Feb/ March

February / March 2019

February / March 2019

Web: www.newsfour.ie  Email: newsfour@gmail.com  Local newsdesk phone: 01 667 3317 Serving Sandymount, Irishtown, Ringsend, Pearse Street, Docklands, Ballsbridge & Donnybrook

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FACEBOOK: THE NEXT STOREY

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n Alexander Kearney lmost immediately after winning permission to make dramatic changes to its new Ballsbridge complex, Facebook has now applied for permission to add another storey to the front two ranges for its new headquarters opposite the RDS. The latest application, lodged on the 16th January, marks the latest step in the transformation of the former AIB Bankcentre into the teeming hub of Facebook’s European, Middle Eastern and Asian (EMEA) operations.

NewsFour is the first newspaper to report on these ambitious plans. In early December, it was also the first to report on Facebook’s now successful proposal to add a series of striking ‘sky bridges’ connecting the different buildings on the campus.

Now NewsFour looks at what these changes might mean for Facebook’s future in Dublin 4, and asks: just how big can Facebook Ballsbridge grow?

On November 8th 2018, on the very day Facebook publicly announced it would take out a long-term lease for the entire 14-acre site, Fibonacci Property ICAV applied to make substantial changes to its previously granted scheme at the front of the campus. Fibonacci Property ICAV is the property vehicle of

Johnny Ronan’s Ronan Group Real Estate (RGRE).

We detailed those alterations, including a dramatic aerial glass bridge that would span the main entrance courtyard, redesigned staircase atria, further bridges linking to existing buildings, and a total increase of almost a metre (0.925m) to the permitted height of the two new ranges. These highly visible additions received no written objections from local residents and were approved by the City Council in a little over two months after being lodged.

Those changes cannot now be appealed.

Yet NewsFour can also reveal that the applicant had raised the possibility of adding a fifth sto-

Page 5: Local Company – The Favourite

rey with planners even before submitting its November application. This fact is confirmed by hand-written minutes from a pre-application consultation held on the 21st August 2018, but only released by the Council on the 16th January 2019.

The proposal for an extra level is explicitly noted as “1 additional floor.”

However, perhaps the most startling item recorded in these notes is a figure of “c. 8,000 employees.” It is not known whether Facebook specified this number to the RGRE representatives who attended the meeting, or whether RGRE, or the architects and consultants present offered this as an upper ‘notional’ figure. Just recently,

Facebook Ireland’s head of office, Gareth Lambe, has said that the new campus could accommodate up to 7,000 staff.

Yet on the 21st January 2019, Facebook’s Chief Operating Officer, Sheryl Sandberg, declared that the company would hire a further 1,000 workers in Ireland during this year alone, covering the fields of engineering, safety, legal affairs, policy, marketing and sales. This would see a 20% increase in its workforce here, from a current total of around 4,000.

One explanation for the recent spate of applications on the Ballsbridge campus is a reflexive effort by the company to keep pace with a rapidly expanding Irish presence. An-

In this issue…

Page 10: Mindfulness

Pages 14-15: Gardening / environment

other reason could be that the applicant believes the odds of winning approval for substantial changes are improved by adopting an incremental approach to its planning requests.

RGRE / Fibonacci ICAV only submitted its formal plans for an additional fifth storey after it had first gained approval for its aerial pedestrian bridges and repositioned atria. It made this application just five days after the Council declared in favour of its previous application.

The full picture of campus development is complicated by the fact that, though there is only one tenant, there are two developers: Fibonacci ICAV (for the ranges being built immediately opposite the RDS); and Davy Target Investments ICAV (for the existing rear centre-piece, from which AIB will soon depart).

Above: A CGI view from the latest application for Facebook’s EMEA Headquarters in Ballsbridge, showing an additional fifth storey on the two ranges facing the RDS. The recently approved pedestrian bridge over the main courtyard is clearly visible.

Image: Henry J Lyons Architects / Dublin City Council Planning Department.

Continued on page 2.

Pages 30-31: Heaney’s Homeland

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NewsFour Newspaper is part of a DEASP Community Employment Programme

NewsFour Editor Beibhinn Byrne Online Editor Paul Carton Journalists Kathrin Kobus Eoin Meegan Alexander Kearney Peter McNamara David Prendeville Geneva Pattison Contributors Dermot Lacey Felix O’Regan Gavin Bergin Crossword Gemma Byrne Design and Layout Eugene Carolan Ad Design Dara O’Riordan Photo Pages Gary Burke

Sandymount Community Services, 13A Fitzwilliam Street, Ringsend, Dublin 4.

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Continued from page 1.

This division reflects the property subdivision of the site made by AIB over a dozen years ago. It is nonetheless clear that there is close cooperation between both sets of developers and architects across the entirety of the complex.

On the 1st August 2018, Davy Target Investments ICAV applied to make significant internal and external alterations to its existing buildings, including the addition of a new fifth floor extension to the main facade looking down the central courtyard. On the 1st November, the Council granted those changes, again without objection from local residents. A week later Fibonacci ICAV submitted its application for aerial bridges and other works.

Yet how do these successive revisions add up in terms of total floor area? As of last summer, the combined permitted total floor area of both halves of the campus stood at a shade under 70,000 sq m (53,400 sq m to the front, and 16,397 sq m at the rear). If the latest application succeeds, the total floor area will rise to nearly 77,000 sq m (57,140 sq m and 19,642 sq m), making an increase of just over 9%. For comparison, the projected size of Facebook’s new London headquarters at King’s Cross will be 56,000 sq m, with room for some 6,000 workstations.

Whether residents in Ballsbridge object to this prospect is another matter. The addition of an extra floor to the facade of the rear centre-piece is unlikely to impact on Serpentine Avenue, the closest residential street to the campus, running along the east side of the complex. The addition of aerial bridges might have been an issue for planners worried about visual clutter, but in the event, no such concern was raised.

However, the addition of an extra storey to the two front ranges could well meet with resistance. In 2016, after receiving a number of appeals, Bord Pleanála insisted

February / March 2019

FACEBOOK: THE NEXT STOREY

that a proposed fifth floor be dropped from the original RGRE scheme before giving its assent to the development. The most recent application argues that the fifth floor currently proposed would be well recessed from the building line, and therefore its impact on the immediate neighbourhood would be markedly reduced.

On seeing the accompanying elevations and renders, concerned residents may differ on that point. Their apparent silence during the past six months of successive applications might give Ronan and his backers some confidence that this latest expansion will prevail without challenge.

Consultants for the proposal offer another justification: namely, the Government’s recently released Urban Planning and Development Height Guidelines, 2018. These promote increased building heights in “locations with good public transport accessibility, particularly town/city cores.” The notes for the pre-application consultation refer to the applicant’s “need to demonstrate a different policy context.” The current height guidelines were published on

the 7th December, over three months after the August consultation took place.

It is far from certain that these will be the last major changes sought by either Fibonacci or Davy Target Investments, even if the desired fifth storey is granted. The deadline for observations on the current application is the 19th February.

Planning and development is a public process. You have the right to participate in this process by commenting on planning applications or by making complaints about current developments.

Everyone has this right – even if you are not personally affected by the application or development. http://www.dublincity.ie/main-menuservices-planning/observations-objectionscomplaints Side (east) elevations as seen from Serpentine Avenue, showing an earlier approved scheme (above) and the latest application (below), with additional fifth storey. Henry J Lyons Architects / Dublin City Council Planning Department.

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Telephone: (01)6673317 E-mail: newsfour@gmail.com Website: www.newsfour.ie Opinions expressed in NewsFour do not necessarily represent the views of Sandymount Community Services.

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NewsFour starts the New Year in Philip Island, Victoria, Australia with Amar Jacob.

Sean Baker from Sir John Rogerson’s Quay at the end of a long, hot summer spent on the French Riviera.

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February / March 2019

COMMUNITY

Aviva Stadium Community Fund 2019 A selection of the kinds of projects supported are: • Equipment for schools • Equipment for sports clubs • Community awards • Classes • Summer camps • Outings for local groups

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pplications for the Aviva Stadium Community Fund Scheme are open for 2019 and will remain open until St Patrick’s Day, 17th March.

The fund, which was set up by the Aviva Stadium in 2007 supports community-based projects originating within a one-kilometre radius of the stadium itself. Over the twelve years, the fund has supported in excess of 400 projects. To date,

it has invested €1.2 million in the local community.

The fund is administered by the Stadium Community Committee (SCC), which consists of representatives of local residents’ associations, local councillors, Dublin City Council and Aviva Stadium management. All projects that apply are evaluated by an independent assessor before a decision is made by the Stadium Community Committee.

Among the many organisations helped are the Iris Charles Centre, Marian College, Clanna Gael Fontenoy, YMCA, Railway Union, Sea Scouts, Plurabellle Paddlers, National Print Museum, local schools and residents’ associations.

Full details of the fund can be found on the Aviva Stadium website www.avivastadium. ie where application forms and explanatory documents can be downloaded.

All applications must be submitted before March 17th, and be addressed to: Aviva Stadium Community Grants Scheme 2019, c/o Roddy Guiney, Honorary Secretary, Stadium Community Committee, c/o WH, 6 Ely Place, Dublin 2.

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Sean Moore Community Awards 2019

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orking with our sponsor, the Aviva Stadium, and our media partner NewsFour, we are delighted to confirm that the Sean Moore Community Awards – first established during the 1988 Dublin Millennium – will again be presented in March 2019, at a ceremony in Clanna Gael Fontenoy GAA Club, Sean Moore Park, Dublin 4.

The awards for “exceptional community service” were inaugurated to honour the memory of the late Sean Moore, former Dáil Deputy, Minister of State and Lord Mayor of Dublin, who represented the area with distinction for so long.

The awards are open to any person, or organisation, who have made an exceptional contribution to the Community. It is adjudicated on by an independent panel of judges and will be presented at an awards evening later this year.

We invite you or your organisation to consider putting forward a nomination outlining the reasons why your nominee should receive an award. There will be a number of awards presented.

As always, we do not want to limit the criteria involved and therefore do not set a prescriptive account as to why somebody should be nominated. It could be a good neighbour, a longserving youth, community, or residents’ association leader.

The person can be young or old, man or woman. You, the community, determine that.

Please send your nominees to the following no later than 8th March 2019: The Chairperson, Panel of Judges, Sean Moore Community Awards, c/o NewsFour, 13A Fitzwilliam Street, Ringsend, Dublin 4.

Thank you for your cooperation and I hope to meet you at the Awards Ceremony.

Dermot Lacey - Secretary

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COMMUNITY / LOCAL

From fine to healthy at your library

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n Geneva Pattison ust a reminder that from New Year’s day of this year all library fines have been abolished for all overdue library books. The public are encouraged to return any overdue items to the library that are in good condition, without any repercussions.

Acting Dublin City Librarian, Brendan Teeling, made a statement on the DCC’s website citing that “libraries are an invaluable resource for all the community and we want to remove any barriers that might prevent people making full use of them”. He went on to say that “libraries are welcoming spaces where all members of the community can access knowledge, ideas and information, where people can reflect, connect and learn”.

Teeling also touched on how fines “disproportionately affect” those of a lower income and that the prospect of receiving a fine can prove to be a de-

terrent for any children wishing to access a library.

From now on, library users will receive overdue notices in a bid to motivate them to renew online or return their books and to contact the library directly if issue arises. In failing to do so, they may lose access to the library altogether and will have to visit the library in person to speak to someone about validating their membership again.

Along with this initiative, libraries are still on track for fulfilling the 2022 plan to revamp the public service. Some of the aspects we have to look forward to are later opening hours, improved access and building developments.

TD Michael Ring has stated in the initiative plan that “[He is] confident [it] will establish the library service as a relevant, modern and high quality service”.

The service has come a long way since the first library strat-

egy was published in 1998, with access to audio books, assisted technologies for those with sight or reading difficulties, online catalogues, WIFI and studying or learning supports. With these new improvements being promised, let’s look forward to the delivery of the state of the art facilities and continuing the positive overhaul.

Positive Changes Another positive on-going initiative the library has introduced is the Healthy Ireland at Your Library project. The series of events will end on February 20th, but there will still be a variety of talks, workshops and discussions to look forward to which will surround the themes of #eatwell, #bewell and #thinkwell. All local libraries will have information booklets including listings of the remaining events in February.

The Dublin library develop-

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February / March 2019

ment sector have released a statement to NewsFour regarding the ongoing Healthy Ireland programme: “Already we have had over 300 people coming in to the libraries to take part. We are delighted with the response so far to Healthy Ireland from the public and we look forward to welcoming more people over the next month.

One of the City Council’s aims is to support people in improving their quality of life, and being in good health is fundamental to that. The library programme offers information, tips, and workshops for people to ask questions and participate through events, books, ebooks and online courses.

We invite people to come along and see what Healthy Ireland @ Your Library can do for them – remember, it’s all free and all are welcome.”

If you can’t make a talk, there is a comprehensive reading list of library books in the booklets too. They cover topics like healthy eating, mindfulness and parenting and are all avail-

able through the library. Also, for the younger people in the family, there are books covering mental health for teens and children. Admission is free for these talks but booking is essential. Please call your local library to enquire about securing a place.

Speaking locally to Ringsend Library personnel, they have said they welcome all new members to the library and encourage people to come in and explore all that the library has to offer. This warm, welcoming space has internet facilities, self-service printing, their special maritime collection, passport application forms and most importantly a huge selection of books to peruse and delve into.

Local libraries are a treasure in each community, we need to utilise this local resource to ensure its future.

‘Bob the builder and co’ will dig in late spring, mid-April is pencilled in to begin the start of the construction work. The playground with all the trimmings, safety mats and nets should be ready by the end of June 2019, when the summer holidays get underway.

STTCA are deeply indebted to Michael Noonan and all his team in the Parks Department of the

DCC, Natalie Boyce, Administrator of the Community Gain Fund, Declan Hayden, DCC South East Area Liaison Officer, all of whom helped us to reach this stage of the development.

STTCA will keep you briefed as the work progresses.

Logo for Healthy Ireland at Your Library courtesy of DCC. Above: Ballsbridge Library.

Left: Ringsend Library.

Library photos courtesy Google.

Shore leave at the sea shore

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n Kathrin Kobus arly autumn last year, a sign was put up at a small tree on the green triangle between the footpaths near the beach in Sandymount regarding an application to the DCC to build a new playground.

The proximity of the beach surely inspired the name “Adventures on the Sea Shore”, a name chosen by those who will ultimately use the new facility, namely children.

“The design brief evolved following a consultation process with local school children focusing on providing an outdoor adventure channelling fun and exciting play opportunities in a natural coastal environment,” so NewsFour heard from the Sand-

ymount Tidy Towns Association (STTA).

The new playground is planned for two to 14-year-olds, from toddlers to early teenagers. Mainly, it will be the preschoolers and primary pupils, of course, who can let go of school pressure and stale classroom air while climbing, sliding and maybe just running around chasing a ball in a safe environment before homework has to be done. “[The area] will be fenced and enclosed by a safety netting, with safety surfacing, swings, climbing wall, monkey bars, tree houses, zip line and of course a tower to replicate the local ESB chimneys, all strategically placed. It is an exhaustive list of equipment that is going to be in-

serted in this playground.”

Good news came just before Christmas when in mid-December the South East Area Committee of the DCC approved the plans in principle, because it is seen as a future great asset for the local community. The financial aspect will not hit any barriers or snags, either. “The project is funded in its entirety (€227,000) from the Dublin Waste to Energy Community Gain Scheme. STTCA are thrilled that the project is “on its way.”

Firstly though, let’s wait and see if the last weeks of winter have some frosty surprises in store and there’ll be some snow at the sandy beach, the roads, paths and freezing of the ground.

The proposed playground is adjacent to this grass triangle.

Photo by Gary Burke.

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n David Prendeville

February / March 2019

his year’s Oscar nominations brought about unprecedented success for local talent. Mespil Road based, Element Pictures’ The Favourite (reviewed on Page 23) carried on its awards season march, scoring ten nominations. That is an unprecedented number for an Irish production.

Some of the major categories it got the nod in were: Best Picture, Best Director for Yorgos

LOCAL NEWS / FILM

Lanthimos, Best Actress for Olivia Colman, Best Supporting Actress for both Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz, Best Original Screenplay for Deborah Davis and Tony McNamara, and Best Cinematographer for Irish director of photography Robbie Ryan.

The Favourite was the joint most-nominated film this year, alongside Alfonso Cuaron’s Roma. Ed Guiney and Andrew Lowe commented upon hearing the news: “We are in LA and jet

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Oscar nominations for local talent

lagged so we were wide awake and ready to watch the awards at whatever ungodly hour it was.

It’s incredible to get this recognition – maybe because the film has been so challenging to pull together over such a long time it’s all the sweeter. Huge congratulations to all the nominees and we are especially delighted that Yorgos got the nod for director – more than with most movies, it’s all down to him. We are dying to get back to Dublin to celebrate with our gang at Element who have all been such brilliant fellow travellers on the journey. And, of course, huge gratitude to Fox Searchlight, Film4 and Waypoint.”

Elsewhere, two IADT graduates secured nominations in the short film categories. Louise Bagnall’s film Late Afternoon, which she wrote, directed, animated and even provided voicework for, secured a nomination

in the Best Animated Short Film category. The film which tackles the theme of dementia and features the voice work of Fionnula Flanagan was produced by Kilkenny-based Cartoon Saloon. The film has previously won an IFTA for Best Short Animation, as well as winning Best Animated Short at the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival and winning big at the Irish Film Festival London.

Vincent Lambe saw his film Detainment receive a nomination for best live action short.

The film, which Lambe wrote and directed, has received wide critical acclaim and already scooped numerous awards along the festival circuit, including winning Best Short and Special Jury Prize at the prestigious Young Director awards in Cannes.

It also won Best Short Film, Best Director and Best Actor

at the Richard Harris Film Festival and has picked up distinguished gongs at the Kerry Film Festival, The Odense Film Festival and Irish Screen America, amongst others.

The film, based on the transcripts of the boys who were convicted of murdering James Bulger, has recently attracted some controversy. However, film critics have noted its lack of sensationalism in dealing with the subject and the superb performances from its young actors. The film will hope to follow the lead of previous Irish winners in this category such as Ben Cleary’s Stutterer in 2016 and, going back a bit further, Martin McDonagh’s dark comedy Six Shooter back in 2006.

Pictured: Emma Stone in The Favourite.

Photos courtesy Yorgos Lanthimos.

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Ingrid Nachstern wins LA Film Award

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n David Prendeville

ward-winning director and choreographer Ingrid Nachstern, who ran the Nachstern Ballet School in Sandymount for nineteen years until 2017, has had great success with her new film Shoe Horn/Office. The film recently won Best Experimental Film at the Los Angeles Movie Awards.

The film had already been screened at the Brooklyn Film Festival-New York, American Dance Festival’s Movies

by Movers in North Carolina,

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Screen Dance International in Detroit, Movimiento en Movimiento In Mexico City and Light Moves Limerick.

It has also been screened in London in connection with ADF. It has been the recipient of numerous other awards so far, including IndieFEST California, Best Shorts California, Remi Winner at 51st Annual WorldFEST Houston and an Honorable Mention from Experimental Forum in Los Angeles.

Ingrid describes the film as

dealing with “everyday sexism, particularly in relation to common cultural conventions around female clothing and the restrictive nature of women’s clothing down through the ages.”

She tells me a direct inspiration for the film was the case of Brock Turner, the Stanford student who, convicted of sexual assault on an unconscious woman, was sentenced to only six months in prison in 2016. Ingrid adds to this a more positive influence: “Nicola Thorp was an inspiration. She was fired from her job in London for wearing flats to work. She took a court case against them and won.“ Ingrid’s dance company Night Star Dance Company has been in operation since 2003 and in 2014 progressed into filmmaking. Its first two films, Table Manners/Stopping at Red Lights and Freedom–to go! have won several international awards and been screened internationally. Table Manners won the Silver Screen Award at the Nevada International Film Festival and Freedom–to go! won the Audience Award at the Brooklyn Film Festival. Shoe

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Horn/Office is a reflection of the company’s shift in direction from Screendance into more experimental film.

Speaking about the award itself, Ingrid tells me: “I am really delighted and honoured to have received this. It is really wonderful to get international recognition for my work, which feels so important and relevant right now.” As nice as this recognition is, Ingrid adds that: “the most important thing is to get the film seen and for people to engage with it.”

Shoe Horn/Office was both written and directed by Ingrid.

February / March 2019

It was filmed in Dublin in St Ann‘s Park in Raheny. The production of the film was supported by Dublin City Council, Dance Ireland, Dance World and Kripps Shoes. Some of the cast include: Michael Cooney, Millie Daniel-Dempsey and Molly Keane.

The trailer for Shoe Horn/Office can be seen at: https://player.vimeo.com/video/250477152 ENDS. Photos courtesy of Ingrid Nachstern, Lisa Hallinan. Photo of Ingrid with her award courtesy Luca Truffarelli.

Interactive learning at the Print Museum

n Geneva Pattison he National Print Museum in Beggar’s Bush prides itself on being a cultural venue that promotes education, learning and conservation of the ancient craft of printmaking.

More recently, it has added to its tour facilities by introducing new touch screen podiums and earphones. These upgrades will provide visitors with videos of the art of printing in action by utilising some of the machines from their permanent exhibition.

Working the machines are retired printmakers aged 70 and over and there are a total of five touch screens showing six videos, all different and engaging.

Education for all the Family The Museum offers family guided tours should you want to get a bit more hands-on with any

of the printing artefacts. Families can learn about “traditional hand-setting and printing” and will even have the chance to give the ancient Japanese paper art of origami a go-through, making

and decorating their own printer’s hat.

Along with this, the Museum already offers an area for young children to learn and explore the art of printmaking in their

own way. Upstairs, you’ll find the cosy education area which enables children to make their own prints through stamping and card-making.

The room itself has been hand-

crafted with care by Andrew Clancy, a local artist. This really highlights the way they actively champion keeping handcrafted skills alive.

A family activity and guided tour cost €10, guided tours during the week are at 11.30 am and 14.30 pm costing a maximum of €5 per adult. The Museum also offers regular free Sunday tours at 15.00 pm with no booking necessary and should you want to explore the museum at your own pace, self-guided entry is always available. All extra events for 2019 will resume in February.

For any enquiries via email, contact admin@nationalprintmuseum.ie or give them a call at (01)6603770. For more info see www.nationalprintmusuem.ie Photo by Geneva Pattison.

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n Eoin

February / March 2019

Meegan n important event will take place in the RDS on February 11th and 12th next when the I Wish foundation presents a two-day workshop promoting more gender equality in STEM. What exactly is STEM and why is this important? STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths, subjects that traditionally were seen to be the preserve of boys, an attitude that thankfully is changing.

While in the past these four were considered separate or discrete subjects, they are now appreciated more for their relational value, and, as such, increasingly taught as an interdisciplinary unit.

What differentiates STEM from other academic disciplines is that the emphasis is on their impact on everyday things. For example, you might think of mathematics as something really abstract, but if you’ve operated a laundrette today then you’ve used a combination of STEM. The upcoming event promises to be a very exciting one, offering workshops and interactive exhi-

LOCAL / EDUCATION

STEM for Girls at RDS

bitions. There will be representatives there from Google, Twitter, Enable Ireland, Pepsico, AIB, the IDA and Enterprise Ireland.

In addition, there will be talks by well-known figures from the world of business and entertainment, such as comedian Dr Jessamyn Fairfield, entrepreneur Ciara Judge, and spoken word artist Natalya O’Flaherty. All these talented people will be doing their bit to help inspire girls to pursue careers in STEM. MCs for the event will be Sinead Kennedy, Brendan Courtney and Sonya Lennon.

A lot of people may not realise the vast range of subjects covered

by STEM, which includes chemical engineering, biochemistry, aerospace engineering, computer science and robotics. Ironically, as it turns out, there is now a shortage of trained people to fill many of these and other roles in the STEM field. And yet, we’re probably still encouraging only half of the population to actively pursue them.

Because traditionally fewer girls than boys pursued STEM type subjects, the idea persisted that certain careers were almost prescribed for a particular gender. Girls, therefore, might have felt more supported doing nursing or teaching, than say, becoming an astronaut, whatever their personal inner proclivity.

Also, we tend to ask boys questions about spatial awareness, or how fast cars go, whereas girls are more likely to be asked how they feel about things. This can, wholly unintentionally, reinforce gender bias. Psychologists, therefore, suggest that children be exposed from a young age to women doing what might be traditionally called men’s jobs.

As with so many things, how we perceive ourselves and what we believe to be true of ourselves, and of the group to which we identify, can become a selfrealised fact. This is nowhere more true than in the area of education. So by holding this limited perception of what was open to

them, many girls in the past simply did not consider certain careers. Instead they chose subjects they were encouraged to think they had a better aptitude for. The I Wish conference in the RDS will act as a corrective to this cultural stereotyping. So expect some paradigm shifts.

And lastly, the subject of STEM doesn’t only impact on gender, but it also has a huge bearing on those other great issues of our time, global warming and environmental change.

Future workers in STEM will be making important decisions that will affect everyone. From the food we will eat, to the way we will heat our homes, to the kind of car we drive, STEM will be at the cutting edge of everything.

This means in the near future

Page 7 there will be a growing need for STEM teachers to educate young people to cope with this new demand. So this is another area many of today’s school leavers could think about.

The I Wish foundation’s goal is to inspire, encourage and motivate young female students to pursue careers in STEM. The two-day event in the RDS is aimed primarily at girls in transition year, but all are welcome.

Changes in attitude around STEM aims to break traditional gender barriers and encourage more women and minorities to get involved in STEM-related careers. So do try to get along to this worthwhile event in the RDS in a few days time. Not only will it be paradigm-breaking, and maybe world-changing, it promises to be a great two-days out too. For more info http://www. iwish.ie Image courtesy of Google.

LOCAL / COMMUNITY

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Childhood lasts more than one lifetime E n Kathrin Kobus verybody knows that a clear-out of old things is a good idea. You might sit down, take out items that have been hidden away for years or decades. Suddenly childhood is back like yesterday.

You need the space in the attic, but to just dump precious memories in a bin is painful. Majella McAllister had another idea to preserve and share memories of a bygone childhood with the larger public.

The Childhood Museum Project got underway in 2014, firstly with a place for the second-hand shop which gave her an office room to develop the idea into a proper project. Little steps, in the form of small local exhibitions, followed until three years later the first Museum Event Day occurred.

It was in 2018 the project really took off. “Year four [2018] we had our second event day, the first of our travelling exhibitions (Dublin, Galway, Derry, Belfast and Cork) on Children in War and our monthly exhibitions in the Bank of Ireland, Dún Laoghaire.”

In a case of serendipity, her

path crossed with Ellen Gunning, who happened to walk past the aforementioned secondhand shop in Dun Laoghaire.

She didn’t buy but gave: family albums, not photo collections with pictures of weddings or christenings but handcrafted family chronicles by aunties and uncles, who the children might not have seen throughout the year.

That way, the life of the wider family circle was recorded and shared with sketches and stories, little poems. “The museum recently did an exhibition of the childhood albums of my mother and her sister and brothers. The albums were all from the 1920s to 1950s and have always been in the family home at 85, Ringsend Road. Originally, the albums were given to my mother, her sister and two brothers, when they were children growing up in that house with her parents. I do remember how we read these albums as children. After my mother died, my father re-married and left Ringsend Road,” Said Ellen Gunning.

NewsFour met with her and her father Michael last De-

cember and our conversation switched quickly from the albums to life stories that lay behind them. Michael Whelan opened up more about his childhood, growing up in Ringsend, leaving school at 14, finding first jobs as a messenger boy for chemists in Dublin 4 and later began hauling bottles at the Irish Glass Bottle factory up in Sean Moore Road. He would stay there till retirement.

Quietly and calmly, Michael recalled meeting his future wife, Ellen Gunning’s mother, “We met, and we got married.”

He also recalls snippets of life from a time when wages were paid in shillings and pence, daily or weekly, clothes came from

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a pawn shop or were hand-medowns in large families. There are also memories about performances of the choir from the Irish Glass Bottle factory, about changed place names like the chaparral spot where now the Irishtown House is located, his old school in Thorncastle Street, the Dr Beckett Choir, names of the local traders, shop owners who gave you the first job…

Stories like this are the essence of what Majella McAllister is keen to uncover, connecting pictures in sepia or monochrome, objects like the albums donated

by Ellen Gunning with the lives of the people behind them and bringing past and present children together and bridging the

February / March 2019

generations’ gap.

The Childhood Museum Project is not a toy museum and not a library, the charitable status is something that will be decided in the next few weeks, with a big decision pending for March, according to Majella McAllister. “All our history should be accessible; good, bad and the mundane.” Plus on your next trip to Dún Laoghaire, the local Bank of Ireland branch has ongoing displays.

Contact: museumofchildhood. ie or on Facebook The Museum of Childhood Project Ireland Pictured from left, Jasper Smith, Michael Whelan, Majella McAllister and Ellen Gunning.

Sandymount Dental Clinic joins Smiles Dental Waterloo Road

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Colleagues and patients will transfer to the state-of-the-art practice nearby

ince relocating to the Dublin 4 neighbourhood in 2004, Dr Dermott McMorrough and his team have spent the last 28 years transforming smiles from his Sandymount Dental Clinic.

However, following news earlier this month that the popular dental clinic had been acquired by Smiles Dental, Dr Dermott and his colleagues are getting ready to move to a cutting-edge new surgery.

Part of Ireland’s leading provider of dental care, Smiles Dental Waterloo Road has recently benefited from a full refurbishment and is less than a ten-minute drive from the Sandymount site. What’s more, it will give patients increased flexibility thanks to extended opening hours and additional practice staff.

Speaking about the move, Dermott said: “After 28 years in our current practice, we’re all very excited for a change of scenery – especially given the recent refurbishment at Waterloo Road!

Likewise, I’m proud to be joining Smiles Dental, as I know we’ve a shared focus on quality for patients.”

“While the location will change, I’m pleased to say that our full team will remain in place. As a result, all our patients will be seen by the same friendly team, delivering the same high-quality care. We look forward to seeing everyone at our new home.”

After graduating from Trinity College Dublin in

1984, Dermott has amassed decades worth of experience, including time spent practising in the US and UK. On returning to his Irish roots, Dermott set up the Sandymount Dental Clinic.

The practice soon expanded in both patient numbers and staff. With a dedicated team in place, it quickly developed a reputation for excellence in care within the local community.

Within Dermott’s team are Emma Ryan, a highly qualified dental hygienist and dental nurses Rocio Cimas Alonso and Martina Duff. Also joining them in the move is Paula Egan from the front of house team, who will continue to support patients at the new practice.

For any queries or to make appointments with Dermott and his team, you can contact Smiles Dental, Waterloo Road on 01 614 0440, email waterloo@ smiles.ie or pop into Smiles Dental, Waterloo Road, Unit 6. St Martins House, Waterloo Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4.

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February / March 2019

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LOCAL / HEALTH

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Redevelopment work at RICC funded by Covanta2

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n Kathrin Kobus wo pieces of good news from the Ringsend and Irishtown Community centre: Firstly, the long -overdue refurbishment got underway on Monday 28th January.

Secondly, no services will have to be suspended. A plan B regarding locations for the various clubs and groups using the rooms at RICC is in place.

Lorraine Barry, manager at the community centre, confirmed to NewsFour: “We have contingency plans in place so that no groups will have their activities

cancelled. We worked to find alternatives for everybody, the last will have been finalised now at the beginning of February.”

The phone number to contact the centre will stay the same while the construction work goes on around it. The existing building was urgently in need

of more than a lick of paint here and there.

“It had to be done,” said Lorraine, “The building has been here since 1989.

Now this time around we finally got the money via the community gains fund from Covanta.”

In total, €1.4 million is being invested

February / March 2019

for works to replace all windows, external stairs, flooring, rearranging the room partitions and more.

A number of locals have dropped by already to check out the drawn-up plans for the refurbishment, which are on display in the reception. For the next six months, the entrance to the building will be ‘mobile’ due to the work carried out through spring and early summer.

“The works should be completed within half a year. So we hope to open again with a ribbon cutting by the end of July,” said Lorraine.

NewsFour will be there when the moment arrives.

From left: View of the clubhouse that needs refurbishment.

Chairman John Lynch and manager Lorraine Barry (first and second left) with staff at the RICC. RICC exterior before renovation.

Photographs by Gary Burke.

Mindfulness in Sandymount

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n Eoin

Meegan new eight-week course in mindfulness has just started in Sandymount and NewsFour recently talked to the man behind it, Cormac Lynch.

Cormac has been sharing mindfulness for some years, mainly with family and friends, but now he is venturing out and wants to bring it to the wider public as he knows the benefit it can bring. From the moment he started meditating, Cormac felt something had changed inside him.

It was as if things didn’t bother him anymore, or at least not to the extent they used to. The external stimuli may have remained the same, but he was reacting to it in a different way. He noticed this in particular with driving. His family saw the change in him too. It’s like when one thing changes everything does.

Mindfulness has become a bit of a buzzword in recent times. Although rooted in Buddhism, where it was known as Vipassana, the kind of mindfulness that is now gaining currency across the globe, and which is taught by Cormac, has been shaped and designed by the legendary Jon Kabat-Zinn.

In 1979, Kabat-Zinn founded the eightweek Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Programme at the University of Massachusetts Medical School where he taught. Several independent tests have proven its effectiveness in reducing pain and also

helping people with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Kabat-Zinn stripped it of all its Buddhist and religious connotations, and it is now taught worldwide as a totally secular modality. I think it’s fair to say it has become the standard against which all others are measured.

Jon Kabat-Zinn defines mindfulness as, “awareness that arises from paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment and non-judgmentally.” I don’t think you can improve on that.

Cormac completed an MA at Bangor University in Wales, at the Centre for Mindfulness Research and Practice, which also qualifies him to teach the discipline. The course in North Wales was started by Mark Williams, one of the leading figures after Kabat-Zinn in the mindfulness world.

This centre, along with one in Oxford, comprises the two leading centres for mindfulness in the UK. Some of Williams’s courses have even been recommended for prescription on the NHS to treat depression.

Cormac believes, as Kabat-Zinn did, in an effective, and evidence-based method. “A lot of the new age stuff is fine, I suppose,” he says, “but for a genuine practice it must be backed up with some hard evidence.”

Recently Cormac has set up his own company which he calls Mindcul. As well as teaching groups of people, like his Sandymount class, he has also ventured into the corporate sector. He believes companies can

be agencies of change and positivity as well as individuals.

Cormac wants to see businesses who work with the public, such as law firms, accountancy firms, even government agencies ask, “what does a mindfulness-based organisation or workplace look like?” A change in mindset like that can make all the difference.

He admits it can sometimes be difficult persuading companies to embrace the mindful approach, “you need to convince the top management that this is worthwhile before they are willing to commit. Sometimes people want to see instant results, spreadsheets, work graphs and such like.”

This is understandable from a management perspective, but the problem is that it’s very hard to quantify the results of mindfulness on an individual, and on society. However,

the feedback that he’s got so far has all been positive. There’s no denying that a happier, stress-free individual is going to be a much more productive and efficient employee.

Cormac supports a practice-led teaching method. He meditates himself for twenty minutes every day. “You deepen your knowledge of mindfulness, and gain experiential knowledge,” he says, “and you start realising the difficulties too. But you must test it from your own practice. Learning about mindfulness is not the same as practising it,” he says with a smile.

Cormac’s mission is to help people become aware. When we start to become aware of what’s happening, we suddenly realise the mind doesn’t always work the way we would like it to. Being mindful helps people to see what’s actually happening instead of what they want, or would like to happen. He truly believes it would make a difference to society if they did.

The current eight-week course in Christ Church Hall in Sandymount has started, but Cormac told me he hopes to run more throughout the year. The cost is €100, which not only covers the eight weeks, but also a one-day retreat that’s usually held between weeks seven and eight, and all course materials.

If you would like more information or wish to include your name for future courses you may contact Cormac at 0863679288 or email him at Cormac@mindcul.com Let’s wish him every success with the course.

Image courtesy of Cormac Lynch.

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February / March 2019

Rare Disease Day on Pearse Street

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Peter McNamara he 12th annual World Rare Disease Day will take place on Thursday, February 28th 2019. To mark this important occasion, Rare Diseases Ireland will be holding a conference “Bridging Health & Social Care” on the 28th in CA House on Pearse Street.

The focus of this year’s conference is the importance of joinedup hospital care, primary care, and community services for people with rare diseases. Anyone interested is invited to book themselves a place at the conference on the Rare Diseases Ireland website (www.rdi.ie).

Rare diseases can be chronically-debilitating, progressive, and life-threatening. The Pearse Street conference will hear directly from patients and patient organisations facing the challenges of living with and caring for, people with rare diseases on a daily basis. There will also be contributions from speakers responsible for public policy and inn

tegrated care in the area.

Vicky McGrath, CEO of Rare Diseases Ireland says, “We seek to inform Government and policymakers of the importance of better connecting and co-ordinating our health and social care services for people with rare diseases and their families.”

Among the topics under discussion were patient experiences of health and social care services, best practices in delivering co-ordinated services to patients, as well as the current state of rare disease plans North and South.

Avril Daly, Vice-President of EURORDIS-Rare Diseases Europe, urges people who are living with rare diseases to ask their doctor about newly-developed European Reference Networks.

People living with rare diseases, and their families can often feel isolated and alone. They may have been searching for a diagnosis for years. They may have been passed

HEALTH

Page 11 integrated into the Irish healthcare system yet, it is expected that this will change over the coming year and your doctor might soon be able to access expertise across Europe.

from pillar to post, and subject to a battery of tests and investigations.

They may even have been misdiagnosed.

All the while they continue to live with the impact of the disease, disrupting their quality of life and leaving them worried and frustrated. The European Reference Networks, or ERNs, is a game-changer for people with rare diseases.

“For the first time,” Daly says, “doctors in Ireland will be able to convene a virtual panel of medical experts from across the EU. They can review medical information and test results. They can agree on a diagnosis, suggest treatments and advise on clinical trials taking place.” While many ERNs are not

Rare Diseases – Did you know?

1. A rare disease is defined as rare when it affects fewer than one in 2,000 people. Rare diseases are characterised by a wide diversity of symptoms and signs that vary not only from disease to disease but also from patient to patient with the same disease.

2. It is estimated that rare diseases affect the lives of around 30 million people across the European Union (EU), with approximately 300,000 people in Ireland developing a rare disease at some point in their lives.

Relatively common symptoms can hide underlying rare diseases, leaving many affected individuals as either undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.

3. There are more than 6,000 known rare diseases. 80% of rare diseases have identified genetic origins whilst others are the result of bacterial or viral infections, allergies and environmental causes, or are degenerative and proliferative.

4. Approximately five per cent of rare diseases have treatments, and often the best and only treatment option is to access a clinical trial.

There is no cure for the majority of rare diseases.

5. Eight in 10 patients and carers have difficulties completing daily tasks (household chores, preparing meals, shopping etc.).

A total of 30% of carers spend more than six hours per day helping the person with a rare disease. Over 95% of primary carers are family members with the overwhelming majority being women. Seven in ten patients and carers had to reduce or stop their professional activity due to their, or their family member’s, rare disease. There is a significant mental health burden, with people with rare diseases and their carers being three times more likely to feel unhappy and depressed compared to the general population.

For more information on the work of Rare Diseases Ireland, visit www.rdi.ie. For more information about Rare Disease Day, visit www. rarediseaseday.org.

Pictured: Vicky McGrath, CEO of Rare Diseases Ireland.

(Courtesy of WRDD).

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n Eoin

Meegan

n conjunction with First Fortnight during January, artist and sculptor Gearoid O’Dea, and psychologist Andrew Pringle ran a workshop in the Science Gallery which explored an innovative approach to coping with anxiety. It suggested using art as an agency for restoring the mind to a state of calm.

The Anatomy of Panic, as it was called, lasted about an hour, with Andrew doing the science bit and Gearoid handling the artistic side.

Anxiety begins in the brain, we were told, in a place called the amygdala. This is one of the oldest parts of the brain and the part that creates fear, which Andrew hastens to add is not under our control, it is part of the autonomic system.

The amygdala produces a raw burst of emotion, which we physiologically experience then as anxiety. Then another part of the brain, the insula, detects the jolt and acts as a kind of fire alarm, making us aware of the supposed impending danger. And finally, the pre-frontal cortex and the anterior cingulate cortex act as a buffer or dam to prevent the worst effects of the amygdala getting through. Honestly, an hour with Andrew and Gearoid was like a crash course in neuroscience. Except it was probably a lot more fun!

If the signal from the amygdala is too strong, sometimes it can burst through the dam and this can leave us feeling in a constant state of high alert. Many things can trigger jolts from the amygdala; certain people, or even places, but a big one for many people is public speaking.

Even before we’re actually doing these activities, just thinking about them can get the amygdala

HEALTH / EDUCATION

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Art: An effective tool against anxiety?

activated. The heart rate soars, we start sweating, the throat contracts, and our breathing gets shallow. A full panic attack may not be far off.

The system is ‘evolutionary adaptive’. In other words, we evolved brains to cope with the real and imminent danger that besieged early humans. However, these same triggers can be wholly inappropriate in the modern world. Jolts from the amygdala are necessary to alert us when we’re in actual harm.

The problem is we give ourselves too many of these jolts and at the wrong times. A social media alert is not a sabre tooth tiger. Being at the mercy of the amygdala can be a hindrance today.

Of course, some people are more vulnerable to these jolts from the brain than others. Many

factors can contribute to this, such as our early life experiences, or social conditioning. Also, some people are more sensitive than others.

By that I mean they are more keenly attuned to their feelings and to what’s going on around them. These people often pick up hostility nearby very quickly, they can get what could be described as a ‘vibe’ that something’s amiss before it manifests itself. A fleeting thought of a perceived danger can start it. Or the feeling that a place is crowding in on them and they just need to get home but are unable.

Sadly, the price for being a more empathic person, and a more creative and caring person can be a greater susceptibility to external stimuli. High levels of creativity

and sensitivity have been known to go together, which may explain why so many artistic people seem to suffer from anxiety, bipolar and other related ailments.

The composer Beethoven was a good example of this. To put it in neurological terms, they have a less effective dam.

So what’s the solution? How do we strengthen the dam? Gearoid, who is very candid about suffering from panic attacks in the past, talked of a time he felt an attack coming on in a crowded area in London. He simply stopped what he was doing and took note of all that was happening around him, and later incorporated this into his art.

It was a combination of three things; stopping, taking note of his surroundings, and then doing

February / March 2019 something with that information.

This grounding exercise created a kind of insulation that stopped the dam. For others the simple act of colouring a picture book can have the same effect. He explains that art is a form of open-monitoring meditation. Traditional meditation is where you sit and focus the attention on a particular object, such as a candle or the breath, whereas open-monitoring meditation is where we just observe, in a general way, all that is going on around us, noting all the phenomena as it happens. It’s meditating but in a different way. Gearoid says, “art can shock us into the present moment.”

For him, the act of putting brush to canvas acted like an anchor that got him out of the anxiety state, in the way focusing on your hands does in a meditation class. It’s the same thing only experienced in a different way.

The difference is agency. The art puts a distance between you and the anxiety, not in a detached kind of way where you feel alienated from it, but as a physical reminder that something else is happening. You become involved with something outside of yourself. You suddenly realise, “I am not my anxiety.”

I can see this could apply to other forms, such as music, dance, even cookery. The very act of applying oneself fully to a task puts us in the moment. As a lady in the audience very aptly put it, such tasks allow us to stand on top of the dam and look down on our thoughts. A very stimulating talk and demonstration.

Andrew (sitting) and Gearoid at the Anatomy of Panic, Science Gallery.

Image courtesy of Gearoid O’Dea.

Homeless Mobile Run Sleeping Bag Appeal

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he Homeless Mobile Run volunteers provide hot dishes, snacks, tea, coffee️, toiletries, clothes and sleeping bags for the homeless. With the decrease in temperature and the nights becoming colder and colder, the support for the homeless is needed now more than ever.

The volunteers are looking for donations to get as many sleeping bags as possible and 100% of the donations will go to the Homeless Mobile Run Sleeping Bag Appeal.

They need your help! A voluntary non-government funded organization, they provide all the items mentioned above.

A sleeping bag can save a life this winter and all year round, so they are desperately needed.

All donations are welcome and are greatly appreciated. It doesn’t have to be money donations, it can be any items you think the service users will need.

100% of the donations go to the Homeless Mobile Run Sleeping Bag Appeal.

A €12 donation can get one sleeping bag.

If you have any queries, feel free to text the page on Facebook ‘Homeless Mobile Run’ or phone 0852272854. Don’t look down on anyone unless you’re picking them up.

The GoFundMe link is: https://www.gofundme.com/HomelessMobikeRunSleepingBagAppeal Photo courtesy of Google.

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n Eoin

February / March 2019

Meegan n a recent report by the Economic and Social Research Institute, following extensive consultation with students, teachers and parents across forty post-primary schools nationwide, it was found that stress in the exams (including mocks) was having a detrimental impact on students’ mental health.

With the mocks just around the corner, starting on February 9th to be precise, those stress levels have already begun to escalate.

Some students reported suffering sleep deprivation, stress, worry and anxiety. Also, feelings of burn-out and concern that they were forced to learn stuff by rote and this killed off all creativity.

Other students said if they had fewer subjects and greater choice they would feel less stress. They wished to see a move away from so much emphasis on exams to one of assessment, which is the case in the junior cycle.

A little stress can be a good thing because it releases adrenaline and good chemicals that get the body and brain motivated.

However, the problem arises when we get too much stress.

Then the body gets flooded with these chemicals and leads to feelings of extreme anxiety. Unfortunately, people are tempted to counteract these with caffeine pills and other stimulants which only make matters worse, leading to feelings of loss of control and being physically unwell.

It would be nice if young people were taught techniques in school that could help them manage stress, such as simple body awareness and breathing exercises. These can be taught even at the primary level. Recently NewsFour reported on the alarming rise in mental illness and suicide in teens, which can present at primary level. We need to tackle stress and mental illness before it gets out of hand.

HEALTH / EDUCATION

10 ways to avoid exam stress

If you’re preparing for the mocks here are ten tips to help you cope with stress: 1. Remember the exams you are preparing for don’t define you for the rest of your life.

Make your academic studies part of your life, not your life part of it. Keep everything in perspective.

2. Take time in nature. There is therapeutic agency in nature that can’t be fully explained be it a walk through a park, or a stroll by the sea. As you walk in nature notice the colours, the vibrancy. If you feel drawn to a particular tree sit under it for a while. Don’t think of anything, just let the world flow through you. Notice something you haven’t seen before. Let it absorb you. Then when you return to your study you will feel refreshed and renewed.

3. Listen to music. I know young people do this and there’s nothing wrong with listening to your favourite singers, but maybe try something different.

Classical music is said to have a soothing and therapeutic effect on the brain. Some people play it softly in the background while studying. Listening to music we are not familiar with is said to stimulate and harmonise the two

hemispheres of the brain, and facilitates recall.

4. Make sure you get physical exercise. Go for a run or do some stretching or enjoy a quick game of football with your mates. When we’re feeling good physically the mind feels calmer. And remember to drink plenty of water.

5. Remember to eat well. You are allowed treats when preparing for exams, but don’t over-do the sugary types. Drink plenty of warm drinks, especially this time of year, hot chocolate (get your mum to make it!) or herbal teas. Also, keep hydrated. If we don’t have a healthy body we can’t have a healthy mind.

6. Enjoy the company of pets, if you’re lucky enough to have one. Pets are a great source of emotional support.

7. Get plenty of sleep. This one cannot be stressed too much. When we’re studying we tend to stay up late thinking we can cram more in that way.

I know I made this mistake.

But if you’re tired chances are the information’s not going in.

Get to bed before eleven each night and aim for a good eight hours’ sleep. So much research has been done into the recuperative powers of sleep that it could fill the whole paper. It restores the chemical imbalances that we spoke about earlier.

8. Avoid TV and social media last thing before going to bed.

Don’t sleep with your mobile device by your bedside, a habit you most likely picked up from adults. When you sit down to study don’t bring your mobile phone with you and switch off all social media.

9. Set aside a specific time

every day when you are going to study and stick to this. Research has shown that routine can instil discipline and curtail those feelings of being out of control. It is recommended that a study period of forty minutes followed by a break is best. It’s better to do this several times a day than try and do it all in one block. Also, try and have your own room or special space for studying where

Page 13 you won’t be disturbed. Make sure it’s well ventilated.

10. Remember to breathe.

This seems obvious but when we’re fearful or stressed-out our breathing becomes shallow and forced. Do this very simple exercise: Close your eyes and take a deep breath into your stomach.

Count to four as you breathe in, then hold it on a count of four, then slowly release again as you count to four.

As you breathe in, feel your lungs filling up and the air going right down into your belly. Similarly, release it from the belly, feeling it leave your body like air slowly exiting a balloon. You can do it sitting in a chair while you’re studying. The breath keeps us balanced and restores good chemicals in the brain that worrying and stress will block.

Treat the mocks as a kind of dress rehearsal to the real thing in June, which is exactly what they are. See them as a trial run.

The amount of stress you’re feeling now is a good gauge as to how you may feel in June.

And best of luck.

Images courtesy of Google.

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GARDENING / ENVIRONMENT

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Plants to welcome Spring However, if you’re looking for different Spring plants to experiment with, there are many other unusual plants that are adjusted to a brisker environment and ones that thrive in it. Step out of your comfort zone and be adventurous with these specimens.

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n Geneva Pattison tepping into the garden can sometimes be a daunting task in the new year, but it’s one of the most rewarding things you can do for your health and wellbeing.

Although the garden after winter can be a bit dull and lacking in colour, spring flowers will always reintroduce vibrancy, light and life back into your space. There are more obvious choices that come to mind first, in terms of your typical spring blooms, such as bluebells, snowdrops and daffodils, but many of these require the bulbs to be planted from the previous year.

Camellia The spring-blooming camellia can bring substantial cheer to any garden after the cold winter months. Its colour varies from dark fuchsia, pale pink, salmon tones to the richest of reds. Because it is a flowering shrub, when its blooming season has finished its glossy leaves will reflect daylight into your garden and remain as a prominent foliage feature in your space year round.

A wonderful variety to look out for is the camellia japonica ‘Korean Fire’. It flowers from March to May, producing a softer red flower with a large, bright yellow centre.

It grows best in partial sun and keeping it in a well-drained and consistently moist soil will ensure the plant’s success.

Hellebores Hellebores are another option that bloom just at winter’s end around February, should you not want to venture out before the frost

is thawed. These leathery flowers bring beautiful muted jewel tones to your garden.

Different variations can produce alluring burgundy petals, acidic lime green petals, yellow petals speckled with flecks of maroon and many more should you search for them.

Hellebores are more suited to well-draining soil and many varieties will bloom until April with proper care. These perennials are hardy and prefer partial shade.

During the summer months, leave watering to a minimum or cease it completely, as this is their dormant period.

Boxleaf Azara If you’re looking for something with a little more foliage, then a boxleaf azara may suit you. This evergreen tree provides the garden with vibrantly rich green leaves streaked with pale yellow borders.

It flowers earlier in the spring, giving you little yellow bursts of colour from each flower.

One thing to be wary of with these trees is their growth rate.

They can grow up to 25 feet tall in ten years, so it’s better suited to a bigger garden if it’s planted in the ground. It can be planted in a large container otherwise and in this case, it will need more watering.

In the summer months, increase your watering cycle as it does not tolerate drought-like conditions for very long.

Clematis Evergreen clematis is another option if you’re looking to spice up your garden earlier this year.

Clematis “avalanche” is a dwarf version of your typical clematis plant, only reaching a height of around three metres.

Its flowering period is between April and May and will prove a welcome addition to any garden.

The petite, white, star-shaped flowers grow in clusters and although small, they create a sense of airy drama in your outdoor space. This plant thrives in most soil conditions as long as they are well-drained and can also be grown in a medium to large pot.

Be sure to plant it in a section of your garden that has full to partial sun for a portion of the day. Once the flowering period has finished, prune your clematis and this will ensure strong growth for the future.

February / March 2019

plays. You could speak to your neighbours about their plants and if they have any tips for their care.

There are types of plants, shrubs, flowers and trees to suit every individual and every garden. Step outside and find one that suits you today.

The Enable Ireland Garden and Gift Centre on Sandymount Avenue Dublin 4 has many of the flowers discussed above available in store, including a beautiful selection of hellebores. For more information on what plants are in season, it’s best to drop into them or give them a phone call on (01)2615928. For more info: www.enableireland.ie/getinvolved/garden-centre-gift-store Pictured left: Potted hellebore at the Enable Ireland garden centre.

Top: Box-leaf azara.

Below: Camilla Japonica.

Get Planting If you’re looking for inspiration or ideas for colour combinations, take a walk around your area and look out for public planting dis-

Affordable sustainability

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n Geneva Pattison he first few months of every new year can be a challenging time for people, especially when trying to save money. Costs can easily spiral out of control.

With high street advertising hijacking the TV and online and print adverts, the humble, local charity shop is sometimes overlooked. From classic dishware to fashionable clothing, you may strike gold and at a reasonable price.

Ringsend has two wonderful secondhand shops conveniently located next door to each other, NCBI and NCBI kids. These shops offer a wide selection of clothes and other items for the home for you to peruse.

You also have the added bonus of supporting a worthwhile cause. The National Council for the Blind Ireland works with peo-

ple experiencing sight loss of any kind by providing them with various services to assist them in their day to day living.

Small steps for a sustainable future.

Aside from saving money and supporting a charity, you will be promoting a more balanced environment. Fast fashion brands churn out clothes so often that they are a huge contributor to the amount of waste in our world.

Similarly, the factories involved in the production of these clothing items are still a long way from being environmentally sound in their manufacturing methods, sending large amounts of toxic waste into the atmosphere.

As analysed by the World Resource Institute, the process of making polyester materials released 706 billion kg in greenhouse gases in 2015 alone. When

you factor in how far each item of clothing has travelled too, there’s a further carbon footprint involved.

Plasticinsight.com have released statistical graphs showing that in 2016 polyester dominated the sales market in Europe and from the same year, they also found that Germany was the biggest exporter of the material in Europe, sending out the equivalent of a staggering €1029.2 million worth of polyester.

Be the Change.

By buying secondhand you’re making the active change towards more ethical living. This doesn’t mean you have to purchase all your items second hand, but every small step we take towards environmentally conscious fashion consumption helps.

We can play our part at home in many ways by conserving our

existing clothing, repurposing old clothes and trying to recycle old materials. Speaking locally to the Ringsend NCBI, they have said that, they are always accepting new donations. So pop in, drop off a few bits and bobs and see if you can discover something new.

There is no longer a stigma in buying pre-loved items, secondhand is the new vintage. Disposable clothing may be a fact of life but let’s try not to dispose of our future.

To see more figures from the WRI, follow the link below: h t t p s : / / w w w. w r i . o rg / blog/2017/07/apparel-industrysenvironmental-impact-6-graphics Find statistics from plastic matters at: https://www.plasticsinsight.

com/resin-intelligence/resinprices/polyester/#market

Above: Polyester threads.

Image courtesy of Plasticinsights.Com

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GARDENING / ENVIRONMENT

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Ringsend community allotments: Growing your own

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n Geneva Pattison s you walk through Ringsend Park towards the back you’ll find the Ringsend allotments, run by DCC. There are a total of 34 plots currently in use. At the moment, there is a three-year waiting list for them and they cost €70 a year to rent. Each plot in Ringsend is different and can be personalised to suit your desired gardening needs.

So, what are the benefits of an allotment?

Allotments can provide a wonderful opportunity to grow one’s own vegetables, fruit and herbs.

Along with what is essentially free food, you’ll know where your food is directly sourced, from growing patch to plate.

In the Dublin City Guide to Community Gardening, Robert Moss of the Environmental Focus Group, Dublin City Community Forum states “a good community garden project generally has the characteristics of being made by, and for, members of the local community”. This perfectly encapsulates the primary focus of inner city and suburban gardening.

Bringing people closer together on a local scale, who may feel alienated due to busy lives and busy schedules.

An oral history of agriculture can be passed down from old to young, sharing skills and knowledge in relation to horticulture, seed saving, plant identification and soil quality. Similarly, regarding the weekly shop, you’ll also be cutting down on your plastic usage overall, which can ultimately result in lower household bin costs. With reasons like these, It’s easy to see why local allotments are so popular.

A long history and bright future Allotments have been a part of life in Dublin for over 100 years.

The movement itself was established by Sarah Cecilia Harrison, who was also the first female to be elected as a councillor to Dublin Corporation in 1912.

The initiative started to capture the hearts and minds of the people of Dublin when they began to experience post-war food shortages.

This prompted them to take action, utilising every piece of viable land upon which they could cultivate their own sources of food. It was a huge success and a vital necessity back then.

Today, allotments continue to be a source of food, fun and exercise

that is inclusive to all. If you’re interested in establishing a community garden of your own, a good way to start would be to get in touch with the Dublin City Growers. The DCG are a group of likeminded people who meet regularly to discuss allotment projects and organise events to support the community gardening movement.

Has this sparked your interest?

Here are some vegetable growing tips for the season, that won’t require the greenest of thumbs.

Tips and Tricks Potatoes If you have any spare potatoes lying around during February, try chitting them as a means of seeding. You can do this by leaving them in a brightly-lit spot indoors and soon they will sprout purple or

Herbert Park Native Tree Trail

the last Ice Age, carried over by birds with the lighter seeds travelling on the air. What better way to ring in the spring season than a walk in nature?

N

n Geneva Pattison estled in between the American Embassy and the RDS you’ll find the ever-calming presence of Herbert Park. It was named after Sydney Herbert who was the father of the Earl of Pembroke and in 1903, it was given to the Urban District Council to be made into a public park. Herbert Park has many facilities including tennis courts, playgrounds, a beautiful pond and, a recent addition, a fully stocked cafe in Lolly and Cooks.

One amenity that potentially isn’t as obvious is the native tree trail guide. So what is a native tree?

These are the trees that have grown naturally in a place without any human involvement, planting or interference and in many cases, they are ancient. Ireland’s native trees began to appear after

Fun for Kids and Adults Alike The activity booklet is all ready to download for free from the PDF on DCC’s website. Included in the booklet is a guided map of the park, information on all native trees and their natural habitat along with some interesting facts about the different properties of each tree and their relation to Irish history.

There are 15 different trees to hunt down and record in the booklet, so you’ll need to bring a pencil at the very least if you want to take decent leaf rubbings.

After you’ve become an expert on the native trees, there’s a little quiz at the end to test your knowledge, with answers included in the small print. The guide booklet is charming, colourful and funny and would make for an excellent family day out activity. A word of warning though, unfortunately, it does not answer the eternal question “if a tree falls in the forest, does it make a sound?” So, we’ll have to keep puzzling over that one.

Find the downloadable Native Tree Trail PDF here: http://www.dublincity.ie/sites/default/files/content// RecreationandCulture/DublinCityParks/Documents/ herbert_english.pdf

Map of the tree trail courtesy of DCC.

green shoots, depending on the variety.

Once shoots have developed, place the potato in an egg carton or something similar if it’s a bigger potato. Soon the shoots will develop more and they will be ready for planting in the soil. By seeding this way, you will have an earlier potato crop and will most likely avoid any blight.

Rocket Lettuce Seeds for rocket can be sown indoors from late January to early February. This will protect them from the damp and cold and ensure a better early lettuce crop.

Be sure to put them in the ground around March and try to keep the ground moist to avoid the crop going to seed. Rocket is a great example of a lettuce variety that keeps giving. Once the plant is a bit more established, you can start harvesting some leaves and more will grow in its place. One thing to be wary of is pest control

while the plant is young, if it’s put in the ground too early it will be susceptible to being eaten by insects.

Onions Onions can be grown from seed from January to March but, to ensure a more successful crop, you might like to grow onions from ‘sets’. Sets are small partially grown onions, ready for transplanting into the ground. Typically, the sets will do better if you plant when temperatures don’t dip below 6°C and when the soil is uncompacted.

To contact the Dublin City Growers, visit their website at dublincommunitygrowers.ie You can also find information on the DCC website about locations of other allotments, http:// www.dublincity.ie/main-menuyour-council-your-area-southcentral-area/allotments-and-community-gardens Vegetable photo courtesy of wikimedia commons.

ENVIRONMENT / CHARITY

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NASA study on House plants for cleaner air

M

n Geneva Pattison aintaining the air quality in your home may seem like an easy task.

However, living in built-up city areas, using central heating and the ever-present dust means we don’t always realise it could be better and sometimes we need a little assistance in the matter.

NASA – The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, released a study available to read online regarding the relationship between certain houseplants and air quality. The ultimate goal of the investigation was to measure the effectiveness of these plants for filtration purposes, in the hopes they would improve the quality of life for future off-planet living.

The study was undertaken in 1989 and covers which plants are best to filter out certain residual toxins from the home to avoid the phenomenon they call “sick building syndrome”, which can cause people unpleasant symptoms.

This phenomenon was studied

by Dr. Tony Pickering of Manchester who found that symptoms were minimised “in naturally ventilated buildings that contained the highest levels of micro-organisms.”

In this exploration of nine varieties of plants, NASA studied the roots, leaves and soil microorganisms to examine the potential for each of these factors to aid

I

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Dracena “Janet Craig” The Dracena plant of the genus “Janet Craig” was also assessed in the experiment and proved to be very effective at removing trichloroethylene from the air. It showed that 18,330 micrograms of the toxin were eliminated from the testing chamber over a 24-hour period. As for the benzene content in the air of the chamber, that reduced by 77.6%. Dracenas would be a great plant for someone who’s always on the go. They require little water and light but pack a punch visually. Their leaves are dark green and coming to striking points, so they’re ideal if you want to introduce a tropical element to your home.

in the filtration of certain pollutants. Here’s a round-up of some the best and most easy to care for plant specimens from the list.

Variegated Snake Plant With its dramatically spiky leaves and easy-going nature the snake plant makes for a welcome addition to any home.

Also known as “mother in law’s tongue”, this low-maintenance perennial can thrive in any condition and light. It can survive for up to six weeks without water when out of direct light. However, you should check this plant’s soil moisture every two weeks.

This architectural specimen can remove formaldehyde, benzene and carbon monoxide from your living space. We’re usually advised to keep plants out of the bedroom, as they secrete carbon monoxide at night, but the snake plant is the total opposite, it releases oxygen at night so it’s perfect for the bedroom.

A word of warning: it is toxic to cats and dogs, so best keep pets away if you have any.

Peace lily Peace lilies are perfect for shaded areas, so if your home doesn’t get much light this is the plant for you. Rated high on NASA’s evaluation chart, this plant filters out ammonia, formaldehyde, benzene and many other common air pollutants. They’re relatively easy to

February / March 2019

grow although, watch for warning signs like yellowing leaves, wilting or failing to produce flowers. Any of these signs can indicate something is wrong and you may need to re-evaluate positioning.

As with all flowering plant species, the peace lily releases some pollen when in full bloom, so take this into account if allergies will be a problem. Again, best keep pets at a distance from this plant.

Aloe Vera Great for soothing sunburn and long associated with its healing properties, the aloe vera plant can also be a natural alarm to certain toxins overtaking your home. If they develop brown marks on their leaves without relevant cause such as overwatering or leaf burn, it may be a sign that toxins have built up in your house. It does

also feature in the report as a lower level filter of toxins but not by a huge amount.

This plant will thrive in certain conditions and bright indirect light is recommended.

Remember to water thoroughly but let the soil completely dry between each watering.

Benjamin Fig The air-purifying properties of the Benjamin fig plant, when tested by NASA in a controlled environment, were also very promising. It was shown to remove 47.4% of formaldehyde and 30% of benzene from the air of the experiment chamber.

This particular tree has become quite popular recently for introducing some intrigue to indoor spaces. Its multiple sprouting branches can be trained into a visually-striking twisted design, like growing your own indoor sculpture.

Where to Start Living in a major city means pollutants encountered outside can’t always be avoided. However, by improving the air quality in our homes we can put a bit of the control back in our hands and do it in style.

If you are new to the world of indoor plants, www.guide-tohouseplants.com has great information on everything to consider regarding maintenance, including an encyclopedia of plants.

Energia have also published information about the correlation between houseplants and air quality for better living. To find out more visit their blog at https://www.energia.ie/blog/ blog/2016/july/july-2016/10plants-that-help-purify-the-airin-your-home Find the full Nasa report at https://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/ casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/19930073077. pdf Snake plant photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Darkness Into Light raising hopes with funds

n January 2019 the organisers of the Darkness into Light walk from Ringsend/ Sandymount presented Pieta house with a cheque over €139,114 and 94 cents.

A big thank you is due to all supporters and stewards along the course, the Sandymount Gospel Choir and the ambulance crews and first aiders from Order of Malta.

The 2019 event will take place in about three months time and planning is well underway again. The date for your diary for the next DIL is 11th of May, when the first glow of the sunrise will be visible over Dublin Bay, should it be a clear sky.

Pictured, from left: Brian Murray, Chris Andrews, Anthony O’Reardon, Brian McEvoy from Pieta House, Sueann Moore, Susan Gregg Farrell. Not in the photo were David Nolan from St. Pats CYFC Jasper Kearns, Deke Rivers, Kim Flood, Stacey Flood and Mary Dent.

Photograph courtesy of Chris Andrews.

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February / March 2019

No 11 Ferry:

The dockers’ taxi returns

T

n Kathrin Kobus he year was 1984 and the opening of the East link Bridge meant the end for the ‘Dockers’ taxi’ – the ferry service crossing the river, 35 years ago.

This February the service will resume with the No.11 ferry salvaged by Richie Saunders, a former coxswain on the ferry. Or as Jim Murray from the Irish Nautical Trust said during the launch, “He (Richie) dragged it home to his garage.” Something Richie denies. “I certainly didn’t keep it in my garage.”

A bit of banter during the short speeches on board the MV Cill Airne before he got back on board with Jim Murray and Lord Mayor Nial Ring, plus other representatives from Dublin Port and the DCC. What the chairman of St. Patrick’s Rowing club definitely did do, was take care of the boat after its services were no longer needed to shuttle dock workers from north

to south and vice versa.

The Dublin Port Company bought the boat back in 2016 and restored it for €300,000 in a joint venture between the company and Dublin City Council.

The saying, “You can’t step into the same river twice,” was per-

HISTORY haps in the Lord Mayor’s thoughts when he said, “The ferry will be returning to a very different Dublin than the one she left, but I have no doubt that a new generation of Dubliners will enjoy this very welcome addition to the city just the same… Dublin City Council and Dublin Port are to be commended for their energy, foresight and commitment to bringing back this iconic piece of Dublin history.”

He also recalled the beginning of the ferry service, thanks to the Royal charter signed off by the English monarch Charles II in 1665.

Eamon O’Reilly, Chief Executive for Dublin Port Company underlined the importance of bringing the iconic ferry back. “There are those in nearby Ringsend, Irishtown, East Wall and further afield who will remember catching the ferry to work, and I have no doubt her return will bring back fond memories for many. There is also a new generation living and working in the port and Docklands, and I am confident that the No. 11 Liffey ferry will create new traditions and memories

Page 17 on the river in the years to come.

I would encourage everyone in the city to support the service, knowing that this will, in turn, help the Irish Nautical Trust in its work to train and create employment opportunities for young people in the maritime industry.”

In practice, this means, that 8-10 young adults from the inner city and docklands areas are offered a six-month long opportunity to gain practical marine experience and a formal qualification accredited by the Irish Sailing Association.

They will be learning how to drive the vessel, skippering, boat maintenance, repairs – the essen-

tials of a seaman’s work from experienced and now retired seamen.

After the blessing, the No.11 made its first trip over to Sir John Rogerson’s Quay on the South Side. The official route is from the 3Arena to Sir John Rogerson’s Quay to MV Cill Airne at North Wall Quay and back. There are 18 bench seats, nine on each side and no standing room as it used to be. The dockers’ taxi is back for a short cut across the river rather than via the East Link or Samuel Beckett Bridge.

The regular ferry service will begin Monday 11th February and run weekdays between 7am-7pm.

The fee for one threeminute crossing is set at €2, Leap Card and cash accepted. All fares will contribute to the overall funding of the training programme.

Far left: Richie Saunders on ferry No. 11.

Left: Dublin dock workers being collected in Ringsend.

Photographs courtesy Shane O’Neill Photography.

HISTORY

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The darker side to Valentine’s Day

W n Eoin

Meegan ith Valentine’s Day just around the corner, you may think it’s all about chocolates and roses and, hopefully, for you it will be.

However, there is a much darker side to this day.

On February 14th in 1349 in Strasbourg (now the de-facto capital of the European Union) a terrible event happened that should stain the day forever. In a pogrom, several hundred Jews were publically burned to death, and hundreds more expelled from the city. This came to be known as St Valentine’s Day massacre.

This was the year after the Black Death swept through Europe and paranoia was probably at an all-time high. For some unknown reason, the residents of the city blamed the Jews for the plague.

A rumour seems to have spread

that they poisoned the well and following the pogrom, strict laws were enforced to restrict Jews from trading. Sadly, these weren’t repealed until the time of the French Revolution. It is a timely reminder that racism and anti-Semitism didn’t start in a beer cellar in Bavaria.

However, the citizens of Strasbourg redeemed themselves in 1939, when just as the Nazis were about to invade the city they helped all the Jews move to safer towns.

Then there is the more wellknown Valentine’s Day massacre in Chicago, 1929, when members of Al Capone’s gang gunned down seven unsuspecting members of a rival gang, virtually giving Capone control of the city.

This was at the time of the prohibition wars. The weapon used that day was the Thompson gun, a submachine gun that could fire

up to seventy rounds rapidly, and had become the signature weapon of the various gangs.

This atrocity was to have a direct bearing on Congress passing the National Firearms Act of 1934, when Franklin D. Roosevelt became president, banning the Thompson; effectively the first gun control bill in the US. Now if only we could elicit the same response to the deaths of school children we might all live in a safer world.

Even the day itself is mired in blood, as it was named after a Christian saint, Valentine, who was beheaded around the third century. He was made a saint in the fifth century and his day established as February 14 by Pope Gelasius 1 (Valentine’s relic is housed in Whitefriars Church, Aungier Street where he has a shrine.)

So, considering the day has such a terrible reputation, how did it become associated with love? Well, the explanation for this may lie in an ancient Roman festival called the Lupercalia, literally the festival of the wolf.

The wolf was a sacred animal for the Romans as they believed the founder of Rome was suckled by a wolf.

The rites of the Lupercalia were celebrated between the 13th to the 15th of February each year, when priests of the Lupercali would sacrifice a goat and cut its skin into strips. Then they would proceed to gently strike sheaves of corn and crops with the skins, believing by doing so a good crop was assured later in the year.

However, it was also believed that it could help women who wanted to become pregnant or perhaps meet a suitable mate. So, large groups of women would go out into the street and ask the priests to strike them with the strips as well. Later, these women put their names into an urn and were paired up with bachelors for the duration of the festival. Often, the arrangement ended in marriage.

So, we see that the feast of the Lupercalia was also an ancient fertility festival, dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, which may explain how

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it became associated with love, marriage, and the pairing of couples.

Then during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, Europe saw a revival of many ancient Roman customs, particularly love poetry.

This wasn’t love poetry as we would think of it today, but followed a prescribed pattern that played with unrealistic idealisation of the feminine.

Poets such as Petrarch, Dante, Wyatt, Sidney, and Andrew Marvell began to write in imitation of, and in tribute to, the great Roman originals, Catullus, Propertius and Ovid. This was the era of the troubadours from Southern France, of amour courtois (courtly love) when many of the tropes of love that have now become commonplace were first created.

Even the word itself, ‘romance,’ derives from the word Roman, and carries darker and more menacing undertones than today’s doe-eyed equivalent. The

February / March 2019

first Hallmark cards came out in 1913 and from then on it has become the commercialised splurge it is today, with cards and plastic red hearts springing up in shop windows from January. But love it or loathe it, and despite its gory past, I guess we’re stuck with it.

And if all that didn’t disturb you too much, NewsFour would like to wish you and your loved one a very happy, and peaceful, Valentine’s Day. Above: The 1929 Valentine’s Day Massacre in Chicago is generally regarded as being planned by Al ‘Scarface’ Capone. He is pictured above in February 1931 after being arrested for vagrancy by the FBI. He was ultimately charged with tax evasion and served eight years in prison.

Photo courtesy of FBI. Below: Pogrom of the Jews by Emile Schweitzer.

Image courtesy of Google.

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February / March 2019

ADVERTORIAL

MANARA SKIN CLINICS EXCELLENCE IN AESTHETICS Manara Skin Clinics, under the guidance of Medical Director, Dr Eithne Brenner, opened its third Irish clinic at 8 Sandymount Green before Christmas.

“We’ve been delighted to get such a warm welcome to the village and become part of the local community,” said Dr Eithne.

With a background of over two decades as a GP, Eithne has been working in Aesthetic Medicine for 12 years now and has an international reputation as a highly skilled clinician, delivering natural and effective aesthetic solutions. “Many of our clients are looking to reduce the signs of ageing and protect their skin, whereas others are looking to balance features such as a weak chin or tired eye area, and yet another group want to achieve a more sculpted profile. That’s what makes the work so fascinating as everyone is so unique and has different goals and aspirations. Our team are skilled, highly trained and personable, and we love what we do.”

Manara Skin Clinics only use the safest and clinically-proven products and work closely with leading brands such as Allergan, Juvederm, Alumier MD, Skinade and others. The photos here are from one of our open evenings at the Sandymount clinic, in conjunction with Alumier MD, one of our partner luxury medical skincare brands.

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PHOTO DIARY

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February / March 2019

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February / March 2019

PHOTO DIARY

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ARTS / BOOKS

Page 22

The NewsFour Crossword Compiled by Gemma Byrne

Name:…………………………… Telephone:…………………

Address:…………………………………………………………

MaudbyGonne’s Men Anthony J. Jordan

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n David Prendeville

andymount local Anthony J. Jordan’s new book Maud Gonne’s Men is an insightful and precisely written piece. It gives an account of the various relationships Maud Gonne had with men over her life, from Thomas Gonne, her father, to French politician and journalist to Lucien Millevoye to WB Yeats and John MacBride, who she viewed as Ireland itself, to James Joyce and her second son Sean MacBride, who she viewed as a reincarnation of her deceased baby, George, who she had with Millevoye.

Jordan uses this methodology to paint a fascinating picture of Maud Gonne, as well as illustrating how she and those she interacted with shaped history in multiple ways.

An excellent chapter in the book examines Maud Gonne’s divorce case with John MacBride. Quotes from an inter-

view she gave the New York Evening World underline her feminist credentials: “If a woman has really something worthwhile to do in the world, I say unhesitatingly marriage is a deplorable step. If she is an ordinary, commonplace woman, then she might as well marry as not. No matter how loving her husband is when he first marries, a man is sure to become jealous and sarcastic about his wife’s career. In the end, he is likely to make his wife’s life a living hell.”

Further interest is derived from how Maud Gonne’s second son Sean MacBride facilitated the repatriation of WB Yeats but opposed that of James Joyce. While MacBride had a close relationship with Yeats, he disliked Joyce, feeling he had treated his mother awfully.

With regard to Yeats, Jordan has to put the record straight somewhat on theories that have been accredited to him.

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ACROSS: 1) Fulfilling several uses (15) 8) The type of energy produced in Sellafield

and Magnox (7, 5) 9) Insurance company that sponsors

Dublin GAA (1.1.1) 10) Tend (back to health) (5) 11) Those who watch (7) 12) Yellow melon variety (5) 13) Glitch (4) 14) Doctrine/belief (5) 15) Evade (5) 16) A cry for help (1.1.1) 18) Light and delicate thread (8) 20) Bogus (6) 21) Wailing portent of doom (7) 23) Is this town on Suir or on Shannon? (7) 25) Up for discussion (10) 26) Outer coating of nutmeg (4) DOWN: 1) Incredibly boring (4, 7) 2) Cuts (11) 3) Floating mass of frozen water (7) 4) Detangle (7) 5) Worked in conjunction with (10) 6) Ungraceful (9) 7) The butt of the joke (8, 5) 9) Useful/valuable things (6) 15) The final curtain (5) 17) Successor (4) 19) She is only seen the night before (3) 20) Harmony (5) 21) Prohibit (3) 22) This horse gives out a lot (3) 24) State body that encourages foreign

investment (1.1.1)

February / March 2019 Solutions to Dec 2018/Jan 2019 Crossword

Across: 1) Wedding Bells; 8) Diabetes; 9) Adorns; 10) Wuthering; 12) Chaos; 13) Limitless; 14) Colts; 15) Arch; 16) Pamphlet; 17) ER; 19) Task; 20) Offal; 21) Rag; 22) Barn; 23) Violets; 24) Cymru; 25) Keepsakes Down: 1) Widow; 2) Draft; 3) Natural History; 4) Business Post; 5) Luas; 6) Sloth; 7) King of the Castle; 11) Heights; 12) Cacophonous; 13) Loafer; 18) Rally; 22) Bar Prize of €25 book token.

Post entries to NewsFour, 13A Fitzwilliam Street, Ringsend, Dublin 4 by 20th March 2019.

The winner of our Dec/Jan crossword competition is D Morris, Sandymount.

The chapter highlights the uncertainty surrounding whose remains lay in the grave of the great Irish poet. There have been suggestions that it was, in fact, those of Alfred Hollis, an Englishman who died around the same time.

Hollis wore a steel corset for spinal tuberculosis. Rebouillat, the forensic doctor in Roquebrune, where Yeats was initially buried, based his restoration of Yeat’s skeleton on the presence of a corset. Hollis’s family were among those who claim it is Hollis and not Yeats.

Jordan cites his reference to this in his biography on Yeats which led to people accusing him of trying to create this conspiracy. Jordan succinctly evidences how it is not him who has created this theory, rather such suggestions can be seen to arise from documentation of the time. His deftness and the emphasis on artefact and evidence is clear to be seen throughout this fine book.

Photo of Maud Gonne courtesy of Wiki Commons.

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February / March 2019

Film Review:

L

The Favourite

n David Prendeville

ocal company Element Pictures have enjoyed extraordinary success recently with their latest film The Favourite. It marks their latest collaboration with Greek auteur Yorgos Lanthimos.

The director shot to prominence with the dark, absurdist comedy Dogtooth in 2009. He followed that up with the equally original and formally daring Alps.

He began working with Element on The Lobster, which starred Colin Farrell and Rachel Weisz and was shot in Dublin and Kerry. Their fruitful collaborations continued with The Killing of a Sacred Deer, again starring Farrell, along with Nicole Kidman and Barry Keoghan.

The Favourite, however, marks the most commercially visible venture between Element and Lanthimos to date, evidenced by its totting up of ten Oscar nominations (see page 5).

The film marks the first time that Lanthimos hasn’t written his own script. The screenwriter Deborah Davis was actually developing the script for close to a decade before Element got involved. They pitched the idea to Lanthimos some years back and he became interested in the story of a bizarre love triangle between three powerful women in 17th-century England; Queen Anne (Olivia Colman), Lady Sarah (Rachel Weisz) and a new servant Abigail (Emma Stone).

The film does mark something

ARTS / FILM of a departure for Lanthimos, not least, for its period setting. The film also doesn’t have, what is now, his trademark style of acting which features flat emotionless acting. The film retains, however, Lanthimos’s formal audacity.

The Irish cinematographer, Robbie Ryan, shot much of the film with fish-eye lenses, giving the story an otherworldly feel, which highlights the strangeness of 18th-century royal life.

The film aesthetically calls to mind a certain kind of eccentric British style of film-making exemplified by the likes of Peter Greenaway, Derek Jarman and Ken Russell in the 1970s and 1980s. The film also retains an unmistakable air of Lanthimos’s misanthropic humour.

The performances are every bit as superb as the universal ac-

Brian Eno’s 77 Million Paintings at the RHA

R

n David Prendeville

unning now until February 24th in the Royal Hibernian Academy is Brian Eno’s extraordinary 77 Million Paintings.

Conceived by Eno as ‘visual music’, it is a constantly evolving sound and imagescape born from his continuous exploration into light as an artist’s medium and the aesthetic possibilities of generative software. The ever-changing, largescale music and light installation evolves slowly around the audience who can relate to it as a conventional painting, while aware that the same image will never be seen again.

77 Million Paintings is an example of what Brian Eno calls “generative art.” “One of the things which strongly draws me to generative art is the idea that the thing is so big, in that there are so many variations, that not even the artist can see all the possibilities.

Born in Suffolk, Eno studied painting and experimental music at the art school at Ipswich Civic College in the mid-1960s and then at Winchester School of Art. A musician, producer,

visual artist, thinker and activist, Brian Eno, first came to international prominence in the early ‘70s as a founding member of Roxy Music, immediately followed by a series of criticallypraised and influential solo albums.

His visionary production includes albums with Talking Heads, Devo, Laurie Anderson, U2 and Coldplay, whilst his long list of collaborations include recordings with David Bowie, John Cale, David Byrne, Grace Jones, James Blake and many others.

Equally notable and arguably even more prolific are his visual experiments with light and video. These are the fertile ground from which so much of his other work has grown. They cover an even longer span of time than his recordings and have in recent decades paralleled his mu-

sical output. These highlyacclaimed works have been exhibited all over the globe – from the Venice Biennale and the Marble Palace in St. Petersburg to Beijing’s Ritan Park and the sails of the Sydney Opera House.

One could spend hours looking at the work, such is its hypnotic quality. Prior to this, I was only familiar with Brian Eno’s music and this feels very much in keeping with the ideological and aesthetic concerns and approaches present in his untouchable ambient work. The automated element of it gives off an impression of looking at something beyond comprehension in a human sense. There is also a sense of the fleeting nature of time, how everything is constantly changing and nothing stays the same.

Both melancholic and futuristic, this is a fascinating piece.

I would highly recommend our readers to check it out while they can.

More information can be found at http://www.rhagallery. ie/.

Image and photo courtesy of Lumen London and the artist.

Page 23

claim suggests. Colman is quite simply extraordinary, managing to combine elements of slapstick, cruelty and tenderness, and genuine tragedy in her performance.

She is ably supported by Stone, an actor of enormous talent, too often squandered in somewhat mediocre material and the consistently reliable

Weisz.

This is a frequently hilarious, quotable, formally brilliant picture that also manages to be both very sad and deliriously cynical about human nature. Highly recommended.

The Favourite is currently in cinemas across Dublin.

Photo courtesy Yorgos Lanthimos.

Page 24 December 10th SEAC Notes On the 10th December 2018 the monthly South East Area Committee (SEAC) meeting took place with Rose Kenny attending as South East Area Manager, and Ruairí McGinley (Ind) in the role of Chair.

Presentation: Playground at Seán Moore Park The Senior Executive Parks Superintendent, Michael Noonan presented a proposal for a new playground at the Eastern end of Seán Moore Park. The design of the playground, which has received a Part 8 notification of approval subject to conditions, was carried out in consultation with children from local schools. An observation from Clanna Gael Fontenoy GAA club proposed that netting be erected to protect the playground from any incoming balls from a nearby pitch. The project is fully funded by the Dublin Waste to Energy Community Gain Projects Grant Scheme (applied for by The Sandymount Tidy Towns Association). Mr Noonan stated that he was uncertain about a commencement date, but that money must be drawn down before the end of June.

Councillors received the proposal positively and agreed to recommend it to the Council.

Yellow lines on Wellington Lane: SEAC agreed a motion by Cllr Dermot Lacey (Labour) requesting the Area Manager “to outline why double yellow lines were placed on Wellington Lane, Dublin 4 against the wishes of residents when the simple fact is that cars parked along the road in front of the houses acted as a safety barrier…” The Council stated that “The area engineer will order a speed survey to assess if the lane warrants the introduction of extra traffic measures. In order for the area engineer to consider implementing changes… it will be necessary that all the residents’ associations from Heytesbury Lane, Pembroke Lane and Wellington Lane submit full support (signature with proof of address) for the assessment of this area.”

Scooter Scourge in ‘Google Land’: Cllr Paddy McCartan (FG) raised an issue on behalf of a constituent who wrote, “This morning while driving on Park Avenue, Sandymount I observed a man with his young son both travelling on the road on the same scooter which is an accident waiting to happen. I have written twice to the Minister Shane Ross on this and never received a reply. This is a regular occurrence in the area and one only has to go to “Google Land” to observe the so-called trendies using the same means of transport to get around. These items either need to be banned or regulated by ensuring that they are insured…” Cllr Flynn also asked for a report on the use of scooters and skateboards in the area. The Council responded that “Clarification on the use of electric scooters on footpaths and on the public road and the need for insurance is a matter for the Department of Transport Tourism and Sport. The Environment and Transportation Department will write to the Minister to convey the councillor’s question and request clarification on these issues.”

Living in Tents: Cllr Claire Byrne (Green Party) asked the Area Manager “what efforts have been made to find alternative accommodation or homes for the number of people now living in tents along the Grand

DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL NOTES

DCC Notes for December 2018 / January 2019 Compiled by Alexander Kearney

Canal.” The Council answered that “Dublin’s Housing First Intake team… works with our Central Placement Service and the HSE-funded Safety Net service to provide outreach services, street level healthcare and accommodation options to people rough sleeping in the Dublin region.” It went on to state that there were approximately five to 10 tents observed in the area from Portobello Bridge to Grand Canal Bridge on a regular basis, though not all tents were occupied (some contained belongings). It concluded, “If you see anyone sleeping rough in the Dublin Region please report it to: www.homelessdublin.ie/report-rough-sleeper.”

January 14th SEAC Notes On the 14th January 2019 the monthly SEAC meeting took place with Brian Hanney attending as acting South East Area Manager, and Ruairí McGinley (Ind) in the role of Chair. Councillors paid tribute to Kevin O’Sullivan, Public Domain Officer, who will be retiring.

Future of the Graving Docks Cllr Byrne followed up on a question from April 2018, and an agreed motion form April 2017, “that this area committee calls on the area manager to initiate the process by which a variation to Docklands SDZ can be made in order to provide for the long-term protection of the Graving Docks in Grand Canal Dock.” The Council replied that Waterways Ireland had appointed a conservation consultant to carry out a full assessment and archaeological test trending report. It added, “A representative from Waterways Ireland will be enlist-

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February / March 2019

ed to make a presentation to the next South East Area Meeting.” SEAC was told that Waterways Ireland had given an update presentation to Docklands Oversight and Consultative Forum (DOCF) on Monday 14th May 2018, where they gave “an assurance that the two open docks will remain open, and that 30% of the development will be set aside for community purposes.” The response concluded that, “It is considered that the City Development Plan and the Docklands SDZ provide adequate protection of the graving docks.”

Risky Situations on Ringsend Bridge: Cllr Frank Kennedy (FF) asked the Area Manager to respond to a query raised by a constituent regarding pedestrian and cyclist safety at and near Ringsend Bridge. The constituent wrote, “A few days ago I saw a man almost get hit extremely hard in the head by a bus wing mirror as I crossed the bridge behind him”, and of the danger to cyclists, “I’ve almost been irreparably harmed twice and see others in risky situations…”

The Council responded that, “The emerging preferred option for the Dodder Greenway proposes a parallel walkway on the downstream side of Ringsend Bridge to address the poor pedestrian/cycling provision associated with this bridge. It is intended that the preferred option will be finalised in February 2019 and that the project team will then proceed to produce [a] preliminary design for the entire scheme. Ringsend Bridge is a protected structure and careful consideration will need to be given to its status and heritage value during the design process.”

Ringsend Village Plan Cllr Kennedy also raised several points on behalf of a constituent who wished to be updated on plans for Ringsend village. SEAC was told that the Ringsend Irishtown Local Environment Improvement Plan (LEIP) was adopted at the June 2017 SEAC meeting, following extensive public consultation during 2016 / 2017.

The Council intends to pursue Part 8 planning applications for the redesign of Library Square and Cambridge Road. Regarding Library square, it stated that, “A draft design proposal will be brought to a public workshop for all stakeholders in January / February 2019.” It went on to explain that, “An initial public workshop in relation to Cambridge Road was held on Thursday 30th August 2018 in the RICC on Thorncastle Street. Meetings with internal stakeholders took place in September and October and designs were drafted based on consultations which were brought to a second public workshop/meeting on 28th November 2018. Further refinements are now being made and it is expected to initiate the Part 8 Planning process early in 2019.”

Copies of the Ringsend Irishtown LEIP Report and minutes of related public meetings can be viewed at http:// www.dublincity.ie/main-menu-yourcouncil-your-area-south-east-area/ ringsend-irishtown-village-local-environment The images on this page are from the December 2018 presentation to SEAC illustrating the proposed new playground at Seán Moore Park. Hawthorn Heights Ltd submitted the successful tender.

Top image shows the location of the proposed new playground at Seán Moore Park.

Images courtesy Dublin City Council.

www.newsfour.ie

February / March 2019

Ringsend Rock School relaunched

H

Peter McNamara ave you been looking for a fun and rewarding hobby? Did you make a New Year’s Resolution to try something different? Maybe you want to express yourself – and believe you could be the next rock superstar. Whatever your reasons, if you’ve been thinking about learning an instrument or training your voice, the timing is perfect: the Ringsend Rock School has just relaunched, bigger and better than ever.

Dylan Clayton is the man behind the school, and he’s offering lessons in guitar, bass, drums, and singing. Students can start from scratch or go back to an instrument they’ve been tinkering with in the past.

“I’m very excited about the relaunch,” he tells me, “and I’m feeling good about how things will go.” He probably has reason to be: with 10 years experience in the field, Clayton knows all the ins and outs of the business of music teaching.

n

An Authentic Learning Environment There’s a great atmosphere in the Rock School. The spacious practice room is lined with instruments of all kinds, as well as colourful lighting rigs, snaking cables and wires, and hardwearing music stands. At one end of the space, the drum kit is all set up and waiting for the next Keith Moon. On the walls are concert posters and pictures of rock legends.

It’s inspiring stuff. There’s a kind of authentic live feel to the school, that would make a beginner feel something like a pro. All that’s missing is a surly roadie.

The Rock School is conveniently located at the back of the Ringsend Community Centre.

“Lorraine at the Centre has been very helpful,” Dylan is quick to say. “She’s been great all through the years. There’d be no Rock School without her.”

For anyone interested in learning an instrument from scratch, Dylan recommends starting

with group lessons first. And with the guitar.

“A person can go on to learn any instrument,” he explains, “but it all stems from the guitar.

You learn the theory, the basics of playing music, and then you can go on and work on your singing or your bass or whatever.”

The group lessons cost €60 a month. This gives you four lessons of at least 45 minutes to an hour, depending on what’s available. One-on-one lessons are also on offer at a fee to be arranged. These might suit people who feel more shy, say in the case of someone learning to train their voice for the first time.

“And I do a reduced rate for multiple bookings,” Dylan adds.

“If someone has one child doing the lessons, they’ll only pay €50 for the next one. Or the parent can get themselves a lesson for €50, and so on. I want to keep prices as low as possible.

I know we have working-class communities around here.”

Indeed, when compared with other music lessons, the prices at the Ringsend Rock School are very affordable.

The age range is six to 600.

Dylan tells me that he’s even organised a class for toddlers.

“It’s a good idea to help develop rhythm and creativity at a young age. It can get a bit noisy though,” he says with a smile.

As part of his teaching, Dylan also facilitates students that want to form a band, and he gives these bands an opportunity to play a live concert at least twice per year.

The Rich Benefits of Playing When it comes to learning to play, you need not be aiming for world domination. Playing guitar or bass or drums is a wonderful hobby and life-skill. It can be great for party pieces, for sing-alongs, or simply for your own personal satisfaction. Playing music can even show you a side of yourself you didn’t know was there.

“I’ve seen the effect it has on

ARTS / MUSIC

some of my students,” says Dylan. “In the beginning a person might be as nervous as anything, but after a bit of time and practice you can see their confidence grow. Some people really flourish. I’ve gotten people playing and singing in a way they never thought they could.”

Learning to play an instrument not only gives children a chance to be creative, it also teaches discipline and commitment. And with the group lessons at the Ringsend Rock School, there’s an added socialising element. Friendships are made, as well as bands and musical partnerships.

“So long as the parents keep the kids practising,” says Dylan, “there’s no telling how far I can go with them.”

During my visit to the Rock School I sat in on two of Dylan’s lessons. One (as yet unnamed) rock band was composed of 11-year old boys, who played with the skill of teenagers aged maybe 16 or 17. Later, a band composed of 14 and 15-year-old girls arrived. This band, tentatively called The Grandmas, jumped straight into a rendition of Edge of Seventeen. Dylan told me that they’d performed this song back at the annual

Page 25

Rock School Christmas show at the Community Centre. Without any rehearsal or reminder in the time since, the girls belted out the hit pop song with precision and flair.

Plans for the Future When I ask about the future, Dylan isn’t lacking in vision.

Alongside the group and oneon-one lessons, he’s also looking to set up curriculum-based classes, to tutor anyone studying for the Leaving or Junior Cert. “I’m even planning on doing a mobile Rock School unit,’ he tells me, “that could go into schools to give lessons afterhours.”

Along with the two annual Rock School gigs, the teacher is also looking at setting up a few more live events. Some of the gigs might be in partnership with Dublin City Council.

It’s something he’s passionate about. “I want to give the kids as much opportunity to perform live as possible,” he says. “It’s great training. And a lot of fun.”

In the past, Dylan hasn’t been shy of creating his own opportunities. On one occasion a few years ago, he brought nine of his students over to London, to see the smash-hit musical The

War of the Worlds. This doublealbum-turned-musical was written by Jeff Wayne and based on Orson Welles’s infamous radio broadcast. Since the album’s first release in 1978 it has sold nearly three million copies in the UK alone. Dylan’s students loved the music and he wanted to give them a chance to get involved with it.

“I reached out to Jeff,” he says, “to ask him for some sheet music and guitar tabs. I didn’t know what he’d say––none of that stuff is available for the album anywhere. He was the kindest guy, gave me everything I needed. The students were delighted,” Dylan adds. “We performed our own special War of the Worlds concert after that. It was brilliant.”

Dylan has also done a ninepart-guitar Bohemian Rhapsody show with some of his students.

With the Rock School, he’s aiming to keep things going in that fun and creative vein.

Ready to Rock?

If you’ve been meaning to pick up an instrument, or are looking to try a new hobby this year, there’s no better place to go than the Ringsend Rock School. It’s conveniently located, the lessons are well priced, and you might be hard pressed to find a teacher as experienced and dedicated as Dylan Clayton.

From what I saw during my visit, the students – be they girls or boys, children or teenagers – clearly respect him. They have fun while they learn. And they keep coming back: Dylan has had students for three, five, and even 10 years. One of his longterm students, a local singer and musician named Robyn, has gone from strength to strength in her craft and is now studying at the prestigious British and Irish Modern Music Institute (BIMM) in Dublin.

“If people want to learn,” he says, “I’d love to teach them.

And when I’ve the help of the parents, I can chase after anyone to practice. We won’t be long getting the best out them.”

Contact Dylan Clayton at the Ringsend Rock School at ringsendrockschool@gmail.com.

Above: Dylan giving guidance to one of his students.

Left: An old school four-piece band formed at the Ringsend Rock School.

Photos courtesy Dylan Clayton.

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T

n David Prendeville

he 17th Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival, Ireland’s premier film event, returns to the capital from February 20th to March 3rd. The packed programme features over 125 events across 12 days, including the finest local and international feature films, short films and documentaries, along with a dedicated children’s and young people’s programme and a host of special events featuring industry leaders.

The festival opens with the Irish premiere of Papi Chulo, the new film from John Butler, director of Handsome Devil and The Stag. The film’s actors Matt Bomer and Alejandro Patino will join Butler on the red carpet. The comedy-drama tells the story of a well-heeled, lonely, gay TV weatherman who strikes up an unusual friendship with an older straight migrant worker from Mexico and is said to deal with themes of friendship, class, ethnicity and economic migration.

The Office star Stephen Merchant will visit the festival for a screening of his new film Fighting with My Family. The curious-sounding film stars the up-and-coming Florence Pugh in the true-life tale of the rise of WWE superstar Paige and was both produced and co-stars Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson.

Killarney actor and 2019 Bafta Rising Star nominee Jessie Buckley will attend the closing gala of her new film Wild Rose, which follows a Glaswegian woman’s dream of making it as a country singer in Nash-

ARTS / CULTURE

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The Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival

ville, following her release from prison.

Other notable guests who will make appearances at the festival include Josh Hartnett, Lucy Fry and Eiza Gonzalez, who will attend the world premiere of She’s Missing, written and directed by Dubliner Alexandra McGuinness.

Other Irish cinema to be seen at the festival includes. Neil Jordan’s new film Greta, which stars Isabelle Huppert, Chloe Grace Moretz and Maika Mon-

roe. Ian Fitzgibbon’s new film Dark Lies the Island, starring Pat Shortt, Charlie Murphy and Tommy Tiernan, will also screen. There is also a wealth of fascinating titles amongst this year’s shorts programmes, including the much-admired Galway winner Wren Boys.

Audiences’ continued love of documentaries is reflected in the 2019 programme. Maiden is the critically-acclaimed sailing documentary chronicling the first ever all-female crew to enter the Whitbread Round the World Race in 1989, skippered by Tracy Edwards and also featuring Irish woman Angela Heath on the crew.

Irish-produced Shooting the Mafia is Kim Longinotto’s powerful documentary, through the eyes and lens of photographer Letizia Battaglia, which strips back the glamorous image of the Sicilian Mafia, showing the harsh reality of life, death and business at the hands of those who wield it.

Virgin Media DIFF also hosts the world premiere of Land Without God, a deeply personal documentary which movingly centres on Mannix Flynn and his family as they recall the effects of decades of institutional abuse, and the impact it had, and

continues to have, on their lives.

The Inspirations strand of the festival features movies chosen by some of Ireland’s best-loved authors, including Tana French, who selects Picnic At Hanging Rock, Peter Weir’s 1975 classic, widely acclaimed for its sense of mystery, sexual fear and hysteria, stunning cinematography and cultural undertones. Liz Nugent has chosen Perfume: The Story of a Murderer starring Ben Whishaw as a perfumier who uses the scents most evocative to him to create his unique fragrances; and Sinead Gleeson picks Stanley Kubrick’s iconic horror The Shining.

The Fantastic Flix strand of the festival for mini-movie fans marks the 40th anniversary of one of pop culture’s most iconic movies, The Muppet Movie, and also celebrates difference and diversity in film with highlights including Rosie and Moussa which looks at embracing multiculturalism; Kenyan film Rafiki, a gorgeous LGBT film which shows how love can bloom even in difficult circumstances; and a visit to Dublin by Bo Burnham for the Irish premiere of his new movie Eighth Grade.

A standout for this writer in the programme is the Irish premiere of Brady Corbet’s highly acclaimed Vox Lux. Corbet’s second film after the superb The Childhood of a Leader is said to feature a fero-

February / March 2019 cious performance by Natalie Portman as a high-school massacre survivor turned pop-star.

Alex Ross Perry’s Her Smell starring Elisabeth Moss and Cara Delevingne comes off the back of strong festival buzz.

Speaking about the Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival 2019 programme, Grainne Humphreys, Festival Director said: “As well as celebrating the best of Irish film talent, the programme for this year’s festival once again features a global line-up, including world premieres and visits from the industry’s best-known stars. We’ve found some fantastic titles for this year and we’re looking forward to sharing these discoveries. Whether it’s feature films, documentaries exploring topical themes or a celebration of Charlie Chaplin’s iconic The Kid, The 2019 Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival definitely celebrates the love Irish people have for cinema and those who make it. We’re delighted to be working with Virgin Media as the festival’s title sponsor for three years too.

They’re known for their association with the best movies and television content as Ireland’s leading connected internet provider and our partnership will allow us to bring some of the world’s most exciting cinema to a wider audience.”

More information and tickets are available at www.diff.ie.

Clockwise from top left: Neil Jordan, Josh Hartnett and Eliza Gonzalez.

Photos courtesy of Wiki Commons.

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February / March 2019

ARTS / CULTURE

Page 27

Documentary Review: Phil Lynott: Scéalta Ón Old Town

W

n Geneva Pattison e’ve had some great television viewing options over the last few months, with TV specials and blockbuster movies. However, one of the most impressive things RTÉ has had to offer this past season was the documentary Phil Lynott: Scéalta Ón Old Town.

Filmed in both Irish and English, it follows the famed Irish musician’s footsteps throughout Dublin for the filming of the music video for his classic track Old Town.

The music video was shot in 1982 and was a promo created especially for RTÉ, which was a game-changer at the time. In the documentary, we learn of his early life growing up in Crumlin with his mother Philomena. We also get insight on the formation of Thin Lizzy, the cultural shifts throughout the years and Phil’s experimentation with different genres of music. Similarly, we find out about Lynott’s hopes for solo success during this period of his life and about his love for his children.

The documentary interviews many of those closest to Lynott, including his mother Philomena, Eric Bell and Brush Shiels. There

are also contributions from former Boomtown Rats manager Fachtna O’Ceallaigh, Jim Lockhart of Horslips, musician Alison O’Donnell and a host of Irish music aficionados.

The background issues of unemployment and rising levels of violence in Northern Ireland are explored as factors that made Thin Lizzy a unique combination. Their members were cross-border and multi-racial, which didn’t reflect the inward-looking culture in Ireland at the time. But as noted, the band gave people hope for what could be.

The recounting of Lynott’s life and musical progression as an artist highlights how much he achieved during his short time on this earth, although the topic is shrouded with an element of sadness. Eric Bell reflects on Phil’s interest in Celtic mythology and Celtic warriors, from which he drew inspiration for songwriting.

Colm Ó Snodaigh of the band Kíla also talks about Lynott’s own view of himself, “when he was in England he was an Irishman, when he was in Ireland he was a Dubliner, when he was in Dublin he was from Crumlin.” This is a reiteration of a quote from Lynott and is truly telling of his strong roots in the country. For him, it was home and that echoed through his work.

The lyrics of Old Town sets the tone for many of the visuals. Probably the most memorable moment in the music video is the opening scene of Lynott atop the Ha’Penny Bridge at the heart of Dublin’s city centre. His girl has just left him on the bridge and as he leans over the

railings he sings into the camera of their broken love.

Despite being filmed alone for many scenes, you really get a sense of Phil’s true character as he strolls along Grafton Street, echoing the lyrics “…in the end, you’ll soon recover.” He dances and laughs cheekily as he passes a selection of different people. For the most part, he exuded confidence and charm, that much was clear.

The street was his stage.

He is shot from inside the Long Hall pub on Georges Street alone sitting with a solitary pint. The loneliness of heartbreak again surfaces here. The pub is empty and he misses his gal.

However, the mood shifts again when we see Phil in Herbert Park on the bandstand playing the trumpet as the camera circles around him, as if it’s a call to attention. He wants the world to know that he’ll bounce back.

Finally, Lynott is filmed walking off into the distance along

the Great South Wall in Ringsend Dublin 4. He’s broken but hopeful, so he continues on into the unknown. Those interviewed note the poignancy of this shot as its closing scene, reminding us of Phil’s sad demise a few years after the hit song’s release or, as the song is referred to in the documentary, “his swansong.”

A proposal was set in motion last year to put up a plaque in the Herbert Park bandstand, commemorating the filming of Old Town, from the South East Area Committee. It has only reached the first stage of being passed.

Many of the interviews took place in the filming locations of the music video and seeing the present-day locations side-by-side with the 1982 shots brought everything back to life. It’s hard to believe Old Town was never a hit for Lynott during his lifetime, but it’ll go down in the annals of Dublin’s history as a song that showcased the city.

Left: Lynott in action.

Courtesy Wikimedia Commons.

Below: Lynott statue and the Herbert Park bandstand.

Photos by Gary Burke.

Page 28

PROPERTY / DEVELOPMENT

www.newsfour.ie

February / March 2019

Eglinton development shaping up for battle

I

n Alexander Kearney n late January, a highly contested apartment scheme backed

by Avestus Capital in the heart of Donnybrook was finally granted permission by the City Council.

The proposed seven-storey development at the corner of Eglinton road and Donnybrook will very likely be appealed to An Bord Pleanála, but it appears a message has now been sent.

Following the publication of a recent government directive, City Council planners may approve a wave of apartment blocks of significantly greater height and density in desirable suburban locations with strong public transport links.

And that could mean transforming the streetscape of some of the most recognisable parts of Dublin 4.

Residents and their associations, predictably enough, are up in arms, but should they be? We look at the recent planning history of the Eglinton road site and examine the issues involved. As another application for higher density apartments on the Gowan Motors showroom site on the Merrion road is examined by the Council, we consider whether such proposals must inevitably prevail.

The prospects for a 94-apartment development on a 0.38 hectare site at the end of Eglinton road gaining approval initially did not seem promising. In fact, it looked as though The Donnybrook Partnership, the applicant company for Olan Cremin’s Avestus, was taking something of a punt. Together with US-based Magnetar Capital, they acquired six semi-detached 1930s/40s houses on Eglinton road for a total of €6 million in late 2017 (according to The Irish Times, they paid €700,000, €1.2 million and €1.4 million for the first three, and shelled out €3.25 million for the remainder).

On the 18th May 2018 the application was submitted and neighbours, on seeing its contents, were shocked. Instead of sitting well back from the streetline like the original six houses and their neighbours, the new building would fully occupy its frontage and would rise at one corner to over seven storeys, stepping down to six, five, four, and eventually three storeys along Brookvale road at its side

and rear. The block was to be arranged around a u-shaped landscaped courtyard, above a basement of 100 car parking spaces, 65 of which would be accessed by an unspecified mechanical stacking system. The plans by Newenham Mulligan & Associates Architects also included a street café, residents’ meeting area, lounge, and roof garden. The estimated cost for the project was widely reported as €80 million.

Neighbours, local associations, and professionals swung into action. A public meeting was held in Bective Rangers to discuss the plans, with some 50 to 60 people reckoned in attendance.

In the end, it was the number of planning objections that was particularly striking: 69, an unusually high number for any scheme.

Their criticisms ranged from lack of consultation, visually obtrusive design, excessive height, overlooking, failure to meet open space standards, destruction of the street’s suburban character, congestion, insufficient bicycle parking, a potentially dangerous carpark exit, and conflict with pedestrians (the above list is far from exhaustive).

The only councillor to lodge an objection was Labour’s Dermot Lacey, who urged the developers “to sit down with residents and prepare a scheme that will work to everyone’s satisfaction.” While noting that he should not have to pay an observation fee “to do my job.”

When the Planning Officer issued a report on the 17th of July, it requested further information under multiple points, the first being, “The applicant is requested to show how they propose to com-

ply with the height strategy of the Dublin City Development Plan 2017-2022 section 16.7.2, which sets a limit of 16m height in the outer city.” The tallest part of the proposed scheme rises to 26.9m.

The report notes a submission from the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht recommending “refusal on the basis that the demolition of the existing residential properties has not been adequately justified; that the scale, character and form of the proposed development is not appropriate in a residential conservation area and that the proposal would have an adverse impact on the setting of Donnybrook Church and the historic village character.“ Yet when the applicant submitted its response on the 17th December 2018, there was no reduction in height or bulk, rather the planner and applicant both agreed that the height was now appropriate and complied with the appropriate guidelines. What had fundamentally changed, and exactly what were those ‘guidelines’?

Just ten days before the submission date, (which was also the applicant’s sixth month response deadline), the Minister for Housing, Eoghan Murphy issued the new Urban Development and Building Heights Guidelines for Planning Authorities, under Section 28 of the amended Planning and Development Act (2000).

The draft guidelines had been on display from the 9th August to the 24th September, as part of a public consultation process.

The Donnybrook Partnership were, therefore, able to quote directly from the relevant section, SPPR 1, “In accordance with Government policy to support in-

creased building height and density in locations with good public transport accessibility, particularly town/city cores, planning authorities shall explicitly identify, through their statutory plans, areas where increased building height will be actively pursued for both redevelopment, regeneration and infill development to secure the objectives of the National Planning Framework and Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies and shall not provide for blanket numerical limitations on building height.” (emphasis added by the applicant).

The planner’s decision on the 28th of January to grant permission to the development explicitly acknowledges the new guidelines, and states that “There is, therefore, a presumption in favour of buildings of increased height in our towns/city cores and in other urban locations with good public transport accessibility.” Within weeks of the publication, the effect of the directive is already being felt Speaking of the Eglinton road case, Dermot Lacey says he was, “surprised at the lack of detailed conditions. The development is too high, too dense, with inadequate parking arrangements and access and waste facilities. It overlooks nearby homes. Residential in general is acceptable to me on the site, and, if a bit lower, could work.”

He anticipates that the residents will appeal, but those who have read the guidelines must be now wondering if they can really hope to succeed.

The Government and the minister, in particular, are conscious that they must be seen to address the housing shortage with clear, effective, and unambiguous measures. Indeed, their critics have condemned them as bystanders to a national crisis. And both ministers and civil servants are increasingly conscious of the negative consequences of suburban sprawl, overextended public infrastructure, and the clogged roads of the daily commute.

Instructing planning authorities not just to permit, but to promote,

schemes of greater height in ‘town city/cores’ is a straightforward way to be seen to be taking action.

And the incentives for developers to capitalise on the policy are obvious.

The difficulty for local residents is that their neighbourhoods, streets, and skylines now face the prospect of rapid and startling change. They fear not simply the visual impact, but the sudden demands on existing services, roads, pavements, and narrow side streets.

How will the Planning Authority reconcile its own Development Plan with the government directive, without compromising the former or being accused of obstructing the aims of the latter?

A resident contacted NewsFour about the next high-density scheme, this time for an 8-storey staggered block of 66 apartments at the corner of Merrion road and Herbert Avenue. The application was made just before Christmas and the observation period closed on the 4th January.

NewsFour understands that people in the community will resist, and has already seen copies of several objections. They cite very similar concerns to those voiced against the Eglinton development.

Speaking of the Merrion road proposal, Cllr Lacey insists, “there is woefully inadequate parking for the retail and apartments.”

However, it is now much less clear that such arguments will carry the weight they did before the government issued its directive.

Over the coming months, communities, developers, the Planning Authority, and ultimately An Bord Pleanála, will have to work out just what those guidelines mean in practice. The outcome of that debate is likely to affect Dublin 4 and the wider city for decades.

Top: CGI image of the Avestus apartment development from Donnybrook Bridge.

Left: CGI image of the courtyard of the development.

Images: Newenham Mulligan & Associates architects / Dublin City Council Planning Department.

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N

February / March 2019

n Alexander Kearney o sleight of hand, but a twist of fate means that U2 have finally been granted permission for a Visitor Centre on Nos 15 -18 Hanover Quay, while their neighbour and former business partner, Harry Crosbie has been turned down for a boutique hotel project on the adjoining site.

Both applicants submitted their proposals within days of each other last June, but were asked for further information on their respective applications in August.

The Planning Authority urged them to coordinate more closely, and regretted that a proposed terrace/walkway for the U2 Centre, “feels… like a lost opportunity to connect with the adjoining proposed redevelopment at No 9 Hanover Quay.”

The challenges facing the U2 Visitor Centre were formidable.

The application drew ten objections, including one from the management company CLG, who argued on behalf of 63 residents at 5-7 Hanover Quay, that it “will create significant amenity issues for adjoining properties, including overshadowing of apartments.” The Planning Authority stated it had “serious concerns” regarding the height of the proposed 14.4m tall building, and requested that the second floor façade treatment be reconsidered so that it “does not overbear or have a detrimental visual impact for future neighbouring residents.”

Architects for the project, ODAA, succeeded in lowering the roof line by 2.34m, and shifted around the façade elements.

The planner found the new elevation “less uncompromising”.

Another success of the amended design was deemed to be its treatment of ground floor circulation and quay front access; this was previously criticised for its lack of ‘permeability’. A new external access route will cut through the West side of the building and give direct public access to a proposed pontoon, which will also be approached from the pier-side to the East.

PROPERTY / DEVELOPMENT

With or Without You:

U2 Visitor Centre goes ahead but not hotel Indeed, the reduced height of the Visitor Centre is made to align precisely with the top of Crosbie’s proposed four-star hotel. The dramatic projecting upper stories of the U2 building now angle in at the West end, as if to defer to their neighbour.

Yet deference was not a quality that distinguished Harry Crosbie’s letter, included in the applicant’s response, justifying his opposition to opening his quayside to the general public, and to the Visitor Centre. In it he bluntly declares, “If D.C.C insists on an open quayside, then I would prefer to abandon the project and stay as we are now.”

Elsewhere in the letter, he draws a sharp distinction between the business profiles of his intended 19 room hotel and the Visitor Centre. “The U2 experience will attract large crowds of tourists who will queue for long periods if needed… We, however, are opening a boutique hotel with guest bars and dining areas… It would be impossible to run a business with huge crowds of young people regularly sunbathing right up against our windows, as now regularly happens around the basin on summer days. We have no problem with people using the quayside provided they enter through the main doors and we can control the numbers and the behaviour.”

While the contrast is emphasised, he concludes, “Both of the

businesses working together will enhance and uplift the whole area and will be enjoyed for many years to come.” He adds, “I hope my long experience in the area and with U2 will be taken as solid advice.”

It was not. Though the final planner’s report acknowledges, “that a sensitive and appropriate redevelopment of the subject site may be welcomed in the future, the Applicant has failed in this instance to address the issues and concerns expressed in the Addi-

tional Information Request...”

It goes on to state that, “The proposal does not sufficiently comply with SDZ Objective 5.5.21, maximising public pedestrian access to all water bodies and fails to sensitively reuse and redevelop the existing historic structures on site.” An added complication for Crosbie was that his property, which also serves as his home, is a protected structure. The report found that the proposed scheme “does not relate sensitively to the architectural detail, form and char-

Page 29 acter of the original structure....”

The Planning Authority’s decision to refuse permission was made on the 25th January, just a week after it gave the go-ahead to the Visitor Centre on the 18th.

Since both properties lie within a Strategic Development Zone (SDZ), neither decision can be appealed to An Bord Pleanála.

Could it be that Mr Crosbie’s dream of a hotel directly on the quay front may now never be realised unless he accedes to the Council’s wishes?

For U2, their long association with the area looks set to culminate in a permanent attraction for an estimated 390,000 visitors a year.

Whether there’s a further twist in this tale of two neighbours remains to be seen.

Above: CGI image of the approved U2 Visitor Centre on Hanover Quay, Grand Canal Dock. Directly behind from this angle (and illustrated below left) was Harry Crosbie’s proposed hotel, which was refused permission by the City Council.

Image: ODAA architects / DublinCity Council Planning Department.

Page 30

ACTIVISM – CULTURAL

www.newsfour.ie

February / March 2019

Precious Heaney S

Peter McNamara eamus Heaney, the Nobel Prizewinning poet and long-time Dublin 4 (Sandymount) resident, died on August 30th 2013. If he were alive today you can be sure he would be deeply concerned about the latest goings-on in his native Lough Beg. The government of Northern Ireland has decided to build a £160-million motorway through this untouched natural habitat. During his lifetime Heaney was a vigorous critic of the A6 motorway plans.

He sent many faxes from his Dublin 4 home in support of the campaign to save the area.

The current situation is alarming. In fact, the course of events are somewhat hard to believe.

Considering the unique beauty of the Lough Beg area, its status in the work of one of the 20th century’s defining poets, and the superior alternative routes outlined for the proposed A6, overturning the decision to build this destructive road seems like a straightforward affair.

Unfortunately, perhaps shockingly, the organisation which is most forcefully pro-

n

moting the road, and which is providing the funding for it, is the same one charged with the responsibility of deciding whether it is in the public good that it be built.

There is no check on the power of the Northern Ireland Department for Infrastructure. It’s a strange state of affairs when the developer of a major road can give itself permission and be the competent regulatory authority.

For this reason, it has fallen to concerned citizens of Northern Ireland, and to lovers of natural and poetic beauty further afield, to stand up against the Department’s short-sighted decision.

Opponents of the current plan want no further action to be taken on the A6 motorway until there is a new government in Northern Ireland, a new Minister elected, a new Environmental Impact Assessment carried out, and some real consideration given to alternative proposals.

The Route and not the Road Friends of the Earth Northern Ireland (FOE NI) are one of the groups on the frontline of this fight. In their official briefing on this issue, they stress they are

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February / March 2019

ACTIVISM – CULTURAL

Page 31

Homeland in peril “against the route and not the road.”

There is an issue around the under-developed and, some feel, largely forgotten area west of the Bann basin in Northern Ireland. The A6 project is supposed to be part of the drive to reinvigorate this region.

FOE NI have outlined easier, cheaper, and more efficient routes to the one proposed. There is a way to help regenerate the under-developed region west of the Bann, while also sparing Lough Beg from devastation.

As environmentalist Chris Murphy told the Northern Ireland High Court as part of his challenge to the project, the planners “couldn’t have picked a worse route.” According to Murphy the chosen A6 path is “the most engineeringly difficult, and culturally and environmentally damaging.”

As it’s proposed, the motorway will rise high above ground level to forever fragment and, as Heaney himself put it, “desecrate this landscape.” In their briefing, Friends of the Earth NI write that the motorway will “draw other developments in its wake,” industrialising the serenity and ecology of Lough Beg. The 10,000-yearold wetland would be destroyed “for the sake of four miles of road.”

Two alternative options are to upgrade the existing road, or to traverse a brownfield site. FOE NI have found that both of these plans are widely supported by locals.

According to the late Seamus Heaney, the road could also be taken “through an old aerodrome where there is an industrial estate and so on, which wouldn’t be as much of a wound on the ecology.”

Not only will the chosen motorway damage what’s already there, but it may also create new flooding concerns. The Environmental Impact Assessment that was undertaken as part of the planning processes is ten years old and does not consider the severe flooding events which have recently affected the Lough Beg area. No assessment has been made of the

consequences of displacing this flood water or the impact of future flooding on the feeding grounds of birds.

As climate change continues unabated, it is likely that this pattern of severe flooding will continue or worsen. Taking this additional reason into consideration, it seems a clear mistake to build in the Lough Beg floodplains.

“An Ecological Treasure” Heaney, in one of the letters of opposition he sent from his home in Sandymount, believed “it’s hard to say ‘you shouldn’t touch those places because I wrote about them’, but the fact is that those undisturbed acres are as much a common spiritual resource as they are an ecological treasure.”

“All over the world,” the poet wrote, “it is being realised that the outback, as we might call it, of the ‘developed’ areas is the last vital ditch in need of protection.”

Although he might have been too modest to acknowledge the significance of his homeland to Irish and international culture, the verdant locations that inspired the ground-breaking poems in Death of a Naturalist, and in his later writings, must be protected. In an interview for the Guardian newspaper, the Nobel Prizewinning poet spoke of Mossbawn being his “omphalos” – the Greek word for “navel”. It was the centre of the young Heaney’s universe, the keystone of the imagination of one of the 20th century’s leading poets.

In his work, Seamus Heaney humbly celebrated the mystery of the fields and bogs surrounding his birthplace. Like any gifted artist, he invites us to look again at what we may be taking for granted around us. The hills and fields of Mossbawn, Lagan’s Road, Anahourish, Sluggan and the Strang of Lough Beg, are featured in the great poet’s work; but above and beyond this they have an intrinsic value of their own.

The Lough Beg area is the last great lowland wet wilderness left in Ireland. It is of global significance not just for the Heaney legacy but for the breeding waders: this area is home to the increasingly endangered curlew, and wintering whooper swans and golden plover visit these wetlands in vast numbers. The swans come to these fields every year from their breeding grounds in Iceland, and represent a true wildlife spectacle.

What’s more, 8,000-year-old Mesolithic archaeology was recently uncovered in Lough Beg. As Heaney himself said, the area is a “direct link to the environment our Mesolithic ancestors knew, and precious lung in the countryside.” If the A6 goes ahead on it’s proposed route, the four miles of road will cause such damage that

this ancient land and archaeology will be lost forever.

UNESCO and Tourism Potential There is still time for a change of mind.

By choosing one of the alternative routes available for the A6, the NI Department of Infrastructure can spare the Lough Beg wetlands and help develop the economically neglected areas west of the Bann basin. In fact, the Department could decide to not only protect but to actively harness the cultural and natural value of this region.

Friends of the Earth NI argue that the Lough Beg landscape is so unique, “it merits the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.” The area has already achieved recognition as a Ramsar site, under the 1971 Ramsar Convention, enacted to conserve wetlands of international importance. Its also designated a Special Protection Area, under the EU Birds Directive.

Tourism numbers in Ireland are increasing year on year. With some thoughtful branding and committed promotion, there’s no telling what status the wetlands might attain.

A new “Heaney Homeplace” has already been opened in Mossbawn. Taking a cue from the marketing marvel that is the Wild Atlantic Way, Tourism NI (the Northern Ireland tourism board) could create an attraction to rival the likes of the Giant’s Causeway, Newgrange, and the Cliffs of Moher.

Sign the Petition and Spread the Word Seamus Heaney was awarded the 1995 Nobel Prize “for works of lyrical beauty and ethical depth, which exalt everyday miracles and the living past.” He worked to express some of the wonder and heritage around him. It’s saddening to think that his poetry might become our only means to experience these beautiful Irish locations.

If you’d like to lend your voice in opposition, there is a petition on Change. org – Google “save the Heaney homeland petition” and you will find it. Nearly 6,500 people have signed the electronic petition.

Although it seems a small contribution, petitions of significant size can often tip the balance when it comes to public decision making; to greater the outcry, the greater the chance of being heard.

These plans have been argued over for more than a decade, and the story has been in and out of the news at different points in that time. There have been Irish Times editorials, BBC news items, and polemic articles by journalist Fintan O’Toole, actor Stephen Rea, and multi-award-winning writer John Carey.

Now, however, the situation is getting

more worrying. With the distraction of Brexit, and in the absence of a government and relevant minister in Northern Ireland, opponents to the A6 route fear construction might begin soon. It’s a mistake that would stand for centuries.

Friends of the Earth NI believe Lough Beg has the potential to become “an economic powerhouse for Mid Ulster, a new sustainable economy based on cultural tourism and the interplay between nature, landscape, literature, history, and people.”

This is a blueprint that could be followed all over Ireland.

The threat to the Heaney homeland exposes a lack of care and respect which is visible not only in Northern Ireland, but in the Republic as well. We admire our artists, musicians and writers, and acknowledge the central role they have played and continue to play in shaping Irish identity at home and abroad. When courting tourism and international investment, politicians often invoke the “cultural capital” these artists offer, but do little to actually support them in their lifetime, and seemingly less to protect the places they elevate and enlarge.

With the fight to save Heaney Country, there is an opportunity to set a better example in Ulster, which could be followed on the whole of this island.

It takes a minute to sign the electronic petition “Save Heaney Country” on Change.org, and by adding your name you can make a difference. If this issue does alarm you, consider writing to your TD, or spreading the word any way you can.

Page 30: Seamus Heaney, the legendary Derry poet, won the 1995 Nobel Prize for Literature. (Image: WikiCommons) The mystical Lough Beg wetlands. (Photo courtesy of Steven Hylands) This page, below: Two faxes sent from the poet’s Dublin 4 home.

(Courtesy of Friends of the Earth)

POLITICS

Page 32

www.newsfour.ie

February / March 2019

DANNY BYRNE – ON THE DOORSTEP

I

n Alexander Kearney n a small café just on the village side of Ringsend bridge, I’m waiting to meet Fine Gael’s sole candidate for the new South East Inner City electoral district. Danny Byrne is keen to introduce himself to the community, and I’m curious about his eagerness. The local elections are not till the 24th May, and it’s only the second week in January. NewsFour has yet to be approached by any other candidate.

Byrne, though, is a first-time runner, and the 2014 electoral boundaries have changed yet again. The new district stretches from the tip of the South Wall up to Merchant’s Quay and across to Portobello and then back along the Grand Canal where it it bulges out around part of Ballsbridge and the Aviva stadium. It marks a considerable reduction in size from the existing Pembroke South Dock.

Pembroke South Dock is represented by eight councillors; the South Inner City will only have five. So why has Fine Gael backed an unknown here?

I’m told Byrne is already leafleting and canvassing, but a Google search fails to pick up any campaign website, Twitter account, or online bio. I do know that he works at a local estate agent, Castle, and from his photo, I’d say he’s in his mid-to-late 40s.

Most of my online results are for another ‘Danny Byrne’ from Killybegs, and his pursuit of compensation for his family’s exclusion from a controversial Lost at Sea scheme in 2001. A tragic case, but from long ago and nowhere near Dublin 4.

When candidate Byrne arrives he wears the uniform of his profession: a broad smile and a dark pinstripe suit. I wonder again why Fine Gael would field a man in the property business, when housing availability has been one of its most striking failures.

I check my notes on housing targets and the current levels of homelessness; I intend to press on those points. But first I ask, what can Danny Byrne tell us about himself?

He tells me he’s from Don-

egal, and has lived in Ringsend for 14 years (he retains that distinctive soft North-East accent). When he was eight he lost his father, Francis and his 16-year old brother, Jimmy, in a fishing accident in October 1981. Three other crew members also died. Speaking of the MFV Skifjord, he says “it was one of the biggest fishing boats in Ireland at the time, if not the biggest.”

His mother Winifred had to raise her surviving eight children in straitened circumstances, “People talk about the 80s, that was my 1980s.” Just last year, he finally succeeded in winning compensation on behalf of his mother against the omission of the family from a national scheme to assign ‘tonnage’ to those who had lost vessels between 1980 and 1989.

Without this, such families might never be able re-enter the commercial trade under the post-1990 Common Fisheries Policy. It was the same Danny Byrne, the one from the wild Atlantic coast of Killybegs.

Byrne briefly retells the story. The scheme had been run for just six months, and only advertised in the shipping journals; his family had never got to hear about it before the expiry date. His case was taken up by then Irish Ombudsman, Emily O’Reilly. Her report and its findings were sensationally rejected by a Fianna Fáil-led committee in 2010. He then

went twice to the European Parliament’s Petitions Committee, before the current Minister for the Marine, Michael Creed, finally agreed to make an ex gratia payment of €245,570 last April.

Among other things, the Ombudsman’s report stated that the design of the scheme was “contrary to fair and sound administration”, a finding strongly contested by government and civil servants. The scheme was conceived and advanced by then minister Frank Fahey, two of whose Galway West constituents were awarded 75% of the total funds released. Fahey has vehemently defended the policy and its implementation.

The mix of tragedy, politics, and a sixteen year struggle for redress has been potent. Byrne recalls that “one of my only memories of my late father was putting up Fine Gael posters”, and the son has always identified with the party. Yet he was initially reluctant to engage in a campaign so closely bound up with a family loss, even against a Fianna Fáil minister whose stance he clearly deeply resented.

The experience, he says, has made him dogged. “I pursued that issue for so many years; so many doors were closed to me.” It has also inspired loyalties. He remains in touch with Emily O’Reilly, who is now European Ombudsman. He speaks of his gratitude to former Fine

Gael MEP, Jim Higgins, and to Minister Creed, who, Byrne tells me had a huge quarrel with his own department about the case. He mentions Donegal Fianna Fáil TD, Jim McDaid, who broke ranks with his own party to declare “the scheme stinks”, at the Oireachtas committee that rejected the report.

And Byrne emphasises the continued support of Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar. As Fine Gael has been in government since early 2011, I note the party names he hasn’t mentioned. Mr Byrne is deliberate in his silences.

I ask him about the most important issues in the area. Byrne points to cycle lanes and how to make cycling safer. But when I raise the Quietway project spearheaded by departing Fine Gael councillor Paddy Smyth, and voted down last Summer by the South East Area Committee, he concedes he hasn’t studied it.

Regarding local housing and the Poolbeg West Glass Bottle site saga, he says, “I would 100% agree that there should be more social and affordable housing”, and intends to meet local groups on the issue. He favours the recent government initiative to limit AirBnBs, and points to his own previous experience in hotels and hospitality. “In some cases, people are running what is effectively a small business. Someone described to me last night… ‘we had new neighbours every two

days’. That’s not exactly desirable.”

When I challenge Byrne on Fine Gael’s own record on housing, he quotes figues from his phone on targets set, millions spent, and units completed, but cannot tell me when we can expect to see a substantial decline in homelessness, “I can’t answer that. I know that Fine Gael are working night and day on this.”

I ask whether he has any particular projects or initiatives he wishes to pursue as councillor, but here and elsewhere he seems reluctant to go into detailed policy. Rather he emphasises his determination to meet as many prospective constituents as possible.

“My convention was in November, so I started straight away leafleting, and I started just last week to canvas. And I intend to canvas, and have been canvassing, seven days a week.

Like I said, I just met a member of the Fine Gael National Executive, and he said you’re probably canvassing more than any other candidate in the country.

He said so-and-so is canvassing three or four days a week, and my reply is: what are they doing the other three evenings of the week? I’m determined to win a seat, and I will win a seat.”

Two weeks later, on a clear, sharp chilly evening, I join Danny Byrne at 5pm on the canvas trail around Vavasour Square, Havelock Square, and O’Connell Gardens. The Aviva stadium glows like a giant jellyfish nearby. Byrne explains that between now and May he intends to call on every home at least twice, and he carries two separate piles of leaflets: one for those who open the door and one for those who are out.

He explains some of the trade of canvassing: don’t call after 9pm; kids are asleep, and people will assume it’s something serious. Use the bell and the knocker, so they hear you, but never leave a leaflet sticking out of a letter box. That’s a definite no-no: it creates a draft inside and alerts passersby that the house is empty. In short, don’t let voters remember you for the wrong reasons.

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February / March 2019

POLITICS

Page 33

with the donegal contender “Hi, Danny is my name, and I’m running for the local elections in May.” The responses along Vavasour and Havelock Squares are encouraging. Most of those who express a preference, say they’ll vote Fine Gael. But these are relatively prosperous addresses, and behind many of the early Victorian low brick fronts are expensive remodelings and large extensions.

On Vavasour Square there are frequent complaints about the addition of double yellow lines at the stadium end. Byrne notes the issue, says he’ll look into it. One resident admits that, of course, many households now have two cars, and therefore the problem of parking is even more acute. We spot one electric car with a charging point in a front garden. No one has suggested to us that there should be fewer cars on the square.

On Havelock Square we’re invited in by John Morrison and his son to discuss local flood risk insurance. They tell us that insurers, nodding towards the Aviva behind, will offer coverage for one house but not for its neighbour, despite the recent flood defence works on the Dodder. John raises the challenge of climate change.

He had worked for the national Geological Survey and worries about the accelerating retreat of the West Antarctic Glacier. He implores Byrne, “climate mat-

ters – it shouldn’t be a political football.”

We move next to O’Connell Gardens, and on a small modern estate Byrne meets with a more mixed response. Here many of the residents are notably less well off, and at least one shuts the door on learning Byrne is from Fine Gael.

Back on Bath Avenue, we’re ushered into the sitting room of a young professional couple; our voices in the hallway would otherwise disturb the child being put to bed. Here and in Vavasour and Havelock Squares, a number of residents freely tell us how lucky they are to live where they do, having the choice to walk to work and the pick of good schools nearby.

A number of the issues flagged are very local indeed: vandalism of the glass balustrade on nearby London bridge and dog poo; yes, dog poo came up repeatedly, and the suspicion that someone was deliberately smearing it on pavements, and that it might even be human.

By 9pm our circuit is complete and my feet are frozen. A large full moon has risen over the rooftops. Byrne tells me that I was lucky to join him this evening, and not the day before when it was driving rain.

I wonder what drives a candidate to come out in all weathers to have a shot at winning a position with relatively little

power. One constituent jokes that Byrne might have his eye on a full-time political career; Byrne smiles a non-denial. Yet it is clear he genuinely likes canvassing. “The attraction is to represent people. I love to meet people. If it’s important to them, it’s important to me.” He recognises that he’ll have to engage with social media at some level, but insists, “I’m much happier meeting people face to face, and I don’t think that will ever change.”

On the doorsteps, I’m surprised that housing and homelessness have, on the whole, only been mentioned in passing. The people we meet seem reasonably secure – especially in the two squares – and rather conscious of it. On Havelock Square, we do talk to a woman who despairs of being able to buy a home. She tell us she’s on an excellent salary, but now believes her best hope is to start a small co-op development.

In our interview, Danny Byrne acknowledges, “property prices are rising rapidly around here”, He supports Eoghan Murphy’s promotion of greater building heights in urban areas, and even the minister’s direction against councillors speaking about ‘live’ planning applications during council business. When I ask him about recent speculation on Murphy’s future, he won’t be drawn.

Beyond supporting his par-

ty’s housing policies, the boldest suggestion Byrne will offer is that, “when one acquires or buys a property it should be mandatory that you make a will at the same time. After family disputes... the properties can lie in limbo for many years.”

For now, Byrne’s focus is on the micro and the local. There are no grand proposals, no sweeping ideas. What there is, is determination. He is fond of saying, “never take no from someone who can give you a yes”, and offers his long pursuit of redress on the Lost at Sea scheme as proof of his mettle.

He faces not one, but two Sinn Féin candidates: Susan Gregg Farrell, and the wellestablished Chris Andrews.

Among the other contenders are Maria Bohan, (Fianna Fáil), Claire Byrne (Green), Kevin Donoghue (Labour), and Annette Mooney (People Before Profit).

Danny Byrne maintains he’s been the first out of the gates, (Green Cllr Claire Byrne has, in fact, been on the canvas trail since last Autumn). But each

of his rivals can point to Fine Gael’s eight years in power, and the problems that haven’t been fixed despite strong recent economic growth.”

On the canvas, Mr Byrne explains to southsiders, nationals, and non-nationals alike how easy it is to register for local elections. One doesn’t need to be Dublin-born or even an Irish citizen to vote for a city councillor. Nor to stand as a councillor. But one must be registered at an address where one is “ordinarily resident”.

It is a biting irony, therefore, that a particular category of person is excluded from our local franchise: people of no fixed abode. For those who live in tents along the Grand Canal or in the doorways of our shopping streets, this exclusion is not likely to be among their most pressing concerns. Their plight, though, should be one of ours.

Pages 32 and 33: Danny Byrne canvassing in the area.

Left: Electoral map of Dublin City.

Page 34

SPECIAL NOTICES

Patrick’s Rowing Club fundraiser for Karl Doyle

S

n Kathrin Kobus t.Patrick’s rowers have done their bit at the National indoors championships, now they call out to their D4 community and not just Raytowners to come along on March 30th to Ringsend Library. Not just to showcase their technique, but in support of Karl Doyle, a member of the club since childhood who needs treatment for leukaemia.

According to the GoFundMe page set up for him, “Karl Doyle has been a member of his beloved rowing club, St. Patrick’s Rowing Club Ringsend from a young age.”

He was diagnosed with leukaemia a few years ago and had been receiving treatment. Karl was hoping to make his rowing comeback when he fully recovered but unfortunately, just before Christmas, the unwanted news came that the cancer had come back.

As the page explains. “In the past, Karl was part of very successful rowing crews and has a genuine passion for rowing.

Unfortunately, before Christmas, Karl’s cancer returned, meaning he must un-

dergo further treatment.

Members of St. Patrick’s Rowing Club are coming together in support of Karl and his family on this journey.”

To support Karl and help to fund necessary treatment, the club is pulling out all the stops and will put up their indoor, stationary, training rowing machines outside Ringsend Library with the initiative “A Million Meters for Karl”. The aim is for the participants to row (at least) a million meters on the rowing machines. Each machine will be linked to a big screen, so the meters can come rolling in and be counted. So, roll on the (kilo)metres for Karl and show your support and donate while watching the miles you’ll put in for an amazing cause!

St. Patricks rowers promise, not to stop until they have achieved A Million Meters for Karl! The event will kick off at 8am and finish at 6pm. #Metres4Karl To find out more information and to donate visit Meters for Karl GoFundMe page https://www.gofundme.com/meters-forkarl The goal is to raise €5,000

www.newsfour.ie

February / March 2019

Three’s a charm for Paralympics

T

n Kathrin Kobus he season has begun for para-athlete Donnacha McCarthy with the first duathlon competition in Naas this January. A successful 2018 saw him and his guide D4 local man Dave Tilly compete and win medals and precious points for the world ranking. They are needed to get the merits to qualify for the Paralympics in Tokyo 2020.

2018 was also the year when the duo became a trio, with Corkman Stephen Teeling-Lynch from STL Sports coaching joining them. He will occasionally swap places with Dave Tilly as the guide for Donnacha.

The trio trains together with the different disciplines in Irishtown Stadium, Markievicz pool or the pool at Sportsco to get the rhythm right, to get in tune. For cycling, the main thing is “to find a rather plain and not too hilly course, because otherwise, it is very tricky for vision-impaired or blind

athletes“ according to Dave Tilly.

Stephen will be at hand now whenever Dave is not available, like the upcoming trip to Tasmania at the beginning of March.

From freezing Ireland into the heat of the end of summer down under for round one of this year’s World Cup Series. Once back in Ireland it will be Dave who gets on a stationary tandem bike with Donnacha for two fundraiser cycles for their sporting plans.

On March 16th you can spot the pair outside Tesco in Sandymount. The following Saturday 23rd they will pull up again with their tandem at the Merrion Centre. There won’t be much time of trio training in Dublin because Donnacha and Dave will head off for Yokohama to conclude a busy month of March.

Top, Donnacha and Dave at the National paratriathlon champions awards ceremony and below the STL sportscoaching team.

Photos by Dave Tilly.

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February / March 2019

SPORT / RUGBY NATIONS

Page 35

Sweet Chariot carries it off

I

n Kathrin Kobus t was a triple whammy regarding adversaries: New Zealand v Australia, alias Schmidt & Jones or simply Ireland v England in round one of the Six Nations.

Ireland flying high in confidence after the autumn series and second in the world rankings had plans to defend their title from last year. From bat phoning the referee, spy tales, nearby training camps in Portugal and rumours of who was injured, how badly and how far back on the way to possible recovery.

Mind games from both sides had hit a high. Right until the team announcement on Thursday, when Ireland selected Robbie Henshaw at 15, and England

had Jack Nowell as “ninth forward” on their team sheet. It seemed everybody – fans, officials and sponsors – went into that game with high expectations for a quality rugby game.

Only one side delivered though and unfortunately for the IRFU it wasn’t the hosts. The highly anticipated battle between Ireland and England quite simply didn’t happen. Or it was stymied with the first try of the game after Keith Earls broke the defence line and gifted England their first try after just 90 seconds when Johnny May went over at Ireland’s right corner flag.

Ireland never truly recovered from that early shock of being behind and seemed frozen with fear instead of confidence. England, meanwhile, played a composed and controlled game plan; not even a ten-minute bin break for Tom Curry after a tackle on Earls helped Rory Best and his team.

If anything, it looked as if Ireland were the ones with only 14 players. A Sexton penalty saw Ireland getting on the scoreboard with three points after 10 minutes, but it would take another twenty minutes of the clock before Cian Healy went over for the first try.

Sexton converted with ease.

Now, the Irish fans had hope that

everything might take a turn for the better and Ireland would show what they are made of. Instead, the lead lasted for all but 85 seconds before Daly thanked Stockdale’s hot-potato handling of the ball.

From then on it was plain sailing for the English team. Halftime 10:17 after Farrell added another three points with a penalty. Personnel changes for the next 40 minutes did not improve Ireland’s performance. It got quiet around the Aviva stadium, only the hovering helicopters were audible.

One more time Johnathan Sexton got the chance for a penalty and didn’t miss. But the vibe, the energy that drove the green team during the autumn series was missing. And between the 66th and 75th minute England brought home the victory, two tries from Slade plus another penalty high between the posts; and the scoreboard showed what no Irish fan wanted to see.

England was winning for the first time in six years at the Aviva stadium 32:13, and two minutes left on the clock. But there is always a silver lining and that came with John Cooney, who got his first few minutes in the Six Nations. In that short time span, he showed what his teammates had appar-

ently forgotten that afternoon.

Alert to Cronin play, he was fed the ball and left the English players standing, for the first time during the game, crossing over for the consolation try that Sexton converted. England will face France in round two, while Ireland will travel to Scotland and Italy in February before France comes to the Aviva on March 10th. The final weekend of the Six Nations sees Ireland in Cardiff on the 16th of March. England and Scotland will conclude the tournament on St Patrick’s Day in Twickenham.

Before and after the match: The English to the left, the Irish to the right.

Photos by Gary Burke.

Practice makes perfect for St Patrick’s rowers

T

n Kathrin Kobus he rowing season is not back yet for another few weeks, but to stay in shape and active St. Patrick’s rowers were working out on those rowing machines you see in any fitness studio right next to the treadmills.

Just rowing away the kilometres or miles in a training session is not enough for athletes who look for the kick of a competition.

St. Patrick’s Rowers went to the National Indoor Rowing Championship in Limerick in

January and came back with a bag full of medals. “Nine of our members took part in the national competition. Sonja Fuhrmann took gold in the ladies 40-49 category, Colm Colgan took bronze in the lightweight (under 75kg) Ken Cunningham took bronze in the 2,000m 60-69 category and silver in the 500m sprint, Irene Collins took silver in the ladies 50-59 open.

In addition to the medals, all athletes achieved personal bests,” Said Eimar McCormack, speaking to NewsFour.

“We always partake in indoor

rowing. It allows us to keep fit over the winter period and to improve our technique, we are also being trained by a past Irish World Champion and Olympian, Niall O’Toole.

We haven’t stopped training all year and now we’re ready to take on the season ahead.”

That will be in April. Until then, it’s gym time and back on those rowing machines to set some more PB’s aka Personal Bests.

Right: Ladies’ Medal winners also achieving personal bests.

Photo by Kathrin Kobus.

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Beyond the halfway point of the Premier League Season

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n David Prendeville

e’ve crossed the halfway point of the Premier League season and Liverpool fans are understandably giddy, as they lead the table, four points ahead of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

It could have been even better had Liverpool not lost to City recently. Given the solidity with which Liverpool have been defending all season, however, four points remain quite a strong lead and it’s hard to imagine them dropping too many at this juncture.

It’s really only a question of nerve. Can Liverpool hang on and win their first title in twenty-nine years? There are also the recent memories of leads literally ‘slipping’. City seems to have overcome their Christmas wobble and will be sure to capitalise if Liverpool do have any blips themselves in the remainder of the season.

Manchester United have enjoyed a recent upsurge in form under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. At the time of writing, he has cur-

rently won his first seven games in a row, including an impressive 1-0 win away at Spurs, of course, managed by the man many favour as the next permanent manager at United, Mauricio Pochettino.

While United have been undeniably impressive since Solskjaer’s appointment, getting the best out of players such as Pogba, Rashford and Martial, it’s hard not to think that this is simply down to the fact that he is anybody but Jose Mourinho.

The much-decorated Portuguese manager seems in recent times to have gained a penchant for not only losing dressing rooms, but also the plot. If Solskjaer carries on this form, though, there’s a good chance he will be offered the job on a permanent basis.

I can’t help but imagine this will be another costly mistake for United. Solskjaer’s managerial record with Cardiff was fairly woeful and there is a long history of successful caretaker managers being then given the job permanently and failing. Roberto Di Matteo, after winning the Champions League with Chelsea, is a

good recent example.

It’s going to be a competitive race to join Liverpool and Manchester City in the top four. You would imagine Tottenham have enough of a lead not be caught, though injuries to Kane and Alli are a worry for them.

Chelsea’s early season form has dipped but they did sign the striker they’ve been crying out for in Gonzalo Higuain, currently the most eye-catching signing of a cautious January transfer window.

Arsenal haven’t been too far off this season either and then there’s United’s aforementioned form to consider. It should be an interesting three-way battle.

At the wrong end of the table, realistically, it looks like a fight between Burnley, Newcastle, Cardiff and Fulham, with Huddersfield, likely to be already doomed.

In terms of Irish interest, it was great to see Michael Obafemi get his first goal for Southampton over Christmas. Hopefully, the first of many for the 18-year-old.

Declan Rice has also been excelling of late. He’s even being

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linked with a £50-million move to Manchester City. A final decision on his allegiance is expected soon. Let’s hope we see him tog out in the green jersey

February / March 2019

at the Aviva in March.

Above: Photo of Mohamed Salah of Liverpool courtesy of Wiki Commons.

Charity game to be played in the Aviva in aid of Sean Cox

A

n David Prendeville

friendly has been announced in aid of the fundraising drive for Sean Cox in the Aviva on April 12th. The friendly will see a team of Liverpool legends take on a legendary Ireland XI. Sean, who hails from County Meath, was badly injured whilst attending a UEFA Champions League game at Anfield and there has been a huge swell of support in the aftermath to aid his recovery.

Sean’s wife Martina Cox, said: “Sean has been supporting Liverpool all of his life and to have this match in Dublin in his name will be a special day.

It’s going to be a very long and slow process for Sean’s recovery and I’d like to thank the overwhelming support that Liverpool fans have shown.

I’d also like to thank the club, players and those former players who will be playing in the

match for their continued support. We are also working with LFC on a number of other initiatives that will help to support Sean’s care in the years ahead.”

FAI CEO John Delaney said: “The FAI have been in contact with Sean’s family about offering support and this game against Liverpool, who have a strong support base in Ireland, is ideal to help raise funds for the Rehabilitation Trust.

“We have a strong relationship with Liverpool, having hosted Jurgen Klopp’s team at Aviva Stadium for the last two years in sold-out games against Athletic Club and Napoli. For this game, we will have an Ireland XI led by current Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy and it should be a great night for a fantastic cause.”

Peter Moore, Chief Executive Officer at Liverpool FC,

said: “We’re all behind Sean and his family. We hope this unique Legends game in Ireland’s capital will be a huge success and help generate vital funds to support Sean’s rehabilitation. The solidarity shown from supporters throughout the world for Sean is incredible and we thank everyone for their continued support, including the Football Association of Ireland and its CEO John Delaney, in helping

to arrange this game.”

Stephen Felle, Chairman of the Sean Cox Rehabilitation Trust, added: “As well as being a fantastic event in honour of Sean Cox, it will be a special opportunity for Irish Liverpool fans, and Irish sports fans generally, to see a myriad of legends play in the Aviva Stadium. To coincide with the visit of LFC to Dublin, we are also planning a gala dinner in aid of the SupportSean campaign in Dublin on the evening prior to the match.”

There have been a number of fundraising initiatives for Sean that have taken place in recent months, including Liverpool raising €59,000 and a football tournament in Ratoath Harps AFC. Anyone can support the Appeal by visiting – www.gofundme.com/SupportSeanCox. Photos Wiki Commons.

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February / March 2019

SPORT

Clanna Gael Fontenoy:

Page 37

Celebrating achievement

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Felix O’Regan lanna Gael Fontenoy CelebParticipation is all important. Whatever the outcome, win lose or draw, this is the unspoken motto of Clanna Gael Fontenoy. But when special effort and particular achievement deserve recognition, the club is not found wanting. n

Club Achievement Awards So it is with the Club Person of the Year Award and the Colm O’Briain Memorial Award for the most committed U15 player of the year. The former is a long-standing, prestigious award which honours the highest standard of commitment and dedication to the club; the latter is a more recent but no less important award for the U15 age group in memory of Colm O’Briain, popular and committed team mentor, who died tragically in 2016.

The club Christmas Dinner provided the occasion for the announcement of the 2018 award winners.

Declan Darcy received the Club Person of the Year Award for his tremendous work and support for the club throughout the year. Notwithstanding his very busy schedule as selector with the Dublin senior football team, he has devoted huge energy and time to under-age coaching at the club.

While he emphasises that success is not just

about winning trophies but about enabling players to get the most out of themselves, he was instrumental in the Clanns U15 girls’ football teams lifting both the Division 1 and Division 5 league titles in 2018.

Barry Moylan received the Colm O’Briain Memorial Award. Through his attitude, dedication to training and commitment to his team, he showed himself to be a very deserving recipient.

Clanns players feature with the Dubs Apart from the satisfaction and honour of playing with your club, the ultimate achievement for many players is to play for their county team. Over the years the club has provided many fine players, male and female, to bolster Dublin county panels.

This proud tradition continues with the recent selection of Kate McKenna and Hannah Lohan to the Ladies Dub Stars teams: Kate for the Senior Stars and Hannah for the Junior Stars.

In addition, Evan Caulfield has been selected to the Dublin U20 football panel: recognition of the great football he has played over the years for club’s under-age teams and most recently for our intermediate football team.

U13 girls celebrate their success Befitting their super achievements and

hard work, the U13 girls’ football squad recently received their 2018 Division 1 League winner and Championship Shield runner-up medals at a special ceremony in the Intercontinental Hotel, Ballsbridge.

The medals were presented by Clanns and Dublin ladies football star, Kate McKenna – to the delight of all there. The ceremony was followed by a parent and daughter presentation on the exciting developments for the 2003-2005 girls’ teams for 2019 – including the very good news that Kate will be joining the coaching set-up for the coming year.

New Junior football team bodes well for future There is no doubt that, for a club to be really successful, it needs strength in depth. So it bodes well for the future of the club that, after an absence of many years, a new Junior Men’s football squad has been formed for the 2019 season. The squad will cater for minor players who have successfully completed their journey through the juvenile ranks, for intermediate players who are stepping down from the demands of that level, as well as other players who would like to get back into Gaelic having taken a break for whatever reason. New players are also welcome to join the squad.

The squad will be managed by an experienced team, including Pat Kane, Mick Costelloe and Roger McGrath. They will initially train with the intermediate squad and, as the season progresses, will train on their own. The division in which the team will play is not yet known, but it is hoped that it will be testing while allowing the team to find its feet. The return from foreign climes of Simon Beirne, who in his time was an excellent club footballer and mentor, has acted as a catalyst for this initiative.

Training on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 19.30hrs is already underway and new players are welcome – contact Roger McGrath at roger.t.mcgrath@gmail.com.

Clockwise from top: Clanns U13 girls league champions celebrate receiving their medals.

Declan Darcy sporting his Club Person of the Year Award.

Barry Moylan receives the Colm O’Briain Memorial Award from Ken O’Byrne, U15 team mentor.

Kate McKenna – selected for the Dubs Senior Ladies Stars football team.

Hannah Lohan – selected for the Dubs Junior Ladies Stars football team.

Evan Caulfield – selected for the Dublin U20 footballers.

SPORTING HISTORY

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ELISHA SCOTT: THE BLACK PANTHER • PART 2

Gavan Bergin “Elisha Scott has the eye of an eagle, the swift movement of a panther and the grip of a vice.”

(The Belfast Telegraph) n

E

lisha Scott had a long international career with Ireland, which began in 1919 and ended in 1936.

Throughout his 17 years and 31 caps as his country’s goalkeeper, he kept up a high standard of performance.

Ireland were a poor side a lot of the time in those days, but Elisha often-times managed to tip the balance in the team’s favour, even in the most unpromising of circumstances. He made a particular habit of performing goalkeeping miracles for Ireland in their biggest games of all, those against the old enemy - England.

For most of their history, Ireland had lost against England, and lost heavily. But, when Elisha was in the Irish goal, things were different and his irrepressible excellence was such that, for a long stretch of the 1920s, England just could not get a win against Ireland when he was in nets.

Elisha’s unbeaten run against the English began on October 21st 1921 at Windsor Park in Belfast. Armoured cars and wagonloads of military patrolled the surrounding roads, and soldiers were on duty at the ground itself, where the match was played in a very tense atmosphere due to

the situation in the country at that time.

Despite everything, the match went ahead and as reported in the Irish Times, “England dominated play throughout but due to super work by Scott, Ireland were able to secure the 1-1 draw”.

The next time Elisha played against England was back in Belfast on 24th October 1925, and he was in even better form, blanking the English as he clawed his team to a 0-0 draw. The Irish Independent match report said that “Scott gave a wonderful display during the game, and when it was over he was surrounded by teammates and Irish supporters who carried him shoulder high off the field.” Twelve months later, in the 1926 match against England at Anfield, Elisha was the Irish hero again, as he made a stunning save in the last seconds to secure a draw. It was his third undefeated match in a row against the English, who had by then certainly learned that it was a tough task trying to beat the Black Panther.

They had another chance to do so the following year, in Belfast, on October 22nd 1927.

The newspaper previews for the game tended to focus on the renewal of the club rivalry between Elisha and Dixie Dean on the international stage. For Everton, Dixie was in exceptionally fine form and had scored in every match of the season so far except one.

And that one game was, of course, against Liverpool with Elisha in goal, which led The Irish Independent before the international game to ask “Would Scott be Dean’s bête noire today?”

The answering of that question took place in a drenching downpour, on a pitch which had been soaked by persistent, steady rain over the two days leading up to the match. When the game started, Ireland ignored the quagmire underfoot and were dangerous, scheming and probing in midfield to feed the forwards who put the frighteners on England’s defence, preventing them from feeding their own midfielders during the opening stages.

But, to the surprise of no Irish fan with any awareness of the history of these games, the English players gradually got to grips with the situation, managed to shift momentum in their favour and, before the midway point of the first half, their forwards made their presence felt and then got clear of the Irish defence. But Elisha “Stood firm and did all that was asked of him, and when the English striker broke through to shoot from close range, he palmed down the shot and cleared in masterly style.”

Among the watching crowd of 30,000 there were quite a few away fans, including almost 2,000 miners from Derbyshire and Nottingham who had trav-

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elled on special steamers from Heysham, arriving in Belfast on the morning of the match.

As they watched, Ireland sprung back into the offense again with a flurry of half chances in the English area that came to nothing in the end. But, in the 37th minute, an Irish corner kick from the right was looped high into the English penalty area, where a mass of bodies vied for the ball, and it was ping-ponged around a couple of times before being at last met with a firm header by an England defender, who put it in his own net… and, glory be, Ireland were 1-0 up!

But in a matter of moments, it looked as if the Irish joy would be but brief, as from the restart, England hared forward while the Ireland players, caught offguard, scuttled back in vain attempts to cover the defensive gulf. Unimpeded, the English forward got through, advancing on goal he looked a dead cert to equalise, but Elisha came up trumps and saved without any fuss.

But, suddenly, Ireland’s nerves seemed to be fraying, they only just managed to hold their lead into half-time and at the start of the second half, it was the exact same story as they looked brittle in defence while England rallied, again and again, dominating midfield and pouring up in attack as they did all they could in attempting to draw level. Time and again during this period of the match, Elisha was called on to be the last man in defence. He needed to be at his most alert and that he most certainly was. And so, every time the pressure built with the English forwards breaking loose on him, he showed himself to be absolutely up to the challenge.

As the match went on, the chances of a good result for Ireland seemed to be slipping away as England continued laying siege to Elisha’s goal, but he managed to hold the fort admira-

February / March 2019 bly. And when the goal wouldn’t come for the English their heads dropped somewhat, while Irish confidence rose again and the midfield began to play, creating openings for the forwards. They got closer and closer with a few moves in offense, before, with twenty minutes left, the ball was played up into the box, and in a scramble the ball was stabbed in to make it two for Ireland. 2-0!

And that was it, with the win in sight, no way in the world was Elisha letting it slip away.

Thereafter, he was smart and supremely confident, and two-nil it stayed.

With that victory, he completed a run of results that is the greatest by any Irish goalkeeper in games against England. Those four games against them between 1921 and 1927 saw him at the peak of his international career.

Elisha was 42 when he played his last game for Ireland, against Wales in 1936 while he was still playing for Belfast Celtic, before he retired from playing to concentrate on managing the club, a job at which he was astoundingly successful.

In fifteen years as manager he won 26 trophies, including 10 Irish League titles and six Irish Cups. When he retired from managing the team, Elisha stayed on with Belfast Celtic.

He became an institution there and was employed in various jobs, from scouting to administration, remaining there for the rest of his days.

He was still working hard with characteristic drive, giving his all for the club up till the day he died in 1956.

Elisha was by then a hero and a legendary figure at Belfast Celtic, just as he was at Liverpool and for Ireland. Elisha Scott, the Black Panther. Elisha Scott, the Number One. Top and below: Elisha Scott protecting his territory.

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February / March 2019

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February / March 2019