Metro Herald, Thursday, December 18, 2014

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Thursday, December 18, 2014

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Thursday, December 18, 2014

Party Smart: The best style tips for this party season

« fined for harassing family planning boss pAGE 6« pAGE 15

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he did it his way: Ken rogan’s last Wholly Thursday pAGE 8

! r o r r o h e Th at The year th was in Guilty 12 Pleasures pAGE «

bailouT ‘everyone’s faulT’ pAGE 7

«

Tiger raid rumbled bank worker fraud

A BANK worker’s theft from his employer came to light when he became the victim of a tiger kidnapping.

Glen Walsh, 27, stole almost €500,000 from AIB over six months by handing out cash to a co-accused who then used the money to place bets.

The pair would then use the winnings to reimburse the Crumlin Cross branch but after they lost bets during the 2010 World Cup there was an ultimate shortfall of €40,000.

Detective Garda Michael McGrath said that Walsh (pictured) and another colleague were the victims of a tiger kidnapping in June 2010.

A gun was put to the other man’s head while Walsh was forced to go to the bank in Crumlin and take out €210,000.

The men were shown pictures of their families and serious threats were made against them.

The bank branch was shut down that day because of the raid and an audit was carried out which led to the discovery of Walsh’s theft.

The court heard Walsh had a cheque for €20,000 to reimburse the bank the day of the tiger raid but he couldn’t lodge this as the bank was shut down. He has since repaid the full €40,000.

Det Gda McGrath agreed with Patrick McGrath SC, defending, that gardaí are complete-

by sonya mcclean

ly satisfied that Walsh had ‘no hand, act or part’ in the tiger kidnapping.

Walsh, of Kilakee Grove, Firhouse, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to theft of €40,000 from the bank between January 1 and June 2010.

He has no previous convictions.

His accomplice, David Vickery, 27, of Sycamore Drive, Kingswood Heights, Tallaght, pleaded guilty to two charges of possessing €10,000 in stolen money at Boylesports, Terenure, on January 15, 2010, and Paddy Power, Belgard Road, on April 6, 2010.

He has a minor conviction for a road traffic offence.

Det Gda McGrath told Michael O’Higgins SC, prosecuting, that Walsh was a teller at AIB in Crumlin when the audit revealed inconsistencies in lodgements through both paper and internet transactions.

The gardaí were contacted and both men later made full admissions.

Vickery said he made a profit of €5,000 by the time his involvement came to an end in April 2010.

He said at that stage there was no shortfall and the bank had been fully paid back.

Walsh left for Australia shortly after his interview and was brought back this June on an extradition warrant.

TAKING AN ELFIE: Ben Forster (far right) and Aoibhinn McGinnity (top) pose with the rest of the cast of Elf The Musical at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre ahead of the premiere last night PA

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

METRO HERALD Thursday, December 18, 2014

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Thursday, December 18, 2014 METRO HERALD

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Thursday 18/12/14

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Keith Richards, Rolling Stone, 71; Steven Spielberg, legendary film director, 68; Brad Pitt, actor, 51; David O’Doherty, comedian, 39; Katie Holmes (pictured), actress, 36; christina Aguilera, singer, 34.

Tomorrow is Metro Herald’s last day on Earth. Be sure to say goodbye to your merchandiser and pick up the special edition packed with the best bits from the last nine incredible years

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Thursday, December 18, 2014 METRO HERALD

Water way to go: The body boarders speed down the treacherous glacier

O g s R E n n u R L cOO . . . s s y b A E H T inTO IT’S the ultimate mountain thrill – and tipping into the icy waters is the least of your worries.

Racing down Europe’s longest glacier on body boards, these two adventurers risk drowning in hidden crevices.

If that isn’t perilous enough, at any point on their seven-mile run they could be overwhelmed by collapsing glacial lakes.

‘This is a very dangerous activity, in a stunning location,’ said mountaineering photographer David Carlier. The

42-year-old took the pictures at the Aletsch glacier in Switzerland, a Unesco world heritage site.

Swiss mountain guide Claude-Alain Gailland and canyon activity specialist Gilles Janin are two of the few people qualified to perform the run, in a sport known as hydrospeeding.

‘We are talking about a handful of guys in the world who can do it, as it requires a lot of expertise,’ said Mr Carlier. ‘Most wouldn’t dare to hydrospeed on a course like this.’

Icee challenge: Racing through the freezing waters

METRO HERALD Thursday, December 18, 2014

Last tango for Francis

PoPe Francis was treated to a cake, cards and a tango demonstration for his 78th birthday – and 800kg of chicken meat for the poor. The Vatican said the meat, provided by a spanish producer, would be distributed to soup kitchens.

Francis also greeted eight homeless people bearing sunflowers during his Wednesday general audience, as dozens of couples danced the tango, the argentine Pope’s favourite.

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Gran fined for harassing Marie stopes clinic boss

A HIgH-ProFIle anti-abortion campaigner has been ordered to do 100 hours’ community service and pay €2,500 compensation after being convicted of harassing the director of a family planning clinic.

Bernadette Smyth, who leads the Precious life group, had been warned she could face jail when

by LEsLEy-AnnE MckEOwn

she was convicted of two counts of harassment against Dawn Purvis of the Marie Stopes clinic last month.

But passing sentence at Belfast Magistrates’ Court, Deputy District Judge Chris Holmes said he had taken into account Smyth’s

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During the case, Smyth, a mother of four children and grandmother of three, consistently denied harassing Ms Purvis on two separate occasions in January and February this year.

But the judge rejected defence claims that the verbal threat ‘you ain’t seen harassment yet, darling’ had not been designed to intimidate.

In her evidence, Ms Purvis said she had been left fearing for her safety.

Judge Holmes told the court he would not punish Smyth for fighting the prosecution. ‘I do not expect you to turn turtle,’ he added.

Despite the prosecution being taken, the court was told that daily protests have continued outside the Marie Stopes facility.

‘It has not stopped,’ said Judge Holmes. ‘I am not saying you are involved but it is still ongoing and things need to be sorted out there.’

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good character and clear record. However, he said he believed the case was above the threshold where only a fine could be issued.

The judge said: ‘You are somebody of impeccable character. You are somebody from an obviously good background and have worked very hard with the community over a long time. I am prepared to accept all of that.’

A five-year restraining order banning Smyth, 52, from Suffolk Street in Ballymena, Co Antrim, from being within 20 yards of the front door of the Belfast clinic was also issued while another order preventing her from pestering, interfering or molesting Ms Purvis and others visiting the centre was handed out.

The judge said he hoped the community service team could utilise Smyth’s talent. The €2,500 compensation has to be paid directly to Ms Purvis over the next six months.

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Into the deep blue sea

A mother right whale with her new calf are spotted off the coast of Florida – whales have been slowly returning to the area after new conservation measures were introduced in the 1990s PiCture: AP

Airport strike at Christmas Airport check-in staff and cargo handlers at Heathrow have voted to go on strike in a dispute over pay.

Unite said its members employed by dnata at Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester had voted by more than 4-1 in favour of walkouts in protest at an imposed 2.2 per cent increase. it said supervisors were being paid a rise of 4.5 per cent, creating a workforce of ‘haves and have nots’.

Unite called for peace talks to avert the threat of a two-day strike on December 23 and 24.

regional officer Kevin Hall said: ‘it is extremely disappointing that dnata has acted in such a high-handed way and sought to split the workforce between the haves and the have nots. ‘our members are angry over the inequality being shown within dnata and we would urge management to join us at Acas (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) to reach a fair pay deal.’ the union has around 460 members involved in the dispute, working in check-in, driving and cargo handling.

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Thursday, December 18, 2014 METRO HERALD

O’Kayak row NEW ZEalaND police have apologised to Irish people after mistakenly saying a man who was found with a kayak tied horizontally to his car was Irish.

The story went viral after police issued a photo of the police stop on State Highway 25a in Coromandel, along with a statement entitled ‘What were you thinking? Police ask Irish tourist’. auckland native Jonathan Waters said on Facebook he was the driver in question and the craft ended up like that because of a storm.

Hark the herald Kenny sings Taoiseach Enda Kenny joins the staff choir for the annual lunchtime recital of Christmas carols at Government Buildings Picture: Pa

Ireland misjudged risky behaviour by banks and international institutions before the collapse of its financial system, an expert has told an inquiry.

The government guaranteed the nation’s ailing banks in 2008 in the belief that they were stable – a decision which eventually led to a €64billion rescue of the financial system and an international bailout of the State.

It followed a massive property price bubble enabled by banks borrowing from international money markets then lending to investors who swelled public coffers through ‘Mistakes’: Nyberg housing taxes.

That produced higher wages and costs, former IMF economist and Finnish government banking official Peter nyberg told the investigation, until overstretched banks were nationalised and the international community intervened with emergency loans.

He added: ‘Judging by the consequences, which were larger in Ireland

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Bailout ‘not just fault of government’

by MicHAEL McHugH

than anywhere else, the Irish institutions were pretty good at misjudging risk internationally.’ a parliamentary committee is looking at banking, regulation and crisis management by authorities, before publishing a final report in november. The Joint Committee of Inquiry into the Banking Crisis is expected to hear from major international institutions.

The european Central Bank (eCB) had discussions with its Irish counterparts prior to the government’s bank guarantee, Mr nyberg said. However, the eCB has declined to participate in the parliamentary inquiry.

He said the Irish government had taken the safe option in deciding to underwrite ailing banks saddled with too many bad loans after the property price bubble. He understood but did not necessarily condone the move.

‘It is a culmination of a lot of mistakes that were made before but the mistakes were not made on that night, the mistakes were made several years before and not only by the government but really by everyone else,’ Mr nyberg said.

Boy, 13, held for stab murder A 13-yeAr-old boy has appeared in court accused of stabbing a man to death after an alleged altercation at a block of flats in north london.

Christopher Barry, 53, originally from Cobh, Co Cork, was murdered at his home in edmonton on Sunday evening. The teenager, dressed in a dark hoodie, rubbed his eyes as he was ushered into the dock at Highbury Corner youth Court.

It is alleged that Mr Barry had been involved in an incident with a group of youngsters allegedly trying to gatecrash a party in another flat.

The prosecution claim Mr Barry

was followed into The Broadway and killed because he would not let the boy and his friends into the building.

Magistrate Christine Chamberlain told the boy: ‘you will be remanded to youth detention accommodation.’ He then waved to his mother and father as he was led from the courtroom.

The boy – who cannot be named for legal reasons – is next due to appear at the old Bailey on Friday.

Four other boys – three aged 14 and one 13 – arrested earlier this week must return to an east london police station on a date in late January pending further inquiries, police said.

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METRO HERALD Thursday, December 18, 2014

wholly thursday D

It’s been an incredible journey, says KEN ROGAN, but all good things must come to an end – so for one last time, he’s got to get something off his chest...

H

appy forever from Wholly Thursday!

Friends, Romans, commuters – it is time to say goodbye. I’d love to say this column meant more to you than it did to me, but I think we all know that’s not true. and if I had any secrets to reveal, I’d do it now, but I already told you everything. although I never told you I was a pR guy, did I? Well I am. Three days a week, I’m a communications manager. The other two days I write plays. If one of them ever gets produced, I’ll be a playwright. In the meantime, it has been my honour to write for you, these past 120-plus Thursdays. a writer friend of mine pointed out the honour thing early on and he was right, it truly is, so the least I could do was try to find the foibles of modern living that might ring your bell and make you smile.

First and foremost, though, the objective was to make you laugh, or feel good, or feel anything on your way to work in the morning. The big, sappy emotional pieces were good for that – I think they were the

better ones, and I wish I could if I made you cry, it’s only because I have written more of them, but you cried first. and if I offended you, can only write what you feel when tough tits, it’s a fucking column – you feel it. although truth be told, I didn’t I also wanted to be sincere. Screw offend you half enough, and that’s irony. There’s too much irony in the because I’m pathetic and insecure world and it’s too easy to just tear and I wanted you to like me. Which things down (although, admittedly, is difficult, I think we can all agree, sometimes it’s a lot of fun, yes). in light of my being a puffed-up actually it was all a lot of fun, and southsider who says things like ‘I never, ever a chore, but always a wanted to be sincere’. privilege. For this I am indebted to The only time I ever felt in danger my editor, alan, who gave me of repeating myself was when it a gift I can never repay. came to politics. The So I gave him a bald fact we all bottle of whiskey. refuse to face is It’s been my honour and I am also that the problem indebted to you. isn’t the to write for you Not bottle-ofpoliticians, it’s these past 120-plus whiskey indebted, us. The only time but still. you were I ever felt famous Thursdays...

It was there to be played was at this party all a lot of fun to, and that brought where a couple kept the best out of me, insisting they knew whether it looked like it my face. Inwardly I was or not. you were the reason I thanking the academy, golden was trying so hard. That statuette in hand, while outwardly I doesn’t mean much in the kept it cool and shrugged it off. But general scheme of things, but it they were adamant. So I pompously meant a lot to me. told them about Wholly Thursday – So if I made you laugh, sweet. and

“

€2 Quo OF te M F e yo tro ur fo vis r it

€10 offered to dismissed casino staff

and they didn’t have a clue what I was talking about. Thank God my wife was there to break the awkward silence by laughing wine out her nose.

What can I tell you? I’m a douchebag. you’ve seen my picture. What else can I say?

Thank you. Thanks for reading and thanks for the Tweets, but all good things must come to an end – and that goes for mediocre things too, which is a kick in the nuts.

I was always afraid they’d fire me from this gig so I have known for a long time what the closing words of my last column would be. and they’re not my words.

They come from a comic book called V For Vendetta and specifically the tale of Valerie.

Because you can’t beat a bit of sincerity: ‘I don’t know who you are, or whether you’re a man or woman.

I may never see you. I will never hug you, or cry with you, or get drunk with you. But I love you.

With all my heart.’

@kenrogan

Two workers at a casino were offered just €10 compensation when they were dismissed from their jobs after the business was taken over by new owners.

Croupiers Veselka Vicheva and Marek Mikes had worked at Castlebar Card Club in Co Mayo for more than a year when they were called to a staff meeting in July 2011.

They both told the Employment Appeals Tribunal they were advised by the new owner their services were no longer required. The pair brought their action for unfair dismissal against Martin Silke and Xue Yun wu of Castlebar Card Club.

The two were represented by their local County Councillor Michael Kilgannon, but there was no representation by their former employers.

The Tribunal said that, having heard the uncontested evidence of Ms Vicheva and Mr Mikes, it had decided that their claim that they were unfairly dismissed succeeded.

It awarded Ms Vicheva €15,000 and Mr Mikes €20,000.

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Death penalty Nation buries reintroduced school victims PAKISTAN reintroduced the death penalty as its prime minister yesterday promised to avenge ‘each and every drop of our children’s blood’.

Nawaz Sharif also announced the end of the distinction between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ Taliban members. ‘We have resolved to continue the war against terrorism until the last terrorist is eliminated,’ he said.

Capital punishment was abolished six years ago, but 800 prisoners are still on death row guilty of terrorism.

Ten air raids were carried out on Taliban strongholds in the north-east.

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FUNERALS were held across Peshawar as thousands gathered at vigils for the massacre victims.

One mourner, Dr Asif Sohrab, wrote on Facebook: ‘2, 3 funerals in every street. Peshawar bleeds, Pakistan cries.’

Labourer Akhtar Hussain had tears streaming down his face as he buried his 14-year-old son, Fahad.

‘They finished in minutes what I had lived my whole life for,’ he wept.

‘That innocent one is now gone in the grave, and I can’t wait to join him.’

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row,’ he said. ‘She was a hero and so brave. Even while burning, she shouted at us to run away and find refuge.’

The death toll from Tuesday’s massacre in Peshawar rose last night to 148 – including 132 children and several soldiers – after members of school staff lost their fight for life in hospital.

They were critically injured by the terrorists, who blew up head teacher Tahira Qazi, 62, by throwing a grenade through a vent. The killers set light to at least one other teacher, Hifsa Khush, and an office assistant at her desk.

They sprayed bullets for at least ten minutes before prowling through the classrooms to pick off survivors.

Shahrukh Khan, 15, stuffed his tie in his mouth after being shot.

‘I lay as still as I could and closed my eyes, waiting to get shot again. When I crawled to the next room it was horrible,’ he said. ‘I saw the dead body of our office assistant on fire. She was sitting on the chair with blood dripping from her body as she burned.’

THESE are six of the seven terrorists who turned their guns on defenceless children in the Pakistan school massacre. The Taliban released images of the killers – who were shot dead or blew themselves up – as they claimed they had been justified in butchering 132 pupils picture: ap

Our class teacher yelled at us to run, even as she was burnt alive SURVIVORS of the Pakistan school massacre are battling feelings of guilt after a teacher gave her life for them.

The children ran to safety as Afsha Ahmed blocked the path of Taliban gunmen and said: ‘You can only kill them over my dead body.’ They looked back in horror as the terrorists poured petrol on the 24-year-old and set her on fire.

Irfan Ullah, 15, wept as he said he hoped Ms Ahmed would forgive him for not intervening – and for any mistakes he had made in his schoolwork.

‘I felt so selfish as we ran away instead of trying to save our teacher, who sacrificed her life for our better tomor-

Thursday, December 18, 2014 METRO HERALD

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Thursday, December 18, 2014 METRO HERALD

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Disgraced ‘swinger’ DSK to stand trial for pimping

by IAn SpARKS

Facing court: Dominique Strauss-Kahn PICTURE: REX

FORMER IMF boss Dominique Strauss-Kahn is to stand trial for his alleged role in a global vice racket.

The 65-year-old economist and 12 other men have been charged with conspiring with pimps to hire girls for sex parties in Paris, Brussels and Washington DC. Strauss-Kahn – known as DSK – has insisted he is a ‘simple swinger’ who took part in orgies with ‘willing young women’ in their 20s, but never knowingly paid for sex.

However, French prosecutors argue he must have realised that the women were prostitutes.

DSK has been plagued by sex scandals since he was arrested over rape allegations made by a New York chambermaid in May 2011.

The episode was the basis for the film Welcome To New York, in which Gérard Depardieu plays a powerful financier accused of sexual assault by a hotel worker.

Charges against DSK were dropped but the accusation forced him to resign as the director of the International Monetary Fund

Fall from grace: A rape claim against DSK inspired Welcome To New York PICTURE: REX

and abandon his hopes of becoming the next French president. He returned to France in 2012 only to face accusations of sexually abusing a young

Retro pad no charge Cuba and launched for Cosby US link up BlaCkBerry is going back to its roots with a new smartphone called the Classic, featuring a traditional keyboard at a time when rivals have embraced touch screens.

The physical keyboard is something traditional users prefer as they find it easier to type on than the touch screen devices.

VeTerAN entertainer Bill Cosby will not be charged after a woman claimed he molested her in the 1970s when she was 15, prosecutors in LA have said.

Their rejection of a child sex abuse charge came about ten days after Judy Huth spoke to detectives in a meeting.

US PreSiDenT Barack Obama says the US will end its outdated approach to Cuba that has failed to advance US interests.

Mr Obama is announcing that the US and Cuba have agreed to re-establish diplomatic relations and open economic and travel ties.

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writer. The case was dropped but he faced further humiliation when a succession of prostitutes came forward alleging he had paid them for sex.

DSK was then named in connection with a prostitution racket in Lille – where he will appear before judges in February.

Shops close doors as rouble continues slide

SHOPS in Russia hiked prices and some suspended sales as fears over the country’s economy deepened.

Apple and leading car dealership Major Auto were among those shutting their doors. Ikea in Moscow was also swamped after reports it was preparing to increase prices.

It came after a slight rise in the rouble’s value following the central bank’s decision to raise interest rates to 17 per cent.

However, business newspaper Vedomosti warned: ‘This is a very dangerous situation, we are just a few days away from a full-blown run on the banks.’ The price of a modest basket of chicken, vegetables, eggs and milk was said to have risen from €12 to €15 in one month.

Russia’s economy is under pressure from falling oil prices and Western sanctions over its support for separatists fighting in Ukraine.

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★★ ★ ★

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Recapping the uncoupling A to Z of celebrity! Seamus Duff looks back at the showbiz bombshells and calamities of 2014

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is for Air Force One. in January, Elizabeth Hurley’s ex-boyfriend Tom sizemore accused her of having an affair with ex-president Bill Clinton. sizemore was caught on tape alleging he set up Clinton with the actress in the ’90s – but quickly retracted his statements as fabrication once they made headlines.

is for Bad Bieber – pop brat Justin egged a neighbour’s house in January, causing tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of damage. He was later arrested for drag-racing under the influence, a video of him cracking racist jokes surfaced, he was

allegedly punched by Orlando Bloom in a fight over Miranda Kerr and his relationship with selena Gomez went on-off.

C

is for Consciously Uncoupling – Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow declared they were separating – by stating they were ‘consciously uncoupling’. Gwynnie coined the infamous phrase in March as they made their split public.

F

is for Farewell. Heroin overdoses claimed the lives of the quite brilliant Oscar-winner Philip seymour Hoffman in January and Peaches Geldof (pictured below) in April. Rolling stones rocker Mick Jagger was inconsolable after the suicide of his lover L’Wren scott in March. Acting legends Bob Hoskins and Robin Williams left us in April and August respectively, while Joan Rivers died during surgery in september september.

CELEBRATE YOUR CHRISTMAS MOMENTS

The odd uncouple: Gwyneth and Chris Martin Picture: AP

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is for Dog – Miley Cyrus’s dog Floyd died in April and she wanted EVERYONE to know. The star broke down in tears as she dedicated songs to Floyd during her world tour.

is for Going solo – as well as Chris and Gwyneth, a number of stars called it a day. Katy Perry and John Mayer split in February, Calvin Harris tweeted his split from Rita Ora in June, Mariah Carey threw in the towel with hubby Nick Cannon in August and Matt Bellamy and Kate Hudson announced their split this month.

E

is for Elevator – solange Knowles sparked speculation over her big sister’s marriage to Jay-Z when she attacked the rapper in a lift. Beyoncé herself stood back and watched as her sis lashed out at him – allegedly due to cheating rumours. Further whispers about the state of Bey and Jay’s marriage have dogged the couple since.

H

is for Hollywood Hacks – sony film studio bosses were in a flap this month when cyber hackers stole a wealth of information. But the suits were not laughing when a series of leaked emails revealed questionable jokes about Barack Obama, cringeworthy exchanges about Michael Fassbender’s private parts and damning opinions of Leonardo DiCaprio, Angelina Jolie and Adam sandler.

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is for Orange (the future isn’t…). Jason Orange walked out on Take That in september. However, rumours are already afoot that they are planning a full reunion (complete with Robbie Williams) in the near future.

P

is for Posh speech – Victoria Beckham had the United Nations awestruck in september as she delivered a passionate speech to rally more support to combat HiV and Aids in Africa. Appointed a goodwill ambassador, she spoke of being moved ‘to do whatever i can to raise awareness’ over the devastating impact the disease has had in Africa.

Q

Down, girl: Jay-Z with Beyoncé and Solange (left) Pictures: X17/ sPlash

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Lawrence, Kate Upton and Rihanna was way worse. Hackers violated the iCloud in August and uploaded explicit nude pictures for the world to see.

is for instagram shame – James Franco went from sexy to creepy when he tried to woo a scottish teen via a series of desperate messages on instagram in April.

M

is for Musical Mayhem – namely shia LaBeouf during a Broadway production of Cabaret in June. Allegedly drunk and abusive, the wayward actor reportedly spanked star Alan Cumming mid-performance and turned ugly when police arrived.

J

is for Jail – the long arm of the law finally caught up with Chris Brown when he was thrown in the slammer in March for violating the probation set after he beat up his thengirlfriend Rihanna in 2009.

K

is for Knives sharpened – the claws were out between Taylor swift and Katy Perry. swift fired the first shot in september by making thinly veiled digs at Perry during a Rolling stone interview. Perry hit back by tweeting: ‘Watch out for the Regina George in sheep’s clothing...’ a reference to the film Mean Girls and suggesting swift is not as innocent as she seems.

N

is for say ‘No’ – celebrities united to encourage scots to vote ‘No’ in the scottish independence referendum. David Bowie used his Brit award acceptance speech (read by Kate Moss) to encourage scots to ‘stay with us’, while JK Rowling gave a heartfelt plea (and a €1.25million cheque) to ensure Britain remained Better Together.

L

is for Leaked Photos – if sony were distraught over the email leak, embarrassment for Jennifer

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is for Quitter – the world was gripped by the tantrums of Gemma Collins even before she parachuted into the i’m A Celebrity jungle last month. But the Towie babe made it perfectly clear she couldn’t hack the Outback and quit the bush after a matter of days.

R

is for Rob’s Vlog – Robbie Williams tested his wife’s patience by live vlogging and tweeting the birth of his second child in October. He was more concerned with his followers than helping his wife Ayda Field through her contractions as son Charlton was born.

S

is for swipe Right for love – several celebrities confessed to seeking love on Tinder. Former LMFAO frontman Redfoo told Guilty Pleasures he was frustrated that prospective lovers refused to believe who he was as he swiped his way to love. The script’s Danny O’Donoghue confessed he has downloaded the dating app – and married mother-of-two Lily Allen also confessed to trying it out.

T

is for Transgender lover – Jennifer Lopez suffered embarrassment in June when lurid details of her toyboy Casper smart’s sex life

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Thursday, December 18, 2014 METRO HERALD

emerged, suggesting he had cheated on her with transsexual models. JLo’s team quickly announced she had split with her dancer lover ‘months ago’ and that he was free to date.

U

is for UnWanted – at the start of the year, The Wanted announced their split. Max George has since moved to the UsA and Nathan sykes is preparing to return as a solo act in the new year. in October, siva Kaneswaran admitted the lads generally don’t see each other at all any more.

V

is for Vogue Kover Kalamity – the fashion world was up in arms in March when the famehungry Kim Kardashian appeared on the cover of American Vogue with her husband Kanye West’s arms around her. The style bible was attacked for ‘desperation’ in using the reality star.

Vogue editor Anna Wintour later implied the couple were distasteful, but necessary to sell copies.

W

is for Wedded Bliss – the former Mrs Cheryl Cole walked up the aisle with French businessman Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini in July. Brad Pitt made an honest woman of Angelina Jolie in August and George Clooney

13

married British lawyer Amal Alamuddin in Venice.

X

is for X-tremely shocking – shia LaBeouf, Lady Gaga and Janice Dickinson all revealed they had been raped. LaBeouf claimed to have been abused in February by a female fan. Gaga said she was sexually assaulted as a teen by a record producer. And Dickinson claimed she was drugged and raped by TV star Bill Cosby, whose lawyers deny the allegations.

Y

is for Youngsters – celebrities hearing the pitter-patter of tiny feet. simon Cowell and his girlfriend Lauren silverman had their son, Eric, in February. in september, Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes welcomed their daughter Esmeralda to the world. And earlier this month, Hayden Panettiere and fiancé Wladimir Klitschko received an early Christmas present with their baby girl Kaya.

Z

is for Zouis – Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson caused outrage among One Direction fans (and a headache for simon Cowell) when a tape of the boys seemingly puffing away on marijuana while in Peru leaked online.

14 metro herald Thursday, December 18, 2014

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60 seconds Mailbox chriStoph Waltz has won tw two Oscars for his roles in Quen Quentin Tarantino films.

He plays pla the husband of artist Margaret Keane in Tim Burton’s Big Eyes In Big Eyes, you play Walter, who takes credit for his wife’s painting. Another complex character, isn’t it? yes, everyone

is complex, even if they try to hide it and be socially acceptable.

Are you a fan of Tim Burton’s work? yes, of course, although

two or three occasions. She’s extremely shy, extremely

Quick pic CUT TO THE HEART: I’m a huge ffan of Metro Herald. I’ve been collecting ting cutcut-outs mainly of the cartoons for about three or four years now. All my friends ask me to read out their Metroscopes for them, and if there’s a lull in conversation, I always have some entertaining story to tell thanks to you. It’ll be sorely missed.

Sinéad Costello

What kind of art do you like?

anna Smith

Big Eyes is out on St Stephen’s Day.

Facebook.com/ metroherald

*Please include a name and location. Emails with attachments cannot be received. Texts cost €0.30 per message + standard network charges. SP. Oxygen8 Communications, 4th Floor, Malt House North, Grand Canal Quay, D2. Customer service number 0818286606

More and more, I discover the immensity of old Masters.

Paintings I’ve known my whole conscious life now slowly start to open up to me. I like museums when you don’t have a curator imposing his view on you. I love museums, I love to be left alone.

“

Text: ‘Mail’ to 53131*

@metrohnews #metromailbox

timid and incredibly generous. And gracious.

there are some that I like more than others. Some people say Big Eyes is not a typical Tim Burton movie but How do you feel about being it is – how could it not be? It doesn’t cast in the new Bond film? It’s employ the same aesthetic he great, although I haven’t started usually does but it’s still a working on it so there is very typical Tim Burton nothing to feel great movie. It’s about a about yet. relationship, it’s It’s great about the fact that being in the new Bond What makes you both of these laugh? Laughter is – although I haven’t characters try to always a release make their art – started working on it so and the thing that’s because selling there’s nothing to feel being released is a and marketing is specific form of an art – happen great about yet tension. The tension is against all odds and being released then deal with the explosively and that consequences. explosion is laughter. That’s why I dislike broad comedies, farcical How do you feel now about comedies. I can’t really laugh about Walter? I don’t describe those because there is no tension characters, I play them. I find it for me. I like irony, I like to see counterproductive if actors put either side of the coin. themselves and their opinion in. It’s like telling your kid a story, Your wife and mother are then saying: ‘The following both costume designers. needs to be considered: Which of your characters’ Little red riding Hood is costumes would you keep? I actually…’ It takes some of don’t keep any mementoes because the magic away and takes I don’t scavenge my parts. It’s your involvement away. all my character’s What does it say belongings. When I stop playing the character, the about how we character ceases to exist. perceive art?

Then he lives on the What I like about screen and doesn’t have this story is that much to do with me any the art itself is not more. really the point of discussion. It’s What do you love really about the about working with interdependency between those two Tarantino? The great characters. appeal of a classic director is a unique vision. If you Do you have any can’t submit to that, you pictures by shouldn’t work with great directors. I would Margaret Keane? understand someone who She gave each of us one. says they don’t want to I picked one that is very work with great directors atypical, even though it because they’re has many eyes on it. It’s a overwhelming. Their face with about 34 eyes and vision is very clear and it’s really a very surrealist very distinct. and pretty scary painting.

Did you spend much time with her? I met her on

Email: mail@metroherald.ie

Send your photos to pictures@ metroherald.ie with ‘Quick pic’ as the subject and we will print the best each day in the paper

fond farewells and a last transport rant

S

■ Everyone who has loved this paper each morning over the years – tomorrow, let’s all give a big, warm farewell hug to the vendors who brightened our days.

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orry to hear that Metro Herald is ceasing publication from tomorrow.

Thank you so much for the newspaper over the years and always the friendly Metro Herald distributors who handed it out every morning. It will be a big loss and much missed.

Thanks very much also for how you have always been a great supporter of the arts and in particular art news items and photographs that you have published which I sent on to you.

Frank O’Dea, Balla Bán Art Gallery, Westbury Mall

■ Metro Herald – a great loss to readers.

Mollies, Dublin 18

■ Hello, my name is Chelsey T and I’d like to know is there any way we can save Metro Herald? I am willing to run a fundraiser!

Please get back to me!

Chelsey

■ I’ve just read this morning that

■ Who am I going to write my letters of complaint to now? I am so sad you will no longer be around.

Best of luck.

J ■ Sorry to see you go. Thanks for all the stuff you put before us. Did not always agree with you but we will miss you.

Tony

■ Sniffer had great fun sniffing out thoughts for Mailbox. Will be sniffling tomorrow collecting the Sniffer last ever edition. *sniff*

good on ya

● Dear Mailbox, I’m so sad that your lovely newspaper will soon be no more. As a former contributor and the fact that I read it ‘religiously’ every day of the week on the Luas from Tallaght into town, this was devastating news to me personally. Anyway, l would like to sincerely thank you for your invaluable service to people like myself, and your ever-cheerful and smiling street staff who will be very much missed too.

Molemisi Kono (Dublin)

random actS of kindneSS

Irish rail is fitting ‘Luas-style’ straps to make commuter journeys more comfortable when standing instead of adding extra carriages.

This is to cost €7million as part of a €200million stimulus package.

I’ve emailed Irish rail hundreds of times to ask why it provides four-carriage Darts or trains at peak times but nine or ten carriages at 11am in the morning when it’s not needed.

The answer I received (eventually) was that it doesn’t have the funding to extend the platforms on most lines. Well, I honestly can’t believe that. A €200million package plus the hike in passenger fares? That’s plenty of money, but as usual it won’t be used wisely and we will continue to be packed into trains like sheep going to slaughter. Frustrated Fran, Bray

yeh big ride ● Now the Metro Herald is closing, I need to say this: Ed – you are my world and I’m dying to give you a Christmas kiss.

RS ● No more Metro Herald vendors in the mornings? Dublin just got a lot less sexy...

VL

your ruSh-hour cruSh

in the know, on the go

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Thursday, December 18, 2014 METRO HERALD

PLUS

Grooming SOS Christmas gifts, P17

Your TV Guide

Tonight’s top 10 on the box, P18

Life Books

Round-up of 2014, P19

Be the life of the party this season How to work the Christmas-do outfit to full effect, Page 16

Christmas gift ideas for under €2O

DECLAN O’ROURKE Thursday January 8th €2O/18

DAVID O’DOHERTY Friday January 9th €2O/18

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16 METRO HERALD Thursday, December 18, 2014

fashion

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€284, matchesfashion.com

Get the party

started

➽

Heavy metal If there’s ever a time to wear metallic, it’s Christmas

€76, zara.com ➽

➽Top it off

Ear candy ➽ Why wear lots of earrings when you can wear one statement style like this? €63, mango.com €226, jigsa w-online.c om

The perfect desk to dancefloor piece

€177, whistles.co.uk

➽

Go for gold Gold embellished mini equals ultimate party dress

‘The Times they are a changing’ or concert tickets are an ideal Christmas gift

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Embellish the truth Full sleeves, nipped-in waist and plenty of sequins… what’s not to love? ➽

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Just add glitter Zara knows about party shoes, and this pair are our top pick

Hi-ho silver Pair this silver mini dress with some black knee-high boots to nail your party look

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ith the countdown to Christmas officially under way, it’s high time we started thinking about what to wear to all those parties. Whether it’s the office Christmas do, drinks with friends, a glamorous evening event or a New Year’s soiree, if ever there’s a time to pile on the sparkle, it’s now.

As with most seasons, there are a few key players that we all rely on. the LBD is always a winner but this season we’re amping up our classic look with a statement piece of ear candy (check out Mango’s jewelled ear cuff). to really stand out (because who wants to blend into the background during party season?), try a statement sequin top, finishing the look with a simple camisole top and some equally sparkly heels (try Zara’s navy version).

Once you’ve found the perfect party outfit, don’t let your choice of outerwear let you down and opt for an oh-so-cool faux fur jacket (Warehouse’s is our favourite).

Finally, add a pop of colour on the lips, a slick of black eyeliner and splash of gold

€14, bobbibrown.co.uk

€200, frenchconnection.com

➽

Just think blush pink This jacket’s tone is the pairing for any party outfit

€50, zara.com

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Well-heeled Make these Isabel Marant shoes your party staple

➽

€82, warehouse.co.uk

Work the festive do outfit to full effect

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style

Thursday, December 18, 2014 METRO HERALD

Fresh: Blue & yellow silk shirt dress by Raoul, €510; Blue silk dress, €540; Check coat by Pinko Tag, €385; Blue blazer by Gagliardi, €319; Salmon shirt, €75; Jeans by Replay, €145; Tie by Altea, €50

Arnotts Spring Summer

Exotic but light: Cream silk cape dress

by Umit Kutluk, €1150; Floral print dress by Emma Cook, €365; Shoes by Buffalo

GROOMING SOS Declan Leavy tackles men’s grooming woes LAST minute gifts for the men in your life?

No idea what to get for your secret Santa? Or perhaps you fancy treating yourself? I’ve got you covered with my selection of grooming gift ideas. Merry Christmas!

If you’re stuck for a Secret Santa present for the random guy in the office you hardly know, get him a bauble filled with mini Nivea For Men products. Sorted! €5.99, from pharmacies.

Perfect for the more discerning male, Aesop’s The Leaf Supreme Timber gift set contains the award-winning Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser, Geranium Leaf Body Balm and Geranium Leaf Body Scrub.

Well posh! €67 at Brown Thomas.

SteamCream is one of those products we’ll probably be recommending to our children and grandchildren in years to come. Basically it’s an inexpensive, multi-tasking moisturiser that really works – especially on shaving rash! For

Bold: Bright coral jacket by Tara Jarmon, €340; Bright coral trousers, €205; Floral Print dress by Milly, €525; Astor Clutch Vermillion Red, €210

BEAUTY... with Emma Henderson Christmas, it comes in a star-shaped tin to make it more giftable. Mega! €12.95, from pharmacies.

My motto when buying last minute beauty and grooming gifts? When in doubt head to Lush! The Seasons Greetings gift set is packed full of Christmassysmelling bath bombs, shower gel, soap and even a massage bar.

Sensual! €41.95, from Lush stores.

Usually, I think celeb and novelty fragrances are pretty naff. Last year someone gifted me with a bottle of James Bond Gold, and after sitting in my cupboard for a few months I decided to give it a go. I’ve been using it on and off ever since as every time I wear it I get asked what scent I’ve got on. Sexy! From €30 at The Perfume Shop, Superdrug and Boots.

I

f there is one treatment that is guaranteed to boost your mood, your confidence and your sex appeal for the Christmas party season, it’s lash extensions. these individually applied false eyelashes adhere to – and shed with – your natural lashes. the effect is transformative: eyes seem bigger and brighter and more awake, there’s no need for mascara or liner and your other facial features will be subtly enhanced. it can seem like there’s a lash bar on every corner, but who you entrust with yours is a big decision. A properly trained technician will tailor the look depending on your face and eye shape, and the length of your natural lashes.

Julia at empower studios is a maestro: she has transformed my sparse lashes and brows into lush, fulsome works of art.

A full set of lashes takes

two hours to apply; the process is painless and the results last from three to six weeks, depending on how you treat them. Aftercare is important: use oil free make-up remover, comb them through daily and otherwise, leave them alone.

But be warned: the effect is addictive, and at €95 for a full set, or €50 for a refill, they represent a not inconsiderable investment. however, if you have a number of events over the festive period, it does make them easier to justify. At least, that’s what i tell myself… and any of my friends who will listen.

Because the truth is, i’m hooked on my lash-batting superpowers; it turns out, fluttery does get you everywhere!

Empower Studio, 43 Dawson Street, Dublin 2; 085 242 5899 or info@ empower.ie

@fluffyblog

17

s ’ T H g i TOn 18 METRO HERALD Thursday, December 18, 2014

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v T 0 1 p O T

1. vogue Does The Afterlife RTÉ2, 10pm

DJ and reality star Vogue Williams investigates whether it is possible to communicate with people after death. After her father’s death in 2010, she says she has become drawn to the idea of using a psychic medium to make contact with him, and in this programme meets spiritualists, mediums, psychic investigators, ghost hunters, past-life regression experts and exorcists to discuss life after death.

5 You’re fired! But why?

Sugar explains himself (a bit) in Why I Fired Them

1 Vogue Williams dips her toes into the supernatural world in Vogue Does The Afterlife

2. Ear To The ground

3 Dog-training comedy Puppy Love concludes with a lost labrador

RTÉ1, 8.30pm Ella McSweeney visits a donkey sanctuary to discover how the animals, which were once an essential part of farming life, are given refuge when they are too old, injured or unwanted. Helen Carroll soaks up the festive spirit at the Loughmore Tea Rooms, Co Tipperary. Plus, Darragh McCullough follows the food journey of the Brussels sprout in north Dublin.

3. puppy Love

BBC4, 10pm There hasn’t been quite enough bite about this mildly barking sitcom, but Vicki Pepperdine and Joanna Scanlan are two of the finest comic actresses and make the most of the material as mismatched Naomi and ‘V’ face up to one final caninerelated crisis.

2 Ella McSweeney visits a donkey sanctuary on Ear To The Ground

4

4. Babylon

C4, 10pm Danny Boyle’s dark police drama signs off its current run. It started out as smart comedy but now swims in deeper waters – it’s hard to pluck many laughs out of suicide. Or rioting on the streets of London, come to that, which is where we are when top cop Sharon (Nicola Walker) fails to put the lid on a viral video crisis. With James Nesbitt and Brit Marling.

5. The Apprentice: Why i Fired Them

BBC1, 10.35pm That’s easy, surely – because they were bloody rubbish! But, by way of building up the anticipation to Sunday’s final, here’s a rundown of why Alan Sugar has given 18 out of this year’s 20 Apprentice contenders the unforgiving finger. The most memorable firee? It’s got to be James.

Brit Marling stars in Danny Boyle’s dark police drama Babylon

YOUR gUiDE TO THis EvEning’s EssEnTiAL viEWing 6. EastEnders

RTÉ1, 7.30pm Poor old Alfie Moon (Shane Richie).

A man born to play host behind the bar at the Queen Vic has seemed like a fish out of water since he lost that gig. And when the penny drops with Kat about what he’s been up to – arson and all – he’ll be in for a right roasting.

7. Ros na Rún

TG4, 8.30pm Eoin has the entire Ó Direáin family wrapped around his finger, with Jason thinking he is a helpful brother

and Lee grateful that he is keeping her secret – but what has Eoin got planned? Meanwhile, Niamh is called to the Garda station and David finally realises how much Alanna loves him.

8. panorama: Apple’s Broken promises

BBC1, 9pm It’s one of the most readily identifiable global brands, but what lurks beneath the mega-buck success of the tech giant? The conditions at a factory in China which plays a part in the construction

of the iPhone 6 are a world away from the glossy sheen of Apple’s shiny image.

9. playhouse presents: Marked

Sky Arts 1, 10pm Stephen Fry sporting some luxuriant Santa whiskers is the chief attraction of this short and bittersweet seasonal morality tale, which finds Kiefer Sutherland playing a stressed suburban husband who is a world away from 24’s all-action hero Jack Bauer. The plot, involving a contract killing, barely holds together, but the

star-power involved keeps the fairylights twinkling.

10. Today’s Film: Falling Down

Sky Crime & Thriller, 11.05pm

Michael Douglas is at the absolute top of his game in this angry rant of an urban-vigilante drama from 1993. Douglas is Bill Foster, an ordinary American guy pushed over the top by the craziness and frustrations of modern life. And this is 1993. Just think what he’d be like if his smartphone battery went dead.

books round-up 2014

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Thursday, December 18, 2014 METRO HERALD

19

Literary fiction was in rude health in 2014. Daragh Reddin looks back at the best releases of the year The Paying Guests by Sarah Waters (Virago) Some critics complained that Sarah Waters wasn’t on her usual form with this hulking crime thriller, set in London just after World War 1, which sees a young woman form a troubling relationship with the wife of a couple she has taken in as lodgers. Granted, the plot of The Paying Guests isn’t quite as elaborate as that of Fingersmith – Waters’ most structurally innovative novel to date – but the writing is so graceful and the story so immersive, it’s impossible not to be swept up by the power of this nuanced, beautifullywrought pageturner.

All My Puny Sorrows by Miriam Toews (Picador) A novel about a Mennonite’s efforts to prevent her depressed sister from taking her own life doesn’t sound like the kind of thing you’d like to find in your stocking on Christmas morning. But make no mistake about it, Miriam Toews’ All My Puny Sorrows is a triumph. It sees Yolandi, a middle-aged divorcee, recount her relationship with overtly successful sibling Elfrieda, a world-renowned pianist who has been brought low by mental illness. It sounds forbiddingly bleak but Toews’ captivating and heart-rending novel is leavened by mordant humour and a gimlet eye for the absurdities of modern life.

Nora Webster by Colm Tóibín (Penguin) In this loose sequel to his Costa prize-winning Brooklyn, Colm Tóibín returns to County Wexford, this time fashioning an unhurried, stylistically-flawless novel around the eponymous Nora Webster, It’s the late 1960s and the recently-widowed Nora is slowly coming to terms not only with the death of her husband, but the demands of single motherhood and the relentless meddling of neighbours. Tóibín teases out both touching drama and sharp observational comedy as Nora takes tentative steps towards selfrealisation and finds solace in art, music and her own company.

Us by David Nicholls (Hodder & Stoughton) Many readers were surprised when David Nicholls pitched up on this

year’s Booker Prize-longlist with his second novel, Us. Perceived by many to be a purveyor of eminently disposable and populist fiction, the One Day author proved his detractors wrong with this moving and honest account of a family in crisis. Douglas Peterson is a buttoned-up, fiftysomething scientist who decides a ‘grand tour’ of Europe will be the perfect opportunity to save his marriage to disillusioned wife Connie and repair relations with his sneering teenage son, Albie. What follows is a warmhearted novel with sharp characterisation that’s by turns wise, plangent and deeply funny.

I Refuse by Per Petterson (Harvill Secker) Best known in Ireland for Out Stealing Horses which won the Impac Dublin Literary Award in 2007, Per Petterson is widelyregarded as Norway’s greatest living

THRILLER CHOICE..

THE SECRET PLACE by Tana French A boarding school murder mystery that is equal parts police procedural, teen drama and gothic thriller, Tana French’s fifth novel is her finest yet. A note is discovered in a girls’ boarding school attached to a picture of a murdered schoolboy found on the grounds a year previously. It reads: ‘I know who killed him.’ Cold cases detective Stephen Moran teams up with the wonderfully hard-nosed Antoinette Conway to investigate. Occasionally French drops gear but only to make space in which to sculpt characters and dynamics. This, you then find, has the effect of making that ratchet click louder and louder. Adam White

novelist. Having lost his parents and brother in a ferry disaster in 1990, it’s hardly surprising that Petterson’s work pulses with the sorrow of an author all-to-familiar with the vicissitudes of fate. When two middle-aged men cross paths for the first time in 30 years, they are prompted to recall their intense friendship and the sorrowful, lifedefining memories to which they have been tethered since childhood.

A moving, complex short novel that is richer and more satisfying than most books several times its length.

Academy Street by Mary Costello (Canongate) In her superb short story collection The China Factory, Mary Costello wrote shrewdly about ordinary lives under the yoke of extraordinary events. Academy Street, which was a worthy winner of this year’s Bord Gáis Book Of The Year, sees her capitalising on

that talent. We first encounter Tess as a girl at her mother’s funeral in Ireland and follow her into adult life in New York. The caprices of history, from the Cuban missile crisis to 9/11, are a direct threat to her happiness in a novel where the interior life of an ordinary woman is delineated with artistry and ample grace.

Let Me Be Frank With You by Richard Ford (Bloomsbury) The only criticism that can be levelled at Richard Ford’s splendid collection of interlinked stories is the naff title. Having starred in a trilogy of novels – The Sportswriter; Independence Day; The Lay Of The Land – that rank among the finest in contemporary American fiction, Frank Bascombe returns for further melancholic ruminations in these four novellas set in New Jersey in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. The highlight of the book is Frank’s

unrelenting account of his visit to the wife he divorced 30 years earlier – now at death’s door in an assistedliving community.

The Narrow Road To The Deep North by Richard Flanagan (Chatto & Windus) Dedicated to the author’s father who was interred in a Japanese prisoner camp in Burma, Richard Flanagan’s outstanding novel was widely-regarded as one of the most deserving winners of the Booker Prize in recent years. It tells the story of the Australian POWs who toiled on the Burma Death Railway under the aegis of the Japanese during World War II, as viewed through the eyes of an army surgeon faced the impossible task of keeping the men alive. Flanagan uses a collage-like approach which lends this coruscating novel a fractured, hallucinatory quality that lingers long after the final page.

SHORT STORY CHOICE...

Davy Byrnes Stories 2014 It’s been another cracking year for Dublin’s Stinging Fly press and its alumni.

Following the success of short-story collection The China Factory, which was published by the boutique fiction specialists in 2011, its author Mary Costello was picked up by the revered Scottish publishing house Canongate who brought out her awardwinning debut novel

Academy Street earlier this year. And only last month Colin Barrett won the Guardian First Book award with his collection of short stories, Young Skins, which was published by Stinging Fly before Jonathan Cape brought it – belatedly – to a suitably appreciative UK audience.

The prize-winning stories from the 2014 Davy Byrnes Short Story Award – chosen by a triumvirate

of top drawer authors: Anne Enright, Yiyun Li and Jon McGregor – are collected in the Stinging Fly’s latest volume which is a perfect stocking filler for the bibliophile in your life.

Watch out for overall winner Sara Baume whose first novel, Spill Simmer Falter Wither, will be published by Tramp Press – another Dublin success story – next Spring.

20 METRO HERALD Thursday, December 18, 2014

puzzles

D

METROSCOPE

by Patrick Arundell

NEMI by Lise

Aries Mar 21 – Apr 20

Today’s influences are perfect for making yourself known to all the right people. Think about moving in circles that are linked with your goals. And by showing a willingness to help out where needed, you’ll be welcomed into the fold that much sooner.

For your forecast, call 15609 114 70

scorpio Oct 24 – Nov 22

You may be considering how to improve your life. The question may boil down to making changes that open things up for you. Consider opportunities that allow you to develop along new and interesting lines or that encourage study.

For your forecast, call 15609 114 71

For your forecast, call 15609 114 77

Gemini May 22 – Jun 21

sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 21

The presence of Mars in Aquarius can be excellent for researching your options. Current trends may pose a conflict though between forging a new path, one that’s original to you, or opting for what is tried and trusted.

For your forecast, call 15609 114 72

cancer Jun 22 – Jul 23

Today’s Scorpio Moon can churn up your feelings, yet rather than let on how much a person or issue is affecting you, you might hold those emotions back, but Mercury in Capricorn hints that it’s better to say it like it is.

For your forecast, call 15609 114 73

Leo Jul 24 – Aug 23

Are you ready for relief or release in an area of your life? This may be down to Saturn’s imminent change of sign and a feeling that a difficulty is nearly at an end. There’s a sense that a burden could soon be lifted.

PEARLs BEFORE swINE

For your forecast, call 15609 114 76

Relationships may have been testing your patience for quite some time.

With Saturn now in the last degree of Scorpio, a certain issue could flare up as though to prove to you just how far you have come in resolving matters.

Taurus Apr 21 – May 21

METROKU Easy, Moderate and Challenging

necessary, and don’t worry about getting everything perfect either. Taking time to pamper yourself should brighten your mood.

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Virgo Aug 24 – Sep 23

Despite pressures, a creative urge could give you a new lease of life.

With the holiday week nearly here, you might be tempted to dive in and get busy. If you intend to make your gifts yourself, chances are you’ll enjoy yourself.

For your forecast, call 15609 114 75

Libra Sep 24 – Oct 23

With things about to get even more hectic, be sure to delegate tasks where

The seeds of new ideas may be taking root, encouraging you to think creatively. If you feel you could learn a new skill, this is a fine time to go for it.

The current planetary activity hints that investing in knowledge could help greatly improve key areas of life.

For your forecast, call 15609 114 78

capricorn Dec 22 – Jan 20

You’re keen to get moving on ideas that are meaningful in a personal sense. But how far should you go towards satisfying your own needs when others could be looking to you for support? A balanced approach can help you make the best of the situation.

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Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19

Today’s Scorpio Moon places the emphasis on goals and ambitions. As the Moon links with Mars and Neptune, it hints at seeing things from different perspectives. You could have a number of options open to you which can show up today if you go in search of them.

For your forecast, call 15609 114 80

Pisces Feb 20 – Mar 20

With your social life showing plenty of promise, the festive week is shaping up to be a lot of fun. As a result, you may get invites and opportunities to mix and mingle. This is a great chance to expand your network of friends, whether for business, fun or romance.

For your forecast, call 15609 114 81

Shove (5) Notice (7) Feat (7) Change (5) Irreverence (10) All-knowing (10) Unmoving (5) Zeal (7) Detergent (7) Circular (5)

DOWN 1 2 3 4 5 6 11 13 14 16 17 20

Fawning (10) Break out (5) Nought (4) Janitor (6) Thug (8) Inscribed (7) Backward (10) Cheeky (8) Unbeliever (7) Acquaint (6) Fashion (5) Unusual (4)

Solutions to previous puzzle: Across: 1 Advantage; 8 Nil; 9 Impertinent; 11 Harness; 12 Eerie; 13 Leeway; 15 Strove; 17 Cruel; 18 Cutlass; 20 Lawlessness; 22 Sol; 23 Dangerous. Down: 2 Dim; 3 Nerve; 4 Amidst; 5 Element; 6 Interrogate; 7 Blameless; 10 Perpetually; 11 Holocaust; 14 Allowed; 16 Screen; 19 Taste; 21 Sou.

ENIGMA A plant’s name that combines within A loaf and something with a skin.

(In the Bounty mutiny, They got thrown off into the sea.)

WHO AM I? A singer, I was born in North Carolina in 1933. My real name was Eunice Kathleen Waymon but I adopted a stage name for singing in clubs and bars. I am considered a pivotal figure in modern American music, and my hits include To Be Young, Gifted

And Black and My Baby Just Cares For Me. WHO, WHAT, WHERE & WHEN? WHO... was the French impressionist who painted Les Parapluies?

WHAT... is a hornbeam?

WHERE... was cricketer Ted Dexter born?

WHEN... did Jacques Chirac first become prime minister of France?

SCRIBBLE BOX

7 8 9 10 12 15 18 19 21 22

QuIz

ACROSS

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 ANSWERS: ENIGMA: Breadfruit. WHO AM I? Nina Simone. WHO, WHAT, WHERE & WHEN? Renoir; A tree; Milan; 1974.

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football

D

Thursday, December 18, 2014 MeTRO HeRaLd

Clash: Cech and Zouma collide

d e s u c c a (again)

Headgear saved Kurt, says Cech

Petr CeCh insists his padded helmet saved him and Chelsea team-mate Kurt Zouma from serious injury. the pair clashed heads after Cech had clattered the defender as he punched clear a corner during tuesday’s 3-1 Capital One Cup quarter-final win at Derby.

Cech has worn headgear since fracturing his skull in a collision with reading’s Stephen hunt in 2006 and believes it prevented further injury at Derby. the goalkeeper said: ‘I think the helmet saved him, me as well, as he

investigator quits with scathing parting shot for football’s governing body by danny gRiffiTHs FIFA ethics investigator Michael Garcia has strongly criticised football’s governing body after quitting in protest at the way his report into the bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups was handled.

Garcia said he had lost confidence in the independence of the ethics committee’s adjudicatory chamber.

That followed a 42-page statement issued by its chairman, judge HansJoachim Eckert, in November based on Garcia’s still-unpublished report.

Former US prosecutor Garcia’s findings examined allegations of corruption after the 2018 and 2022 World Cup finals went to Russia and Qatar.

He had appealed against Eckert’s statement [dubbed the Eckert Decision by Fifa], saying it contained mis-

Dispute: Garcia (left) and Eckert

TiMeLine NOVEMBER 13 hans-Joachim eckert publishes his report into Garcia’s investigation. england are condemned for rules violations in their bid for the 2018 World Cup but Russia and Qatar are effectively confirmed as hosts for 2018

and 2022 respectively. Michael Garcia announces he will appeal against the findings, saying the report contains ‘incomplete and erroneous representations of the facts and conclusions’ in his report.

NOVEMBER 14 eckert admits his ‘surprise’ at

representations, but on Tuesday Fifa ruled the appeal was inadmissible.

‘It now appears that, at least for the foreseeable future, the Eckert Decision will stand as the final word on the 2018/2022 Fifa World Cup bidding process,’ said Garcia.

He added that an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport would be impractical and said: ‘The issues raised

OddbaLLs

Garcia’s plans to appeal.

NOVEMBER 17 FA chairman Greg Dyke writes to Fifa executive committee members calling for ‘urgent action’ to ensure Garcia’s report is published in full.

NOVEMBER 19 Blatter rejects calls to publish

by Mr Eckert’s selection and omission of material from the report, and his additional comments, went far beyond initial transparency concerns.

‘A brief I filed with the Fifa appeal committee explained why, when viewed in the context of the report it purported to summarise, no principled approach could justify the Eckert Decision’s edits, omissions and addi-

and lobbed a packet of Jaffa Cakes onto the pitch.

‘We got a message from Sean McConville saying Gareth Roberts was struggling, feeling lightheaded,’ explained Burr.

‘He was groggy so we needed to get chocolate to

Strange stories from the world of sport

him to boost his sugar levels. That’s why I did the javelin throw with a full packet on to the pitch.

‘He probably didn’t need that many but he shared them out.’ Sadly, the snack failed to prevent the hosts suffering a 3-0 defeat.

the Garcia report in full, saying doing so would break Fifa’s rules and swiss law.

DECEMBER 16 Garcia loses his appeal. It is declared inadmissible by Fifa’s appeals committee.

DECEMBER 17 Garcia resigns.

tions. No independent governance committee, investigator or arbitration panel can change the culture of an organisation. And while the Eckert Decision made me lose confidence in the independence of the adjudicatory chamber, it is the lack of leadership on these issues within Fifa that leads me to conclude my role in this process is at an end.’

Crumbs, Chester boss breaks out the biscuits CHESTER City manager Steve Burr had to think quickly when he noticed some of his team where struggling during the FA Cup replay with Barnsley.

Keen to boost the energy levels of his flagging side, Burr reached for the biscuits

21

Sugary snack: Roberts chomps on a Jaffa Cake

Help: Fabregas and Azpilicueta hit most of the helmet and took away a little bit of the impact.

Chelsea were frustrated at the slow arrival of paramedics after Zouma, who is expected to be available for Monday’s match at Stoke, was poleaxed. Cesc Fabregas and Cesar Azpilicueta helped carry the stretcher and Cech revealed club doctor eva Carneiro had asked for stretchers three times before they arrived. ‘that’s why the players got involved. Overall the situation was handled well,’ he said.

u WesT ham striker Andy Carroll has taken to Instagram to offer fans a cheeky peak at life in his new pad.

The hammers hitman has recently moved into his new love nest with girlfriend Billi Mucklow, of The Only Way is essex fame.

Pride of place appears to be a huge mirror above the bed where the hairy twosome are seen relaxing. Carroll wrote: ‘Good morning from our new home!! #crazyhair #dirtymirror’. Oh, matron!

22 METRO HERALD Thursday, December 18, 2014

football capital one cup

D

1

Raheem Sterling’s opener was his first headed goal for Liverpool

quARTER-FiNAL

bournemouth ..........1 liverpool....................3

by Jack Fox LiverpooL put their recent woes behind them last night to book their place in the semifinals of the Capital one Cup. A run of just two wins in ten games has seen the reds slip to 11th in the premier League and crash out of the Champions League but all that was forgotten at the Goldsands Stadium as a raheem Sterling double and a first Livepool goal for Lazar Markovic lifted the mood for Brendan rodgers’ strugglers.

Despite an early scare, when Bournemouth’s Callum Wilson skipped into the Liverpool box only to poke his shot wide of the post, the visitors soon settled and took a deserved lead on 20 minutes. england international Sterling bent low to guide a deft header beyond Cherries goalkeeper Artur Boruc.

Markovic, making a rare start, added a second seven minutes later, coolly side-footing the ball home from 15 yards after Boruc had denied philippe Coutinho at the near post.

Yann Kermorgant wasted a chance to pull one back for the hosts as half-time beckoned

Big win: Relieved Rodgers – the Frenchman firing the ball high over the bar with the goal at his mercy.

The miss proved decisive as Sterling claimed his second six minutes after the interval as he raced on to Adam Lallana’s pass and slid the ball past Boruc into the far corner.

An error from Brad Jones allowed Dan Gosling to pull one back for the home side just before the hour and the former everton man was only denied a second by a post as the Cherries finished with a flourish.

Sturridge treated by Sox DANIEL SturrIDgE will stay in the united States over Christmas where he will work with medical experts at the Boston red Sox as he continues his recovery from injury.

Sturridge (pictured) has not played for the reds since August

31 after straining a thigh while training with England.

He spent ten days in Los Angeles as part of his rehab and he will now link up with the medical team at the red Sox who, like the reds, are owned

by Fenway Sports group.

Fast start: Markovic (right) celebrates the second with Henderson after Sterling scored the first (inset)

TRANSFER TALk

City forced to search for cheap deals as sales near MANCHESTER City will have to search in the bargain bins at the January sales window if they intend to strengthen their stricken strikeforce.

The defending Premier League champions head

into the new year with Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko (pictured) and Stevan Jovetic all receiving treatment, while Alfredo Negredo is on a seasonlong loan at Valencia.

City have been limited by

Uefa to just £49million on transfer fees after breaking Financial Fair Play rules.

They have already splashed out £32m so there will be no move for Swansea’s Wilfried Bony or WBA’s Saido Berahino.

Walking wounded: Dzeko

u SOUTHAMPTON want Danny Ings to return to his hometown club but the Burnley striker is also wanted by Tyne/Wear rivals Newcastle and Sunderland. u TOTTENHAM have been linked with a loan move for young PSG

midfielder Adrien Rabiot. u STOKE pair Peter Crouch and Glenn Whelan are both out of contract in the summer and want two-year deals to stay in the Potteries.

Tottenham midfielder Mousa Dembele is a possible January

target if Stoke decide this week to let Whelan leave after a seven-year stint. u HULL boss Steve Bruce will have to let players go before he can bring them in. u WEST Ham midfielder Mark Noble will be given a new deal.

pictureS: getty/pa

Full ’heem ahead as Reds book semi spot

D

Thursday, December 18, 2014 METRO HERALD 23

spurs accept early gift then wrap up a romp Home and dry: Kane fires a third before soldado (below) made it four

tottenhAM .......4 newCAstle .........0

by Danny griffiths MAURICIO POCHETTINO was last night celebrating after Tottenham reached the semi-finals of a major competition just six months into his reign at White Hart Lane.

The Argentinian has endured a stuttering start to his Spurs career but he appears to be turning around the north London club’s fortunes.

After reaching the knockout stages of the Europa League and moving to within four points of fourth place in the Premier League, they are now within sight of a Wembley final.

Spurs went ahead in the 18th minute following a blunder from Newcastle’s No.3 goalkeeper Jak Alnwick.

The 21-year-old was under little pressure when he dropped a corner from Christian Eriksen, leaving Nabil Bentaleb to volley in his first goal for Tottenham from four yards.

The Magpies responded well and

pictures: Bpi/reuters

quARTER-finAL

fOOTbALL DigEsT

Hard times: Pearson

Pearson accepts FA charge for fan row LeicesTer manager Nigel Pearson has accepted a Football Association charge after his run-in with a fan. The 51-yearold is charged with using ‘abusive and/ or insulting words towards a spectator’ during his side’s 3-1 defeat to Liverpool and has requested a personal hearing from the FA. Pearson refused to apologise despite a video emerging of the incident amid calls from the Leicester city supporters club for him to say sorry. He said at the time: ‘i have had run-ins with fans in the past and in the heat of the moment these things happen.’ The pressure has increased on the Foxes boss recently with his men bottom of the Premier League.

48 Per cent of

12 Goals in all competitions

– three of those in the League cup – for Harry Kane

Premier League players wear white boots, according to a new survey. Just 15 per cent wear black.

4 times tottenham have lifted the League cup, the last being in 2008

McCoist remains in Ibrox hot seat ALLy MccoisT will continue as rangers manager for the time being, despite resigning on Monday.

Mccoist (pictured) met with Gers directors yesterday and the ibrox club confirmed he will prepare as normal for saturday’s visit of Livingston.

Many had expected Mccoist to leave but he is continuing to serve his 12month notice period, during which his salary reverts to £750,000, having agreed to a pay cut last year.

could have gained a swift equaliser but Emmanuel Riviere headed wide.

Harry Kane was then inches away from increasing Spurs’ advantage before being brought down by Fabricio Coloccini but referee Andre Marriner turned down the home appeals as the game swung from end to end.

Tottenham, though, increased the lead just 30 seconds after the interval when Nacer Chadli’s low shot flew in from 25 yards.

Jan Vertonghen then saw a header cleared off the line before Kane extended his purple patch with No.3 and substitute Roberto Soldado hit a fourth as Spurs cruised to victory.

‘stay out of serbia’

AVB: My exit down to a transfer Levy

snub: Villas-Boas

EX-BOSS Andre Villas-Boas claims he left Tottenham because promises over signings were not kept by chairman Daniel Levy.

The 37-year-old, now at Zenit St Petersburg, also claims he spoke to Liverpool after leaving Spurs but wanted a job abroad.

Speaking to Portuguese TV channel TVI, Villas-Boas said: ‘I ended up leaving by mutual agreement – it wasn’t a sacking.

The chairman proposed a challenge to increase the competitive level, but immediately [Luka]

‘Promises on targeted players weren’t kept’ Modric left and we didn’t get the targets I identified, such as Joao Moutinho, Willian, Oscar or

Leandro Damiao. These were promises that were not kept.

‘I talked with Liverpool but returning to England is not in my future plans.’

The club swiftly hit back at Villas-Boas’ claims, a spokesman saying: ‘It’s unfortunate Andre has felt the need to pass comments like these. Not only has he attempted to rewrite history, he has clearly forgotten the facts.’

ProFessioNAL footballers have been urged not to sign for clubs in serbia because there is a good chance they will not get paid. FiFPro, the world players’ union, and the serbian players’ union have warned of severe financial problems. ‘We hate to do this but it is our job to protect the players,’ said FiFPro spokesman Theo van seggelen.

REsuLTs fa cuP second-round rePLay Worcester ..............................L scunthorpe ........................... L (extra-time being played, 1-1 after 90 mins) caPitaL one cuP quarter-finaLs Bournemouth ........................ 1 Liverpool .............................. 3 tottenham ............................ 4 newcastle ............................0

SPORT

24 METRO HERALD Thursday, December 18, 2014

D

Garcia exit is a ‘failure’ for Fifa, says Uefa president Platini

«see page 21

pIcTure: geTTy

rookie keeper’s clanger helps spurs trounce Toon

Joy and pain: Bentaleb celebrates as Alnwick (inset) suffers

by nick METcALfE A GOAlKEEPING howler from Jak Alnwick sent Tottenham on their way to a thumping win over Newcastle and a place in the last four of the capital One cup last night.

Spurs, chasing a first trophy since winning this competition in 2008, never looked back after the early mistake as they won 4-0.

The first goal came when thirdchoice Alnwick inexplicably dropped the ball from a corner and Nabil Bentaleb cleverly turned it home.

Nacer chadli, Harry Kane and Roberto Soldado added further goals after the break, on a miserable night for Alan Pardew’s men.

Elsewhere, liverpool eased the pressure on their under-fire manager Brendan Rodgers with a 3-1 quarterfinal win at Bournemouth. Raheem Sterling scored twice as the Reds saw off the championship leaders. liverpool drew chelsea in the semis, while Spurs face Sheffield United.

Kettle: great success

Tributes for Dubs legend Kettle

TOO HOT

TO HAnDLE bournemouTh 1-3 liverpool

spurs 4-0 newcasTle

Falcao: I’d love to stay – but need to play RADAmEl FAlcAO would happily stick with manchester United but admits a permanent move to Old Trafford is likely to depend on how much game time he gets before the end of the season.

United thought they had pulled off a major coup by snapping up Falcao

‘Footballers want to play – no one’s happy on the bench’ from monaco on deadline day but so far the colombian has not lived up to his star billing. Thanks, in part to knee and thigh injuries, Falcao has struggled to find form and has scored just once in 11 appearances.

Despite his struggles, the 28-yearold is keen for United to exercise

TRIBUTES have poured in for Dublin county board chairman Andy Kettle after his untimely death.

The Gaelic Players Association said of the Fingal Ravens clubman: ‘Andy was deeply committed to the development of Gaelic games both in his club and his county. His tenure as county chairman coincided with a period of great success in both codes for Dublin. ‘He wore his heart on his sleeve and his affection and support for players will be remembered fondly.’

which kept United third in the table. their option to buy him from the French ligue 1 outfit for ‘Every footballer wants to play, no one is happy when they are not £43.5million. playing, when they are on the ‘I am very happy in this city, in this club and I am enjoying it here. I bench,’ he added.

‘But whenever I am given the really want to stay,’ said the striker. opportunity, whether it be for five, ‘From my point of view, I’d like to ten, 20 or 90 minutes, I have to give carry on but obviously I have to my best.’ analyse the situation, see if I play When asked whether he had more and see what decision spoken to manager louis van the board takes.’

Gaal about his lack of Falcao has not started playing time, Falcao said: since he scored his only ‘We talk a lot.

United goal so far ‘He has a philosophy against Everton on Combined career that I respect. I have had October 5 but is transfer fees in an injury and I have had willing to be patient. pounds for the to wait for the opportunity A calf injury ruled Colombian to play. him out for a month but ‘I am not playing many since he returned he has minutes at the moment but I am made three brief appearances off sure there will more opportunities to the bench, the latest a 12-minute cameo in the 3-0 win over liverpool play.’

reporTs – page 22-23

RAD sTART

He arrived with a knee injury and has since had thigh problems

90.2m

Worth it?

Falcao has scored just once in 11 games for United, in part due to injuries

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