Dub8 March 2018 Issue 13 by Griffith College Dublin

free copy

issue 13

March 2018 Pieta House Exclusive:

RTE 2FMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eoghan MCDermott Speaks Up About Mental Health

plus:

a hypnotist Who found her calling

Youth Obesity

The Rise of Street Art and Graffitti

irish among worst in world

An Insight into NOMOPHOBIA 1

a FEELING LOST?ng YOU ARE NOT ALONE! o l g i d p e if you are in suicidal distress, a n h r self-harming or abereaved byitsuicide, i e talk to us. p Il lew he t t s es ve d i e s n Helpline 1800 247 247 TEXT HELP TO 51444 go g u centres nationwide o Y i www.pieta.ie l g 2

e n

g i o t p e g r a ug ea ha e t l i h I o t Y t w s i g es le de o i t g k s s i a e e l b r g g i w nd n g u o o a l t o y d r t Y e e ir n g t i i p d s r e a t a k e e i h g itIl it gl o i g s w p a e e e ik stl th ng o s Y o e r de l ig A

s we sat down to write this editorial, we were forced to think back to the start of the magazine production class. Before we started writing our articles, taking photos and designing the layout of the magazine, we had grandiose ideas of our magazine breaking down boundaries, winning awards and being the talk of the college.

We are unsure if we met any of these lofty expectations, but what we did achieve is meeting some great people, learning how to work under pressure, overcoming challenges and the sense of achievement of putting a magazine together from nothing. Inside this magazine you will find the fruits of our labour. Every member of the team has written an article about something that interests them, giving each page a unique feel but with the collective theme of Dublin 8 running through the magazine.

Many of the people and places in our articles have never been written about before, which gives this magazine something special that you will not find in any of the national papers.

Every piece has been chosen carefully, and we have aimed to cover all aspects of Dublin 8 from Clanbrassil Street, to Inchicore, to the Liberties. So whether you are reading this at home, in a café, a dentist office or while you wait to get your hair cut, we are sure you will be able to find something to make your wait more enjoyable.

But what is this all for? Is this just for an assignment? Putting the people first in our pieces has been paramount to success. That’s why we decided to help raise awareness for Pieta House who have put people’s well being first for decades.

Without Pieta House, the meaning of this magazine would mean a lot less to the team. If you are going through a difficult time, you need to know that Pieta House are there every night and day to bring you through your tough time, so please contact them when you are feeling lost because you are not alone. We would like to thank every member of our team who worked extremely hard and put in many late nights, our lecturer Ryan Brennan, our advertisers, everybody who took the time to do an interview with us, and lastly thank you to whoever is reading this.

We hope that you find our articles interesting and insightful and enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed making it. Editors:

Emmet Banahan & Aaron Dodd

Designers:

Subeditors

Advertising:

Online Media:

Ottavia Caminita

Terry Birkby

Emmet Banahan

Aaron Dodd

Emmet Banahan

Peter Comisky

Terry Birkby

Emmet Banahan

Ugne Aksiutovaite

Jack Lynch

Gillian Coleman

Bree Catterall

Swathe Shanmugaraj

Abubakar Ejaz

Photo Editor:

Ryan O’Callaghan

Daniel Bright

Contents The 13th issue | 2018

Lib Notebook 2 2 . F at i m a 7. NomophobiA

A Strange Reality

1 0 . V i c a r S t re e t Celebrating 20 years in Dublin 8

1 4 . W re s t l i n g putting on a show

1 6 . P a rk L i f e

Concerns for locals with lack of green Space 4

32 . C o m m u n i t y

Fatidome Garden is rejuvinating the community

E d u c at i o n How d8 provides a second chance

28. Student

33 . Y o u t h

A c c o m o dat i o n international Students Struggling

Obesity Irish Children among the worst worldwide

36 . S h a m p o o i n 31 . L i v i n g o n O n line money A woman lives off of internet money

h i s B lo o d A family cutting hair for three Generations

12.

Tal e

two 18. berties

The Rise of Street Art and Graffitti

38 . H y p n ot i s m

26.

A hypnotist who found her calling

40. being a

h e a lt h y s t u d e n t

A discussion with world champ jay robinson

46 . Cl anbrassil

42. Skinny

changes over the years

shaming â&#x20AC;&#x153;People say i should be happy to be thinâ&#x20AC;?

Pieta House Special: MCDermott

Speaks Up About Mental Health This magazine was produced by journalism students in Griffith College Dublin. The views expressed in this magazine are those of the authors named, and are not necessarily those of the editorial team or the management of Griffith College or any of its employees.

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Nomophobia: A Strange Reality The fear of being without a mobile phone or device

Photo credit: Aizzaty Sultan

By Gillian Coleman

omophobia is becoming a phenomenon plaguing today’s youth, as children are getting smartphones at increasingly young ages. It is regarded as a growing problem nowadays, as a result of the revolution of smartphones and iPhones and how readily available they are.

For those who may not know what ‘nomophobia’ is, ‘nomophobia’ is the word given to describe the fear of being without a mobile device. Mobiles phone are quite possibly one of the greatest inventions of all time, but it comes with a cost. Like all things in life, there is a chance that you may become addicted to it. Mobile phones are extremely addictive devices. Considering the nature of the device, there are so many amazing things about it yet it’s hard not to see the pitfalls of it too. After speaking to fifteen college students, a trend began to creep up. Thirteen out of fifteen agreed that they believed that their ‘nomophobia’ is the sole reason as to why they find it hard to concentrate and do their college work and claim to find it harder to sleep at night if they have used their phone two hours prior to going to bed. For some people, their mobile phones can be seen as their life. In some cases they are even more important than school work or hanging out with friends, as many people make the argument, “but I’m talking to my friends online.” After speaking with a DCU student called Caitlin, it was clear that she had some attachment issues regarding her iPhone 6s. Caitlin said that “her life would not be the same without her iPhone”. It was even

clear just simply looking at her as her hand clutched the phone that she definitely liked to have her phone near her. Caitlin described her “relationship” with her iPhone as being “normal in this society” and regards her phone as being “more of a safety net, how I know that I can get in contact with whoever I want to, at whatever time of the day whenever I want to”. When asked on average how many hours a day she spends on her phone, Caitlin responded “That’s a tough question considering I’m practically on the phone from noon

“It must be on my person all the time or I get agitated” until night”. Another thing that Caitlin commented on was how time consuming mobile phones are, “You really don’t realise how much time you actually spend on your phone until you check the clock and you have spent the last two hours of your life scrolling through your Twitter feed. One of these being Luke, a first year National College of Ireland student, who described how hard it is to actually detach himself from his phone. He openly admitted to being addicted to his iPhone and tablet as he can hardly let either device out of his sight.

Luke described how he prefers to know that his phone is with him so he generally never lets it leave his hand. Luke also said that he feels very much dependant on the touchscreen device “It must be on my person all the time or I get agitated”. He also mentioned how he finds it hard to sleep after being on his phone hours before he goes to sleep, “My brain and eyes feel alive as a result of using my phone before sleep, it’s like my body wants to sleep but my head and eyes wont let me”. He says that he constantly feels the need to check up on his social media which is so readily available on smartphones in todays world. “If I’m being honest, I spend most of the time on my phone on social media, refreshing pages upon pages even though, I know for a fact that at four am, no one will have updated anything”. He also describes his habit of procrastinating as a result of his phone use. “Sometimes when I’m about to do college work, I’ll get a text or a simple snapchat and i’ll feel the need to focus on my phone rather than my assignments, which I think is one of the bad things about phones today”. Luke continued to discuss the problems with mobile phones in todays world. “They are so interactive that it’s easy to get overly dependant on them, and not even think twice about dropping everything you are doing in that very moment for words that are displayed on a screen”. After talking to these students, it seemed that ‘nomophobia’ was a problem in their lives, yet they were not willing to try to change their habits. Mobile phones have become a huge part of society and will continue to develop in the coming years, meaning that these consequences will increase as a result.

The Dog-Friendly Trend in Dublin 8 Can you now eat and drink with your dog? Ugne Aksiutovaite

A Dublin 8 is known for its diversity when it comes to bars and restuarants. Ugne Aksiutovaite investigates what a lot of people would consider “barking mad!”

“I would have no interest in running a rabbit-friendly café.”

s the saying goes “a dog is man’s best friend”, and what’s better than being able to go out for food or a drink with your best friend? Dublin 8 is home to many dog-friendly businesses who open their doors to pet owners and animal lovers. The Pupp café on Clanbrassil Street is perhaps one of the best places in all of Dublin to bring your dog. While many cafes and bars are dog-friendly, meaning customers can bring their dog in on a lead, this café offers special treats for the pets, so they can enjoy the experience alongside their owners. It is a very small but bright and cosy café, which welcomes all types of dogs, as long as they’re house trained and are kept on a lead. The owners are held completely responsible and if their dog starts to misbehave, they will be asked to leave. It is a place for people to come and enjoy the company of each other and their dogs. Various competitions for dog owners and their pets, and events, such as Halloween nights, also take place. Bookings are made for anyone who wishes to have a private gathering. For innovative entertainment and the good food and atmosphere, the café won the Georgina Campbell award for, ‘The best pet-friendly destination 2018’. The menu offers a range of brunch, lunch and evening meals, and the dogs are not forgotten about either. There is special doggy tea, dog beer and treats to keep the little guys happy too.

The Fumbally Phot

tograph

the Dublin flee market. Perhaps, this is the reason why the café is a small place with a big personality of its own. Eccentric décor, strange plants and colourful paintings create a very contemporary atmosphere with hidden vintage and even odd Dog inside Pupp Cafe phoyograpaph courtesy by Owen O’Boyle accents, collected and placed to the vision of the creative owners. Many of these decorations and furniture have been collected in the very same flee market that they help to “I think the key is to keep run every Sunday. “We’ve always wanted this to be a place it dog-friendly but not where people feel like they can come to just necessarily push it and hang out for a long time.” Said the manager of the café, Swan Sweeney. promote it.” Nevertheless, it is also a place you can come to hang out with your dog. However, there are a few rules which have to be kept in The café is run by a mind. The dogs team of seven manhave to be on a agers, who are all lead, they have to “..there is a bit of a grey dog lovers that envibe well-behaved sioned a place where area when it comes to allowand they must dogs could dine out remain on the ing dogs into places where with their owners. ground as they They have a mascot food is being sold.” are not allowed of their own, a little to go on any of dog called Toby, who the furniture. they claim helped to If dogs start misrefine their very own behaving, then the owners may be asked to doggy menu. move the pets to the outside seating area. The café is a retreat for dogs but other pets Swan Sweeney claims that the owners are are not so very welcome. always very understanding if it ever comes “There are completely different legislations down to this and usually there really isn’t any for cats and all other animals, and to be hon- trouble. est, we just love dogs. I would have no in“We don’t get a lot of dogs coming here. terest in running say a rabbit-friendly café.” It’s mostly just a dog. There was this one Said one of the managers, Paul Froggatt. time when a group of people sat in the same Another dog-friendly business, The Fumbal- corner with about five dogs and they all ly Café is tucked away on Fumbally Lane. The started barking at each other. That was a bit owners of this place used to be involved in of a problem.” courtesy of Aizzaty Sultan organising festivals and nowadays they run

Celebrating Vicar Street’s 20th Anniversary As the historic venue nears its twentieth anniversary, we look back on two decades of gigs and what’s to come.

ell X1 has announced a five-night residency at Vicar Street next March to mark their 20th anniversary. The band will play the venue on March 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th and 25th, with each night focusing on a different album. Bell X1 played two shows in November 2008 to celebrate the venue’s tenth anniversary. While the band are celebrating their own anniversary this time rather than the Vicar Street’s; it could also be seen as an unofficial celebration of the venue. Paul Noonan, lead singer of Bell X1, explained the band’s love of Vicar Street: “There’s not a bad seat in the house! In most venues, there are bad places to be for gigs, in sight or sound, but not Vicar St. Also, the security boys and girls are sound, the house crew most helpful, and they bake us cakes and always make sure there’s a tray of creamy pints waiting when we get off stage!”

By Peter Comiskey

It has been 20 years since Vicar Street opened on a corner of Thomas Street in Dublin, which used to house an abattoir and a rundown pub. Vicar Street opened in 1998 and was extended in 2002 to have a seated capacity of 1,050 and a standing capacity of 1,500. It is owned by Harry Crosbie and operated by Peter Aiken. Since Vicar Street opened its doors in September 1998, it has won numerous awards including ‘Dublin Live Music Venue of the Year Award’ three times and ‘Overall National Winner IMRO Live Music Venue of the Year Award 2008’.

Over the years, it has been host to some of the most historically important gigs in Dublin, including Bob Dylan in 2000 and Neil Young in 2003. Vicar Street has become the go-to Dublin venue for personal shows, with many acts choosing to play there even when they could sell out a much larger venue. Recently, The National, fresh off a chart-topping album, brought their tour to Vicar Street for two nights; despite them selling out the 02 Arena when they toured their previous album. As the band’s popularity increased, they slowly upgraded venues: from 2005’s Whelan’s gig to the Olympia, to the O2 and then headlined longitude last year. Even after establishing themselves as one of the biggest bands in the world, The National still opted for the intimacy of Vicar Street. The two acclaimed shows sold out almost instanty.

Vicar Street at full capacity

As of now there are no plans to celebrate Vicar Street’s 20th anniversary as there were for its tenth, however 2018 will be a massive year for the venue. There are many exciting gigs to look forward to next year, including two nights from folk singer/songwriter Father John Misty (May 28/29) and Scottish indie-pop legends Belle & Sebastian (March 26/27). Vicar Street will also continue its tradition of supporting Irish comedians by hosting seven nights of Foil, Arms & Hog’s new show ‘Oink’ as well as two nights of Jason Byrne’s brand-new show ‘The Man with Three Brains’.

ment of Vicar Street. Shortt and Jon Kenny’s act D’Unbelievables played the venue six nights a week for eight weeks in 1999, effectively putting the venue on the map.

Vicar Street for a seated event

Ken Sweeney, award-winning music journalist, explained what he thinks is so special about the venue: “No one knew where it was, but the main thing is that there isn’t a bad seat, you never hear anyone say they went to Vicar Street and got a bad seat.

The year is kicking off There’s not a bad seat in The sound is great. with six nights of Christy You hear about bad the house!” Moore, whom the venue sound in other venwas initially planned to ues but not in Vicar - Paul Noonan provide a regular room Street. for. Moore’s new album, They can also change. ‘On the Road’, is a collecIf they want to bring tion of his most popular songs. more people in for a rock gig they can get rid Over the past two years he has recorded all gigs and gleaned this collection which features 24 songs recorded at 17 venues (including 3 tracks from Vicar Street).

Moore’s residency is a perfect way to begin the year and acts like an unofficial celebration of Vicar Street’s anniversary. Right after that, Pat Shortt will bring his new show, ‘How’s Tings’, to Vicar Street for two nights. Coincidentally, much like Moore, Shortt was instrumental in the establish-

of the tables and have people standing; or if they have a singer/songwriter, they can put the tables back in. It is great for comedians, someone like Pat Shortt can do his whole run of Dublin gigs there. One of the best gigs I have seen here is Dexys Midnight Runner, it was just a great atmosphere. What’s so special about Vicar Street is that it is big enough for a decent crowd but small enough for intimacy.”

Tale of Two Liberties For the local residents of the Liberties, the announcement of the proposed development at St. James Gate, displays the economic inequality of decline and renovation in the area.

By Terry Birkby

he “Home of the black stuff” and the fa- posed St. James Gate Quarter, locals from mous black painted gates of Guinness, the Meath Street were asked; what impact at St. James Gates in the Liberties, is to be they thought this would have for the future transformed into a modernised residential of their community. and commercial urban area, as Guinness Local people have noticed the transformaowners; Diageo, set out their development tion at Smithfield Square, just across the Rivplans for the future. Diageo announced er Liffey in Dublin 7. Where a rejuvenation they “want to open the gates to those programme in the late 1990’s, changed the who dare to dream big. Our vision is for St. area around the Old Jameson Distillery, into James’s Gate Quarter to define the future a vibrant residential of urban development, and commercial discreating a new worldtrict. class dynamic city “if all those spent a euro This created a quarter”. For the resiat Meath Street, we’d be great boost in tourdents of the Liberties, ism, especially with these changes to the millionaires but they don’t its many festivals St. James Gate area come here to buy from us” and attractions have been greeted but not many lowith scepticism; as the cals have benefited impact will have little from the new debenefit for them, after velopments built there. The fruit and vegyears of economic decline. etable markets have long since vanished, The future of the markets on Meath street, local people have settled elsewhere and the which have been in constant recession over old Horse Fair; that was every first Sunday of the past decade, have been of particular the month, has now been reduced to twice concern to those who work and shop there. a year. The once bustling market place of numerMiriam is a local trader on Meath Street, ous stalls and traders have been reduced to she is from the Coombe, so she lives and a fraction of its size and with the traders getworks in the area. She can’t see any positive ting older and their customers getting fewbenefits from the Diageo proposals. For her, er, they fear that they will fade away into selling clothes on stalls and experiencing Liberties history. Since Diageo are looking the economic decline of old market for building partners to construct the pro-

Image: St. James Gate. Credit: Chris Corner

stalls on Meath Street, she said that the new people “wouldn’t come here to buy stuff. All the new businesses would take people away, like Dealz and the Euro shop on Thomas Street”. As for the expectation of more tourists, Miriam said that; “if all those spent a euro at Meath Street, we’d be millionaires but they don’t come here to buy from us”. Miriam expressed that, there would be no real benefit for her. Henry is another local trader, he said that; “I think this is negative for small businesses, they’re all going away here” and that “it’s bad for Meath Street”. Henry goes on to say, “this won’t benefit locals, definitely not, people can’t afford to buy stuff”. When asked about housing at St. James Gate, Henry said that; “they’ll be privatised there, the Council (Dublin City Council) should build more social housing, like in to redevelop Oliver Bond (flats)”. Talking to a local grocer John, who has been working in Meath Street for a long time, we discussed the prospect of new customers and he said; “it won’t affect us, I think those people won’t come here”. Speaking to Therese, a 41-year-old homeless woman in the Liberties, she commented that “I think this will be best for tourism, they love it here” and it will be “good for big business”. She added that

“they should do more for the people here, instead of all the student accommodation going around, and now this, people will still be in the same predicament as before”, “they’d all go to foreigners” In May 2009, the Dublin City Council started ‘The Liberties Local Area Plan’, that would “enable the Liberties to become an exciting, attractive and liveable city quarter as well as contributing to the economic prosperity and social success of the city and the nation”. When the Dublin City Council Chief Executive Owen Keegan heard of Diageo’s recent development strategy, he stated that “the plans are a major step in the rejuvenation of the Liberties area in accordance with the vision and objectives set out in both the recently approved City Development Plan and the Liberties Local Area Plan.” The contrast of the economic fate of the Liberties is clear to see; Meath Street is fading away, while the Guinness brewery is getting new life. The small business owners on Meath Street are old and pessimistic, while the big corporation of Diageo is fresh and optimistic. The locals express a resigned inevitability about it. As John explained; “look at the place now, compared to twenty years ago, it’s dying away”.

Wrestling in the underground The Irish wrestling promotion that has been putting on a spectacle in Dublin 8

rofessional wrestling is still a pretty new phenomenon to Ireland. It only really solidified itself on the emerald isle in the past few years, with the emergence of wrestling promotions around the country.

By Jack Lynch

Jordan Devlin performing at the Tivoli Theatre for Over The Top wrestling, October 2017 Photo by: Jack Lynch

One of these wrestling promotions is Over The Top Wrestling, which is based in Dublin 8. Former wrestler, Joe Cabray, is the owner and creator of Over The Top Wrestling (OTT) and has put on shows around the country as well as putting on regular shows in the Liberties very own, Tivoli Theatre. OTT Wrestling was formed in 2014, when Cabray came back from America after having a development contract with the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment). Cabray explained why he felt like starting up a wrestling promotion of his own in Ireland. “I had been a wrestler for 12 years and one of the things that I noticed was that most countries, whether it would be England, Japan or Germany, had somewhere wrestling was being showcased,” “Before, wrestling in Ireland would generally be in GAA halls with little production, so I wanted somewhere where Irish wrestlers could be showcased and Irish wrestling fans could go and appreciate very high level professional wrestling.” OTT’s first wrestling show was back in October 2014 in the Tivoli Theatre. In 2017, they celebrated their third year anniversary with a high-octane show in the same venue. When asked how the relationship between OTT and the historic theatre came about, Cabray said that, “Dublin 8 is so centrally located, it’s only a few minutes away from the city centre. We started out in the Tivoli three years ago and it’s just been a progression from there.”

Jordan Devlin confronts Matt Riddle to set up their match at the following month’s show, October 2017 Photo by: Jack Lynch

To go along with the risk taking action that you encounter at an OTT show, you get a distinct abundance of different characters and personas performing in the ring. From a scarf wearing-kiss stealer, to an acrobatic ninja, to a drunk and disorderly ‘session moth’, Cabray’s promotion seems to appeal to every kind of demographic. OTT’s show’s are mainly 18 years and older, but they do regular shows at the Ringside Arena in the National Stadium for all age groups. Cabray explains what the reasoning is behind doing mostly over 18 shows for his promotion. “For years, wrestling in Ireland was aimed towards kids and when you went to these shows you got more of a pantomime show than a professional wrestling show”. OTT has been able to attract some of the best professional wrestlers from around the world to perform on Irish shores. One of OTT’s biggest attractions at the moment is Matt Riddle. I spoke to Riddle earlier this year which was a unique experience. Dressed in a baseball cap, a hoodie, jeans and flip flops, Riddle shows why he is as laid back as his wrestling persona, a mix between a surfer and a hippie, suggests. The difference between Riddle and many other professional wrestlers is that it is not the first sport that he went into professionally; MMA was Riddle’s chosen profession. Riddle was on the cards for the UFC as early back as 2013 before he was fired after testing positive for marijuana. Riddle started training to become a wrestler the following year in 2014 and despite the contrast between the two sports; he

saw it as an easy crossover to make. “I saw it as a smooth transition, there are a lot of differences between the two and some things are harder to grasp. People ask me what’s harder and I think MMA is harder physically, but wrestling is hard physically and mentally. In wrestling, our goal isn’t just to win, it’s to be entertaining along with that, it doesn’t matter how good you’re In

“In wrestling, our goal isn’t just to win, it’s to be entertaining along with that”.

has been a big reason why so many eyes are on Irish wrestling in 2017. Devlin explains what makes the Irish promotion so different to the juggernaut of “sports entertainment” that is the WWE. “The energy is a little bit better at an OTT show because of the energy of the audience. You can hear the jokes in the crowd and individual people chanting because they’re a lot closer like here in the Tivoli for example”. OTT wrestling has been producing some stellar shows in 2017, which has highlighted the wave that Irish wrestling is making across the wrestling world. One show that gained a lot of spotlight was OTT’s “Scappermania” event back in April of this year, which saw popular wrestling faction, The Bullet Club, come to the National Stadium. Devlin saw the show as a huge success and hailed the progression of the sport in Ireland. “To step outside the ropes and see the progression of wrestling in Irewland was great.

the ring, you have to be entertaining or you won’t connect with the crowd.” What is special about OTT as well is the Irish contingent of wrestlers that perform on the card every single month is providing a platform for them to go out and prove why they are amongst the best in the business. One of these Irish wrestlers, who is making a big splash for not just OTT, but the WWE as well, is Bray native, Jordan Devlin. Devlin started his wrestling training when he was 12 years old and was trained by current WWE star Finn Balor. Devlin has been a mainstay for OTT since it’s inception and he

At that stage, OTT had only been around for two and a half years and to go from barely selling out the Tivoli to selling out the National Stadium is pretty cool to see”. OTT’s next big show will be on December 9th at the National Stadium. The show is entitled, “Being The Elite”, and will be headlined by the Bullet Club’s very own Cody Rhodes and The Young Bucks, guys who Cabray have described as, “the biggest independent wrestlers in the world right now”. Further proof that OTT is must see attraction in the Dublin 8 area.

Dublin 8 needs some park life Bridgefoot Street’s lack of green space is causing a concern to locals

By Claire Hayes

he World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended that in an urban area, each individual should have at least nine square metres of green space. Currently the Bridgefoot Street community of Dublin 8 comes in under this benchmark by a shocking 8.3 square metres. In other words, each person in this area has approximately 0.7 square metres of green space. Dublin 8 is one of the most densely populated areas in the city and with approximately 14 social services located there, the locals are at tipping point. Newly built student accommodation has added approximately 500 people to the region. The area is over capacity and according to local businessman Tony O’Rourke, it is a “ticking time bomb”, unless Dublin City Council (DCC) does something about it. Bridgefoot Street and the surrounding area feels neglected when it comes to green spaces and play areas for children. The community have been campaigning for over 10 years to have an abandoned, derelict site developed into a park. There have been some advances in the campaign over the past year but the Bridgefoot Street Park Committee (BSPC) has faced obstacles along the way. These include the land being zoned for housing and then rezoned for recreational use and, most recently, development workshops with DCC have been cancelled at the last minute. The committee has been through a wave of ups and downs and Mr O’Rourke, the committee chairman, said: “Sometimes it feels that when we take one step forward, we then take five steps back.” The Bridgefoot Street flats were built in 1964 and were home to over a hundred families. They were torn down in 2003 and the

site has remained empty ever since, except for a small section of the site being used for a community garden and allotments. “There’s a need for an alternative approach to gardens and derelict spaces. People can empower themselves by planting,” Richard Taplin, a resident of the area for 16 years, who runs and takes care of the community gardens, said. Residents rent out allotments for a small fee, paid to DCC, and can use the space to

Dublin 8 is one of the most socially and economically disadvantaged areas of Dublin city, according to a study carried out by social and economic consultant Trutz Haase. Seán Wilson, a young man who has grown up and lived in the area all his life and is vice-chairman of the BSPC, believes that developing a park “will lower the amount of anti-social behaviour. It will have a positive effect on the mental health of the community.” C

There is a constant threat the derelict site will be rezoned and new, emergency housing will be built on the land. “There are plenty of sites that we have identified that can be built on. We’re not going to relieve the housing crisis by putting houses here,” said Mr Taplin. CY

“Sometimes it feels that when we take one step forward, we then take five steps back.” plant and grow. Mr Taplin believes that having a green space is vital to the members of the community, especially when living in a built-up urban area. He has received positive responses from some of the clients of the local social services also, and believes that gardening is therapeutic. A study carried out by the University of Chicago, led by psychologist Marc Berman, has discovered the huge advantages green spaces and trees can have on an area. He discovered that simply planting 10 more trees on a street has the equivalent health benefits of a household’s income increasing by $10,000. Also in another recent study in the Netherlands, the WHO discovered a direct link between a lack of green space and feelings of loneliness and isolation. This is an alarming discovery, although not surprising.

CMY

Sylvia Kennedy echoed his thoughts. “To put another 100 families in this area is going to make it worse. We don’t have the facilities. Our schools are full. Our doctors are full.” Tony O’Rourke is curious as to why Diageo does not invest in the area. The site is right around the corner from the Guinness Storehouse who, according to their most recent figures, welcomed 1.5 million visitors through their gates in 2015. An open green space on Bridgefoot Street could be beneficial to their visitors. “It strikes me as strange that Diageo, who are one of the most visited places in Ireland, haven’t sort of glossed up this area. They and Dublin City Council have allowed it to run itself down. People remark on it being dirty; it’s purely their underfunding that has kept it this way.” The community of Bridgefoot Street continue the 10-year fight for a park, a park that they want but more importantly a park that they need.

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The Rise of Street

Art And Graffiti

The debate over graffiti and street art as a contermporary form of art

“Having a Street name is important because sometimes you end up doing things illegally but still want people to know it’s your work,” 18 w

By Ugne Aksiutovaite

Ugne Aksiutovaite spoke to graffiti artist Vents and street artist Solus about the difference between street art and vandalism: the way it is perceived by the Irish public and the work that goes into their artform.

treet art has earned its place in the contemporary world of art but its journey towards this position was hindered by its dark and scandalous past. For many years, street art has been associated with thugs, involved in petty crimes such as vandalising buildings, people who chase the adrenaline rush and perhaps even looking for a chase from the authorities. Recent years have seen cities all around the globe liven their look with murals and street art being used to decorate buildings. The earliest expressions of street art dates back to 1920’s and 1930’s New York, where they were the works of gang members on the sides of train cars and walls. Within time, it became a means for people to protest against political or social movements. For example, during World War 2, a drawing of a long-nosed man peering from a ledge became one of the most iconic to date. However, not all artists try to make a statement

Graffiti on Francis Street, Dublin 8, Photo courtesy Owen O’Boyle through their work, and many use it as a from of self-expression while others think the two are closely linked.

cause sometimes you end up doing things illegally but still want people to know it’s your work,” he said.

One of Dublin’s best-known street artist’s, Solus, claims that: “Self-expression and making a statement are kind of the same thing, but having meaning and a theme running through your work is one of the most important aspects as it gives the artist an identity and makes it that much easier for people to recognise who the work belongs to.”

While street art can often be seen in very unusual and even dangerous places, which can appear almost impossible to access, it can also bring the artists to very interesting places around the globe. “I’ve done a lot of work abroad. The most interesting place I’ve worked in is perhaps Buschwick in Brooklyn,” Solus, explains.

The Bushcwick Collective is in New York, Solus’s main theme is to portray children it is an outdoor gallery masked in graffiti that may have grown up in a harsh society, and street art. Its accidental curator is Jochildren who did not belong and the peo- seph Ficalora, whose father was murdered ple it has shaped for the few dollars them to be as they in his wallet and a tried to adapt. He golden chain around Graffiti is a study of letters tries to shed light his neck. Joseph, on the problems and how to break them had been trying to encountered by this heal his childhood away from traditional lettroubled youth, but wounds by transhis message is also ter form while vandalism is forming the filthy, about overcoming crime-ridden neighjust breaking things.” inner demons and bourhood and the that there is always walls of Bushwick hope. into a safe outdoor “I often make drawings of young children doing adult things like smoking cigarettes. Something that’s a bit shocking to see but very real.” says Solus.

Solus is the name this artist goes by, which in Irish means ‘light’. This corresponds with the message he tries to convey through his work. However, a street name is something all street artists have to develop. “Having a street name is important be-

gallery.

Many people often confuse graffiti and street art as the same thing, even though they are very different. Graffiti is the study of letters and letter form, while street art is the detailed and intricate drawings that are often created using stencils. “Graffiti writers are at a bigger risk having full-bodied high-sized pieces, while stencils are a lot easier to carry around. There is also a big difference in terms of vandalism

Graffiti on Richmond Street South, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin 2, Photo courtesy of Owen O’Boyle and scales of art that you can and can’t do with street art and graffiti”, explains Vents, a graffiti artist from Dublin. He believes that graffiti artists are much more misunderstood by the general public.

statement through his art. “I’m just trying to put really nice, aesthetically pleasing pieces in places people may or may not like them. If they do, that great, if they don’t – that’s on them,” Vent says.

“As much as I’ve witnessed people talk However, both artists agree that Ireland about graffiti, they is still quite behind don’t seem to rethe times compared alise that there is to the likes of Bera difference be“having meaning and a theme run- lin and Barcelona, tween graffiti and where large-scale vandalism. Graffiti ning through your work is one works of graffiti is a study of letters of the most important aspects” and street art are and how to break allowed throughthem away from out the city. This all traditional letter boils down to the form while vandalmisunderstanding ism is just breaking things.” Even graffiti by the City Council and some members of artists have their own style and Vents de- the general public, who view it as vandalism scribes his as a bit aggressive, based around instead of a form of art. Nevertheless, any loose body forms. However, unlike Solus, art-lover would agree that the world is our he claims he isn’t trying to make any sort of canvas, and art is what we make of it.

Street Art on Richmond Street South, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin 2, Photo courtesy of Owen O’Boyle

Fatima residents Fatidome Garden is rejuvinating the community

By Daniel Bright

esidents in Fatima have set up a community garden to help bring some green back to the urban sprawl of apartments.

He also went on to say “It was a great idea to rejuvenate the area, a multi tier project to break the divide between people.”

The garden can be found along Reuben Street, Flanagan’s Field in Fatima.

The fields were named after Michael Flanagan, who was a former city councilor during the It was set up by the residents association in 19th/ 20th century. He is known for building a massive and well Rialto and Dublin City off market garCouncil (DCC) to attract den business takthe occupants into giv- “There was a social divide ing up hundreds ing back to the environ- between private and pubof acres in southment. west Dublin. lic housing”. The once derelict Before the area of the old Fatima grow dome Mansions housing has planted its roots turned into a green and lush area for growth. Before the dome garden was built, the land was into Flanagan’s Field, the area was once envisioned for housing purposes but it all known to be a little rough around the edges. With heavy crime and drug use fell short when the recession hit Ireland. taking part in the derelict housing of The planning began with the DCC in 2011 and block E this garden brought a welcome after three years, the garden was finally open change to a peaceful community who to the public for a city slicker styled harvest. just want to get by. Having been set up in 2014 and opened on the Prior to the garden, Fatima only had a 20th of September, using state of the art grow- playground, a sports center and a gym ing equipment, the garden is housed in a geo- as recreational places for residents to desic dome which can protect the crops during gather and mingle. the winter season. It also helps to grow the It allows up to 20 ‘farmers’ to plot best quality foods in a sustainable manner. the land at a time and people must The dome is made of a thin transparent plas- communicate with one another if they tic which acts as an insulator for heat, much like wish to take a turn of planting crops. a greenhouse, but gathers moisture in the air The garden has a strict ‘first come, to give water to the plants at a fixed rate. The first served’ rule, so a lot of residents frame holding up the plastic is made of lumber, have trouble knowing when a patch and is shaped into neat triangles. becomes available, if they don’t speak Doughal Hazel, the founder of the garden, to the plot users. stated “The area needed something to bring Those who are unemployed and are people together. There was a social divide be- members in the Tus programme as tween private housing and public”. they can help plot owners with their It gives the locals a chance to grow their own crops, fruit and other growable foods.

crops.

Photo courtesy of Daniel Bright

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(photo by Chris Corner).

McDermott Speaks Up About Mental Health

By Emmet Banahan

The Pieta House Ambassador and Radio Presenter details his tough times.

at in a bustling hub of journalists, RTÉ 2fm presenter Eoghan McDermott picked up a salad. Declining to the offer of us interviewing him after he ate, the TV and radio presenter made his way toward the middle of the main canteen in RTÉ, of course just after playfully throwing shapes with Ray D’Arcy. Throwing shapes was normal for the Dublin native. The presenter had got into dancing just toward the end of the Leaving Certificate and into University College Dublin (UCD) studying Politics and Irish. Originally persuing dancing before broadcasting, the fluent Irish speaker ended up in New York in a dance college. Admittedly, McDermott realised that he was not ‘cut out’ for dancing to make it commercially. Speaking of his late teen years, he remained in control of everything he was saying; McDermott exuded confidence. I found it difficult to believe the same man admittedly self-harmed in his late twenties for a period of six months, but that is the danger of staying silent through a difficult period. “So and it was weird like, lots of things in my life was deadly, my job was deadly and I had an amazing circle of friends that were there. But it was just that whole thing of, that’s why I think the conversation has gotten a lot healthier now about people being able to formulate their thoughts and deal with something conceptual that’s tricky to articulate for the whole simple analogy like ‘if you broke your hand you would go to the doctor’.”

“...if you broke your hand you would go to the doctor.”

“I just met them by chance. I think [Pieta] are amazing.”

“It was a very short space of time. I didn’t document it at the time so I don’t actually remember so I’d say like six months maybe give or take, and at the same time it was 6 months like it was every day or every week, it was six months a couple of times.” McDermott realised the gravity of the situation and talked to someone, who was “very emotionally intelligent.” His friend, like many, had his obstacles in life and also went through a breakup of his own:

someone a lot earlier saying that he would have saved himself, “six months of a having a terrible time,” continuing, “if I had known then, what I known now, type of thing, I would of sought out either a professional or just somebody who I trusted a lot earlier.” “It was a couple of years after I put my own stuff to bed and I said I was happy enough to talk about it and they were amazing. My mom had encountered them a lot because she worked in a school that had a lot of disadvantaged kids in it. I heard about up with my girl- how brilliant they were.”

“He had been “I just broke through a very, very And like everyone rough break-up, he friend. Before being an was a bit older than breaks up with their girlfriend Ambassador with me and kids were involved and it was or boyfriend at some stage Pieta House, the 33 year old never very heavy on him. And he had talked to and it shouldn’t be this big encountered the health a few professionals of a deal. So that’s why I was mental organisation diand he is also very switched on so he a bit embarrassed about it.” rectly, “I just met them by chance. was very good at I think [Pieta] are [helping with] feelamazing.” ings and all that kind of cognitive behav“It is kind of sad ioural therapy, which is such a winner!” that they are the biggest name in that space, Not being able to quite explain it and be- because it’s public funded. It’s like the goving, “ashamed” he was benchmarking the ernment have offset a lot of the responsibilroute of his problem was off other people’s ity to them. They are almost a victim of their problems. McDermott did a check list, he own success because they are doing so well; came to the conclusion he had a “great job, because the public trust them, because the great friends, family was healthy, no mon- public fund them, so the government are ey troubles” like other, “big life” problems happy to step away. I think it is a double that people have – McDermott didn’t have edged sword with Pieta House.” them.

“I just broke up with my girlfriend. And like everyone breaks up with their girlfriend or boyfriend at some stage and it shouldn’t be this big of a deal. So that’s why I was a bit embarrassed about it.” In hindsight, McDermott would of sought

“I think something at a syllabus level for maybe late primary or early secondary school. Education at a national level. State funded education at a national level, then I think you could eradicate 80% of the problem. For maybe people like me who had a mental tough time with mental health.”

Pieta House Contact Info: Tel: 1800 247 2 www.pieta.ie

Pieta House provide free counselling, therapy and support to individuals, couples, families and children who have been bereaved by suicide. 27

Accommodation shortage frustrates International students International students are struggling with the difficulties of living in Dublin, due to a lack of suitable accommodation and escalating rental prices

ublin is becoming an increasingly unattractive place for international students pursuing third level education, as scarce housing and soaring rents are making them question the viability of staying in Dublin and search for more affordable locations elsewhere in Europe. Students are faced with the simple economic problem of supply and demand; since there are more students seeking limited accommodation space, landlords will rise costs to get the best profit margin. Eider Graner, a Spanish student, explained that: “I picked Dublin for my semester abroad. I was excited about the idea and thought it was going to be more affordable than London, until I realised how difficult it was to find accommodation and how high were the costs I was going to face”.

Ottavia Caminita looks into the student accomodation and the troubles behind getting the right type of accomodation.

By Ottavia Caminita

New student accommodation in Dublin 8 picture courtesy of Raphaela Pauwels

Another student facing difficulties was Alex Sissoyev, who commented that: “I started looking for a place as soon as I knew I was going to study in Dublin. But I wasn’t really expecting to raise my budget that much, because I could not find anything affordable”. Alex had to seek assistance elsewhere and that his “parents were not happy about it and thought it was my fault. Now, I am in Dublin and I told them I was not the only person that had to raise its budget.” In 2016, the percentage of non-Irish students in higher education was 8.8% of the student population of 43,460 and the amount is set to increase to 15% in 2020, according to a report by the Higher Education Authority(HEA).

Constructions in Dublin City, picture courtesy of Raphaela Pauwels

The Irish Council for International Students (ICOS) published a guide for international students to find housing; providing an insight on the various selections available, like campus accommodation, long-term student hostel, host-family and private rented accommodation. According to the ICOS: “without immediate strategies to address the affordability of student housing, many of the current difficulties faced by students will persist. In particular, the lack of affordability of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) most notably many of those recently entering the market.” This “forces students to turn to the private rented sector, where international students are especially vulnerable to discrimination, fraud and unscrupulous landlords. ICOS believes that increased efforts are required to find ways to address the issue of affordability in the short and medium term.” On campus accommodation is expensive, due to proximity of the location, limited places and availability. Campus accommodation also provides a range of services, it’s secure and it’s a very sociable environment to make new friends. Private accommodation is a challenging experience for international students because of the high prices and lack of suitable housing. Many students have limited money to spend on the cost of living in Dublin, plus

they have to pay for flights and travel to return to their home country. According to Daft.ie, “the average rent nationwide has risen by 56% since bottoming out in late 2011” and that “in Dublin, rents are now an average of 18.1% above their pre-

“I knew I was going to study in Dublin. But I wasn’t really expecting to raise my budget that much”

vious peak.” In Dublin 8, the average monthly rental for a 1 bed apartment is €1,369, with the highest average in Dublin 4 at €1,761 and the lowest in North County Dublin at €1,060. A minimum of €550, excluding bills, is the average price for a single room in a shared house. Some advertised accommodation is not student friendly and doesn’t include specific age or gender criteria. In extreme cases, some nationalities are not accepted, which raises the problem of discrimination. The other option for international students is to live with host families, which is viewed very positivley, as the families are

friendly and kind. However, rooms are more suitable for Irish students, as the rent is usually from Monday to Friday and they would go home for the weekend. For international students, this does not guarantee a place for the weekend and they would have nowhere to stay. In September 2017, new student accommodation opened in the Dublin 8 area, at Mill Street, the Liberties. Named the “New Mill”, it has been coordinated by the Uninest Student Residences (USR) and they set out to provide stylish, sociable and secure student housing. The New Mill features various rooms students can select. It commences from a “Standard Ensuite” to a “Deluxe Studio”, with the cheapest room at €250 per week and the most expensive at €345 per week. This student accommodation provides such comforts and luxuries like a private gym and a cinema but it raises the overall cost. Many international students that study in Dublin, live on a strict day by day budget. There is a false perception that young people who study abroad are rich and have great financial resources, but this is not always true. Families of the students think of this as an investment on their children’s future. They consider the measures to make living in Dublin suitable and affordable for their children.

A Sanctuary For Men The ‘Irish Men’s Sheds Movement’ is a growing trend for men to bond together

By Bree Catterall partakes in games, such as bowls, billiards, cards and also trips to venues of interest”. For example: the Ayrfield Shed was constantly at The Irish Museum of Modern Art last year, discussing topics about modern artists and their creations. A key and recurring phrase in the Men’s Shed movement is “Men don’t talk face to face. They talk shoulder to shoulder.” There is a public perception that Men’s Sheds are only for men who are struggling in life; issues such as isolation, unemployment and depression. This is not the case, as everyone can attend and take part. The one thing that “Shedders” have in common is the free time on their hands and desire to do something positive with that time. People attend their local to share knowledge, experiopen to mem- Shed ence, ideas and skills. The result is of life to join. that great outcomes can emerge.

The modest garden shed has conventionally been seen as a sanctuary for men and a place where they could escape for a few hours to distract themselves with some simple DIY jobs or to simply relax in their own space. This safe haven is how the Irish Men’s Sheds Movement gained their foundations, as individuals came together in groups to form a regular social gathering to enjoy the little things in life A Men’s Shed is a place where all men can: • Relax in a chilled environment • Talk freely about anything • Enjoy the comradeship of people • Have a bit of banter and a laugh

“The men’s shed is bers from all walks The bond that unites them is that they are doing something meaningful with their time.” The Men’s Sheds began in Australia in the 1980s and in the decades since they were established, they’ve become a movement that has spread to New Zealand, Greece, Finland, Great Britain, and the United States. In the 2000s, the idea eventually arrived in Ireland. There are currently almost 450 registered ‘sheds’ from both North and South of the country and each week over 10,000 men gather together to enjoy a few hours of companionship and banter. George Skelton is the Chairman of the Ayrfield Shed, who found out about the Men’s Shed Movement through word of mouth, the local parish church and newsletters. “The aim is to provide a venue for men to talk and connect those who were made redundant at 50 or 60 years and unable to get work, particularly those who may be on their own”. George comments that: “The sheds also aim to help to aid for depression and loneliness, by get involved in activities. The Ayrfield Shed

They relax in a chilled atmosphere, a place where they could go to enjoy the camaraderie. The only rules within George’s shed are “no drinking, no smoking or gambling within the club.” “The men’s shed is open to members from all walks of life to join. The bond that unites them is that they are doing something meaningful with their time”; said George. “All sheds are unique. Some rural sheds are more into making, building and repairing. This is because property is generally much more available at lower prices in their areas.” A survey carried out in 2012 showed that 74% of the participating men not only felt better while they were at the Shed, but also felt better at home. In other words, the benefits of being involved with the Men’s Shed movement carried with them into all areas of their lives.

Photograph courtesy of Aaron Dodd

Surviving by Online money

After a lifelong struggle, Sheila Robinson earns enough money through internet to live in her comfort of home.

Sheila Robinson at the time of Interview in Dublin 8, By Abubakar Peerzada

heila Robinson is a disabled woman from Portobello and she has created an ingenious way to support herself independently by filling out surveys online. Due to complications at birth, Sheila functions with the use only one arm and she has struggled with her life after both of her parents died.

By Abubakar Peerzada

Aged 25 and with no way to fully support herself, Sheila decided to take matters into her own hands. In her own time, Sheila spends up to 7 hours a day on internet completing numerous surveys and in the process making money to live off. Free to do what she likes, Shelia decides when to start and finish, as there are no time restrictions or outside interference. She says that: “it’s not a fun job or a job that a person can dream of, but it has a lot of potential”. Sheila had to manage her life differently and compromise with some things but still she has able to live a happy life. It’s time consuming and it keeps her at the laptop for hours; “it’s not a traditional or typical way when it comes to earn your income”. In this modern fast paced society, the massive expansion of the internet has greatly benefited Sheila, since there is so many opportunities to make a living online. “It is not yet a regular thing in society due to the changing environment structure of our social and economic diversity”, she said. Working tirelessly, a person can earn upwards to €50 a day and over €1200 a month

to support themselves, depending how much effort they put in. The reward obtained after every survey completion can be as little as €1 and as much as €5. These surveys have different time durations and it can take more than half hour to finish. This process involves filling out surveys and giving feedback, so that a person answers questions about brands, products, companies and services from all over the world. For example: Sheila answers questions related a certain brand about its use, taste, popularity and how it affects society.

“It’s not a fun job or a job that a person can dream of, but it has a lot of potential”

By doing this work, Sheila is able to pay for her food, rent, bills and her living expenses just by doing surveys. Sheila hopes to “highlight this sector, as this process has already started, as people are trying to earn their income this way”. This online method has been also used by other people with disabilities to earn a living. It can create more opportunities in making people support themselves by earning income through this way.

Community Education Centre benefits locals A second chance at education and improvement for people from Dublin 8 The Dublin 8 Community Education Centre located on Synge Street. Photograph courtesy of Aizzaty Sultan

The D8CEC first opened its doors on Francis Street in 1996 by the Christian Brothers. Rachel discussed the success of the centre and how the demand for second chance education grew and the centre had to find bigger premises’ for the students.

By Gillian Coleman

he Dublin 8 Community Education Centre (D8CEC) has been improving the education of many people for the past 21 years, whilst encouraging their students to reconnect to their past education experiences. The Centre, located on 17 Synge Street, is welcoming and has a comforting feel to it from the moment you enter the door. Rachel Morrisey, the Centre’s manager, explained a little bit about the centre and the work that it does for the Dublin 8 community. The D8CEC provides QQI level 3,4 and 5 courses in areas such as IT, Internet Skills, Mathematics and Computer Literacy. Rachel explained that the centre works on the same academic calendar as schools and colleges: “we deliver these courses from September to May each year”. The majority of the learners at the D8CEC are from Dublin 8 and the surrounding areas. The Centre also provides One to One Literacy course and also holds a job club on Fridays. All courses provided at the centre are part - time which allows learners who may have other commitments such as work or have children, to live their life while still getting an education.

The centre moved from five different locations over the years however always remaining in the vicinity of Dublin 8. However in 2014, the D8CEC found its permanent home at the back of the Christian Brother house on 17 Synge Street, Dublin 8. Rachel explained how the centre aspires “to provide lifelong learning options that respond to the needs of the adult community in Dublin 8 and surrounding areas”.

When asked about if there has been a rise of attendees in courses in the last few years, the centre manager replied: “Yes over the last 4 years the numbers in learners attending have grown; especially the number of unemployed people attending”. Rachel also commented on the amount of students who have dropped out of school/ college attending courses at the centre. “Over half the numbers attending D8CEC each year are early school leavers”. Rachel explained that there are “learners who are unemployed and need to upskill and train to help them become more employable”. Depending on the amount of courses the centre is running that year, the number of students can range from 160 to 240. The class sizes of the courses are quite small as well, with on average of only ten people per class.

are a total The centre strives “It’s never too late to learn”. ofThere six tutors who to “keep their teach the students at students central the centre. Rachel and ensure that also stated that the their courses, pro“courses are provided grammes, tutors and learning environment in the community for the community and as are the best they can possibly be”. far as possible by suitable qualified memThe centre’s motto is that “It’s never too bers of the community”. late to learn. We encourage and promote Since 2009, the D8CEC was awarded charilifelong learning. People in our community table status and became a limited company. deserve the opportunity to reconnect with The City of Dublin Education Training Boards education. Therefore, we encourage and (CDETB) mainly funds the centre, however it promote lifelong learning”. also receives funding from Dublin City CounRachel stated that mission of the centre is cil, The Edmund Rice Trust and Fast Track to “keep our students central and ensure into Information Technology (FIT). that our courses, programmes, tutors and The D8CEC is also a part of agencies such learning environment are the best they can as National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA), possibly be”. Aontas and The Wheel. When Rachel told me that the motto of For more information about registering for the centre was that “It’s never too late to courses at the D8CEC or if you would like to learn”, I wasn’t expecting the age difference find out more about the courses the Centre to be so wide ranged. The ages of the stuprovides, email the centre at info@d8cec. dents attending courses at the centre rangcom. es from 18 to 83.

Irish children among most obese in world A recent study reports of the growing problem with children

Photograph courtesy of Aizzaty Sultan.

By Ryan O’Callaghan

besity is defined as a disease in which excess body fat has accumulated to an extent that health is adversely affected. According to a recent study published in The Lancet, Ireland and the United Kingdom are to become the most obese countries in Europe in as soon as 10 years. This problem does not only affect adults but it is also very prevalent in children. Obesity is now the most common disordersin children between 5 and 12 years of age in Ireland. One in four children are classified as overweight in Ireland. Four in five children in the Republic of Ireland fail to meet the government physical guidelines compared to three out of four in Northern Ireland. The physical guidelines consist of 60 minutes of exercise a day. A whopping 22 per cent of children are overweight or obese in Ireland and this number is growing, according to the Irish Universities Nutrition Alliance’s National Teens’ Food Survey. The reasons for the sharp rise in being overweight and obese are lifestyle, diet, health and level of physical activity of the children. Children themselves often see the emotional and psychological effects as the most immediate and serious. They include teasing and discrimination by peers, low self-esteem, anxiety and depression. A recent study showed that obese and overweight children feel that they share the same quality of life as children with cancer on chemotherapy. Children are now more exposed to highly processed foods and high-sugar content foods, and are living a more sedentary type of life, with limited physical activity. We cannot say that it is just one reason, but rather a multi-factorial affect. There are many ways to combat this problem by targeting the largest parts of their everyday life such as school. Most schools have a variety of sports and physical activities for their pupils, but children must actively participate in school, as well as be active outside school.

A sports class of a half hour or hour is not enough and more physical education classes should be scheduled a week. The child should also be active outside school hours. Children need to be active so that they can have better overall health and well-being. The fact cannot be avoided that Ireland has a disturbingly large child obesity rate, so we need to ask ourselves what are the other countries doing that we perhaps are not and, specifically, in schools. Nutritionist Roz Martin (CEO of Martin Biotech) had this to say: “We really admire the Japanese school-

“In Ireland, sadly, you may see a small child come to school with a packet of crisps, a bar of chocolate and a fizzy drink for their lunch” lunch model. The meals are healthy and well balanced, containing all the nutrients and calories required for the healthy growth of youngsters. Typically, their lunch would include small portions of lean meat or fish, whole grains and sea plants and vegetables, followed by fruit for dessert and milk is always served to them. “In Ireland, sadly, you may see a small child come to school with a packet of crisps, a bar of chocolate and a fizzy drink for their lunch. We should have classes for pupils that focus on nutrition and cooking as a skill.” Some schools in Ireland have listed food items that are not allowed to be in a child’s lunchbox but more needs to be done in terms of education and also more funding

put into feeding children in school. However, according to a member of the National Parents’ Council Primary, teachers are not allowed to confiscate unhealthy or ‘banned’ foods. In response to Ireland’s obesity issues, the Department of Education ran an information day and each school required a parent and a teacher to report on activities to the school’s parents’ association. A school that would prefer to remain unnamed revealed that they were in the process of writing a healthy-eating guideline programme. They have also sent out a survey to the parents to find out just how much they knew already on the topic. The rise in obesity and type 2 diabetes among 5 to 12 year olds has led to an urgent call for action by the International Diabetes Federation, which warns that the world is currently facing a twin epidemic of obesity and type 2 diabetes in children. More input is needed to educate or warn parents and teachers. Health authorities along with school management boards should help make children and parents be more aware of nutrition and learn how to help keep their children healthy.

(photo by Chris Corner).

Shampoo In His Blood How Darragh O’Keefe and his family have been cutting hair in Inchicore for three generations

By Aaron Dodd

efore we start the interview, Darragh O’Keefe and I sit down to enjoy a coffee. Sitting across from me is a 24 year old man, fresh out of a jujitsu class, untamed hair under a flat peak cap, tattooed, and rolling a cigarette- not your stereotypical male hairdresser. But it is this air of coolness that has breathed new life into a very old salon in an even older part of Dublin.

Darragh is the head stylist and manager of Dick Monaghan’s Hairdressing, a family owned salon in the heart of Inchicore, Dublin 8. Before Darragh, his Dad, Dickie Monaghan, was the face of the salon and before him, Dickie’s Mother, who transformed a house on the same street into a salon. There are family pictures, and old stories of his Granny cutting hair in the front room of the house while clients waited patiently on the stairs for their turn. Even to this day some of the current clients of Dick Monaghan’s Hairdressing remember getting their hair cut for their communion in the house- turned salon.

Club as a stylist, he was now ready to return to his own salon, no longer the 12 year old shampoo boy. While we were discussing his return to the Inchicore Salon, Darragh confessed that the salon was not doing as well as it once had, describing the financial situation as in bits. The very next sentence out of his mouth was that he was determined to, “make it the best salon in the area”. Using what he had learned while in Peter Mark, he set out to turn the well-known salon into something the locals would recognise, but would also attract new customers and bring fresh faces in to get their hair cut.

When other boys were cutting grass and cleaning cars, Darragh earned pocket money by shampooing hair, sweeping the floors, cleaning mirrors and making coffees for his Dad’s clients. This eventually turned into cutting his friend’s hair, where he realised this may be something he could be good at and had a passion for. But it wasn’t as simple as picking up scissors and chopping away. After two unsuccessful interviews with Peter Mark, he was stuck in a rut in the salon and was not progressing as fast as he wanted to; with no thoughts of going to college, becoming a top stylist seemed like a world away. Thankfully, his ever present and supportive girlfriend encouraged Darragh to interview once more with Peter Mark, which he did and was successful, interviewing on Friday and starting the following Monday. After completing 3 years of training in Peter Mark and working in Peter Mark’s Style

Dickie Monaghan and Darragh O’Keefe in their hair salon, photo courtesy of Aaron Dodd

Inside Dick Monaghan’s Hairdressing salon, photo couretsy of Aaron Dodd

Being located in Inchicore, has both pros and cons, Darragh explains as we make another cup of coffee and sit back down. The pros being that the locals are loyal, and know the salon as part of the local community. The cons being that Inchicore village has seen many pubs, shops, barbers and banks close their doors, which means that there is not much footfall from other shops leading to new customers. A problem that salons situated in the city centre and shopping centres would not experience.

If people are seen to be visiting the area more businesses will see this as an opportunity.”

To combat this lack of footfall from other local business, and to reach a new younger market,the salon has turned to social media as a form of advertising. Regular posts of recent haircuts, openings for colours and even day to day life to create a presence on social media has shown dividends, “almost every time I post about a slot opening up someone will contact me”, says Darragh O’Keefe. The work that Darragh has put into revitalising the Dick Monaghan’s Hairdressing brand has not gone unnoticed by the locals. When I asked Darragh about the relationship and conversations he has with clients,

he told me about one client who recently was saying, what a good thing Darragh is doing for the local community by investing in the salon as opposed to just selling it. She went on to say: “once one local business is seen to do well more and more will begin to follow, maybe a café or a small shop will open up and there will be a domino effect. If people are seen to be visiting the area more businesses will see this as an opportunity.” The last story Darragh told me probably sums up his selfless character and Dublin 8’s charm in one. After coming in one morning to find the front of the shop spray painted, Darragh went out and began to scrub off the graffiti, he was soon joined by a local who helped him clear the store’s front of paint. With no petty cash left after buying cleaning supplies, Darragh offered him a free haircut, sat him down in the shop, cut his hair and swapped stories. This was definitely this man’s first time in a salon- but will not be his last.

“I want to make this the best Salon in the area. ”

The Hyponotist Who Found Her Calling The story of a mournful mother who wanted a distraction from life

By Angelika Zaworska

t is a cold Thursday morning in October and I’m sitting at a small table while Elaine Byrne makes her order. However, that is not the case. If a month ago you told me I’d be sitting here about to be hypnotised, there’s not a chance in hell I would believe you. Elaine spent the majority of her life working in retail. She was married, had three children and didn’t feel like anything was missing.

“I don’t know what it was to this day, but it connected with me and I knew this was what I was meant to do”

Then in 2007 tragedy struck. While coming home to Walkinstown from a night out in Dublin’s city centre, Elaine’s daughter Megan was involved in a hit and run, and sadly died on the scene”. A mother never stops worrying when her child is out of their sight. Doesn’t matter where she was or with who, she could’ve been over in her friend’s house, I would’ve been just as anxious, waiting to see her walk through the door.” Mr and Mrs Byrne were visited by the Gardai at eight in the morning, and then had to make their way to the coroners office. It was the tragedy that changed Elaine’s life. “I couldn’t go back to the old life, there were too many reminders and memories. At work I kept seeing her, like when she’d show up with her friends after school wanting a few bob for a chipper or something like that. We had to change everything.” So they did. The family moved to Killanardan and decided to start fresh, but that didn’t help Elaine with her career issues. All of a sudden every job seemed boring, but in order to pay the bills and provide for her two other children, she had to get a job. “These days you need two people to work to keep your family alive, especially when you’re on minimum wage.” She got a job working in a local shop as a cashier and continues to work there to this day. Then everything changed when she was flicking through the channels and came across a show about hypnosis. “I don’t

Photograph courtesy of Bree Catterall know what it was to this day, but it connected with me and I knew this was what I was meant to do”. Only she was faced with a big problem. She couldn’t pursue this professionally or make a living from it. She didn’t have a degree in psychology, and she wasn’t in a position where she could afford to get one, she had to keep her family going. So on her weekends off, she started studying. “I must have read every book, watched every video, every documentary anybody ever made.”

your subconcious doesn’t let you because it’s overshadowed by the good memories you have of him. Hypnosis aims to eliminate those memories so they’re no longer painful to remember.”

“You have to understand how the human brain works, and memories are stored in out mind.”

She started attending comedy shows where hypnosis an act. Only she wasn’t interested in the comedic aspect of it, “like when you tell them to follow the pocket watch while you’re dangling it side to side, clap your hands, and next thing you know you have them confused when you ask them to count to ten but they can’t remember the four.”

Hypnosis heightens your imagination, puts you into into a daydreaming situation. “You have to want to get rid the memory, it’s not good enough to say that you want to get rid of it, you have to actually mean it”.

Elaine wanted to help people forget memories they no longer wanted to keep.

By accessing this part of the mind it is also possible to help somebody remember things they previously didn’t.

The inspiration for this was of course Megan. “You have to understand how the human brain works, and memories are stored in out mind. Eliminate a certain part of that mind, and you can eliminate a certain memory”. In general, hypnosis works with the subconcious. The part that acts, but isn’t aware that it’s acting. The other part of the mind is the conscious , part of this is willpower which is the one that determines how long a decision you make is going to last. “Like when you tell yourself you’re not going to bother with him anymore, so you’re telling yourself you’re done with hi, but then

Hypnosis works by accessing your subconcious thoughts.

Normally you are aware of what you are thinking, that’s your concious mind. Your subconcious deals with the things you act upon but you don’t have to think about. During hypnothrapy your typically subconcious thoughts are now exposed to the therapist, or in Elaine’s case a “self appointed therapist”. The goal is to open up your mind and allow somebody else in there. “Once I’m in your mind the things I ask seem like they are actually coming from your subconcious state, not me. It feels like you’re on your own, relaxing. You don’t even notice me.”

Staying Fit and Healthy as a Student Jay Robinson Talks about Student Fitness

By Ryan O’Callaghan

s a student, I myself have struggled to juggle college, personal health and fitness. It is frustrating and you feel like there is no way to balance both and still be successful. To help educate many students, I spoke to personal trainer and overall Irish Natural Bodybuilding Champion 2016, Jay Robinson and asked him all about fitness for students. Jay started off by reassuring students declaring, “It is 100% possible to improve your fitness and live a healthy lifestyle while being in college,” despite the fact it is a balancing act. There is a lot of free information on the Internet and you should listen to the right people, as well as do your homework whether it is learning about nutrition or finding your

WNBF World Championships 2016, Representing Ireland in L.A. Photo Credits: Jay Robinson 40

fit it into your day’s nutrition and keep your progress going. “Plan ahead and don’t think that flexible dieting means forgoing your social life”. But of course, always drink responsibly. One of the most important and often forgotten aspects of both physical and mental health is sleep. Whether you are staying out until late hours or up all night doing assignments, a few late nights are inevitable. Jay stated, “If sleep is cut short, the body doesn’t have the needed time to complete all stages of sleep needed for muscle repair, memory consolidation and release of hormones regulating growth and appetite” As a result of losing sleep, we wake up less prepared to concentrate, make decisions or engage fully at work or in college. motivation. It is recommended that to save money, you should utilise your college facilities but not every college has adequate facilities. The price of a gym membership for students is quite outrageous, so if your college’s facilities do not suffice it is not the end of the world as there are ways to save money such as preparing your meals in bul This is done by choosing a handful of food sources for each macronutrient, which are protein, carbs and fats.

Jay advises cook- “Plan ahead and don’t think ing and freezing that flexible dieting means forchicken fillets at the beginning of going your social life.” the week, as this saves students’ valuable time and money. Convenient meals Jay recommends to prepare in bulk would be Greek yoghurt, berries, nuts and dark chocolate or chicken, salad, cherry tomatoes with nuts. These are only a few examples, there are many combinations of quick and easy meals you can make. One of the biggest downfalls for students trying to keep up their fitness is alcohol. It is no secret that students enjoy a drink but can you drink fairly regularly and still reach your fitness goals? Yes, surprisingly. Having a drink every now and then is absolutely okay. Jay shared with me his ‘80/20 rule’. This is where 80% of your food should be coming from food that has higher nutritional value and the other 20% can be junk foods, including alcohol. If you enjoy your few drinks it is possible to

An aspect of student fitness and fitness in general, people don’t really realise is that regular exercise or training actually has lots of mental health benefits. When exercising, you will have an instant release of ‘feel good’ hormones called endorphins. After every session, you will see progress and have a feeling of accomplishment. Research shows that optimists and happy people tend to be healthier, enjoying lower blood pressure, less depression and anxiety. Working towards your goals keeps your motivation high. Recent research from Centre for Brain Health at The University of Dallas shows that Aerobic activity can, in fact, improve memory. Aerobic activity is a valuable tool that can give your brain a boost in many different ways. I asked Jay if there were any gyms in particular that he would advise students to go to particularly if they were a bit low on funds and if their college did not supply such facilities. The gym that Jay claims is the best choice for students is Flyefit as they are reasonably priced, well equipped and very conveniently placed. Where ever there is a large college in Dublin, there is always a Flyefit nearby. Students today are under a lot of pressure and stress in college, which is why I feel it is crucial for students to hit the gym or do their preferred form of exercise, as it will greatly help relieve stress. At the end of the day health is wealth and like anything worth having you have to work for it and the sooner you start the better. You will look better you will feel better and you will thank yourself.

Skinny Shaming: “I’m told I’d look better with meat on my arse” People say I should be happy to be thin, but it’s hard to be when I am judged for my size

By Bronagh Loughlin

remember the first time I was “skinny shamed” although the phrase had not yet been invented. I was in my granny’s house in Moville, Co Donegal. There was a crowd of people around the kitchen table and gran’s friend entered the room, took one look at me and said, “Gosh do her parents feed her?” Looking around I noticed everybody in the room nodding in agreement. I was 10 years old. There was no compassion. Nobody told the woman to leave me alone, or chastised her for being rude. They just continued their conversations. I sat there feeling ashamed and abnormal, as though there was something wrong with me. Even 10 years later I still think about that experience. The interesting thing is, not much has changed. When I tell people about this incident now, I never get much of a reaction never mind sympathy. ‘Skinny shaming’ has become socially acceptable to the point where it is now unrecognisable. I have never been big, I have always been ‘tiny’ as people like to say. You might think in this body-obsessed era thin or tiny might be seen as a good thing, but it turns out when you are slim, people think it would not hurt to describe your body shape and make it a talking point.

to genetics and a fast metabolism. Some people seem to think that by being thin I can avoid all health issues, but that is a lie. Some days I do not feel good about myself and the last thing I want is to be attacked about my weight. A lot of the time I wear clothes that are big on me, or I avoid wearing too much black because it is a slimming colour. I feel I must take these measures to avoid the inevitable rude commentary. Body positivity has blown up in a big way. I am happy about this, but people forget there is more than one type of physique. Artists are writing body positivity songs but these generally promote one kind of frame. Take Nicki Minaj’s lyrics to Anaconda: “Say he don’t like ’em boney, he want something he can grab” which promotes curves, but what about people that are boney? Are we not allowed to embrace their bodies as well?

These lyrics make me feel I am not good enough. I get told I would ‘look much better with some meat on my arse’. I “‘Skinny shaming’ do not see this as a comhas become socially pliment and do not understand why anyone would. acceptable to the It is just plain rude.

point where it is now unrecognisable.”

I eat until I’m full

As rude as another question I am often asked: “When was the last time you had a decent meal?” I can guarantee you most people would not ask that of someone who is plus-sized.

I do not eat a lot but I do eat until I am full. People say, “Do you eat rabbit food?” but I am not super healthy. I eat pizza and burgers like anyone else. I am the way I am due

Everyone has dreams of their ideal body. Because I am thin, I am told I already have a dream body. Maybe I want to be more

Ideal body

toned or muscular. Maybe I do not feel completely comfortable in my body. People say I should be happy that I am thin but it is hard be happy when I am judged for my size. It has got to the point where when I meet new people it is the first thing people comment on. I get told I look like I am ‘sickening for something’. When someone is annoyed at me, quite often, the first insult I receive, especially on social media, is ‘anorexic bitch’. It is upsetting that a life-threatening disease is being used to describe my physique. Skinny shaming is very easy to get away with. The comments are made slyly, through unsolicited advice and jokes. Maybe the person is trying to put me down to make themselves feel better. Or is there more to it than that? Perhaps people are genuinely blind to the fact that these comments are insults. Fat shaming Normal decency does not seem to apply when it comes to skinny shaming, because even the people who witness it never speak out about it when it is happening. The holy grail of ‘thin’ continues to be tied to tropes of aspirational beauty. If you are thin you should be happy about it and shut up. People need to realise skinny shaming is just as offensive as fat shaming. It has the same negative emotional impact. It is the reason why since I was 10 years old at my granny’s table I have had so many body issues. It is why I still do not have body confidence. Skinny shaming is never acceptable. Every woman or man is a human being with feelings. It is about time we embraced our bodies and spread body positivity for all frames.

(photo by Chris Corner).

A More Colourful Clanbrassil Street How the face of Clanbrassil Street has changed over the years By Swathe Shanmugaraj

lanbrassil Street happens to be a perfect reflection of what one might be able to expect from that of the community here in Dublin 8. Stretching a length from New Street to the Robert Emmet Bridge on the Grand Canal, this street does have a significant impact to the development of an atypical community.

the form of museums and cafés such as the Bretzel a kosher café that has been running since the 1870s. Today, Clanbrassil Street seems to be rich with multicultural influenced running businesses throughout the entire street.

Just taking a stroll down it from the Robert Emmet Bridge, one will be able to find In history, it was known as sort of the hub a number of worldly cuisines in the form of for a Jewish circle eateries, cafés and due to the growth of even speciality grothe large numbers of “There is a good variety of cery stores. the Jewish communiGaillot et Gray, a people from all around the French influenced ty that moved here. The majority of the community members were of those who fled Lithuania in the early 1870s who found a place to settle off Lower Clanbrassil Street.

world. But yes I think majority are Irish women [that utilise her business.”

An excerpt in the Irish Times that was published on June 27th 1984 written by Katrina Goldstone, recalls a story from Baila Erlich, she used to run one of two shops that used to be on Clanbrassil Street at a time when there were over 20 of those. In that article, she talks about the how their lifestyle used to be, “People were wonderful in those days. They had great will-power. Whatever there was, herrings, potato, you shared it . . . there were sing-songs on Saturday night, Hebrew lessons on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays and the Tennis Club in Parkmore Drive.” she said. Over 30 years later, the remnant of the Jewish history here in Dublin 8 is now in

bakery and café is run by a couple who have found Clanbrassil Street the perfect spot for their business.

They began their business from a tough stage of the recession and started small. “Both my husband and I were made redundant in 2009. We started our pizza business in a food truck which is a renovated vintage Citroen HY,” said Emma, one half of the Gaillot et Gray duo. Their business did well enough to be updated from truck to cafe, and after much consideration it was an easy choice to shift their business to Clanbrassil Street. “We wanted our business in this area as it’s close to home and our children’s school. Making work life balance a bit easier,” she said. Their business ever since has been booming with numerous praise being raked up on Gaillot et Gray’s Facebook page.

Clanbrassil Street, photography courtesy of Aaron Dodd

“Amazing pizza, salad and wine combined with a lovely atmosphere. Gaillot et Gray is one of those places that you have to return to once you have been,” said one user, Helen O’Leary Kennedy. “It’s been great“ Emma commented on their booming business since opening up in Clanbrassil Street. Her humble response is nothing compared to the numerous accolades Gaillot et Gray has gathered such as being listed a part of Hot Press’s list 2017 list of Best Restaurants and as well as numerous mentions in other publication’s lists of best restaurants. Other than Gaillot et Gray, another eatery that brings another part of the world to Dublin 8 in Clanbrassil Street is Jolin’s Vietnamese Coffee Shop that has been running for two years. It is not only the eateries that reflect the multi-cultural scene portrayed in Clanbrassil Street but the multiple service business too. Thea’s Beauty Studio is a successfull business founded by Thea: “I am from Croatia and I am running my business for 2 years now.” She also commented on the various people that enjoy her services. “There is a good variety of people from all around the world. But yes I think majority are Irish women [that utilise her business],” she said. The assortment of businesses, services and eateries on Clanbrassil Street brings a little something for everyone. For someone who comes from a multiracial, multicultural background of living in Malaysia for most of my life, Clanbrassil Street’s changes has its perks. Just taking a stroll, I found familiar looking Indian clothing

stores that sold traditional Indian clothing, a Vietnamese restaurant that had pho that tasted so similar to Chinese fish ball soup- a moment of comfort for me- as well as the couple of South Asian grocery stores that sold items from home which meant I still got a little taste of home if I wanted to. In a way, anybody from around the world can find some sort of comfort in Clanbrassil Street from the positive attributes it has gained throughout the years.

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