Friday, January 10, 2014
Inside the 22
Winning the only option »p21
Jail for F1 star over bar brawl by naomi o’leary
He’s a star, man Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield sings Danny Boy at the Laya Heathcare Pendulum Summit event at Dublin Convention Centre. The former International Space Station commander has agreed to promote the country to his millions of fans around the world Picture: Pa PAGE 6
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IRISH Formula One star Eddie Irvine has been sentenced to six months in prison by an Italian court in a trial over a brawl in a nightclub, reportedly over a woman. A judge found the Northern Irishman and Gabriele Moratti, the son of a former Milan mayor, guilty of ‘mutual injury’ during the incident in the VIP section of the Hollywood nightclub in the northern Italian city. Each had accused the other of being the aggressor and using a glass in the brawl. Both men were sentenced to six months in prison. But the sentences can be appealed, and if confirmed would probably be suspended so neither are likely to end up going to jail, lawyers for both said. The lawyers disagreed on whether the 2008 fight had occurred because the former racing driver made contact with a former girlfriend of Moratti. Moratti’s lawyer Vincenzo Saponara responded to Italian media reports, saying: ‘Obviously it’s easy for newspapers to say they fought because of jealousy over a woman, that they were two men who were rivals for her. It’s a nice story. But in reality that’s not the case.’ Irvine, aged 48 and from Co Down, drove for Jordan, Ferrari and Jaguar before retiring from the sport in 2003.
Keep Dublin tidy – Please recycle this Metro Herald when you are finished with it
Night-mayor: Irvine
Picture: sPlash
Moratti, 35, is a director at energy company Saras and is well-known in Italy for being fined €49,000 for illegally converting a warehouse to a luxury home inspired by Batman, dubbed the ‘Bathouse’.
METRO HERALD Friday, January 10, 2014
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Cut Your Energy Costs Day... when people all over the world are encouraged to reduce energy consumption and save some money into the bargain. So change to eco-friendly light bulbs or turn the heat down a notch
From the archives (2011):
38 Per cent of Irish
people who want to see the legalisation of cannabis in the country, according to the results of the latest Red C poll CoAliTioN SliPS – P5
Today is...
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Ireland’s rate of newsprint recycling is now up to 79%. Keep reading, keep recycling – thank you.
TV journalist found castrated
A celebrity TV journalist has been found castrated and bludgeoned to death in his New York hotel room. Portuguese Carlos Castro, 65, was visiting the city with his model boyfriend Renato Seabra, who has been held over the death, at the time.
Today’s birthdays
Rod Stewart (pictured), singer, 69; George Foreman, boxer, 65; Pat Benatar, singer, 61; Brian Cowen, former Taoiseach, 54; Abbey Clancy, model, 28.
CLOCkwORD The solutions from 1 to 12 are all six-letter words ending with the letter Y in the centre. Moving clockwise from 1, the letters in the outer circle will spell out the name of a US thriller novelist. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Stout Blood vessel Cure Beehive Courageous, informally 6. Treasure fleet 7. Turning
Y
8. Representational dummy 9. Shabby 10. Pompous 11. Renal organ 12. Annual Yesterday’s solution: Goran Visnjic
Weather Weather Today
Max: 10°c
It will be a cloudy day with some rain, but a clearance will develop in the west during the afternoon, with some brighter weather developing. Temperatures between 7°C to 10°C in moderate southerly winds which will veer westerly and decrease in the clearance.
Derry
7�C
Donegal
8�C
7�C
Cavan
Galway
9�C
Athlone
Dublin
9�C
Tipperary
10�C
Waterford
Tralee
Cork
Tonight
Belfast
8�C
10�C Sunrise: 8.37am Sunset: 4.29pm
Min: -4°c
A cold night with clear spells and scattered wintry showers also chiefly in northern parts. Temperatures between -4°C to 0°C in southerly winds.
EUROPE today
Tomorrow Apart from wintry showers at first in northern areas a dry day with sunny spells. Temperatures between 5°C to 9°C in light to moderate westerly breezes.
6�C 6�C 7�C 8�C
8�C
5�C 6�C 9�C Max: 9°c
Athens
18 °c
Barcelona
13 °c
Berlin
8 °c 9 °c
Brussels London Geneva Madrid Paris Rome
10 °c 10 °c 16 °c 8 °c 14 °c
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Friday, January 10, 2014 METRO HERALD
picture: reuters
Even Niagara Falls has been frozen solid NORTH America’s recordbreaking chill is so bad it froze Niagara Falls. The US side of the natural wonder stopped before the thousands of cubic feet of water could reach the bottom. Records show it has only happened once before in the last two centuries – in 1848. The natural wonder will revert to its old self by tomorrow when temperatures rise to 9C (42.8F) in the area. At least 21 people have died since Sunday because of the freeze and more than 11,000 flights were cancelled.
Scooby Doom by NicOLE LE MARiE
A PUPPY blew up his owners’ house after he chewed through a can of deodorant. Greyhound cross Zeus was left alone for just ten minutes before he sparked an explosion so powerful it shattered double-glazed windows, blew through floorboards and set a sofa on fire. The six-month-old pup had chewed through a can of Lynx deodorant and, as it contents sprayed out, they were ignited by the heat from a lamp. The blast caused €2,400 of damage but Zeus, along with five other pets in the house, escaped uninjured. Owner Kerry Leech said: ‘He’s just a pup and at the moment he’ll chew anything.’ Miss Leech, 20, and her partner, Mathew Heckler, 22, were on their way to the shops on Saturday when they were alerted to the explosion by a text from a neighbour in Goldthorpe, in South Yorkshire.
Dog blows up house with can of deodorant
She said: ‘I was panicking about our pets and rushed back. We saw flashing lights, two fire engines were outside the house and the street was blocked off. ‘We thought someone had put something through the letter-box or there had been a gas explosion.’ At first, firefighters thought the blast was caused by a leaky gas pipe but an investigation later concluded ‘a dog caused the explosion’. Mr Heckler said: ‘I didn’t even know we had a
can of Lynx in the living room. It was a Christmas present from Kerry’s parents and was in a gift box right next to the fire and back boiler.’ Prof Tom Welton, head of the chemistry department at Imperial College London, said the butane contained in deodorant was highly flammable. He added: ‘The lowest temperature it can be ignited is minus 60C, so it is very dangerous stuff. These cans do come with warnings but obviously a puppy can’t read those.’
Having a blast: Zeus with Mr Heckler
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METRO HERALD Friday, January 10, 2014
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Irish Water ‘a trough for pigs’ as €50m fees revealed TÁnaisTe eamon Gilmore was yesterday forced to challenge irish Water to prove €50million spent on consultants’ fees was good value for money. as Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin called revelations of the multi-millioneuro payouts a ‘scandal waiting to evolve’, Mr Gilmore questioned the need for such a high figure. ‘i think irish Water will have to demonstrate that it represents good value for money, and that the expenditure was necessary as part of the set-up costs for irish Water,’ he added. Chief executive John Tierney yesterday revealed irish Water spent more than €50m on consultants over the last year. a total of €100m was spent in setting up the company – more than half paid to consultants, which included large ireland-based firms. Mr Tierney said it would have limited money to spend on consultants in the future, because it has already hired in the expertise. He told RTÉ that plans are on track for the company to be in operation by 2015 and its rollout was on budget.
But Mr Martin described the new national water utility, a state-owned subsidiary within Bord Gáis, as a ‘Quango in the making’ and said the €50m figure was ‘an extraordiMartin: ‘Scandal’ nary situation’ and one that is likely to escalate. Referring to environment Minister Phil Hogan’s pre-election promise of cutting Quangos, Mr Martin said he has created ‘a hell of a one now’ that is going to eat up resources. Householders will end up paying for it, he added. People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett said the revelation about the €50m paid to consultants was early evidence that irish Water was yet ‘another trough for the pigs to feed from’. He said struggling households would have to pick up the bill ‘for this greed and the theft of a public resource’. irish Water began its roll-out of water meters last year, with initial charges due to be applied at the end of this year.
Government denies grants for elderly have been cut THE Government has rejected claims it has reduced the amount paid in grants to the elderly and disabled for work on their homes. New rules drawn up by the Department of the Environment have raised the age threshold for those seeking home improvement grants from 60 to 66, while also lowering the amount given out under housing aid
coalition slips in poll ratings
gOOD cOnDucT: Ella O’Keeffe directs schoolmates from St Mary’s School in Co Dublin in the National Concert Hall at the announcement by Music Generation, the U2 and Ireland Fundssupported music education programme, that South Dublin and Clare will receive €400,000 each to fund programmes this year Picture: naoise culhane
by LynDsEy TELfORD
Friday, January 10, 2014 METRO HERALD
for older people by more than €2,500. The income of anyone in the household over the age of 18 will also now be taken into account for means assessment, not just the applicants. Support group ALONE warned that the new rules would make it very difficult for some people to remain living at home, a sentiment echoed by Age Action.
THe coalition has slipped down the popularity rankings in the first opinion poll of the new year. The latest Red C survey shows Fine Gael have dipped one point to 28 per cent while Labour are down two points to ten per cent when voters were asked which party they would back in a general election. Both parties had increased their backing in the polls immediately after the bailout exit. sinn Féin is up three points to secure 18 per cent of the popular vote – the biggest jump for any party in the survey, carried out for bookmaker Paddy Power. Backing for Fianna Fáil and independents were unchanged, both attracting 22 per cent.
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METRO HERALD Friday, January 10, 2014
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No update on release date for Ibrahim
Blood heat test for cancer study HEATING a patient’s blood could provide a simple new test for cervical cancer, say researchers. The plasma thermogram technique obtains a ‘heatprint’ signature based on the melting temperature of different proteins. Studies show it could potentially offer a non-invasive method of showing whether a woman has cervical cancer. ‘We have been able to demonstrate a more convenient, less intrusive test for detecting and staging cervical cancer,’ said Dr Nichola Garbett, from the University of Louisville in Kentucky in the US in the online journal Public Library of Science ONE. The experimental technology has already been used to identify lung, skin, ovarian, and womb cancers and other diseases.
SWING OUT SISTER: US tennis player Serena Williams hits a ball during a cricket sports promotion event with her sister Venus and Melbourne Renegades cricket team captain Aaron Finch on the roof of the Olsen hotel in Melbourne yesterday. The Australian Open Grand Slam tennis tournament is taking place in the city from January 13-26
Lapdancers on kidnap charge THREE lapdancers and their manager kidnapped a club boss after he failed to pay them £42,000 (€51,000), a UK court heard yesterday. They had been hired to provide entertainment during the Cheltenham Festival, but after businessman Curtis Woodman refused to pay, Charlotte Devaney, her dancers and two men drove to Mr Woodman’s office and held him captive, demanding he transfer money to Devaney’s account. Devaney and the dancers all deny a charge of kidnap. The trial continues.
Picture: ePa
AN IRISH teenager spent the New Year in a Cairo prison, having been detained without trial since August 17 last. A Department of Foreign Affairs Spokesman, who is providing consular assistance to Ibrahim Halawa, 17, said that a representative had visited him in prison on Wednesday but there was no update on his release. Ibrahim (pictured) and his sisters Omaima 20, Fatima, 22, and Somaia, 27, were holidaying in Egypt when they were arrested after seeking sanctuary in the Al Fateh mosque in mid-August following violent clashes between supporters of ousted president Mohammed Morsi and the security forces. No specific charges were brought against the family. The sisters were released at the end of November. Their mother has remained in Cairo where she visits Ibrahim. Her husband, Sheikh Hussein Halawa is the imam of Ireland’s largest mosque.
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CANADIAN astronaut Chris Hadfield is to become a tourism ambassador for Ireland. The former commander, who became an internet sensation after broadcasting his version of David Bowie’s Space Oddity from the International Space Station, has agreed to promote the country to his millions of fans around the world. Tourism Minister Leo Varadkar said Commander Hadfield, in Dublin on a five-day visit, will help put the country on the map as a holiday spot. ‘Having seen Ireland from space, it’s great to be able to give Chris Hadfield a closer look at what Ireland has to offer on the ground,’ Mr Varadkar said. Cmdr Hadfield’s visit with his wife Helen coincides with the release of new figures from Fáilte
Hadfield: Helping to put Ireland on the holiday map Ireland, which showed the sector is on the up. In its annual review it reported seven out of ten hotels expect further growth this year, with jobs in the industry rising almost 12 per cent last year, and expected to grow by 6,000 to 8,000 in 2014. Tourism Ireland has convinced Cmdr Hadfield to appear in three short films documenting his visit, which will take in Croke Park and
the Guinness Storehouse and the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition in the RDS. Also on his itinerary is Co Donegal’s Inishowen Peninsula and he will also visit Northern Ireland stopping off at the Glens of Antrim and Titanic Belfast. Cmdr Hadfield, whose daughter is a student at Trinity College, tweeted to his Twitter followers last year in Irish, saying: ‘Ta Eire fioralainn! Land of green hills and dark beer. With Dublin glowing in the Irish night.’ Tourism Ireland CEO Niall Gibbons said he was delighted to have the astronaut’s support. Referring to dramatic photos of Ireland tweeted from space last year to his huge Twitter fanbase, he added that he hoped films of Cmdr Hadfield’s visit will inspire millions to see Ireland for themselves.
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Friday, January 10, 2014 METRO HERALD
METRO HERALD Friday, January 10, 2014
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Bullock and Timberlake are choice e of the people S
aNDRa Bullock and Justin Timberlake were the big winners at the People’s Choice awards in La on Wednesday – scooping four and three gongs respectively. Bullock picked up the favourite movie actress, favourite dramatic actress and shared favourite movie duo with George Clooney, 52, for the sci-fi thriller Gravity. The 49-year-old also scooped best comedic actress for her role as a detective in The Heat. ‘I know this looks like I spend lonely Friday nights just voting for myself,’ she laughed. Bullock praised sharp-tongued Heat co-star Melissa McCarthy, 43, for her ‘brilliant mind and comedic talent’ and the Gravity crew who would string her up on the
by SEAMuS Duff ceiling ‘and just leave me there.’ She said son Louis Bardo Bullock, who she adopted in 2010, was going to want to know why she won. The actress added: ‘Sweetie, it’s because people work a lot harder than mommy did to make her look good.’ Timberlake, 32, took home the favourite male artist, favourite r’n’b artist, and favourite album awards for the 20/20 Experience. He celebrated with a visit to a Tex-Mex chain. The singer posted a picture on Instagram saying: ‘What do we do after we win 3 PCas?!?! Easy... Go to Taco Bell!! People’s Champ, baby!!’
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Lady Gaga says she tries to stay optimistic when she is struggling with depression. Taking to her Little Monsters fan site, she wrote: ‘Depression is just like any season, it will change, and before you know it you will see the first flower blooming. Then another. Then another. Before you know it your whole life will be in bloom. And you’ll no longer remember the winter.’ Taking the plunge: Malin Akerman wears a daring dress at the ople Choice People’s Awards Picture: sPlash
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Winners: Justin Timberlake and Sandra Bullock Pictures: sPlash
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The stars of 2 Broke Girls went down a storm as they played hosts for the night at the People’s Choice Awards. Kat Dennings, 27, and 28-year-old Beth Behrs opened the show with a series of jokes and enlisted the help of some famous faces to make the night a success. Ian Somerhalder, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Kaley Cuoco and Christina Aguilera all played their part to make sure the ceremony went off with a bang. Dennings later tweeted: ‘People’s Choice was so much fun! Thank you, people, for letting us into your homes.’
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It’s perhaps not the surprise birthday thrill he was hoping for from Perrie Edwards – but Zayn Malik still seemed pleased when his fiancée whisked him off to Disneyland Paris. The One Direction star grinned as he took a selfie of the couple with Mickey Mouse, after Little Mix star Perrie, 20, booked them into the luxurious Disneyland Hotel. The trip may have been more suited to one of 1D’s tweenie fans but Zayn – who sported a Mickey Mouse top for his picture with the renowned rodent – looked to be right at home. The singer, 21 on Sunday, cuddled up with Perrie in front of the Sleeping Beauty Castle before trying out some of the resort’s rides. Kelly Osbourne is single again after breaking up with fiancé Matthew Mosshart. The 29-year-old and the vegan chef ‘have decided to end their engagement’, a statement said yesterday. It added: ‘Kelly is looking forward to a new year full of fresh beginnings. The pair were introduced by Kate Moss, 39, at her Gloucestershire wedding in 2011 and Osbourne gushed at Christmas
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After spending weeks with his jaw wired shut, Zac Efron is cracking jokes again. The That Awkward Moment star, 26, broke his jaw after slipping on a puddle in November. But he was in good spirits at the People’s Choice Awards with co-stars Miles Teller and Michael B Jordan. ‘So, the three of us know a bit about awkward moments,’ Efron said. ‘In fact, there was one time that I texted a girl and she didn’t text back for 20 minutes.’ Teller then quipped: ‘Why is that awkward? Twenty minutes is an average reply time when you’re talking with me.’
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it was ‘true love’. But she found solace from an unexpected source – Justin Bieber, who taught her how to spray graffiti. Kelly posted alongside an Instagram snap of the pair: ‘Just had so much fun getting lessons from @justinbieber on how to #SprayPaint! Needless to say I was s*** all I did was the horns! ‘Justin is a lovely boy and has turned me into a true #Belieber!’
Beyoncé and Rowland join fans’ Party night Beyoncé and her BFF Kelly Rowland Be f surprised unsuspecting fans when they ga gate-crashed their karaoke session. Destin Child The former Destiny’s bandmates met the three girls at the Karaok bar in Miami Sing Sing Karaoke Beach on Tuesday night. The appeared as two of the fans They were belting out Be Bey’s hit Party, while w passed out on a sofa. another was
‘There’s no way we could have planned it. No one had any idea. I didn’t even know anything,’ owner Kellie Pilicer told the Miami New Times. ‘They start dancing together, but they have no idea who it is, and all of a sudden one of the girls looks at Kelly and says, “Oh, you look like Kelly Rowland” and then she looks at Beyoncé and goes “Oh my god!”’
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Friday, January 10, 2014 METRO HERALD
Rodman sorry for ‘drunk’ outburst about prisoner
by DAniEL binns
Broadcaster Matt cooper returned home last night following his controversial trip to North Korea alongside former NBa star dennis rodman. the today FM host is believed to have visited the pariah state as part of a documentary team working on covering a basketball game in celebration of the country’s leader Kim Jong-Un’s birthday. the corkman is believed to have been invited along as a guest of rodman, who caused outrage in the United states following comments he made about an imprisoned Us missionary detained in North Korea. Hoops legend rodman’s foray into international relations continued to cause controversy as he was forced to apologise for comments about an american in jail in the secretive communist state. the 52-year-old said he took ‘full responsibility’ for the interview in which he suggested Kenneth Bae – a missionary being held for ‘anti-state crimes’ – was responsible for his incarceration. rodman has been criticised for not using his influence with dictator Kim to try to secure Mr Bae’s release. ‘It had been a very stressful day. some of my team-mates were leaving because of pressure from families and business associates,’ he said of his comments. ‘My dreams of basketball diplomacy were quickly falling apart. I had been drinking. It’s not an excuse but by the time the interview happened I was upset.’ Former chicago Bulls star rodman is on his fourth visit to North Korea, whose leader he has described as his ‘best friend’.
Sharon’s health turns to ‘grave’ THE health of former Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon deteriorated yesterday, with his condition described as ‘grave’. The 85-year-old is being treated in hospital, where he has suffered a malfunction of some of his organs including kidneys. His family are at his bedside, said a spokesman for the Sheba Medical Centre near Tel Aviv. Mr Sharon, who has been in a coma since having a stroke in 2006, is one of Israel’s most controversial but iconic figures.
Boy killed chasing a suicide bomber
The big match: Rodman, in grey suit, next to Kim, with former NBA stars and North Korean officials Picture: ePA
A BOY aged 15 died while trying to stop a suicide bombing at his school. Aitzaz Hassan saw the man approach and began to chase him in a village in Hangu, Pakistan. Moments later, the bomb was detonated, killing the teenager. There is a growing clamour for him to receive a military decoration for bravery. ‘I am happy my son has become a martyr by sacrificing his life for a noble cause,’ said his father, Mujahid Ali Bangash, 55.
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c-section baby was ‘stolen’ Lion hanged in ‘death’ zoo
BRAziL: Doctors have been accused of stealing a baby from the womb of a woman whose pregnancy they said was ‘imaginary’. After Claudia Aparecida Lopes, 30, awoke from her C-section she was told there was no baby. ‘We were told it would be a boy,’ her husband, 23, said. ‘I need to know what happened to my son.’
and finally...
inDOnEsiA: A young lion has been found hanged at a zoo notorious for animal deaths. The big cat, named Michael, apparently got his head tangled in loose steel cables in his cage at Surabaya Zoo in East Java. A Facebook campaign is demanding the closure of the ‘zoo of death’. Police are investigating.
samsung workers start riot cruel owner cooked pet cat
ViETnAM: Thousands of workers building the world’s largest Samsung factory rioted after guards beat one of them with an electric baton. Twenty were injured in clashes after torching containers. Samsung said the beaten worker was stopped after failing to produce his entrance card at the plant in Thai Nguyen.
AMERicA: A pet owner has been arrested for skinning and baking his cat. Cody Alexander Mann told police he killed it as he wanted to see how it would taste ‘cooked with onions’. Mann (pictured), of Minnesota, was charged with animal cruelty and torture.
Ex-marine ‘killed stepfather with atomic wedgie’
You missed a bit: A ray photobombs worker Lance Neal as he cleans a pool at the London Aquarium
by TARiq TAHiR
Picture: Mikael Buck
AN Aide accused of creating needless traffic jams to punish a mayor who refused to back her state governor boss has been fired. Bridget Kelly was dismissed for leaving Chris Christie ‘embarrassed and humiliated’ – with the US presidential hopeful claiming he’d known nothing of a damning email she sent. ‘i’ve terminated her employment, effective immediately,’ New Jersey governor Mr Christie said. ‘i’ve terminated her employment because she lied to me.’ The scandal erupted after it
pHiLippinEs: Crowds try to touch the life-size statue of Christ during the feast of the Black Nazarene in Manila Picture: caters
spAin: Single women looking for love are causing annoyance by ringing a bell that traditionally helps find them a partner. Females pull the ropes of the Torre de la Vela at the Alhambra in Granada each January but locals are saying they are too noisy.
Revenge roadworks aide sacked for lying emerged Ms Kelly had emailed an official appointed by Mr Christie, saying it was ‘time for some traffic problems in Fort Lee’. The message was sent in August after Fort Lee mayor Mark Sokolich chose not to endorse the governor for reelection. Weeks later, two out of three lanes linking Fort Lee to a busy bridge were closed
without warning, creating huge snarl-ups. Mr Christie – who’d previously denied claims that the roadworks were a revenge ploy – said he was ‘stunned’ by his staff’s ‘stupidity’ after the email and other messages came to light. Although he claims ignorance, gleeful democrats say the episode shows he is a bully.
A FORMER marine has been charged with murder after allegedly giving his stepfather an ‘atomic wedgie’. Brad Lee Davis hoisted up the waistband on Denver St Clair’s underwear so tightly the victim suffocated, police said. Ligature marks were found around the 58year-old’s neck, while blood was splattered in the kitchen and on the living room ceiling. Davis, 33, claimed he was acting in selfdefence after a fight broke out but stressed he didn’t throw the first punch. Investigators have found a text in which Davis told a friend he would hurt his stepfather because he had ‘nothing to lose’. Sheriff Mike Booth said: ‘I’ve never seen this before. When we first looked at our victim, the waistband of his underwear was around his neck. We continued our investigation and uncovered evidence which led us
to believe this was more than a fight.’ The murder happened on December 21, while Davis and his stepfather were drinking beer in Oklahoma. Mr St Clair began ‘speaking ill’ about his wife, who was also Davis’s mother, accordCharged: Davis ing to a police affidavit. It is believed Davis gave his stepfather the ‘atomic wedgie’ once he had been knocked unconscious during the scuffle. He was standing over the victim’s body and smoking a cigarette when police arrived. Medical examiner Amy Elliott said that Mr St Clair’s cause of death was asphyxiation and blunt force trauma. His daughter Carol has paid tribute to the motorcycle lover on Facebook, writing: ‘He was a one-of-a-kind man and will be missed dearly.’
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Our uncle got home thanks to this very kind couple
O
n December 30 last my uncle, who is 82 years old and suffers from Alzheimer’s, went missing for a number of hours. We were very worried as it was a bitterly cold night, and we couldn’t help thinking of the poor lady who went missing last year. We would like to thank a very kind couple who found him on the Howth Road in a confused state. They took the time to talk to him and to help him eventually remember his address. They then stopped a taxi, explained the situation and paid the taxi driver to take him to the address he had given. We don’t know who they are, but hopefully they will read this. Thank you so much for your kindness. God knows what would have happened to him if you hadn’t helped. Extremely Grateful ■ Leonard, are you having a giraffe? ‘Traces of alcohol’ as in 0.00001 per cent? Club Shandy was sold openly in shops when I was growing up – it’s non-alcoholic cider. Consider dismounting your high horse and find something more important in the world to worry about. Owen
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Quick pic
■ Former professional footballer Thomas Hitzlsperger has revealed he’s gay (Metro Herald, Thursday). Fair play to him. I hope more footballers feel they are able to come out now, so being gay becomes accepted in football and sport in general. Kai ■ The only reason coming out ends up being an issue these days is because the media makes it that way. So he’s gay? Good for him but, in this day and age, it shouldn’t even be an issue. Dean ■ Hopefully there will be a day when someone doesn’t have to announce whether they like men, women or both. As long as someone is happy and it’s not interfering with my life or harming anyone else, then why should they have to declare who they prefer to be with? Natalie ■ While I have the upmost sympathy and respect for Mark Duggan’s family, I find it difficult to believe their portrayal of him as a peaceful family man. If this was the case, why was he in possession of a gun in the first place? Janet
‘Mail’ to 53131* Facebook.com/ metroherald
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HARBOUR HUES: Amateur photographer Eoghan Redmond took this illuminating shot of a double rainbow over Kinvara, Co Galway, last weekend
Send your photos to pictures@metroherald.ie with ‘Quick pic’ as the subject and we will print the best
gOOD On yA
yEH big RiDE
● To the very kind gentleman who picked up my shopping after the bag burst in the rain. He then got a fresh bag and repacked it for me. Thank you so much. Sleuthy
● To the raven-haired hunk on the Dart from Blackrock to town yesterday with your fold-up bike, fancy a spin sometime?
● To the girl in the flowery pajamas in my local Spar yesterday, thanks for giving me a laugh first thing. Still chuckling
● You had McDreamy eyes and a George Clooney chin on the 39 at 8.40 on Tuesday. I was too shy to say hi. Next time? Blondie
RAnDOM AcTs Of kinDnEss
yOuR RusH-HOuR cRusH
TREnDing
#MarsOne
● Irishman Joseph Roche (Kildare) is among 1,058 people shortlisted to be among the first to colonise Mars.
@rgctobin
● Irish man potentially going to Mars to set up colony in 2025 knowing that he can’t come back! #intense. @ryanhopkins10 ● Reminded of Ernest Shackleton’s recruitment ad for ‘Endurance’ exploration
The girl in the green beanie making eyes at you
@metrohnews #metromailbox
‘..safe return doubtful’. #MarsOne’
@marionmcevoy
● The rest of your life cooped up in a spacesuit with limited time outside, away from your family, friends and Earth forever... @ficoff ● The longer I spend on Earth, the more tempted I am to ask the #MarsOne people if they’ll let me apply. @A_Silent_Shout
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Friday, January 10, 2014 METRO HERALD
13
And the Oscar goes to… Film Strip
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14 METRO HERALD Friday, January 10, 2014
film
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A galaxy of film favourites Serious: Matthew McConaughey
With the oscar nominations announced next week, Larushka Ivan-Zadeh looks at the films likely to win the votes
DALLAs BuyERs CLuB
12 yEARs A sLAvE Director Steve McQueen Starring Chiwetel ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Benedict Cumberbatch, Lupita Nyong’o What it’s about In pre-Civil War America, a free, well-to-do black New Yorker is kidnapped and forced into slavery. And he endures it for 12 years. Nominations so far Ten Baftas, seven Golden Globes Why we rate it A powerful and important true story, ensemble performances of outstanding integrity and sublimely beautiful direction. The critics’ choice, this strong, harrowing drama is a genuine work of art. Bookie odds 4/9 (William Hill) Put your money on… Gravity may have the odds but this is our prediction to scoop best film. And, if the oscar hype machine continues to get behind it, then it may just score best director, best actor and best supporting actor/actress too.
Harrowing drama: Chiwetel Ejiofor plays a kidnapped slave
GRAviTy
Director Alfonso Cuarón Starring Sandra Bullock, George Clooney What it’s about Two US astronauts struggle to survive in space after an accident destroys their shuttle. Houston won’t ‘come in’ and oxygen is dwindling… Nominations so far 11 BAFTAs, four Golden Globes Why we rate it: An out-of-thisworld realisation of space’s vast silent vistas combined with a bravely simple, intimate and breathtakingly tense survival drama. The only movie this year that truly justifies 3D. Plus, it’s the closest you’ll get to the sensation of walking in space yourself. Bookie odds 3/1 Put your money on Bookies’ choice for Best Film but spread your bets. Set to scoop up in the technical categories, it should be the biggest overall winner on the night.
CApTAin pHiLLips Director Paul Greengrass Starring Tom Hanks, Barkhad Abdi (pictured below) What it’s about Another pulse-pounding thriller from the director of the last two Bourne films, this is based on the real-life 2009 hijacking of a US container ship by Somali pirates. Nominations so far 9 BAFTAs, 4 Golden Globes Why we rate it High tension on the high seas provides all the nail-biting
thrills you could hope for, while a bravely non-heroic finale propels it away from Hollywood action territory to serious drama. Bookie odds 20/1 Put your money on Two-time oscarwinner Tom Hanks is a strong possible for a hat-trick Best Actor but it’s his unknown co-star, Barkhad Abdi, that is the canny outside bet to win Best Supporting Actor.
Bookies’ favourite: Sandra Bullock and George Clooney are stranded in Gravity
AMERiCAn HusTLE Director David o russell Starring: Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence (pictured below) What it’s about ‘Sort of’ based on true events, this 1970s caper sees a conman and his mistress coerced by the cops to pull one over the Mafia. Nominations so far Ten BAFTAs, seven Golden Globes Why we rate it The dazzling performances by an eccentrically costumed A-list cast. After russell’s Silver Linings Playbook was the ‘alternative’ oscars, can he translate that into wins here? Bookie odds: 6/1 Put your money on:
Don’t. Facing strong competition in all major categories, this is likely to score big on nominations but low on wins. Best bet: Jennifer Lawrence for Best Supporting Actress.
THE WOLf Of WALL sTREET Director Martin Scorsese Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill What it’s about A crazy black comedy starring DiCaprio (pictured) as unorthodox stockbroker Jordan Belfort. Nominations so far Four BAFTAs, two Golden Globes Why we rate it A
late-career wild card from Scorsese, this is a deranged and hilarious ride. That Scorsese was working on it to the last minute means it screened late for voters, which may count against it in the polls. Bookie odds 25/1 Put your money on Scorsese is notoriously unloved by the Academy, so don’t go for Best Director. With Vanity Fair now accusing this of glorifying criminal behaviour, it’s extraunlikely to wolf up the gold.
More oSCAr HOpEfuLs
pHiLOMEnA
Director Stephen Frears Starring Judi Dench, Steve Coogan What it’s about A sacked journalist teams up with an Irish lady to hunt for her long-lost son, who some strong-armed nuns forced her to give up for adoption. Nominations so far 4 BAFTAs, 3 Golden Globes Why we rate it A brilliantly deft mix of comedy and pathos. This hit boasts one of the year’s finest and most inspired comedy double acts: writer/producer/actor Steve ‘Alan Partridge’ Coogan and
Director Jean-Marc Vallée Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Garner, Jared Leto What it’s about: Dallas 1985. A whoring, wild-living, sometime rodeo bull-riding redneck is diagnosed with Aids and given 30 days to live. He uses his time to start running an illegal HIV drugs ring. Nominations so far Two Golden Globes Why we rate it Matthew McConaughey’s reinvention from shirt-shunning, romcom himbo to ‘serious’ actor is complete. He lost half his body weight to play this reformed racist homophobe and his commitment is writ large on screen. Bookie odds 40/1 Put your money on Though shunned completely by the BAFTAs, there’s more love over the Pond for this one. And the Academy adores a bit of physical transformation. Leto is the hot fave for Best Supporting Actor.
Finest double act: Dame Judi Dench and Steve Coogan the redoubtable Dame Judi Dench. one to make you laugh and cry. Bookie odds 66/1 Put your money on Dench is outstanding but she’s hardly
a new face on the block and Cate Blanchett has long had dibs on Best Actress for Blue Jasmine. This deserves Best Adapated Screenplay but may be just too lowkey to win over Academy voters.
Blue Jasmine Writer/director Woody Allen may well scoop Best original Screenplay for this biting recession comedy, while Cate Blanchett has long been tipped for Best Actress. August: Osage County Yet to be released, this has the heavy backing of movie mogul Harvey Weinstein. Meryl Streep and costar Julia roberts are big threats in both Actress categories. Nebraska The exquisite but muted black and white drama from the director of The Descendants is a definite for Best Actor/Screenplay and Film nominations. It may even quietly bag the first two.
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film
features@metroherald.ie to advertise, call 01 7055010
Masterly account of slavery THE Big RELEAsE
12 Years a slave (15) HHHHH
‘Well, that’s the Oscars sewn up,’ I pronounced as the credits rolled on my film of the year – yes, I know it’s only January. Based on a first-person account, this magnificent drama about an African-American family man kidnapped from his well-to-do New York life into slavery in the 1840s truly has it all. It is a powerful and important true story: there are still shamefully few movies made about US slavery, still fewer made by black film-makers. And it comes with a sensational cast. Chiwetel Ejiofor may be gathering Best Actor nominations by the fistful but here his performance impresses by being the very opposite of showy. As Solomon Northup, the formerly silk-cravated violinist who endured 12
years of beatings and indignities while clutching to the tatters of his identity, he portrays a man who keeps a fierce, desperate hold on his emotions lest he ‘drown in sorrow’. Despite the one ‘Hollywood’ line – ‘I don’t want to survive – I want to live’ – there are no stirring Spartacus-meets-Spielberg heroics here. And it’s no one-man band. The ensemble includes Benedict Cumberbatch as the half-baked ‘nice’ slave owner, Brad Pitt as the liberal saviour (well, he is a producer), Michael Fassbender, monstrously human as a psychotic, abusive cotton farmer, and the ‘star is born’ debut of Lupita Nyong’o as his abused pet slave. Add the visionary direction by Steve McQueen, the British Turner Prize-winning artist turned filmmaker (Hunger, Shame), and you have an out-and-out stunner. McQueen doesn’t spare the rod
The railwaY Man (15) HHH✩✩
What is Nicole Kidman doing here, exactly? And why is she wearing ‘that’ cardigan? These are the main thoughts that sustained me during this grim, stiff period drama. On paper it’s an awards contender: Colin Firth does his emotionally constipated Englishman act as Eric Lomax, a traumatised World War II veteran and trainspotter, who meets his wifeto-be (Kidman doing dowdy) on a train. ‘I’ve never kissed a man with a moustache before,’ she smiles coyly. But just as we’re snuggling into our slippers to enjoy a late-blooming romance, The Railway Man transports us to a very dark, faraway place.
What a difference a year makes. When UK DJ Blawan played at the Twisted Pepper 12 months ago, he had become a ubiquitous name thanks to his infectious/ annoying His He She release on Hinge Finger. Since then, he has focused his efforts on his Karenn live project with Pariah and appears to have taken a back seat with Blawan. The same could not be said about support act Sunil Sharpe (pictured) whose hard-edged productions and sets have seen him booked at clubs all over Europe. It’ll be interesting to see what both DJs do next and this weekend’s gig is sure to provide some clues. Tonight, MUD/Bodytonic, The Twisted Pepper, Middle Abbey Street D1, 10.30pm, €13 to €15.
DJ Bone
So many techno DJs and producers use Detroit’s
Larushka ivan-Zadeh
In flashback, we see the young Eric (Jeremy Irvine – a revelation) taken as a prisoner of war by the Japanese and extensively, brutally tortured. The plot’s turning point comes when Finlay, Lomax’s old wartime buddy (Stellan Skarsgård), discovers that one of his Japanese torturers is still alive and urges Lomax to go back and exact justice. Like the recently released Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom, this is another reconciliation drama where an extraordinarily powerful original story is given an uninspired movie treatment. It’s well acted, with a few moments of remarkable intensity, but it’s not a journey you’d rush to take.
THis wEEkEnD’s cLuBs Blawan & sunil sharpe
when it comes to violence, physical or emotional. This is a film that will leave your guts, heart and tear ducts wrung dry. It’s sublimely beautiful too.
musical heritage as a marketing technique, but DJ Bone lives it. He’s still based in the city, where he runs the excellent Subject Detroit label. Bone was a regular visitor to Dublin during the late 1990s and early 2000s, but as this weekend’s performance is sure to demonstrate he has lost none of his skills behind three decks. Tomorrow, Pogo/ Culture Shock, The Twisted Pepper, Middle Abbey Street D1, 10.30pm, €12 to €10.
Paolo Martini & Paul C
With over four decades’ experience between them, Paolo Martini & Paul C’s international profile has really taken off in the past five years, with a series of releases for labels like Area Remote, Terminal M and Hot Creations. Expect to hear tracky tribal house all night long. Tonight, The Button Factory, Curved Street, Temple Bar D2, 11pm, €10. Richard Brophy
Li-Z
Meteor choice MusiC Prize
Kodaline, Villagers, Bell X1 and Little Green Cars are four of the most well known acts to make the cut for this year’s ten-strong Meteor Choice Music Prize shortlist. One of Ireland’s most prestigious arts awards, the Choice is often likened to the UK’s Mercury Music Prize, not least because it tends to champion alternative acts who seldom find themselves troubling the Top Ten. Last year, in an atypically populist move, the award went to Delorentos for their crowd-pleasing Little Sparks album, while previous winners also include Julie Feeney (pictured), Adrian Crowley, Super Extra Bonus Party and two-time victor Jape. This year’s bookie’s favourites are Kevin Shields’s gauzy altrock icons My Bloody Valentine, who stunned fans earlier this year with the release of their MBV album, some 22 years since their seminal Loveless LP landed. Also in contention for this year’s gong are Girls Names, Mano Le Tough, Lisa O’Neill, And So I Watch You From Afar ar and O Emperor. The overall winner,, who’ll pick up €10,000 for or their efforts, will be revealed evealed live at an event in Vicar Street on February 27. Tickets, €23.50, on sale today.
Darkness visible: Oscar-worthy Chiwetel Ejiofor and Baftanominated Michael Fassbender in 12 Years A Slave
Friday, January 10, 2014 METRO HERALD
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DeliverY Man (12A) HHH✩✩ A loveable loser called David (Vince Vaughn), who still drives a deli truck for his dad, is finally forced to grow up when he knocks up his casual girlfriend (Cobie Smulders, just about the only woman in the entire film). So far so familiar, given ‘man-boys to men’ pretty much sums up the plot of most US comedies of the past 20 years. The juicy twist here is that a lawyer then informs David that he’s fathered 533 other children via the anonymous sperm donations he made as a penniless student. Now 142 of them want to know who their daddy is – and have filed a lawsuit accordingly. Anyone who’s seen Starbuck, the spunkier 2011 French-Canadian original, won’t find much new here – it’s even remade by the same director. But then they aren’t the target audience. This is very much aimed at the multiplex crowd. A sentimental exploration of what fatherhood means that doesn’t overdo it with the sperm gags, it’s a rather charming if unexceptional dramedy. And while his character may struggle with becoming a dad, Vaughn himself effortlessly delivers another gurgling, feel-good comedy turn. Li-Z
16 METRO HERALD Friday, January 10, 2014
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television
things we love and hate tv3, 10pm Stand-ups Niamh Marron, Eric Lalor, Gar Murran and Andrew Stanley (pictured) along with fellow comics Jarlath Regan, Colum McDonnell, Damian Clark and Willie White interact with members of the public to delve into those things we Irish love and hate – and love to talk about. From the weather, TV shows, politics, sex, drugs and our attitudes towards foreigners, this first of a twoparter is bound to have you cracking up with laughter.
kangaroo dundee BBC2, 8.30pm
ar fud na tíre tG4, 7.30pm Eibhlín Ni Choistealbha presents this brand new magazine series featuring stories from around the country. On this evening’s show she pays a visit to two Connemara women who have dedicated their lives to rescuing abandoned dogs. Former Galway hurler Cathal Moore talks about his difficult recovery after a life-threatening illness, while Dubliner Ciarán Mac Fhearghusa finds his zen by combining his two passions yoga and Gaeilge.
It’s lump-in-the-throat time for our final visit to Brolga’s rescue sanctuary in Alice Springs, where the foster kangaroo dad (pictured) prepares to send his three little joeys off to find their feet in the grown-up world of the main mob. It’s also a fond farewell to cheeky wallaby Rocky, who skips off happily to his new mountain home.
film of the day Cowboys & aliens, RTÉ2, 9pm For such a jokey title, there’s a lot of serious talent involved in this comic-book adaptation about a close encounter of the bloody kind in Arizona in 1873. Oscar winners Steven Spielberg and Ron Howard serve as producers. Director Jon Favreau previously brought wit and verve to Iron Man. James Bond (Daniel Craig) saddles up as the amnesiac hero with Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) in grizzled support. But sometimes it takes ‘ten smart and talented people to come up with a mediocre movie’. That’s not us talking, you understand, that’s Universal head Ron Meyer explaining why this $163million misfire flopped. Meyer is right to confess his would-be blockbuster ‘wasn’t good enough’,
fleadh cheoil RtÉ1, 7.30pm
WeekeND WAtCh an ceoldráma SUN, tG4, 8pm
but with humourless cowboys and aliens that the exec aptly labels ‘crappy… little creatures bouncing around’, this film actually falls short of mediocre.
A fly-on-the-wall series following talented pupils and their teachers from four Gaelscoils as they put together a musical to compete in the All-Ireland Schools’ Drama Competition, or the Féile Scoildrámaíochta as Gaeilge. More than 10,000 pupils take part every year in the Féile, which is 80 this year, and past performers include Liam Neeson and Domhnall Gleeson.
the graham norton show SAt, 3e & tv3, 9pm & 11pm
Here’s another chance to catch the latest from
John Creedon and Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin (right) present the talent from traditional musicians from Ireland, Britain, Norway, Russia and the US at the Fleadh Cheoil held in Northern Ireland for the first time in Derry’s year as City of Culture. tonight’s programme features performances from American fiddler Liz Carroll, backed by Co Antrim musician Seán Óg Graham, and Anglo-Irish trad band Flook team up with Co Clare box player Bobby Gardiner. Graham and his orange couch if you missed it last night on BBC1 because of a schedule clash with Tubs and his brown leather chairs. Topping the bill are Robert De Niro and Sylvester Stallone, hoping to pack a heavyweight Hollywood punch with new boxing movie Grudge Match, Jonah Hill bigs up his part in The Wolf Of Wall Street ((starring Leonardo DiCaprio) while Carey Mulligan plugs Inside Llewyn Davis, the Coen brothers’ film which was surprisingly overlooked in the recent Baftas.
the voice uk BBC1, SAt, 7pm
Can the arrival of pop’s princess Kylie Minogue in one of those spinning-round chairs finally make The Voice something to shout about? If they don’t get a big winner this time, it’ll be three strikes and out – so Kylie and her fellow judges Will. I.Am, Tom Jones and Kaiser Chief Ricky Wilson will have their work cut out.
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Friday, January 10, 2014 METRO HERALD
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YOUR DUBLIN WEEkEND with daragh reddin GIG
GET DOWN TO…
Cass McCombs Not a chap to hang about, Cass McCombs has released seven albums in the past ten years, the latest of which, Big Wheel And Others, might be his most definitive. A selfproclaimed nomad who grew up in suburban California but whose music is rooted in the American heartland, he often seems to luxuriate in his elusive profile and has given just a handful of interviews over the past few years. Laconic to a fault – he has joked that his headstone will read ‘Home At Last’ – his tunes combine scabrous observational humour and poetic archness. Nor is he above the occasional foray into social commentary – the video accompanying the title track of his new album considers the chestnut: what does it mean to be a man? It is not clear McCombs has a clear answer but he certainly mulls over the subject in fascinating, provocative fashion. Early in his career he was lazily likened to Bob Dylan and Neil Young; in terms of the textures of his work, there is little to the comparisons and yet from another perspective they make complete sense. Detached, reluctant to play the game, he is the latest in a line of American originals who can seem both carved from stone and as difficult to pin down as the shifting sands. Eamon de Paor Tomorrow, Workman’s Club, 10 Wellington Quay D2, 8pm. €16.50. Tel: 0818 719 300. www.cassmccombs.com
CURIOUS ABOUT… In The Realm Of The Senses
Nagisa Oshima’s explicit 1976 film of sexual obsession follows the torrid affair between Sada (Eiko Matsuda) – forced to work in a brothel in 1936 – and the brothel-keeper’s husband, Kichizo. Their physical relationship (the sex most certainly isn’t merely simulated) soon develops into a form of dangerous escapism. Based on a true story, this controversial political allegory straddles the porn/art divide and still foments debate almost 40 years since its first release Tomorrow, IFI, 6 Eustace Street D2, 4.10pm, €8.50. Tel: (01) 679 3477. www.ifi.ie
BE INSPIRED BY... Chris Hadfield signing
The coolest man on the planet – nay, in the universe – will regale the boffins of tomorrow with tales of derring-do at this year’s BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition in the RDS. The new Irish tourism ambassador, who captured the imaginations of people around the world by recording a version of David Bowie’s Space Oddity in space and our hearts by tweeting as gaeilge, will also be signing copies of his Astronaut’s Guide To Life On Earth tomorrow morning. Books will be available to buy from the venue Tomorrow, Royal Dublin Society Members Library, RDS, Merrion Road Ballsbridge D4, 9.30am to 10.30am. www.chrishadfield.ca
Lindi Ortega
‘Canada’s best-kept country secret’ is how one astute commentator referred to Lindi Ortega, the Toronto native who has, fittingly enough, recently settled in Nashville. On her 2011 rockabilly-seeped collection Little Red Boots, Ortega channelled everyone from Dolly Parton to Wanda Jackson and Linda Ronstadt, while on last year’s Tin Star, the influence of her adopted hometown was even more in evidence. ‘You don’t know me/ I’m a nobody,’ she sings on the title track – a line that will surely raise titters when her gorgeous voice and canny lyrics finally make her a stadium-only proposition Tomorrow, The Sugar Club, 8 Lower Leeson Street D2, 8pm, €13. Tel: 0818 719 300. www.lindiortega.ca
First Fortnight
The annual First Fortnight festival comes to an end this weekend following another inspired line-up featuring choice examples of contemporary theatre, art and film dealing explicitly – or otherwise – with issues of mental health prejudice. This year’s closing party features a triumvirate of homegrown musical talent in the shape of synth folk duo Come On Live Long, electro alt-popsters Vann Music and singing siblings Heathers Tomorrow, Button Factory, Curved Street D2, 8.30pm, €12. Tel: (01) 670 9202. www.firstfortnight.ie
Pacino’s At Night
GIGGLE AT... Jason Byrne
Having found success in the UK with BBC sitcom Father Figure, where he played a pathologically inept family man, Dublin funny guy Jason Byrne kicks off the first of three January dates at Vicar Street this weekend. Expect surreal flights of fancy, zany anecdotes and a healthy dash of audience participation/ mortification, and God help you if you find yourself sitting in the front row Tomorrow, Jan 18 & Jan 25, Vicar Street, 58-59 Thomas Street D8, 7.30pm, €28. Tel: 0818 719 300. www.vicarstreet.ie
The popular Italian restaurant Pacino’s on Suffolk Street is adding another string to its bow this January when it starts doubling as a live music and club venue. Celebrated music blogger Nialler9 presents the first shindig in a monthly, late-night residency tomorrow night. Tonight, meanwhile, funk ensemble Jungle Swingerz’ ragbag of global sounds is guaranteed to shake off the post-Christmas cobwebs – of course, booze from the prohibition-style Blind Pig Cocktail bar should also help. Doors open just before midnight and the party continues well into the wee hours... Tonight, Pacino’s, 18 Suffolk Street D2, midnight, €10 (€7 concession for posting ‘Jungle Swingerz’ on the Facebook event page). www.pacinos.eu
01 443 0800
108-109 Middle Abbey St, Dublin 1
basecamp.ie
18 METRO HERALD Friday, January 10, 2014
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Business&Careers Irish banks ‘to blame for Sepa hold-ups’
IrIsh businesses have lamented the slow adoption of a new euro payment scheme by Irish banks that would allow for cheaper and faster transfers between European bank accounts. Calling on the Central Bank to intensify efforts to migrate to the new system, the Irish small and Medium Enterprise Association’s CEO Mark Fielding said ‘once again Irish banks have let us down by dragging their collective heels in the implementation of sepa’. Their frustrations follow the announcement that the European Commission has extended a deadline for the introduction of the new faster intra-bank payments system by six months following delays in some EU member states.
Fund Accountant, Dublin who will be responsible for preparing accurate and timely net asset valuations for a growing portfolio of hedge and private equity funds and performing certain share registrar and transfer agency functions, including processing investment and shareholder transactions and posting accounting entries. Key duties will also include involvement in client-related and internal administrative functions and liaison with investment managers, prime brokers and other transaction counterparties in various international jurisdictions. The successful candidate will be expected to deliver high levels of client service in accordance with internal policies and procedures. He/she should have an excellent academic background and will have at least 3 years experience in accounting for investment products, ideally with single-manager hedge funds and private equity funds. Preference will be given to candidates with prior fund administration and Advent Geneva accounting software experience. Key skills and competencies required for this hands-on role include a clear understanding of securities commonly
to advertise, call 01 7055010
THE iT cROwD: Research and Innovation Minister Sean Sherlock was joined by manager of IT company EMC, Gerry Murray, the masked Data Hero and students from St Patrick’s School in Limerick at the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition to urge CAO applicants to consider opting for IT college courses Picture: Maxwells
€65m exports and 95 jobs in trade mission ‘success’
Fund Accountant , Dublin Applications are invited by the Dublin office of Maples Fund Services for the position of
news@metroherald.ie
encountered in the hedge fund industry, including equities, bonds, swaps, options, and futures, and the ability to account for these securities. We offer a supportive environment structured on a team basis, and a compelling career growth opportunity. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Only qualified candidates will be contacted. Qualified applicants should email their CVs to Stacey Ford at careers@maplesfs.com.
Maples Fund Services (Ireland) Limited forms part of the MaplesFS group. MaplesFS is an independent global services provider. Through our fiduciary and fund services divisions, we look to form strategic long-term partnerships with each of our clients. With offices in leading onshore and offshore jurisdictions, we combine a unique global client service model with leading technology and custom integration. Through this adaptable approach, we create business solutions governed by our clients’ diverse and sophisticated requirements.
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MORE THAN €65million in contracts has been awarded to Irish companies following a five-day trade mission to the Gulf. The Government has welcomed news that 95 new jobs have been created from the tour, and said that the announcement was a major contribution towards export targets to the region in the next five years. ‘The reality is that the work done this week will make a major contribution towards our target of €1billion in exports to the region, which would support 4,000 extra jobs in Ireland,’ said Minister for Jobs Richard Bruton. ‘I hope that with continued sup-
By DAviD KEARns
port from Government, we can deliver on our targets for this region and support the jobs we need.’ Throughout the week, Irish companies from a range of sectors concluded deals, prospected with potential buyers and networked with local experts and buyers in what was the largest ever Irish trade mission to the Gulf. Taoiseach Enda Kenny said that the Enterprise Ireland trade mission to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates had been ‘highly successful’, adding that the mission would go a long way to
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seeing Irish companies ‘increase their export footprint across the Gulf region.’ Brushing off claims that trade matters were pursued at the expense of raising human rights issues, Mr Kenny said his priority in the region was to talk about trade and job creation, adding that Ireland would continue to raise human rights issues at the appropriate forums, such as the European Union and the United Nations. Meanwhile, Emirates Airlines has said it intends to add a second flight each day between Dublin and Dubai. It is understood the extra service will begin in September.
businEss biTEs n MARKS & Spencer hit back yesterday at critics of the retailer’s sluggish Christmas sales. CEO Marc Bolland blamed other stores for creating a discount culture on the high street by panicking and slashing prices too early. He attributed the UK retailer’s poor third quarter to bad weather and a Christmas price war in a ‘highly promotional market’. Figures showed M&S clothing and homeware sales for the 13 weeks to December 28 fell 2.1 per cent – the tenth consecutive dip. n MORE planes are being ordered to cope with a rise in passenger numbers – as airlines replace their ageing fleet. Boeing and Airbus have sold more than 82,000 planes worldwide since 2008, and expect sales to grow because the International Air Transport Association expects travellers to make 3.9billion more trips in the next four years. It is good news for plane makers, but bad for the airlines. Old planes they would have once sold are now sent to a scrapyard in Roswell, New Mexico.
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Friday, January 10, 2014 METRO HERALD
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news@metroherald.ie to advertise, call 01 7055010
Sacked insurance bosses ‘avoided’ governance controls RSA INSURANCE has sought to draw a line under the scandal at its Irish arm after an independent investigation found ‘inappropriate collaboration’ among the division’s managers led to a €242million hole in its finances. The report, led by PricewaterhouseCoopers, confirmed the issues were isolated to Ireland and alleged executives sought to deliberately sidestep group governance controls. RSA, which owns popular insurer 123.ie, said Irish finance boss Rory
Career Doctor wnes Jane Downes
Like most people, I’ve been following the Nigella Lawson saga with a guilty fascination. This lady seemed to have it all – she’s a cooking expert, a brilliant communicator, has money, fame... and then – fiasco. Somehow I suspect Nigella’s going to do just fine. The people I’m worried about are those who have suffered reputational damage without having the zeroes to the left of the decimal point on their bank balance. Let me paint a picture. Norman has worked a job successfully for
by HOLLy wiLLiAMS
O’Connor and the division’s claims director Peter Burke were fired over the issue on Wednesday following a disciplinary and appeals process. Irish chief executive Philip Smith had already resigned. But RSA revealed yet more woes as it said the severe flooding in the UK and Ireland over Christmas, combined with the ice storms in Toronto, would hit 2013 figures. The group has been rocked after its Irish crisis contributed to three
15 years. Suddenly, top brass in now has a glitchy CV and assumes the company changes and a new references from his ex-employer and alien management culture is have gone against him. imposed. Almost overnight, Resilience is the name of the Norman finds his job description game here. Norman needs to changed radically. He is now rebuild self-esteem by refusing to spending 70 per cent of his time allow the 15 successful years be travelling and is expected to tap annulled by the crisis at the end. into a skillset that is quite He needs to go online and foreign to him. drive a career narrative What happens? The of his own choosing. morning arrives He needs to be Resilience is the ruthlessly political in when he can’t get out of bed. His GP his choice of referee. name of the orders him to take And he needs to game stress leave. Norman present a clear, does so and, within honest but well-crafted weeks, decides to resign account at interview. before being pushed out. Easier said than done? For Fast forward 15 months and, sure. Undoable? No way. despite two short-term contracts, Career coach Jane Downes is the Norman still hasn’t found his feet. author of The Career Book (thecareerbook.ie) and principal coach He reckons, quite credibly, that his of Clearview Coaching Group, reputation has been damaged. He clearviewcoachgroup.com.
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profit warnings in the run-up to Christmas, leading to the resignation of group CEO Simon Lee. PwC confirmed that further writedowns were not needed on top of the €242million set aside to cover the Irish accounting hit, but shares fell two per cent amid fears over RSA’s balance sheet strength. RSA executive chairman Martin Scicluna said: ‘The issues which emerged were completely unacceptable and I have made it my personal priority to ensure this never happens again.’
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Happy union AIG’s Declan Cooney and Brian Mulholland of the Irish League of Credit Unions got together to announce the Credit Union’s new deal with the insurance company to provide travel insurance to its customers through a new CoverU.ie product Picture: Maxwells
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puzzles
METROSCOPE by Patrick Arundell
NEMI by Lise
Aries Mar 21 – Apr 20
The early days of this new year have shown that whatever your goals, you can’t automatically expect other people to fall in with you. Although your targets are clearly very important to you, other people have other needs and agendas. For your forecast, call 15609 114 70
Taurus Apr 21 – May 21
Chances are you’ll continue to learn more about how others see you and your needs. Yet today, a very solid connection between Venus and the Sun suggests one growing alliance can give you all the feedback you want.
METROKU Easy, Moderate and Challenging. For solutions, visit Metro.co.uk/metroku
For your forecast, call 15609 114 71
Gemini May 22 – Jun 21
If you’re searching for answers in terms of refinancing your situation, new income streams, or even a job role that will be more remunerative, today the stars look very promising. Yet, you may have to rouse yourself to seize the opportunity. For your forecast, call 15609 114 72
Cancer Jun 22 – Jul 23
Someone you’re spending time with may be starting to penetrate into your consciousness more. Perhaps this person doesn’t have dazzling charisma, yet you maybe appreciating they are a solid citizen and can be of help to you. For your forecast, call 15609 114 73
Leo Jul 24 – Aug 23
Feelings can be more difficult to disguise. But this can be a good thing if you’re in a good space. And chances are you can sense a growing order and organisation at the root of your world or perhaps a greater appreciation of life’s simple pleasures.
PEARLs BEFORE swINE
For your forecast, call 15609 114 74
Virgo Aug 24 – Sep 23
There’s a wonderful chance for you to balance your natural precision with your earthy charm and creative flair. Coupling these strands is not always easy to achieve, so try to seize the chance to be as productive as possible. For your forecast, call 15609 114 75
ACROSS 1 Fivefold (9) 8 Single (3) 9 Announcement (11) 11 Mats (7) 12 Of those (5) 13 Vindicate (6) 15 Injury (6) 17 Lucifer (5) 18 Want (7) 20 Order (11) 22 Decay (3) 23 To the letter (9)
DOWN 2 Employ (3) 3 Track (5) 4 Laud (6) 5 Letter (7) 6 Suitableness (11) 7 Submission (9) 10 Focus (11) 11 Convey (9) 14 Universal (7) 16 Lodestone (6) 19 Guide (5) 21 Nothing (3)
Yesterday’s Solutions Across: 1 Repair; 4 Errand; 9 Chronological; 10 Emperor; 11 Limit; 12 Scope; 14 Broom; 18 Incur; 19 Radiant; 21 Pronunciation; 22 Listen; 23 Clinch. Down: 1 Riches; 2 Perspicacious; 3 Inner; 5 Regular; 6 Accommodation; 7 Dilute; 8 Glory; 13 Perfume; 15 Dispel; 16 Tract; 17 Stench; 20 Drawl..
scorpio Oct 24 – Nov 22
The stars this year have been encouraging you to continue to open up to new ideas. The problem is Mars has been stirring some emotional sediment deep within you, which may have undermined your confidence. This can be less of a problem today.
For your forecast, call 15609 114 77
sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 21
Even if you don’t have all the material attributes you would like, the things that make you special can seem more solid. There is also the chance of you realising the value in a long-standing savings or pension plan. Unwanted items can be sold. For your forecast, call 15609 114 78
Capricorn Dec 22 – Jan 20
Today, Venus connects with the Sun and this is going to give your sex appeal a boost. Indeed, lots of people are likely to want to be with you. With all this popularity bubbling away, enjoy the plaudits and praise. For your forecast, call 15609 114 79
Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19
Because you can be so detached about romance, your logical take can override your more sensual needs. But even if someone lets you know in a non-verbal way how much they care, their sincerity can be heart warming and pleasing. For your forecast, call 15609 114 80
Pisces Feb 20 – Mar 20
One friendship could blossom into something more. This doesn’t have to be a romantic but you may just be appreciating this person is becoming a more serious player in your situation. Their life experience can be valuable too. For your forecast, call 15609 114 81
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 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.890 See next edition for solutions
For your forecast, call 15609 114 76
ENIGMA
Fish are often cooked in batter. These, though, are a different matter. Slice a loaf and they appear. Pigeons greet them with a cheer.
WHO AM I?
A supermodel, I was born in Canterbury in 1977. My greatgrandfather was press baron Lord Beaverbrook. I was a contestant on the sixth series
of Strictly Come Dancing.
WHO, WHAT, WHERE & WHEN?
WHO… wrote the novel The Naked And The Dead? WHAT… do we call the central part of a church between the choir and the entrance? WHERE… in the US was the capital of the Confederacy from 1861 to 1865? WHEN… was Frank Sinatra born?
QUIZ ANSWERS: ENIGMA: Breadcrumbs. WHO AM I? Jodie Kidd. WHO, WHAT, WHERE & WHEN? Norman Mailer; Nave; Richmond, Virginia; 1915.
QUICK CROsswORd
Libra Sep 24 – Oct 23
Even though there may have been times when you have appreciated peace and tranquillity, as Venus combines with the Sun today, you can be minded to invite a friend or family member around and cook a meal.
SCRIBBLE BOX
20 METRO HERALD Friday, January 10, 2014
rugby leinster
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Friday, January 10, 2014 METRO HERALD
D’Arcy believes Leinster are still in pole position by gARETH MAkiM Gordon d’Arcy says Leinster’s gut-wrenching Heineken cup defeat by northampton last month is ‘done and dusted’, and believes recent victories over Ulster and connacht have the province in the perfect position to end castres’ unbeaten home record this Sunday. The three-times European champions blew a golden opportunity to take a stranglehold of Pool 1 when the Saints pulled off a surprise win at the Aviva Stadium, but Leinster still control their own destiny and know a win this weekend, followed by victory over the ospreys next Friday, will be enough to progress to the last eight. ‘It is so simple for us, we win our next games and we will be there or thereabouts,’ d’Arcy said yesterday. ‘Bonus points and everything else don’t really matter. ‘We made it hard on ourselves by losing at home. you have got to accept that, but we win one game on the road and one at home and we will be in the driving seat for the group. ‘We let ourselves down in the Aviva but that’s done, that’s dusted. If we are thinking about that we will lose the game in hand. ‘We got two good results over the christmas period. Ulster was a good base level and the connacht fixture, as those ones can be, was a really good preparation for the one to come.’ Head coach Matt o’connor is hoping for a repeat of Leinster’s display in the side’s first meeting, when the hosts pulled off a 19-7 triumph at the rdS, but the Top 14 champions are a different animal at home, where they have yet to lose in 11 games this season.
Notorious: Leinster centre D’Arcy is familiar with success and knows his side are still favourites to progress to the knockout stages piCtUre: inphO
‘They play a little bit more [at home] but there’s opportunities there if you’re good enough,’ o’connor said. ‘The challenge for us is making sure you don’t give them leg-ups with inaccuracy, they’re very, very good at spotting a weakness. ‘They aren’t looking to score five or six tries. They’re looking to score one or two and kick their goals and make it really difficult for the opposition. ‘our guys have been to France a lot
and you’ve got to understand what you have to deliver across the course of the contest. ‘A lot of those things are really hard physical things. But, if you can match them there, you’re in with a chance.’ There was positive news for Leinster on the injury front, with forwards rhys ruddock and Aaron dundon expected to be available, while castres are expected to be without their influential South African duo, scrumhalf rory Kockott and number eight Antonie claassen.
21
In form: Rhys Ruddock may provide some thrust at blindside, if selected piCtUre: inphO
LEiNSTER MAY gAMBLE, BUT THEY ABSOLUTELY MUST WiN THiS game bears a lot of similarity to last year’s trip to Clermont Auvergne, and while Castres may not boast the same lengthy undefeated record on their home patch, they are unbeaten in all 11 games at Stade Antoine-Pierre. The French champions have won ten games at home and drawn one (22-22 with Clermont) and not only will they be keen to maintain the integrity of their fortress, but a win puts them back into the mix to escape from this pool. Were that to happen then leinster would be slaughtered, and rightly so, for giving up their stranglehold on the group their six-try demolition of northampton provided back in December. in fact, had Jamie Heaslip not fumbled at the end of the return game at the Aviva Stadium they would be looking at needing only a losing bonus point this weekend to win the group. As it is they are battling to win the pool and hope that a nine-point haul from these two games with Castres and Ospreys can squeak them into a home quarter-final, but their entire focus is going to have to be on the lunch-time brawl on Sunday.
Given the form of Jordi Murphy, as we discussed last week, it might make sense for him to play at openside with the in-form Rhys Ruddock at blindside, but that would leave Jamie Heaslip as the only experienced back rower in the leinster pack. look for a possible wildcard selection in Matt O’Connor’s line-up today, but the surprise may well be on the bench. if Jimmy Gopperth is selected at out-half then ian Madigan can cover a number of positions off the bench, which might allow the coach to pick an extra forward rather than a reserve scrum-half, out-half and back-three player. The idea that Kevin Mclaughlin, Shane Jennings, Heasilp, Murphy and Ruddock are all included in the match-day 23 cannot be discounted in this vital, must-win game. lose and leinster are facing a five-day turnaround and the prospect of beating Ospreys with a bonus point at the RDS, not forgetting how good a record the Welsh have in Dublin. if O’Connor gambles and selects an extra forward for this game then leinster look wellequipped to escape if they can make their kicks. Anything else just doesn’t bear thinking about.
Dubs boss Gavin open to switches for O’Byrne Cup clash with DCU
Changes possible: Dublin boss Jim Gavin piCtUre: inphO
Dublin boss Jim Gavin has not ruled out making some more surprise switches for Sunday’s O’byrne Cup winner-takes-all tie with DCu, writes Paul Keane. With both sides locked on four points at the head of Group D, whoever wins will advance to the semi-finals to take on Meath or Wicklow from Group C. but it remains to be seen what team Gavin selects for the Parnell Park tie as he’s committed to squad rotation. He made six changes for Wednesday night’s Round 2 win over louth and has promised more switches this weekend. That could also mean more players lining out in unaccustomed positions, like Wednesday’s move of experienced defender
gAA O’BYRNE CUP Philly McMahon to the half-forward line. ‘it’s a pre-season tournament so it gives us the chance to let players play in different positions than they might normally do,’ said All-ireland-winning manager Gavin. ‘We had Philly McMahon at centreforward and we had bryan Cullen at centre half-back. it’s good for them overall, for their game sense, to experience different positions.’ little-known St Anne’s club man Daniel Watson made a huge impact as a sub against louth, firing a game-changing 2-1. The 27-year old is sure to get another
chance against DCu as Gavin chases the only title that eluded him in 2013. ‘We’ve been looking at Danny for a few years now,’ said Gavin. ‘St Anne’s got to the play-offs in Division 2 this year so he has been very much up in lights for us. We gave him his opportunity and he took it with both hands.’ Other fringe players who Gavin could start against DCu include Eoin Fanning, niall McGovern, luke Fletcher, Conor Walsh and Gary Sweeney. ‘it’s our third guaranteed game of the pre-season so we need to use it wisely and give every player a fair chance of getting game time and a chance to impress so they can make the squad for the league,’ he said.
22 METRO HERALD Friday, January 10, 2014
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football premier league
Swans given a Laud and clear Rooney warning by MATTHEW NASH
MICHAEL LAUDRUP is worried Wayne Rooney will lead the Manchester United backlash against his Swansea side this weekend. The Swans head to Old Trafford for the second time in a week tomorrow buoyed by their 2-1 FA Cup third-round success against David Moyes’ men on Sunday. Moyes expects at least one of his injured strikers – Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney – to return to the side for the Premier League clash. Laudrup hopes that will not be the case and said: ‘Rooney has been a key player for them. A fantastic, key player for them. If he is back it gives something to the team, not only technically and tactically, but also to his team-mates. ‘That is important. The same goes for
Highly prized: Barkley
Moyes told to keep his hands off Toffee stars ROBERTO MARTINEZ has left David Moyes in no doubt he intends to keep his top stars at Everton this month. Moyes, whose Manchester United team are in crisis after suffering three straight defeats for the first time in 13 years, has been linked with another raid on his old club. He has long
‘Rooney is fantastic. He is a key player for them’ Robin van Persie, if he is back.’ Laudrup also believes his team’s task will be harder than on Sunday, when Wilfried Bony headed the late winner at Old Trafford. Tuesday’s Capital One Cup reverse at rock-bottom Sunderland means United have lost three successive matches for the first time in 13 years and tomorrow’s fixture offers them the first chance to get back on track. Laudrup added: ‘Can we win again? I don’t know, but it is possible. ‘I think it will be more difficult than last week. They lost in the League Cup as well and I expect the United team to come out and really go at us. ‘They have to win this game so we have to be ready. ‘It will be a tough game again. They won’t like what they hear about losing three in a row.’ Meanwhile, Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins has described reports the club are close to signing Blackpool’s Tom Ince as ‘pure speculation’. Fear factor: Rooney could return as Swansea visit Old Trafford for a second time
11 Age at which
Barkley joined Everton. His debut came at 17.
PICTURE: EPA
wanted left-back Leighton Baines and midfielder Ross Barkley would also be a target as Moyes looks to revamp his midfield. With the Toffees in fifth spot after a fine season so far, Martinez said: ‘This window we’ve got something to lose rather than something to gain with adding players for the sake of it, so it’s going to be very well-measured and obviously we don’t want to lose any of the top performers this season.’
TRANSFER TALK
Gunners target Alvaro is Real-ly frustrated ALVARO MORATA has hinted at a possible move to Arsenal after admitting that he is ready to consider his Real Madrid future. Arsene Wenger has seen a £2million loan offer for the 21-year-old fringe player rejected as the Gunners boss looks to add to his strike force. However, Morata (right) is entertaining the idea of a move to get regular match time. He said: ‘Moving up to the first team is tricky. You have to impress in every minute. You only get maybe five or ten minutes and you have to go on and be decisive. Real has been my team since I was little and will be all my life, but I think the important thing is to have a relevant role in the team. If I feel I’m not getting that, I’ll look at other options.’
u DANIEL AGGER insists reports linking him with a move away from Liverpool this month are unfounded. ‘I’m not thinking about moving at the moment, not at all,’ said the Dane. u ARSENAL’S German teenager Serge Gnabry is a summer target for Borussia Dortmund as they seek to rebuild after Robert Lewandowski agreed to join Bayern Munich. u JERMAIN DEFOE will be loaned back to Tottenham as soon as his £6million transfer to Major League Soccer franchise Toronto is completed on Monday.
It’s Welcome to Yann-field LIVERPOOL have got the green light to sign Yann M’Vila after the Rubin Kazan midfielder’s agent admitted he is keen on a move to the Premier League. Reds boss Brendan Rodgers is known to rate M’Vila (pictured) highly. And amid growing rumours Liverpool are ready to bid for the France international, M’Vila’s agent, Werner Baader, said: ‘I think many players dream of playing in the Premier League – Yann is no different. I will not deny there is interest from many European clubs, including English teams.’
football premier league
Friday, January 10, 2014 METRO HERALD 23
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sam refuses to wallow in his Manchester pity by JOHN pAYNE SAM ALLARDYCE has pledged to lift the gloom at West Ham after back-toback cup batterings. Manchester City carried on where Nottingham Forest left off as they thrashed the Hammers 6-0 in the first leg of their Capital One Cup semi-final at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday. The result, just four days after the 5-0 humbling by Forest in the FA Cup, added to the heat on Allardyce ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Cardiff as they seek a first Premier League win since November. That run has seen the Hammers drop to 19th in the table but the manager, publicly backed by co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold this week, insists he is not ready to throw in the towel. ‘There are times when it is good and there are times when it is not so good,’ said Allardyce. ‘When it is not so good you have to draw on your strength and
picture: pA
Deadly duo: Negredo is congratulated by Samir Nasri
fixTuREs TODay
Scottish Premiership aberdeen v Hibernian(7.45pm) TV SaTurDay (3pm unless stated) Barclays Premier League Cardiff v west Ham ......................... Everton v Norwich .......................... Fulham v Sunderland...................... Hull v Chelsea ................................. (12.45pm) TVBT Sport 1 Man Utd v Swansea(5.30pm) TV Southampton v west Brom ............ Tottenham v Crystal Palace ............ .........................................................
four West Ham appearances by goalkeeper Adrian (pictured)
Holloway has warned Crystal Palace boss Tony Pulis against making a move on his wife, having taken his house and car. Holloway, who left his post as Palace boss in october, was named Millwall manager this week. Speaking as he was unveiled, Holloway had a word of warning for Pulis. ‘Tony has moved into my house in london. He might have my old car as well but he won’t get my woman,’ he joked. and Holloway insists he is up for the challenge of keeping the lions in the Championship. ‘I was blown away with how they felt I was the right man for the job – I’m not used to that!’
Scottish Premiership Hearts v Motherwell Partick v Ross County...................... St Johnstone v St Mirren.................
SunDay
Barclays Premier League Newcastle v Man City ..................... (2.05pm) TV Sky Sports 1 Stoke v liverpool ............................ (4.10pm) TV Sky Sports 1 Scottish Premiership Inverness CT v Dundee Utd ............ (12.45pm) TV Sky Sports 3
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ALVARO NEGREDO insists his best is yet to come at Manchester City even though his Capital One Cup hat-trick against West Ham took his season’s tally to 18 goals. The Spanish striker, signed from Sevilla for £20million in the summer, says the 6-0 semi-final first leg win over the Hammers was the highlight of his City career so far. ‘I’m in a great moment and I hope to have
better than this,’ said 28-year-old Negredo, ahead of second-placed City’s Premier League trip to Newcastle on Sunday. ‘But, yes, my feelings and my game make me think this could be the best moment. ‘We have a big squad and the team has a lot of confidence to win things here. With great players it is very easy to play, we are always looking for each other.’
spORT DigEsT Tony won’t get my 4-1 Win It’s gym and tonic for Martin wife, laughs Ollie Adams as Darren dazzles as fOOTbALL Ian
Baggies bring in pepe Mel WEST Brom have appointed Spaniard Pepe Mel as their new manager. The 50-year-old succeeds Steve Clarke, who was sacked in December, on an 18month contract. Mel was heavily linked with The Hawthorns vacancy last month, but his demands to bring his own coaching staff to the Baggies are believed to have scuppered those initial negotiations. He appears to have softened his demands, however, with Albion announcing Keith Downing and Dean Kiely would remain on the staff. Mel has worked extensively in Spain and Brazil and was sacked by Real Betis in early December.
17 Goals conceded in his last
experience to guide the players through the difficult time you are facing. ‘Picking them up and getting them ready for the next game is my job. We cannot keep walking around with our heads down and doom and gloom.’ Andy Carroll, James Collins, James Tomkins, Winston Reid and Ricardo Vaz Te are still missing through injury, while captain Kevin Nolan is banned. And Allardyce insists there were mitigating factors as Alvaro Negredo and Edin Dzeko ran riot for City on Wednesday night. ‘When you have got none of your real defenders and have a free transfer in and a left-back playing at centre-half against Negredo and Dzeko, it shows you the gulf,’ he said. ‘It is not very pleasant but if we were the only side who got beat there 6-0 it would be more of a worry.’
Albionbound: Former Betis coach Mel joins West Brom on an 18month contract
he strolled into the quarterfinals of the BDO World Darts Championship with a comfortable victory over Scotland’s Ross Montgomery
gOLf a slimline Darren Clarke benefited from his new fitness regime at the Volvo Golf Champions. Clarke hit a first-round three-under-par 69 in Durban to lie two shots off leader Raphael Jacquelin. Defending champion louis oosthuizen is second. Clarke, who famously guzzled Guinness when he won the 2011 open, said: ‘I took a look at myself in october and thought I was getting too fat, too heavy, too lethargic. I spend a lot of time in the gym doing weights, no cardio, and changed my diet. I plan to keep doing what I am doing – if not losing more weight, maybe getting stronger and stronger.’ Fitness push: Clarke
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24 METRO HERALD Friday, January 10, 2014
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Laudrup warns Swansea players to beware Rooney’s revenge
«see page 22
O’Brien’s shoulder injury puts his season in doubt
by gARETH MAkiM
Sean O’Brien’S season is in jeopardy after complications surrounding his shoulder injury have extended his spell on the sidelines. The Leinster star injured the joint a fortnight ago against Ulster and was initially forecast to miss around three months, but the 26year-old required more extensive surgery than first thought and is now a major doubt for the business end of the club season. Head coach Matt O’Connor yesterday admitted he feared being without the player should Leinster reach the knockout stages of the Heineken Cup, saying: ‘Seanie had surgery last week. it is probably too early to say at the moment. He’s going to be in and around the four-five month mark. That will have to be worked out with the surgeons. ‘They were quite optimistic that it would be able to be done by an arthroscope but it had to be open surgery. and that changes the rehab slightly.’
O’Brien will reportedly travel to France soon for discussions over a possible move to the Top 14, but O’Connor said he remains optimistic both he and no.8 Jamie Heaslip will stay in Dublin. ‘We’re confident in relation to backing an environment which is capable of winning things, looks after the players very well and gives them the best chance to be as good as they can. That being said, he and Jamie and others have got decision to make whether they want to be a part of that. There’s a whole range of things that make up that decision, but at this stage i’d be pretty confident that both of them want to stay.’ Meanwhile, Gordon D’arcy reiterated his desire to finish his career at Leinster, with the ireland centre expecting to tie up a new contract shortly. ‘Hopefully that’ll be done in the next week,’ the 33-year-old said. ‘That should be it then, i’m not going anywhere as long as this man [O’Connor] wants me.’
«INsIDe the 22 – page 21
Walcott KO ‘accelerates’ striker hunt
ARSENE WENGER has admitted Theo Walcott’s knee injury has added urgency to Arsenal’s search for a new frontman. Walcott (pictured) is out for the rest of the season with ruptured ligaments in his left knee, leading Wenger to concede he will look to add another striker to his squad during the current transfer window. With Nicklas Bendtner still recovering from an ankle injury, Olivier Giroud is Wenger’s only target man, and the Gunners boss said: ‘[The injury] has accelerated speculation first and of course my desire as well. ‘We lose Theo as a potential central forward and that’s maybe where we have to look outside.’ Wenger has been linked with Fulham’s Dimitar Berbatov, Jackson Martinez of Porto and a loan move for Real Madrid youngster Alvaro Morata. However, the Frenchman was keen to stress his current squad also give him options, especially in Walcott’s primary position as a winger. ‘Let’s not forget about Serge Gnabry who can play in the first team,’ he said. ‘We have [Alex] OxladeChamberlain back and we have many other players who can play on the flanks so to find better solutions than what we have internally will not be easy.’
Major doubt: Sean O’Brien is helped off the pitch after injuring his shoulder against Ulster picture: inphO
Louth boss accuses Dublin of cynical ‘bear hug’ tactics
Adamant: O’Rourke
pic: inphO
LOuTH MANAGER Aidan O’Rourke claims Dublin players avoided black cards on Wednesday evening by cynically ‘bear hugging’ star midfielder Paddy Keenan, writes Paul Keane. A player has to ‘deliberately pull down an opponent’ to the ground to be awarded a black card under Gaelic football’s new rules. But O’Rourke says that wrapping a player up with a bear hug-style challenge that keeps both players on their feet is a way around the sanction. He’s adamant that the ploy is already being coached and blamed
Dublin for doing it to Keenan on a number of occasions on Wednesday evening during their O’Byrne Cup tie at Parnell Park. ‘To be honest, the most annoying part of the game regarding the official was that Paddy Keenan was being cynically fouled every time he got possession,’ said O’Rourke. ‘But he wasn’t brought to the
ground, therefore it wasn’t a black card. That completely defeats the purpose of addressing cynical fouling. ‘That is the most cynical foul that there is, a good player winning the ball, trying to break out of the middle third and he’s bear hugged.
Okay, it’s given as a free but then nothing happens, so what’s the point of trying to address cynical play? ‘If you’re strong enough to bear hug a player and not let him get to the ground then you don’t get a black card and that is being coached at the minute, I know well that it is. ‘The black card is well intentioned and the origins of it are probably well intentioned but the solution they’ve come up with is not a solution, if you ask me.’
«Dubs boss gaVIN – page 21