Metro Herald, December 3, 2013 by Metro Herald

tuesday, December 3, 2013

kl;j

»p1;klj

More UFO than UPS

»p10

Who’s yer Wan?

Gok talks woks »p13

12yrs in prison for €52m fraud

by brian hutton

Solicitor thomas Byrne has been jailed for 16 years with four suspended, for orchestrating a ‘colossal’ €52million property loans swindle – the largest theft case in irish history. A court heard Byrne, of Mountjoy Square, Dublin, has lost his life, family and successful business since his plot came down around him like a house of cards six years ago. the 47-year-old separated father of three was exposed for transferring clients’ homes into his own name and using them as security to obtain multi-million euro bank loans. After being found guilty of 50 charges of theft, forgery and deception in a trial lasting six weeks, Judge Patrick Mccartan told the circuit criminal court in Dublin that Byrne’s crimes were ‘staggering to consider’. the years-long plot, which tumbled in 2007, was uncovered when a whistleblower alerted the law Society. the scam required careful planning and execution, Byrne had not helped the Garda investigation and almost none of the money has been recovered, the court was told.

‘Staggering’: Thomas Byrne, who has received 16 years in jail over a €52million property loans swindle Picture: PA

Keep Dublin tidy – Please recycle this Metro Herald when you are finished with it

reilly calls in health chiefs over payments HEALTH Minister James Reilly has summoned heads of hospitals and health agencies to account for unsanctioned payments for executives. The chiefs of bodies found not to be compliant with salary caps for the public service will be asked to explain where and why monies are being paid. The Department of Health said the bosses will have to detail to Health Service Executive (HSE) director general Tony O’Brien any breaches of pay rules. The demand for explanations was made after the HSE rejected claims that it agreed or sanctioned top-up payments for the chief executive and other senior staff in the Central Remedial Clinic. Agency and hospital heads will be called in for meetings from next week. Dr Reilly said he has requested urgent action to ensure all agencies in the health system comply with pay rules with answers expected before Christmas. It comes after a review found that in 2011 more than €3.2million was paid out in additional allowances from State funds to senior managers. Thirteen hospitals and health agencies have been found collectively paying more than €900,000 to executives from funds that came from private sources.

METRO HERALD Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Tuesday 03/12/13 How to contact us

Email:

news@metroherald.ie sports@metroherald.ie features@metroherald.ie sales@metroherald.ie Text: ‘Mail’ to 53131 (30c plus usual text charge) Visit: www.e-metroherald.ie Editorial: 01 705 5088 Advertising: 01 705 5010 Distribution: 01 705 5007

Social media Facebook.com/ metroherald Twitter.com: @metrohnews #metromailbox

1,000 The amount

in US dollars that Serge Vorobyov threw from the fourth floor of a Minnesota shopping mall on Black Friday. He was arrested soon after. Ireland’s rate of newsprint recycling is now up to 79%. Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you.

Today is...

International Day of People with Disability A day founded by the United Nations in 1992 to promote an

understanding of disability issues and mobilise support for the rights and well-being of disabled people all around the world.

From the archives (2009): Woods sorry for ‘personal sins’

Tiger Woods last night made an apology for his ‘personal sins and failings’ in relation to his string of infidelities. But he wouldn’t explain what exactly happened at his Florida home when he crashed his car allegedly after a row with wife Elin.

Today’s birthdays

Mike Gibson, rugby legend, 71; Ozzy Ozbourne, rock singer, 65; Eamonn Holmes, broadcaster, 54; Julianne Moore (right), actress, 53; Amanda Seyfried, actress, 28.

CLOCkWORD

The solutions from 1 to 12 are all sixletter words ending with the letter R in the centre. Moving clockwise from 1, the letters in the outer circle will spell out the name of a British comedian. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Undergo Sore Fasten Lower Dairy product Wild ass Reply

8. 9. 10. 11. 12.

Scoundrel Hesitate Parent Deer’s horn Digit

Yesterday’s solution: Gregory Hines

Weather Weather Today

Max: 11°c

Dry across much of the midlands, south and east for daylight hours today - just a little patchy drizzle, but overall cloudy. Rain will spread into Northern and Northwestern areas during the day. Temperatures between 8°C to 11°C in moderate southwest winds.

Derry

9�C

Donegal

10�C

8�C

Cavan

Galway

10�C

Athlone

Dublin

10�C

Tipperary

10�C

Waterford

Tralee

Cork

SUPPORT OUR ANNUAL APPEAL SINCE 2009 SVP HAS HAD A 104% INCREASE IN CALLS FOR ASSISTANCE. THIS CHRISTMAS WE WILL ASSIST OVER 150,000 PEOPLE WITH FOOD, FUEL AND TOYS.

WE CAN’T

DO IT ALONE GIVE LOCALLY OR ONLINE

TO DONATE VISIT SVP.IE/APPEAL

POST A GIFT TO PO BOX 1234

DUBLIN 1 OR CALL 01-8386990 The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a registered charity - CHY 6892

Tonight

Belfast

10�C

11�C Sunrise: 8.20am Sunset: 4.09pm

Min: 0°c

Cloudy and misty with scattered outbreaks of rain, but the rain will clear southeastwards and colder clearer weather will follow. Temperatures between 0°C to 3°C with the risk of icy patches.

EUROPE today

Tomorrow A cold, bright and dry day in many areas. Temperatures between 5°C to 8°C in light to moderate northwest winds.

5�C 6�C 7�C 8�C

7�C

6�C 6�C 7�C Max: 8°c

Athens

12 °c

Barcelona

17 °c 3 °c

Berlin Brussels London

3 °c 4 °c

Madrid

5 °c 14 °c

Paris

4 °c

Rome

16 °c

Geneva

Tuesday, December 3, 2013 METRO HERALD

Do you, Debbie Harry, take Simon Cowell to be your lawful wedded husband?

We’ve tied a double knot

What a match: The wedding guest list was stellar... well, almost PiCture: inS

AT first glance the picture looks like it was taken backstage at the Baftas. On closer inspection it looks more like a counterfeit edition of OK! magazine. But these professional lookalikes had hotel staff and wedding guests fooled when they became a perfect match on Saturday. The marriage made in showbusiness

by AIDAN RADNEDGE heaven was between Simon Cowell and Blondie singer Debbie Harry. They are better known to their friends as doppelgänger Andy Monk and Rose Cook. The guest list also included David Beckham, Gordon Ramsay, Ricky Gervais and A-team star turned-

Snickers-salesman Mr T. The groom, 54, and his 43-year-old bride got together in 2004, having previously met on the set of the BBC show Doctors while working as extras. Ms Cook, who has performed as a Blondie tribute act for 20 years, said: ‘He’s nothing like Simon Cowell appears on television. Andy is a really kind-hearted and loving man. All of

our friends can see how much we love each other.’ Flying A-listers to Beverly Hills was clearly too much of an insurance risk so the reception took place at The Station Hotel in Dudley, West Midlands instead. Mr Monk, who will be playing Cowell in a new film about The X Factor’s first winner, said: ‘It was a

GATE THEATRE OPENING TONIGHT!

Pride and Prejudice

by Jane Austen

Celebrating its 200th Anniversary! ‘It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.’ All Mondays / Matinees €25 www.gatetheatre.ie (01) 874 4045

cracking day. Not many people can boast having Beckham, Ramsay and Gervais at their wedding. ‘Some of the hotel staff took a double take when everyone walked into the reception.’ A barman at the hotel said: ‘One member of staff got her autograph book ready so it was hilarious when they turned out to be lookalikes.’

METRO HERALD Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Tuesday, December 3, 2013 METRO HERALD

Atlantic coastal route at centre of tourism drive

Second man is held over park murder A SECOND man has been arrested over the murder of a man found burnt to death in the Phoenix Park. The 20-year-old was detained over the death of the man in his 40s near the Wellington monument in the early hours of Friday. He was taken in for questioning to Finglas Garda station where a 27-year-old man arrested yesterday was also being held. Detectives believe the dead man was badly beaten before being set alight in a sleeping bag. Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin addressed the killing in a homily, saying he is horrified by it.

by ED cARTy

Accidental shooting teen jailed for 5yrs

PICTURE: NaoIsE CUlhaNE

The Atlantic coast is to lead the drive to bring in more than 25million visitors to Ireland over the next three years. Tourism Ireland believes the growth in the sector can bring €12.6billion to the economies of the island. The Wild Atlantic Way, a 2,500km route from Inishowen in Co Donegal to Kinsale in Co Cork, with 156 discovery points, was finalised earlier this year. Tourism Ireland CeO Niall Gibbons said the ‘exciting new tourism experience’ will have global appeal. Among other key events for next year are the Limerick City of Culture and the Croke Park Classic college American football season opener at the GAA’s headquarters. Latest estimates indicate that eight million people will have visited Ireland this year, a 7.2 per cent increase on last year and a record for visitors from North America, Germany, France and Spain. Tourism Ireland is targeting 8.9million visitors a year by 2016. Tourism Minister Leo Varadkar credited this year’s The Gathering with helping grow visitor numbers, including a 26 per cent rise in air capacity from the US and Canada.

My number’s bigger than yours: Tourism Ireland chief executive Niall Gibbons (left) and Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar launch the 2014-16 marketing drive to promote the island of Ireland overseas

A TEENAGER who accidentally shot dead his friend while playing with a gun has been sentenced to five and a half years, with the final 18 months suspended. Dean Short, now aged 21, of Lally Road, Ballyfermot, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to the unlawful killing of Paul McCarthy at Myra Close, Emmet Road, Inchicore in May, 2011. Judge Mary Ellen Ring said his ‘foolishness caused an unlawful and unexpected result with an illegally held gun in the company of young men smoking cannabis.’

METRO HERALD Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Japan lifts 12-year ban on Irish beef imports Passengers hit IRELAND’S €2billion beef industry has been given a big boost after Japan lifted a ban on imports from Ireland. Twelve years after Japan stopped taking Irish produce on the back of the BSE scandal, the Government announced markets were re-opening. The announcement was made on day two of an official trip to Japan Where’s the beef: Mr Kenny by Taoiseach Enda Kenny and

Minister for Agriculture and Food Simon Coveney after they met Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe. President of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) John Bryan said it was a very significant development. ‘This sends a strong signal to other markets that our beef adheres to the highest standards in the world,’ Mr Bryan said. The IFA added that

Japanese demand for Irish beef could be worth up to €15million a year. Mr Kenny, meanwhile, said it was yet another key milestone for the Irish agri food sector. ‘It is a sign of international confidence in the quality of Irish food and is a further vindication of Ireland’s focus on quality and sustainability,’ the Taoiseach said.

Woman is jailed for robbery 20 years later A MOTHER who attempted to rob a petrol station then fled to Ireland has been jailed for 18 months – after evading justice for almost 20 years. Naomi Mothersoul, 54, and then partner Colin Ashman, 43, were arrested after the ‘frightening’ knife incident at the station in Easton-inGordano, Somerset in 1994. Bristol Crown Court heard Mothersoul, of Wells, Somerset, and Ashman were kept in custody for a week before being released on bail. The couple fled Britain and set up home in Tralee, Co Kerry, while warrants for their arrests were left outstanding for two decades. But this year, a detective sergeant decided to bring the pair to justice as a final operation before he retired. A European Arrest Warrant was issued for Mothersoul, while Ashman was arrested as he attempted to enter the UK via a Welsh port. Judge Michael Roach jailed Ashman for five years in September, while Mothersoul was handed an 18month term at the court yesterday.

by rise in fares

RAIL passengers were left fumbling for extra change yesterday as increased cash fares kicked in. The rises include all cash tickets, Leapcard and pre-paid tickets in the Dublin area ‘short hop zone’. The rises come after a decision on a price rise application by Irish Rail given by the National Transport Authority in October. In one example, a Short Hop Zone D train ticket is 25c more expensive, at €3.05. Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann, Dart and Luas users have also been hit with significant increases. The price rises come even as one commuter Tweeted a picture to Matt Cooper’s Last Word show on Today FM last Friday evening of her standing-room-only journey on the Sligo Line. Irish Rail apologised, saying the train should have had seven carriages but only four were available.

Physical chance to win an iPad

French artist wins Turner Prize FRENCH artist Laure Prouvost has won this year’s Turner Prize for her video installation set in a mocked-up tea party. The piece – called Wantee – by the London-based artist was lauded by judges as ‘outstanding’ and ‘moving’. The award was presented by Carlow actress Saoirse Ronan at a ceremony in UK City of Culture Derry, the first time it has been staged outside of England. Meanwhile, the Turnip Prize, a spoof UK art award, has been given to Play On Words – a Shakespeare play on top of a dictionary – by Percy Long-Prong Picture: PA

n MORE than 100 jobs are to be lost at healthcare company Baxter, which makes kidney dialysis products, at its plants in Co Mayo. Management are looking to reduce the number of shift workers at the weekend.

Baxter has been in Mayo for more than 40 years and has about 1,000 employees across its sites in Castlebar and Swinford. Frank Jones, Siptu organiser is planning to hold talks with management today.

Folk singer charged with 1970s child sex offences to face trial VETERAN folk and rock performer Roy Harper is to be tried next year over allegations he committed a string of sex offences in the 1970s. The singer-songwriter, who has performed with Pink Floyd and influenced rock band Led Zeppelin, faces nine charges, including two counts of having unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl aged under 13. Harper (pictured), also faces three charges of indecent assault and four of gross indecency relating to the same alleged victim. The offences are alleged to have occurred in the mid-1970s in the Herefordshire area. Harper, 72, of Rossmore, near Clonakilty, Co. Cork, is on unconditional bail and will next appear at the court on March 24, 2014 for a plea hearing.

THOSE nice people who have been bringing you those fascinating snippets of science on the Dart these past few weeks will be making a physical appearance today. The DART of Physics crew will be at Pearse Station today, giving a range of entertaining demonstrations, most of which last only about one or two minutes – so why not stop by and hang out and be amazed? Oh, and did we mention they’re giving a way an iPad mini? All you have to do is take a picture of them and Tweet it with the hashtag #DARTofPhysics to be in with a chance to win.

Do come along to my party – it’ll be in 2009 by DAniEL binns

A TIME TRAVEL enthusiast is inviting people to a party organised by physicist Prof Stephen Hawking. But there’s a snag – it was held four years ago. Peter Dean wants to attract time travellers to the gathering, hoping anyone who attends must have read about it in the future. Using the same theory, Prof Hawking held the party at Cambridge university in 2009. He waited until the summer of this year to publicise it, but no one has turned up – so far. ‘I’m hoping copies of it [the new invitation] in one form or another will survive for many thousands of years,’ the professor said. ‘Maybe one day

someone in the future will find the information and use a wormhole time machine to come back to my party, proving time travel will, one day, be possible.’ Mr Dean, from Theory: Hawking London, met Prof Hawking for the first time last week. ‘I have always been interested in his work,’ said the 39-year-old poster designer. ‘He was smiling a lot and asked for a copy of the invitation, so I think he’s pleased with it.’ ‘He’s a world famous physicist but he’s not a great poster designer.’

Tuesday, December 3, 2013 METRO HERALD

U LT IM CH AT RIS E TM AS GI FT

UCF V PENN STATE SATURDAY 30TH AUGUST 2014 BOOK NOW AT CROKEPARKCLASSIC.IE

METRO HERALD Tuesday, December 3, 2013

★

★★ ★ ★

BOOK EARLY: see www.thehelix.ie or call 01 700 7000

Collar and cuffs: Playboy is out on Friday PICTUREs: Playboy

Kate wants Ka a naughty naugh bunny party It almost seems innocent in the inter internet age. After months of hype, the 60th anni anniversary edition of the magazine was launched last night and Moss co covers 18 arty and risque pages. Speaking to celebrity inter interviewer Tom Jones inside the mag, the 39-y 39-year-old revealed who she w would most like to have round fo dinner. dinner ‘Well, I would like to for ha dinner with naughty people have who ha have a story to tell – like you,’ she said. ‘J ‘Jack Nicholson, David Bailey Bailey, Stevie Nicks, Catherine Deneuv Deneuve, Joan Collins. Love! She texted me the other day day. I could not belie believe it. ‘‘Hi, it’s Joan Collins. Collins.’’ I was like [mimes dying of shock]. My husband, because it would be mean if I didn’t in wo invite him. And Hugh Hefner, obviously.’

Walker girl collapsed on hearing he’d died Paul Walker’s girlfriend Jasmine Pilchard-Gosnell collapsed when she heard the Fast & Furious star had died in a car crash. The 23year-old was given the news by friend Jim Torp, who told Hollywood Life: ‘When I told her what happened she fell, she collapsed.’ Jasmine’s uncle, Barton Bruner, said the couple ‘had their ups and downs’ since meeting when she was just 16 but that they had a ‘bright future’. The actor’s father, also called Paul, spoke of his closeness to the 40-year-old star. ‘I’m just glad, that every time I saw him, I told him I loved him. And he would say the same thing to me,’ he told CBS radio.

by SEAMUS DUFF kind of hard to get used to. ‘We went to a Christmas party last week and there were so many paparazzi there. I was so scared.’ Her bid to prank on the paps backfired when she and Luke Friend, 17, thought they were hidden behind their car’s blacked-out windows. ‘One put his camera right up to the window and we were all pulling faces because we thought he wouldn’t be able to see. The next day there was me and Luke in the paper with weird faces,’ she revealed. Simon Cowell was rumoured to

★

TThe Inbetweeners movie sequel will be filmed in Australia, producers have confirmed. The movie follows the success of the original 2011 film and is due to be released in August.

Miley Cyrus turned me into smokin’ Joe Joe Jonas has blamed Miley Cyrus for leading him astray and introducing him to drugs. The former Jonas Brother said he first dabbled with weed after succumbing to peer pressure from Cyrus and his ex-girlfriend, Demi Lovato. ‘The first time I smoked weed was with Demi and Miley. I must have been 17 or 18,’ confessed Jonas, who recently dismissed rumours that he was fighting a secret drug addiction. ‘They kept saying, “Try it! Try it!” so I gave it a shot, and it was all right. I don’t smoke weed that often any more.’ The 24-year-old also opened up about his bad experience with alcohol and

Tamera: Fame is scary ...but I’ll still be a star aMera Foster is hoping Simon Cowell will throw her a career lifeline – even though she is still coming to terms with being famous. The X Factor reject, 16, is tipped by the show’s judges to become the most famous of this year’s crop, despite losing Sunday’s quarter-final sing-off. ‘It’s really weird. I don’t look at myself as famous,’ she told me. ‘So if I go out and someone is like, “Can I have your picture?” I’m like “whaaaaat”? It’s so weird to think that loads of people know who I am and look up to me in that kind of way. It is surreal. It’s

Tuesday, December 3, 2013 METRO HERALD

want Foster for his Syco label but the teenager said she had not heard from him. ‘That’s really cool if it’s true I am his favourite,’ she said. ‘He’s the big dog, isn’t he? It would be amazing to be signed to his label.’ and on Gary Barlow’s prediction that she will be a huge star, Foster reflected: ‘I think that’s really cool Gary said that. ‘It would have been really cool to win the competition but I guess it’s how hard you work after whether you get a career or not. I’m going to work hard and see where it gets me.’

by Luas

the time he lost his virginity. ‘I was caught drinking when I was 16 or 17, and I thought the world was going to collapse,’ he told Vulture magazine. ‘My 21st birthday, I fell down a flight of stairs. I was unconscious that time, and my whole team was scared to death that somebody was going to get a picture.’ Touching on the day he decided to ditch his purity ring, he said: ‘I lost my virginity when I was 20. I did other stuff before then, but I was sexually active at 20. ‘I’m glad I waited for the right person, because you look back and you go, “That girl was bats*** crazy. I’m glad I didn’t go there’’.’

Professional Masters in Education (Secondary Teaching Qualification): Trinity College Dublin Applications are invited for the Professional Masters in Education (PME), a two year, fulltime masters course to qualify for secondary teaching. Applicants should have completed, or be in the final year of, a degree course relevant to the teaching of Business Studies, English, Geography, History, Irish, Mathematics, Modern Foreign Languages, Music, Religious Education or Science. Details of the course and applications are available at: www.tcd.ie/ Education/courses/pme. The closing date for applications is 19 January 2014.

Win a Christmas Dinner Hamper a Day until 12th December Hampers feed 6-8 people and include a delicious, 4 course, freshly prepared, ready to cook Christmas dinner delivered to your door on 23rd December

Enter on www.facebook.com/luas T&C’s apply

10 METRO HERALD Tuesday, December 3, 2013

30min arrival of unmanned Amazon’s octocopters

The drone that delivers

by TARiq TAHiR AMAZON wants to use drones for its deliveries, allowing packages to get to customers in just half-anhour. The online retail giant says the unmanned aerial vehicles, known as octocopters, can carry up to 2.3kg. But it could be another five years before the service is up and running, as unmanned drones are yet to be approved for civilian use. Chief executive Jeff Bezos told CBS News: ‘I know this looks like science fiction but it’s not. From a technology point of view, we’ll be ready to enter commercial operations as soon as the necessary regulations are in place.’ Amazon says the service, which it plans to call Prime Air, could cover 86 per cent of the items it delivers. However, drones are controversial owing to their use by the US against terrorist targets in Pakistan, where critics claim they are respon-

Signed, sealed, delivered: A test UAV drops off a package Pictures: aP/amazon/ruckas

sible for civilian deaths. And expert Darren Ansell said there were safety issues to be resolved. ‘UAVs do not have the awareness of their environment to be able to avoid flying into people,’ he explained. Waterstones, which has seen its book business hit hard by online sellers, yesterday spoofed the drone idea, saying it would deploy a fleet of postal owls to deliver books.

ITT Dublin www.ittdublin.ie

PREPARING OUR GRADUATES FOR THE REAL WORLD!

Full and Part time courses

Business Accounting, Marketing, Advertising, Management

Humanities Social Care, Culinary Arts, Digital Media, Hospitality & Tourism, European Studies Science Sports Science, DNA & Forensics, Pharmaceutical, Bioanalytical Science Computing Software Development, IT Management Engineering Electronic & Mechanical, Energy & Environment

ACCESSIBLE • SUPPORTIVE • PROFESSIONAL • INNOVATIVE EMPOWERING • COMMITTED

Visit ittdublin.ie

Bronx train was speeding into ‘slow’ zone THE train that derailed in New York on Sunday morning was travelling at 132kph as it approached a 48kph zone, it has emerged. Four people were killed and 60 injured when the commuter train jumped the tracks along a curve where the speed limit drops from 112kph to 48kph.

World

Investigators have examined the train’s data recorders and also plan to interview the engineer and conductor. The driver, William Rockefeller, is said to be ‘traumatised’. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has said he thinks speed was a factor in the derailment.

digest

Terminator’s jacket on sale Rabbit rocket blasts off for Moon AMERiCA: A bullet-ridden jacket worn in Terminator 2 by Arnold Schwarzenegger (pictured) is set to fetch €12,000. The prop, used in a shoot-out with a rival cyborg in the sci-fi hit, is ‘a collector’s dream’, said Heritage Auctions. It will be sold in Dallas on Friday.

CHinA: A landing craft that will survey the Moon and send back images to Earth launched yesterday. A rocket carrying the Chang’e 3 rover, nicknamed Jade Rabbit after a folklore character, blasted off from the city of Xichang. The country’s first lunar probe is expected to land in about a fortnight.

Drug victims’ €59m payout AUsTRALiA: Victims of the drug Thalidomide have reached a €59million settlement with the drug’s distributor Diageo Scotland. More than 100 people, some in New Zealand, will receive compensation after the morning sickness remedy, given to pregnant women in the 1950s and 60s, caused deformities in babies.

Leader rejects calls to quit THAiLAnD: Prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra yesterday rejected calls to quit as protesters tried to storm her Bangkok office. Yingluck (pictured) said her resignation ‘will not solve the conflict’. Three people have died in days of clashes.

inDOnEsiA: Surfers ride the waves during the Bekudo Bono festival. The tidal surge on the Kampar river rolls up to 50km before breaking – an hour’s wave ride Pic: Barcroft

and finally...

CROATiA: A rock star is encouraging fans to eat his new album – after making it out of chocolate. Gibonni says 20th Century Man can be played only once unless it’s kept in the fridge. ‘I will widen my fan base when people realise they can eat it after listening,’ the 45-year-old said.

Tuesday, December 3, 2013 METRO HERALD

Protests shake government in Ukraine over deal on EU PROTESTERS besieged government buildings in Kiev yesterday demanding the prime minister step down, as anger at the president’s decision to ditch a deal for closer ties with the EU gripped Ukraine. Local officials in western Ukraine have openly sided with the protesters, while the major national television channels have scaled back their support for the government. In Parliament, President Viktor Yanukovych’s party has suffered

defections, putting the government at risk of losing a no-confidence vote that could come as early as today. With protesters blocking entrances to the Cabinet and central bank buildings, Yanukovych called European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso and asked if he could send a delegation to discuss aspects of the association agreement, Barroso said in a statement. The commission refused to say when such a meeting might take place.

Brit Olympian Daley: I’m dating a man and I couldn’t be happier by ANDREI HARMSWORTH AN ‘OVERWHELMED’ Tom Daley has thanked fans for their support following his announcement that he is having a relationship with a man. The 19-year-old British diver breathed a sigh of relief at the reaction to the surprise news, which he broadcast via YouTube yesterday. But the Olympic medallist had a word of reassurance for female supporters, telling them he ‘still fancied girls’. In the clip, he said: ‘In spring this year, my life changed massively when I met someone. They make me feel so happy, so safe, and everything just feels great. That someone is a guy. Of course, I still fancy girls – but right now I’m dating a guy and I couldn’t be happier.’ The Plymouth athlete was braced for a backlash, with a ‘mixed reaction’ from his family. But he was bolstered by the support of his mother and said he knew his late fa-

Coming out: Daley ther, Robert, was watching over him. He continued: ‘People will say, “What would your dad have said?” But he always said, “As long as you’re happy, I’m happy.” And I’ve never been happier.’ The star was engulfed by messages of support from fans and celebrities, including Kylie Minogue and Russell Brand. He tweeted in response: ‘Overwhelmed by all the support! Means the world! Thanks so much guys.’

Brewers call for beer to hop on to the world heritage list GERMAN brewers want their 500-year-old beer purity law to be given world heritage status. The Brewers’ Federation has applied to the UN’s cultural agency, Unesco, asking for the Reinheitsgebot law to be recognised as a piece of ‘intangible heritage’. The group’s president, Hans-Georg Eils, said: ‘If Germany is still regarded as the

undisputed beer nation, that is due to the Reinheitsgebot.’ The law dates back to 1516 and allows nothing but water, barley malt, hops and yeast for brewing. If listed, it will find itself in the diverse company of the Spanish flamenco, Chinese calligraphy and Turkey’s centuries-old Kirkpinar oil-wrestling festival.

12 METRO HERALD Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Mailbox

Email: Twitter:

mail@metroherald.ie Text: @metrohnews and Facebook: #metromailbox

‘Mail’ to 53131* Facebook.com/ metroherald

*Please include a name and location. Texts cost €0.30 per message + standard network charges. SP. Oxygen8 Communications, 4th Floor, Malt House North, Grand Canal Quay, D2. Customer service number 0818286606

Why was Toy Show audience given so much stuff?

aybe this is just a silly gripe on my part, but I wanted to know what your readers think? I tuned in to Ryan Tubridy on The Late Late Toy Show last Friday and was unexpectedly impressed. While I find Ryan’s ingratiating style to be irritating with the adults he interviews on the usual Late Late, on the Toy Show he comes into his own, he’s definitely better at relating to the kids than the grownups. From the Mary Poppins opener onwards, I was bowled over with the talent, especially the rock band – members aged nine to 12 – and sister duo Destiny and Rihanna. and what about the face of that young fella when Robbie Keane limped into the studio? Priceless. a Ryan and bosco selfie and Mary and her audition tapes. I could go on, but I did, however, have one beef. During the show Ryan mentioned several times that all the toys were going to a children’s charity – presumably none of the

kids who participated got anything to bring home. all the while he whipped the audience into a frenzy with ‘There’s one for everybody in the audience’ giveaway after extravagant giveaway, including a tablet computer. even still that wasn’t enough for the sod who fought over a One Direction doll Tubs had thrown in the crowd. Did the audience really need to be given all that stuff? Wasn’t just being on the Late Late good enough for them. Surely in the spirit of Christmas the audience could have been given a box of Milk Tray or something, and then there would’ve have been more for the really worthwhile causes. A real young fogey ■ below is a quote that I believe sums up the current situation in this country. Noam Chomsky (political commentator and activist): ‘The public is not to see where power lies, how it shapes policy, and for what ends. Rather, people are to h-a-t-e and fear one another.’ DM

Quick pic

CRUNCH TIME: Gavin Ross sent in this picture of his daughter Lauren, four, playing in a pile of leaves in Blackrock Park at the weekend Send your photos to pictures@ metroherald.ie with ‘Quick pic’ as the subject and we will print the best each day in the paper

gOOD On yA

yEH big RiDE

● Thanks to the 46A bus driver, who let us stay on all the way to the RDS on Saturday night, even though the bus had finished service in town. Leinster Fans D7

● Hey, you with the Santa hat in Bruxelles last Friday night, I was the shy guy pulling your bobble. Hot toddy? Mo bro, now no mo

● Thanks to all the Christmas cheerfuls in the office who start early spreading their festive fun every year. Tinsel Toes

● To the Al Pacino lookalike on the Dart from Bray at lunchtime yesterday, how about pizza? You can be Johnny and I’ll be Frankie. Pfeiffer lookalike

RAnDOM AcTS Of kinDnESS

yOuR RuSH-HOuR cRuSH

TREnDing

@metrohnews #metromailbox

#Amazon #drone

● That awkward moment when your Amazon delivery drone just hovers there, waiting for a tip?

would think this Amazon drone thing was an Onion article. @IrisBlas

@badbanana

● If this weren’t on the CBS website, I

● Did Amazon’s drone-delivery just make Santa’s yearly mission possible?

@nathanjurgenson

Win tickets to the Irish Premiere Screening of

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

™

the release of the highly anticipated ﬁlm, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug , from To celebrate the creators of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, we’ve teamed up with Warner Bros. Pictures, ™

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures and New Line Cinema to offer you the opportunity to see it ahead of anyone else. The Irish Premiere screening will take place at The Savoy Cinema on Tuesday 10th December and we have tickets to give away! rom Academy Award -winning ﬁlmmaker Peter Jackson comes The Hobbit: The Desolation of F Smaug , the second in a trilogy of ﬁlms adapting the enduringly popular masterpiece The Hobbit, ®

™

by J.R.R. Tolkien. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug™ continues the adventure of the title character Bilbo Baggins as he journeys with the Wizard Gandalf and thirteen Dwarves, led by Thorin Oakenshield, on an epic quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain and the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor. To win, just answer this question…

THE DWARVES THINK BILBO IS A:

a) Burglar

b) Wizard

c) Warrior

Text HOBBIT, followed by your answer A, B or C, your name, email, postal address to 53133 (texts cost 60c + standard network charge). ™

WARNERBROS.CO.UK/THEHOBBITMOVIE

THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SM AUG OPENS ACROSS IRELAND ON 13 DECEMBER

2013 Warner Bros. Ent. All Rights Reserved. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug and The Hobbit ™, and the names of the characters, events, items and places therein, are trademarks of The Saul Zaentz Company d/b/a Middle-earth Enterprises under license to New Line Productions, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Metro Herald Terms and Conditions: The competition closes at Midday Friday December 6th 2013. The winners will be chosen at random from the entries received and notiﬁed by telephone or email. Usual Metro Herald rules apply. The Editor's decision is ﬁnal. By entering this competition you agree to sign up to the Metro Herald promotions list - To optout text NOMETRO to 51155. SP. Oxygen8 Communications, 4th Floor, Malt House North, Grand Canal Quay, D2. Customer Service number 0818 286 606.

g n i t a e What’s

Tuesday, December 3, 2013 METRO HERALD

? k o G

ENJOY THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS AT T H E B R A S S E R I E AT T H E M A R K E R Perfect for a festive lunch with friends or a stellar gourmet dinner with work colleagues. Start with a bellini or some warm spiced cider on the rooftop bar*, before the main event - our lavish Festive Menu. Lunch menus from €27 and Dinners menus from €28. * Subject to availability and weather permitting.

The Marker Hotel, Grand Canal Square, Docklands, Dublin 2, Ireland. Browse our Festive Menu and book online at themarkerhoteldublin.com Contact brasserie@themarker.ie or talk to us at 01 687 5193

BOOK ONLINE themarkerhotel dublin.com or talk to us at

01 687 5193

14 METRO HERALD Tuesday, December 3, 2013

food & drink

features@metroherald.ie to advertise, call 01 7055010

I can’t remember not being famous

he sisterhood adores Gok Wan. he’s most girls’ dream gay best mate. But today, the style guru is more muted than on the telly. We’ve been discussing Gordon Ramsay. For anyone who watched that episode of The F Word when Wan reduced Ramsay to a flustered mouse, it was a rare sight. ‘he’s very sexy. he was flirting! I was flirting a lot though,’ he recalls, chuckling quietly. ‘I’ve only met Gordon a few times but he gets easily flustered, you can embarrass him playing the gay card.’ Wan – a slender beauty of 39, who looks younger – is a top flirt; his positivity and charm all add to building men and women’s confidence. he was a 21-stone teen and left school at 14 but by his 20s he’d blossomed, losing ten stone. Since then his charisma has rocked the nation. ‘It’s been ten years now,’ he says. ‘I do pinch myself. It’s almost like I can’t remember not being famous.’ But a new chapter is coming. First there was last summer’s TV programme, Gok Cooks Chinese, now there’s a cookbook, Gok’s Wok, out for Christmas. I tell him I was impressed the three-Michelin starred chef praised his knife skills on The F Word. Wan’s less so. he’s a self-assured cook. he has restaurant life in his blood, growing up front-of-house at his parents’ restaurant in Leicestershire and prepping in the kitchen. ‘After school, we’d all come and work at Dad’s restaurant – that’s how

Gok Wan is continuing to show his culinary chops. He charms the pants off Chloe Scott we’d spend time together as a family,’ he says. ‘When we were very young, we just put the chopsticks in the paper. As we got older, we’d de-shell prawns, make prawn toast and dumplings from scratch.’ he’s not joking. Nor is he when he explains he came up with his new cookbook in record time. he had the idea in January, tested the 80 recipes in two weeks and now, nine months on, it’s out. he doesn’t mess about. I think he’s a control freak but he’s not sure. ‘I’m not an ego chef,’ he says. ‘With fashion, I am. If people don’t like my work, I get upset. But with cooking, I don’t mind criticism. Fashion’s my job and cooking is my hobby. If you were an accountant and someone said you were s***, you’d be mortified. But I’ve cooked competently for 35 years.’

IS cookbook is certainly vibrant. Most surprisingly, while many celebs use ghostwriters, he’s written it himself. Why? ‘I would have felt awful having a ghostwriter,’ Wan says. ‘It’s partly a control thing but it’s also a guilt thing. I get so guilty. even though it was my amateur style, I knew I had to write it.’ It’s not amateur, I tell him (he’s renowned for being self-effacing). he pauses and asks sweetly: ‘Did

you like it?’ I do. Splattered with recipes such as ten-minute noodles, brown rice treasure hunt and char siu bao (slow-cooked pork buns), it’s aimed at busy commuters and health bunnies alike, with calories, fat, sugar and salt content listed. The next mission on planet Gok is opening a restaurant. ‘It’s inevitable,’ he says. ‘I’ve been researching for a couple of years. So many restaurants fail. I don’t like failing. I won’t try things if I think I’ll fail but I have Dad’s experience to call on.’ Children are also on his mind. ‘It changes daily. Last month I wanted one, then work goes crazy. Being a gay man, there is more engineering.’ he works so hard. Does he seek fame to prove something to himself? ‘No, I always wanted to perform on stage,’ he insists. ‘I didn’t seek fame.

gOk’s Duck AnD cOLEsLAw buns serves 4

295 calories, 6.9g fat, 1.7g saturated fat, 9.5g sugar, 0.9g salt 4 skinless duck legs ♦ 6 tbsp hoisin sauce ♦ 2 heaped tbsp light mayonnaise ♦ 2 tsp wasabi ♦ 1 tsp rice wine vinegar ♦ 400g white cabbage, cored and finely shredded ♦ 2 fresh red chillies, deseeded and finely chopped (leave the seeds in if you prefer) ♦ 4 spring onions, trimmed and finely sliced ♦ 2 carrots, peeled and finely sliced into matchsticks ♦ ½ cucumber, peeled,

deseeded and ﬁnely diced ♦ 4 steamed buns [Chloe says: if you don’t have a steamer basket, steam buns by putting them on foil placed over simmering water in a frying pan on the hob on low heat].

METHOD step 1 Preheat the oven to 190°C. Cover the duck legs as much as possible with half of the hoisin sauce. Place on a baking tray lined with baking paper and cook in the oven for 25min, by which time they should have darkened slightly in colour and be completely cooked through. Remove from the

oven and leave to cool to room temperature.

step 2 Meanwhile, mix

together the mayonnaise, wasabi and vinegar. The mayonnaise should turn a satisfying light green colour. Place the cabbage, chillies, spring onions and carrots in a bowl. Dollop on the ﬁery mayonnaise and mix until all the vegetables are coated. Use your ﬁngers or a couple of forks to pull the meat from the duck legs. Fill the buns with duck, coleslaw, cucumber and the remaining hoisin sauce. It will get messy.

gOk’s pAckED LuncH bROTH

Makes about 1.25l

14 calories, 0.3g fat, 0g saturated fat, 0.3g sugar, 1.8g salt (250ml/ serving) 1.25l miso stock ♦ ½tbsp oyster sauce ♦ 1 tbsp ﬁsh sauce ♦ 1 tbsp light soy sauce ♦ 1 spring onion, trimmed and bashed ♦ 2 sticks of celery, roughly chopped ♦ 1 clove of garlic, peeled and squashed ♦ 4cm piece of fresh ginger, peeled and roughly chopped ♦ White pepper

METHOD Place all the ingredients in a saucepan and season with pepper. Bring the ingredients to the boil over a medium heat, reduce heat and simmer for 15min. Strain the stock, discarding the vegetables. Eat on its own or pour over sliced cooked meat, prawns or vegetables. I went to acting school. I had such low self-esteem growing up, so when I got famous I loved the cameras and TV but not the actual fame.’ Meaning what? ‘The newspapers. I try not to read my own press,’ he says. ‘Mum lets me know if there’s something wrong.’ he admits: ‘I’m a workaholic, and happy with that. I had a bad day recently and went to bed. I normally take a laptop with me but instead I wrote down everything I’d achieved over ten years. It helped.’ You can see why Wan sparks confidence in people: he’s a force to be reckoned with. No wonder Gordon got himself in a pickle.

Gok’s Wok (Ebury) is out now, €22.99

cookbook

to advertise, call 01 7055010

wHIskEy pORRIDgE this is almost like an irish coffee, but on porridge! We were served this one very cold winter weekend by the gracious gertie & pat ormond of Kilcannon house, a lovely B&B just outside Dungarvan. it’s so good, we have been serving it in our B&B ever since. the sugar caramelises with the heat of the porridge and melts into the whiskey.

IngREDIEnTs serves 2

80g (3 oz) porridge oats ♦ pinch of salt ♦ 300ml (10. fl oz) water ♦ 2 teaspoons of dark muscovado sugar ♦ 4 teaspoons of irish Mist ♦ 2 tablespoons freshly-whipped cream

METHOD step 1: add porridge, salt and water to a saucepan. gently heat for 10-15

minutes, stirring occasionally, until the porridge has a creamy consistency with a slightly chewy bite. if you need to add more water, add hot water (in small amounts) that’s been boiled – to keep the porridge at the cooking temperature. step 2: take a dollop of very hot porridge and add it to each of the bowls. having removed the lumps from the muscovado sugar, add a teaspoon to the porridge while it’s piping hot, spreading it evenly so it starts to caramelise. on top of that, add a couple of teaspoons of irish Mist. on top of that, a dollop of thick whipped cream. it’s heavenly!

fOOD fOR THOugHT fiona Dillon on becoming a blogger i always loved life in the city. i may have grown up in galway, but every summer my parents brought me to Dublin where i spent idyllic holidays with my grandparents. i can still taste the cakes from the shop around the corner we visited with granny Stella. So it was no surprise that, as soon as my leaving cert was over, i was on a train to the big smoke – and i thought i would never leave it. later i married, settled in Dublin and four children came along. The only move i was going to make was to a bigger house as our family expanded. or so i thought. However, a business opportunity presented itself in co. carlow. So we moved in 1999 and i began to work with my husband. We regularly worked 15-hour days and honestly, we had never known stress like it. The years flew by and we had four children who were growing up fast. in 2007 we made another life-changing decision. We walked away from corporate life with not a penny between us. madness some may say but we knew deep down the stress of work life would eventually kill us. my husband set up a small business that thankfully was successful enough to support us, and i threw myself for the first time ever into domestic life. i learned to cook, to grow vegetables, to keep chickens, pigs, bees and more in our acre of a garden. i was starting from scratch – i certainly didn’t have green fingers. i never had any real interest in cooking – eating yes, but not cooking. i wasn’t from a farming background, so chickens, ducks and pigs were alien to me.

in January 2009 i attended some organic vegetable growing classes, and my life changed. i was hooked. not only could i cook, but i could now grow the ingredients in the garden. and so began my journey to discover how much food i could actually grow in my garden. in may 2010 i started to blog about the ups and downs of living the good life. it started out as an online diary to update my city friends who were intrigued by this new ‘back to basics’ fiona. Pretty soon, i was also getting work as a freelance writer and broadcaster. last December i got the call that every blogger dreams of: ‘would you like to write a book?’ This year my two eldest children returned to live in the city. now i have the best of both worlds. The perfect reason to visit Dublin regularly while getting to live the good life at Hunters lodge. Food From An Irish Garden (Orpen Press, €17.99) is out now. www. fionadillon.com

TREAT Of THE wEEk

chocoholic pinotage Cocoa lovers looking for the perfect festive tipple, look no further. Chocoholic Pinotage is not, as its name might suggest, a hybrid of chocolate sauce and plonk but a South African pinotage that pairs particularly well with desserts and sweets, and makes an excellent digestif. Expect notes of roasted coffee, damson jam and raspberry liqueur. Just don’t go glugging it down with a box of Quality Street. €16, Harvey Nichols Foodmarket, Dundrum Town Centre. www. harveynichols.com

features@metroherald.ie

make breakfast the bestest

f you’re looking for a lovely stocking filler for the foodie-cumdesign nut in your life, look no further than Breakfasts & Brunches, a handsome, limited edition cookbook published by Kevin Downey and Garvan Gallagher, proud proprietors of Two Rooms In Dublin. Kevin and Garvan – with a little help from schnauzer fred – have been feted on Tripadvisor and elsewhere for providing superb accommodation (think stunning interiors replete with a plethora of period features) and céad míle fáilte. But it’s the delectable breakfast and brunch options, dozens of which are collected in this new book, that have had guests really waxing lyrical. Try your hand at these two winter warmers – you’ll never hear complaints about the quality of your porridge again. Breakfast & Brunches (€22.50) is available from selected bookshops – including The Irish Design Shop, Article, Designist and Avoca – and from www. tworoomsindublin.com

Tuesday, December 3, 2013 METRO HERALD

bAkED Eggs this is what probably impresses our guests the most. We bake them individually in little 8oz casserole pots. Serve it with some crispy bacon, buttered toast and a sprig of basil. You could substitute the bacon for spears of asparagus in the summer. Use your favourite cheese. We use a soft greek cheese, an irish cheddar, a gruyère cheese and a hard cheese such as parmesan. You don’t need all four types, but a mixture is nice.

IngREDIEnTs

2 eggs ♦ 1 stuffed peppadew (stuffed with soft cheese), cut into small slices ♦ 2 leaves of basil, shredded ♦ pinch of freshly ground black pepper ♦ 1 tbsp of grated strong cheddar cheese ♦ 1 tbsp of grated gruyère cheese ♦ 1 tablespoon of grated parmesan ♦ 1 tsp of toasted pine nuts ♦ pinch of crushed sea salt

METHOD step 1: preheat oven to 200°c

(400°F), gas mark 6. lightly butter the casserole pot. crack two eggs into the buttered casserole. cut the peppadew (check a good supermarket or deli) into fine slices and add to the eggs along with the shredded basil and a pinch of pepper. to this, add the grated cheeses. if the peppadew is not already stuffed with soft cheese, don’t bother doing so. Just add some pieces of soft cheese to the eggs & cut peppadew. step 2: toast some pine nuts on a dry pan until nice and golden, turning often to prevent burning. add the nuts to the top of the eggs and cheese with a pinch of sea salt. place the casserole pot on to a baking tray and pop in the oven for 12-13 minutes. Serve immediately.

the gibson hotel german christmas food market open monday-sunday 16.00-21.00

Give a Cooks Academy Gift Voucher this Christmas. Because the gift of cooking will last a lifetime. 19 South William Street, Dublin 2. Telephone: +353 [0]1 611 1666 Email: info@CooksAcademy.com

www.cooksacademy.com

www.thegibsonhotel.ie 01 6815000 three courses with glühwein €35 right beside The O2 dublin last stop on the red luas line

16 METRO HERALD Monday, December 28, 2015

tech&gaming: PS4 vs Xbox One

is Ps4 king of the new consoles as christmas approaches and gamers’ thumbs get itchy, David Jenkins dissects the PlayStation 4

he PlayStation 3 hasn’t been the success Sony had hoped for. Although just outselling Microsoft’s Xbox 360 worldwide, its expensive launch price and lack of irresistible games left it lagging in America and Britain and Ireland. These two huge video games markets are the easiest to support and sell to because the languages, laws and tastes mean something that’s a hit on one side of the Atlantic usually is on the other. In short, Sony had to work harder and spend more to clock up PS3 sales – something it can’t afford to do again for PS4. Fortunately for Sony, the PS4 is cheaper and more powerful than its main rival, the Xbox One, and the Microsoft console’s launch dramas haven’t hurt either. ‘There are some positive signs that people are coming back to PlayStation,’ says Sony UK managing director Fergal Gara. ‘We’ve created the best blank canvas for the creators so that they can come up with the best games.’ It sounds obvious but Sony has aimed its new console at, well, gamers, spending little time trying to compete with Microsoft’s TV and multimedia features. ‘Gamers are the guys who jump in first and it’s the quality of their experience that is the most important thing,’ says Gara. ‘But the refocusing was perhaps because we didn’t get everything quite as right as we wanted with PS3.’ It’s odd, then, that the PlayStation 4’s launch line-up of exclusives is rather underwhelming. The Xbox One isn’t much better, which makes picking between the two even harder. Read on…

The PS4 is out now, priced €399. See ie.playstation.com

On THE buTTOn we test these exclusive Ps4 games The line-up of multiformat games on the PlayStation 4 is almost identical to the Xbox One and includes the likes of FIFA 14, Call Of Duty: Ghosts, Battlefield 4 and Skylanders Swap Force (right). That leaves the PlayStation 4 with only two exclusive retail games at launch, plus a range of downloadonly titles. 1. Knack The fact that Knack isn’t a very good video game is pretty embarrassing, given that it’s been created by Mark Cerny, lead designer of the PlayStation 4. This

is a disappointingly retro action platformer, with very shallow gameplay and graphics that fail to impress both in terms of ambition and technical ability. 2. Resogun Resogun features very impressive graphics, with hundreds of tiny particles exploding all over the screen, but it’s the old school shoot-’em-up

gameplay that makes it so enjoyable. This is probably the best launch game on either the PlayStation 4 or Xbox One, which, depending on your point of view, is either ironic or depressing. 3. Contrast Both Resogun and Contrast are free if you subscribe to PlayStation Plus, which is now required to play any game online. With an attractive art deco setting and some clever gameplay ideas,

Contrast seems like another winner. But the main character turning herself into a moving shadow never works as well as it should, while the game and its puzzles lack substance. 4. Killzone: Shadow Fall Arguably the best-looking game on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. While it’s a competent first-person shooter, it isn’t an innovative one. The story also lacks personality but there are a few interesting gimmicks, such as a robot drone that can create a shield and deploy a zipline.

TiME TO spLAsH OuT? the gOOd and bad Of the PlaystatiOn 4 THE PROS…

Power The difference in graphical power between both consoles is yet to be proven in practice but on paper, Sony’s console has considerably more horsepower.

has many of the same abilities as Kinect, including voice recognition.

Price It’s a clear power-up for the PlayStation 4, which is €100 cheaper than the Xbox One.

PS Vita The Xbox One has the SmartGlass app for smartphones and tablets and Sony has its own equivalent called the PlayStation App. But Sony also has the PS Vita (middle). When connecting it to the new console, Remote Play lets you play PlayStation 4 games on the Vita.

Camera One of the main reasons Sony can afford to be so much cheaper is it doesn’t include an equivalent of the Kinect camera/motion sensor. You can buy one for around €60, though, and if it isn’t as versatile, it

Share Both the PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One intend to offer live streaming of game footage but Sony is the only company that’s got it working at launch, including via the popular Twitch service.

Gaikai Sony’s cloud-based gaming service is likely to become an important factor, not least because there are plans for it to run PlayStation 3 games, which don’t otherwise work on the new console.

upset the PlayStation 4 doesn’t support CDs and MP3 at launch and even DVD and Blu-ray support only comes via a free software patch. This is because any device with the correct drive still needs a special licence to play the discs.

THE CONS…

Games Most people agree Microsoft has the better line-up of launch games. There’s little in the PlayStation 4’s immediate future beyond inFamous: Second Son, Driveclub (bottom left) and The Order: 1886.

Multimedia Sony’s focus on gamers means the PlayStation 4 has no support for live TV, Skype or anything similar to the Xbox One’s split-screen technology. It does have film and music streaming options, though, and, unlike the Xbox One, Music Unlimited, Netflix and IGN apps are ready from day one. But many are

Controller The DualShock 4 controller (top left) is a major improvement but Xbox still has the edge.

Tuesday, December 3, 2013 METRO HERALD

editorial@metroherald.ie to advertise, call 01 7055010

or will the Xbox One hit the spot? As xbox one hits the stores, Liam Costello finds out if it is indeed ‘the one’ and if X does hit the spot

nly eight short years ago, a time when there was no such thing as iPhones, iPads or even Twitter, Xbox 360 was released and the face of gaming was changing for the better, it was a time when rock legends U2 were telling us ‘It’s One but it’s not the same’. Could prophet Bono possibly have known the future, could he have seen what lay instore, with the launch of the latest offering from Microsoft. The Xbox One signals the beginning of a new era for gaming and interactive entertainment. Boasting the deepest and most varied launch lineup in Xbox history, the new games and exclusive titles look and feel like nothing else, tapping the incredible power of new hardware and the cloud, as well as advanced software tools and exclusive features such as Xbox live, Kinect and Xbox One SmartGlass that will bring an entirely new world of gaming to life. The lineup of games on Xbox One is unarguably better than its rival, and most would accept the Kinect and multimedia features are major improvements. With 22 titles as well as ten exclusive games you won’t find anywhere else, whether it’s experiencing the vivid realism of the racetrack to the visceral brutality of ancient Rome, from the zombie apocalypse to a wildlife utopia, the lineup offers new immersive worlds for every kind of gamer to explore. However, choosing between Xbox One and its rival is a difficult decision, with both machines being fundamentally similar. For now, here is everything you need to know about Xbox One.

Any console is only as good as its games and, in terms of multiformat titles, the line-up for Xbox One and PlayStation 4 is almost identical: the likes of FIFA 14, Call Of Duty: Ghosts, Battlefield 4, Assassin’s Creed IV, Skylanders Swap Force, Need For Speed: Rivals and Lego Marvel Super Heroes are common to both. Here, though, are the retail games exclusive to Xbox One.

forza Motorsport 5

The series (main picture) has already earned a legion of fans as Microsoft’s answer to Gran Turismo. This new game boasts not just better graphics and more realistic handling but a cloud-biased AI system that allows cars mimicking your own driving style to compete in other people’s races.

WE TRy OuT THEsE ExcLusivE xbOx OnE gAMEs Ryse: Son of Rome

dead Rising 3

A slightly more serious take on the freeform zombie horror (above), this features a much larger open world than previous games – with hundreds of the undead onscreen at once. There are also fun new coop options but the series’ innate shallowness means it still feels fairly superficial.

The other main contender for the best-looking Xbox One game, this impressive-looking action title (right) recreates the glory and brutality of Rome perfectly. Unfortunately, it plays better than it looks and the game’s simple hand-to-hand combat gets old long before the game’s end.

Zoo tycoon

By the same people behind Kinectimals, this is arguably the Xbox One’s best launch game. Kids will love petting animals via Kinect but the business management side of the game is surprisingly in-depth too.

the good and bad of xbox one THE PROs… Kinect The new version of the Kinect motion sensor is far more accurate and reliable than the Xbox 360 edition. none of the main launch games use motion controls in any major capacity but both the console itself and many of its games make extensive use of voice commands. contRolleR The Xbox 360 controller has always been regarded as the best of the current generation and the new version shows a

considerable advance beyond that. The new analogue triggers feel great, the new rumble features are extremely subtle and immersive. gaMeS The perspective on a console’s line-up can change with the release of just one game but at the moment few argue that the Xbox One doesn’t have the best set of launch games. It also has one of the most important exclusives so far in next spring’s Titanfall, and several internally developed titles that have only been hinted at so far – including the new Halo (left). the cloud Microsoft’s access to powerful server farms worldwide is far in advance of Sony’s. This gives the Xbox One a boost in terms of artificial intelligence calculations and hosting fairer multiplayer matches. MultiMedia not only is Xbox

live still the best online service but the Xbox One allows you to multitask by watching a movie while also using Skype (including four-person video conference) and the internet. However, one of its key features – the ability to instantly switch between live TV and a game – is dependent on having a HDMI-equipped set-top box. SMaRtglaSS Rather than support its own portable console, Microsoft has already started using ‘SmartGlass’. It’s a way of connecting Xbox games to tablets and smartphones in order to use them as second screens, for accessing maps or inventories.

THE cOns… PoweR Although the exact power of the Xbox One versus the PS4 remains hugely

12 Crown Alley St. 13 St. Andrews St. 14 St. Leinster St.

Traditional style Christmas gifts for everyone

controversial, all evidence so far suggests that the Xbox One is less powerful than its rival, with many multiformat games running at a lower resolution. PRice The Xbox One is €100 more expensive than the PlayStation 4, it’s thought primarily because it includes Kinect as standard rather than as an optional extra.

The Xbox One is released at a RRP of €499.99. For more information visit www.xbox.com/en-IE

Traditional Gifts Old World New Gift Shops welcomes you to The Aladdin’s Cave of Gifts newly open downstairs OPEN 9 AM - 10 PM

RECIEVE 10% OFF IN-STORE WITH THIS AD

18 METRO HERALD Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Life television

Pilgrimage With Simon reeve BBC2, 9pm

death on the railroad RTÉ1, 10.35pm Detective work meets archaeology in this promising RTÉ documentary that sets out to solve the mystery of the deaths in 1832 of 57 young Irish railroad workers in a remote Pennsylvania valley known as Duffy’s Cut. The secret came to light when twin brothers Bill and Frank Watson found a file belonging to their grandfather that documented the tragedy. Ten years have passed and a dark saga of murder, foul play and cover-ups has emerged, here played out through dramatisations. The suggestion was the men mostly died of cholera, but the discovery of a mass grave in 2009 has turned the original story on its head.

Globetrotting presenter Simon reeve (that’s him sporting the understandably smug smile above) is not a religious man. he makes this abundantly clear as he embarks on a three-part tour of some of the world’s most well-trodden pilgrimage paths. it’s a smart admission: being an outsider in a pious world puts reeve in the viewer-friendly position of asking some of the more basic questions about the whys, wherefores and logistics of believers whose faith has taken them on long-haul, bone-aching treks across europe throughout history.

ireland’S Search and reScue RTÉ1, 8.30pm rough seas, tougher weather and high tensions make the night operations training that is undertaken by the irish coast Guard no place for the faint of heart. Best then to send along rTÉ’s formidable flame-haired amazon Bláthnaid ní chofaigh. We also get to see how our heroes deal with a man with a broken leg up in a tree (how one breaks one’s leg in a tree will be interesting to see). This show’s merit lies in showing us the realities of a job which most take for granted as being there when it’s needed. Watch, learn and be thankful we have them looking after us.

film of the day The AmericAn, film4, 9pm

my toP five filmS ACTOR AARON POOLE

As ever, looking like he’s just stepped out of a Nespresso advert, George Clooney (right) stars as an austere assassin in this subdued but striking thriller. Shot by Dutch photography guru Anton Corbijn (famous for taking iconic shots of Joy Division and Joshua Tree-era U2), the slow-burning saga is set largely in a small town in the Italian mountains. Here, Clooney’s character – sometimes known as the ‘Butterfly’ for the tattoo on his back (yes, Clooney lusters, we do get to see it) but more often known as ‘the American’ – is hiding out after some messy business in Sweden. Those expecting the glitzy, fast-paced high jinks of Ocean’s 11 may be frustrated by the preponderance of wordless, existential brooding that goes on here. But connoisseurs of the more serious type of Westerns will savour it.

Blade runner

i think this is one of the best examples of a sci-fi film. ridley Scott directing harrison Ford (pictured) and rutger hauer in an adaptation of a Philip K tisfies all Dick novel: that satisfies vie sides of me as a movie lover.

the miSSion

A complex historical drama with flourishes of early global politics. This is what can happen to good orld intentions in a world wheree the ego almost always perverts the outcome. Jeremy irons and robert De niro are really at the top of their ambition and craft here.

heat

Al Pacino and robert De niro give two

of the greatest performances ever in the crime genre – enabled and enhanced by michael mann, a brilliant director at the height of his interest and understanding. i can watch this movie again and again – it makes mak me feel like a kid. it’s just so awesome, though i’ve never nev met a woman who agrees with me on this one. is it a guys’ flick?

the celeBration (feSten)

A thrilling family secret causes an emotional train wreck, documented simply with brilliant Danish actors. This changed my perception of lowbudget film-making: it puts hollywood to shame.

the five oBStructionS

This is the best possible example of fearless self-examination and creativity in a documentary. it’s a love letter from Lars Von

Trier to his film-making mentor. Despite his egomaniacal defensiveness, Von Trier is always willing to test himself and others for the benefit of his audience. Anthony Gibson Aaron Poole stars in The Conspiracy, out now on DVD.

Tuesday, December 3, 2013 METRO HERALD

travel

features@metroherald.ie to advertise, call 01 7055010

ALAMY

The ride of her life: Tracey Davies freewheeled down Haleakala below right) and felt the heat on Kilauea (left) on the Big Island, which is also home to the beautiful beaches of the north shore (below left)

here are few things I’ll get out of bed before dawn for, but an offer of the ride of my life, how could I resist? Maui, hawaii, has been voted the world’s best island in travel circles for two decades. ringed by some of the planet’s finest beaches, it’s home to haleakala, the world’s largest dormant volcano, which forms three-quarters of the island. Topped by a national park, the wned volcano has become renowned for its hiking and horse-riding trails. But the most thrilling way to experience haleakala is by bombing down it on twoo wheels. It’s 4am and, along with a throng of thrill-seekers, sunrise junkies and insomniacs, I find myself more than 3,000m above sea level staring into the business end of a volcano. Dorhaleaka mant since the 18th century, haleakala’s crater is now a vast, dusty-grey moonscape the size of Manhattan. About 200 folk cluster together on the ridge of the crater as the countdown to this daily phenomenon begins. A group of sunrise enthusiasts start chanting and we collectively hold our breath as the hot, fiery ball crests over the lip of the crater, bathing the moonscape in a syrupy glow. The ubiquitous applause follows. As America’s 50th state, the tropical islands of hawaii are renowned for many things, not least, surfing, pineapples and Magnum P.I. From 132 of hawaii’s islands, only seven are inhabited and just six welcome visitors. The majority of tourists flock to the

four main islands of Oahu, hawaii ha ii (known as the Big Island), Maui and Kauai. At 68km wide and 42km long, Maui is the second largest of the islands. however, it’s Oahu, home to state capital honolulu and the famous Waikiki Beach, which was chosen to be the backdrop to the new hunger Games movie, Catching Fire. While I don’t consider myself a competitive person, as soon as I pull on my full-face helmet and fingerless cycling gloves, I’m overcome by the urge to win as a trio of fellow fearless travellers eye me up and down, evaluating my prowess. Luckily, I don’t need the physique or stamina of Bradley Wiggins for this ride. It’s a thrilling 37km free-

wheel down the side of a volcano. ‘Take your time,’ says tour boss Corey. ‘Stop, have breakfast, take in the views. remember, it’s not a race.’ Completely disregarding his advice, I check my brakes, take one last photo and start hurtling down the road. This self-guided tour takes in the rainforest and a series of hair-raising bends, each with incredible views of Maui bathed in morning sunlight. It’s just past dawn so there’s little traffic and I’m able to reach some remarkable speeds. An hour and 17 minutes and 21 switchback bends later, I screech up to the bike shop in a cloud of dust with a huge grin on my face, only to be met by an ‘aloha!’ from three smug men.

TRAVEL DEALs n Destination: Andorra Price: From €315 per person Details: Seven Nights 3* Apartment, Arinsal on self-catering basis. Includes Flights, taxes, transfers and accommodation based on sharing. Contact: www.crystalski.ie, 01 6733892 n Destination: New York’s Christmas sales Price: From €579 per person Details: Incl return flights, taxes and three nts accommodation. Ref 872737. Price includes discount Contact: www.americanholidays.com 01 6733894 n Destination: Peru on a Shoestring Price: From €2,359pp (twin share), €2,489 (solo traveller) Details: Save €125pp, 15 Days Adventure Tour, Departs April 13, Incl flights, taxes and accommodation. Subject to availability, flight prices may vary. Contact: Sunway Holidays – www.sunway.ie 01-2311800 n Destination: Dominican Republic Price: From €1,415pp Details: Seven nights allinclusive in May 2014 in 5* Dreams La Romana Resort & Spa. Price includes flights, taxes and accommodation. Subject to availability, flight prices may vary. Contact: Sunway Holidays – www.sunway.ie 01-2311800

haleakala is not the only volcano you can conquer on two wheels. A 30-minute flight to the Big Island brings me face to face with Kilauea, one of the most active volcanos on the planet. Kilauea, which means ‘to constantly spew’, has been trumping out vo volcanic gases and molten lava from her caldera and various rift zones for the past three decades, causing the Big Island to grow by more than 42 acres each year. The Bike Volcano cycle tour is 24km from crater to coast and is a rather more sedate ride than belting down haleakala, but it’s still as exciting. While Maui is regarded as the pretty one, the Big Island has a more dramatic landscape. The Kona coast is a

TRAVEL nEws n The great, the good and – in

An appetite for eruption

Hawaii: As Hunger Games fever hits, Tracey Davies faces her own challenge: bombing down a volcano on Maui

the case of two male strippers flanking host Kathryn Thomas – the buff were out in force at the Shebourne Hotel last Wednesday for the annual Blue Insurance Travel Media Awards. The Irish travel media’s votes were tallied across 21 categories and victors on the night included Aer Lingus (Best Short Haul Airline), British Airways (Best Long Haul Airline), Schiphol Airport (Best Int’l Airport), Ashford Castle (Best Irish Hotel), GoHop.ie (Best Travel Agent), Tour America (Best Tour Operator) and Northern Ireland Tourist Board (Best Tourist Board).

n STeNA Line are offering last-

minute Christmas shoppers a helping hand with their new larger onboard shops. Passengers on the company’s Irish Sea crossings can now purchase everything from fragrances and jewellery to toys, food and wine, with promised savings of up to 40 per cent over high street retailers. Despite the expected rush, there is still availability on Christmas services, with fares starting at €109 for a single car and driver. For details of latest fares check online at www.stenaline.ie/christmas, call 01 2047777 or visit your local travel agent or Stena Line office. dark, barren landscape formed by solidified magma, churned up like huge clods of minced liquorice. Meanwhile, the hilo side, home to the hawaii Volcanoes National Park, attracts a record-breaking amount of rainfall and is more lush and green. And me? Well, if I can conquer two volcanoes in two days, I think I can pretty much take on the world.

Getting there: Tracey flew with Virgin Atlantic (www.virginholidays.co.uk) from London Heathrow to Los Angeles, with an onward flight to Honolulu and accommodation at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki for seven nights, from (€1,165) for departures in March 2014. Inter-island flights to Kona with Hawaiian Airways starts at €60 one way (www.hawaiianairlines.com). A sunrise cycle ride down the Haleakala volcano (www.bikemaui.com) is €85. A half-day cycle ride from the summit of Kilauea (www.bikevolcano.com) starts at €80. www.GoHawaii.com

IT’S AWFULLY DARK IN THE CHIMNEY, PLEASE BUY ME THIS FOR CHRISTMAS...

SEO 7R

HEADLAMP

Lincoln House, Lincoln Place, D2 http://dublin.cervantes.es Tel: (01) 631 15 00

01 443 0800

€79.95

108-109 Middle Abbey St, Dublin 1

basecamp.ie

20 METRO HERALD Tuesday, December 3, 2013

puzzles

METROSCOPE by Patrick Arundell

NEMI by Lise

Aries Mar 21 – Apr 20

This can be a very productive day. Although Mars is in the last stages of its journey through Virgo, today’s Mercury link might inspire you to make a determined push if you have a goal to complete. For your forecast, call 15609 114 70

Taurus Apr 21 – May 21

Mercury’s position in Scorpio suggests any compliments you get can be trusted and acted upon. Yet, someone could also have a way of teasing information out of you that you’re not ready to share. Do watch for this.

For your forecast, call 15609 114 71

METROKU Easy, Moderate and Challenging. For solutions, visit Metro.co.uk/metroku

Gemini May 22 – Jun 21

You may be the recipient of some gentle prodding concerning a habit. Someone may decide to drop a hint or even to come out and say what’s on their mind right away. You might even decide to reform your lifestyle.

For your forecast, call 15609 114 72

Cancer Jun 22 – Jul 23

It’s a good day to take advantage of the New Moon, and think about making a fresh start. This Moon phase can also be helpful if you want to start a new and healthier daily routine, as you may find you’re inclined to stick with it longer.

For your forecast, call 15609 114 73

Leo Jul 24 – Aug 23

With the festive season drawing closer, today’s line-up can motivate you to think about getting more organized. Drawing up a budget might be a good move, as can be planning ahead and generally getting involved. Yet, there are also opportunities for a get-together.

PEARLs BEFORE swINE

For your forecast, call 15609 114 74

Virgo Aug 24 – Sep 23

You may be in practical mode. So, today’s Mercury Mars connection may bring out the organizer in you. Plus, a New Moon in your home zone may be an opportunity to kick start the festive season by getting in touch with old friends and family members.

For your forecast, call 15609 114 75

Libra Sep 24 – Oct 23

You may be enjoying your involvement in a community project, perhaps because of your ability to get along with just about anyone. Today’s influences might motivate you to reach out and help. For your forecast, call 15609 114 76

scorpio Oct 24 – Nov 22

Today’s New Moon may coincide with a desire to get your finances organised and work out a budget. You have a naturally generous streak, so by getting to grips with it now, it can be easier to stay in control. For your forecast, call 15609 114 77

sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 21

If you’re getting an impulse to make a few changes in your life, then it might be worth following through. If there are any areas that need sorting out, this is an opportunity to make a start. For your forecast, call 15609 114 78

Capricorn Dec 22 – Jan 20

You may have given up on an idea that might make a difference. However, a friend may try to help out with some motivational advice. You might also find today’s New Moon helpful to power you towards a goal. For your forecast, call 15609 114 79

Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19

Today’s influences can be perfect for finalising some hopes. As Mercury and Mars create a great energy, one which is perfect for detailed planning. This could save you a lot of time and effort, further down the line. Career and finances can be at the centre of this. For your forecast, call 15609 114 80

Pisces Feb 20 – Mar 20

Today’s influences may be good for conversations, particularly if you can soak up some new ideas. Persuading someone to join in your latest travel plans or adventurous schemes, might make the whole thing more enjoyable. For your forecast, call 15609 114 81

DOWN 1 Greenness (12) 2 Equip (3) 3 Tempt (6) 4 Necessary (9) 5 In that place (5) 6 Incomprehensibly (12) 7 Subject (5) 10 Link (9) 13 Characteristic (5) 14 Banish (6) 16 Pretend (5) 20 Loiter (3)

Yesterday’s Solutions Across: 4 Languor; 8 Meagre; 9 Qualify; 10 Little; 11Assent; 12 Turncoat; 18 Irritate; 20 Famous; 21 Afraid; 22 Disdain; 23 Prison; 24 Bearing. Down: 1 Emulate; 2 Mastery; 3 Frolic; 5 Adulator; 6 Galosh; 7 Offend; 13 Omission; 14 Malaise; 15 Leading; 16 Malice; 17 Wonder; 19 Inform.

ENIGMA Tough and stocky type of boat That in the song they used to tote. Is it called this word from the way It used to shove the waves away? WHO AM I? An actress and singer, I was born in Australia in 1975. I played Beth Willis in TV’s Neighbours. My hit singles have included Torn and Big Mistake, and in 2003 I starred with Rowan Atkinson in Johnny English.

WHO, WHAT, WHERE & WHEN? WHO… is the Irish sprint hurdles female athlete who won gold at the 2006 World Indoor Championships in Moscow? WHAT... is the largest fish of the mackerel family? WHERE... in the US is Carson City the state capital? WHEN... did Idi Amin depose Milton Obote in Uganda?

SCRIBBLE BOX

ACROSS 1 Spineless (12) 7 Lower (5) 8 To doubt (5) 9 Mine (3) 10 Designer of buildings (9) 11 Deny (6) 12 Strain (6) 15 Serviceable (9) 17 Bother (3) 18 Porcelain (5) 19 Guide (5) 21 Clearly (12)

Astrology calls cost 1.27 euros per min from a BT landline. Live Services cost 2.40 euros per minute. Calls from mobiles/other networks may cost more. Callers must be 18 or over to use this service and have the bill payers permission. For entertainment purposes only. All calls are recorded. PhonePayPlus regulated(ComReg in ROI) UK SP: StreamLive Ltd, NR7 0HR, 08700 234 567. ROI SP:Moveda, 1 Courtyard Business Park, Orchard Lane, Blackrock, Co Dublin, 0818 241 398

QuIz

Crossword No. 871 See next edition for solutions

QUIZ ANSWERS: ENIGMA: Barge. WHO AM I? Natalie Imbruglia. WHO, WHAT, WHERE & WHEN? Derval O’Rourke; Tuna; Nevada; 1971.

QUICK CROsswORd

For a live one-to-one consultation with one of my gifted psychics, call 15809 113 68 or 1800 719 688 to book using credit card

cycling

COnTADOR TO fROnT TinkOff-sAxO TEAM Former Tour de France winner Alberto Contador will front a newly bought-out team in 2014 after riis Cycling was snapped up by russian businessman oleg Tinkov. The deal for the Denmark-based team was confirmed yesterday and sees the company rebranded as Tinkoff Sport, with the team to be known as TinkoffSaxo and setting the target of becoming world leaders. It was named Saxo-Tinkoff in 2013, as Tinkov’s russian bank

Spokesman: Contador will lead the team, which includes Nicolas Roche, left

Not happy: Trump

Move on the cards after angry players slam York ‘circus’ snOOkER The UK Championship

Mcguinness ‘fuming’ at match-fixing claim

Warning signs: McGuinness says players need to be vigilant and report suspicions of match-fixing after claims of game rigging emerged in England

PFAI chIeF Stephen McGuinness said he was fuming when Ireland was linked with a matchfixing scandal last week. A major investigation is underway in england after a newspaper sting resulted in two men being charged in relation to match-fixing. ‘I do Australia, Scotland, Ireland, europe, World cup …,’ claimed one of them, a Singaporean national. The FAI have worked closely with Uefa, Fifa and Interpol in trying to curb the influence of betting as large amounts of money are staked on Irish football from abroad. Following a two-month investigation, Longford Town midfielder colm James was banned for 18 months last June for various offences relating to betting or attempting to bet on games, though no match had been influenced. ‘I was fuming, absolutely fuming because I just thought “here we go, they are going to nail our league here, list the league with no evidence”,’ said McGuinness at the launch of the PFAI winter training course for out of contract players. ‘Some bloke in england sits in a room

may be moved from its current home at York’s Barbican Centre after a number of complaints from players. Due to the expanded 128-man event, four tables have been squeezed into the main arena, with four more in an ancillary sports hall venue. Judd Trump labelled the main arena ‘a circus’, while Ronnie O’Sullivan complained he had to change for his first-round match in a hotel toilet. WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson said: ‘It’s a strong rumour but we certainly haven’t made that decision yet. It’s just the logistical issues, a question of what facilities we’re able to provide.’

Red Bull boss wary of what’s to come fORMuLA OnE Red Bull technical head Adrian Newey says he is preparing for next year’s regulation changes with some trepidation. The sport is introducing a new V6 turbocharged engine in what is considered the biggest shake-up in a generation. ‘It is somewhere between mild panic and crisis management,’ Newey said. ‘Next year’s regulations are a huge change. For many teams including ourselves it really is a big challenge.’

Phillips signs deal Rugby Racing Metro have signed Wales scrum-half Mike Phillips on a two-and-a-half-year deal. Phillips had been without a club since having his contract with Bayonne terminated in October for allegedly turning up drunk to a video analysis session. But Racing revealed they had approached the 31year-old over a future move to the Stade Olympique Yves-du-Manoir before the alleged events that led to his early exit from Bayonne took place.

ODDbALLs

‘I was fuming... I thought they’re going to nail us’ and tells games in Ireland are rigged. That’s disgraceful, absolutely disgraceful. ‘I immediately spoke to the FAI that night. They said there was nothing and that all the warning signs come through Interpol and Uefa. There are warning signs that exist but there were no signs.’ McGuinness does agree that the league here is vulnerable because of low wages and the timing of the season. ‘With FIFPro (international players‘ union), there’s a “Don’t Fix It” plan that we’re involved in as countries like ourselves would be high risk. ‘education is the big thing. For the first time, we’re working with the FAI, and this was ahead

spORT DigEsT

shared sponsorship with Saxo Bank, but the purchase of the company means the names change order. Stefano Feltrin becomes chief executive and former team owner Bjarne riis has agreed to stay on as team manager. Tinkov said in a statement from the team: ‘This is going to be a big investment for Tinkoff Sport, but I have no doubt it will be great value for money.’ As well as Contador, the team’s roster includes Ireland’s Nicolas roche, a stage winner on the Vuelta a españa this year.

by pAuL buTTnER

Tuesday, December 3, 2013 METRO HERALD

@Metrohsport

bruce’s cutting remark

of anything that the guy in england said. We’ve three conferences planned for every player to attend in relation to anti-doping and anti-betting to get the lads fully aware of the pitfalls. That will happen this year before the season kicks off.

‘I think we’ve just got to be vigilant. We’ve got to make sure we educate the players, so that when the warning signs are there they have people to go to. ‘They’ve got to come to our association or the FAI and report it immediately.’

HUll boss Steve Bruce has urged the dubious goals committee to credit Tom Huddlestone with his deflected strike against liverpool, so he can finally cut his hair. The midfielder has been growing it for more than a year, pledging not to cut it until he scores. ‘I need you lot to give us a hand here,’ Bruce told journalists. ‘He’s half a stone lighter if he gets the barnet cut off – you have to give it to Tom. Then he can get his flaming hair cut.’

22 METRO HERALD Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Milestone: Terry

Terry hopes form earns him fresh deal with Blues JOHN TERRY has urged Chelsea bosses to hand him a new contract in recognition of his superb early season form. The Blues captain marked his 400th Premier League appearance with the second goal in his side’s 3-1 victory over Southampton on Sunday, which saw them climb to second in the table. Terry, whose deal expires at the end of the season, said: ‘The stats don’t lie and my

career doesn’t lie. The fans have been patient with me throughout my whole career. ‘Hopefully, I’ve got a lot more to give them and the club. Hopefully, these milestones keep coming.’ Terry also fired a title warning, with the Blues now just four points behind Arsenal. ‘The Premier League is more open than I’ve ever seen it,’ he said. ‘I’m delighted the team are playing well. I feel as though we’ll get better and better.’

rodgers will accept nothing less than a win-win situation

Brendan rodgers believes Liverpool must record back-to-back victories over norwich and West Ham to keep their Champions League ambitions on track. The reds suffered a major setback on sunday with a 3-1 defeat at Hull and now only two wins this week will satisfy the northern Irishman. ‘If we get two victories in the next two games that will put us on course for the bigger picture of two points a game,’ said rodgers (pictured). ‘no disrespect to them [Hull] but this was a game where we should come and do much better. We didn’t play well enough and there were too many individual mistakes. It’s now a massive game against norwich on Wednesday and we must focus to get the points in that game.’

football premier league

Players spurred Sam labels Villas-Boas ‘immature’ WesT HAM manager sam Allardyce has branded Andre Villas-Boas ‘immature’ after the Tottenham boss lashed out at reporters over ‘disrespectful’ articles. The Portuguese responded in the wake of sunday’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United after what he claimed was a barrage of personal attacks from some journalists. Allardyce (pictured), speaking ahead of tonight’s trip to Crystal Palace, said: ‘You have to use the criticism as a motivational drive to show these people they are wrong. You’ve got to take it on the chin. You, and your players, have to do your talking on the field. I think he’s just showed a little bit of immaturity.’ Full blown: Villas-Boas smiles attract attention on sunday picture: reuterS

TRANSFER TALK

Out-of-favour Luiz looks like bargain for Bayern

World Cup bid: luiz

Bayern Munich have joined the race to sign out-of-favour Chelsea defender David Luiz, according to reports in Portugal. Luiz, who joined the Blues from Benfica in January 2011, has been forced to watch from the sidelines in recent weeks as Gary Cahill has forged a partnership with John Terry, with the Brazilian making just 11 appearances all season. and after report-

edly turning down a move to Barcelona over the summer, Luiz’s Chelsea future has been thrown into doubt, with Bayern now entering the fray. Should another club come calling in January, Luiz may be forced to seriously consider his options with the World Cup fast approaching in his home country. Whether Chelsea would be willing to sell is another matter.

u ArsenAl have reportedly had a £6.5million offer rebuffed for former AC Milan forward Alex Pato. The Brazilian, 24, has had a rough ride since returning to Corinthians last January for £10.4m. u CrySTaL Palace captain Mile Jedinak has committed his future to the club after signing a new threeand-a-half-year deal.

Berahino snubs big clubs riSinG West Brom star Saido Berahino has finally signed a new contract that commits him to the club until 2017. Berahino, who has burst on to the scene this season with six goals in ten matches for albion, put pen to paper on the contract at the club’s training ground yesterday, ending months of speculation about his future. The 20-yearold striker (pictured), who was linked with arsenal and Chelsea, has also bagged six goals in four games for england Under-21s.

Tuesday, December 3, 2013 METRO HERALD 23

into backing AVB

We’re all right behind boss, says Dembele by jAMEs BOyLAn

Mousa DeMbele has hit out at andre Villas-boas’ critics and insists the Tottenham squad are fully behind their manager. Villas-boas had to answer questions about his future last week after spurs lost 6-0 at Manchester City. a host of pundits attacked the manager and his team in the wake of the thrashing, while former spurs chairman lord sugar was critical of the Portuguese’s tactics. asked if the recent criticism had been fair, Tottenham midfielder Dembele said: ‘No, of course not. The manager is working hard to give everyone confidence. ‘The Manchester City result was not only

14 Victories in all competitions for Andre Villas-Boas this season, with six from 13 in the Premier League

‘People were laughing at us after that performance at Manchester City’

embarrassing for the manager, but also for us as well. People were laughing at us after that performance.’ and there appears to be no doubt the spurs squad are fully behind their manager. ‘of course [we are],’ Dembele added. The pressure eased on Villas-boas slightly on sunday after Tottenham put in a muchimproved performance to claim a 2-2 draw against Manchester united. The londoners have tricky fixtures against liverpool and southampton coming up, but they will be favourites to return to winning ways at Fulham tomorrow night. The Cottagers, who sacked manager Martin Jol and replaced him with Rene Meulensteen on sunday, have lost their last six games but Dembele, who spent two years at the west london club, expects a tough derby. ‘It is never easy in the Premier league,’ said the 26-year-old. ‘I like the club [Fulham] very much, so I hope they do good. but on Wednesday, I want us to win of course.’

Pardew pleased with Toon’s squad depth alaN PaRDeW has revealed players are queuing up to play in his in-form Newcastle side. Four Premier league wins on the bounce have left the Magpies in the top six ahead of crucial away trips to swansea and Manchester united this week. The liberty stadium is the first port of call for Pardew’s men tomorrow night and the Newcastle boss said: ‘I have had a few knocks on my door from players who want to play – steven Taylor, Hatem ben arfa, Papiss Cisse, Vurnon

Hill and Rene United again

FuLhAM have appointed former Manchester united academy coach Jonathan hill to work alongside manager Rene Meulensteen (pictured). New Cottagers boss Meulensteen replaced the axed Martin Jol on Sunday and previously worked at Old Trafford as first team coach.

anita, Jonas Gutierrez. ‘We have got, which we didn’t have last year, real competition for places, and that does bode well. I have

empathy for them but at the minute, they have got to wait for their chance. ‘You just have to hope the chance comes and you take it.’

Knocking on the door: Cisse

head-to-head: Martinez takes his Everton team to face their former boss David Moyes at Old Trafford tomorrow night picture: ActiON iMAGeS

Martinez not taking clash with Moyes personally EvErton manager roberto Martinez is keen to avoid tomorrow night’s trip to old trafford being billed as a personal battle between him and predecessor David Moyes. In the summer the Spaniard replaced the Scot who ended his 11-year association with the club to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. At the time many doubted Martinez’s credentials for the job. However, fast forward a few months and the situation has been flipped on its head.

‘We will have to be at our best to

Martinez, with his refreshing brand of attacking football, has guided the toffees into fifth, just three points behind second-placed Chelsea, and significantly changed the atmosphere around the Merseyside club. By contrast Moyes is perceived to be struggling at United and his transfer strategy – bidding £28million for Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines – has tainted the opinions of some Everton supporters. But Martinez insists tomorrow’s game should remain focused on the players. ‘I know from the outside this is an attractive proposition to speak about the managers,’ he said. ‘But football is not about managers, it is about the players and institutions and two clubs with incredible tradition facing each other. ‘We pay huge respect to the champions – you don’t win this league unless you have something special – and we will have to be at our best to compete but we have to be ourselves.’

24 METRO HERALD Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Tottenham squad stand firm behind AVB after tough week

« see page23

picture: inpho

No room for error as Leo gets Leinster Heineken bid back on track LEo CuLLEn has warned Leinster there is no margin for error this fortnight as the province fights to keep their Heineken Cup bid on track with back-to-back fixtures against northampton. Leinster top Pool 1 after wins over the ospreys and Castres, but were two from two this time last year before their dream of three European titles in a row collapsed over the course of 160 minutes against old rivals Clermont Auvergne. ‘This is the part of the season when we came unstuck last year, if you look back on those two Clermont games,’ Cullen said yesterday. ‘It leaves a long taste in the mouth if you don’t get these things right. ‘These back-to-back games, especially for ourselves and northampton, could be crucial for deciding who comes out of this group. ‘It is a very critical time of the year and it is important to stay focused.’ Cullen made his first start of the season in Saturday’s Pro12 win against Scarlets, but with Ireland second rows Devin Toner and Mike McCarthy among a full complement of Irish internationals returning to the fold this week – both Brian o’Driscoll and Rob Kearney are expected to be fit after picking up injuries against the All Blacks – the club captain knows the battle for places at Franklin’s Gardens will be heated. ‘There are no guarantees in this busi-

Monthly Certified Distribution Sep 30 - Oct 27, 2013: 59,764

by gARETH MAkiM ness. It is going to be very competitive for selection this week. We’re probably in a better position than we were this time last year in terms of bodies,’ Cullen said. ‘We were pretty bashed up last year. You need a bit of luck but everyone’s being working very hard to try and get ourselves in the best possible shape.’ Cullen’s future remains uncertain beyond this summer, with a move into coaching an option if he decides to hang up his boots, but for the moment the 35-yearold is fully focused on getting games under his belt following an Achilles injury. ‘We’ve had a few discussions [about my future]. But, that is as far as we’ve got,’ he said. ‘I want to get back playing at the moment. I’ve been injured up until now which has been frustrating. ‘I am trying to spend a good bit of energy trying to get right from that. ‘We enter into a pretty hectic phase over this December-January period and then we can reassess after that. ‘There will be more time for me to look at the options then.’

Published by Fortunegreen Ltd, 1st Floor, Independent House, 27-32 Talbot Street, Dublin 1 Printed by The Irish Times at Citywest in Dublin Editorial: (01) 705 5088 Advertising: (01) 705 5077 Distribution: (01) 705 5007

Critical time of year: Leinster’s Leo Cullen talks about the importance of staying focused