Dub8 Magazine by Griffith College Dublin

Dub8 The latest local news in Dublin 8

People Before Profit Local politics in action

Shining a light on homelessness

Local Politics • Religion • Culture • Community • Homelessness • Local Business

Dub 8

November 2010

Contents Inchicore underground rail dispute 3 St. James’ sleep deprivation research Afro-Carribean shop profile Crime in Inchicore

Homelessness profile

People Before Profit interview

Student Finances 7 St. Andrew’s Community Centre

Simon Community’s detox centre

Dublin Mosque prepares for Eid Al-Adha

Clanbrassil Street 11 Rain pump 12 Brazen Head folklore nights 13 Take A Trip To The Tavern

Rathmines & Student living

Dub 8 Horoscopes

Editors Jonathan Keane Ornella Pastushok Karla Stein

Contributors Richard Bohan Paul Buggy Lorcan Breen David Goulden Matthew Jaffray Donia Jenabzadeh Jonathan Keane Daryl McGarrigle Adeola Olofa Ornella Pastushok Stephen Ramsey Karla Stein Ciara Mooney

Sub Editors David Goulden Matthew Jaffray Daryl McGarrigle Stephen Ramsey Photographers Kieran Broderick Maria Brundin Regina Walshe John Lalor Cover Image Oscar Finn

Layout & Design Lorcan Breen David Goulden Matthew Jaffray Donia Jenabzadeh Jonathan Keane Daryl McGarrigle Adeola Olofa Ornella Pastushok Stephen Ramsey Karla Stein

Produced by BA in Journalism students in Griffith College Dublin Got a story email us at Dub8mag@gmail.com

Dub 8

November 2010

Anger over new rail line Inchicore-On-Track groups continues dispute with East Wall residents over construction of new underground rail line by Matthew Jaffray

ast Wall residents received a lifeline in their dispute with Irish Rail and the Inchicore on Track group about the proposed construction of a new underground Dart line.On the 29th of September, an Bord Pleanála granted the Protect East Wall comittee a hearing that has yet to be scheduled. The original plans were for tunneling to commence in East Wall and Inchicore, potentially halving construction time. The plans were later altered so that East Wall will bear the entire brunt of the nine year, 24/7 construction. While Irish Rail say that the cost

of tunnel-boring machines is the main reason for this, vice-chairman of the Protect East wall commitee, Angela Broderick, claims that a campaign undertaken by Inchicore on Track is largely responisble. The dispute arises from her claim that “we weren’t notified by anyone that there were even plans to start tunelling in East Wall”. According to Broderick, the first time she became aware of the situation was from an article in the Irish Times. Ms Broderick also alleges that she reached out to the chairman of Inchicore on Track, John Beck, in hopes of reaching an agreement but that “they kept cancelling the meetings. I got the feeling they didn’t want to talk.” Inchicore on Track were unavailable

“It will tear the community apart, house prices will be devalued between 10 to 50%”

Irish Rail disputed the construction of the underground Dart Line for comment. The hearing is being considered as a ‘last stand’ and if lost, Ms Broderick says that “it will tear the community apart, house prices will be devalued between 10 to 50%. That’s not to mention the fact that we’re not getting a station and Inchicore are, that will raise property

value there. We’re getting all of the problems and none of the benefits.” She remains hopeful, however, adding that East Wall residents have a history of fighting such plans. In 2002, Irish Rail’s plans to build a bridge in the Parkside area was met with protests that resulted in the construction being scrapped.

St. James’ Hospital leads the way in research into sleep deprivation Research shows links between sleep deprivation and anxiety by Paul Buggy

eople who get less than eight hours of sleep every night can develop serious mental problems, in particular depression and anxiety disorders. Of the seven sleep clinics in Dublin the Sleep Clinic CREST in St. James’s Hospital (Dublin 8) is the busiest in Dublin according to Irish Sleep Apnoea Trust. “When you are tired everything becomes more of a challenge for you” says Doctor Ruairi Fahy Consultant Respiratory Physician at St

James Hospital.” Teenagers are the worst affected. Fahy stated “Starting around the beginning of puberty and continuing into their early 20s, adolescents need about nine hours of sleep each night, compared with the eight hours that adults need.” “As their bodies and minds are developing sleep deprivation makes them especially vulnerable to psychopathologies such as ADHD, and they have difficulty controlling their emotions and impulses. This can cause anger problems and increase reckless activity.” Women suffer more than men when they don’t get enough sleep.

Statistics show that women report depression two times more than men. The most obvious signs of lack of sleep are “dark circles under the eyes and very pale skin. If they have these symptoms, they aren’t getting the right amount of sleep.”

“Women suffer more than men” The best way to achieve a good night sleep is “Try not to have caffeine about five hours before you go to bed and never watch television in your bedroom, as it is the worst habit to develop”.

Adults need at least 8 hours of sleep

Dub 8

November 2010

Rising number of crimes in Inchicore by Adeola Olofa

arda Mark Smith of Kilmainham Garda station, Dublin 8 stated that “burglaries and drugs” are an everyday thing in the area. “Unemployment is a contributing factor to high rates of crime in Inchicore.” A lot of people deal drugs just to make money, Garda Smith states. He said they get called in four to five times in a day. A 23-year-old local resident had a lot to say about the area. A student who resides in Emmet Court, with two of his college mates, laughed when asked if Inchicore was a peaceful area to live in. When asked to describe the type of incidents that have occurred in the past he said: “A lot of shootings, stabbings, drugs, vandalism; you name it, it is here.” He reveals that just a while ago a pipe bomb was planted in an apartment and no one was aware until the Gardaí came and evacuated everyone from the building. He also said it took the Gardaí over two hours to safely remove the alleged bomb. When asked what precautions he

A scene from Inchicore takes to protect himself in the area and his living quarters, he states that he minds his own business, comes home on time, and doesn’t step out at certain hours. “It’s easy to mind one’s business in here be-

“A pipe bomb was planted in an apartment” cause we have a lot of different people living in this building, from travellers to junkies, none of them

Photo: Adeola Olofa are sociable”. His opinion was backed up by Garda Mark Smith, who said he doesn’t have the specific rates of crime in Inchicore. But crime is high in the area compared to other areas, based on recent calls they have had to the station. The only positives about living in the area is the distance to the Luas station and bus stop, the very cheap rent and there is an multicultural shop just five minutes away from the apartment. Asked why he feels the area is rough, he said Inchicore is just like

any other bad area, these things happen. He also said the Gardaí are doing their best to reduce crime in the area. They patrol the area up to five times in a day. Garda Smith said they don’t delay when they get a call in, they act as quickly as possible. A local 40 year old shop owner explained, “The only problem I had was when I just opened up the shop, I got a threat letter asking me to close down the shop. After a couple of monthss things were back to normal.”

Afro-Caribbean Food Shop Opens by Adeola Olofa

avak superstore was set up three years ago by a 32 year old Nigerian woman, Adunola. She set up the Afro-Caribbean shop so that she could be independent and also because she wanted to open an African shop in the Inchicore area for fellow Africans like her who reside there but have limited access to Afro-Caribbean food. At the time of the opening of the shop, there were no other AfroCaribbean shops like hers, and even if there were they didn’t have the wide range of products that she has. The shop sells all kinds of ethnic food that one could need . The food is sold at affordable prices, and is also fresh. Since the recession the

owner states that “there has been a slight decrease in sales, but with the help of long-time customers, the shop is thriving”.

“I come from Clondalkin to buy food stuff” A lot of Nigerians or other ethnicities now date people from different backgrounds, so a lot of different customers come in here to shop. They ask for different types of food, especially pounded yam, it is the most sought after food for all ethnicities that come here to her shop. The owner says that she tries as much as possible to have things available, even the scarcest things that people wouldn’t think they sell.

A Nigerian customer in the shop said: “I come from Clondalkin to buy food stuffs because the owner is a good friend, and because you can always be confident to get anything you want to buy”. As well as selling all this food they also offer Western Union and cargo services. There is a lot of competition now in the area, the owner states, so I have to find a way to better my shop and lure customers in. The owner says that a lot of shops like hers have closed down due to the fact that they don’t have enough funding to keep going or they have issues with the health board. She says now mostly all their frozen foods must have a serial number which will state where the food was made and where it came from and also the shop must be clean and all their staff must wear aprons in the shop. This is how most shops

like her’s operate now. Has she any regrets so far? She answered “No, I have been lucky to be able to pay my shop bills and my suppliers and not go bankrupt and at the same time offer the customers what they want.”

Cultural Integraation Underway In Inchicore

Dub 8

November 2010

Homelessness is on the rise Franklin Daily tells of his experience in Dublin by Stephen Ramsey

ccording to the Simon Community, the number of people accessing their services has increased by 20% over the past 18 months. Franklin Daily is one of them, having come to Ireland from the UK last year he tells of his experiences in Dublin. Originally from the Virgin Islands, he explains that he is “a UK citizen” and had spent six years in London before coming here. The change he noticed most was the attitudes towards race. A few days ago, Franklin had been abused and attacked. “I’ve been racially attacked. The guy was drunk,” he explained. Franklin continued to describe, in detail what happened. “We sparred up, I jabbed him, just a jab, not a punch.” His assailant then “swung a bottle at my head and I dodged it and it hit my shoulder so I tried to put my hand up in his eye.” Franklin explained that he put his hand on his opponent’s face but his right little finger slipped into his mouth. “He chewed my f***ing finger and pulled dreads out of my hair ‘cos he was racially abusing me and looking for trouble.” Franklin, showed his bandaged bitten finger but didn’t say who won. However, it’s not the only time he’s been treated like this. He recalled how he was once approached by a woman who told him “I just made €17 you black b******” and then spit on him. He followed her into a McDonald’s insisting “Don’t call me no names. I didn’t trouble you.” She called the Gardai but once there Franklin explained what had happened and the woman changed her attitude, trying to be friendly with him. He ignored her saying that “She tried to make up now but she done started it wrong.” On another occasion, he explained how sometimes people were just as abusive but less confrontational. “One day I was on the

Franklin Daily sitting at his usual spot on a busy Dublin Street boardwalk and this gentleman says ‘go back to Africa’ I’ve never been to Africa.” Franklin stressed that he’d “been in London for six years” but the attitude to race was very different. “I’ve never been racially attacked there.” “I never had no problem with none of them. London has a population of thirteen million or more and I never been attacked by no Caucasian.” When asked why he thought this was he explained that “It’s ‘cos people here aren’t accustomed to foreign people.” Franklin’s view on race was that “We’re just Chinese, Indian whatever. My family’s never been like that.” He was raised not to judge people by their skin colour and felt that we were all just people, that’s how we should treat each other. “I try to live in unity and peace with everyone. All over the world it’s the same thing. You see a lot of

homeless people.” He also felt that the attitude towards the homeless in Ireland, on the part of the government and the Gardai, was not as good as it had been in Britain.

“He chewed my f***ing finger...’cos he was racially abusing me and looking for trouble.” “In London you have squatter’s rights but here the Gardai come and just kick you out.” There were a lot of large buildings in London that he said would often be guarded but that wasn’t the case in Dublin.

Photo: Stephen Ramsey A large building might be left abandoned and unguarded but the Gardai would remove people staying in it if they caught them. In Britain, if you slept in an abandoned building the police would have more trouble forcing you to leave because of your legal rights as a squatter. He told how he had moved to Ireland to be with his girlfriend who had family here but that she was in the UK at the moment trying to claim benefit. Then, upon being asked to move by another homeless person as he was sitting in their spot, he graciously moved and headed down the street to another door arch explaining that “Everybody got a spot,” and, “This is the spot where me and my girlfriend normally sit.” Franklin said that he had so much to tell and that people should know how the homeless are treated. “I want my story to get in the paper.” He said that, some day, he should write a book.

Dub 8

November 2010

Small parties swell in support in D8 PBP grows in popularity as they help the community protect their rights

by Jonathan Keane

he People Before Profit Alliance (PBP) has grown significantly as an Irish political party, particularly in the last two years. The acrimony of the recession has undoubtedly played a role in this as with such times people can often begin to re-evaluate where they stand on their ideological compass. Dublin City Councillor Joan Collins is heavily active in her role with PBP and what it means. “People Before Profit means to me an organisation with an idea of putting people before the greed and the waste and the corruption that has happened over the last decade or more”, she says. “And to me it means putting people first with relation to health, education, jobs; all those things that people need to survive.” Collins, whose office is based in Inchicore commented on what PBP do locally: “Any issues that may be affecting people, we try to take it up through the council and then work with people on the ground.” “We always work on broader issues, nationally, the whole question of where the money can be got [in the forthcoming budget]. It [government] shouldn’t be coming after the ordinary people that live in the Dublin 8 area. We’re the [ones the] fingers are pointed at and at the end of the day it

People Before Profit make their voices heard shouldn’t be ordinary people that should have to pay for all this scandal and corruption that went on”, she continues. That’s easier said than done. For any party there are difficulties when it comes to implementing an idea or bringing a mission statement to life. Joan reveals that the biggest problem for PBP is within the council itself.

message? “It’s hard to get our ideas out there. A lot more people would link in with those ideas if they heard them. It can be difficult but at other times it’s great because you’re meeting a lot of people.” With it being so tough to relay ideals, are there any examples, locally, of what PBP have been able to accomplish?

“It shouldn’t be ordinary people that should pay for all this scandal and corruption that went on” “In some areas things get done quite effectively. In other areas it’s quite hard to get things done particularly now with lack of funding. The council could be cut by a further percentage for next year. It’s getting harder to get things done in the area.” On a nationwide basis, smaller parties are often lost in the mire of criticisms constantly hurled towards the government. So, how does a party like PBP spread its

“In this economic crisis, the council were trying to close down the Crumlin swimming pool. A local campaign going kept that back and now it’s going to stay open which is a huge achievement in this climate. The Save Our Swimming pool (SOS) campaign really put the pressure on quite significantly on the council.” Despite that, the PBP still remains in essence a small party on a national level. But they aren’t alone;

Photo: Indymedia a number of other small parties are growing in these economically uncertain times. There are various other parties like the Workers Party and the Socialist Party that were, for a long time, minute but have gained more notoriety with these changing times. They had an opportunity to grow when the electorate became disillusioned with the core parties that have all began to blur into one. Joan is not alone in representing the Dublin 8 area and South Dublin within PBP. “Actually in the Dublin 8 area it’s reasonably strong. Tina McVeigh stood there, in the Liberties area. In the Dublin South Central constituency Bríd Smith got a very strong vote and got elected.” “If anybody wants to get active with us, young, middle aged, old contact me. It would be brilliant if more people did get involved. They could put their stamp on the organisation then because it’s a people’s party.” For more details visit www.peoplebeforeprofit.ie

Dub 8

November 2010

Students struggle to juggle college and work

Many students at Griffith College Dublin are struggling financially

Photo: Maria Brundin

With rising unemployment and tough times ahead just how will Griffith College students balance their finances? by Donia Jenabzadeh

esearch conducted for AIB by market research agency W5, shows that students’ average weekly disposable income has fallen from €86 in 2009 to €62 in 2010, a fall of 28%. According to the research, part-time work now accounts for 31% of a student’s source of income. Oscar Finn, Griffith College Students Union editor of ‘Griffiti’ explained, “I work pretty much seven days a week, but I figure as I wouldn’t be up to much anyways it is a good investment for my future career.” The global economic crisis has made unemployment rise faster in Ireland than anywhere else, making it harder for people to find jobs. “It wasn’t that bad trying to find a job two years ago, but now I have

been trying to find another job and realised that it is nearly impossible,” said Lorcan Breen, third year journalism student. “There is a lot of work out there, its finding it that is the hard part,” adds Oscar Finn. Lorcan works at Penneys four days during the week as well as weekends. However, he finds it

manage to cover everything,” he said. Being able to balance your studies along with a part-time job might not always be easy, but as for Oscar, who works in the college, it is “manageable as it is based in the same location.” As Ciara Mooney, a third year journalism student, ad-

“It wasn’t that bad trying to find a job two years ago, but now I have been trying to find another job and realised that it is nearly impossible” very hard to balance a job and keep up his college work. “I have to rush from college to work and then I don’t get home until after nine and between then and eight in the morning I have to get my college work done... it is pretty difficult to

vises, it is best to find a job where the hours suit your college timetable as “otherwise the two will overlap and it will be difficult to keep up”. Ciara works weekends at a lighting shop, dealing with customers

and sorting the books. As she only works weekends, she manages to keep up her college work, though it “breaks up” her weekend. She found her job through a friend but claims she was lucky as when she sent in her CV the shop happened to be looking for weekend staff only. Sorcha Berry, a third year Journalism and Visual Media student, got her job at a publication through an internship that she had in fourth year of secondary school. She explained, “I work between 8-12 hours a week and my job involves filing, creating data spreadsheets and making sure that the finances all add up on a day to day basis.” Lorcan’s advice to students seeking a part-time job is to “apply everywhere more than once as everyone is in the same boat and everyone wants a job so you really have to put yourself out there if you are serious about getting one”.

Dub 8

November 2010

A helping hand from St. Andrew’s Community centre helps those on the margins of society

by Ornella Pastushok

he St. Andrew’s Community centre is one of the largest projects in Dublin of its kind. Opening in 1992, it deals with specific needs and broad issues such as drug mis-use, homelessness, alcoholism as well as the needs of young people in the Rialto area. The Community Centre provides many services such as counselling, family support, acupuncture, dropin and special treatments for the most marginalised people in the community. Some of their most popular services are drop-in and acupuncture explains Phyllis Corish, a drop-in worker. Another service that is popular in the centre is childcare. Mothers who visit the centre can leave their children with child minders. However, on Mondays and Wednesdays, the mothers are only able to use this facility between 2:00 and 4:30 due to budget cuts. The community centre also provides dinners on Tuesdays and lunch on Thursdays. There are usually 20 to 30 people attending the meals. As the centre is funded by HSE as well as SWAHB (SouthWestern Area Health Board), all the facilities and services are free of charge. Ms Corish, who has been working in the centre for the past 17 years, said, ‘’The services that we

St. Andrew’s has been providing services to the community since 1992. Photo: Ornella Pastushok provide here are free of charge and everyone is welcome into our centre. However, we only work with the people who are over 18.’’ Phyllis disclosed that President Mary McAleese was very impressed with the centre, she even played with the children, when visiting. Phyllis explains there are 18 staff workers and anyone who leaves, even the centre’s founder who re-

homeless or live in the area, and ages within the group varies from 18 to 60. Most of those people are drug users and have been in jail. However, 95% of them are on medication and receiving advice on safer management of their addictions. One of the community drug workers said, ‘’I had been working with the drug users for 11 years and can state that the drug problem

“President Mary McAleese was very impressed, even played with the children, when visiting” tired this year, can’t be replaced due to cut backs. At the moment there are around 70 visitors, mostly women who are

is getting worse in this area as we have the major crime rates here.’’ He explains that he served seven years in the jail in the past and is

now in full-time employment in the centre. He believes that serious drug problems made him decide to work here in order to help people. The drug worker is responsible for dealing with the drug harm reductions policies. He clarified that he is not there to tell the abusers not to use the drugs, he is there to tell them how to use the drugs safely. There have been successful cases in past years when people attending the centre and receiving the proper treatment were going back to work or college, but this is very rare, the worker explains. Even though there are so many people who visit the centre, it was clear that they feel embarrassed and ashamed with their identity as one of the ladies walked in the centre, pleaded not to disclose her face in the camera shot.

Dub 8

November 2010

SIMON DETOX SUCCESS Ninety percent success rate for Dublin Simon Residential Detox Programme by Richard Bohan

he Dublin Simon Residential Detox and Rehabilitation Centre, on Ushers Island Quay in Dublin 8, has been a roaring success since its founding in 2003, with 90 per cent of service users completing the alcohol detox programme. The service was the first of its kind in Ireland and provides a safe and positive environment for alcohol dependant homeless people to enter detox, rehabilitation and aftercare programmes with the end-game of re-entering society and working towards constructing positive environments for themselves. Maureen O’Dwyer manages the centre and works with other branches of the Simon Community, which provides help and care for Ireland’s homeless. Currently the Dublin Simon Residential Detox and Rehabilitation Centre has “five nurses, six Project Workers, two night workers, one cook and one cleaner to cover detox, rehab and aftercare. Seven full-time volunteers assist project workers in the delivery of the service and enhance the role by providing extra groups sessions, socials and other activities.” The alcohol detox unit in the centre is a live-in programme and provides 11 beds for service users with a 24 hour nursing staff and access to five visiting GPs throughout the working week. “The programme is twenty-one days maximum with the first ten days concentrated on a medically assisted physical detox from alcohol.” Detox service users spend the remaining eleven days “attending self development groups and keyworking sessions, which focus on alcohol use, move-on options and the achievement of your set goals and targets.” Once the detox process is complete, service users have the option to move on to the alcohol rehabilitation course where twelve beds are

available with a twenty-four hour project worker on site. This “abstinent based structured program has group work and one to one support.” The service users are assigned key-workers on admission and together will work towards the achievement of set rehabilitation and completion of personal goals and targets. “A holistic needs assessment and care plan is started in your first week and is worked on in the weekly one-to-one support sessions with your key-worker.”

process. In groups, service users draw upon the experiences of their peers, helping to maintain strength during recovery, and once again work towards relapse prevention. Aftercare also provides “abstinent based stable, safe houses in the community, with a structured programme focusing on relapse prevention and life skills, so you develop the skills and confidence to start creating a positive lifestyle that does not include alcohol and [learn how] to live independently.”

“We believe people want to move out of homelessness for good” Key-working sessions during the alcohol dependent rehabilitation process cover everything from addiction and alcohol use to education, philanthropy and work placements. Service users learn how to budget and maintain healthy social and family relationships. Finally, key-workers help service users to learn how to move past the addiction phase of their life and work together towards re-entering society with a positive outlook for the future. “Group work is facilitated by the rehab team. The weekly group program has two main elements: relapse prevention - where you develop and practice coping skills to deal with high risk situations and prevent relapse, and life skills – where you develop the skills and confidence to start creating a positive lifestyle that does not include alcohol and [learn how] to live independently.” After completing the rehabilitation process, service users can begin the aftercare programme. During this process the service users have sessions with key-workers, addressing issues such as money management, personal habits, moving on and seeking new accommodation, education and employment. Group work is also carried out during the aftercare

The success rate for completion of the rehabilitation process stands at 70 per cent of service users and completion of the aftercare service stands at 50 per cent. The demand for a service like the detox, rehabilitation and aftercare programmes offered by the Dublin Simon Community is huge.

According to the Dublin Simon Community annual report, released 7th of September, an average of 980 per month have accessed Dublin Simon services since January 2010. “Between January of 2009 and June of 2010, the Dublin Simon Community has witnessed a 20 per cent growth in the number of people presenting to their services” and a total of €3,633,271 was raised through fundraising, events and donations. Sam McGuinness, CEO of Dublin Simon Community, says that in 2009 the Simon Community worked with 2,450 people. “We believe people want to move out of homelessness for good. In Dublin Simon we believe our volunteers and staff have the capacity to support this but most importantly we believe in the people that we work with because ultimately it’s their belief that things can, and will, get better that makes the possibility of ending their homelessness a reality.”

First steps to the Detox Centre. Photo: Regina Walshe

Dub 8

November 2010

The Dublin Mosque prepares for Eid al-Adha Dub 8 speaks to administrator of the Islamic Foundation of Ireland, Mudafar Altawash Mudafar Altawash in front of the Dublin Mosque. Photo: Kieran Broderick

by Jonathan Keane

ovember marks the celebration of Eid al-Adha, an important fixture of the Islam calendar. The administrator of the Islamic Foundation of Ireland, Mudafar Altawash, spoke to us about the festival and its meaning: “Eid al-Adha is the celebration of the pilgrimage, people go to Mecca and Medina, which is going to happen on the 16th November. That’s the main festival that’s going to happen.” The annual pilgrimages to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina are, in the Muslim faith, a duty to be undertaken with a number of people attending from this locality – “We have about a hundred people going from the mosque here and a hundred going from Clonskeagh” he says. He continues with saying that “It’s very important and it’s the main festival in Islam. Eid al-Adha [is] also known as the festival of pilgrimage and the festival of sacrifice because when people go to the festival, they will sacrifice an animal. It’s part of the ritual.” This alludes to the first prophet of Islam, Ibrahim who slaughtered

sheep, a command from Allah. “This is a reminder of the whole thing so each family will give money to a shop and ask them to slaughter on their behalf, he says, “Recently, in the last ten years people have started to give their slaughtering to a charitable organisation outside Ireland.” Also the Dublin Mosque will be having its usual ceremonies and events to mark the celebration on November 16th. Those who won’t be travelling for the pilgrimage stay behind and engage in various prayers and activities for Eid al-Adha. “People will take a day off work and there is a special prayer in the mosque in the morning. Then there is usually sweets and gifts for the children when they are attending the mosque. The families will get together here in the evening and the same thing; there is cakes, biscuits, tea and coffee. It’s social.” says Mr Altawash. The Dublin Mosque can be found in Dublin 8, on South Circular Road. It was the first of its kind and is a massively conspicuous fixture of the community and its surrounding areas. The Islamic Foundation of Ireland (IFI) is also based there. It was opened in 1983 and was

the first mosque in Ireland and subsequently became the nerve centre for the IFI, but that organisation stretches back as far as 1959. Despite being in the area for all these years there are still issues of lack of integration and indeed racism. It raises the question of how the Muslim community has become integrated to the community of South Circular Road and, on a larger scale, Dublin 8. “That’s a big question!” he says,

“You will sometimes see a lot of racism in the area” “There is a lot of work that has to be done for integration from our side as Muslims and from the community outside. Integration, we believe, is from both sides.” “The Muslims here have been living [in the area] for a long time but still some of the people in the community don’t know or [don’t] have enough information about Islam, so that’s the reason you will sometimes see a lot of racism in the area.”

“But in general it seems that everything is ok. People are integrating and mixing well but still there are a few [disturbances], it does happen.” So, with some of these difficulties in mind, it begs the question – what has been done to improve the surroundings for everyone, regardless of creed? He replies that there is still much work to be done in teaching people about the Muslim faith. “There is a lot of things to be done on our behalf to educate people on what is Islam and what are Muslims’ customs and traditions”, he says. “Then, there are a lot of things happening inside here within the Muslim community to educate the people and establish English classes for the ladies to communicate with the outside. “Some of the ladies don’t go out much”, he affirms. “They stay at home with the children so we try to get some activities happening here so people can mix with each other.” He went on to say: “We had a couple of open days for the mosque and people came from outside our area here to come to see the mosque. We did photography exhibitions and food exhibitions from different countries [so] people could come and mix together.”

Dub 8

November 2010

From Kosher to Halal Some of the shops around the area. Photo: Maria Brundin

Clanbrassil Street in Dublin 8 is now a centre of cultural diversity by Donia Jenabzadeh

ver the past few decades, Clanbrassil Street has been transformed by changing trends in immigration and globalisation. In the first half of the 20th century it was known as ‘Little Jerusalem’, as it was where many Jewish people settled. However, times have changed and today it is now a centre of cultural diversity. Clanbrassil Street runs from Robert Emmet Bridge on the Grand Canal, named after Robert Emmet, an Irish nationalist revolutionary, to New Street. Clanbrassil Street was named after James Hamilton, 2nd Earl of Clanbrassil who became Earl of Clanbrassil in 1758 after the death of James Hamilton, 1st Earl of Clanbrassil. In 1868, a new street was opened to connect Harold’s Cross with Lower Clanbrassil Street. The Street was to be called Kingsland Street, but it is mostly known as Upper Clanbrassil Street as its original name never came into use. The transformation of Clanbrassil Street began in 1953 when residents

received a notice from Dublin Corporation about a reconstruction of the street; which included demolition of Xtravision and formerly Kilbride Pawn Brokers, Peakin Meat Specialist and Internet Laundrette and Dry Cleaners, etc. ‘Little Jerusalem’ which was once the home and workplace for a significant number of Jews, has now been replaced with multicultural shops and restaurants to suit everyone. However, the Headline Bar at Leonard’s Corner and Phelan’s Pharmacy are one of the few places that were never replaced. The owner of the grocery shop

“Definitely the best place for foreign students to find a touch of home” 4 Seasons, Mohamed Embashi from Libya, explained, “The area has changed a lot, business wise as when I first moved here 12 years ago, there were barely any shops,

whereas today the street is full of different oriental restaurants and grocery shops.” Muhammad Anjum from Pakistan, owner of Halal Food and Grocery said, “I like the neighbourhood because of the variety of people that live here. As I have only been here since 2006, I don’t know how the area has changed, however as it is now, people from all over the world are united in one street.” Roger O’Sullivan, a Clanbrassil Street local, describes the change as “quite lively” compared to when he first moved here in 1978 to study Photography. “Though the neighbourhood and the people in it have changed, one thing that will never change is the beauty of observing the lovely swans by the Grand Canal,” said Mr O’Sullivan. Compared to ‘Little Jerusalem’ in the first half of the 20th century, Clanbrassil Street today is filled with people of different nationalities such as Polish, Arabic, Pakistani, Indian, Irish and many more which is evident by the various kinds of shops that are available around the area. “Everyday I see and meet people with different nationalities, which is interesting

when you compare to how it used to be several years ago,” said Mr. Embashi, owner of 4 Seasons. “I was very worried before I

“People from all over the world are united in one street” came, as I did not think that there would be any Arabic shops here. It is amazing how many shops and restaurants there is in one street, definitely the best place for foreign students to find a touch of home,” said Maryam Alamiri, from the United Arab Emirates, a student at Griffith College. All around Clanbrassil Street, there are several signs that symbolise its significant history i.e. a plaque commemorating Leopold Bloom, a fictional Jewish character in James Joyce’s novel Ulysses on the wall of 52 Upper Clanbrassil Street as well as a Guinness bottle with the label written in Hebrew at the Jewish Museum on Walworth Road.

Dub 8

November 2010

Pump It Up!

Plant Life Garden Centre’s Rain-Harvesting Pump System

Photo: Stephen Ramsey

Dublin gardening centre developing rain harvesting system

by Stephen Ramsey

ain-harvesting pump systems are being developed by the Plant Life garden centre on Cork St, Dublin 8. The owner of the centre, Sam Smyth, has been using his rain gathering pumps to water the plants in his business and is now exploring the prospect of public sale of the product. Mr Smyth expressed his enthusiasm for the product but stressed that development was “still at early stages at the moment.” He noted how the technology, and practice of rain water harvesting, was already quite prominent in Europe saying, “There are in other countries, many households that are [. . .] using their own rainwa-

ter and pumping it back in. We’re looking at different options and what they have in other countries, particularly Germany.” The pump is used to first gather rainwater, then use it to provide the household with a cheap supply as “water is a precious commodity

panies in Ireland that are actively involved in the marketing of this,” he explained. Rain Harvesting Ireland, a company specialising in the distribution of German manufactured WISY pumps, has a leading position in the Irish market and rural developer Rainman has also

“Although people have no money at present, I think things will improve.” and again expensive.” This would reduce the cost of showering and washing up among other things. However, Mr Smyth and his Plant Life garden centre are not the first company in Ireland to enter the field. “There are already some com-

developed a pump for purifying and reusing rainwater. Mr Smyth’s entrance into the rain recycling pump market is a response to the downturn in the economy. In 1980 he set up a landscaping business and quickly

branched out into plant rental. He claimed not to have notice the recession during the 80s as he was developing the business at the time. The company provided plants for corporate buildings, expensive weddings and, in many cases, films and TV shows being shot in Ireland such as Far and Away, staring Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise, and the Tudors, staring Jonathan Rhys Myers and Sam Neill. In many cases, the dip in business has been attributed to redundancies in other companies where the attitude is to stop paying for the plants before they let go of workers. Despite the downturn in business, Mr Smyth has kept an optimistic attitude and was quoted in an article by Post.ie saying, “Although people have no money at present, I think things will improve.”

Dub 8

November 2010

BARD OF OF THE BARIn BARD THE BAR Keeping Old Dublin The Future

John Daly: Storyteller

Photo: John Lalor

The Brazen Head keeps up the great Irish tradition of story telling by Daryl McGarrigle

“O

ur minds are quite restricted in this modern world of technology and knowledge” says John Daly, storyteller extraordinaire who holds folklore evenings in the Brazen Head pub. He started the folklore nights in 2006 after having worked as a tour guide for Irish cycling safaris. John ran bike tours all over the country, and he explains where the inspiration for the nights sprang from. “Back then it was free to imagine anything was possible. I think people love travelling back into that world of imagination and especially when you tell the stories they are like children again exploring the world of the imagination. That is what I think people most enjoy from the evening.” Irish Ancestry “I found there were many Americans on the tours who had no real link with their Irish ancestry except for knowing where their great grandmother had emigrated from”,

he explains. “With this in mind I thought about setting up an evening around a traditional Irish dinner. This is to help people with Irish ancestry understand how their people lived and saw the world around them before so many emigrated to the new world.”

“Ireland has a wealth of folklore” The Brazen Head is only a 5 minute walk from Temple Bar, located in the heartland of historical Dublin in No. 20 Lower Bridge Street, Dublin 8. It is imbued with its own sense of mystery. It was founded in 1198, named after the mythical prophetic device medieval “Wizards” used that was purported to be able to answer any question. It is Ireland’s oldest pub, having been serving ale since before the advent of licensing laws in the 1600s. Rebellion Links And Folklore It is therefore steeped in history,

having also been the preferred meeting place of the United Irishmen up to 1798, having served such illustrious personages such as Daniel O’Connell, Wolfe Tone, Robert Emmet and James Joyce. The Brazen Head is a perfect platform, then, to revive what may be seen as a lagging enterprise: that of the Irish storyteller. On the pub’s website they enthuse about it: “The low beamed ceilings and old fireplaces give a warm atmosphere to this place, creating a perfect setting for this enchanting evening of Irish Folklore and Storytelling.” On what makes the nights so popular, Mr. Daly comments that “they love the journey into the unseen world and the imagination. In our modern world scientific knowledge explains everything that happens around us. Back then they did not have those luxuries and were constantly in the unknown.” He goes on to say that: “Out of this came an amazing imagination to explain the unexplainable things that were going on in the world around them and a belief that the unseen was as powerful if not more powerful than the seen world. Mr. Daly is clearly passionate

about the storytelling history of our little island and is quick to note the impact our nation has had in preserving the essence of the folklore tradition. “Ireland has a wealth of folklore”, he affirms, ”which had been recorded here where it has been lost in many other countries and since we were on the edge of Europe and remained a largely rural population for longer, the folklore along with its superstitions and beliefs survived longer.”, Stories In Their Purest Forms While all the stories are Irishbased, it is interesting to note the similarities they have with others all across the world. “The fascinating thing is how all stories are basically similar all over the world”, he states. “They would have been created in ancient times and passed from mouth to mouth all over the world and many eventually ended up here.” The price range for this wonderful night is: €44 for Adults, Students/Seniors are €40 and Children are €37. Brazen Head have been holding an Irish storytelling night every evening since April and will run until November and then again from December to March.

Dub 8

November 2010

Pubs attempt to tackle downturn Local pubs use drinks promotions, sports and popular TV shows to attract business

Off Licences are gathering more business.

by Karla Stein

t’s that time of year again, where people across the country enjoy sitting in on a Saturday evening, chilling on the couch watching the X-Factor. They delve into a Chinese while sipping on a glass of Sauvignon Blanc in the comfort of their own homes. Many people are just staying in.I decided to take action by venturing down to some of the pubs and bars in the Dublin 8 area to find out exactly what it is that they do to lure people into their place. Among the pubs I visited were The Bird Flanagan, Old Mill, and McCauley’s. I also wanted to find out how sales were in O’Neill’s offlicense on South Circular road. I spoke to the owner / manager Dominic McDonald . He has been running the off license for 17 years. He spoke about how profits fell drastically due to the recession, whereby once they were selling beer for €1.30 and are now selling it for less than €1. “It was going to happen; it was

just a matter of time as to when. I’m at an advantage to other offlicenses in the area because of my location; it is right beside Griffith College.” On a Friday crates upon crates of beer, especially Heineken are sold. “The prices are reasonable and this definitely attracts the students”, he continues. Some pubs invest more time into advertising than others, for example Bird Flanagan’s on the South Circular Road holds monthly meeting to discuss what the plans are for the forthcoming month. “Detailed planning and organisation are the main reasons we do so

Photo: Ornella Pastushok

planned for this month. Blow up posters of Mary Byrne, the Irish XFactor contestant from Ballyfermot who has become famous for making it into the live finals on the XFactor this year. “We have four flat screens showing the X-Factor every Saturday and Sunday evening; this attracts a lot of people in the area to gather together. You can feel such a huge sense of camaraderie when Mary starts to sing, everyone’s face starts to glow. ‘It’s fantastic.” McCauley’s pub owned by Jason Molloy expressed the importance of advertising in his place, “we have over 400 friends on Facebook. We

“Detailed planning and organisation are the main reasons we do so well both during the week and on weekends” well both during the week and on weekends,” explains Luke Byrne, the pub’s manager. The pub is strictly over 30s, targeting no students at all compared to O’Neill’s off license. I asked him what the advertising team had

send out private invitations every week for events that are coming up, thanks to the advertising team on board helping design posters to attract customers into the pub.” “Bulmers and Kopparberg drinks promotions take place here every

two months, to push their product,” says Jason. “For example when Bulmers were launching their new berry product, they gave out one free pint per person. This was a good way for people to get a feel for the taste. If they enjoyed it they would purchase it the next time they were in. This was good for Bulmers and it pushed sale for both Kopparberg and Bulmers in our pub.” Providing plasma screens for big rugby and football matches draws huge crowds in too. It is the exact same with the XFactor. It draws people in immediately. Big sports events such as The Englsih Premiership, Spain’s La Liga football league,Rugby’s Heineken Cup, international rugby and football attract big crowds to pubs in Dublin and all around Ireand. There are many ways to advertise and create a place where people enjoy going on a Saturday evening. It all involves careful planning. Whether it’s in Dublin 8, Dubin 24 or anywhere in Ireland, there’s no night out like a pub night out. Why not take a trip to your local tavern?

Dub 8

November 2010

Students flock back to Rathmines

Lower Rathmines Road bustles with activity in the late afternoon

Photo:Flickr

Lower rent prices and local amenities attract students back by David Goulden

pproximately three kilometers South of Dublin City centre lies the town of Rathmines on the Dublin 6 and Dublin 8 border. ‘Rathmines’ is derived from the Norman word ‘Maonas’, which came from the Norman name ‘de Meones’. The Normans invaded this part of Dublin in the 12th century as part of the Norman invasion of Ireland, so Rathmines translates literally in to ‘Ringfort of Meones’. Adjacent to Portobello, east of Harold’s Cross and west to Ranelagh, Rathmines is an ideal location to live in Ireland’s capital. Known these days for its multicultural population and its wide range of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants, Rathmines is also home to a barracks and three centres of education. The Cathal Brugha Barracks sits behind St Mary’s secondary school while Kildare Place National School also sits on Upper Rathmines Road. Just south east of the National School as one heads towards Milltown, lies The Church of Ireland College of Education, a college in which primary school teachers and special needs assis-

tants are taught. As a result of its locality and the fact it is situated only a five minute bus journey away from Dublin City centre colleges, a 10 minute walk from Griffith College and another five minute journey from University College Dublin (UCD), Rathmines is a hot spot for students studying at these colleges. During the boom days of the mid 00’s, Rathmines homed lawyers, teachers, barristers and professionals on the highest wages of the time. These days, the area attracts

since September, having lived only a short distance away in Ranelagh in his first year. “I really enjoy it here”, says Darren. “I lived in Ranelagh last year so it’s only a stone’s throw away from Rathmines”. Darren comes from a small area in County Sligo just outside a town called Calry. “The main street in Rathmines reminds me a lot of O’Connell Street in Sligo,” Darren continues. “Although in the whole of Sligo town I don’t think there are as much shops

“Known these days for its multicultural population and its wide range of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants” students from surrounding colleges due to its ideal location and lower rent prices. Since the boom days, the rent in the Rathmines area has fallen significantly from an average of €900 to €600 per month for a one bed flat. One of these students is 19-yearold Darren O’Hara who studies neuro-science at UCD. Darren is in the second year of his course and has been living in Rathmines

and things to do as there is in Rathmines.” On the walk from Upper Rathmines, towards the city, there are several bars and pubs; Boland’s, Toast Bar, The Stout Bar and The Portobello to name a few. The price of a drink of Heineken in these bars averages out at about €4.80 per pint, a rise from an average €4.10 in Darren’s local back home.

“It’s a bit steeper up here for drink, but that comes with the territory I suppose. Most things up here are more expensive, but that’s the way it goes. I usually get the LUAS down to Windy ‘Arbour, and it’s only a small walk to my lectures.” Darren’s course is five years long and when asked about living in the area for the remainder of his education and maybe beyond, Darren seemed positive about the idea of staying in the area. “It depends where my course brings me. I have an option to move abroad for the last year which I may do, but for the next year or two Rathmines is so handy for me.” Local transport seems to be a big pull factor for Darren as, between Dublin Bus and the LUAS, he has several travelling options. “There are six or seven buses coming from the South side of the county through the main street, (of Rathmines) and going into the city”. “There’s also the LUAS going to college and if I need to go further north there’s the Red line (LUAS) which brings us as far as Tallaght. My average week only brings me from Rathmines to city centre, and to UCD, so I’m covered transportwise for that.” Rathmines is located a quick 15 minute walk away from Griffith College.

Dub 8

November 2010

MYSTIC MEG’S MAGIC 8 BALL Aries Major news for you this month, Venus is involved which means love is your goal, with a possible need to look into your finances. Watch your sepnding but love is where your attention should mainly lie POINT OF INTEREST: Watch where you walk as upon the ground something interesting may be found .

Taurus This month blasts from the past seem to be in order for Taurus. Bring back memories of the good and the bad and making you reevaluate things. Something important to remember with the upcoming events is to be honest with yourself. POINT OF INTEREST: Beware of Phoenix Park as you may run into an old spark.

Gemini It seems that Venus has big plans for you this month with preparation of a whole new relationship yet it has a possibility of being with an old love. With romance possibilities are endless in this month for you take a step back and consider what you can do. POINT OF INTEREST: In the middle of a bridge between here and there you may find that someone who will always be there.

Cancer This month will be focused on friends and family for Cancer. Romance will be around but the main focus is to restore a balance which has shifted. The issue may require such change in your own place and long distance may prove a solution.

Libra Been having relationship difficulties of late. Well that’s all about to change as Venus sets up to help you straighten everything out for you to move on and enjoy the holidays. You will be able to bring family and friends.

Capricorn Career matters will keep you busy and take up some of your time this month. Libra will help you to make valuable contacts and get help and advice where you need it. Beware aof bad advice near towards the end of the month .

POINT OF INTEREST: A chance to live in Griffith College can be cosy, but don’t stay too long, the people can be nosey.

POINT OF INTEREST: Watch your feet as you wander down a cobbled street.

POINT OF INTEREST: An answer you will seek near the Four Courts you will find that which may help your mind.

Leo There is alot on your mind as of late. Venus is set to play a major part this month as it enters your house of communication making your usually charming personality even more captivating. But beware as mis-using this may cause you to hurt someone accidently.

Scorpio Well for all those Scorpios out there buckle up and prepare for a wild month as you have everything going for you. A combining and alignment of different planets are invoking great adventures for you this month from new love interests to better friendships.

Aquarius You may feel the need to travel or entertain, this is because venus is in retrograde. the upcoming time will rekindleold friendships and possibly old flames. However, you must think carefully before making any hasty decisions, keep in mind why it ended in the first place.

POINT OF INTEREST: Avoid the whiskey at the next Arthur’s night and you won’t get too frisky and end up in a fight.

POINT OF INTEREST: That yellow top may be a mistake when you and your friend show up for a double date.

POINT OF INTEREST: To fool the eyes a girt in disguise so just be nice and you may be pleasantly suprised.

Virgo If you’re batting alone at the moment that’s all about to change with a planetary team up that is going to have admirers flocking to get your attention. Be sure to choose carefully, however as there will be a real chance of love with one of them.

Sagittarius For a Sagittarius, November marks the beginning of the Sun’s annual trek through your sign and this means fun. The Sun will most definitely heat things up and leave you in the mood to play. This month will mark one hell of a party time for you so get yourself.

Pisces With Jupiter and Uranus having kept you busy the previous few months with relationships it’s all about to hit a new level with Venus making an entry. Their mission is to present you with opportunities with someone who is all about fun and lives up to your love for life.

POINT OF INTEREST: Along a quay you will be and that lucky person may drop down on one knee.

POINT OF INTEREST: You may find yourself saying those three special words.

POINT OF INTEREST: Mix it up and try somewhere new, in a cafe near Christchurch a new love may be waiting for you.