylight backdrop.

Civil weddingThe hotel is also reg-

istered for civil wed-ding ceremonies and the Arch Suite will be decorated as it would be on the special day with linen chair covers, flow-ers and candles.

Contact the hotel directly for more infor-mation on packages.

Contact Ruth Traynor on 046-9431516 or [email protected]

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EVENT Charity lunch at Brasserie 15

Bressie’s boost to mum’s support centre� LAURA WEBB

[email protected]

HE has fast become a household name after judging, and mentoring the winning act of the Voice of Ireland, but his new found fame hasn’t inflated his ego, as he uses his celebrity status to fundraise for charity.

Earlier this year, Bres-sie, aka Niall Breslin, was named the ambas-sador of LARCC (Lake-lands Area Retreat and Cancer Centre) a cancer support centre located just outside his home-town of Mullingar in Co Westmeath, where his mum, Mandy, is the director.

To help raise funds for the centre, he hosted a charity lunch in Brasserie 15 in Castleknock, Dub-lin 15 last week.

His best friend helped get the venue and he brought the entertain-ment, with thanks to his protegee, the Voice of Ireland winner, Pat Byrne.

Speak ing to the Gazette this week, he talked about his involve-ment in the charity and what’s next for the singer/songwriter and producer.

Respected

“It ’s a very well-known national charity. It is very well respected. A lot of cancer charities deal with the physical aspect of cancer; this is looking more at the emotional and psycho-logical aspect of it. It is a residential treatment centre where parents can go for a week with the family, and that

Bressie with mum Mandy. Picture: Ania Sherlock

is unique – there is nowhere in the whole country where you can do that.

“The HSE has cut funding by 50-60% and a lot of people don’t realise there is an emo-tional side to cancer, so people don’t really dedicate money to it.

“There was no way I was going to let it lose out. I thought I could bring something to it, but then the show [The Voice] started and then I knew I could really bring some-thing to it and it has.

“We are starting with

this event, and then there will be a big event in the summer and we are not talking about trying to keep one open, we are talking about opening others – that is where I am going with it,” he said.

Joining Bressie at the lunch was fellow Voice judge, Brian Kennedy, who said he was only too happy to be part of the charity event.

Although he won’t be on our screens every Sunday night with the Voice, Bressie is still very much involved

in it as he gets ready to work with his win-ning act Pat Byrne, and also help his other act, Conor Quinn.

“Pat hasn’t even got a day off yet. He asked about it, but I quickly told him – you’re in the music business now, there is no such thing,” he joked.

“We have star ted writing for the album for Pat. Then I will work with Conor and then work on my own. It’s a busy time.”

For further informa-tion on LARCC log onto www.larcc.ie

Encouraging healthy eating

INITIATIVE: PROMOTING FRUIT AND VEGETABLES

STUDENTS across the country will be kept busy throughout May as Agri Aware’s Incredible Edibles Healthy Eating Month challenges stu-dents to record their daily intake of potatoes, fruit and vegetables.

Launched in Family Farm, which was devel-oped by Agri Aware and Dublin Zoo, Minister of State Shane McEntee (FG), was on hand to commence the month-long initiative which will see students note their consumption of these foods in a special healthy eating diary as part of the overall Incredible Edibles initiative.

With childhood obesity levels in Ireland reaching epidemic proportions, Agri Aware’s Incredible Edibles is a healthy eating initiative that encourages primary school children to eat more potatoes, fruit and vegetables. The project, now in its fourth year, is delivered by Agri Aware and is supported by Bord Bia, the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) and the Irish horti-culture industry.

The sponsors of the Incredible Edibles project will deliver healthy eating awareness activities, dem-onstrations and food tast-ings as part of Incredible

Edibles Healthy Eating month at Family Farm, Dublin Zoo during May.

Students nationwide are collecting the Incred-ible Edibles tokens and/or the Bord Bia Quality Mark from Irish potatoes, fruit and vegetables to win some amazing prizes for their class. The public are encouraged to help out by collecting the tokens and/or the Quality Mark from Irish potatoes, fruit and vegetables in support of their local schools par-ticipating in the project.

Speaking at the launch, Minister McEntee com-mented: “In light of the current levels of obesity, especially in our younger population, and the over-all need to increase fruit and vegetable consump-tion, I am very pleased that the Incredible Edi-bles has evolved to have a stronger emphasis on the need to increase con-sumption; I see Healthy Eating Month as a key part of this process.”

Encouraging a positive attitude to healthy eat-ing, Bernard Donohue, chairman of Agri Aware, said: “Incredible Edibles Healthy Eating month is a great opportunity for parents and teachers to communicate the impor-tance of healthy eating to children.”


GazettePETSPETSBrought to you by Miriam Kerins of

the DSPCA

THE FACTS: YOUR CAT’S DIET MAY NEED AN OVERHAUL AS SHE GETS OLDER

Helping kitty stay fit and healthy as she gets olderA

H yes, it’s a cool for cats kinda time right now because it seems

readers just can’t get enough of our feline friends… well, if your calls to the shelter are anything to go by.

So , th i s week , I

thought I’d continue my, ahem, CAT-alogue of kitty columns and delve a little into the world of the senior feline and her specific dietary needs and requirements.

You see as Kitty gets older, her nutrition-al needs will start to

As your cat gets older, her nutritional needs will start to change

change. She may have a slower metabolism and gain a few pounds, she may become less active and wish to stay indoors more therefore to help her stay fit and healthy into her senior years, you, as her parent, will need to give her diet an overhaul.

However, I must add, always check with your vet before you change your pet’s diet, especially if there are specific health problems that need to be addressed.

Levels of ActivitySome cats go out

and hunt and are pretty active, others are pam-pered and lie around the house all day.

It makes sense then that the less active Kitty may require 10% less maintenance energy.

This is also quite dependent on the weath-er. For example, keeping the body warm or cooling it down will use up more energy, so keep in touch with your vet in the event the temperature plum-mets and the same goes if we ever manage to get a heatwave… although the latter hardly ever occurs in Ireland.

Health StatusIf Kitty’s had surgery or

an illness, she may have increased nutritional requirements in order to help her heal. Again, keep in contact with your vet who will best advise regarding periods of ill-ness and recovery.

Portion Control is Important

Work with your vet to ascertain which senior cat food provides the best nutritional balance for Kitty. To help her main-tain her recommended weight, measure out the portions as per manu-facturer’s/veterinarian’s instructions.

Dividing the Spoils Usually it’s recom-

mended you feed your cat two meals per day using portion control.

Divide the amount suggested as per your vet or food manufacturer advice and allocate them approximately eight hours apart.

As cats require tau-rine, (an amino acid important to maintain normal heart function, reproduction and vision) and… here’s a little tip; most mammals can make taurine, but cats can’t, it’s important to feed Kitty animal-based protein which means a meat-based diet in order

to meet her nutritional requirements.

Remember you may need to adjust intake according to your cat’s level of activity or your vet’s recommendations.

TemperatureA senior cat’s sense

of smell may diminish slightly, so try to offer her food at room tempera-ture to make it easier for her to be attracted to the aroma.

Water OnlyForget the saucer of

milk, it’s bad for Kitty. Cats cannot process enough lactase in order to break down lactose

in milk, therefore allow-ing Kitty to drink milk or milk-based products will cause her to vomit or experience diarrhoea.

Give water only and make sure you encour-age her to drink it often, as some senior cats may be prone to medical problems such as urinary tract infections and an increased water intake may reduce the risk of this. It will also reduce the risk of dehydration.

So, following the all clear from your vet, make sure Kitty gets enough gentle exercise in the form of some play with toys or a little potter around the garden while you’re tend-ing to the plants.

The above is written as a guideline only, so if you’ve got a senior cat, why not pop her along to your vet today for a quick check up because with his/her help, there’s no reason why you and Kitty can’t enjoy the golden years together and optimise her health and wellbeing.

� For more information, log onto www.dspca.ie or contact your vet or email me at [email protected]


GazetteGROWINGGROWING

Can’t beet thisTHIS month, we will be harvesting the first of our new-season beetroot.

Okay, so they will be no bigger than golf balls, and will have been grown in the polytunnel – but they will be all the tastier and more tender as a result.

I was turned off beet-root as a kid because the only way I ever saw it pre-sented was pickled and floating in vinegar – fresh beetroot plucked straight from the soil and baked to retain all the goodness is a different matter: earthy, tender, wonderful and incredibly good for you.

Interesting to note that we also still have about half a dozen beetroot from last year in a box of sand in the shed – they were sown in July, lifted for storage in October,

and we’ve been eating a couple a week since. They have held up well.

They are an altogether hardier affair than the new season ones – about the size of large oranges, and not quite as tender, but they still taste pretty good and make a useful addition to salads (raw, grated).

To my mind, this brings home why beetroot is the perfect GIY crop – it can be difficult to source fresh in the supermarket, it’s easy to grow, doesn’t demand much space and, with a little planning, it can be enjoyed fresh all year round.

By the way, if you are heading to Bloom in the Phoenix Park (May 31 to June 4), come and visit us at the GIY Zone.

We will be showing people how to sow seeds and generally spreading GIY joy. We’re also aim-ing to break a Guinness World Record for the most people sowing seed-lings at the one time, and creating a giant seedling mosaic!

Tip of the week: Best way to sow beetroot

Beetroot likes a deep, sandy soil, manured the previous winter. Apply organic fertiliser about a week before sowing.

Germination is in about 10 days, and you will have roots to eat in about three months.

I always sow beetroot in module trays and then carefully transplant them about a month after sow-ing.

They should be planted four inches apart, in rows about 12 inches apart.

Bear in mind that a beetroot seed is actually a “cluster” of up to five seeds, so even if you sow just one seed, you may end up with a small clus-ter of plants – thin them out to just one seedling.

Sow every two weeks from April until July (for a continuous supply of young beets), although you can start even earlier (March) in a greenhouse or polytunnel.

Sow another batch in July, which will be ready to lift in October for win-ter storage.

� Michael Kelly is a

freelance journalist,

author and founder of

GIY Ireland

In association with

Ingredients:

• 12-15 baby beetroot

• Two TBSP lemon juice

• 80ml extra virgin olive oil

• One TSP Dijon mustard

• 70g baby spinach leaves

and some small beetroot

leaves

• A bunch of flat-leaf

parsley leaves, roughly

chopped

• 100g soft goat’s cheese,

crumbled

• 75g toasted walnuts

TWIST off the leaves from

the beetroot (don’t cut,

this causes them to bleed),

leaving about two inches

of stalk attached to the

beet. Wash them well and

pat dry. Place them in a

tinfoil parcel, and bake in a

hot (220C) oven for about

35-45 minutes.

They will be very tender

when cooked – pierce with

a knife to check. Take a

beetroot and rinse under a

cold tap (so you can handle

it), then quickly remove

the skin by rubbing with

your fingers – if it is well

cooked, it should come off

easily.

Repeat with all the

beetroot and cut them

into quarters. Whisk the

lemon juice, olive oil and

mustard together in a

small bowl. Season to

taste.

Place the spinach,

beetroot leaves and

chopped parsley in a large

bowl. Add half the dressing

and toss well.

Divide among four

serving plates (or leave in

the large bowl, if desired),

then scatter with

beetroot, goat’s cheese

and toasted walnuts.

Garnish the salad with

some parsley, drizzle with

the remaining dressing

and serve immediately.

Recipe of the WeekBEETROOT, walnuts and goat’s cheese make ideal bedfellows for a salad. This delicious salad serves four.

TASTE: NO NEED TO ROOT AROUND FOR A GREAT TREAT

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GazetteBEAUTYBEAUTY

LANCOME announc-es its June 2012 designer gift collabora-tion with luxury design house, Jenny Packham.

This is one of Lan-come’s most exciting designer collaborations to date. The style of the make-up purse has a vintage feel to it, fea-turing romantic floral designs created exclu-sively by de Gournay for the Jenny Packham Lancome bag.

From June 2012, Lancome customers can own this unique bag by simply purchas-ing two Lancome products (one to be skincare) from a Lan-come counter.

Available nation-wide from June 8, 2012, whilst stocks last.

A designer

gift from

Lancome The essential L

et’s face it, the sooner we go on holidays to catch a few rays from

that shiny ball in the sky, known as THE SUN, the sooner faces will be smil-ing again.

The travel season is among us and Gazette Beauty is on a mini mission to give readers an idea of some of the essential products that should take up space in that 20kg bag.

Forget packing lug-gage to the brim with flip flops and sarongs, you know you won’t use, think about items that you can’t live without on a sun holiday.

Helping to take the stress out of travel this summer is Burt’s Bees and its mini kits.

The kits have mini-

ature versions of all it’s full size favourites with Tips and Toes Kit, Head to Toe, Radiance Healthy Glow and the Essen-tial Burt’s Bee Kit – our favourite.

This essential Burt’s Bee’s kit (€16.99) con-tains soap bark and chamomile deep cleans-ing cream, hand cream, nourishing milk and honey lotion, coconut foot cream and beeswax lip balm.

Of these, the lip balm is a must to keep with you at all times to avoid dry lips while sun bath-ing.

The coconut foot cream gives great relief after a day’s walking, or a night’s dancing and the coconut scent boosts that happy holiday feel-ing – available at health

stores and pharmacies nationwide.

Take care while in the sun, and so it’s not unusual that we say sun factor is a MUST for eve-ryone.

Don’t let skin burn – red is not a sun-kissed colour, it’s sun-kissed pain. Apply sun factor as often as you can.

If money doesn’t mat-ter, Piz Buin is a favour-ite here as it is great for sensitive and dry skin, and works on building a glowing natural tan.

Saving pennies? Then try out Lidl’s very own range from Cien. The range is available in vari-ous sun protection fac-tors to suit every need from factor 8 to factor 50, kids to adults, it has the lot.

Here’s something eve-Enjoy the summer holiday season but take care while in the sun with an appropri-

ate sun screen to prevent burning


Edited by

Laura Webb

products for a spell in the sunryone should know – sun protection factor (SPF) refers to how long you can stay in the sun with-out getting burned.

The higher the fac-tor the longer you can stay out without burn-ing. The Cien range is priced between €2.99 and €4.99.

Another essential is, of course, after sun. One suggestion from Gazette Beauty for a good after sun, essential for sooth-ing is Green People After Sun (€15.99). This product is made with cooling peppermint and helps to maintain a healthy tan – available at Nelson’s Homeopath-ic Dispensary, Duke St, Dublin 2.

Travelling can take its toll on some stomachs and so a travel sickness preventative is worth bringing along, helping you enjoy your sum-mer rather than loath it because of travel sick-ness.

Our recommendation is, also available from Nelson’s, is Travella, a homeopathic prepara-tion to aid with symp-toms of travel sickness, this costs €7.25.

Exfoliate before head-ing to the beach with

Dead Sea Skin Magik Brushing Salts (€17.95).

This is a mix of Dead Sea salts and coconut oil, perfect for pre beach exfoliation and a great treatment for cellulite, also available at Nelson’s Homeopathic Dispen-sary.

Take care of your hair when away. The Aus-sie hair care range, not only smells fantastic but works wonders for dry/damaged hair.

Tried and tested by Gazette beauties, the range recommended this summer is the Miracle Moist Range.

This range makes hair soft, shiny and fabulously conditioned.

It brings moisture to dry damaged hair, which is often a result of sun exposure.

Miracle Moist Sham-poo is used to lock mois-ture in all day long.

After that, use Miracle Moist Conditioner for some serious moisturis-ing. But the one thing we advise not to leave behind is its Miracle Hair Insurance.

This leave-in condi-tioner is a little miracle for detangling hair by conditioning and nour-ishing it, while also pro-

tecting hair from every-day wear and tear, a must when out and about this summer – Aussie hair products are available at Boots nationwide.

Rub away your stress and worries with the new Spa Collection Abso-lute Calm Massage Oil, €8/100ml from Marks & Spencer.

This non-greasy mas-sage oil has been special-ly formulated with sweet almond oil to condition and nourish the skin whilst a soothing blend of essential oils of man-darin, chamomile and lavender help relax and unwind.

This is perfect for try-ing to unwind after a day sightseeing.

Also available in this range is the Spa Collec-tion Absolute Calm Bath Essence, €5.50/300ml and Spa Collection Absolute Calm Pillow Mist, €5.50/50ml.

Now obviously we are not saying take all these essentials with you, because if you do, that 20kg will be full before you get a chance to put in any summer shorts, so just take in our advice and then find what best suits your top five travel essentials.

Help take the stress out of travel with Essential Burt’s Bees Kit

Lidl’s very own range from Cien has factors to suit every need

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GazetteMUSICMUSIC

All our love and respect to the end

Adam Yauch of the Beastie Boys had an influence on a generation of music fans

� ROB HEIGH

W H E N i t w a s announced last week that Beastie Boy Adam Yauch had died after a three-year battle against cancer, the wave of gen-uine shock and sadness that passed through the world of music was pal-pable.

Although the portents were not good when he was unable to attend the band’s induction to the Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame in April, there was still hope that this essential part of one of the most influential and beloved bands of the past three decades would beat the disease that afflicted him.

Yauch’s gravelly rasp counterpointed Dia-mond’s pally vibe and Horowitz’s amped cra-ziness on the mic. Their skills combined to cre-ate a unique bouilla-baisse – a Beastie Boys record was instantly recognisable, not only because of their rhyme styles, but because you felt that the way their personalities were right there on the track.

Every record, which never sold less than a

million copies on release, was a new adventure in sound – the Beasties took the influences of their world, mashing up Japanese pop, Jamaican dub, old-school hip-hop, soul and hard rock riffs and made something uniquely their own. At the same time, they wrote some of the most memorable, quotable, referential and – don’t forget or underestimate this – fun rhymes in rap.

The fact that the band seemed like a band of brothers, transmitting a genuine enjoyment in what they did, never appearing po-faced or serious, even in the face of serious illness in the last three years, defines why the Beastie Boys meant so much to so many people. They loved what they did, and they wanted you to be a part of the party they fought for the right to throw. You were invited, and welcome – the door was open and theirs was not a closed world of gang-sta mores or outrageous bling that you had no access to.

They opened a whole new world of music to

this impressionable teen – the Beasties were the link to Run-DMC, to Public Enemy, to NWA, and on, and on… Not only to their contem-poraries, but also to the artists they sampled on their tracks, too innu-merable to mention, especially on their best album, Paul’s Boutique.

Creating some of the most memora-ble moments in music video history – Inter-galactic, Body Movin’, So What’cha Want – was another of Yauch’s talents that was most immediately on display in the public domain, but his activism and charitable work for Tibetan freedom and the recovery of New York in the wake of 9/11 were other aspects of the work he did, which underlined his humanity and humanitarianism.

There has been noth-ing but the Beasties finest moments on the playlist since last Friday, and they will always be one of of my most dearly loved, and missed, musi-cal heroes.

Thank you, Boys. Thank you , Adam. Namaste.

SHE’S been called one of the most controver-sial women in rock, and I think Courtney Love whole-heartedly deserves that crown. Brawls, court cases, drugs...this woman has stared the usual rock cliches in the face (and in some cases, punched it), but only she could continue the on-again off-again relationship with her fella, 18 years after his death.

Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain died in 1994 and the rights to his image were in

the hands of his wife. Although tumultuous, their relationship was one that seemed to survive all sorts of chal-lenges...until Courtney needed a quick buck, it seems.

It’s emerged the Hole singer gave up her rights to Cobain’s name, like-ness and appearance in exchange for €2.1m. Surely, she wouldn’t be so shallow...

I hear you ask, where is she getting the money? Oh, that’d be from her teenage daughter, Frances Bean

FastTunes with Radio Nova’s Dee Woods

Cobain’s, trust fund. So, Courtney gets the loan of a couple of million, but until she can pay it back, will no longer be head of the company that looks after the Cobain cash-flow: Frances Bean is. The 19-year-old is tak-ing over her 47-year-old mother’s job and giving her a loan? Talk about role reversal.

In fairness to Court-ney, she’s doing her best to earn a few quid in the meantime. Her first art show was launched in New York last week.

It featured drawings and lyrics by the Hole frontwoman and the piece de resistance: a designer gown which she claimed was to be worn to her marriage to Ed Norton that never hap-pened.

Now, there’s a woman with an appropriate surname - what’s not to Love?


INTERNATIONAL singer and actress Tracy Leonard runs a new stage school in Lucan and Rush, known as DAS Academy (Dancing, Act-ing, Singing Academy).

Tracy trained at the Gaiety School of Acting, Dublin and the Royal Academy of Music, Lon-don on its world renowned Musical Theatre Course and has worked professionally in Ire-land, the UK and on a cruise ship as the main singer for Broadway style shows on the US high seas.

Tracy loves to perform on stage and has done so since a young age, she now wants to help new up-and-coming actors, singers and danc-ers achieve their dreams or even just enjoy it as something to help them gain more confidence in themselves in everyday life.

Interview: Tracy Leonard, DAS Academy in Lucan and Rush

Q&A

Helping people achieve their dreams

International singer and actress Tracy Leonard runs a new stage school in Lucan and Rush

MORTGAGE RELIEF

Q – We bought my first house in 2004, bought the

second in 2010, as the family grew. We could not

sell the first, as it was in negative equity and

rented it out in 2010, losing the mortgage inter-

est relief. Should we still qualify after recent

changes ? The rent doesn’t cover the mortgage

capital and interest repayments.

Colin – Terenure

A - Measures brought into effect last Budget would

have meant that, had you stayed in your first

house, you would now be enjoying 30% mortgage

interest relief until 2017 ! Unfortunately, moving

meant that you lost out on being a first-time buyer

and, therefore, precludes you from receiving the

new life changes announced in the last Budget. At

least you stopped the TRS (tax relief at source) as

soon as you started renting your former home.

There are so many people who were forced to

rent out their homes because of their inability to

maintain repayments, but did not stop the TRS. This

could come back to haunt them. Presumably, you

are also making the usual offsets against the rental

income tax liability:

• 75% of the mortgage interest

• Service charges (including block insurance)

• Repairs and maintenance

• 12.5% of furniture and fixtures (keep receipts)

for each of the first eight years

• PRTB fees

• Property management fees

• Contents insurance if contents are your own

The NPPR and household charges are not allow-

able for offsetting against your rental income tax

liability.

As regards tax relief on your second home, the

original allowance of seven years has now expired –

the last two years being at 20% tax relief.

� Contact John with your money questions at

[email protected] or visit his website at

www.moneydoctor.ie. John Lowe, Fellow of the

Institute of Bankers, is founder and managing

director of Money Doctor

GazetteBUSINESSBUSINESS Supported by AIB

When you were a kid, what did

you want to be?

A singer.

What was your first job?

Farmer’s daughter and then helping

run a video shop when I was 15. I

didn’t want to get muddy anymore!

And your first pay check?

I remember wanting these runners

and thought if I work for two weeks,

I’ll be able to get them. It made me

feel great to be able to get them

myself.

When did you start your

present job?

August 2011 with the stage school and

singing forever it seems. Before that

for weddings, shows and events.

What is the best thing about

your job?

The kids. Seeing them achieve a

dance move they couldn’t do before

or hitting a note that seemed out of

reach, not being shy to read out or

“act” in front of their peers.

What part of your working day

do you “delegate”?

I leave the dancing to Thomas…we

work on production pieces together,

but when it comes to choreography, I

have a cuppa…

What sport do you follow?

I like rugby.

What sport can you play?

I used to play camogie and Gaelic

football, but now I just walk a lot and

run around after my toddler…keeps

me fit to say the least!

What is your guilty music, TV or

movie pleasure?

I just love Sky Plus. I get to watch it

all after baby is in bed and I can wind

down with the soap stories, a nice

cuppa and some choccy.

What music/pictures/movies

do you have on your iPod/iPad?

Everything from Heads Shoulders

Knees and Toes to Rhianna for DAS

Academy classes.

Who do you follow on Twitter/

Facebook?

Just friends and family really, as my

husband is American, so I keep in

touch with all my friends and in-laws

that way. It’s great for sharing photos

and stories.

Describe your dream meal?

Cooked oysters and then a big, thick

medium-rare steak and cheesy

potatoes.

Where do you enjoy spending

money frivolously?

On my son and my husband – online.

That way it’s a surprise when it

arrives. I’m not a complete martyr

though, I do get myself stuff too.

How many pairs of shoes do

you own?

Mmm, let me think … about 40. BUT

can’t wear half of the really high heels

at the moment. I do intend wearing

them again in the future, so refuse

to throw them out (not sure if I’m in

denial or not though!)

What was your worst holiday

experience?

My last trip to California (where my

husband is from). The holiday wasn’t

the problem, the travel was! Dublin to

London to San Franciso was so long

and my son was only six months old at

the time. He was great on the flights

but I hate flying! So, while hubby and

son snoozed away, I was envisioning

all sorts of scary airplane movies!

Describe your dream holiday?

Me, hubby and son by a pool with a

maid to do all the cooking and cleaning.

What would be your dream job?

Singing/acting a couple of days a

week and teaching the DAS Academy

kids a couple of days a week too – I

have done both, but not together yet.

What do you plan to do when

you retire?

IF I retire, which will probably only

ever be part-time retirement, as I

love singing, acting and teaching. I will

travel, relax and spend time with my

son and future children and me and

my husband’s family.


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GazetteMOTORSMOTORS

� CORMAC CURTIS

YEAR in , year out, car compa-nies the world over tease us

with incredible concept designs that they prom-ise indicate the direc-tion their latest models are following.

Unfortunately, year after year, what eventu-ally rolls off the assem-bly line doesn’t quite live up to our, admit-tedly juvenile, expecta-tions.

A certain part of every driver’s psyche (well, mine at least) wants to see a car that breaks the rules and doesn’t apolo-gise for it.

I have an insatiable appetite for a car that has all the charm, char-acter, looks and power of a James Bond villain, just in motoring form. Something that really has a menacing person-ality.

S o , w h e n O p e l released their concept images of the new-est incarnation of the Astra GTC at the Paris Autoshow in 2010, not too many members of the motoring press held their breath in anticipa-tion of the final product matching the beauty of the concept.

How wrong were we? Very.

With the exception of the alloys and the racing seats featured in the pre-release images, the Opel Astra GTC is almost exactly as prom-ised.

As many wi l l be aware, the Astra hatch-back has been held close to the hearts of many a young boy racer over the years.

And, as those boy racers have matured, Opel have kept a close eye on how the Astra has developed to match the needs and, indeed, the desires of their cus-tomers.

This time, though, the design team led by

Opel’s vice-president of design, Mark Adams, has produced some-thing wonderful.

You simply can’t help but grin from ear to ear when you lay eyes on this car.

The contours appear to have been modelled on the lines in a speed tunnel , making the car’s profile similar to a cross section of an aeroplane’s wing.

This thing looks like it’s moving when it’s standing still.

External chrome has been kept to a styl-ish minimum – only appearing on the front grille and as a highlight-ing arc over the side windows.

The front lights have all the subtlety of a snarling panther, and, at night, the effect is exaggerated with some beautifully designed illumination.

Let’s just say you’ll notice this car from a mile off – and you will feel like giving it plenty of space and avoiding eye contact.

This Astra is also the first Opel coupe that offers an option of 20” alloy wheels the model I tested was sporting this option, and I couldn’t imagine the car without them.

The biggest issue for my kids is rear seats – do they have enough room, and can they buckle themselves in to their booster chairs?

In the Astra GTC, this was, surprisingly, abso-lutely no problem. Not only that, but, both kids could even flip the front seats forward them-selves to get out.

Practicality reaches further back in to the

The Astra GTC is well worth a test drive if you can drag yourself away from the

beauty of the outside

RoadRoadSignsSignsEircom calls on Kuga for its new fleet IRELAND’S leading telecom services provider, Eircom, has taken delivery of 20 new Ford Kuga Commercial vehicles for its national team of radio site engineers. The Kuga is powered by Ford’s effi-cient 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine and has four-wheel drive capability, enabling the Eircom teams to gain easy access to off-road sites.

Michael Lynch, head of transport and logistics for Eircom, said: “Our teams need a tough, reliable vehicle in their daily work and the initial reaction to the new Kuga has been very positive. The Kuga has the right mix of style, versatility and tough-ness.”

Ford Ireland’s commercial vehicle sales and Marketing manager, Ciaran McMahon, said: “Our Kuga Commercial is the ideal stylish package for any business user who needs that little bit more muscle in their daily work. And with prices from €26,604, it truly is a great value package”.

Volkswagen claims number one spot VOLKSWAGEN Ireland has claimed the number 1 position in the Irish motor industry during April, with 867 registrations, a market share of 12.9%.

So far this year, Volkswagen has registered 6,513 vehicles representing a market share of 12.3%, up 0.5% (on 2011).

This performance places Volkswagen imme-diately behind Toyota, and suggests it is closing the gap.

Commenting on the figures, John Donegan, head of sales and marketing for Volkswagen Ireland said: “We are delighted with our per-formance during April and credit must go to our dealership network and their exceptional efforts.

“With a gap of just 200 registrations between Volkswagen Ireland and the top spot we will be doing our utmost to continue this strong performance in the second quarter of 2012 and maximise a strong order bank.”

Volkswagen Ireland’s strong performance is against the backdrop of an overall motoring industry that year to date is 7.2 % down on 2011 with April down 22% on April 2011.

New Astra lives � Engine: 2.0 CDTI � Economy: 49.6mpg� CO2 emissions: 127g� Price: €27,995

SPECS: OPEL ASTRA GTC 2.0-LITREDIESEL SRI

car, as the boot pro-vides between 380 and 1,165 litres of volume – over 200 litres more than some of the com-petition.

I was impres sed with the high-quality materials that feature in all GTCs, and with the attractive chrome-edged instruments in deep-set binnacles that give drivers clear and well laid-out informa-tion.

S t anda rd on a l l GTCs are DAB stereo and USB functionality, while the SRi gets an onboard computer and leather-rimmed steering wheel.

My test car came in a beautifully striking More-llo Red, and featured the

new premium leather trim, and a six-way adjust-able driver’s seat.

I was relieved that the sports seats in this car were forgiving enough to allow me to drive in incredible comfort – which is not always the case with figure-hugging sports seats!

This car would not be complete without some serious performance ability – and the 2.0-CDTi packs 165PS with an exceptionally strong 350Nm of torque from just 1,750rpm.

T h i s he lps i t to achieve a 0-60mph time of just 8.4 seconds and 50-70mph in 6.4 seconds, together with a combined fuel con-sumption of 58.9mpg

and emissions of just 127g/km.

In short, enough poke for some laugh-out-load fun on the road.

Driver comfort is fur-ther enhanced as the engine is bolted in posi-tion via hydraulically-damped mount ings that minimise vibra-tion through the body structure. Opel’s Start/Stop system is fitted to all 2.0-CDTi models as standard and works nicely.

So, there is a lot going on in the new Astra GTC, and it won me over quicker than it can reach 60mph.

It’s well worth a test drive if you can drag yourself away from the beauty of the outside!

R1


up to expectations

R1

GazetteTTRAVELRAVEL

AMERICA: BEAUTIFUL BEACHES, FANTASTIC THEME PARKS AND CARIBBEAN CRUISES

Whether you’re look-ing to see the beau-ty of Cape Cod, get Mickey Mouse’s

autograph, or chance your luck in the casinos, American Holidays have some great US offers at the moment.

Orlando and Clearwater

Beach

Stay 10 nights at the 4-star Crowne Plaza Universal Orlando and four nights at the 4-star Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort, with 14 nights car hire included, from only €1,049pp.

The Crowne Plaza Univer-sal Orlando Hotel, located on Universal Boulevard, is just a quick walk from Orlando’s world-renowned International Drive. It offers an outdoor pool, fitness and business centres, and offers high-speed and wireless internet access.

Complimentary shuttles

whisk visitors from the hotel to SeaWorld, Wet ‘n’ Wild, and the Disney and Univer-sal Orlando theme parks.

Overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, the Hilton Clearwa-ter Beach Resort stands on 10 acres of white-sand beach in Clearwater Beach and Pier 60, positioned adjacent to the resort, hosts nightly sunset celebrations.

The Show Queen River-boat is docked two blocks from the hotel.

Price includes: Return flights from Dublin to Orlan-do, 14 nights accommodation and 14 nights car hire with fully inclusive insurance. Price based on two adults and two children sharing.

Boston and Cape Cod

Spend three nights in the 3-star Midtown Hotel Boston and four nights in the 3-star Cape Codder Resort and Spa Hyannis from only €1,219pp

Centrally located in down-town Boston, the Midtown Hotel blends comfort and convenience with affordabil-ity. This moderately priced hotel, nestling in the heart of Boston’s Back Bay, puts the city at your doorstep.

Boston is an exciting city to visit and the Midtown Hotel is the place to stay.

At the award-winning Cape Codder Resort and Spa, enjoy the crisp ocean air and rolling sand dune scenery, providing numerous attrac-tions, shopping and dining for its guests.

Comfortable lodgings and excellent restaurants are available as is fun for all the family in the complex’s amaz-ing indoor wave pool.

Price includes: Return flights direct from Dublin to Boston with Aer Lingus, seven nights accommodation and four days car hire. Prices based on two adults sharing.

Orlando Stay and Western

Caribbean Cruise

Stay five nights in the 3-star Rosen Inn Pointe Orlando Hotel and seven nights aboard Royal Carib-bean’s Freedom of the Seas from only €1,329pp.

Take the family to Orlando this Christmas and stay in the Rosen Inn Pointe Orlando Hotel on the famous Interna-tional Drive, within driving distance of Universal Orlando, Sea World, Walt Disney World Theme Parks and many other Orlando attractions. The hotel also provides a complimentary scheduled shuttle transporta-tion service to each of these attractions.

The newly-enhanced Free-dom of the Seas is a marvel of maritime engineering, packed with awesome innovations to stir your imagination. Catch a first-run movie in the 3D theatre or poolside under the stars on the outdoor movie

screen. Infuse colour into your cruise with the artworks of the BRITTO Gallery or with the frosted confections of the Cupcake Cupboard.

Plus, enjoy all the revolution-ary features Freedom of the Seas has always been known for - FlowRider surf simulator, rock climbing wall, ice-skating rink, Royal Promenade, canti-levered whirlpools, mini-golf course, H2O Zone water park, and much more.

Price includes: Return flights from Dublin to Orlan-do, five nights accommoda-tion in Orlando, seven nights full-board cruise and taxes. Excludes gratuities. Terms and conditions apply. Price based on two adults sharing.

Las Vegas and Cancun

Stay three nights in the 3-star Excalibur Hotel and seven nights in the 3-star Viva Wynham Maya in Cancun, Mexico from only €1,479pp.

Stay in royal accommoda-tions in the Excalibur Hotel in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip. Excalibur offers every-thing you’d expect from a Las Vegas hotel - from top-notch dining and entertainment, to non-stop Las Vegas casino action.

Surrounded by pristine beaches and submerged among coral reefs, the Viva Wynham Maya is enchanted by ancient Mayan ruins.

The all-inclusive resort experience shines with a seemingly endless array of exciting possibilities. Dine at one of seven restaurants, offering a tempting array of cuisines in a variety of beau-tiful settings.

Price includes: Return flights, internal flight, 10 nights accommodation and airport transfers in Cancun. Prices based on two adults sharing.

Call American Holidays to book on 01 6733800.

Get away to the USACancun is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world


Enjoy the crisp ocean air in Cape Cod

Enjoy non-stop Las Vegas casino action

Edited by

Mimi Murray


GazetteENTERTAINMENTENTERTAINMENT

This slice is staleSeann William Scott and Jason Biggs explain to the rest of the gang what it felt like to have a career beyond the American Pie films. Out of

shot, Chris Klein plots Rollerball 2.

Thirteen years after their first adventure, the American Pie gang are reunited, but they’ve left the charm behind� PAUL HOSFORD

AVENGERS Assemble may have announced the arrival of summer in cineplexes, but another reluctant team are com-ing together this week to fight off their own demons and play dress up.

Unfortunately for the cast of American Pie: Reunion, Joss Whedon didn’t work his magic on the fourth (or eighth, depending on whether you class direct to video sequels) instalment of the series.

Because, whereas the characters you know and love are back, they are basically the same people.

Sure, Jim (Jason Biggs) and Michelle (Alyson Hannigan) are now par-ents of a two-year-old, Oz (Chris Klein) has become a sports caster with a blonde girlfriend (30 Rock’s Katr ina Bowden).

Kevin (Thomas Ian Nicholas) has settled into the life of a house-husband, Finch (Eddie Kaye Thomas) is a well-travelled man of the world, Mena Suvari’s Heather is a doctor, Stif ler’s (Seann Wil-liam Scott) still Stifler, and Tara Reid’s Vicky is... living in New York, which is all we learn, but that’s ok because her character was the worst.

So, 13 years after their graduation, the gang are back in town for a reunion and all rumi-nating on how their

lives haven’t gone as expected.

It’s an odd fit, trying to make a mid-life crisis comedy of a franchise that got famous for its unconventional use of baked goods.

So, we have the gang wistfully looking at the kids these days, won-dering where their own youth has gone and alternately being their usual selves, which is the film’s biggest flaw.

Jim will have his cus-tomary mishap, Finch will become obsessive about a toilet, Oz and Heather will look at

each other doe-eyed, Stif ler will scam on younger girls and get the best lines, while Kevin and Vicky will continue to be massive, lumberingly unfunny, millstones around the neck of the franchise.

Directors Hurwitz and Schlossberg cre-ated the Harold and Kumar series, itself a race-concious hom-age to American Pie, so you would feel that this project was right in their wheel-house.

Unfortunately, the pair seem to have mis-taken watching the first film for making the fourth.

Most of the jokes are callbacks to the original instalment, and nothing more than that.

The only character given room to grow is Jim’s Dad, played with typica l dr yness by Eugene Levy.

With his wife, Jim’s Mom, dead, his attempts

to get back into the dat-ing game are peppered with brilliant Levy dia-logue.

Of course, there is the inevitable meeting with Stifler’s Mom (Jennifer Coolidge) and the two play off each other mag-nificently.

But, this all feels like an afterthought. Like somewhere through filming, someone point-ed out that Levy and Coolidge are two gifted comedians and the fans would probably like to see them get together.

The actors struggle manfully with the mate-rial and, to an extent, seeing characters that you have built a genu-ine affection for back on the screen isn’t the worst way to spend two hours, but that alone just isn’t enough.

This is why reunions are short-lived affairs; after the initial buzz of being back together, you realise why you left.

FILM OF THE WEEK: American Pie: Reunion�� (15) 113 mins

OUR VERDICT:ONLY nostalgia gets this film such a high score. A film without characters as warmly built and easily recognised may have dipped below three stars. That said, there are genuinely funny parts and some that are laced with the good-hearted sweetness that made the series so successful. It is definitely worth a watch, but not worth rushing to.

Directors: Jon Hurwitz, Hayden SchlossbergStarring: Jason Biggs, Seann William Scott, Alyson Hannigan, Chris Klein, Tara Reid, Eugene Levy, Mena Suvari, Jennifer Coolidge

FOR ALL THE LATEST THEATRE,

CINEMA, GAMING AND TECH NEWS!SEE THE GAZETTE


GazetteGAMINGGAMINGPuppets string out a fun FableFROM chicken-kicking to lute-playing, the Fable series of games has always had much more to do than merely saving the kingdom, for those look-ing for a dash of fun with their adventuring.

Now, build-ing on the well-established world seen throughout the series, we’re presented with Fable Heroes, a not-entirely-obvi-ous (but fun, nonetheless) title launching on XBox Live Arcade, priced 800 Microsoft points.

Adding to the rush of quality titles winging their way to Live Arcade, Fable Heroes sees bright, colourful and intensely competitive multiplayer action rolling out across the land of Albion, with puppet heroes joining forces to battle evil, level up their characters, unlock ever-greater weapons and powers and compete for gold rewards. As for any chicken-kicking – well, play the game to see ...

Anticipated with some puzzlement by the gaming press, the silly, cheeky and intense battles are lots of fun, presented with a gorgeous art style in the instantly memorable land of Albion. Boss battles, party games and side-scrolling action are certainly fun reasons to sally forth with your hero.

Bytesandpieces

� SHANE DILLON

IT’S not that long ago when the (then) ubiq-uitous Blackberry was half-jokingly referred to as the “Crackberry”, given its near-addictive hold over its owners, and their seemingly constant need to be toying with it, checking up on their emails.

Flash forward a few short years, and Black-berry’s maker, Research in Motion (RIM) faces terribly civilised barbar-ians at the gate, in the form of Apple and Sam-sung – but barbarians, nonetheless, threatening to hack and slash what remains of the Black-berry’s collapsed share of the mobile smartphone/internet phone market.

In a bid to beat back its rivals’ ever-advancing pincer movements, RIM’s alchemists have emerged with the Blackberry 10 – an almost all-or-nothing device that RIM hopes is the secret weap-on it needs to guarantee its survival, or, at the very least, provide some mar-ket breathing space.

Of course, as an awful lot of current-gen Black-berry owners will tell you, there’s nothing very “wrong” with their devices – it’s just that the general expectation of the mass market for what their phones (at heart) can do has shifted, incre-mentally, with the public perception that, foot by foot, RIM has been left behind on the way to the all-conquering peak of

Blackberry’s battle

market dominance.And so, the Blackberry

10 has a number of con-temporary features, with de rigueur touchscreen helping to maximise a new OS aimed at keep-ing pace with its peers (assuming, of course, developers row in behind the new OS – given the

comparative paucity of Blackberry apps, they have to).

However, what’s most striking, from the pro-totype, is that the iconic keyboard has been ditched, in line with mod-ern smartphone stylings, helping to retool the Blackberry into a more

streamlined smartphone.With shareholders

fielding blows to stock values, profit warnings and its first quarterly loss, coupled with other woes, RIM’s bosses must be praying Blackberry 10 can beat back the hordes, or the Blackberry’s very future could be axed ...

Research in Motion (RIM) chief, Thorsten Heins, unveils the Blackberry 10 (inset) at

RIM’s annual BlackBerry World gathering in Orlando, last week


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GOLFERS all over the city are being called upon to show their skills in a new initiative from the Golfing Union of Ireland and Kellogg’s.

The Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Golf Skills Chal-lenge compet i t ion , which is being run to mark a new partnership between the organisa-tions, aims to find Ire-land’s most skilled golf-ers.

There are seven skills involved in the chal-lenge — driving, 135-metre shot, pitching, up-and-down, bunker play, difficult lies and putting.

There will be a number of regional qualify-ing events, from which qualifiers will progress to a national final. These include qualifying events at Donabate Golf Club on Friday, June 22 and Hollystown Golf Club on Friday, August

10, prior to the national finat at the GUI Nation-al Golf Academy at Car-ton Demense.

Ireland rugby player and Kellogg Nutri-Gra in ambassador, Rob Kearney, attended the launch of the new partnership at the GUI National Golf Academy, and said: “As a profes-sional athlete, I fully appreciate the need to practise basic skills and drills day in, day out. If I could bring the disci-

GOLF: KELLOGG’S SKILLS COMPETITION TO TEST THE BEST OF COUNTRY’S GOLFERS

Rob Kearney (right) with pro at the GUI Academy, Kenny Fahey, and Jim McNeill of Kellogg Ireland

Challenge is set for Dublin’s golfing stars

pline and time I devote to rugby to my golf game, I’m sure I could drop another few shots off my handicap.”

Speaking on behalf of the GUI National Golf Academy, Alan Kelly

said: “The Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Golf Skills Challenge presents golf-ers from around Ireland the opportunity to chal-lenge themselves and really make all their practice pay off.

The idea of skills challenge came about after we saw the reac-tion to our short game clinics over the last cou-ple of years, and now we have the opportunity to establish the challenge

in golf clubs.”The competition is

open to all golfers over the age of 18, who have an official GUI or ILGU handicap. Online entry is available at www.learntogolf.ie.

GazetteSPORTWONDER WARD: WONDER WARD: Portmarnock’s Portmarnock’s Ireland star on his Ireland star on his hopes for Euro 2012: hopes for Euro 2012: Page 29Page 29


GazetteSportSport

Celtic celebrate

Swords say Ciao to Trap at BalhearyA BIG crowd of players and parents

turned out at Swords Celtic last weekend for the visit of Republic of

Ireland manager, Giovanni Trappatoni. He was at the club launching the club’s 50th anniversary book. The book documents the history of the club since its foundation in 1962, and includes many photographs of sides past and present. While at Balheary, Mr Trappatoni took time to sign autographs for the children and posed for lots of photo-graphs, which was greatly appreciated.

Ciara McGrane and Charleigh Kavanagh at the celebration

Giovanni Trappatoni arrives to great acclaim at

Balheary for the Swords Celtic book launch

Walter Galvin, George McGrane, Johnny O’Sullivan, Robbie Byrne

and Frank Monaghan

Mayor Gerry Maguire and Giovanni

Derek Evans, Ray Kelly and Frank Monaghan

Players assemble in a guard of honour for the arrival of the Republic of Ireland manager


AT TIMES, Stephen Ward has to pinch himself. His most vivid childhood memories were defined by Ireland’s appearance in major international tournaments, but now he stands ready to take his European championships bow.

As a four-year-old, he remembers “causing car-nage” at street parties in 1990. In 2002, his parents “allowed” him to skip a fifth-year engineering exam to watch Robbie Keane strike late for a 1-1 draw against Germany in the World Cup.

Now, it is the Portmar-nock man’s time to shine on the international stage.

Wolves’ relegation from the English Premier League means his focus is already firmly trained on Poland and, hopefully, Ukraine, with the time to create new memories on the agenda.

“Your best memories are when Ireland are in major tournaments,” he said at the launch of the FAI Summer Schools this week.

“I was only four in 1990

but I can still remember street parties, no cars and tables up the road. I knew something big was going on.

“From there, I remem-ber where I was for all the games in 1994 and 2002.

It’s a dream come true. For kids growing up now, hopefully, this will be part of their memories and we can give them some of the highlights.”

Having such a carrot has offered some respite for Ward. He has played every minute of Wolves’ ultimately doomed cam-paign this term, one of the club’s top performers in an ultimately forgetta-ble campaign.

Such setbacks, indeed, do not always lead to a loss of form. In 2002, Matt Holland bounced back from relegation with Ipswich to score for the Republic in their opening World Cup game against Cam-eroon.

It is an irony not lost on Ward when reminded of the stat: “I’d take that! It’s not nice going as a relegated player.

“It’s been devastating, but the writing has been on the wall for a few

weeks, so we’ve had a bit

of time to reflect on what has happened.”

Terry Connor has offered Ward a chance to rest in recent weeks but is keen to finish off a com-plete season and build toward Poland.

It is quite the position to be in for the former Bohs’ man who opted to stay in Dublin at the start of his professional career rather than move across the water in his mid-teens, owing a lot to club mate, Kevin Doyle.

“I certainly don’t feel I’d be where I am today if it wasn’t for the League of Ireland.

Opportunity“It definitely helped me

grow up. Hand on heart, I don’t know how I would have reacted going away at 16, moving to an envi-ronment where everyone is trying to make it.

“Doyler opened a door for a lot of people with how easy he took to it in his first season. He keeps telling me I owe him! It is true, though.

“If he hadn’t gone over and done as well as he did, we wouldn’t have this opportunity. There are still a lot of players over here that could make it in England but it’s just about a manager taking a chance on you.”

Ireland manager, Gio-vanni Trapattoni was another to take a chance on Ward, and he has become a key player on the left in recent time.

Green manifesto for Euro gloryStephen Ward is set to put a tough season behind him when he travels to Poland with Ireland for Euro 2012, writes STEPHEN FINDLATER

Stephen Ward

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

‘There are still a lot of players over here that could make it in England but it’s just about a manager taking a chance on you’-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FastSport

TRANSITION year students throughout Dublin are being challenged to take on their teachers as part of a new annual multi-sport challenge taking place during May in aid of humanitarian agency, GOAL.

Launched nationwide last week, the GOAL Sports Challenge provides all school-children — from junior infants right up to Leaving Certificate level – with the opportu-nity to compete against each other in a wide range of popular sports and games.

The event is aimed at boosting fitness levels amongst children and teenagers, and raising money and awareness for some of GOAL’s programmes for vulnerable children throughout the developing world.

Teachers are also being encouraged to participate, by either taking part in as many events as they can, or by arranging and supervising games for the younger children.

“We expect the students versus the teach-ers event, in sports like rugby, soccer, Gaelic football or hurling to capture the imagina-tion of most schools, but we have proposed a number of other games, such as skipping, hula-hoop rolling, long puck and long kick events, GOAL miles and relays as types of events that will suit boys and girls of all ages and fitness levels,” said GOAL’s develop-ment education officer, Maeve Seery.

“However, schools are more than welcome to come up with their own ideas, too.

“We have also suggested Friday, May 11, as a day to hold the GOAL Sports Challenge, but it may be easier for schools to run the event at another time, whether it is during a sports day, a lunch break, or even a PE class.”

Participating children and teachers are being encouraged to donate whatever they can afford towards GOAL.

For more information, including tips and guidelines for individual games, students and teachers should log on to www.goal.ie, or call Maeve at GOAL on 01-2809 779.

GOAL calls on Transition students to get active

So much so, he is now in a position to emulate the vintage of Jack Charl-ton’s 1-0 victory over Italy in 1994 – one Ward watched enthralled with 15 family members in his house.

“No one gave us a chance in that game, and no one will do that against Spain. I know it’s a different scale, but you look at what Chelsea did to Barcelona, it can hap-pen – these teams can be beaten. In the last World Cup, Spain lost to Swit-zerland and went on to win it.

“They can slip up and, hopefully if they do, it will be against us. I think we can shock a lot of people. Not many people will give us a chance of getting out of our group. I think that will suit us.

“We always seem to do well with an underdog tag. We’re going there with a world-class man-ager. Qualifying is down to him and the way he prepares us. Obviously there are better techni-cal teams in the tourna-ment – Spain and Italy are among the best teams in the world. But when it comes to 90 minutes, we can make it really tough for anyone.

“The first game will be vital but if we’re still in contention coming into the Italy game, we’ll have a great chance of pro-gressing. After that, you just hope you can go as far as possible.”

GazetteSportSport



MALAHIDE woman Amy Hazley played her part on an historic day for women’s Austral-ian Rules football in Europe last week when she lined out for the Dublin Angels against the Kilrea Kookabur-ras.

It was also the first time that the Haggis Cup, held at Peffermill in Edinburgh, featured a women’s sect ion, with the two Irish sides meeting for the first time in seven months to start their seasons at the international event.

For a number of play-

ers, it was also a special day, their first outing in an Aussie Rules game, while the Angels wel-comed back their cap-tain, Avril Robinson, after a lengthy spell out with a knee injury.

From the opening siren, it was action galore, with Vanessa Temple nabbing the Dubliner’s first goal when she bounded through the middle pack to get the Angels on the scoreboard.

Rain then forced scrappy play in the mid-dle of the pitch, making it hard for both teams to convert chances. Kilrea forward Nuala

O’Hagan took some excellent leads for her side and made her mark on the game, scoring two goals.

Kookaburra’s cen-tre Marie Keating was similarly on form, slip-ping through the Angels midfield to pump the ball forward, or through the sticks.

The tackl ing was heavy and hard: Kilrea captain Emma Kelly made heavy contact with Temple after tak-ing a clean mark to give away a 25m penalty in the second half, result-ing in an Angel’s goal.

Both s ides made excellent efforts every

t ime the ba l l was thrown up, with Hazley and Laura Stewart both enjoying a good number of disposals as the Dub-liners ended the first half eight points clear.

The fourth quarter saw the pressure inten-sify, the Dublin Angels’ accuracy on goal prov-ing to be a thorn in Kilrea’s side, but they managed to contain the Kookaburras from surg-ing up the ground.

Kilrea had a chance to goal at bring the score line back within reach but narrowly missed from the boundary. The Angels sealed the deal towards the end with

some right-foot accu-racy from Robinson.

The skipper pumped in two goals close to the end of the game to push the score out of Kilrea’s reach, making it 6-11 to 5-3 and a final tally of 47 to 33.

I t proved one of the most competitive matches between the two clubs to date, as the sport continues to grow in popularity.

T h e s i d e s we r e indebted to Douglas Hunter for providing the ladies’ section for this year’s Haggis Cup, opening the door for an enlarged tournament in the coming years.

Hazley hailed at Haggis Cup

AUSSIE RULES: SCOTTISH TRIP OPENS NEW ERA FOR LADIES

The Dublin Angels, who featured Malahide’s Amy Hazley, were in action in Edinburgh at the Haggis Cup for the first time


KINSEALY res ident Sanita Puspure showed her Olympic potential when she finished fifth at last weekend’s World Cup regatta in the single scull event in Belgrade to qualify for the London Games.

The 30-year-old – a former Latvian Under-23 international, who has since settled in Ireland and who became an Irish citizen in the past year

– started strongly, run-ning in second after 500 metres, but the world-class field reeled in to see her finish the race in fifth.

It came a day after she produced one of her best performances on Satur-day in the semi-final in a heat featuring Xiuyun Zhang of China and world champion Mirka Knapkova of the Czech Republic.

They zipped clear, a feat they managed again

in the final, but Puspure stayed strong to stay ahead of Estonia’s Kaisa Pajusalu to nab the third qualification place.

It came just two week-ends before the Olympic qualifiers in Lucerne with Puspure seeking one of the three remaining spots left at the Games in the single scull.

N i n e r owe r s a r e already qualified for the Games, with just 12 places available in the final list.

Puspure reaches Olympic standard

Sanita Puspure has qualifiedfor London 2012

FastSport

Get your spot picked out for Star SaturdayTHIS year, the UEFA Champions League final and the first all-Ireland Heineken Cup final both take place on May 19.

This sporting feast of a day will deliver exhil-arating viewing experiences for rugby and soc-cer fans alike, and key sponsors, Heineken, are inviting fans to catch both finals at specially prepared venues on what they are describing as Star Saturday.

In a monumental day for Irish rugby, two Irish provinces meet in the Heineken Cup final for the first time.

Leinster clash with Ulster in Twickenham at 5pm and, with both provinces having tasted Heineken Cup glory in the past, they will be keen to recreate their respective heroics to claim the coveted trophy once more.

In the UEFA Champions League final, Bay-ern Munich will look to use their home advan-tage and lift the famous trophy in front of their adoring fans.

However, they face a stern test against a rejuvenated Chelsea team that recently elimi-nated Barcelona. This huge fixture kicks off at 7.45pm.

Throughout Ireland on May 19, Heineken will host Star Saturday in participating pubs, with competitions running across nine ven-ues, allowing fans to win some special prizes.

The action-packed day is set to be filled with sporting drama, and Heineken are invit-ing fans to get down to participating pubs to enjoy the action with friends, and snap up the best seats to both finals.

Fans can locate their nearest Heineken Star Saturday venue on www.heineken.ie/starsat-urday.


CLUB NOTICEBOARD

ALL-IRELAND U-21 FINALDublin 2-12

Roscommon 0-11


S T S Y LV E S T E R ’ S Gary Sweeney and Naomh Mearnog ’s Kevin O’Brien played their part for the Dublin Under-21s when they helped Dublin to claim the county’s third Clark Cup with victory over Roscommon in Tullam-ore last Sunday, adding to the Sky Blues’ success at this level in 2003 and 2010.

The Dubs finished like a freight train to capture the title, with manager Jim Gavin becoming the first Dublin manager to lead the county to two All-Ireland glories, hav-ing managed the team in 2010.

Dublin led 1-5 to 0-6 at the interval thanks in part to the clinical accu-racy of Paul Hudson. Indeed, it was the Tho-mas Davis sniper whose goal in added time in the

first half that proved to be the only major of the first half, after he skill-fully jab-lifted the ball before rifling to the roof of the Roscommon net.

The goal arrived in the 32nd minute when John Kelly’s delivery was bro-ken down by Ciaran Kilkenny, and Hudson showed terrific guile to find the net.

The Dubs could really have held a stronger advantage, but failed to convert possession into scores, and were guilty of not combining to tell-ing effect up front as the Rossies dominated terri-tory and possession for the first 30 minutes.

Roscommon threw caution to the wind after the restart and were rewarded with four points without reply as the lively Donie Smith (two), Cian Connolly and Colin Compton were all on target.

But when his side needed h im mos t , Emmet O’Conghaile

regained a foothold for the Dubs at centrefield, while the introduction of Paddy O’Higgins, like nearly all the substitu-tions, helped to turn the balance of power the way of Gavin’s men in a frenetic second half. At the back, the likes of team captain, Kevin O’Brien, and Sean George kept their oppo-nents at bay with some heroic defending.

Now on the front foot, Dublin began to open up Roscommon with some direct running from the likes of Gary Sweeney and sub Harry Dawson and, over the conclud-ing ten minutes, Dublin hit 1-6 without reply as they turned on the turbo drive to finally shake off a very committed Ros-common side.

Ciaran Kilkenny put in an excellent last ten minutes, while centre-back John Kelly’s points summed up the “never say die” attitude of the Dublin team as they

stretched themselves to the limit to capture vic-tory.

Deep in injury time, Paul Mannion raised Dublin’s second green flag after being denied at the original attempt, to add All-Ireland glory to Dublin’s provincial success.

SCORERS: Dublin: P Hudson 1-4, C Kilkenny 0-4 (0-1f), P Mannion 1-0, P Ryan, J Kelly, G Seaver, H Dawson 0-1 each. Ros-common: D Smith 0-4 (0-2f ), C Compton 0-3 (0-1f), D Keane, C Connolly 0-2 each.

DUBLIN - JB Carthy; S George, K O’Brien, M Con-car, L Fletcher, J Kelly, J McCaffrey, E O’Conghaile, C Reddin, G Sweeney, D Byrne, M Schutte, P Hud-son, P Ryan, C Kilkenny. Subs: P Magu ire for Schutte (ht), G Seaver for Byrne (34), H Dawson for Ryan (41), P O’Higgins for Reddin (42), P Mannion for Hudson (58).

FOOTBALL: THIRD NATIONAL TITLE IN A DECADE

Dublin manager Jim Gavin and team captain Kevin O’Brien with the All-Ireland trophy

Dublin secure All-Ireland U-21 crown

“TA OBAIR na gcapaill deanta ag Gary

Sweeney” was the apt description

from the TV commentator as Gary

Sweeney and Fionn Carney won All-

Ireland Under-21 medals with Dublin

following a great victory over a very

good Roscommon team.

This was a proud day for fam-

ily, friends, club and county. Comh-

ghairdeachas libh go leir,

The Under -14 footbal l te am

reached the final of the Dublin A

Feile but lost out to a very strong St

Brigid’s team.

They were heroes, one and all, in

reaching the pinnacle of football in

the city with a series of great per-

formances.

Well done to the players and the

managers. The future looks very

promising for this team.

The intermediate football team

defeated Erin’s Isle in the champion-

ship last Wednesday. Ciaran Byrne’s

goal sealed the victory.

The Under-16 football team had a

goal feast in their win over St Pat’s

who rank two divisions higher and

they now head into the Shield final

for the second year in a row. Shay

Keogh and Padraic say hello.

The ladies football team play

championship against Raheny this

week in Broomfield. Come along and

support them.

Lotto jackpot is €2,150 this week.

Play and win online at www.stsyl-

vesters.ie

ST SYLVESTER’S

THERE was a great win in Junior

D championship last Thursday

against St Brigid’s.

Well done to all the lads. They now

face our close neighbours, Bally-

boughal, in the next round on Sun-

day, May 20, at 3pm in Rolestown.

Senior team play Na Fianna in

Garristown on Wednesday, May 16,

in the senior championship.

We are hosting a senior champi-

onship game in Rolestown on Fri-

day, May 18, Skerries vs St Anne’s.

Anyone that can help out, please

let Declan know on 086 267 3630.

Under-14 Feile was a great day,

thanks to everyone who helped out;

hard luck to the lads, and well done

to Cuala.

Thanks to everyone who support-

ed our poker classic last Thursday.

Well done to the winner, Pat Keane.

We are running our predictions

for the Provincial Championships

again. Entry costs only €5, and

forms are available from your men-

tor or committee member or can

be downloaded from www.fingal-

ravens.com.

C o m p l e t e d f o r m s m u s t b e

returned to a committee member

by May 19.

Club membership for 2012 is now

overdue. Non-paid up members

(adult and juvenile) will not be per-

mitted to play until five days after

their membership is paid.

We are holding our golf classic in

Swords Open on Saturday, June

2. To book your tee-times, please

contact Pat Kinsella on 087 931 3045.

Anyone who would like to sponsor a

tee-box or a prize, please contact

Maura Norton on 087 993 6458.

Lotto: Numbers drawn were 3, 9,

13 and 39. There was one winner of

match three numbers draw: €250 to

Liam Lumley.

ST FINIAN’STHE past week was dominated by the

intermediate championship second-

round match versus Fingallians, which

the lads won by a single point in a very

exciting finish.

The Under-14s took part in the foot-

ball Feile last Saturday, and had no

luck at all in the three matches, nar-

rowly losing out in each match.

Our Under-12s had a good win in the

Under-12 blitz.

Congratulations to the Dublin Under-

21 footballers who were crowned All-

Ireland champions when they beat

Roscommon last Sunday.

We have a date for your diary with

the Annual Fun Day taking place on

Sunday, June 17.

We remind members that outstand-

ing membership fees must be paid as

soon as possible.

The Lotto jackpot was €4,800 and

the numbers drawn were 8, 11, 15 and

18. There was no winner. The €50 win-

ners were David Malone and Darren

O’Loughlin. Next week’s jackpot will be

€4,900. Remember, if you would like to

take part in the Lotto each week, you

can set up a standing order by drop-

ping into the office, give your details

and pick your numbers.

If you know of anyone who would like

to receive the club notes by email, ask

them to send in their details to info@

stfinians.com.

For all the up to date news and

updates why not follow us on Twitter

@StFiniansSwords

FINGAL RAVENS

ALL OF YOUR MALAHIDE SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31 MAY 10, 2012

ROWING FOR LONDON: World Cup

performance takes Puspure to Olympics P30

MAKING MEMORIES:Ward spies potential Euro surprise package P29G

azetteSPORT


PORTMARNOCK man Stephen Ward was named last Monday in Giovanni Trapattoni’s Republic of Ireland panel to travel to Euro 2012.

The 26-year-old former Bohemians’ striker has adjusted to life in England with Wolves adroitly since 2007, emerging now as the lead-ing left back option over the course of the qual-ifiers since making his debut in May 2011.

He has played every minute of every game for Wolves in their, ultimately doomed, Eng-lish Premier League campaign this term but is looking forward to focusing on the task at hand in Poland and, hopefully, Ukraine.

Making the announcement, the Republic of Ireland manager Trapattoni said: “I had a very difficult task in choosing this 23 man squad. Several players have proven their abilities to us during the qualifying campaign, and we are thankful to all who have played a part. How-ever, we are happy with our choices.

“We will look to emulate the attitude and performance that brought us qualification, and push our limits further as we prepare for this tournament. We will be focused as we enter this important time.”

DeterminationTrapattoni elaborated that while his charges

may not come from the illustrious European clubs of group rivals Croatia, Italy and Spain, the grit and determination shown in qualifying means the opposition know they have a battle on their hands.

“I think my colleagues respect us,” he said at the announcement. “In Italy and also in Croatia I have friends and the managers there say that Ireland is a strong team with a strong mentality.

“Spain’s manager was an important play-er. I played against Vicente, I know him and he knows me. Also the Croatia manager, he played in Germany and he knows me because we played against his club. Prandelli was my

player. So I don’t think any of my colleagues would be arrogant enough to think they are superior.

“My philosophy is to be careful. I saw a team this week that is threatened with relegation make two mistakes and concede two goals. That is why I always say that games can be decided by the little details. Italy at the last World Cup lost because of a throw-in. This week this team lost because of a lack of atten-tion.

“I don’t know at these European Champi-onships if there will be a situation like this but what is important is that we believe in our quality and our system.

“We have work to do. We have to improve but we have to believe in what we can achieve together.”

“Our second game is against Spain. Then maybe the third game will decide but [if Ire-land beat Croatia], we can think about not only Spain but Italy. I think yes, the third game can decide it.”

Trap hands Ward Trap hands Ward ticket to Polandticket to PolandPortmarnock man named in Republic of Ireland panel to travel to the Euro 2012 in four weeks’ time

Stephen Ward has nailed down the left-back berth for the Republic of Ireland since making his debut in 2011. Picture: Fergus McNally

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