Aug sept 2012 newsfour

IN YOUR FAVOURITE LOCAL PAPER…

Page 11: Karate expert Fran Nangle (with President Higgins) talks sport.

Page 21: Sandymount traders are accomplished fundraisers.

AHOY LANDLUBBERS! A

By Joan Mitchell fter fourteen years the Tall Ships are back in Dublin. They will be the heart of an amazing four day festival from 23rd–26th August, which will include ships from Ireland, UK, Poland, France, Netherlands, Germany, Ecuador, Latvia, Estonia and Russia.

The smaller ships have one mast and one to two sails. For the larger ships (think ‘Poseidon Adventure’ or ‘The Bounty’) they have up to four masts with up to five sails per mast.

These are truly impressive ships and all staffed by crew members and volunteers, and when they arrive in Dublin the largest ships will be anchored along Sir John Rogerson Quay and the remainder along North Wall Quay.

If seeing those breath-taking ships is not exciting enough there is a raft of events organised to keep

you and your shipmates entertained. There will be live music on a number of stages with Ash and The Undertones playing at The Bulmer’s Stage. Other acts will be confirmed and will include the latest upcoming acts in Ireland along with some musical stalwarts. There will be food ‘theatres’, markets, fun fairs and water-based sports.

There will also be an area for Participative Family Games, a Lifestyle and Fashion Zone, an Urban Games area along with Street Theatre.

It is anticipated there will be close to one million visitors attending over the four days and it all kicks off on Thursday 23rd at 2pm when the ships open to the public and the fun

begins!

Friday 24thAugust: At midday the ships re-open to the public and the highlight will be a crew parade at 3pm, with prize-giving at 5pm, but don’t stop now – the fun continues until 10pm. On Saturday 25th August it all happens between 11am and 10pm. Sunday 26th August at 11am we can bid farewell to the ships, and watch as they set sail for the Irish Sea Race from Dublin to Liverpool; the festival continues until 2pm on Sunday.

So have your sea legs ready and drop anchor in the heart of Dublin city for a truly impressive and amazing festival.

Photos by Tall Ships Races 2012

Page 34: A passion for pigeons.

(Photo by Liam Behan)

Page 38: American football comes to Dublin in September.

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NewsFour Editor Karen Keegan Proof Reading Gemma Byrne Staff Eimear Murphy Rupert Heather Jason McDonnell Sandy Hazel Joe McKenna Caomhan Keane Joan Mitchell Liam Cahill Contributors Jimmy Purdy Kirstin Smith James O’Doherty Noel Twamley Lorraine Barry Nicky Flood Alice Ni Dhonnachada Derek Murphy Susan Dixon

NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2012

The Letterbox

Dear Editor, I am writing to you about Ringsend Park. I have lived here in Ringsend all of my life and I used to enjoy the area of the park known as ‘The Littler’. It was a place where I could sit without fear of a football hitting me on the head. Nowadays they have taken away most of the flowers and the benches I used to sit on. The kids are kicking footballs around it, the whole park is full of football and GAA pitches but there is nowhere for older people to sit and just enjoy some peace and quiet. Lord Pembroke gave Ringsend Park to all the people not just footballers and young people. There should be somewhere safe and quiet for the old people to sit too.

Anonymous Dear Editor Thanks very much for the article on the garden I have been working on in Shelbourne Park Apartments. I got a nice surprise a couple of days after the NewsFour paper came out. The City Council and City Hall congratulated me on all the good work I have done on the garden. They dropped down two big van loads of flowers to help the garden look even better for the summer.

Christopher Kelly

Web Designer Andrew Thorn

�e Editor’s Corner

I

n our last edition of NewsFour we featured a picture of touch rugby on page 23. Our sincerest apologies for not crediting the photographer Ken Sutton of SEPA with this photograph.

Alas, we have to say goodbye to yet another great journalist Sandy Hazel, we wish her all the best in her future journalism career. On the upside this opens the door to Joan Mitchell and Liam Cahill who are very welcome to the NewsFour team.

I know we’re all delighted with the recent good weather. I for one soaked up the glorious sunshine at the Laya Street Performance World Championships in Merrion Square last weekend (page 28). How lucky are we to have such a cracking weekend of free entertainment. There are so many budget-friendly festivals to watch out for over the next few weeks. We’re all very excited about the arrival of the Tall Ships as you can see from page 1.

This epic festival will be jam packed full of serious fun and will also feature an exhibition and talks in the CHQ building from the Dock Workers Preservation Society (page 34).

Have you ever fancied yourself as a bit of a Viking? On page 9 you can abuse all the randomers you want if you’re lucky enough to win our fantastic Viking Splash competition. And that’s not the only thing up for grabs in this issue… clippity clop to page 19 because if you’re not in you can’t whinny!

Karen

Photography John Cheevers

Letter to Jimmy Purdy Hello Jimmy, I have just read NewsFour and enjoyed every bit of your contribution immensely. The story about the laundry was very interesting.

Peggy and May going on strike. They were great to do it. The swastika van looked great.

I was also thrilled to see my brother Vincent in the Brugh Padraig under 16 cup winners 1948 photo. It means a lot to me as his birthday was in June. I hope he enjoyed it in heaven.

Design and Layout Eugene Carolan Ad Design Karen Madsen Sandymount Community Services, Ringsend and Irishtown Community Centre, Thorncastle Street, Ringsend, Dublin 4.

Take care and God Bless.

Dympna Bath Avenue

Telephone: (01)6673317 E-mail: newsfour@gmail.com Website: www.news4.ie NewsFour Newspaper is part of a FÁS Community Employment Programme.

Opinions expressed in News Four do not necessarily represent the views of Community Services.

Printed by Datascope Ltd, Wexford

Dear Editor, My mother Mary Fitzpatrick nee Mooney died when I was around six years old. Then a couple of years later my dad married again to a wonderful woman Crissy Finnegan and they had five more children. So life went on, and Crissy raised all eight of us as her own. My dad and Crissy died a couple of years ago and ever since I have been trying to find any information I can about my mother’s family. I always thought she was an only child but have recently found out that she might have had a sister (Eileen) and two brothers some of whom I think might still be living in Ringsend or the Dublin 4 area. I am hoping someone might recognise my mother in the photo and I might get a lead to work on.

Take care Eddie Fitzpatrick

NEWSFOUR

AROUND THE WORLD

A special thanks to Mary Wiggins who is pictured ‘posting the NewsFour manifesto’ on the Great Wall of China. If you have brought your NewsFour to far-flung places, send us a picture!

NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2012

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PAGE 4

F ORGET

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By Sandy Hazel group of transition year students have won the top gold award at this year’s Young Social Innovators competition with a special Forget Me Not campaign.

The campaign was acknowledged and praised at the recent launch of Child Rescue Ireland, a new alert system for abducted children in Ireland.

The pupils from Davis College, Mallow, Cork, felt that missing persons was a forgotten issue and they developed strategies to raise

NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2012

ME NOT

awareness and to help practically, raising funds for searches. A calendar has been produced with photos and stories about people on the missing person’s lists. The families have also put poignant notes and wishes onto the pages.

The students are also currently petitioning 800 schools across Ireland, Europe and China to establish a national missing persons’ day.

“We have already presented the campaign to the Dáil and to Minister for Justice Alan Shatter,” says teacher Kathy Kilgallon. Minister

Shatter has described the campaign as “unique and important”. He says he intends to raise the issue at an EU level. The group also have the support of Kate McCann.

One of the threads of the Forget Me Not campaign was the exit point strategy where students designed and funded posters at exit points in Cork, Shannon and Knock airports and on Stena Line ferries.

It was also rolled out as a disposable paper sheet on trays and as a calendar. “We worked closely with families and organisations representing missing people and with the gardai,” says Kilgallon.

The calendar has photos of the missing people, letters from their families and descriptions of their personalities. Proceeds from this have helped fund the search for a missing 19 year old boy in Galway.”

A lot of the State resources were down south at the time during the Glandore fishing crew tragedy,” Kilgallon explained, “so we were able to send a significant amount of money up to help the Galway search in January. They did find his remains.”

Pictured: Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan meets students from Davis College, Mallow.

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Dublin Zombie Walk

By Sandy Hazel he funkiest fundraiser of the year has got to be the annual Zombie Walk. Get your bad rags on, crack open the ketchup and hook up in Stephen’s Green, at the Leeson Street side on Saturday 4th August. There will be some make-up artists available on the day to touch up gashes and scars, buckets of blood are usually available too, but supplies can run out fast so bring back-up. Please arrive early to allow for make-up artists to join in the walk too.

Organisers just ask that small donations be made in exchange for each zombie taking part – no need to register. There is no age limit.

“Everyone is welcome, young and old, fresh and stinking. Kids welcome too, they make tasty zombie snacks, you can even bring the dog,” says the organisers. All that is required is that you look dead.

All funds raised this year will be donated to Barnardos.

Gathering times will be announced closer to the date, so be sure to check www.dublinzombiewalk.com for more details.

Pictured: Last year’s Dublin Zombie Walk hit headlines around the world as thousands of zombies brought Dublin to a standstill.

NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2012

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WHITE WALLS FOR SCHOOL HALL

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By Sandy Hazel he Parents of Saint Patrick’s Boys and Girls schools in Ringsend would like to say a big thank you to all who helped to refurbish the assembly hall shared by the schools.

“The school hall badly needed a facelift,” Sandra Bridgeman, a member of the parents’ association, told NewsFour. “We noticed it when last year’s communion class had their photos taken in the hall and decided it was time to take action.”

Sandra got the school principals on board and a fundraiser was planned. The ‘no-uniform day’ raised €825, which went towards costs of transport and logistics of the refurbishment. Many metal ceiling fittings had to be removed first.

Sandra contacted Crown Paints to see if they could help too. “Brian at the Macken Street Crown Paint centre gave us a positive to our request for paint and then we also contacted John Fitzsimons at Saint Andrew’s Resource Centre, who agreed to supply a brilliant painting team, Eoin Dunne and his crew,” says Sandra.

She would also like to send

thanks to Colette Dunne at Crown in Malahide, who made sure the paint Crown donated got to the hall. “Colette told me she remembered the hall herself during the 1970s, it was used for lots of variety performances and shows.”

Sandra, a past pupil at the school, said that lots of parents also came

in to help prep the hall and that it was a real community effort.

All the work happened over the Easter holidays and was spanking fresh, in Meringue White, just in time for this year’s Communion.

Above, from left: Kama Bugal, Rebecca Maher and Kerry Coughlan.

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‘Save 16 Moore Street’

By Jason McDonnell fter the shelling of the GPO in the 1916 Rising the leaders retreated to their headquarters at No. 16 Moore Street where they later surrendered.

NewsFour spoke to Patrick Cooney who started the ‘Save 16 Moore Street’ campaign over a decade ago. The campaign has now grown from saving number 16 Moore Street to saving the three neighbouring buildings and having them designated as national monuments. Essentially, the area is a historic urban battlefield site.

There is a relative of each of the leaders who were involved in the 1916 Rising behind this campaign and with the centenary of the Rising fast approaching it would be an accomplishment to have this settled once and for all.

The Irish fight for freedom is known all around the world. A NO to demolishing these “national monuments” is what Patrick Cooney and the 1916 relatives are looking for, so they can go ahead with plans to rejuvenate the area and make number 16 and the houses directly beside it a museum and a commemorative centre.

If you are interested in finding out more about the campaign go to http://www.facebook.com/savemoorestreetdublin

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NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2012

HELPING MONGOLIA

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By Caomhan Keane hree medical students, Grant Dalton, Tristan Hill and Ballsbridge’s Robin McManus are currently driving just over the half-way point in the Go Help Mongolia Rally in a second hand car/van ambulance.

The epic 10,000 mile charitable pan-continental road trip across numerous mountain ranges, deserts and barren, inhospitable lands starts in London, with its final destination in the ancient Mongol capital of Ulaanbaatar.

The lads are the only representatives from the Republic of Ireland.

On July 7th, the lads left for London, directly after finishing their third year medical exams. “It’s lucky the way the dates fell, that it began after and not before our exams finished,” Robin tells me, obviously a glass half full instead of half empty kind of guy. “We’ll go straight from the exam hall to the boat and yeah sure, we will be tired getting to the starting point but a bit of pain never killed anyone.”

Surely it must be a pain trying to get everything together while cramming for their exams? “Well, thankfully it’s the clinical side of medicine and we all enjoy that, so it’s no bother really.”

Impressed with his outlook I ask about their route. “We’ll meet up with the seven teams from the UK and Northern Ireland and go in a convoy across Europe to the Middle of Turkey. There we catch a

ferry across the Black Sea to Russia which we’ll traverse before crossing into Kazakhstan and then Mongolia.”

Most of their preparation went into converting the car, driving it about and getting it ready for the journey. “The wheels are big and we need to bring 16 litres of diesel along in our three-seater Fiat Doblo so to avoid being cramped we fitted a roof rack. It’s actually taller than it is wide and I have been getting some odd looks driving around Ballsbridge in it.”

The lads had to take current affairs into consideration before planning their route. Trips across Iran and Georgia were ruled out due to how unstable those regions were. “Kazakhstan doesn’t have the greatest rep.

It’s known for its lawlessness and corruption so we are prepared for bribing and avoiding undesirable characters who would like to hijack or rob us. That’s why we are pushing ourselves to get to London so soon after our exams so we can get into convoy and be a little safer.”

Some people who can’t be bribed are their mothers, obviously a little worried about

their pride and joy entering such inhospitable environments. “We had to have a mums’ meeting to allay some fears. It was actually the first time we all met each other’s parents and the first time that they all met each other. We set up forums so that they can stay in touch and satellite phones and all the rest.”

The lads paid €4,500 for the car out of their own money and have been busking on Grafton Street and Dollymount strand to raise the other €2,500 they need to get there and back. On arrival in Ulaanbaatar the patient transport vehicle is donated to Charity Rallies and is then sold to the Mongolian government for a fraction of its price.

L

The whole trip is expected to take 35 days if there are no delays but have timed in another week on top just in case. “It’s not technically a race,” Robin tells me, “but we really want to be amongst the first to get there.”

Readers of NewsFour can stay in touch as well by liking their page on Facebook or following them on Tumblr. “We’ll be putting up photographs and videos. We want to create a sense that we are bringing people with us and if people want to donate to the cause that would be great too.”

Blog: www.theomegathree.tumblr.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ TheOmegaThree

Lynsay’s Memorial Garden

By Jason McDonnell ynsay McDougall Kinsella, a happy and beautiful mother used to drop her two daughters Brooke and Cerys to school each morning at the Anchorage Playgroup. When she received news that she had cancer, Lynsay battled bravely to overcome this disease. Everyone who knew her will never forget the strength of this mother’s love, especially as she was always there for her children’s special events at their playgroup. Sadly, Lynsay died in January, three years ago.

After her death the staff at the Playgroup wondered about the possibility of doing something special in memory of Lynsay. The idea of a children’s garden was suggested and the idea was that this garden would serve two very special purposes. Most importantly, it would be a place where Lynsay’s family and children could come and see something that Lynsay had inspired with her brave fight against cancer. On the other hand, it would be a beautiful play area for scores of little playgroup children to laugh, play and enjoy lots of adventures together.

Once the decision was made to develop the garden, it soon became clear that an enormous amount of work needed to be done to see the job completed. The space to be developed, just behind the playgroup was used as a dumping area and was full of piles of plaster, rusty nails and concrete blocks. Several windows had to be removed and sliding doors put in as well as some serious roof work and paving.

Joe Donnelly was supervising the work and he recalls that, “The work to make it what it is today was a beautiful journey for scores of volunteers who came from all over the place; friends of friends, company volunteers from companies like Yahoo and KPMG and different companies from all around, as well as lots of individuals and a couple of contractors who were needed to do some of the professional work.” They took a piece of unused ground and made it into something lovely and beautiful for the community and for generations to come.

On Thursday, June 14th Brooke and Cerys cut the ribbon to this very special garden in memory of their mother. The garden will be open to the public in the sense that you can see it from the grounds of the garden centre, but it is predominantly for Lynsay’s two girls and the children of the Anchorage Playgroup. The new garden is a fitting tribute to a beautiful and brave woman who fought so hard to show her children that she will always be there for them.

Pictured above: Brooke (on left) and Cerys Kinsella cutting the ribbon to their mother’s memorial garden on York Road, Ringsend.

NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2012

M ALAPROPERTY

By Caomhan Keane I don’t want those socialists coming to my party. They will just talk about the Marx Brothers all night! When I heard this hilarious malapropism I was inspired to compile a collection of these inappropriately-used words for your entertainment.

You know your man who sang What A Wonderful World…

Neil Armstrong.

Overheard on a bus (Following item on radio about child killer Myra Hindley) Friend: Why does everyone hate her? She just reads the news...

Me: That’s Moira Stewart Friend: Oh… Oisin Scarlett, Blanchardstown Ailbhe: I’ll never remember that. Ring me closer to the date.

Jo: It’s the tenth of September Ailbhe, the day after 9/11?

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Autumn Charms

BUST

Proud apples crisp

plump leafy branches,

Ailbhe: Oh… Jo: What?

Ailbhe: I thought that was the serial number on the plane!

ripening my autumn garden with round, fleshy fruit.

Mary walks across the room balancing books perfectly on her head.

Mary: You can tell I’ve had equestrian lessons.

Mary O’Reilly, Ringsend

A hoarse breeze sneezes

Conor: And he has necrophilia!

Patricia: Oh Jonathan’s Dad has that.

Jonathan: He has narcolepsy!

Jonathon Wright, Ballsbridge

I trace its firm russet skin,

Geraldine: And the STATE of him. He was old enough to be her father. I mean how gray was his hair?”

Una: I think it makes him look extinguished!

Mrs. Malaprop (From Sheridan’s play ‘The Rivals’): Promise to forget this fellow, to illiterate him from your

a cider sweet morning.

Innocent as Eve,

I pluck an apple.

moist with tender dew.

I leave it on the kitchen table to tempt you.

By Maire Morrissey Cummins

memory.

Sure how would I know Padre Pio? I don’t watch ‘The Sopranos’!

Tammy Cox, Booterstown

THE HOME, SCHOOL, COMMUNITY LIAISON SCHEME

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By Joe McKenna rom the moment a child walks into a classroom, a new experience of other people and new ideas, things change. I’d bet that a l a rg e m a j o r i t y o f u s c a n relate certain traits in our personalities directly back to our school days and the same can surely be said for our insecurities.

As an infant, the separation of school and home is the first instance in life where your perspect i v e i s a l t e r e d r a d i c a l l y, and if not handled in the right way can lead to issues which a child will then take with them into the world.

The Home, School, Community Liaison Scheme started as a pilot scheme in 1990 pioneered by the l a t e D r. C o n c e p t a C o n a t y, author of Including All: Home, School, Community United in Education.

The idea was to include parents in the education process and help them to

help their children as they go through school and advance through the stages of life.

The Home, School, Community Liaison Scheme o ff i c e r a t S t . P a t r i c k ’s N a tional Boys School, Helen S h e r r y, w a s k i n d e n o u g h to speak to NewsFour about the scheme.

“Our priority is the child, to give the child the best start in their education and in doing that we really recognise that the parent is the primary educator; they’re number one, they’re it. So our job i s r e a l l y t o b r i n g t h e p a rent to awareness and help them see actually how they do influence their child and educate them on all levels.

“My role begins in the

parent toddler group when very young children come in and we do dance and rhyme, we do reading time and we have visitors c o m e i n . I t ’s d o n e s o w e l l and so many people have come through it, which is great.

“At that level, we really want the parents to get an understanding of how amazing they are and what they do with their children. At a primary level we do a Parents’ Inf o r m a t i o n D a y, w h e r e w e give the parents lots of information on courses and services available in the area.

“When the parents come in with the children we do an induction day where I do up a Junior Infant pack full of games and activity b o o k s a n d r h y m e s , s t u ff that would be good preparation for their first start because the first few years are the most important.

T h a t ’s w h e n t h e y ’ r e l i k e sponges and really ready to develop.”

Waiter: Is there any flour in the soup?

Chef: Why?

Waiter: One of the customers is a celeriac.

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NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2012

SEASONAL SURPRISES

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By James O’Doherty alking around some great gardens during the Summer surrounded by such beauty in glorious, albeit occasional, sunshine I realized how lucky I am in the gardening world I inhabit.

The fragrance of so many flowers adds a great deal to the charm of any garden. The great gardens throughout Ireland and the world were planted to ensure a continuous show all year round with the emphasis on colour.

Throughout the year, different plants come into their own, so by selecting the right varieties of flowers and shrubs you can ensure that you have a garden for all seasons. So let me offer some suggestions…

A small path edged on both sides with lavender is always a winner.

Its aromatic evergreen foliage and beautiful, scented summer flowers is an unforgettable experience.

Create this in your own garden by planting the great classic English lavender Var Hidcote with its beautiful purple flowers. Also the lovely Var Munstead, with its

beautifully scented blue/purple flowers.

I accept that most foliage is green, but there are shrubs that have foliage in different colours like purple, grey and red. If these are arranged carefully you can have a beautiful display in your own garden. Plant them in a sunny part, because each season has a different kind of light.

In your garden as the summer bedding slowly fades it is important to dead-head and to keep beds and borders nice and tidy. Continue to cut grass at least once a week.

Continue to feed hanging baskets, containers and window boxes with tomato feed.

Plants looking their best now include hardy annuals – hydrangea, hypericum, cistus, lavetera, lavender and different summer bedding. Keep your roses flowering by removing dead flowers and spray rose clear if required. Use Round Up to keep the paths and driveways weed-free.

Rambling roses are finished at this stage of the garden year, so cut old stems and tie in new growth.

Prune wisteria, plant autumn cro-

cus. Prune fruit trees and note that some onions may require harvesting. Sow autumn and winter salads and maybe sow some white Lisbon onion seed for some late scallions.

For those of you that have allotments, remember regular hoeing will benefit these. The continual breaking of the ground is a huge leap towards great crops and also keeps down weeds. The same applies to rose beds and flower beds.

So keep your allotments tidy and well maintained and you will see visible results.

All containerized planting needs regular feeding and watering.

Some shrubs to consider for permanent planting in your containers include clematis, hebes, roses,

viburnum tinus, acuba, buxus, cordyline. Use a good multi-purpose compost. If planting heathers or camellia, use an ericaceous compost.

For those of you who would like to plant a hedge on your patio, try the following: griselinia, buxus, escallonia, fuschia and for those of you who like some flowering perennials in your garden try the following: euphorbia, helleborus niger, helleborus orientalis, helleborous queen of the night, primula vulgaris.

Heathers make great low-maintenance beds all year round. If possible, plant them in full sunlight. There are varieties to give colour for each month of the year.

Plant them in groups of six for best visible results.

A beautiful, small flowering tree that will look outstanding even in the smallest of gardens and give you no trouble at all is the magnificent prunus amanogawa with its column-like growth. Plant it in a sunny position. It flowers from March to May. You can also plant this in a large container.

So there are many options for gardens of all sizes. I have offered just a few ideas for your consideration. The right selections will allow you to create a garden space that reflects the changing seasons.

With a little care and a bit of hard work. you can create a garden for all seasons.

NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2012

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THE VIKING SPLASH TOUR

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By Rupert Heather or the next hour and a quarter we are all Vikings, that means we hate everybody outside this boat.

Who do we roar at? Unsuspecting Celts,” those were the first words of our tour guide, Barry.

The Viking Splash Tour has become something of an institution in Dublin City Centre. Most of us have been roared at by a group of

plastic-helmet-wearing tourists, like Mike and Melany and their two kids from Washington DC. Melany said that she’d “learned a lot about Dublin and Ireland that she didn’t know.” For parents visiting the capital it’s an opportunity to sit down, relax, be entertained and know that the kids will definitely not get bored.

It is a funny, alternative and downright fun experience for chil-

THE NEWSFOUR DIASPORA

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By Rupert Heather n any given day of the week NewsFour receives a letter or a phone call from places as far afield as Australia, America, Canada and the UK. The Dublin 4 diaspora may have left our Emerald Isle, but the community spirit they experienced here is so strong that they still feel there’s no place like home.

To remain connected to our wonderful community, many of them subscribe to NewsFour.

One letter from Jean Lynch in Australia reads, “I just love my NewsFour. I’m 82 and I love all the old pictures of people my age who still live in the area.

Thank you for the wonderful memories, it’s great for people like myself.”

Joe Lindsay (pictured) who left Ringsend in the early 1950s and now lives in Coventry in West Midlands is one such subscriber. He says, “I enjoy reading NewsFour. I look forward to it as it brightens my day and brings back memories of my childhood and people I knew growing up. There are many faces I recognise from my life in Ringsend. My earliest memories are of rambling with my friend Michael ‘Spike’ McDonagh of Irishtown Road.

We would wander off and usu-

dren and adults alike, with a good bit of ‘divilment’ thrown in.

From its departure point at St. Stephen’s Green we head down Dawson Street, Barry notices some “celts” sitting outside a café and with the count of “one, two, three” encourages us to throw our arms in the air and let out a deafening roar. Predictably one of our victims wakes from their slumber with a jolt, to the amusement of the

ally end up being brought home by a police car after they had given us custard, jelly and fruit,” he adds.

Unfortunately, Joe has been suffering ill health but on his recent release from hospital was well enough to share this amusing story from 1945 when he was just 11.

“I witnessed four rather wellbuilt ladies from St. Brendan’s Cottages picking coal on the quicksand at the Pigeon House Power Station. They were collecting coal for their fires.

As the afternoon went on, the women became stuck fast up to their chests in the quicksand.

Believe it or not, and it did actually happen, the local crane had to be used to get them out.

The men from the power station made a walkway from planks and a harness which they attached to each lady in turn and pulled them out. When they were pulled out the sand had sucked their clothes off. The ambulance, police and fire brigade were called to the scene but were not needed. The ladies were frightened but the only real injury was to their pride.”

Joe’s stories capture a happy

group.

After a route that takes us along Dame Street, Christchurch, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and along Wood Quay, we enter the Grand Canal Basin, where we are fitted with life jackets and take to the water.

The vehicles are 1942 Americanbuilt utility trucks, one of which was used on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day. The commentary during the tour is insightful with many hilarious observations about the people, places and architecture of Dublin.

Baden Vertongen from Wellington, New Zealand, taking the tour

with his children Luca and Mia said, “It was a lot of fun, the roaring kept the kids entertained and I liked the commentary.”

Our driver guide, Barry from Wicklow, said, “It’s an alternative to the usual open-top bus tour. Every guide has their own take on things and it’s a bit tongue in cheek.”

Perhaps more of us living here should take the plunge, so to speak.

To make it easier, we are giving away two family passes to the Viking Splash Tour.

For information visit w w w. V i k i n g S p l a s h . c o m

Viking Splash Tour competition

To win one of two family passes to the Viking Splash Tour just answer the following question; Which famous band have recording studios in Grand Canal Basin? Send your answer to Viking Competition, NewsFour, RICC, Thorncastle St., Ringsend, Dublin 4 by September 14th 2012.

childhood spent at a more gentle time. NewsFour landing through the letterbox means a lot to those far from home. Joan Peacock in Ontario, Canada wrote to tell us just how important NewsFour is to her family.

“We enjoy very much receiving the printed NewsFour and always the contents evoke many memories. When

we’ve read it I send it to my sister Ann Gorman in England. She in turn takes it to our mother Ann Doyle who is in a nursing home in Cheshire. Her father was known as Sonny Byrne and was the lock keeper on the Grand Canal. Mum is now 97 and loves seeing NewsFour and remembering days gone by.”

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NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2012

HOME FROM HOME I RISHTOWN , N EW B RUNSWICK , C ANADA

Park Life

By Sandy Hazel Park (ing) Day began as a two-hour installation and has become a movement which last year saw car spaces transformed into 975 parks in 162 cities in 35 countries on 5 continents. It is an annual worldwide event where artists, designers and citizens convert metered parking spots into temporary public parks. This year, 21st September is Park(ing) Day and Dublin is gearing up to go.

The campaign urges people to use a city car parking space for a day and make it something more interesting than a car park. Last year in Ireland 16 spaces took part, featuring landscaped gardens, seating areas, mini-parks, talks, petting zoos and much more.

Worldwide, spaces have been turned into mini-libraries and museums, chess-playing seating areas, mini outdoor living rooms and yoga and makeover spaces. The aim, to create awareness of the need for more public open spaces in urban areas, engages the public in displays of landscaping and creativity that really capture the imagination.

Dublin organiser David O’Connor says that it coincides with EU Mobility Week and is supported by Dublin City Council. “Parking fees will be waived for the time the park is in place,” says O’Connor.

“DCC is one of the more pro-active local authorities in terms of street use for these events,” he says.

If you fancy hosting an urban spa, a tiny patio city garden or even a mini skatepark at one of your local car park spaces, contact the organisers at dublinparkingday@gmail.com

South Dublin Comedy Nights Wicked Wolf of Blackrock and Kiely’s of Mount Merrion now have monthly comedy clubs. Up to eight rising stars of the comedy circuit descend on Blackrock every second Tuesday and Mount Merrion every third Saturday at 8.30pm. Tickets €6 on door or online at www.entertainment.ie The last one was in Kiely’s on Saturday July 21st and included the comic tales of popular comedian and ex-trucker Paul Crowley, the wry humour of former priest and Father Ted Comedy Award winner FJ Murray, and the mad musings of desperate housewife Pauline Curtin, who is about to take her one-woman show to Edinburgh.

Donal Bracken Local Electrical Contractor

R.E.C.I. approved and insured

12 Castle Drive, Sandymount, Dublin 4 Tel: 269 2278 • Mobile: 086 2651887

• Free estimates without obligation • Extra sockets, fuseboards etc supplied and fitted • All works undertaken, including domestic, commercial and light industrial

NO JOB TOO SMALL OR TOO LARGE

H

By Joe McKenna ave you ever wondered if where you live was the only place with that name?

Ever thought about the possibility that somewhere in the vastness of the world there might be a twin town in name alone? Well, we at NewsFour have, and in this issue we bring you to the other side of the world to the area of Irishtown, New Brunswick. One of Canada’s three Maritime Provinces.

Irishtown is a community located in Westmoreland County, New Brunswick and is situated in southeastern New Brunswick, to the north of Moncton; a city that gained the nickname ‘Hub City’ because it has historically been the railway and land transportation hub for the Maritimes.

Irishtown was settled some time around 1820 and its first post office established in 1859, but regular mail deliveries did not start until 1899, one year after the Moncton and Buctouche railroad was established.

The name Irishtown was given due to a large percentage of the locals being Irish. Names like Gallagher, Fitzgerald, O’Neill, Cronen and Murray were common.

The demand for labour at the shipyards in nearby Lewisville attracted Irish immigrants and the area around Irishtown was well-wooded with the type of lumber needed for boats. Nearby areas such as Scotch Settlement and Mac Dougall would suggest that the Irish were not the only immigrants to set up in the parish of St Lawrence.

By the end of the 1920s the shipbuilding industry was suffering and the effects of the depression were being felt, but Irishtown, with its farm lands bordering thick woods, was one of the lesser-affected areas and given that bears are known to inhabit the woods it’s a fair assumption that with local live stock and wildlife the locals were not short on the essentials.

It was around this time that Indian families from nearby began to set up camp on the outskirts of Irishtown, as they could use the well-wooded area to make axe handles and build their camp. It would also serve them well financially, as they made baskets to sell in the city. The camps did not stay long though, choosing to move on a few years later.

Very much like Irishtown of Dublin 4, the New Brunswick namesake is also proud of its Nature Park. The Irishtown Nature Park which sits on the edge of the city of Moncton, comprised the Irishtown Reservoir, a 2,200-acre wooded area with a water area covering 250 acres, acquired by the city in 1877 to supply future water needs.

In 1878, Ogilvie Brook Dam was built to increase capacity by 80,000,000 gallons. In the 1890s water quality began to deteriorate and in 1913 McNutt Reservoir was built to replace the Irishtown Res-

ervoir and with the construction of other reservoirs the government decided that Irishtown Reservoir was surplus to requirements.

There were motions made to turn the area into a Nature Park but it wasn’t until June 6th 1994 that Moncton City Council officially designated the site Irishtown Nature Park, which is backed by the Friends of Irishtown Nature Park.

The park’s many wildlife inhabitants include deer, beaver, mink and racoon. It is also known for bird life which includes migratory waterfowl, hawks, ospreys, bald eagles and herons. Sadly, although Irishtown Nature Park, Dublin does serve as a migratory home for Canadian geese, they do not come from the Irishtown area. That would be too much to ask.

Although not a lot is known about the inhabitants of Irishtown today due to limited records and information, it is known for being the birth place of Softball Hall of Fame star Javina Willis, who had a local sports field named after her in 2007 for her displays with the Eagles of Southern Mississippi. It would seem she is the one known celebrity name from the area.

So there you have it folks, Irishtown, New Brunswick, Canada. A twin in name alone. But should you ever find yourself on an old country road around Moncton, drop in a copy of NewsFour to the postmaster. You never know, they might be interested in our very own Irishtown.

No mistake: The Canadian Irishtown Nature Park is shown above and the Irish one below.

NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2012

BRINGING

PAGE 11

HOME GOLD

Naturopathic Nutrition

By Nicky Flood Sweet Science

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By Alice Ní Dhonnachada ocal Ringsend Karate Club Chief Instructor Fran Nangle 7th Dan whose students represented Ireland in July at the World Karate Championships in Lithuania, was honoured to be invited to meet with President Michael D. Higgins in Áras an Uachtaráin.

Fran was accompanied by coach Cheryl Kelly 5th Dan, who to the President’s delight greeted and engaged him in fluent Irish. Fran then presented the President with a beautiful plaque commemorating the occasion, whilst Cheryl presented a bouquet of flowers for the President’s wife Sabina.

At the meeting, the President congratulated Fran on his outstanding achievements

in karate on the national and international stage and said what an honour it was for Fran and Cheryl for their students to represent their country but also that Fran was selected as a Chief Referee to officiate at such a prestigious event.

The President also recognised Fran’s ongoing contribution to Karate in Ireland over the last forty years.

The President chatted with them and offered words of encouragement to the athletes who were travelling to Lithuania. They were then treated to a guided tour of the magnificent residence that is Áras an Uachtaráin. What was meant to be a 90-minute visit turned into nearly two and a half hours.

What struck Fran and Cheryl was that, despite the status of

his office and still maintaining the dignity of his station, the President was relaxed, funny, charming, and a true man of the people. One could not help leaving his company with a sense of peace and optimism for the future. It was a day that was full of wonderful memories that will be treasured and will not be soon forgotten.

At the event in Lithuania, Fran was formally recognised as the World Karate Confederation representative for Ireland for qualifying and approving referees to WKC standards.

Fran’s team took home two Gold, one Silver and one Bronze.

P i c t u re d : The R i n gs e n d Te a m w i t h P re s i d e n t Michael D. Higgins.

Food for thought Bruce Springsteen rolled into the RDS recently with a very hungry backstage crew. A NewsFour reader spotted the hungry bunch rolling out of a D4 Tesco with €6,000 worth of vegetarian food. Who wouldn’t mind the club card points for that?

hat reduces blood pressure, protects against heart disease and promotes a healthy mood and positive mental state?? Chocolate – yaaay!

More specifically, dark chocolate – none of this sugar-laden, low-cacao milk or zero-cacao white stuff!

Recent studies in two prestigious scientific journals re-confirm dark chocolate is good for us on many levels – the best medical news in ages!

So why dark chocolate? Dark chocolate is the product of the cacao bean which contains various beneficial chemical compounds, flavonoids, antioxidants, Magnesium and Chromium! Dark chocolate consumption is now shown to have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system over the long-term (past research had only confirmed short-term benefits), preventing cardiovascular events, such as heart attack, stroke and blood clots.

Dark chocolate is rich in magnesium, which supports heart and cardiovascular system health by improving the strength and vigour of the heart muscle, which supports its ability to pump blood more effectively around the body. Research shows that cacao beans can also help reduce or control the levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol in our bloodstream while raising the ‘good’ cholesterol levels. Studies have also indicated that the chromium in cacao beans may reduce blood pressure. Cacao beans contain polyphenols, the same beneficial antioxidants found in red wine, so it is entirely possible to reap the benefits of these antioxidants without consuming alcohol!

This magic cacao bean also contains precursors to three neurotransmitters that are associated with a healthy mood and positive mental state – serotonin, dopamine and phenylethylamine (PEA). It allows these neurotransmitters to circulate in the bloodstream longer, which may help alleviate depression and support feelings of wellbeing. Interestingly, PEA is a chemical that is produced in our brain when we fall in love! It acts as a mild mood elevator, an anti-depressant, and also helps keep us focused and alert.

So what is the ‘recommended daily dose’ (I love it!), this is where selfrestraint needs to be shown – as little as 10 grams (one square) of dark chocolate every day is beneficial – it should be at least 70% cacao. Adult females can consume approximately 30-40 grams per day without weight gain, while adult males approximately 40-50 grams, when included as part of a healthy diet with exercise (this isn’t a licence to go on a chocolate binge). So chocolate really can make you happy, protect your heart, and make you feel in love (even if single?!)… a magic bean for sure! Enjoy!

Nicky is a Naturopathic Nutritionist practising in Dublin. She writes, speaks and advises nationwide on all aspects of health, nutrition and wellbeing. Check www.nickyflood.com for further info, upcoming courses and workshops.

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NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2012

REDEVELOPMENT FOR BETHANY HOUSE

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By Joe McKenna ethany House on Gilford Road was opened as supported social housing in 1986 on land donated to St Martha’s conference of St Vincent De Paul by the Sisters of Charity and further updated in 1991 to expand for further units in the bungalow development. The intention was to provide housing for elderly people in need, with a philosophy built on peace, security, independence and companionship in a supportive and modern living environment.

Sitting secluded in Sandymount, it is a calm and scenic setting that most certainly offers its residents an unmatched social serenity. This is something that will be disturbed once plans are put in motion to replace the units and redevelop the site. At 20 square metres each, they do not meet current social housing standards and are not ‘fit for purpose’.

With 40 units all in, Bethany House is home to many elderly, independent people, some from the area, some not. In 1985 the

then Dublin Corporation provided SVP with the capital to build, with SVP acting as a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) who would provide a social housing service in place of the government. But what is currently a well-maintained, quiet and essential piece of property is in need of redevelopment.

“There just isn’t enough space in terms of meeting modern social housing requirements,”

said Rory Spain, President of St Martha’s conference of SVP. “If the state were housing people today, these units would be too small, but still we have a lengthy waiting list. The units may only be twenty-five years old, but when they were developed it was a different time and what was deemed perfectly fine back then is not now and that’s a concern. So over the last five years we’ve been looking

at things and wondering what would we do.

We looked at adding extensions to the units and when we consulted with the planners the advice we got was that the proposed changes would not meet planning requirements and we should consider knocking it down and starting again. Doing nothing is not an option, as soon Bethany House would not be able to take in new residents and would eventually have to close down.

“A series of plans have been drawn up over time and several options have been thrown around until the right type of structure was settled upon. A structure that will allow Bethany House to retain its current residents and remain the valuable service it has been for 25 years.

‘We have the plans, we have the land rezoned, but we haven’t got all the money. The state doesn’t have the money to give us, so we are in a position where we will have to split the land in two, selling off one half for private housing to help fund the new Bethany House, which will have units more than double in size to what we have now. But

selling the land will only cover around a third of what’s needed to build the new structure.”

With a time frame of five years maximum, it is very much a priority for the Management Board of Bethany House and the Care Manager, Bronagh Loughran that the redevelopment plan is realised.

“We want to keep Bethany House in the area. It’s a great place for elderly people to reside and if you look at our waiting list you will see the demand. So basically we will need to fundraise any way we can and hope that donations can help us meet our target. We will contact local residents’ groups and invite them to view our plans and then we will go for planning permission. It’s a big job but it’s an important one.”

Clearly current, national and economic problems are no friend to the redevelopment of Bethany House, but with Sandymount being a leader in community relations and charitable fundraising, one has reason to be hopeful that this very important social housing project, will continue a service that has been an integral part of the Sandymount community for over 25 years.

THE LAUGHTER LOUNGE

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By Jason McDonnell ecession, recession, recession! Thank God for the Laughter Lounge on Eden Quay where austerity is turned into laughter.

The club has been going since December 1997 and is Ireland’s premier comedy venue.

Over the years 3,000 comedians have performed in 2,000 live shows to an audience of over 500,000.

At a recent show, the doors opened at 7pm, the show started at 8.30pm and finished on a high around 11pm. There were three main acts. First up was Chris Kent from Cork who had a great sense of humour and great timing to go with it. He even had a litany of sheep jokes!

Next up was Eleanor Tiernan from Athlone who had everyone in stitches laughing with jokes about models and the hardship of living in Ireland. She has had

great success in The Montreal Just for Laughs Comedy Festival, Edinburgh Fringe Festival and all the major Irish festivals too.

The headline act, Eric Lalor from Ballymun cracked loads of jokes about growing up in the ‘Mun’ and playing football on acid.

He is a class act and was recently crowned I r i s h Stand Up of the Year by readers of entertainment.ie.

But don’t fret – these acts and many more will be spreading their comedic sauce at the Vodafone Comedy Festival from July 26th to July 29th in the Iveagh Gardens. The festival is the largest and most successful open-air comedy event of its type in Ireland with over twenty thousand people expected to attend this year.

NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2012

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NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2012

VOLUNTEER AND BOOST YOUR CAREER

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By Sandy Hazel fter a hugely successful National Volunteer week, during which the flagship project was a Waterways Ireland inland waterways clean-up, we speak to a volunteer who is doing something a little bit unusual. Dolores Martyn (right) is studying for a master ’s degree in journalism at Dublin Institute of Technology.

“I had volunteered with the Simon Community and with a youth café in Galway previously but when I moved to Dublin I signed up with the Dublin Volunteering Centre which puts you in touch with organisations needing help,” says Dolores. She saw that the ‘Africaworld’ paper was looking for a reporter and

felt this would help her in her studies while also giving them some of her experience.

“I am interested in different cultures so knew it would be interesting,” says Dolores. “It is a monthly

newspaper so it is manageable with the studies too.” One of Dolores’s recent interviews was with the last Lord Mayor of Dublin Andrew Montague and his role within the migrant community in Dublin. “We were also brought to the head office of Concern to meet and discuss the organisation and its projects, which is good experience for me as a journalist.

“I do one or two articles for the paper each month and the editor is flexible when I have exams and papers to do at college.”

Dolores also got some good events management experience when she helped organise the first year birthday celebrations of the paper at the Regency Hotel. “I was

liaising with embassies and community organisations.”

The editing, writing and interviews skills are being honed in advance of Dolores entering the real world of paid journalism but she says the volunteering has given her a good confidence boost in terms of people skills and lines of questioning. “If you work or study at the same thing every day, volunteering is brilliant for getting you out of a rut and meeting other real people. I know it’s a cliché but it can really broaden your horizons, opens your mind to new things, a new perspective, especially now, when some of us can feel a bit of self pity.”

The paper also uses some photography students as volunteers, so it is able to produce its publication with plenty of images too.

I ask Dolores if her skills might be considered merely a form of free labour. “Absolutely not, it is a reciprocal thing, I offer help, but I get something back too,” she says. “Also, this is a small project which cannot afford salaries but the larger mul-

tinationals who take interns for free, that’s a different story – they could probably afford to pay a wage.”

Dolores says she is building up her cuttings file, essential for a reporter looking for work, and recommends volunteering to anyone.

So, whether you want to volunteer by cleaning up the environment, or decorating community centres, remember that you can always choose a volunteer programme that adds to your credentials. Many employers do ask, at interviews, if you volunteer anywhere.

Other details: Volunteer Ireland is the national Volunteer Centre, a support agency and membership organisation for a growing number of local Volunteer Centres in Ireland, currently 23. Local Volunteer Centres put people who want to volunteer in touch with community and voluntary or non-profit organisations.

Dublin City South Volunteer Centre, 76 Thomas Street, Dublin 8. Tel: +353 1 473 7482.

E: info@volunteerdublin.ie

BRIAN IS MAYOR OF RINGSEND AND IRISHTOWN

Ringsend and District Credit Union Ltd.

5 Irishtown Rd., Dublin 4 Phone: 6686676 • Fax: 6686288 Check out our Website: www.ringsendcu.ie

AT RINGSEND CREDIT UNION WE NOW OFFER Free Loan Protection Insurance Travel Insurance House Insurance All Business Transacted During Opening Hours OPENING HOURS Monday and Tuesday 9.30am-12.30pm • 2.00pm-4.30pm Wednesday 9.30am-12.30pm Thursday 9.30am-12.30pm • 2.00pm-4.30pm Friday 9.30am-12.30pm • 2.00pm-7.00pm

C

By Sandy Hazel ongratulations to Brian Betts, aka Bettsy, the new mayor of Ringsend and Irishtown. Brian was nominated and elected by some local groups based in the Ringsend and Irishtown Community Centre to represent them at functions and gatherings in the area.

Brian says he was elected be-

cause of the amount of community work he has done over the years. “I have been involved in the summer projects every year for the past ten years, the youth club, the weekly disco, the Mayday parade. Any functions on at the community centre I was there to greet people and be the concierge,” he says.

As the Tall Ships come to Dub-

lin, Brian will be there, along with Dublin City Council officials, “to represent the people of Ringsend and Irishtown.”

He has also enjoyed greeting the active retired groups at their recent event and a Dublin City Council Irish event at the local library. He opened the photographic exhibition at Patrick’s Rowing Club and recently presented graduation certificates at the Spellman Centre.

Brian got a call recently from councillor Paddy McCartan to ask for help with an area cleanup for the Tall Ships event.

“With resources low, DCC needed some help to get the streets clean, so I went around and got in touch with Volunteer Ireland and they’ll be helping with some volunteers too,” says Brian.

Brian says the best thing about this totally voluntary and unpaid role is meeting people. “I am a people person and love to go to any event. I am milking this year and loving every minute of it,” says Brian.

Above: Brian and his grandson Darragh in Irishtown Stadium.

NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2012

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L OCAL COUNCILLOR PROMOTED

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By Sandy Hazel he largest group of Labour councillors in the country, the Dublin City Council group of 19, has elected Dublin Bay South councillor Dermot Lacey as its new leader.

The role will mean Lacey is more involved with getting issues prioritised

on the agenda and to progress items along. “There is so much work that it needs an over-view on how best to get it done,” Lacey told NewsFour.

He will work more closely with the other parties in the chamber also, to ensure some matters can be agreed upon without time wasting. Previous group leader Paddy Bourke stood aside in order for the new leader to have a handle on the situation in the run-up to the next local elections.

The new electoral boundaries announced in June means the South East constituency area will now be called Dublin Bay South. It will receive a transfer of population of 12,563, in five electoral divisions, from Dublin South Central, most likely to be 12,563 of the population from Kimmage and Terenure.

A Message of Thanks from Cllr. Maria Parodi

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s my term as Deputy Lord Mayor of Dublin has come to an end, I would just like to give a special thanks to everyone in the local community for all your support over the past year. It has been such an honour and a great pleasure to represent the people of Dublin as Deputy Lord Mayor.

The past year has been such an inspiring one for me as I have met some of the most creative, enthusiastic and passionate people, who are living and working here in Dublin. When I visited different parts of our city and met with groups and individuals, I witnessed an incredible level of passion and hard work that went into every event that I attended. I have to say that there is no shortage of commitment and determination on the ground in our local community.

Once again, thank you for all your support and kindness. I am so proud to have had the honour of being the Deputy Lord Mayor of a city like ours and I look forward to continue representing our community in Dublin City Council as your local councillor.

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NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2012

I NSPIRATIONAL A LINE

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By Rupert Heather line Barros looks me in the eye and says with total conviction, “I will walk again.” In 2008, on her way to work she was knocked off her bicycle by a truck in a hit-and-run accident that left her paralysed from the waist down and her spine broken in three places.

She says, “My faith gave me strength. The last words I said before being hit by the truck were ‘Thank God’. Before I started work I used to pray and always finished by thanking God. That is why I’m alive today.”

At traffic lights on the corner of Patrick Street and Kevin Street a truck stopped beside her. When the lights changed they both turned left, the front of the truck hit her and knocked her off her bike. The truck then ran over her and she was caught between its wheels.

She was taken to St. James’s Hospital and then the Mater.

Her surgery lasted 14 hours.

The doctors said that her case was one of the most serious

cases of spinal injury ever seen in the Mater Hospital.

Her spine is held together with metal pins.

She says, “The only problem is the pain. I’m in constant pain and can’t sleep at night or even lie on the bed, I sleep in my chair. I have to take morphine every two hours.”

To make matters worse, Aline nearly lost both feet after the initial accident when a carer mistakenly ran boiling hot water into a bath. She spent two days in hospital having the burns treated and needed constant care for four months.

Arriving from South East Brazil, Donnybrook resident Aline worked at three jobs to earn money to support her mother back home and pay her college fees. She distributed the Metro Herald in the morning, sold the Evening Herald at traffic lights and at night handed out flyers in Temple Bar Square. She left home at 5.30 a.m. and finished work at 1.00 in the morning.

She received little or no help from the government. Aline

has relied on charitable donations for the cost of her treatment and living expenses. To date, the Brazilian Community in Ireland have raised money by holding parties and dinners.

She hopes to receive compensation when her civil case is finally settled, but is still in need of financial assistance.

The criminal case was settled with the truck driver being found guilty and having the choice of paying a €1,200 fine or going to jail for two months.

Aline says, “I’m not angry about it. God is showing me that I have something to learn from this. The pain will never go away but I need to believe it will stop. I need to believe I will walk again, even though I’ve been told I won’t I know I will. I believe in God and so does my mum,” she adds.

Aline is a happy, friendly outgoing person who loves making friends. She misses socialising and working. She would dearly like to return to her job working for a coffee importer back home. She

dreams one day of being able to go back and help people like herself in Brazil who need rehabilitation.

She says, “When I get out of this chair and walk again the first thing I will do is take my mum out for a beer, that day

will be great.”

Donations can be made to Aline Barros, Account Number (AIB) 07636182 Sort Code: 93-32-95 Watch her story on h t t p : / / w w w. y o u t u b e . c o m / watch?v=I-7velObi5Y

NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2012

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“AMELIA EARHART, WHERE ARE YOU?”

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By Noel Twamley he above five words were part of a fairly normal headline in U.S. newspapers in 1937 on the loss of Amelia Earhart.

Most other headlines were plain crazy but more of this anon. Amelia, pictured above, was born in Kansas in 1897. She had her first flight in 1920 and went on to fame and glory as a superb aviatrix; perhaps the greatest aviatrix of all.

There were many other fine women pilots in the 1930s, including Amy Johnston, Jacqueline Auriol, a daughter of the French President and Hanna Reitsch, the Luftwaffe test pilot. Hanna flew the first helicopters, German heavy bombers,

CARRYING

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rocket planes and the first jet plane.

Hanna Reitsch, in my humble opinion, was one of the greatest pilots, male or female, of all time.

During this time Amelia Earhart was becoming very famous in America, setting record after record in long-distance flights. She became the first woman to criss-cross the U.S.A, the first to fly to Hawaii and many more too numerous to mention. On one occasion she took Eleanor Roosevelt, the president’s wife, on a night flight over Washington. Can you imagine that happening today?

Amelia then set her sights on the big one: a solo flight across the Atlantic. In 1932, she left Newfound-

land in a Lockheed Vega for Paris. This became a nightmare as she battled high winds and, worse still, petrol leaks.

She decided Paris was out and looked out for the nearest land, which was Ireland. To her great relief, Amelia landed safe and sound in James Gallagher’s farmyard near Derry.

Around this time Amelia married George Putman.

Sad to say, this was a marriage of finance, not romance.

She married George for his money and contacts in business and finance. He married her for the glory of her name.

The next epic journey was around the world. George had got sponsorship in spades and bought a brand new Avant Garde Lockheed Electra. This was a beautiful twin-engine plane with every mod con in its day.

For this long, arduous journey Amelia had a navigator, Fred Noonan. Together, they battled their way around the belly of the globe, reaching New Guinea for a 2,500mile hop to Howland Island. This was the most dangerous leg, as Howland Island was only one mile long. It really was a spit in the vast Pacific Ocean. Amelia dumped all

THE TORCH FOR SPORT

By Joan Mitchell here was huge excitement in early June as the Olympic Torch arrived in Dublin. It was a great honour for the UK to share this truly historic event with us, and it marked a new level of understanding and cooperation between our two countries.

In Dublin, the event took place in Stephen’s Green and there were representatives from all sporting walks of life.

President Michael D Higgins and Sebastian Coe both spoke about the historic significance of this shared event, and after a brief speech the children of Howth sang the Olympic hymn. It then moved under Garda escort to Croke Park, where Kilkenny hurling star Henry Shefflin carried the Flame along the Skywalk.

There were a number of sporting stars who took turns in carrying the Olympic Flame, but those who received the most rapturous applause were Paul McGrath and Jedward.

Pictured right: Gareth Myhal carrying the torch down Pearse Street.

excess weight from the plane including the morse code kit and the 250-foot trailing aerial. This was a major error, which I believe cost them dearly.

The U.S. navy had a ship, the U.S.S. Itacha at Howland broadcasting 24/7. The navy had a 1,000 foot runway ready and even had beds made for Amelia and Fred.

The problem was the Itacha could hear Amelia but she could not hear them. Amelia’s signals got weaker and they stopped soon later. When America heard the news, President Roosevelt send the battleship Carolina and aircraft carrier Lexington and its 55 planes to search for the missing couple.

When nothing was found the media went into overdrive. All the crazies i.e. psychics, soothsayers, swindlers and the mentally ill claiming to know where the plane was.

Some reports said Amelia and Fred crashed on a secret island and lived happy ever after. Another madcap theory was that Japan had shot them down. All baloney of course. The plain facts are Amelia got lost, ran out of fuel and crashed.

Amelia was a great example to all women. She said “I want all women to be less afraid.” She had grace, poise, integrity. I hope all Irish girls follow her lead and not these shal-

low and vacuous pop stars and z-list celebs. As Oscar Wilde said “I may be in the gutter but I am looking up at the stars.” So let our young folks hitch their wagon to a real star like Amelia and I guarantee they will all land safe and sound at their very own Howland Island.

Some 10 years after Amelia’s death, the U.S. erected a giant navigation station and beacon on Howland Island. As I write this, the beacon still shines, guiding ships and planes to a safe landing. The name of the station is, of course, The Amelia Earhart Memorial Light.

Finally, may I say to Amelia and Fred Noonan, “Hail and Farewell. Wherever you are, may you rest in peace.”

Ding Dong Wrong

What a pity that those who braved the rain to listen to the New Faith Love Song couldn’t hear a thing. The composition

by Garrett Phelan, rung out

by Christchurch and Saint Patrick’s bells last month, was drowned out by rush hour Thursday evening traffic.

Maybe the organisers should have mentioned formula one in their proposal. Roads tend to get closed then.

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NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2012

THE CULT MOVIE CLUB

Ringsend & District Response to Drugs Pictured above are members of management and staff of the Ringsend & District Response to Drugs, joined by local supporters, to celebrate the project’s annual Drug Awareness Festival closing event.

The event was well attended by the local community, groups, local politicians, community activists and officiated by Minister Ruairi Quinn. The management and staff of the Spellman Centre wish to thank all for their ongoing support and commitment to their service.

G

By Caomhan Keane iven the dire level of blockbuster films these days is it any wonder that fans are turning to the classics? And drink! Experiential filmmaking is all the rage of late, with Morb offering gore fans the chance to see dark and disturbing movies in secret locations, The Lighthouse screening midnight showing of ‘Stop Making Sense’ and Jameson launching its Cult Movie Club during last year’s Jameson Dublin Film Festival.

“The Jameson Cult Film Club is all about watching your favourite cult films at spectacular screenings staged to transport the audience right into the world of the movie,” says Jane Chmara, Marketing Manager, Jameson Ireland. “People want a more experiential way to view movies and the Jameson Cult Film Clubs have proved that consumers appreciate a new and different way of enjoying films.”

For the recent Jameson Cult Film Club, the company transformed

Dublin’s Vicar Street into the Joliet Correctional Centre for the screening of ‘The Blues Brothers’ (pictured above). Characters from the movie, live theatre and special effects were timed perfectly with on-screen action, helping to create an electric atmosphere throughout the screening.

This included foam bricks dropping onto the laps of the unsuspecting audience during the bazooka scene and a live performance of the ‘We’re on a mission from God’ church scene, complete with a preacher and dancers. “The live action really creates an electrifying theatrical film experience and is a major talking point after the screening,” says Chmara.

“We’ve also had successful screenings of ‘The Usual Suspects’, ‘Alien’, and ‘Reservoir Dogs’.”

These events are not your typical screening! It’s an experiential viewing with clever use of props, staging and live action to ensure the audience are transported right into the world of the movie. Every detail from the actors to the food to the dècor is carefully chosen to create a memorable experience, which will no doubt have cult movie fans guessing and talking about the next Jameson Cult Film Club already.

T HE E TIHAD S KYLINE

TOUR

Anchorage kids graduate in style All grown up and off to ‘big’ school. Pictured are the children from the Anchorage Playgroup at their recent graduation.

Forever Fit Forever Fit ladies aerobics class is on Wednesdays at 11am for women of 50 years young and over in Gloucester Street Sports Centre.

This class is only €2 so if you want to meet new people and have fun exercising at the same time or even if you know someone who would like to join the class then pass the message on to them and let them try for themselves. Contact 01- 6779322 for more info.

John Handley remembered The family of the late John Handley would like to extend their thanks to everyone for their kind words and support at the time of his death in April of this year.

This was very much appreciated.

I

By Jason McDonnell recently booked a trip to Ireland’s most iconic venue, Croke Park Stadium to go up the Etihad Skyline tour on the roof of this historic ground. The tour opened to the public on Friday June 1st. Lucky for me, it was a great, sunny day and I had the most spectacular panoramic views of Dublin city from 44 metres above the ground.

Some 100 tonnes of painted galvanised steel have gone into creating the unique 0.6 kilometre walkway, which was fabricated in Portlaoise and installed within the existing steel roof support structure at Croke Park.

It has five viewing platforms, which have been created along the

walkway offering a unique perspective of Dublin’s most popular and celebrated landmarks. Among the more notable landmarks are Glasnevin Cemetery, Guinness Brewery, the Dublin mountains, Dun Laoghaire Harbour, Poolbeg Lighthouse, Trinity College, the Spire, St. Patrick’s and Christchurch Cathedrals, the Phoenix Park and docklands buildings. Visitors will also be able to learn more about these sites through multi-lingual audio guides, which are available in six languages.

The two-hour tour with an experienced tour guide sees groups of up to 30 people ascend to the Etihad Skyline walkway following a full briefing in the stadium dressing room.

The more adventurous visitors will

have the chance to make their Etihad Skyline experience even more memorable by walking out from the stadium roof onto a specially designed walkway which is suspended above the Croke Park pitch.

Advance online bookings are advised, particularly during busy periods such as the summer months. The tour leaves from the GAA Museum located under the Cusack Stand in Croke Park.

For information or bookings, visit www.skylinecrokepark.ie. Tickets cost €25 for adults, €15 for children, €20 for students/seniors and €65 for families which also includes admission to the GAA Museum. All Visitors to the Etihad Skyline must be 1.2 metres in height to be eligible to take the tour.

NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2012

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DUBLIN HORSE SHOW – THE MANE EVENT Two family tickets for Horse Show to be won

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By Joe McKenna he RDS is about to see the finest in horse pedigree grace its land once again as the annual Dublin Horse Show provides a platform for the pinnacle of horse breeding and performance.

Among this year’s big draws is Jean François Pignon, a performer

with a tremendously rare skill that sees him control his horses through stunts and displays. The Youtube videos are sensational.

Having debuted as a society event in 1864, the Dublin Horse Show has since remained one of the biggest events within the equestrian calendar, but has also managed that dif-

ficult task of providing a ‘come one, come all’ feeling to the show.

“This year we’ve once again tried to advance the show,” Pat Hanly, Director of the Dublin Horse Show told NewsFour, “and with the Olympics being so close this year we expect a bigger international influx.”

With events from show jumping

‘RUNNING THROUGH WALLS – THE DAVE LANGAN STORY’

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By Jason McDonnell recently caught up with sports writer Trevor Keane about his new book ‘Running through Walls, the Dave Langan Story’. The book, due out in September, will be of interest to people in Dublin 4 as it is about the local football legend Dave Langan, who was originally from Stella Gardens, Irishtown. He was a former Ireland International who played for Derby County and Birmingham before winning a Milk Cup medal with Oxford alongside Ray Houghton and John Aldridge.

The book took Trevor around ten months to write and what started as a project turned into a friendship. He travelled to Peterborough to meet up with Dave and his wife Dawn and over the course of the book they really got to know each other.

The pair used to talk once a week on the phone, going over Dave’s old football stories, not to mention talking about life in general. Another young journalist, Alan Conway also got involved in writing the book and he interviewed a number of Dave’s former colleagues, team mates and managers, including old friends Joe Corcoran, Mick Moore,

John Wilkes, Ray Houghton, Niall Quinn and Jim Smith.

Dave was one of the best right backs in the English game in the late 1970s and one of the best to pull on an Irish shirt. His dedication to the Irish cause cost him his career in the end, but Dave showed great character and strength in bouncing back from his injuries and operations to win the Milk Cup with Oxford. He also played his part in helping Ireland to their first major football tournament back in Euro 1988 and he should have been part of the squad that travelled to Germany.

Sadly, and much to his utter disappointment, he did not make the team at the time and never got a reason for not getting the call. The Irish players of that era have all enjoyed success in the studio and on the sidelines, however Dave has been left behind and deserves his time in the limelight. Trevor hopes that his new book ‘Running through Walls’ has captured all the hard work Dave has done for his club and country over his lifetime.

Dave ‘Francis’ Langan was born on 15th February 1957 in Dublin 4. He played for Bath Rangers and Cherry Orchard as a youth before moving to

England at the age of 16 after being signed by the legendary Brian Clough as an apprentice at Derby County. He spent six years at Derby County, before moving to Birmingham City for a thenclub record fee of £350,000 in 1980.

He spent four years at St Andrews, a period hampered by injuries, before leaving the club on a free transfer to join Oxford United, then in the old division two.

Despite being written off by managers, including his former manager at Birmingham, Dave’s move to Oxford saw him win the division two title and achieve his dream of playing at Wembley stadium, helping the club to win the 1986 Milk Cup final against QPR. He also played for Leicester City (on loan), Bournemouth and Peterborough before retiring from professional football in 1989 at the age of 32. Dave also won 26 caps for the Republic of Ireland, making his debut in 1978 and winning his last cap in 1988.

Dave now works for the Peterborough Council in the Peterborough Town Hall. He recently joined the cyber world of twitter and in a short time has become a bit of a cult figure and his honest and frank opinions on football have become a real favourite with fans from all over the world. Dave is currently recovering from his latest knee operation.

‘Running through Walls, the Dave Langan Story’ will be out in September and will be available to buy in all good book shops in Ireland and also online at Amazon.

Photo: Dave Langan takes on Maradona in Lansdowne Road, Dublin, on May 16, 1980.

We have two family tickets up for grabs. A family ticket, worth €54.00, allows access for two adults and four children (under 16) to one day at the show.

For this competition, we want the kids to get creative.

Send us a horse-themed drawing or painting to HORSESHOW COMPETITION, NewsFour, RICC, Thorncastle Street, Ringsend, Dublin 4. Entries from under 16s only.

Please include your name, age, address and phone number with your artwork. Entries must be received before Monday 6th August 2012.

The winning entries will appear in the next edition of NewsFour. all the way to specialised training methods, taught by leaders within the equestrian world, the ‘wow’ factor those at the RDS strive hard to put in place when the horse boxes roll up is sure to be strong.

“We try to have something for people from outside the equestrian world, that’s why people like Pignon are great and the show jumping is attractive and competitive, but for those who are in the business there are also very practical events in

place to help them exchange ideas and learn from each other.”

Pat also has a sneaking suspicion that this year might have a special guest on-site. “Bruce Springsteen is in town not long before the show and his daughter is quite high up in the competitive world.”

So there you have it, Springsteen’s baby was born to run, so why don’t you clear your diary for the weekend of August 15th and check out the ‘mane event’ in Ballsbridge.

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NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2012

DOCK LIVES – RICHIE SAUNDERS

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By Joe McKenna hen Richie Saunders stands in front of St. Patrick’s Rowing Club surveying both the docks and the flow of the Liffey and says, “I’ve made my whole life on the river. I’ve been very lucky” it’s clear that the bond between himself and the water is very important to the recently retired seaman.

As with many in the Ringsend and Irishtown areas, the river and the ocean are as much part of their lives as the boats and relatives who made their living upon it. It would seem that apart from proximity, the river holds a historical, social

and industrial place in the lives of men like Richie Saunders.

But by his own admittance Richie “doesn’t know if anyone had the opportunities I had down here.”

From a young age, Richie Saunders knew he wanted to go to sea and it was his youthful enthusiasm that saw him become a prominent face around the river, where he would volunteer to help lock keepers in his spare time. It was this level of eagerness that helped him secure his first job in what would become a versatile life at sea.

“I’ve always loved the water,” said Richie, “when my family would go on holiday I’d

always go and check out the harbour, just to see. It’s what I love.”

At 14 Richie was ready for sea life but age would be the rein that kept him on dry land for another two years. When his time came he was bursting to work on his sea legs.

“I started off as a Deck Boy on a ship for nine months. I joined it in Bremen, Germany and we pulled into Cobh on Christmas week for spare parts and then went out into a gale across the Atlantic. It took us twenty-two days. We were getting battered. That was my first introduction to the Atlantic and I remember wondering how the

company even made any money, it took us that long. It was on that ship that I went to Nova Scotia, Glasgow, Manchester, Montreal, New Brunswick, Quebec, Texas and Liverpool.

That’s just one ship and it opened my eyes when I got to see these cities and these huge ports that were far bigger than Dublin. It was incredible.”

Not too long after, Richie was promoted to Ordinary Seaman. A step closer to becoming an AB (Able Seaman: An able seaman is an unlicensed member of the deck department of a merchant ship. An AB may work as a watchstander, a day worker, or a combination of these roles) but as a young man trying to make a living at sea the next step would be to move up to EDH (Efficient Deck Hand shipboard organisation, parts of vessel, deck equipment, lookout reporting, helm orders, anchoring and mooring arrangements etc.) where his wages would increase to an adult’s wage and he would be but a small step from becoming an AB. While many can settle into the life of an EDH and work it for many years, Richie Saunders found himself better suited to life working for Dublin Port. It would be the place that offered him the greatest opportunities.

“When I came into Dublin Port I worked in the graving dock as a spare man, just a spare body for wherever you were needed. I was the spare man for the Custom House Dock, the Tugs, Dublin Port Radio, the berthing staff and the Pilot Boat. It was brilliant because you’d get to do everything.”

Staying with Dublin Port would be the decision that gave Richie Saunders the eclectic life he is so proud of and if ever anyone needs to know about the ins and outs of the Port they need look no further than the man with a wealth of experience that has been fuelled by heartfelt enthusiasm. His love of the sea is such that he spent twenty seven years coxing the Pilot Boat and battling the elements.

“If you look at that liner coming into Dublin Port,” said Richie, gesturing to one of the huge cruise liners that dominate the harbour most days now, “he may know his way in here, but he won’t know everything. The pilot is a master

mariner, trained in ship handling and could get aboard any ship and handle it.

The Pilot Boat man is trained up, the Pilot is trained up and they go out so the Pilot can get aboard and bring the ship in safely. That job I really loved because I was at sea. I reared my whole family while I was working the Pilot Boat and these were the old Pilot Boats with one engine, no radar and they were slow. It was hard and sometimes it was uncomfortable, but I loved it.”

As a recent retiree, Richie Saunders has seen not only the challenges of sea living, but also the evolution of the shipping industry and it was only nine years ago that Richie seized the opportunity to train further with Dublin Port as certain specialized jobs were spread across the work force and all employees were needed to train in areas unknown to many of them.

Some resisted, but Richie saw a challenge he couldn’t refuse and went back to school at a mature age to learn new skills, once again grasping the opportunity in front of him because of his love for the job.

There is no way the pages of NewsFour could ever do justice to the memories Richie Saunders holds, but one thing is certain: not only did the water, the docks and the port give Richie his living, it also gave him more life experiences than most could hope for and one can only imagine what hidden images and stories he still has to recall.

“I’ve seen things change here over the years and I’ve been through strikes and massive industrial and technological changes at Dublin Port. Things aren’t done the way they used to be. Years ago, when I was young, you’d look across at the North Wall and you’d see stacks of timber and steel there for weeks, but it’s all changed and I saw it all change. It’s been great to me, it really has.”

Pictured, back row, from left to right: First man not known, Greg Murphy, Eric Hensey, Richard Saunders, Hank O’Grady, David Ahern, second mate.

Middle row: ? Nagle, Bobby Carick, John Hall, Noel Fynes, Brian Byrne.

Front row: Bredan Stockdale, Sixer Byrne, Scobe.

Vessel: The Irish Rowan.

NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2012

THE CULINARY CORNER

Molten Middle Burgers and Potato Wedges

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By Gemma Byrne hese homemade burgers are moist, juicy and flavoursome. I hide a little cheese in the middle which melts and oozes out when you take your first bite. Delicious! I’ve used cheddar but blue cheese or any hard/semi hard cheese of your choice will work.

Ingredients: 1lb minced beef 1 medium onion (very finely chopped) 2 cloves garlic (crushed) Olive oil ½ teaspoon Paprika ½ teaspoon Dried Thyme 1 egg Salt & Pepper Worcestershire Sauce (a few shakes) Mature Red Cheddar (cut into ½cm thick chunks about the size of a postage stamp) For the wedges: 4 very large potatoes Garlic Powder Paprika Olive oil Method: Sauté the onions and garlic in a little olive oil (and a sprinkle of salt) until translucent and softened but not browned. Set aside to cool.

Place the cooled onions, mince, egg, paprika, thyme in a mixing bowl. Season with plenty of salt and pepper. Thoroughly combine all the ingredients using your hands. Divide the mixture roughly in quarters. Form each quarter into a burger patty with the cheese chunk in the centre. Make sure the cheese is fully sealed in the centre or it will escape during cooking. Make the burger patties wider and thinner than you want the end result as they will shrink inwards and get thicker during cooking.

Fry in a little olive oil on a medium heat till well browned.

Finish cooking the burgers in the oven at 180ºC for 5 to 10 mins.

You will know they’re cooked when the juices run clear. Serve in fresh baps with your favourite burger trimmings.

Wedges: Wash the potatoes and cut into wedge shapes (leave the skins on). Parboil the wedges – cover with cold water, season with salt, bring to the boil and simmer gently for five minutes.

Drain and set aside to cool. When they have stopped steaming, place them in a metal baking tray and toss with 2 tsp olive oil, a good shake of paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper. If you want to spice them up you can add a shake of cayenne pepper at this stage. Cook in a pre-heated oven at 180ºC for about 15 mins or until they are brown, crispy and soft in the centre when pierced with a knife.

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SANDYMOUNT TRADERS GIVING BACK

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By Joe McKenna ith the stresses of the modern economy pushing great causes into financial difficulty, more and more charities and groups are relying on fundraising initiatives to help their valuable services continue. Donations are relied upon now more than ever and it will come as no surprise that the traders and people of Sandymount are more than willing to put their weight behind good causes.

As recently as May this year, Sandymount was witness to an incredibly successful fundraising event that not only brought a staggering amount of money, but also brought a great buzz to the area when Kieran Mulligan, owner of Mulligan’s pub, organised a charity cycle in aid of depression support group Aware and Saint Vincent De Paul.

“I’ve always been a supporter of SVP and after being in business for twenty years I wanted to mark it with something,” Kieran told NewsFour. “When I was young I would have been a Leeds United supporter and the death of Gary Speed, who took his own life, really

WINE TO SUIT MOST PALATES

By Dominic O’Shaughnessy

DOMAINE DE BISCONTE, ABV 13%, RRP €11.95

To readers of this NewsFour article we are delighted to offer a 10% discount off this wine at The Wine Boutique. Just mention the article to us in-store!

Offer limited while stocks last.

Homemade beef burgers as a substantial, filling and meaty meal will command a suitably flavoursome wine. I would suggest that a perfect match would be a red wine which has broad appeal, without being overly intense and full-bodied, and designed to suit most palates.

One such wine that will certainly match this criteria is the Domaine de Bisconte, hailing from the Cotés du Roussillon region in the south of France. Made from a traditional blend of southern varieties: 40% Syrah, 30% Grenache and 30% Carignan, this wine has been barrel-aged in French oak barriques.

The nose and palate are fruitforward with ripe red cherry and red berry fruit in abundance. The oak ageing has smoothened and softened the tannins, leading to a long, elegant finish with a hint of vanilla.

This wine represents superb value at €11.95 from The Wine Boutique in Ringsend and other good independent wine retailers.

shook me so I started to think that there must be people out there like him; he had it all and I still can’t understand what happened. So I called Aware and started organising the charity cycle which in the end raised €25,000.”

With such a massive achievement in giving, one could be forgiven for thinking that Sandymount traders might return to the normality of day-to-day business. Not a chance.

Sharon McDonnell of Toni & Guy hair salon in Sandymount already had plans in motion for another fundraiser in the form of a Style Night which Mulligan’s pub hosted to great success.

“Sharon had organised a night for locals in aid of a cancer charity and I helped promote it and sponsor it,” said Kieran. “It was a great night and it was packed. Local traders offered vouchers and prizes and it was great for the community and the village. What’s great is that more and more of those things are happening. I think the days of the golf classic are gone and people are starting to see what they can do themselves and that can only be a good thing. People have been saying that we have to do it next year again because they enjoyed it so much. We’re definitely looking into that.”

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NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2012

DCC News • DCC News • DCC News

Slí na Sláinte Compiled by Sandy Hazel SLÍ NA SLÁINTE Parks Division and the Irish Heart Foundation have designed a proposal for a Slí na Sláinte Route which incorporates Ringsend Park, Sean Moore Park and Poolbeg Lighthouse. The route will be signposted and information boards erected at starting points of the route.

The Ringsend Park route encompasses a 1.1km circuit of the park using existing footpaths.

The Sean Moore Park route is a 1.2km route which meanders around Sean Moore Park and the Poolbeg Lighthouse is a 10.2 km route (5.1km each way).

Councillor Maria Parodi asked the area manager to ensure adequate lighting was installed in parks which may remain open all night. She also asked that current and future lighting facilities in our parks are adjusted during

summer months so that they don’t come on too early in an effort to prevent wastage and save on our energy costs.

STREET NAMES In response to queries f r o m C o u nc i l l o r P a d d y M c C a r t a n ab o u t t h e s t r e e t name plates on Dromard Av e n u e a n d M a r i n e D r i v e i n S a n d y m o u n t , t h e m a na g e r s a i d t h a t a r e p l a c ement sign for the damaged o n e a t t h e j u n c t i o n o f M ar in e D r i v e a n d B e a c h R o a d has been ordered and will be installed as soon as it b e c o m e s a v a i l a b l e . Wa s t e Management Divisions w i l l a l s o r e m o v e t h e g r a ff it i o n t h e s i g n o n D r o m a r d Av e n u e .

GARDENING GROUND Councillor Dermot Lacey has asked the area manager Michael O’Neill to enter into discussions with the Ballsbridge College of Further Education with a view to making the area around the closed public toilets in Ballsbridge available for their gardening students and horticulture courses.

The manager replied that he would look into the possibility of this land being purchased. Lacey said that he hoped the community would benefit rather than commercial concerns.

OPEN PARKS POLICY? Local parks may remain open all night with new plans to combat vandalism. Area manager Michael O’Neill told councillors that after a trial period of all night opening all the local parks would need to agree the new regime for it to become more permanent. “The

NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2012

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DCC News • DCC News • DCC News Gardai and the parks department feel that if gates are left open all the time it will allow for patrol cars to search the parks at night and might lessen vandalism,” O’Neill told the meeting. The practice has been trialled in Dun Laoghaire Rathdown parks and in South Dublin County Council parks with some success. Cllr Dermot Lacey agreed that keeping gates open could actually increase security more than putting up more railings. At the moment, when residents call Gardai about anti-social behaviour in parks, patrol cars do not have access. “If other folk wish to use the parks just to stroll in at night, then fair play to them,” added O’Neill.

HERBERT PARK UPDATE Cllr Dermot Lacey queried the use of Herbert Park by various organised groups.

The manager’s response acknowledged the large increase of people playing tag rugby in city parks. The parks also host competitions organised by the Irish Tag Rugby Association (ITRA) in May/June and in the weeks running up to that parks are used by the teams for training purposes in the evenings.

“There is also pressure on the parks from the activities of boot camps, fitness clubs, and sports clubs. Activities of organised sports in pub-

lic parks require a permit/licence from the City Council to ensure satisfactory insurance cover is in place, the allocation of pitches for active recreation does not impact on the wider enjoyment of parks which are also in demand by other park users and there is a reasonable consideration of the wear and tear on the park.” The City Parks Superintendent has been in contact with the ITRA with a view to agreeing mutually suitable arrangements for next year to address the issues above, to enable better communication with tag rugby players and to facilitate tag rugby training.

HERBERT PARK PERGOLA Two reports were undertaken by a structural engineer on the pergola in Herbert Park. The first was prepared in November 2010, shortly after the collapse of precast concrete supporting beams in one section of the pergola. That report found the collapse was due to the weight of vegetation and a recent snowfall. The vegetation growing on the pergola was actually preventing a more complete collapse of the structure.

In December, a further collapse of part of the pergola occurred, other inspections were carried out and a second report recommended that as the stone piers were

off plumb and they had suffered significant damage by the collapsing concrete that they should be removed.

DCC is now considering options for restoring a shortened pergola to re-create the ambiance of the original, but this will be subject to available finance in 2013.

PARKING ON WILFIELD ROAD Councillor Paddy McCartan asked area manager Michael O’Neill for an update on the parking situation on Wilfield Road, Sandymount and a date for the examination and report by the traffic engineer to be completed. O’Neill replied that “Wilfield Road is too narrow to accommodate parking on both sides of the street. This matter has been examined a number of times over the past years and there is no obvious solution that will facilitate parking for all the residents because of the width of the road. There was a proposal a number of years ago to reduce the width of the footpath to facilitate parking. This proposal is not feasible due to cost and negative impact on pedestrian facilities. Pay and display and permit parking could be introduced, but this would limit parking to one side of the road only.”

CAMBRIDGE COURT LIFT Cllr Maria Parodi asked the area manager to install a lift in

Cambridge Court Cambridge Court senior citizen complex in order to assist the elderly residents living on the top floor of this complex. “I think it is a disgrace, installing a lift needs to be prioritised, I know there are budgetary constraints,” said Parodi. Cllr Lacey queried the fact that over half these units are empty and asked the manager for numbers on this situation.

TRAFFIC PLAN The National Transport Agency has provided funding to DCC to progress works in Ringsend and Irishtown. A review of the traffic management issues was undertaken in Ringsend/Irishtown by the South East Area Engineer and the Sustainable Transport Unit to identify traffic issues. Possible works will include: Dermot O’Hurley Avenue/Fitzwilliam Quay road closure. Cambridge Road footpath build-outs at school warden crossing point.

Strand Street/Pembroke Street

modify island at junction and implement a one-way system in conjunction with allowing twoway traffic on Chapel Avenue.

There will be directional signage for Ringsend Park and Irishtown Stadium. Irishtown Road: upgrade existing and provide new dished crossing, upgrade pedestrian refuge islands and bollards.

The Traffic Plan was on display in Ringsend Library, Fitzwilliam Street, Dublin 4 from Thursday 12th July until Friday 20th July 2012.

DDDA The controversial Dublin Docklands Development Authority is to be wound down over a period of 18 months after a critical report by the Auditor General. The DDDA, which came under fire for its role in the purchase of the €52 million Glass Bottle site in Ringsend, is to be steered to closure by Dublin City manager John Tierney.

GILMORE SOLICITORS 22 BRIDGE STREET, RINGSEND, DUBLIN 4 Tel: 6677170 * Fax:6673809 E-mail: info@gilmoresolicitors.com

House Sales/Purchases Re-mortgages & Commercial Property Family Law Wills/Probate/Estate-Planning Employment Law District Court & Road Traffic Offences Sean Moore Park

A Friendly & Professional Service

PAGE 24

NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2012

There was a great turn-out for the Yeats Poetry Reading on Sandymount Green recently. Rodney Devitt, Patricky Hugh Lynch, the 6th classes from Scoil Mhuire, Aiden Sweeney, Michael McAuliffe, Anthony J. Jordan, Ann Russell, Eoghan Murphy TD, Cllr Pat McCartan, Patricia Bree, and Amanda McKenna all read for the occasion. Eileen Kavanagh sang ‘Down by the Sally Gardens’.

And they’re off! These mini runners took part in the recent Anchorage Mini Olympics in Irishtown Stadium.

Glynis Casson and Joe McCarthy are shown above taking part in the Bloomsday celebrations on Sandymount Green.

Pictured above are the Ringsend/Irishtown RAIVE ‘77 group finalists in the Catholic Youth Council–Bank of Ireland Young Entertainers competition, Variety section, held in the John Player Theatre on the South Circular Road in 1977.

NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2012

P ICTURE

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ROUNDUP

Over 2,500 Dublin cyclists put their foot on the pedal for Dublin’s Bike to Work Day 2012. The event organised by DCC encourages Dubliners to cycle through the streets of Dublin, promoting health, fitness, money saving and stress-free travel.

A group of runners leading the field at the half way stage of the Dublin Docklands 8km Fun Run in aid of Barnardos, Tuesday 19th June 2012.

Summer Party for Beech Hill residents, July 2012.

Pictured from left: Phil Keena, Donal Slevin, Cllr Paddy McCartan, Angelo Davis, and Minister Lucinda Creighton.

Artist and writer Don Conroy recently hosted a special event entitled ‘Read Together’ in Ringsend Library. Don read from his own children’s book ‘The Bookworm who Turned Over a New leaf’ and demonstrated the art of cartoon illustration. His lively young audience did impressions of elephants, hippos and bookworms. The event was promoted by Bord Gáis Energy Book Club to promote children’s reading.

Teagan Byrne, Andrea McDonagh, Laura Maher, Marion Allen, Debbie Allen, Noah Rooney, Callum Bradshaw, Charlie Allen and Patrick Huges celebrate at the Ringsend Creche Graduation Ceremony.

Congratulations to the girls’ camogie team of St. Patrick’s Girls School in Ringsend who won their tournament on May 9th in Croke Park.

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NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2012

RINGSEND AND IRISHTOWN COMMUNITY CENTRE NEWS

By Lorraine Barry RICC – Connecting Communities Programme Join RICC to Celebrate Tall Ships 2012 Thursday 23rd August – Sunday 26th August RICC in partnership with DCC are organising a number of fun events to celebrate the Tall Ships.

Events will include a Music Festival, Family Fun Day and community promotion of services and achievements which will be broadcasted from RICC in partnership with Dublin City FM. Further details to follow.

Poolbeg Yacht Boat Club and Marina – Calendar of events for Tall Ships Thursday 23rd from 18.00.

Opening Night-Viewing River Traffic.

Friday 24th from 20.00. CeiliRiver and Dance Saturday 25th from 16.00. Monster BBQ Music Night Shore Cel-

ebration Sunday 26th 10.30am. Parade of Sail – River Viewing RICC – working with other communities RICC and D8CEC have been working together since November last to provide an education programme for members of the community in Ringsend. The programme is called Preparing for Work in Ireland and its aim is to help the participants become jobready by giving them the opportunity to learn new skills or prepare for further study. It also offers new members of the community the opportunity to improve their level of English as part of an integrated programme.

The programme offers a choice of modules, all accredited by FETAC, and tailored to their needs.

The modules are ESOL (English Language); Communications; I.T. Skills, Maths and Personal and Interpersonal Skills. By integrating the modules, participants have the opportunity to broaden their

knowledge of English vocabulary and structures in a range of settings.

The programme is part-time, two days per week, Tuesday and Friday, to co-incide with the Mother and Toddler group; in this way, parents can be secure in the knowledge that their children are safe and

happy while they take their course.

It is also free, as it is funded under the Back to Education Initiative.

About D8CEC: D8CEC, Dublin 8 Community Education Centre, has been providing second-chance education and lifelong learning to adults in Dublin 8 since 1996; we are delighted to work with RICC to offer the same service to adults in Ringsend.

We believe that access to lifelong learning is the right of everyone; we aim to give the opportunity to avail of education that is accessible, affordable, of the highest quality, and suitable to their needs to every adult in our two communities; to those whose previous educational experience was less than positive; to those who wish to return to learning; to those who wish to acquire the skills to become part of the information society.

We also believe that it’s never too late to learn.

In D8CEC, learners are at the centre of the learning process – they influence content, pace and learning style.

We provide a welcoming and supportive environment that allows learners to feel safe and confident in exploring, experimenting and stretching their horizons.

Lifelong learning is what we’re about; we encourage it and promote it.

Our tutors are friendly, helpful and well-qualified; they allow all learners to progress at their own speed and there is no pressure to learn at any speed except the one best suited to the individual learner.

Although this programme is accredited, and we advise all our learners of its importance, we will not put any pressure on anyone to avail of it.

We are delighted to work with RICC to provide this service to the community in Ringsend because we believe that when communities work together, they produce amazing results.

Main picture: Ladies at the DCC Garden Party in RICC enjoying themselves.

Below: A lively Singing Group at the DCC Garden Party.

NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2012

PAGE 27

MORE THAN A MAN’S BEST FRIEND

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By Caomhan Keane hen Yelstin, a Golden Labrador Retriever was let off his leash by Gabriel Maloney, the 48-year old visually-impaired psychotherapist he helps get around, he was expecting a treat.

After a hectic day navigating the busy Crumlin streets, keeping his ears and eyes peeled so as to keep him and his master safe, he was about to get his reward, a little free time to de-stress, to run about and not have to be responsible.

What he got was a boot in the head from a local man, known to the police, that has scarred him so much he has had to go back to Cork to be retrained.

“It makes my blood boil,” Maloney says of the incident.

“He just got off with a cau-

tion. My personal feelings are that it was just an excuse but professionally, when they told me he had mental problems, I know they have to take that into account.”

Initially, the dog showed no sign of injury. “I was visiting a mother and toddler group I work with and although he was nervous, the kids were playing with him and pulling out of his tail.”

Gabriel thinks that during this time, shock was setting in. There were no bones or ribs broken but the psychological effect soon began to show. “His work load started to break down. It used to take me 20 minutes to walk from my house to work before the incident, but afterwards it took me 45 minutes. He’d start off fine enough, but soon it was

like walking the death march.

The handle of his harness would be up to his head.”

He contacted the Irish Guide Dogs Association in Cork who trained Yelstin. They suggested that he try using his best ‘actor’ voice to soothe and encourage the dog to pick up the pace. They also suggested using the leash instead of the harness and some hand and foot gestures but nothing worked. “I had to send him back to Cork to be retrained.

Thankfully, the feedback I have been getting from his instructors is good. He’s getting back up to pace and I’ll be going down in a week or so myself so we can be trained together.” It costs €40,000 to train the dog over its 10-year career.

Gabriel wants to use the attack to raise the profile of guide dogs. “People know of the positive work that guide dogs do for people with vision impairment. Given how visible we are now, its a great way of educating the general public on the important role they play in the life of blind and partially-blind people.

Were it not for dogs like Yelstin and the three I had before him, there is no way I would have been able to get about as much as I do.”

If you would like to learn more about guide dogs or make a donation visit www.guidedogs.ie

BRUGH MEMORIES – ADVICE FROM ‘AN LASAIR’

By Jimmy Purdy An excerpt from the editorial of ‘An Laisir’ dated 28th February, 1953.

Dear Boys, The Games Competitions began keenly last week and there were many tightly contested matches. Of course, some were a ‘pushover’ where a really good player met a raw beginner but on the whole the standard was quite high. It is difficult to have any idea yet of the eventual outcome of the competition but we should all see some good earnest games during the next week or two.

There is one thing we might mention. The success of the

competition, like every other Brugh activity depends on you lads. You must try and get along to the games room when you are supposed to be

there for a match. If you do not turn up it spoils the whole show, and upsets everyone.

Don’t argue with the Brother, or the Boy Captain supervising the game. The rules for the competitions were laid down at the Boy Captain’s Meeting and these must be abided by whether we agree with them or not. Put everything you know into the game and if you win don’t let your head grow too big, if you lose, take your defeat like a man, and congratulate the winner, even if you really do think you were very unlucky.

Your pal, The Editor.

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Festival Fever

By Rupert Heather K: wet suit, flippers, canoe, water wings, goggles… yes it’s festival time again in Ireland. From family fun and music galore to hippy hedonism and the frankly far out (man), we have it all here in what people used to call the summer. Laugh at the clouds but get out there and enjoy yourself at one of many events nationwide.

Don’t allow a few isolated, albeit serious, incidents reported in the press to spoil your enjoyment of what is overwhelmingly a safe, fun day out.

However, to try to avoid some of the self-imposed hazards of the season: mud-wrestling with or without clothes, the demon drink, getting lost on the motorway, not bringing your wellies and a change of underwear, the children being car sick before you leave the driveway, not making it to the port-a-loos in time, pitching your tent in the middle of lake sized puddles etc, etc.

There are plenty of guides to surviving festivals, all full of good advice but nothing beats using your common sense and keeping a tight hold on your valuables, your children and most of all your sanity and your sense of humour.

The following are just a taste of what’s on over the coming weeks: Vodafone Comedy Festival, 26th July–29th July, Iveagh Gardens, Dublin – www.vodafonecomedy.com Castlepalooza, 3rd Aug–5th Aug, Tullamore, Co. Offally – www.castlepalooza.ie Ballyshannon Folk Festival, 3rd Aug–5th Aug, Co Donegal – www.ballyshannonfolkfestival.com Electric Picnic, 31st Aug–3rd Sept, Stradbally, Co. Laois – www.electricpicnic.ie

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Blue Dome Exercise

By Derek Murphy he blue dome is of course the sky above, and it is my gym. I swim, bike, jog and my daily walk with my dog to the South Wall and back via the three parks, Ringsend, Sean Moore and Irishtown Nature Park is heaven.

If any reader, 55 years of age or older, would like to enjoy an exquisite walk along the shore you’re welcome to join the small group who enjoy the elements in all weathers. Set with the backdrop of the Sugarloaf, Three Rock and Kilmashogue Mountains on the horizon, walkers might also be lucky enough to see a Peregrine Falcon out hunting. Walks take place five days per week and are marked every kilometre.

No good on the feet? Join the cycling group, get to use the gears properly, stretch your distance on safe cycleways such as Clontarf.

Regular exercise equals healthier lifestyle, so take this as your prescription for health.

The group leaves Cambridge Court Senior Citizens Centre, Wednesday 1st August 2012.

For more information contact: Derek Murphy, Cambridge Court, Ringsend, Dublin 4.

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NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2012

QUITE A PERFORMANCE

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By Caomhan Keane he seventh annual Laya Healthcare Street Performance World Championships took place in Merrion Square last weekend.

Conceived like so many terrible people after a few scoops in

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Temple Bar, by the then-26 years old Mark Dukenfield and Conor McCarthy, it’s now officially the second biggest outdoor event in the country after Paddy’s Day. Don’t bother telling the Arts Council though. “They told us two years ago that we were not really ‘arts’,” Dukenfield, who quit his job in sales to found the festival, tells me. This, despite the fact that they attract more people than the Volvo Boat Race.

“The county councils and Board Fáilte have been terrific.

And we couldn’t do it without a title sponsor like Laya, who have been very hands-off. But we would like recognition and support from a higher level. We don’t pay the artists, they rely on getting money from the punters, but we do have to put them up, which costs €20 thousand alone.”

The plan was to have the festival tour the country, but when the arse fell out of the economy they settled on expanding the event to Cork. Dukenfield has noticed a change in the profile of artists he can programme.

“When we started we had to go all over the world trying to get people to come. But now the reputation of the festival, and by proxy the generosity of the Irish, means that they come to us. We are considered among the four leading street performance festivals in the world.”

This year saw performances from the winners of Sweden’s

Got Talent and the runners up on America and Canada’s Got Talent, the return of Australia’s Space Cowboy (TM apparently not Jay Kay) who brought some whips, chainsaws and machetes along for the ride; a piano juggler, a Freddie Mercury impersonator and The Lizardman, who takes on the appearance of the titular reptile by transforming his body through piercing, tattooing and body modification.

Ireland was represented by the Hakuna Matata Acrobats, whose performance in Temple Bar all those years ago inspired the fes-

tival in the first place. “We were out on the beer and we ran into a huge crowd surrounding a load of acrobats. Everyone loved it,” McCarthy tells me. “Businessmen, young mothers, kids. It was an excellent form of entertainment, but why wasn’t there more of it? We started looking around, seeing what else was out there and realized these acts did exist but had no platform for big performances. So we figured we’d do something about it.”

The lads also run an agency where they put companies in contact with street, sideshow or

SHELBOURNE PARK – IT’S

GOOD FIGHT

By Rupert Heather lympic boxer, trainer and television commentator Mick Dowling hosted a white collar boxing night in support of children with Down Syndrome on June 23rd at the Ballsbridge Hotel.

Over 1,000 people attended and raised €24,000 for Down Syndrome Dublin. There were 19 bouts of boxing for the crowd to enjoy.

Both men and women fought three 90-second rounds which they had trained for at Mount Tallant Boxing Club in Terenure.

Event organiser Orla Doyle who has a seven year-old son with Down Syndrome stressed that the charity depends on these events to raise money as they no longer receive regular corporate donations.

Orla ‘The Destroyer’ Doyle said, “It was terrifying, not the boxing, but going out in front of a large crowd.”

Master of ceremonies Harry McGavock, a former boxing champion entertained the audience. Other famous names from the world of sport included broadcaster Jimmy Magee.

The money raised will be used to provide services for children with Down Syndrome.

Information at http://www.dsdublin.ie

freak show performers for corporate events, product launches or Christmas parties and leaving dos. Compared to other countries, where there are circus schools, there isn’t a huge amount of acts in Ireland, but the lads have noticed a change.

“The event was won for the first time in 2010 by an Irish act and we have a roster of about ten acts that we can choose from,” Dukenfield tells me. “We try not to programme more than one a year because otherwise we’ll tire out our resources but we are getting there.”

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By Joe McKenna n a Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday night, Shelbourne Park comes to life with the sound and fervor of greyhound racing. Probably one of the most exhilarating race sports around and a cracking night out if you want value for money.

Practically standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Ringsend, Shelbourne Park has been an attraction that might perhaps go unnoticed if you’re like me and don’t pay attention when you cross Ringsend Bridge.

For 80 years, Shelbourne Park has brought greyhound racing to the area in a setting that en-

hances what is already an adrenaline-filled sport. On race nights the crowds file in to drop a few bets and hope for the win while they unwind in a stadium that is going to great lengths to ensure that whoever walks through the turnstiles will get caught up in the action and walk away smiling, win or lose.

“We run three nights of racing every week so we’re different to horse racing in the fact that we have a lot more meetings and the races are in quicker succession,” said Manger of Shelbourne Park, Patrick Flynn.

“We have Dobbins restaurant which can seat 450 and you can bet from there while watching

THE DOGS

the races and we cater for quite a few parties and events because to most people the idea of a night at the dogs is exciting and a bit different. But if someone is just looking for a cheap night out and a bit of fun we cater for that as well. At the minute we’re running a deal where a person can get admission, a race card, burger and a beer for €10, which these days is value and that’s what people really want.”

In comparison to the Tiger times where the more you spent the more fun you were guaranteed, a night at Shelbourne Park is about enjoying the sport and the surroundings for what they are and getting in touch with that nervous rumble before the traps go up and the dogs test the speed of your eyes.

So, if you have a tenner in your pocket and you’re looking for a night out, you could always walk up to the turnstiles at Shelbourne Park and tell them to “let it ride.”

NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2012

THE NATIONAL PRINT MUSEUM

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By Jason McDonnell he National Irish Visual Arts Library (NIVAL) was formally established in 1997 with the aim of documenting all aspects of 20th century and contemporary Irish art and design and providing public access to the collection to encourage and facilitate research.

The National Print Museum decided to host an exhibition of some of NIVAL’s collection from June 14th to August 26th 2012 at the Print Museum in Beggar’s Bush when the curatorial committee of the print museum went to see some of the Nival work. They were very impressed with the huge variety of posters, artist books, invitations and posters of contemporary art from the whole island as well as Irish art abroad and non-Irish artists working in Ireland.

NIVAL, who have never exhibited outside of NCAD (their home on Thomas Street), were delighted with the opportunity to let more people know about the great resources

they have. The team from the Print Museum were invited to look at NIVAL’s archives. They had numerous visits, as the selection process was so difficult due to the large collection available.

They were really drawn towards posters and artist books, particularly ones with a design and print interest.

Some books were letter-pressed (a nice link to the National Print Museum), some of the posters also have the printer’s named on them which nowadays rarely happens. You can see some of the really well-known printing houses of earlier years such, as Brown and Nolan’s and Ormond Printers, which are listed on some of the Aer Lingus and the KLM posters.

A lovely one in the collection titled ‘Fly Aer Lingus, Britain’ by Jan de Fouw depicts a scene of ‘Beefeater’ with tree and Tudor-style building in distance on a red background. The text reads ‘Britain, Aer Lingus, Irish Air Lines’.

PAGE 29 De Fouw, a good friend of the National Print Museum, was part of a Dutch group who came to Ireland in the 1950s and brought a huge slant on graphic design to Ireland at the time.

There is a lot of variety in the collection and the response has been very positive. The museum is delighted to help such a wonderful resource such as NIVAL. Entry to the exhibition is free of charge and well worth a visit.

A new education area aimed at the community was recently added on the top floor of the museum. This was funded by the Aviva Stadium Community Fund. The museum is hoping to achieve a space where the local community can come in and use the museum on a more regular basis at no cost.

There are so many different activities available for all the family, all related to printing in some way, from little letter printers to a lovely library.

It is hoped that the local community will embrace this space and use this resource more often. So far, it has been a great success and they have had a lot of repeat visitors, mostly families.

There are lots of activities planned for the summer months, such as storytelling sessions and Olympic workshops, an ideal place to bring the kids in recessionary times, as it is free, educational and enjoyable.

The National Print Museum is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and weekends from 2pm to 5pm.

Pictured: Jan de Fouw with his image at the National Print Museum.

CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS AT DONNYBROOK

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By Susan Dixon embroke Cottages, Brocs Cottages and Home Villas celebrations took place on Sunday July 1st from 2pm to 6pm and included a barbeque, music, a historical talk and a pop-up exhibition in individual windows of old family photographs etc. The ice cream van also came for the children.

The historical talk was given by John Holahan from the Ballsbridge, Donnybrook and Sandymount Historical Society.

John brought along some great old maps and photographs and gave a wonderful insight into the history of the cottages, Home Villas and also Herbert Park. People took a great interest in the old maps and John stayed around to enjoy the day and answer questions that people had.

There were plenty of chairs to sit down and have a chat. There was a tour of the pop-up exhibition and

this proved to be a great success, as the people who had put photographs in their windows had gone to a lot of trouble and neighbours had a lot of fun naming those in the photographs.

The last part of the day was given over to spot prizes, which were donated by local businesses who were very generous indeed.

A great day was had by all and we were amazed at the numbers who showed up (we figure at least 150) and anecdotally what people

seemed to enjoy most was meeting old neighbours, many children of residents who had moved away and came back for the day and met friends they hadn’t seen for years.

We were blessed with the weather.

The rain stayed away until the last few minutes!

Hopefully, this will be the first of many events in Pembroke Cottages, Brocs Cottages and Home Villas.

Above: Two ladies enjoy a chat at the Centenary celebrations.

Talk About Youth

By Joe McKenna “The foundation of every state is the education of its youth.”

Diogenes Laertius

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f the passage of time has taught us anything it’s that investing in our youth is the best way to ensure that the adults they inevitably grow into will have a positive impact on the world around them.

Maturity is not something that simply comes naturally as a young person grows, nor is responsibility; these are developments that begin with kernels of encouragement and guidance planted there by influential peers.

As Community Youth Services Manager at St. Andrew’s Resource Centre, Susan Menton is at the forefront in providing new and exciting opportunities for local young people through the ‘Talk About Youth’ project and with a dedicated team alongside her, the youth of the area have a doorway to personal growth right there on Pearse Street.

“To get involved, all young people have to do is walk through the door,” Susan told NewsFour recently, as she took time out from organising next year’s calendar of work.

“As a team, our job over the years has been to develop programmes, listening to what young people want and what they’re about. We work with young people from the age of 10 and up but a lot of areas don’t really need a youth service at 10 years old, they need it before.

So what we have is a realm of junior volunteers from the ages of 15 to 17 and they receive training in leadership skills, team-building, programme planning, evaluating and how to deal with difficult situations and they then run clubs for four to eight year-olds.”

By exposing young people in the area to quality training and giving them experience as actual youth workers, the youth services at St. Andrew’s have effectively created a cycle that feeds itself from the top. Young people get involved, get active, become aware of themselves and their potential and put that experience to use, possibly prepping the next wave of youth workers for their own future.

“The key thing that we’re always saying to people is that we do believe in young people and believe that they’re able to do stuff, whereas a lot of the time it’s just, “What would they know?” People think that when young people hit 18 that’s when they know what they want, but they know now and they know how to do a lot more things that maybe we can’t do.”

With international cultural exchange programmes, residential excursions, career workshops, music, video, computing and more, Community Youth Services at St. Andrew’s is clearly a solid building block for any young person in the area who wants new opportunities, experiences and life skills.

“With ourselves in the building and great volunteers in the area, there’s always someone around that a young person can link with, and youth work from our point of view is all about building the relationship because that can take you anywhere. We don’t have pre-set ideas about what should and shouldn’t happen for a young person when they come here, we just want to tap into what makes them great and help them use that.”

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NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2012

Entertainment •Entertainment •Entertainment •Entertainment •Entertainment •Entertainment

DONNYBROOK’S ROCK CAMP

THEATRE ‘The Plough and the Stars’ Reviewed by Caomhan Keane Wayne Jordan’s Brechtian spin on this Sean O’Casey classic makes it worth a look if you failed to catch it on one of its more recent outings. Caomhan Keane recalls the 2010 production. n incomplete set comprised of moveable door frames, mismatched furniture, gaping holes and hanging muslin allude to a Dublin tenement which bursts into life as the cast bustle about creating their surroundings to the beat of Connor Linehan’s vaudevillian score.

It’s eye-catching stuff but it’s not long before we’re back on familiar ground, Cathy Belton braying like a donkey off stage. She bursts into view, wheezing intermittently, technique blazing and all the Belton trade marks (hands to the hips, eyes dead ahead) present and accounted for, a competent, if not all together successful, vision of Mrs. Grogan.

Hers is one of many performances to tip its hat to epic theatre, but what works for the set does not translate as well to the performances.

The script doesn’t facilitate a full embrace of the method and the performances, though thoroughly committed to by the cast, never quite settle, appeasing the play’s cerebral and visual components but never its emotive impact.

The play’s heart is dealt another sucker punch in the casting of Denise Gough and Barry Ward, as the Clitheroes, the most antiseptic lovers we’ve had on stage all year. Jack and his little, red-lipped Nora are key to holding our emotional interest in the play’s second half. Unfortunately, during their sole love scene they inflate the antagonism and bitterness underneath, showing no heed to the heat that propels such a scrap or any sense of fun or flirtation that comes from fighting with a loved one. Hence, when Nora does her nut, wailing at the barricades and at anyone who’ll listen, she’s an irritating drama queen not a tragic heroine. The production comes to a dead stop whenever they are onstage, interrupting the quick flow elsewhere.

There is some fine acting. Kathy Rose O’Brien’s Rosie Redmond finds the downtrodden innocent beneath the street walking carp; Gabrielle Reidy makes our skin crawl as a crowing, union jack wagging Bessie Burgess but makes a credible and compelling about-face when the Christian chips are down. Joe Hanley steals the bacon with a performance that is physically and mentally thorough, showing flashes of moral aptitude beneath the well-worn Fluther mask. Three characters that could have been left to reside in the comic doldrums are instead three dimensional, rounded and fully affecting.

Elsewhere, the continual characterization of the poor and their foibles as sources of fun is evident in two cartoonish bar brawls, with much of O’Casey’s acerbic humour delivered out to the audience instead of to its intended victim, while the biggest laughs are got through costume. Natalie Randmall Quirke brings the house down with her hilarious fourth wall breaking ‘Woman From Rathmines’ but perhaps over-egged the pudding a little bit. This was, after all, a woman who very much feared for her life, not a character in a Wilde play.

Website: www.abbeytheatre.ie

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By Joe McKenna he Old Wesley Rugby Club in Donnybrook recently saw the next batch of young musical talent walk through its doors for Rock Camp 2012 and with the help of experienced coaches and musicians they shook the very foundations of the historic old ground.

Rock Camp started in 2007 when Brian Hickey and his brother were in a band in Lucan. Over a number of years they gained a lot of experience performing, songwriting, managing and promoting and so Rock Camp was born.

In the rough and ruthless music industry of today it’s hard to imagine young teenage wannabes having the skill and confidence to navigate the pitfalls that may lie ahead.

“What we do is group the students together into bands RUGBY SPIRIT

By Gerard Siggins Reviewed by Rupert Heather n this well-crafted, entertaining tale, the author demonstrates vast knowledge of the sport of rugby and the ability to spin a good old-fashioned yarn.

We follow the main character, Eoin Madden’s journey from rugby rookie to schools’ cup winning hero as he tries to emulate his grandfather Dixie’s legendary status in Castlerock College.

Along the way, we discover all is not what it seems, when on a visit to the Aviva Stadium Eoin meets Brian, a character based on the real-life Brian Hanrahan who lost his life playing rugby in 1927.

The ghostly twist gives the book an added dimension.

The most entertaining passages of the book describe, in detail, the games Eoin plays in his rise from

by musical ability and age profile and on the first day all the bands write an original song. That’s usually a massive breakthrough for them, because some of them have maybe never written a song before in their life and maybe don’t believe they can do it,” says Brian. “By the end of the day they have that original song written and then we work with them to record that song and expand their set list. By the end of the week you could have up to six songs, a big jump from never having written anything before,” he continues.

With an age range of 1318, Rock Camp tries to cover all areas for all ages and sets young people with star potential on a steady footing should they actively pursue the dream.

“We work on their confidence and we have beginner groups and advanced groups,

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BOOKS gaelic football, playing misfit to main man in the school’s first team. The trials and tribulations of learning a new sport and coping with a new school are all there too. Indeed, anyone who has played schools’ rugby will immediately recognise the scenario, described with a

so no one feels intimidated and everyone gets a chance to come out of themselves and perform. We have equipment they can use and we have a professional engineer to help them record a demo, which we then package up for them and do up a press pack they can take away. At the end of the season we put on a show for charity where all the students get to feel like rock stars for one night,” Brian explains.

To seek out natural talent these days when the microwave pop star is so prevalent is no mean feat, but Rock Camp is committed to giving young musicians the best experience they can in order to spur their students on.

“We’re more of a guiding hand. We try to get the students to find ideas and run with them and develop them into a more structured piece of work. We want them to have faith in their ideas and not to judge what they do because quite often we are our own worst critics.”

Website:www.rockcamp.ie degree of authenticity, that only someone steeped in the sport could provide.

We must remember that this is a book for children, the author ’s first. It’s a noteworthy effort and one that will capture the imagination of its intended audience. For anyone still unsure about the basic tactics and formations of the sport it is also a useful guide.

Ultimately, the book gets the reader on-side and asks them to get behind Eoin’s pursuit of glory. There is enough in the plot to make this an engaging task with a few good laughs thrown in along the way.

It’s a contemporary account of schools’ rugby for a generation of players who may not be too familiar with the art of good oldfashioned story telling. The book is also mindful of the history and traditions of the great game. It really is a must for all young Irish rugby enthusiasts.

NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2012

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Entertainment •Entertainment •Entertainment •Entertainment •Entertainment •Entertainment

‘Prometheus’

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Reviewed by Caomhan Keane idley Scott recently told the NME that he didn’t give a crap about legacy, which might explain why he has taken a colossal, explosive and very messy dump all over his own, with the supposed ‘Alien’ prequel ‘Prometheus’. Held to the decreasing standards of the original series, this movie really is atrocious.

However, hold it to the standard of more recent box office fare and it’s just about average, badly acted and poorly paced with a script that could double for Charmin Ultra.

It spent the build-up to the summer baring its ankles from beneath a burkaesque marketing campaign, with flashes of the original peeking out from behind a shroud of supposed mystery. “Is it or is it not related to the series that popped Ridley’s sci-fi cherry?” the fan boys wondered.

But the suspense is thrown away after the movie’s very first scene where an alien creature (doubling for Dr. Manhattan) is torn apart after ingesting intergallactic caviar, promptly falling into a river and laying the genetic foundations for life on earth.

There are enough answers to questions people might have about the origins of the xenomorph seen in ‘Aliens 1’ through ‘4’ throughout the movie but they are dispensed carelessly, without any sense of significance, for fear they detract from the many long, ardourous money shots of Prometheus’s leading lady.

Modern day movie audiences are a forgiving lot. Give them a bit of CGI’d metal-on-metal and they’ll forgive you a bit of piss-taking with the plot which explains the redonkulous

FILMS premise of Prometheus.

A handful of cultures, separated by thousands of years and miles, have left identical scratchings on the walls of their caves. They all worshipped something circular. They must be Alien. And Godlike. And they must want us to find them. Never mind why. Apparently it’s not important. But it’s important enough to have a motley crew of sub-rate actors hurtling through hyperspace to be dispensed with between the many below-par nods to the original series?

There’s Rafe Spall and Sean Harris, playing this movie’s answer to the big-breasted blonde who runs up the stairs instead of out the front door, the latter, the worst character in the scifi canon since Jar-Jar Binks. There’s Idris Elba (The Wire) who should just have called token. He’s the cigar smoking, wise cracking, music loving, horn dog of a captain. Add Southern Fried Chicken and you’ve got yourself a stereotype.

There’s some guy from the O.C., supposedly a scientist but all he does is mope about, drink champagne and look cute, who is sleeping with the star of the Swedish ‘Girl With the Dragon Tattoo’ who’s been primed

BANDS

to be the next Ripley but is rendered charisma-less thanks to a convoluted religious sub-plot that is never properly explored, rather tagged on to make her distinct.

And then there are the leads, by far the best thing in Prometheus. Charlize Theron; ice cold capitalist with daddy issues, and Michael Fassbender who appears to be doing for creepy what Robert Downey Jnr has done for cocky! He’s the android (tick) David who worships the movie ‘Laurence of Arabia’ and whose point seems to be to expose the inhumanity of humanity, an oh-so-clever reflection of their god’s own treatment of them.

The problem with the movie is you don’t care for any of them. The original movies gave us an array of talented and charismatic character actors shooting the sheez so that when they inevitably got ripped apart we cared.

Here, they can’t die quick enough, and the unfortunate design of the vagina-faced Aliens means we don’t even enjoy the kill.

With no tension or sense of chilling atmosphere and a load of questions set up for the inevitable sequel to a prequel, I’d avoid this like the plague.

By Jason McDonnell n June 7th I went to see Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers in the O2 and they were amazing. I had seen them before when they were here 20 years ago. They had a lot to live up to as that was an amazing show in the Point Depot.

This time, the stage show was cut back a lot, there was no performing artist on stage and very few stage props. They just had a good lighting display and four large screens showing the band performing live. But I liked it this time, just to see seven great musicians letting their hair down and rocking it out.

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers are an American rock band from Gainesville, Florida who formed in 1976. Their biggest selling album in 1989 was called Full Moon Fever which included the signature tune Free Fallin’ as well as I Won’t Back Down.

They played a lot of the Full Moon album on the night, which kept the crowd happy and also Handle with Care by the Traveling Wilburys. Tom Petty was a member of the Traveling Wilburys with George Harrison who gathered a group of musician friends; Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison and Bob Dylan to record two albums. He also played a lot of his hits from the 70s like Refugee and American Girl, which are still great tracks to this day.

I loved the show and I only hope that he does not leave it another twenty years to come back to Ireland. You could see that he was delighted to be back in Dublin as he loves this city. He said he was glad to be back and gave Dublin City a lot of compliments. In turn, the crowd gave him a great Dublin welcome of “Ole Ole Ole Ole.” And they turned the spotlight on the audience for that part. It was like one big party, a great night had by all.

The show cost €70 standing and was worth it for such a professional act.

I’d recommend anyone who likes rock to go and see them the next time they are over. They are all legends.

a chance to see and try stuff before anyone else does.

And as for home-grown talent, ArcadeCon is firmly on the pulse.

“ArcadeCon features lots of Irish talent, our special guests this year include Nick Roche (Transformers and Last Stand of the Wreckers), Alan Early, author of ‘Arthur Quinn and the World Serpent’, Louise Coghlan, music journalist and PR consultant, NeverMind Games and UpRoar

comics. Our Trade Hall is also open to business all over Ireland but we do have an international element, with guests and traders travelling from the UK and the United States to attend.

“We have more special guests than any other convention. This year we welcomed nine special guests from all over the world. Quinton Flynn, one of the biggest actors in the video game and anime industry hosted

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

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A RCADE C ON 2012

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By Joe McKenna ublin 4 saw all kinds of weird and wonderful sights recently as the Ballsbridge Hotel hosted Ireland’s only all-round, all-encompassing geek convention.

ArcadeCon is now into its second year of attracting fans of comics, movies, anime and music and the folks behind this excellent event are more than hopeful they can roar on into 2013 and grow even further.

One of the co-founders of the convention, Declan Doody speaks with NewsFour about the convention.

“There are some amazing conventions in Ireland but ArcadeCon is the only multi-genre convention and we cover everything. I’ve been going to conventions since I was kid, I love them and when I started the online

magazine, the-arcade.ie I decided that the next step for the magazine was to give it a presence in the real world and that’s where ArcadeCon came from.”

With its something-for-everything ethos, ArcadeCon is dedicated to not only giving fans a chance to get together and share interests but also encourages and helps those who might seek to enter into whatever related business they are truly passionate about.

“We host workshops in everything from art to creative writing, special effects makeup as well as one-onone consultations with a Music PR consultant, who helps musicians who want to turn their talent into a career. We are also privy to some exclusives, including screenings and

a panel about his work but all our guests, Alan Early, Louise Coghlan, Nick Roche, NeverMind Games, Uproar Comics, Steampunk rapper Professor Elemental, film director Chris Baugh and Tom Moore, director of the Oscar award-nominated Irish movie ‘The Secret of Kells’ took part in panels and discussions.”

So, dust down your Jedi outfit and get ready for next year. May the force be with you.

PAGE 32

NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2012

POP-UP BIENNIAL

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Gas Art

wo hundred years of tradition and generations of gas workers were remembered and permanently commemorated with the unveiling of GasWork, a four-metre high art installation on Dublin’s Sir John Rogerson’s Quay in June.

The installation by Irish artist John Kindness (pictured) was commissioned by Bord Gáis to mark the history and heritage of the gas industry in the area around Sir John Rogerson’s Quay. The ellipseshaped structure is clad in vitreous enamel panels showing the history and usage of gas through the years based on anecdotes, observations and personal memories of the artist himself and of many who worked in the old Gasworks.

Speaking at the unveiling, John Mullins, Chief Executive, Bord Gáis said; “The docklands area was dominated by the Gasworks since town gas was first manufactured here around 1824. Town gas revolutionised Ireland’s industrial development at a pace previously unseen. This heritage spans generations of workers and it is important that the stories of the past are captured for future generations living and working here.”

Belfast-born Mr Kindness has exhibited around the world and is also the creator of The Big Fish in his home city.

NewsFour are delighted to announce that ‘A Social and Natural History of Sandymount, Irishtown and Ringsend’ which was first published in 1993 will be available to buy from the NewsFour office and Books on the Green, Sandymount in the next few weeks.

Phone 6673317 for details.

By Sandy Hazel he star of the show at the recent Dublin Biennial pop-up was definitely Yoko Ono’s Wishes Tree. Visitors to the international contemporary art exhibition at the Point Village last month were invited to write out their deepest desires and tie them to a lovely maple.

These wishes will then form an Imagine Peace tower in Iceland to become part of her million wishes project. Apart from the usual worthy longings for

YOGA

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world peace and freedom from hunger, there were more mundane and poignant, and possibly more unrealistic wishes.

On the day NewsFour visited we found many wishes were purely practical: ‘I wish marketing didn’t exist’, ‘I wish to find a good man and get pregnant’, ‘I wish alcohol didn’t give me a hangover’, ‘I wish they would reopen the train station in Avoca’, ‘I wish this guy wasn’t a spa’ and ‘I wish to meet a penguin’.

DAYS

By Caomhan Keane hile a new year is technically rung in on December 31st New Year’s resolutions should really be made in September. With the children back in school, the weather cooling off and the holidays abroad fading like the slap and dash tans we apply all year round, now’s the time to start doing the things to tune up our body and soul.

There can be few other practises that can so successfully cater for you mind and your physicality than Yoga. But with so many different types of yoga out there, it can be pretty tough to decide which one to take up. NewsFour takes a quick glance at some of the quirkier options out there.

Naked Yoga Does what it says on the tin, yoga in the nip has grown in popularity since it first pierced social consciousness in the 1960s. Bindu Tantra in Ireland offers classes for men, women and couples at their studio in Clondalkin. They believe being naked with other people who are naked generates a unique energy that makes the exercises more couragous to perform. Nude

Then we loved the dreamy wishes: ‘I wish for a fish’ or ‘I wish I could fly’. Some were sad: ‘I wish I had my kidneys back’ and ‘I wish my ankles didn’t swell’ and ‘I wish we all just got along’.

The radical ‘I wish God was gay and black and a girl’ drew grammar criticism: “Surely I wish God was gay should be I wish God were gay,” an elderly man muttered under the maple branches. ‘I wish we dident (sic) go to schoole oh yeah,’ wrote one little boy. We hear your despondency Noah.

The Wish Tree attracted much attention and seemed to do what good art should: provoke a response. It becomes a living thing and while some wishes might not come true, the articulation and visualisation of your own and others’ wishes seems to bring them alive.

The pop-up show featured 55 national and international artists from Austria, Armenia, Brazil, Croatia, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Holland, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Korea, Malaysia, Norway, Poland, Russia, Spain, Sweden, and the USA. acting and visualisations, so the initially fake laughter turns into genuine fits of giggles. If you are interested check out Laughter Yoga Dublin 01 4456652.

Yoga allows you to accept your body, understand it and start by wanting to be closer to one’s self.

Of course, there are also people who get their jollies doing something society has told them they shouldn’t and yet more who just like the increased freedom of movement without clothes.

Tel: 0860234182 Laughing Yoga The body is easily duped. It cannot tell the difference between real and false laughter, which means that when it is falsified you can still benefit psychologically and physiologically.

Hence the popularity of Laughter Yoga or Hasya Yoga. Usually performed in groups of 8 or more people, the ha ha’s are lured out of your brain through games,

AntiGravity Yoga AntiGravity Yoga or as it is less commonly known, suspension fitness, involves a combination of aerial arts, pilates and dance. With heavy emphasis on fun and the learning of new skills, it moves away from the more traditional image of yogasweat patches and pretension, and teaches you to stand on your head or dangle upside down from the hip joint in the anti-gravity hammock. If this more active Yoga tickles your fancy check out www.yoga4all.ie Holy Yoga While ‘Holy Yoga’ has yet to take off here, it’s very popular with the nuttier variety of yank.

Could the hopla stirred up by the Eucharistic Congress see it take off in Ireland? A combination of prayer, stretching and readings from the bible, with postures integrated with corresponding Bible scriptures. If you are interested in starting a Holy Yoga class or even just doing it at home youself, check out this website www.praisemoves.com

NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2012

PAGE 33

THE ABSOLUT FRINGE

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By Caomhan Keane hile much of the rest of the year can seem like groundhog day on the Irish stage, with the same old faces put through the same old places in a never-ending dirge of repetitive work (2012 not being helped by the sheer level of middling revivals), we can at least look forward to September/Octob e r, t h e t h e a t r i c a l S p r i n g from which so much new Irish work (from companies that are up, coming and established outside the establishment) blossoms.

In the next issue we

will look at the line-up t o Wi l l i e W h i t e ’s i n a u g u ral Dublin Theatre Festival but first Roise Goan has revealed the lineup for the 18th Dublin Fringe Festival, her fifth in charge and the final one to feature Absolut as a t i t l e s p o n s o r.

Running city-wide from t h e 8 t h – 2 3 r d S e p t e m b e r, ticket prices start at €5 and never exceed €27.50, with performances from over 90 artists across 624 events spanning theatre, dance, music, live and visual arts in over 30 venues. Here are some of our top tips from the programme.

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By Jason McDonnell erchants Market on East Wall Road opened up indoors in October 2011. Will Mitchell, the manager pictured right, tells me how things have been going from strength to strength. It started off with just 25 stalls and now has over 70.

They sell lots of furniture like tables and chairs, even a bar, art, bric-a-brac, musical instruments, electronics and clothes. Pretty much anything you can think of is on offer, even a 97 year-old Louis Vuitton case valued at €5,000 (if you want to travel in style this summer).

The market offers lots of food and drink and is open from 10am to 4pm every Saturday and Sunday. They are always looking for new traders, so anyone interested in making a few extra quid or looking for a hobby at the weekends is always welcome.

If you are a seasoned trader with a specific product you should get in contact with Will who is there most weekends. Rent is €30 for the weekend or €25 for Saturday alone and the complex has ample parking.

THE COMPANY ‘Hipsters We Met and Liked’ It’s been two years since The Company scooped the Best Production award for ‘As You Once Were, So Now Are We’, their tenacious melding of tetris and theatricality which took its inspiration from the epic Dublin fable, Ulysses, and shot it through the seemingly random musings of four modern, Dublin urbanites.

That show was remounted at the Peacock Theatre and travelled as far as the Radar festival in Los Angeles.

What effect will such success and exposure have on their own work?

T H E AT R I C A L ‘ H u n g r y Te n d e r ’ T H E AT R E c l u b have dominated the column inches dedicated to expounding the new wave of Dublin artists shaping and subverting the theatrical landscape in recent years, with much of the attention focused on Director Grace Dyas. Performer Shane Byrne will be hoping to hog some of that spotlight for himself in his comeback ‘ c o n c e r t ’ ‘ H u n g r y Te n der’, which he says is about food and the k i n g , E l v i s P r e s l e y. A show for anybody who has ever gotten up in the middle of the night to make and devour a mountain of toast.

THISISPOPBABY ‘Elevator’ The team who brought you ‘Alice in Funderland’ return to the festival in which they made their name with a parable of a world where everything is available but nothing ever satisfies. NewsF o u r h o p e s i t ’s a r e t u r n to the acerbic wit and heartfelt plotting that marked M c M a h o n ’s ‘Danny and Chantelle Still Here’ as being so special, where he twisted the Dublin vernacular over an engaging story to make us pee our pants and dab our e y e s s i m u l t a n e o u s l y.

WITH AN ‘F’ PRODUCTIONS ‘Solpadeine is my Boyfriend’ One of my favourite shows at last year ’s Fringe was Stephanie Preisner ’s ‘Our Father ’, a rap parable about loss and longing.

She’s back this year with a play that explores that moment when you realise you’re not who you thought you were going to be. Her unflinching honesty, selfdeprecation and most of all, naked emotion, makes this a must-see.

REDBEAR PRODUCTIONS ‘The Wave’ If her last two productions were anything to go by then Tracy Martin’s ‘The Wave’ promises to be a thrilling new piece of theatre. History teacher Mr Quinn is disgusted with his pupils’ apathy towards images of the death camps in World War II. He decides to do an experiment and start a fascist movement in the classroom, with himself as the leader. Very soon it gets out of control.

Join the students of Summer Hill Secondary school and feel how easy it is to get caught up in something you believe in. It is based on the true story of ‘The Third Wave’, a classroom experiment in a Los Angeles high school in 1967.

A classroom drama of a completely different nature comes alive in this new work

by Tracy Martin.

Pictured: ‘Solpadeine Is My Boyfriend’ by Stefanie Priessner.

PAGE 34

NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2012

DUBLIN DOCK WORKERS PRESERVATION SOCIETY IN CHQ

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By Jason McDonnell he Tall Ships Festival organisers have invited the Dublin Dock Workers Preservation Society to be part of the celebrations. They have made available a prime shop unit in the CHQ building at Georges Dock which will be fitted out with a large plasma screen in the window and 50 framed photographs of the docks will be on display. The exhibition will run from Thursday August 23rd to Sunday August 26th (11am to 6pm except Sunday 11am to 2.30pm).

There will be five speakers on

various days of the exhibition.

On Friday 24th at 11.30am. East Wall-based Sarah Lundberg, who is a local publisher, historian and an archivist will take you on a tour through the streets and along the quaysides where the

ATHLETES

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By Rupert Heather t would be fair to say that the world of pigeon racing is closed to most of us. However, as NewsFour discovered, this traditional sport attracts passionate and dedicated individuals and often entire families.

Shelbourne Premiere Racing Pigeon Club members James Kinsel-

festival is taking place.

Learn the history of the surrounding area, the people and the places, from the creation of Dublin Port and the reclamation of the land from the sea, right up to the present day. Discover the

OF THE SKY la, Jude Malone and Michael Byrne explain.

The Young Bird Racing season which started on July 7th is in full swing. Birds born in January, now six months old, fly in races between clubs in Leinster competitions, like the Thurles to Dublin race which they complete in under an hour.

These young birds are trained by initially ‘flying around the house’ before being released 10, 20 and then 40 miles away and allowed to fly home.

Pigeons are put into baskets and brought up to the club on a Friday to be marked. Each one has an electronic ring or Electronic Timing System which is picked up by an antenna connected to a clock at home.

Each person or partnership races up to 50 birds.

Michael Byrne, whose family have won everything there is in

story of the dockers, sailors and railway men who worked there, the soldiers and rebels who fought and died there, the famous names like Luke Kelly and Sean O’Casey, and the local people who lived in the tenements, houses, flats and apartments on both sides of the river.

Sarah will be followed by Dr. Don Bennett at 2pm, a sociologist and Dublin resident. He is published on a variety of subjects including Dublin street traders and the Concerned Parents Against Drugs movement.

He has lectured at University College Dublin, at the Jagiellonian University in Poland and at pigeon racing, jokingly admits to being “conceived and born” in a pigeon loft. He recently topped an open in Penzance, Cornwall competing against 1,800 birds with a hen that won a Young Bird National in 2009. “You breed them, you feed them, watch them grow and send them out to race. You feel like JP McManus or John Joe O’Neil,” he says.

Pigeon racing allows Michael to go home and spend time with his family. His “Da” passed the sport on to him; his mother is known to have driven as far as Portarlington to collect pigeons. “You have to medicate them, train them. They are athletes of the sky. Each of them is an individual, they have different personalities, especially as they get older,” he says.

One downside is that you can lose pigeons that occasionally don’t come home or are taken by birds of prey. James Kinsella says, “There

universities in the United States.

On Saturday 25th at 11.30am, Padraig Yeates, a former industry and employment correspondent for the Irish Times and author of several books including Lockout: Dublin 1913; A City in Wartime: Dublin 1914-1918 and A City in Turmoil: Dublin 1919-1921 will

speak at the event. He will be followed at 2pm by Declan Byrne, who is one of the founders of the Dublin Dock Workers Preservation Society and also worked in the deep-sea docks from 1973 to 2000. The talk will look at what the group has achieved to date and highlight how Dublin dockworkers did it differently, recalling some unusual memories.

On Sunday 26th at 11.30am Paul O’Brien who has gathered tales of tragedy and love, hard work and heartbreaks will bring to you his unique and humourous take on the people and events from the port communities, such as the Dublin Lego fire of 1970 and pet donkeys called Bethlehem and Jerusalem. He will relive the tradition of ‘Hoolies in the Kitchen’ and you may learn a word or two of ‘docklingo’.

are hawks at the Poolbeg Chimneys that are coming into the city. I have my pigeons outside racing around the house and those hawks feed on them.”

It costs around €20 per week to have pigeons trained, there’s feed, medicine and other outlays like cleaning costs. By and large though, it’s still a relatively inexpensive pastime. You can make cash by breed-

ing and also winning prize money but it’s not about that. Pigeon racing is about family and community, it’s about being a breeder, trainer and racer all rolled into one.

In Germany and Holland pigeon racing is a national sport. Perhaps it’s time it got more coverage here too. Michael Byrne agrees, “We are always doing things for charity but it never makes it into the papers.”

NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2012

PAGE 35

ART IN THE COMMUNITY

ODEON POINT VILLAGE LISTINGS FOR

BY JASON

JUNE AND JULY MCDONNELL

THE NEWSFOUR CROSSWORD COMPILED BY GEMMA BYRNE

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Brave Release Date: 13/8/2012 This is a great animated adventure from Disney and Pixar about a heroic journey of a Princess. Brave features the voices of Kelly MacDonald, Billy Connolly and Emma Thompson.

Diary Of A Wimpy Kid: Dog Days Release Date: 3/8/2012 Greg is back in the latest installment of the Wimpy Kid series.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days is based on the fourth book in Jeff Kinney’s best-selling series.

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By Jason McDonnell ocal man Christopher Kelly, above, combines his love of photography with art. He takes photos of the Dublin 4 area and then paints them in the evenings. From a very young age Christopher felt like painting but there was no art in school when he was younger.

On a visit to the National Gallery of Ireland he saw ‘The marriage of Strongbow and Aoife’ and decided he would love to be able to do that so he joined an art class in Ringsend Community Centre. Christopher is pictured here with his painting of a field that won first prize in a local competition.

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The Expendables 2 Release Date: 17/8/2012 The elite team of action heroes welcome two new members; Billy the Kid (Liam Hemsworth) and Maggie (Yu Nan).

Total Recall Release Date: 24/8/2012 This is a remake of the 1990 film of the same name but this time it stars our very own Colin Farrell who begins in the film as an average guy working in a factory but transforms into a super spy.

The Watch Release Date: 29/8/2012 This is another side-splittingly funny film with four of the best comedy actors that are out at the moment Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, Jonah Hill and Richard Ayoade all teaming up to protect the world from Aliens.

Ted ROI Release Date: 3/8/2012 This is my personal favourite.

The trailer had me in stitches laughing. If you like Family Guy you will love this film. It is about a grown man who still hangs around with his childhood teddy bear.

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Name:…………………………… Telephone:…………………

Address:…………………………………………………………

Prize of a €25 book token. Post entries to NewsFour, RICC, Thorncastle Street, Ringsend, D.4 by 21th September 2012. Winner of our June/July crossword competition was Ulick Corkery of Ballinteer.

ACROSS 1) Filled with joy after a victory (10) 9) Force out of a job or position (4) 10) Was present at (8) 12) Attack this obstacle course? (7) 13) Social or professional position (6) 15) A segment of a garlic bulb (5) 16) Midday (4) 17) Prove a person or statement wrong (6) 19) Get rid of soap or dirt with water (5) 20) A type of sugar or part of the hand (4) 22) Have faith in or believe in someone (5) 24) Skin condition common in teens (4) 25) _ _ be it, Amen (2) 26) Affirmative response (3) 28) Praise highly (4) 30) Ire, wrath (5) 33) She liked her name the day before? (3) 34) Commonly used seasoning (4) 36) Who _ _ _ you? 1978 hit single for The Who (3) 37) Agitate or mix (4) 40) Actions (5) 42) Central Nervous _ _ _ _ _ _, Brain and spinal cord (6) 43) Much of this about nothing? (3) DOWN 2) Impossible to put into words (13) 3) Sticky brown earth (3) 4) Burrowing rodent who stores food in its cheeks (7) 5) A very short refusal (2) 6) Disorderly, confused or full of ups and downs (10) 7) Detailed breakdown of bank transactions (9) 8) Not moving (10) 11) _ _ _ _ _ bread is soon forgotten (5) 14) Toxic (9) 18) This type of bill is simply guesswork? (9) 21) Something difficult to explain or to get to the bottom of (7) 23) Serious or without alcohol (5) 27) Hard covering for a broken limb (4) 29) Father (3) 31) Now youíre cooking with this hilarious fuel? (3) 32) Bring up offspring (4) 35) A grassy area (3) 38) Love _ _ in the air, Hit song for John Paul Young (2) 39) Myself (2) 41) Nike tells us to Just _ _ it (2)

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NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2012

RAILWAY TO CULTIVATE FUTURE D4 OLYMPIANS

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By Kirstin Smith

ailway Union has launched an ambitious programme for women’s rugby beginning for the 2012/13 season.

Railway Union’s Director of Rugby John Cronin said that the launch was a culmination of almost a year of planning.

“Our goal is to establish a competitive side and focus on developing inter-provincial and international rugby players. The women’s rugby world cup takes place in France in 2014 and there will be an Irish women’s rugby 7s team at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. We aim to support Leinster and Irish rugby by developing players at Railway to be at both.

“There are girls out there who have the opportunity to become Olympians in four years. Some of these girls might still be in school, some in college, some might be talented athletes or might excel at other sports and haven’t even played rugby yet.”

Railway has appointed Shirley Corcoran and Melissa Slevin as Director of Women’s Rugby and Women’s Team Manager respectively.

Commenting on her appointment, Shirley Corcoran said that she had been drawn in by the ambition of the club.

“I was hugely impressed with how committed the club is to this

initiative. The resources and support the club are putting at our disposal is unprecedented in my experience in women’s rugby in Ireland.

“We will have access to all the support structures in the club, including coaching and the full player welfare programme (which includes individual strength and conditioning, medical and physiotherapy).”

Team Manager Melissa Slevin said she was very excited to be involved.

“I have always been impressed with the facilities in Railway, which are perfect for women’s rugby. We have access to a top-class pitch, coaches, and strength and conditioning equipment. We will be able to play and train under match standard floodlights,”commented Slevin.

Anyone interested in playing women’s rugby at Railway should email womensrugby@r ailwayunionrfc.com or contact Shirley (086 604 9416) or Melissa (086 3489321) directly.

Further developments at Railway Under 21 Rugby Railway Union RFC recently launched their Under 21s rugby programme for the

2012/13 season, with Matt Brown announced as Head Coach. Brown is a former Railway player, who previously coached at Under 21 level at Old Wesley, and has been coaching CUS for the last five years.

Brown said that the ambition in Railway and the structures the club has put in place had attracted him back to coach with the club.

“I’m really excited with what we can achieve at U21s level in Railway. We have recruited

strongly, and are continuing to recruit, and I believe we’ll be very competitive at JP Flanagan level next season.”

Team Manager Liam Fallon said the Under 21s in Railway will also have full access to the Railway Union Player Welfare Programme and will be able to play games under Railway’s match standard floodlights.

Anyone interested in playing Under 21s rugby at Railway should email wildgeese10@hotmail.co.uk or contact Matt (086 049 5666) or Liam (086 348 9321) directly.

Underage Rugby Programme for Girls Railway Union has also launched an underage rugby programme for girls. The initial focus will be primarily on girls in secondary school between 13 and 17.

Railway Union’s Director of Rugby John Cronin said this initiative was part of the club’s wider strategy to be a “community-based rugby club”.

“We are working closely with our community leaders, the Leinster Branch and the Dublin City Council to bring underage rugby to our community, in particular in Sandymount, Ringsend and Irishtown. The underage programme for girls is the ‘first step’ in that direction and we would like to begin running underage rugby for boys in the area too, starting in 2013,” concluded Cronin.

Leinster Tag Championship Over 300 people were in

Railway Union on Saturday, 7th July, for the second annual Leinster Tag Championship, as 20 teams competed for the top prize of €1,000, perpetual cup and title of best team in Leinster.

The Cup final saw a showdown between last year’s runners-up, the Bircroft Panthers, and new kids on the block, Baggot Inn Vikings. In the Plate final, Heritage Chopped Tomatoes beat GT3, while in the Bowl final, the KPMG Exiles took the spoils in extra time, beating the Irish Samoans.

Pre-season Training * Men’s and 21s pre-season training begins Tuesday 17th July 2012 at 7.30pm sharp and continues every Tuesday and Thursday. * Women’s training will take place every Tuesday and Thursday at 6.30pm sharp, starting Tuesday 24th July. * All players should bring both boots and runners to training, as some sessions may take place off grass. * For further details see w w w. r a i l w a y u n i o n r f c . c o m and www.facebook.com/ railwayunionrfc or email info@railwayunionrfc.com Above, from left: Director of Women’s Rugby Shirley Corcoran, Head Coach Under 21 Matt Brown, Women’s Team manager Melissa Slevin.

Below: Action shot – Daire Fitzgerald and Lisa Timmons of The Bircroft Panthers.

NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2012

RAILWAY FOCUSES ON PLAYER WELFARE

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t Railway Union RFC, player welfare is of the utmost importance and as such, is a significant feature of the club. Railway is lucky enough to have several experts in the area of player welfare, who together have created a programme dedicated to the care of its players.

Professor John Ryan, a former club captain and vice-president of RURFC, is the current head of player welfare and club medical officer at Railway Union. He, along with club physiotherapist Redmond O’Mahony and Strength and Conditioning Coach Luke Heapes, have developed a Player Welfare Policy for Railway, which ensures that players are looked after at all times.

John’s expertise is unparalleled in the country. He is easily recognisable as the Leinster Rugby team doctor, and is an Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at St. Vincent’s University Hospital.

Speaking about the Player Welfare Policy, Professor Ryan commented, “Player welfare is a key part of the modern game. As a distinct entity, its value has only become recognised in recent times not only in professional rugby such as Leinster but in progressive clubs like Railway. I was delighted to lend my professional experience to developing a Player Welfare Policy and Committee at Railway.”

Club physiotherapist Redmond O’Mahony is an integral part of Railway Union’s Player Welfare Committee and can be found at the sideline of all Railway matches and at the club on training nights to treat injuries. Strength and conditioning coach Luke Heapes is a personal trainer at Westwood Club in Sandymount and works with Redmond on developing fitness programmes for Railway players.

Director of Rugby John Cronin said that the health and safety of the club’s players is the primary concern for the club management and the Player Welfare Policy has been created to ensure that players’ fitness and health are maintained during their rugby careers at Railway.

“Player welfare is something we take very seriously at Railway. Whilst it is an amateur game, we aim to be as professional as possible in this area. We are extremely privileged to have a Player Welfare Committee of such strength, led by Professor Ryan, and flanked

by Red and Luke. It’s extremely comforting for our players to know that they are prepared, managed and treated to the same standards as the Leinster team.”

A b o v e , f ro m l e f t : P l a y e r We l f a r e Te a m : P h y s i o R e d m o n d O ’ M a h o n y, C l u b M e d i c a l O f f i c e r P ro f e s s o r J o h n R y a n , S t re n g t h and Conditioning Coach Luke Heapes.

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NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2012

THE FIGHTING IRISH V NAVY AT THE AVIVA

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By Joe McKenna ne of the biggest American College Football rivalries will come roaring into Dublin 4 on September 1st when Notre Dame University of Indiana – also known as the ‘Fighting Irish’ – take on their long-time rivals the United Sates Naval Academy of Maryland in the annual Emerald Isle Classic.

It ia a rivalry that goes back 85 years and a partnership strengthened through necessity as a result of World War II. The Notre Dame-Navy series has been played annually since 1927, making it the longest uninterrupted

ries of awareness events to help launch The Gathering initiative in 2013,” said Kevin Moore of Flieshman Hillard, one of the world’s largest communications companies and organiser of the event.

“The game sold out in two hours. There will be 33,000 Americans coming over for what is supposed to be, by the rule, a Navy home game and with the Fighting Irish connection it’s a great chance to expose Ireland with this game broadcasting on CBS Sports.”

Some of you may be thinking, “Bunch of fellas running around in pads, I don’t get it. Who’s watching that?” But the interest in American football here in Ireland is something that

goes back to John Elway’s era in the 80s–90s when the Denver Broncos were destroying teams on Channel 4 on a Sunday night.

There are several functioning teams in Ireland and plenty of hardcore fans, but to help you newbies out, we’ve provided a quick guide to the game so you’ll know when to get excited and not feel like you’re watching a sport with people that don’t speak the same language as you.

NewsFour’s Guide to American Football

intersectional series in college football and one of the biggest draws in the American Football calendar. The game is toured annually with teams alternating home advantage and this year the Aviva stadium will feel the excitement as a soldout crowd touches down in Lansdowne Road.

With an 85-year rivalry to celebrate, these two college teams represent a wealth of history that has seen both become two of the finest and most consistent producers of NFL talent.

During World War II, as Notre Dame’s enrolment dropped due to drafting, the Navy’s decision to estab-

lish a Navy College Training Program on the South Bend campus in July 1943 provided much-needed economic relief for the university and during the Vietnam War they were the only college to allow a training centre on campus, further tightening the bond.

As a televised attraction, there has been nothing this globally marketable in the history of sport. You can take your Man Utd v Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Shiekhs FC and bin them all when this game rolls into town. This is the real deal and it’s the first step in something even bigger.

“The game is one in a se-

STAR CAPTURE FIRST LEPRECHAUN CUP VICTORY

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In American football you have two teams, yes that’s obvious.

But what’s not obvious is that on the field one of those teams is an offensive team and the other a defensive, depending on whose play it may be. So both teams have offensive and defensive players. Is your head sore yet?

Each team gets four downs. A down is the chance to advance the ball 10 yards towards the goal line, also called the End Zone.

You may notice the ten-yard markings on the field. If the team does not advance the ball 10 yards, then they lose possession and must defend. If they succeed in gaining 10 yards, they receive another four downs. So the closer you get to the goal line, the easier scoring becomes.

A team can score by carrying the ball over their opponent’s goal line. This is worth six points. It’s not like Rugby where you have to touch the ground though, in fact a lot of American footballers like to dance when they score. You wouldn’t see that in Donnybrook. After a Touchdown a kicker is given the opportunity of kicking an extra point, like a penalty/drop goal in Rugby, through the uprights.

A team can also score through Field Goals, which are awarded for an ‘offense’ within 30 yards of the opponent’s goal. Also through the uprights.

By Rupert Heather tar Of The Sea School, Sandymount won their first cricket trophy by beating Castlenock NS in the Leprechaun Cup Final by 35 runs at Park Avenue.

The Leprechaun Cup continues to be the flagship for cricket development in Leinster, with many schoolchildren now being given the opportunity to play hardball cricket. Running alongside the Leprechaun Cup this year was the new six-team ‘Super League’. Both competitions are attracting interest from new schools for the next season.

Leinster Development Manager, Brian O’Rourke said, “The Leprechaun Cup is a wonderful opportunity for kids to get involved in cricket. Most of them would not have had this chance before.”

The trophy sponsored by the Lepre-

chauns Cricket Club was presented by Joan Mahony.

Star of the Sea versus Castleknock NS

Star of the Sea 115-5, 20 overs (Rory McGovern 37, Eoin Barron 23, Adam Gibson-McKenna 1-18, Ian Anders 1-14) Castleknock NS 80-6, 20 overs (Ian Anders 21, James McDonagh 12, Eoin Barron 2-12, Patrick Duffy 1-15) Star of the Sea won by 35 runs.

Pictured left, Star of the Sea NS, from left: Rory McGovern (Capt), Eoin Barron, Sean Barry, Adam Corcoran, Ronan Callaghan, Evan Caulfield, Sean Condron, Patrick Duffy, Mathew Healy, Joseph McCann, Paddy Shaw, Avril Shukla.

Manager: Kevin Munalley Coach: Pat Collins

NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2012

MINI MARATHON MIRACLES

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By Rupert Heather wo local women challenged themselves to complete the recent Flora Dublin Women’s Mini Marathon to raise much-needed funds for the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC). Along the way, they discovered that anything is possible if you believe.

Friends Clara Mallon (22) and Orna O’Connor (24) began training in March after being inspired

by Clara’s mum who is the volunteer co-ordinator for DRCC.

HOCKEY

Clara said, “We chose DRCC because people don’t like to acknowledge that rape happens here. Some of my friends have used their services and they are underfunded.”

The Women’s Mini Marathon is a 10k run for women of all abilities, elite runners, runners, fast joggers and walkers. Last year a staggering 40,057 women participated.

Orna completed the race in a very respectable 1 hour 19 minutes in the fast jogger category.

PAGE 39 Along the way she developed blisters on her feet, which burst towards the end of the course.

She said, “When I saw the finish line, I just legged it. I felt I was going to get sick.”

Clara, who ran in the runner category, ran a brilliant time of 54 minutes and wants to compete in the elite race next year. She said, “A man who was spectating said to me ‘just keep going, you’re doing so well’. He could see I was struggling. That really inspired me to keep going.” Clara injured a ligament in her knee before the race.

Arriving in town early on what was a baking hot day, the two girls went to the Rape Crisis Centre on Leeson Street to get their sponsorship t-shirts. They took their place early to avoid the crush.

“The excitement was overwhelming, the adrenaline was pumping,” Clara admitted.

Finishing the race and receiving their medals, both girls confirmed that the achievement rated as one of their finest and most memorable. Clara admitted to a few tears at the finish line, while Orna just wanted to get treatment for her blisters.

Friend Collum Folan said, “I found it quite amusing to hear the two of them were running it, they’re not really the type.”

After rehydrating, the two gleeful runners headed straight to the pub, wearing their medals “all night”.

To volunteer or donate to the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre visit http://www.drcc.ie

AND FOOTBALL AT

RAILWAY

Members of the Hockey Club and Football Club based at Railway Union, Park Avenue, are shown displaying some of their many awards.

Dublin City Motocross gets the Life Centre on its bike

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By Joe McKenna ecently, the students of the Life Centre in Pearse Square took part in a six-week drug awareness pilot project run by Dublin City Motocross. The project was included as part of the Life Centre’s well-rounded approach to educating disadvantaged youths by providing new and challenging experiences.

The students held their graduation at St. Andrew’s Resource Centre in mid June and of course, NewsFour was there.

“We run a six week course that covers basic first aid, mechanics and drug and alcohol awareness,” said Brian Harte, chairman of Dublin City Motocross, who has been operating a first-class dirt track on the Alfie Byrne Road for the past two years.

The students were brought through a full and detailed programme that would give them the knowledge required to handle a bike correctly and provide them with valuable information regarding the perils of drugs and alcohol.

“They had to show respect for the programme and learn everything we taught them over the six-week project before they got to ride the bikes, and in fairness to the lads they gave us their full attention right through the course. Their pay-off was to get on the bikes at the end.”

As with any pilot project, the outcome and success rate were initially unknown, but it’s testament to the hard work and belief of the Life Centre volunteers and associates that the scheme got off to a flying start.

“Their focus was unreal,” said Brian, “we’re looking at running the project again but unfortunately all our work is voluntary. We are looking for funding so that we can make it a regular thing for the Life Centre and any other inner-city groups that would like to come to us.”

The smiling faces and warmth around the Life Centre graduation night were proof enough that projects such as this one are effective and much-needed. The hope is that the hard work that has gone into the young folk at the Life Centre will be the spark that ignites their future.

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NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2012