News Four August 2005 by News Four

AUGUST 2005

NewsFour Free Community Newspaper serving Sandymount, Irishtown, Ringsend, Docklands, Ballsbridge and Donnybrook Web: www.news4.ie • E-mail: newsfourscs@eircom.net • Local Newsdesk: Phone 6673317

ABBEY FOR GEORGE’S QUAY?

decision is expected when the Dáil returns from its summer break on the future location of the national theatre. The Minister for Arts, John OʼDonoughue will recommend to Cabinet that the new home for the Abbey will be on Georgeʼs Quay between the IFSC and Jurys Inn. The Dublin Docklands Development Authority has offered the

site to the Government with the location having been fully examined by the Ofﬁce of Public Works, who stated that the new location meets the many needs of the Abbey. Situated on Customʼs House Dock facing the Liffey, the new site is just a short walk from the city centre and a short stroll from the Abbey Theatreʼs current location on Abbey Street. If, as expected, the proposal

EVENING SUNLIGHT illuminates the 100 year old St. Patrickʼs Church in Ringsend. Jimmy Purdy writes about this historic building on page 22.

gets approval from Government, an international architectural competition will then be held to create a landmark building for the new Abbey Theatre. The Abbey, which has been front page news during the summer over the perilous state of its ﬁnances, has been looking for a new location for the last ﬁve years and indeed was hoping to have a new home in place for its centenary celebrations last year. The saga began, ironically enough, when the Dublin Docklands offered the Theatre a site in 2000 at Grand Canal Docks for free with an annual subsidy of €600,000 per year. The board of the Abbey approved the move and the theatre was all set to move

until the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern described the potential new location as a “disappointment” and a “serious mistake”. Following this announcement and a report from the then Minister for the Arts, Sile de Vilera, that the Abbey should remain in the city centre, the Grand Canal move was scrapped. A series of alternative sites were then considered, including the old Carlton cinema in OʼConnell Street, the home of the Department of Health in Hawkins Street and Colaiste Mhuire school in Parnell Street, which looked like going ahead until a deal for the purchase of a building next to the school fell through earlier this year.

Now it seems the drama of the Abbeyʼs new address has reached its ﬁnal act and providing some minor details are worked out with the DDDA, the Georgeʼs Dock site looks set to stage the new centenary of the national theatre. If it goes ahead, the Abbey development will mark a considerable coup for the Dockland Authority who have being trying to secure a major cultural institution in the area for some considerable time. The Chairman of the Docklands Authority Lar Bradshaw said he is “optimistic that the Abbey Theatre will accept the offer of land in Georgeʼs Quay and relocate to the Docklands.”

DESPITE THOSE wet-sack people who tell us August is the start of Autumn, we fully intend to soak up every available ray of sun until late September! Like these kids and their elders on Sandymount Greeen, enjoy the rest of the Summer!

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NewsFour Manager Ann Ingle Editor Brian Kelly Advertising Manager Grainne McGuinness Staff Rose Hogan Frances Corr Maggie Neary Patrick Duffy Denis Murphy Lisa Berigan Brian Rutherford

NEWSFOUR AUGUST 2005

SHELBOURNE PARK RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION LTD

The Editor’s Corner

THE EAGLE-EYED among you will notice Ann Ingleʼs name missing from the bottom of this piece. Our esteemed editor hasnʼt retired or run off to join the Foreign Legion. Instead, she has given me, humble scribe Brian Kelly, the task of editing the latest edition of NewsFour. I donʼt know what I have done to deserve the honour, but I am very grateful to Ann for letting me sit in her chair for the past few weeks. Itʼs been a lot of fun putting the paper together and I hope you enjoy our August issue. I think there is plenty inside to keep you informed and amused about recent

and not so recent events in our locality. Apologies by the way, to readers who have been trying to access our website (www.news4.ie) recently. It has been out of action for a few weeks but we are glad to report that the fault has been corrected. Normal services will be restored for our next edition with Ann back in the hot seat. In the meantime, we love hearing from you, so keep your letters, articles and comments coming in. Get in touch at 667 3317 or email newsfourscs@eircom.net. Brian Kelly

Swimming in Sportsco

We have a Swimming Session Every Sunday Morning from 11am to 1pm in Sportsco. Price: €25 per 3 Month Session or €5 for one Swim. Children under 3 years are FREE! This Swimming Session is open to any one who wants to join. It is not just confined to people living in the Sth.-Lotts-Rd. area. For further Info just call over any Sunday between 11am-&-1pm. Ask for Mary or Billy.

Contributors Derek Buckley James O’Doherty Shay Connolly Michael Hilliard Stephen Carter Jimmy Purdy Aidan O’Donoghue Music Correspondent Brian Kelly Web Designer Andrew Thorn Photography John Cheevers Design, Typesetting, Layout Eugene Carolan Community Services, 15 Fitzwilliam Street, Ringsend, Dublin 4. Telephone: (01)6673317 E-mail: newsfourscs@eircom.net Affiliated to Comhairle, South-East Area Network, (SEAN) Local History Research, Community Resource Service, NewsFour Newspaper, FÁS Community Employment Programme. Opinions expressed in News Four do not necessarily represent the views of Community Services.

T HE S ANDYMOUNT G REEN MILE ! Toner, Mary of 22 Bath Avenue Gardens, Sandymount, Dublin 4. Would any person have any knowledge of the whereabouts of the Title Deeds of the above mentioned property (unregistered)? If so, please contact Maurice E. Veale & Co., Solicitors of 6 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2. Telephone 01-676 4067, Fax 01-676 3436, e-mail: info@vealesolicitors.com

SANDYMOUNT HOME HELP SERVICE Do you have two to four hours free every week and would you like to earn some extra money? We pay you €13.01 per hour (gross) to visit and care for vulnerable elderly in the community For further information, phone Brenda Dempsey at 087- 9292119

Our address: NewsFour, 15 Fitzwilliam Street, Ringsend Phone: 6673317 • Email: newsfourscs@eircom.net Visit our website at: www.news4.ie

NEWSFOUR AUGUST 2005

PAGE 3

ANYONE FOR TENNIS IN SANDYMOUNT ?

ecent events in the Claremont Railway LTC included a Family Tournament on 12th June and a Mid-Summer Tournament on 21st June. This latter event was chosen to celebrate the refurbishment of the Clubʼs premises. The ﬁve grass courts have been brought to championship standard. Together with the installation of new ﬂoodlighting, sight-screens and hedges and an improved programme of sanding and sweeping it means the Club now has tennis-playing facilities on a par with the best in Dublin. A large and active junior membership will be supervised throughout the summer holidays by the Club Steward, Padraic Halpin, who will be present from 11am to 1 pm and from 2 to 5 pm, on weekdays from now until the end of August. Junior Tournaments, coaching, inter-club matches, fun-days and the annual Club picnic to Brittas Bay on Tuesday 16th August ensure that younger members are well looked after. Up-coming events include the Claremont Railway LTC Summer Championships, which will take place in August and the Club At-

Home (which is the social highlight of the year) will take place on Saturday 27th August. Coaching may be arranged on an individual or group basis with the Club coaches, Claire Kirwan, Joanne OʼReilly, and Tommy McKeogh. Thursday night American Tournaments in the summer season and ʻcoffee morningʼ tennis on Wednesdays are always popular. Facilities in the Pavilion include full bar licence, Sky Sports, largescreen television for big sporting events. Tennis members may join

other sporting sections of Railway Union at a reduced rate. Sports include: Rugby, Hockey, Cricket, Bowls, and Soccer. Membership is open and costs less than you might think. Enquiries regarding Membership to: Ms. Cariosa Kearns 2983364. Junior Membership: Ms. Joanne OʼReilly Email: dkeenahan@eircom.net Why not drop in and see whatʼs happening at Claremont Railway LTC, 1A St.Johnʼs Road, Sandymount, Dublin 4. Entrance also at Park Avenue, Sandymount.

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NEWSFOUR AUGUST 2005

The Letterbox Dear Madam Editor, I enjoyed the article in the June issue of ʻNews Fourʼ about the Assembly Picture Hall, it brought back memories of growing up in Irishtown in the 1930s. As far as I can remember the cinema had the name over the front entrance as the ʻCinema Houseʼ, however none of us ever gave it that title. I always called it The ʻShackʼ or The ʻAssemʼ. The owner Mr. OʼNeill was well known to us all, he employed a lady named Lucy, who I think was a relative. He also had a bouncer who we always referred to as ʻa chucker outʼ, by the name of Eric. When we got out of hand at the matinee, he would shine his ﬂash lamp at us and say “shut your face”. When work was scarce on the docks, (or as we would say the quay) and we couldnʼt have the price of the pictures, we would pick a bag of coal on the tip head at Irishtown and sell it for four pence. This would be the price for two matinees into The Regal and The Shack. We looked

forward to seeing the Serial (or as we called it the following upper). Most of them were cowboy serials, and we generally cheered the cowboys and booed the Indians. In conclusion, I enjoyed the article about the inter-league match at Dalymount Park by Denis Murphy in 1956. As a Shamrock Rovers fan, I was proud of the fact that we had seven players on the Irish side that evening, when we got the equaliser. I nearly lost my voice from cheering, I wonder are there many people alive today who had the pleasure of seeing that match. Once again, thanks for bringing back such great memories and wishing your paper every success for the future. Yours gratefully, Oliver Doyle Dear Editor I particularly liked the contribution by Rodney Devitt in NewsFour June 2005 entitled ʻMy Old Victorian Houseʼ. It was funny and charming at the

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same time. Best wishes to you and NewsFour. Stephen Carter Ballsbridge Dear Editor My son Sean is stationed in Tikrit, Iraq and I enclose a photograph (above) of him giving toys/clothes and school supplies to the children of Iraq. Sean is the grandson of John and Josie Byrne (nee Purcell) of OʼRahilly House Ringsend where I grew up. I would like to thank my sister Elaine McDonald of OʼRahilly House, the staff and parents of the Ringsend Community Centreʼs Daycare group for sending me clothes and toys for me to forward to Sean. It makes me very proud of my old hometown for helping the children of Iraq. I would also like to ﬁnd out how I can get on your mailing list. Thank you Sandra Morrison (nee Byrne) We have added your name to our mailing list, Sandra. Ed Dear Editor Having grown up in Sandymount, frequently looking across the strand at The Pidgeon House and The Poolbeg Lighthouse I feel it is time to correct an oft quoted error concerning the correct spelling of the name The Pidgeon House as I often see it misspelled in News Four and many other publications and indeed on road signs. During extension works to the South Bull Wall in 1760 the Dublin Port Board arranged for the construction of a ʻblock-

houseʼ at what was then the eastern extremity of the masonry wall. This building was located in the vicinity of what is today Pidgeon House Harbour and was demolished in 1835. At that time the cross channel ʻpacket shipsʼ anchored in the Liffey estuary adjacent to this eastern extremity. One of the Boardʼs employees a Mr. John Pidgeon was appointed as a watchman on these works and was allowed to reside along with his family in the ʻblockhouseʼ. Mr. John Pidgeon was permitted to sell refreshments to the arriving and departing ship passengers and because of his association with the building it became popularly known as ʻPidgeonʼs Houseʼ. Hence we have the origin of the names of The Pidgeon House, Pidgeon House Fort, Pidgeon House Harbour and Pidgeon House Road. Reference source: ʻHistory of The Port of Dublinʼ. (1988) Gilligan, H.A. Chapter 6, ʻJohn Pidgeonʼs House and Eighteenth Century Docklandʼ. So let us leave pigeon for the birds and for posterityʼs sake give due credit and recognition to the long departed Mr. John Pidgeon and duly ignore what MS Word spellchecker may have to say on the subject. Yours etc, David Grundy, Skerries, Co. Dublin. Dear Editor I have been contracted by the Dublin City Arts Focus Group to compile a Directory for all community arts groups in Dublin. It

is hoped that it will be published towards the end of the year. It was suggested to me that NewsFour might be a good starting point for gathering information in relation to the South East Area, as your readers may have information on community groups operating in the area and/or you might know of individuals to contact in order to obtain details for various active groups. The directory will include the larger arts groups in each area and umbrella groups for the arts but we really hope to focus on the voluntary community groups who might be more difﬁcult to discover and contact. I can be contacted by telephone on 2225054 or by email at carol.ingoldsby@dublincity.ie. I would appreciate any help you could offer. Kindest Regards Carol Ingoldsby

Guitar Lessons Professional Teacher Contact Tony at 087 9743775

NEWSFOUR AUGUST 2005

WALK ALONG THE G RAND C ANAL

By Brian Rutherford

PAGE 5

et me take you on a walk along the best part of Dublinʼs Grand Canal. There are no new bridges or constructions to take away from what Patrick Kavanagh wrote about in his great poem. From the river Liffey, you can walk up-stream for a good few kilometres before reaching the ominous Kilmainham Gaol. Most of the bridges were built in the 1700s, and the foliage and marine life that has gathered since then makes for a most atmospheric experience. On a Summerʼs day, as the sun shines down on the people of the canal, I stand and look from McQuay Bridge and think of where the canal ﬂows. It goes under MacMahon Bridge, through the Grand Canal docks and into the Liffey opposite the Point Theatre. I think of the blocks laid for buildings and bridges from centu-

ries before in this dockland setting, and realize what character is there. With this in mind, I turn and cross the locks of the McQuay Bridge, made of wood and steel and still in use today. There is a glorious array of lily pads covering the whole waterway, which looks like a scene from a Monet painting. I pass the new Schoolhouse Hotel and stroll up to Percy Place, before I reach my ﬁrst piece of historic sculpture, the crossed guns of the commemorative stone monument remembering the battle of Mount Street. Written in Irish on the front are the historic words, which you can read in English, if you squeeze around the back, ʻIn commemoration of the battle of Mount street bridge and in honour of the Irish Volunteers who gallantly gave their lives in this area in defence of the Irish Republic, Easter week 1916, remember their sacriﬁce and be true to their ideals, God rest the braveʼ. This stone is set on McKenny Bridge and every bridge on the

canal has two locks. From here we can see extensive reeds lining the sides of the waterway, casting a shadow over the canal visible through the waterʼs surface. I reach the Huband Bridge, built in 1791, marked by the Pepper Canister church and then walk up to Herbert Place where I see a metal

sculpture of a cart-horse and boy. There are pea-hens darting around the reeds here and their red bills pick at abundant vegetation. Ducklings curl up in the sun along the banks. Their mother wards me off as I stop and stare. What a perfect place to settle, I think as back gardens run right to the waterʼs edge. At Baggot Street, the MacCartney Bridge, built in 1791, leads to the Mespil Hotel and the famous iron sculpture of the great Patrick Kavanagh, who sits nonchalantly on a public bench. I stop and share a moment with Patrick and wonder if heʼd mind the litter along the route that I have noticed on this summerʼs day. As I sit I see the party barge ʻRiascʼ and its new wooden gangway. I walk up to Eustace Bridge, 1791 again, and up to Lesson Street Bridge with the two great metal pipes built by Ross and Walpole engineerʼs in 1907. Here the reeds get longer as I reach Charlemont place at Harcourt Street. I stop again to look at the house of the artist Sarah H. Purser who lived from 1848 to 1943, which is just across the road

from the Garda Station. The Luas now crosses over the canal and the Hilton Hotel Towers over the water path way. Ranelagh is just down the road and holds all the delights of a village with its old-world atmosphere. The weeping willows hide the swans and I carry on up Cheltenham Place to another landmark, the red Portobello Bridge at Rathmines. At this point I end my Grand Canal walk. The Canal continues on its journey past the Cathal Brugha military barracks to Emmet Bridge with Grifﬁth College on its banks to Dolphin Barn, the Herberton Bridge another Luas line, Lucan and then winds off through Irelandʼs landscape for 256 kilometres before joining the River Shannon. Enjoy the locks, old stones and sense of enchantment that is the Grand Canal.

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NEWSFOUR AUGUST 2005

Y OU

LEARN SOMETHING NEW EVERY DAY !

By Maggie Neary

ome of the customs and sayings we use today originated in the 16th century. Here are just some of the habits and aphorisms we picked up from our ancestors. In the 1500ʼs, most people got married in June, because they took their yearly bath in May and still smelled pretty good by June! However, they soon started to smell, so brides carried a bouquet of ﬂowers to hide the body odour. Hence the custom today of carrying a bouquet when getting married. Baths at the time consisted of a big tub ﬁlled with hot water. The man of the house had the privilege of the nice, clean water, then it was the rest of the menʼs turn, then the women, children, and last of all the babies. The water was so dirty now you could actually lose someone in it. Hence the say-

ing, ʻDonʼt throw the baby out with the bath waterʼ.

Houses had thatched roofs– thick straw– piled high, with

T ELL

no wood underneath. It was the only place for animals to get warm, so all the cats and other small animals (mice, bugs) lived in the roof. When it rained, it became slippery and sometimes the animals would slip and off the roof. Hence the saying ʻitʼs raining cats and dogsʼ. The floor was dirt. Only the wealthy had something other than dirt. Hence the saying ʻdirt poorʼ. The wealthy had slate floors that would get slippery in the winter when wet, so they spread thresh (straw) on the floor to help keep their footing. As the winter wore on, they added more thresh until when you opened the door it would all start slipping outside. A piece of wood was placed in the entrance. Hence the saying ʻthresh holdʼ. Sometimes people would obtain pork, which made them feel quite special. When visitors came over, they would hang up their bacon to show off. It was a sign of wealth that a man could ʻbring home the baconʼ. They would cut off a little to share with guests and would all sit around and ʻchew the fatʼ. Bread was divided according to status. Workers got the burnt bottom of the loaf, the family

got the middle, and guests got the top or ʻupper crustʼ. Lead cups were used to drink ale or whiskey. The combination would sometimes knock the drinkers out for a couple of days. Someone walking along the road would take them for dead and prepare them for burial. They were laid out on the kitchen table for a couple of days and the family would gather around and eat and drink and wait and see if they would wake up. Hence the custom of holding a ʻwakeʼ. In England at the time (16th century), local folks started running out of places to bury people. So they would dig up coffins and would take the bones to a ʻbone-houseʼ and reuse the grave. When reopening these coffins, one out of 25 coffins were found to have scratch marks on the inside. They realized they had been burying people alive. So they would tie a string on the wrist of the corpse, lead it through the coffin and up through the ground and tie it to a bell. Someone would have to sit out in the graveyard all night (the ʻgraveyard shiftʼ) to listen for the bell. Thus, someone could be ʻsaved by the bellʼ or was considered a ʻdead ringerʼ.

US A STORY …

Beach Road Tyre Services (Rear Kilroy College)

CAMBRIDGE ROAD, RINGSEND, DUBLIN 4 PHONE: 6683805

Computerised Wheel Balancing Fast Puncture Repair New & Remoulded Tyres Stocked

FREE FITTING ALL WORK DONE WHILE-U-WAIT Open 6 Days a Week • Phone 6683805

S t o r y t e l l e r S u s i e M i n t o h o s t ed a storytelling session and workshop on storym a k i n g f o r l o c a l c h i l d re n i n Ringsend Library. This was part of a programme o f c h i l d re n ʼs e v e n t s w i t h a n environmental theme, entitled ʻGreen Summer ʼ, a n d w a s o r g a n i s e d b y D u b l i n City Public Libraries and Waste Management S e r v i c e s D i v i s i o n , D u b l i n C i t y Council.

NEWSFOUR AUGUST 2005

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S EEING

LIFE FROM UPSIDE DOWN

SUMMER ON SANDYMOUNT GREEN

By Patrick Duffy

first came across Capoeira while doing aikido in France. “Most people define it as a mix of martial art, dance, singing and acrobatics. Itʼs a Brazilian way of expression, an art form and a way, if you want, of seeing life from upside down, a completely different view of the world,” says Daniella, a practioner from Italy. “Capoeira represents a streetfight, a martial art and a dance, the dance is the element that keeps everything together. It is all of these elements combined,” she says. Capoeira originated from the Dutch invasion of Brazil in1624, which caused chaos in the farms and sugar mills of the country. For the slaves, these invasions brought an opportunity for escape. Taking advantage of the nearby forests, they hid themselves and formed communities that would become known as Quilombos. When the Dutch were expelled from Brazil, the slave owners sent out armed expeditions to recapture the fugitives and destroy the Quilombos. Without weapons, the ex-slaves realised they would have to defend themselves with their hands (and feet!). They created a style

D OOLAN – T IME

of self-defence that would stand against weapons and ﬁrearms. In 1890 Capoeira was outlawed in Brazil. It remained outside of the law until 1928, when it achieved national recognition and became what it is today: a dance, a sport, a game and an artistic expression of freedom. Capoeira is played in a roda (circle) with the partners exchanging movements of attack and defence in a constant ﬂow. The Capoeiristas explore their strengths and weaknesses, confronting their lack of knowledge, fears and fatigue in an enjoyable, challenging and con-

FOR A REAL

inn Féin Dublin Spokesperson on the Environment, Councillor Daithí Doolan, speaking at the review of the regionʼs Waste Management Plan, has called, “for a new Waste Management Plan that does not simply promote incineration but actually tackles the waste crisis this city faces.” Cllr. Doolan said: “The review is vital if we are to change the direction of the waste management plan. As it currently stands, the plan is simply a proincineration document. Its cornerstone is to build a super size incinerator in Ringsend and then ensure that it burns our

stant process of self-improvement. Singing of traditional folklore and improvised songs with clapping, enhance the energetic atmosphere and enjoyment of the rodas. “I learned about Capoeira in Italy,” Daneilla says, “because I had a lot of friends in theatre and they were practising the drama skills of Capoeira. When I arrived in Ireland in 2000, I couldnʼt ﬁnd Capoeira but I met an Irish girl who was starting a class that night! To ﬁnd out more about Capoeira, visit www.candeiasdublin.com

Councillor Garry Keegan Phone: 6643548 • Mobile: 086 235 8913 Web: www.keegan2007.ie

W ASTE M ANAGEMENT P LAN

waste 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year right into the future. “An incinerator in Dublin will not become part of the solution but will in fact become part of the problem. The incinerator will only encourage us to produce more waste to keep its ﬂames burning and proﬁts rolling into the pockets of its private owner. “This is totally unsatisfactory. Nobody doubts that we face a waste crisis but simply building a burning machine will not help. What we need is a strategy that actually tackles the core issue of waste production. Sinn Féin has made a lengthy submission

to this review, in it we call for the adoption of a Zero Waste Strategy. This strategy is based on aiming to have zero waste within a given timeframe. This can be done by reducing the waste we produce as a society, reusing where appropriate and by investing in our ﬂedgling recycling industry and making it a viable, proﬁtable alternative to simply burning or burying our increasing waste.” In conclusion Cllr. Daithí Doolan claimed, “The review must not be seen as a white wash. To have any credibility, the review must move away from incineration and adopt a Zero Waste Strategy.”

New Constituency Office: 60 Upper Grand Canal Street, Dublin 4. (Above Washboard Launderette, opposite Slattery’s) Advice Centres St. Andrew’s, Pearse Street, Dublin 2 Tuesdays 7pm–8pm Community Centre, Ringsend, Dublin 4 Thursdays 7pm–8pm

If you want to contact me please do so on 6643548 or 086 235 8913

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NEWSFOUR AUGUST 2005

H ERE ’ S J OHNNY !

T HE

GREATEST EVER

By Denis Murphy

n 1913, author Edgar Rice Burroughs wrote a jungle novel about a lost boy who was adopted and raised by apes. In 1918, it was adapted for the silver screen, where Elmo Lincoln first portrayed the hero, Tarzan the jungle king. He was one of six actors to play the part in the silent era. From that original beginning, more than forty Tarzan films have been made up to the present time, with a total of eighteen actors portraying the ape man. When the talkies came along, a new Tarzan was required and the most memorable and enduring of them all was Johnny Weismuller. Johnny was born in Austria in 1904. When four years old, his family immigrated to the United States. They eventually settled in Chicago where his father was a coal miner up to the time of his death from tuberculosis. In 1922, Johnny was selected for the American swimming team and became the first man to break a minute for the 100 metres. He was timed at a phenomenonal 57.4 seconds, a new world record that would last for the next decade. At the Paris Olympics in 1924, he thrilled a packed swimming arena by win-

T ARZAN

ning three golds and a bronze with the water polo team. During the lull between events, he entertained the crowds with a comedy diving routine. Four years later at the Amsterdam Olympics of 1928 he won another two golds to add to his already impressive collection. While in training for the 1932 Games he was paid ﬁve hundred dollars to model some swimwear. One of the photographs was noticed by a Hollywood talent scout, who approached Johnny, asking him to test for the part of the next Tarzan. With the lure of big money and a possible chance of further fame, he quit the Olympic team and headed for the bright lights of Hollywood. By the end of that year he had made his debut in ʻTarzan the Ape Manʼ and was the ﬁrst to talk on screen in that role. In all, he played Tarzan twelve times, six with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer who teamed him with Maureen OʼSullivan as Jane. A further six were made with RKO studios and they paired him with Brenda Joyce as the heroine. By 1948 he was too old to swing from the vines and then starred in low budget ʻBʼ movies for Columbia as Jungle Jim. In 1959, during the Cuban revolution when Fidel Castro troops fought to overthrow the corrupt Batiste regime, Johnny was in the country to promote

The Yacht Thorncastle Street, Ringsend, 6680977

‘For a Quiet Pint in comfortable surroundings and a friendly atmosphere’

a golf tournament. While driving, his vehicle was stopped and surrounded by menacing armed Castro rebels. For a short time the situation looked perilous and ominous. Johnny got out of the car calmly and slowly, and then beat his chest several times, letting out a blood-curdling cry. The astonished guerillas dropped their

weapons and crowded around him shouting joyfully “Tarzan, Tarzan”, asking for his autograph. When he happily complied, they provided an armed escort to the tournament. Sadly, he never found much happiness in his personal life being married ﬁve times, each one costing him dearly in alimony. In the last few years of

his life, he was employed as an ofﬁcial greeter for Caesarʼs Palace in Las Vegas. Johnny died in 1984 in his 80th year. He will be remembered affectionately by many, as the greatest Tarzan of them all. Above: Johnny in the ʻjungleʼ with Maureen OʼSullivan as Jane.

N EW D OCKLANDS C HIEF E XECUTIVE THE NEW Chief Executive of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority is Mr Paul Maloney. Mr Maloney is currently Executive Manager, Central Area, of Dublin City Council. He replaces Mr Peter Coyne who announced his resignation last January. Mr Maloney is an experienced practitioner in Urban Planning and Regeneration with significant understanding of best practice in European and U.S cities. His skills lie in the implementation and delivery of strategies in the social, economic and enterprises spheres, which complement major physical development projects. Mr Lar Bradshaw, Chairman of the DDDA said, “We are delighted to confirm the appointment of Paul Maloney as the new Chief Executive. He has all the attributes we are looking for in terms of urban regeneration experience and throughout his career has demonstrated that he is a highly effective leader with vast experience in project implementation.” By Frances Corr

NEWSFOUR AUGUST 2005

PAGE 9

ertisement feature - Advertisement feature - Advertisement feature - Advertisement feature - Advertisement feature - Advertisement featu

DRAFT WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN THE DRAFT DUBLIN WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN 2005 -2010 WAS OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED ON 18TH APRIL 2005. The four Dublin local authorities viz. Dublin City Council along with Dun Laoghaire Rathdown, Fingal and South Dublin County Councils are working together to manage our waste. The Draft Plan 2005-2010 aims to achieve: 59% RECYCLING: Recycling Centres, Bring Banks, Green Bins and Brown Bins for householders and facilities to recycle commercial and construction and demolition waste. 25% INCINERATION: Thermal Treatment Plant (with energy recovery) at Poolbeg Peninsula proposed for waste that cannot be recycled. 16% LANDFILL: New Fingal landfill required to replace existing Baleally and Arthurstown facilities The closing date for receipt of written representations in relation to the Draft Plan was Thursday 30th June 2005. The submissions received, are now being examined. The issues raised will be considered prior to the adoption of the new Waste Management Plan, envisaged later this year. ertisement feature - Advertisement feature - Advertisement feature - Advertisement feature - Advertisement feature - Advertisement featu

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NEWSFOUR AUGUST 2005

The Irishtown Stadium By Rose Hogan

he Irishtown Stadium celebrated its first anniversary in June this year. Located on the site of the old Irishtown running track, the Stadium boasts world-class facilities, including a fully-equipped gymnasium, a large aerobics studio with timber sports floor, football pitch, five all weather flood-lit astro turf pitches, a full six-lane athletics track, meeting room and changing rooms with shower rooms and lockers. Secure parking is available onsite and full access to wheelchair users is provided. The Stadium is providing the people of the area with a wonderful opportunity to keep fit and healthy without the worry of handing out a hefty membership fee, as everything is on a pay-as you-go-basis. The gym has all the equipment necessary to keep in shape including the very latest in cardio-vascular machines, resist-

ance machines and free weights. Qualiﬁed staff are constantly on hand to help and advise on your ﬁtness issues. The aerobics studio is a very bright, airy room offering all kinds of classes including aero-

bics, step aerobics and pilates. It may all seem like hard work now but come September, when the children are back at school, these drop-in classes will be ideal for working off those extra pounds gained during the sum-

mer holidays. Teenagers in the area can beneﬁt from the Teen-Gym and circuit training which offers a set programme on Monday and Friday from 3-5pm. At 10am on Saturday morn-

ings younger children can avail of coaching for all levels with the Crusaders Athletic Club, one of Dublinʼs leading track and field clubs. Crusadersʼ aim is to provide all their athletes with the support necessary to enable them to achieve their potential whether they are participating to keep fit, for fun or chasing Olympic glory. The senior club is on Monday and Thursday evenings. Football pitches are available to hire. During peak times it is advisable to book in advance. Block booking will retain your slot for four weeks. The pitches can also be booked for birthday parties. Have your game out on the field and then party inside in the dining area and just supply your own food. The meeting room is also available for hire for local meetings. If you are interested in availing of the facilities or have any queries regarding the Stadium, contact manager Frank Sullivan or the assistant manager Michael Harvard on 01-6697211. They are only too happy to help anyone in the local community. Above: The Stadium during the recent Special Olynpics heats.

‘R ECOLLECTIONS O F T HE 1916 FIANNA FÁIL R ISING A ND I TS A FTERMATH ’ Reviewed by Lisa Berigan

Chris Andrews Working for our Community

If you have any concerns that you would like to raise with me, you can contact me on 087-2851515

he 1916 Rising was a deﬁning moment in Irish History. When the leaders of the 1916 Rebellion were executed, many young men and women of Ireland joined the rebels to ﬁght against British Rule. Those few men may not have succeeded on the day, but they created the momentum to change the course of our lives forever. We can only read about this time in history, but those who actually witnessed these events have amazing stories to tell and we can read and hear about them in ʻRecollections Of 1916 And Its Aftermathʼ written by Jane OʼHea OʼKeeffe and accompanied by a CD recorded by Maurice OʼKeeffe. The book has pictures of survivors and volunteers and short stories about their recollections of that time in Ireland. The CD contains interviews held with the people who witnessed the

war of independence. Although the participants are elderly, some over 100 years old, they recall their memories as if the Rising were just yesterday. The recordings on the CD are not very long and the book gives a brief description of the person talking, so itʼs easy to follow. The people of that time have great stories to tell about Michael Collins, the arrest of Roger Casement, ambushes they were involved in and the feared Black and Tans. Some of the people on this CD actu-

ally reported to Michael Collins himself and tell of the time when they fought with the rebels, sleeping in different barns every night to avoid capture from the British. You will also hear people singing old rebel songs. This is an extraordinary read of an extraordinary time in Irelandʼs history. Look out for ʻRecollections Of The 1916 Rising And Its Aftermathʼ in selected book shops. Above: Inside the GPO in Dublin, Easter, 1916.

NEWSFOUR AUGUST 2005

PAGE 11

E AST S PENDERS ! S HOPPING

f youʼre a shopaholic, culture vulture, architectural fanatic, or a serious foodie, then London is the place for you. Englandʼs capital is one destination that is extremely diverse, with lots to see and do, but also offers acres of unexplored areas for most visitors. So whatʼs new besides Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, Marble Arch and all the usual haunts? If youʼre prepared to take a walk on the wild side, you may be in for a pleasant surprise. In East London. Yes, I know its home to the Kray Twins and those dreadful inhabitants of Walford Square, but the East End is also one of the most fashionable and upcoming areas in London. To keep your strength up if youʼre going to do the sights, visit ʻPelliciʼsʼ, which is tucked away in Bethnal Green. This is not your average London caff. With celebrities like Robbie Williams, Liam Gallagher as well as its regulars dropping in, you never know what famous

L ONDON

face you may be sitting opposite. Ask to see the autograph book which gives you an idea of the clientele. Just awarded Grade Two listing by English Heritage for its Art Deco interior, its run by Nevio Jnr.ʼs family since 1900. Nevioʼs grandfather left his poor Tuscan village and arrived in London. He worked for the original owner who then decided to return to Italy. Nevio took over and set up ʻPelliciʼsʼ as an ice cream parlour. He died young, unfortunately, leaving his wife Elide to run the shop. Donʼt miss this friendly family-run little gem at 332 Bethnal Green Road. Tel: 0207 739 4873. After your fuel stop, have a wander down the old Spitafield market. Start with an Australian-run shop called ʻQueensʼ, owned by Gary Ashe and his sister who arrived from Sydney in 1995. This pink, lush, overthe-top shop is overflowing with kissing fish, pink poodles, flamingos, and glittered dragon-

flies with a gold chandelier in the middle. And for all you fairy lovers, this is the shop for you. Hanging from every crevice are fairy flowers, wind chime fairies, fairy bears in tutus and fairy costumes for little girls. After ʻQueensʼ and its fabulous fairies, why not wander round the ethnic stalls nearby. If youʼre looking for something special to wear, drop into ʻFrockbrokersʼ in Commercial St. This shop supports Londonbased independent designers. In operation for about eight years, it has a steady clientele which includes Kate Moss, Anna Friel, and Sienna Miller. Some designers have built up a reputation while others are just starting off. One of the best ways to learn about London is a walking tour. There are plenty to choose from, so youʼre sure to find one to appeal to you. Catch comedians Alan and Steveʼs tour of the back passages of Spitafields, who will enlighten you on everything from Christ Church– a magnificent English Baroque building, designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor and built for the weavers in the area– to Jack the Ripperʼs patch, where he is known to have butchered five prostitutes in the back passages of East London in 1888. If you prefer to remain in the present, the Clerkenwell Film Locations walking tour takes you around the city, showing you where films such as ʻBridget Jonesʼ, ʻCloserʼ, ʻShakespeare In Loveʼ, ʻFour Weddings and a Funeralʼ, ʻAbout a Boyʼ and ʻLove Actuallyʼ were made. Youʼll be amazed at how much of the city you cover in an immensely interesting fashion. Speaking of which, if youʼre a

dedicated follower of fashion, thereʼs the Fashion and Textile Museum. Cleverly designed by award winning Mexican designer, Ricardo Legoretta, this splitlevel building not only offers exhibitions but has continual events, education, and workshops programmes. If you decide to visit London soon, check out whatʼs on at www.visitlondon.com or drop into their ofﬁces in Dame St. for more information. Enjoy, me old chinas!

Thereʼs far more to London than familiar sights like Buckingham Palace. For instance, not far from Harrods are both the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Natural History Museum, below left. You can also visit a couple of houses (above) on Baker Street where the famous detective Sherlock Holmes never lived! On Trafalgar Square, the Church of Saint Martin has brass rubbing for children, which is very popular, and an inexpensive restaurant in the crypt!

Run for Enable Ireland Enable Ireland are looking for entrants for this year’s Corporate 5km Run, which will be take place on Thursday, 1st September in St. Anne’s Park, Raheny. We are asking companies, clubs and organisations to run and raise funds for Enable Ireland. We will have team and individual prizes on the night in all categories, as well as a spot prize draw for participants raising over €100 in sponsorship. Funds raised by the 5km Run will go directly towards Enable Ireland’s East Region in their work for children and young adults with physical disabilities If you would like to take part in this fundraising event or know others who may be interested, call the East Region Fundraising Ofﬁce on 012615917 or 01-2615921 or email eastfr@enableireland.ie.

PAGE 12

NEWSFOUR AUGUST 2005

L IVING L

THE DREAM

F ILM - MAKER S TEPHEN C RILLY

IGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! are words many of us dream of saying. Stephen Crilly from South Lotts, decided he was going to do more than daydream about making movies, so at the tender age of sixteen, he said goodbye to Marian College and hello to a future in film. Passionate about film from a very early age, Stephen would rent out 3 or 4 videos a night. But having left school, nothing happened for a year. Things changed when Stephen went on a film foundation course in Filmbase. Not only did he get insight into the world of film, he met other filmmakers and with Kevin De La Isla, set up a production company called I.C. Films. His aim was to get experience in films doing various roles. For the film ʻLucidʼ, Stephen cast Tom Maguire as the lead. This association was the start of collaboration which would last many years. They co-directed a short called

ʻIncabusʼ in September 2002. Returning from holiday in Mexico with Kevin, Steve was delighted to learn that the film was accepted by the Belfast Film Festival and the world famous Raindance Film Festival in America. Stephen also produced ʻThe Last Temptation of Hughie and Owenieʼ. Written by Tom Maguire, it tells the story of two old bachelors living together in the country. Shot on high definition video in Monaghan over four days in January everything that could go wrong went wrong! The equipment turned up late. The electricity went for a couple of hours. There was no heating in the cottage. With a perishing crew and cast, the last day of shooting took a manic eighteen hours. But that was not the end of it: post-production facilities were cancelled by Tomʼs friend in London. Thankfully, Jim Duggan of Screenscene stepped in and offered his services, saving the day and the film.

L OOK

The ﬁlm premiered at the Foyle Film Festival in 2004 as well as being shown on RTE. Spurred on by ambition, Steve then decided to go solo. He wrote a thriller called ʻCannon Fodderʼ and cast Sharon McCoy and Paul Gosper as the leads. He was delighted when two weeks later Sharon was nominated for the Irish Times Theatre Awards. The ﬁlm was shot over an intensive two and a half days using Stevensʼs grandmotherʼs house in Skibbereen, West Cork. ʻCannon Fodderʼ and ʻThe Last Temptation of Hughie and Owenieʼ were recently selected for the Los Angeles Short Film Festival. ʻCannon Fodderʼ was also one of seven selected for the Young Film-maker of the Year Award in the U.K and Ireland. He also conceived a couple of projects and documentaries with Dublin Corporation on the regeneration of the inner city with Paddy Mc Gauley, editor of ʻLinkʼ maga-

zine. His most recent work has been a video which was made to give information to the elderly on how to apply for housing. Sitting in the Westin Hotel recently, this young ﬁlm maker told me he sees himself primarily as a storyteller using ﬁlm as a canvas for his work. While Stephen is quick to point out that behind his success there has been a huge amount of preparation and work, his ability

to produce, direct, and oversee a project from beginning to end is a dream come true. He hopes to continue making more shorts and progress to feature films. Stephen is also interested in collaborating with other producers and film makers on various projects. For more information you can check out his website at www. illitiritfilms@eircom.net or contact him at 087- 1210473.

BETTER NAKED !

BY HELEN WALSH, INTERNATIONAL HEALTH AND FITNESS CONSULTANT

ow I bet that got your attention! Would you like some instant weight loss? We are always on the look-out for the next quick fix and fad. Well, here is a big weight loss secret to help you lose weight instantly. All you have to do is make a very clear decision– this is what you want, and this is the first and best start. A lot of people tuned into The Marian Finucane Show on RTE Radio, when they hired me to work with Maria Barry. She had given up smoking 16 months earlier and had put on two stone in weight. Maria had her sonʼs wedding coming up and wanted to lose weight and look well for the big day. We had just 6 weeks to get the work done. I put Maria on a walking and exercise programme (6 minutes per day at home) and a healthy eating plan and she lost one and a half stone in six weeks the safe way. Like any of my clients, Maria started her weight loss with a very clear decision that she no longer wanted to carry the extra weight around with her. If you are reading this and thinking “I wouldnʼt mind that myself”, then you first need to ask yourself: Why do

I want to lose weight? Why is it that I donʼt like carrying this weight? Is it that I canʼt buy and wear the clothes I want? Is it that I have no energy? It really doesnʼt have to be like that, you need to take back control of your body. We put rubbish food into our poor bodies and still expect it to fully function. We want all our organs: kidneys, liver, heart, lungs etc, not to mention the brain, to work perfectly yet we donʼt give it the proper fuel. We also go around most of the time in a state of pure dehydration. If you knew all the side-effects of dehydration, you would be drinking water like it is going out of fashion. Let me give you a quick tip for including water in your day. Turn it into a habit. Two small glasses before breakfast, two before lunch and two before your evening meal. You could not give your body a better gift this summer. After three days you will have more energy, your digestive system will be clearer and you may even have dropped a few pounds on the scales. And drinking a few extra cups of tea

will not do the job; neither will lemonade or carbonated water– all you need is plain tap water! If you are not a great water-drinker, then try this tip. Invest in a nice glass jug for your fridge. Chop a large orange or lemon into the water and store it in the fridge. It will give it a slight, subtle ﬂavour which will make it more enjoyable to drink. If you would like to set up your own Health Club with your friends at home and support each other in your weight loss or just get healthier, my page in ʻPrudenceʼ magazine available around August 23rd will get you started. The ʻNews Fourʼ Pre-Christmas Weight Loss Programme will be in the next edition of this paper. We are going to help you look your best this Christmas. We will organise a free motivational lecture and give you the guidelines you need to succeed! In the meantime, good luck with your new body! If you would like more recipes or information on consultations with Helen, visit www.helenwalsh.ie or if you have a problem with your weight you can mail Helen on energymanagement@eircom. net or call the ofﬁce on 260 5050.

You can still enrol for Ballsbridge College Students wishing to take a place on a Post Leaving Certiﬁcate course from next September onwards are welcome to call in to the college between 9am and 4pm over the summer months. Applicants should bring along with them the following: €30.00 deposit PPS number 1 passport photograph. Information on our courses is available on our website at www.ballsbridgecollege.com, or the college can be contacted directly for a course prospectus at 016684806 or e-mail us at info@ballsbridge. cdvec.ie

NEWSFOUR AUGUST 2005

PAGE 13

T HE P OET

IN THE

P ARK

won the Nobel Prize for literature in 1923. He died in 1939, a poet and playwright of world renown.

By Brian Rutherford

o for a stroll to Sandymount Green and you might see a bust mounted on a tall piece of concrete. To examine this reveals a legend of Irish literary: W.B Yeats, who was born at nearby 5 Sandymount Avenue. Yeats lived from 1865-1939. He was the greatest poet Ireland has produced and is the acknowledged leader of the Irish literary renaissance. Son of the painter, John Butler Yeats, William himself began life as an artist. He attended school in London and spent many a vacation in County Sligo, the inspiration for much of his poetry. Yeats became fascinated by Irish legends and by the occult. His first work ʻMosadaʼ in 1886 was mainly concerned with magic, whereas his long poem ʻThe Wanderings of Oisinʼ in 1889, voiced the intense nationalism of the Young Ireland movement. Yeatsʼs work can be divided into two periods, the first being 1886 to 1900, in which he was influenced by Shelley. This time was mostly concerned with Irish mythology when he wrote ʻFalling Of Leavesʼ, ʻWhen You Are

Gormley renews calls for investigation into Ringsend plant

Oldʼ and the legendary ʻLake Isle of Inisfreeʼ. It was during these years that he fell in love with the Irish patriot, Maud Gonne, who never returned Yeatsʼs affections. She repeatedly refused to marry him. The second period, in which he turned his back on transcendentalism, was more physical and real than his earlier work. Poems such as ʻThe Second Comingʼ, ʻThe Towerʼ and ʻSailing To Byzantiumʼ were indicative of this period. In 1917, Yeats married Bertha Georgina Hyde-Lees and his interest in the occult was encouraged by his wife. In this same year, he wrote the famous ʻWild Swans At Cooleʼ. Yeats became a respected member of the Irish Senate in 1922 and

The Lake Isle of Inisfree I will arise and go now and go to Inisfree And a small cabin build there of clay And wattles made Nine bean roes will I have there a Hive for the honey bee And live alone in the bee loud glade. And I shall have some peace there For peace comes dropping slow, Dropping from the veils of the morning To where the cricket sings Where midnightʼs all a glimmer and noon A purple glow And evening full of the linnets wings. I will arise and go now far always Night and day I hear lake water lapping with low sounds By the shore While I stand on the roadway or on the Pavements grey I hear it in the deep heartʼs core.

S TAR OF THE S EA B.N.S. WIN IN C ROKER

MONDAY 13TH JUNE was a high point for Star of the Sea Boys National School. For the first time since 1999 the ʻStarʼ qualified for a Croke Park final. The opponents, Scoil Olaf of Sandyford pushed the ʻStarʼ all the way and, indeed, at one stage looked certain to take the honours as they led three goals to one. However, the boys rallied and forced a draw after normal time, much to the joy of the many supporters in the Hogan Stand. Extra time saw the ʻStarʼ forge ahead for the first time to win by 4 goals and 2 points to 3 goals and one point, ensur-

ing a day that will live long in the memory of all involved in our school community, Comhgairdeas don fhoireann go leir. Pictured above are: Mr. Brian McDermott, Mr. Kevin Munnelly, Shane Berney, Anthony Byrne, Robert Lacey, Conor Saunders, Jordan Barnes, Michael Kilroy, Aidan Bolton, Ciaran Crowe, Seamus Keating, Jamie Toner, Matthew Groves, Kenneth Lyons, Tony Power, J.P. Pugh, David Stokes, Joseph Sadlier, Dylan Maher and Sean Mullen.

THE GREEN PARTY today called again on Dick Roche, Minister for the Environment, to carry out an investigation into the planning and operation of the Ringsend sewage treatment plant. Green Party Chairman and Dublin South East TD John Gormley said that the residents are experiencing very bad smells on an ongoing basis and that the problems at the plant continue. “In any other country those responsible for such a debacle would have resigned but here nobody is taking responsibility. The Taoiseach opened this new plant and now that serious problems have emerged it is time that a full investigation be carried out. “It seems that there is a fundamental problem in that the plant simply canʼt cope with the volume of sewage entering it. If such a basic error is conﬁrmed by an investigation then those responsible would have to resign. I am calling on Minister Roche again today to have the matter investigated as a matter of urgency. “In the meantime he should state what the plans are to deal with Dublinʼs increasing sewage load. It would appear that not only does the Ringsend plant have to be expanded but that a new plant will need to be built in another location,” concluded Deputy Gormley.

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PAGE 14

NEWSFOUR AUGUST 2005

T HE P EARSE S TREET P ALACE

By Dennis Murphy

s a small boy, the highlight of my week was a trip to the local cinema. The building was lit-

tle more than a block from the flats where I grew up. Here, every Saturday afternoon a matinee affectionately called ʻThe Threepenny Rushʼ took place. It wasnʼt a situation to be

in if you were faint-hearted, with lots of pushing and jostling for places. Among about two hundred urchin boys and girls, we would wait patiently for the doors to open. No sooner did they do so, than

the rush would commence for the ticket office. Eddie the Usher, tried his best to keep us in line but it was a battle, he fought in vain. With entry gained, the scramble began down the slanted floor to the wooden seats on the right, which were known to one and all as ʻthe woodenersʼ. They were slippery and shiny and very difficult to sit still in. You normally had to brace your feet on the seat in front to remain comfortable. The building opened its doors for the first time in the 1850s and was called ʻThe Ancient Concert Roomsʼ. It closed its doors in 1885 and for almost a decade it became a gasworks. This company later amalgamated with the Dublin Gas Company and moved lock, stock and barrel to their new quarters in Macken/Pearse Street. In 1904, John McCormack, years later the world-renowned Irish tenor, topped the bill here in a benefit concert for a friend to help him out of the many debts he was continually in. The poor friend who sang that night was James Joyce. Rumour had it that McCormack paid for Joyceʼs entrance fee the following year. Joyce had a light tenor voice that many found pleasing and those in the know predicted that he would walk away with the gold medal of 1904. He sailed effortlessly through the heats and the gold medal was within his grasp. The Italian judge was so impressed with him that he requested an encore. The judgeʼs favourite musical piece was then handed to the bemused singer. Joyce could sight read music easily but he was very vain and did not wear his glasses that day. The composition was too difficult to read. Had they told him what the composition was he would have had no difficulty singing the piece. Joyce instead handed the music sheet back to a bemused judge and then walked calmly from the stage. A special bronze medal was then presented to him. According

to Oliver St. John Gogarty in his memoirs, Joyce threw the medal into the Liffey one night crossing the Haʼpenny Bridge, as they were returning home from ʻMontoʼ. Before he threw it away he muttered: “Sure you wouldnʼt get two bob for that in a pawn shop”. Critics of the day were not too kind on Joyceʼs performance after the concert. In a conversation with McCormack, the famous singer consoled him. “Which would you rather be, the poor manʼs John McCormack or the first James Joyce? Do what you do best lad, write”. An afternoon matinee at the Palace consisted of a ʻBʼ picture, sometimes a gangster film starring James Cagney, Humphrey Bogart of Edward G. Robinson. These were among some of our favourites. There might be a cowbow flick with the likes of Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, Randolph Scott or Hopalong Cassidy. My own particular favourite movies were anything with Errol Flynn. His swashbuckling has never been equaled, even to this day. Moviemakers may use special effects to make their films seem more gritty and realistic, yet they bear little comparison to those I enjoyed as a boy. The Palace was on the thoroughfare once named Brunswick and now called Pearse Street. The building was left derelict for many years. It is now undergoing remedial surgery and what will eventually emerge is a little less certain until the present scaffolding is removed. The Palace changed its name a few times down through the years: Ancient Concert Rooms, Forum, Embassy and most recently the Academy but it will always be the Palace to those who still lovingly remember it. Somewhere within its tumbling walls the sound of childish laughter, cries of ʻlook behind youʼ and sentimental tears must still resonate. For those young at heart who may fondly recall the rare old Palace, it will not be forgotten, at least, never in my lifetime.

NEWSFOUR AUGUST 2005

PAGE 15

ENABLE IRELAND’S ACTION WEEK ON DISABILITY

Bad ideas we’ve adopted from America Number One THE BASEBALL CAP

Football and GAA Legends make a Splash for: Let the Games Begin! Brian Kerr, Manager of the Irish football team and Mícheál OʼMuircheartaigh, the renowned voice of the GAA, came together yesterday on 3rd August at Enable Irelandʼs Sandymount pool, to launch the charityʼs 2005 Action Week on Disability. Action Week runs from 19th-25th September countrywide. Joining Brian and Mícheál were service users Grace Stynes (4), and Brendan OʼGrady, a member of the Irish Parolympic soccer team. Grace and Brendan star in the Action Week poster campaign, which shows people with and without disabilities joining together through sport and recreation. “We are delighted to support Enable Irelandʼs Action Week on Disability.” said Brian Kerr. “Everyone in society should have the opportunity to participate in sport and recreation activities and have

fun.” Mícheál OʼMuircheartaigh agrees. “Sport has an important role in bringing the community together. Itʼs a chance for people from all parts of Irish society to mix and have a good time.” Including people with disabilities in sport and recreation is the focus of Action Week on Disability. Enable Ireland invites people to get involved in fundraising events across the country. Volunteers can organise a sporting challenge or fundraising event, or purchase button badges, which will be on sale during Action Week on Disability for just €2 via 14 Enable Ireland service locations and 19 charity shops nationwide. To get active, organise a fundraiser or donate, call save 1850 204 304. Shown above are: Sabrina Stynes, Caitlin Hazell, Brendan OʼGrady, Grace Stynes (4), Mícheál OʼMuircheartaigh and Brian Kerr, launch Action Week on Disability at the Enable Ireland swimming pool.

LACEY ELECTED FIRST-EVER LABOUR CATHAOIRLEACH OF DUBLIN REGIONAL AUTHORITY FORMER LORD Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Dermot Lacey was recently elected the first-everLabour Party Cathaoirleach of the Dublin Regional Authority. Speaking after his election Councillor Lacey said he was delighted to be elected to the post. He wanted the Authority to “campaign for real reform of our antiquated system of Local Government including the direct election of a Lord Mayor for the entire Dublin Region. The people of Dublin have been badly let down by Government in terms of finance, structures and resources and it is long past time that Dublin began to exert itself. It is time quite simply to stand up for Dublin. I hope during my term of office to be an advocate for Dublin and to challenge all public bodies to deliver a better deal for our county”. The Dublin Regional Authority is comprised of 29 members drawn from the Dublin City Council and the Dun LaoghaireRathdown, Fingal and South Dublin County Councils. Councillor Dermot Lacey has served on Dublin City Council since 1993 and represents the Pembroke area of Dublin South East.

THEREʼS AN old joke people used to make when the Square Shopping Centre first opened for business in the early 90ʼs. The Pope was called in to cut the ribbon and declared to the masses watching “I now officially open these Olympics games”. One of the local Bishops went over and had a quiet word in his ear, saying “Your Holiness, youʼre opening a shopping centre, not the Olympics.” The Pope replied “Why is everyone wearing tracksuits then?” The Pontiff had a point of course. Too many of us today are content to walk around like off-duty athletes: trainers, tracksuits and topped off with the ubiquitous Baseball cap. Since when did sportswear become acceptable as fashion wear? Itʼs inexplicable how baseball caps became so popular in Ireland. For one thing, the game is rarely seen in this country. The cap was also designed to protect playerʼs eyes from the glare of the sun– again something not seen in this country. Itʼs difficult to point the finger at anyone in particular for the appearance of this wretched cloth, but if I had to blame someone it would be ITV. Their decision to show ʻThe A-Teamʼ in the early 1980ʼs was to have an enormous detrimental effect on impressionable youth in this country. Before that show we were quite content to wear a wide variety of headgear. Monkey hats, berets, bobble hats, hip young men in trilbys; it was laissez- faire for hair. I even remember wearing a Bus Conductor cap for a period! The entire cast of The A-team seemed to wear the dreaded Baseball cap and before you could say “I pity the fool”, the country was shaking the dandruff out of its collective cap. Nowadays, Baseball caps are everywhere, worn by everyone. The Lord is our Shepherd I know, but do we all have to be sheep. I say bin the cap and go buy yourself a nice Boater or Fedora or something with perhaps with straw or flowers for the ladies. Then we can all emerge into a bright new tomorrow, where gentlemen will stroll amiably along thoroughfares chin up, chest out, cane in hand. If any fair maiden should pass us by, we would immediately doff our caps and bid them good morn. Aah! We can but dream. By Brian Kelly

think yoga … Summerʼs nearly over, but itʼs not too late to put a spring in your step! Stretch out with a yoga class to undo the damage of sitting at a desk or in a car all day. Improve your posture, ﬂexibility and health, while relaxing your mind. To book, or just to ask questions, contact Jan on 086 839 5732 or janduffy@eircom.net. Certiﬁed instructor with Yoga Therapy Ireland. Specialising in private lessons for individuals, families and companies. Classes can be tailored to suit absolute beginners, pregnant mothers and people with injuries and/or disabilities. Based in Sandymount, serving all of Dublin.

PAGE 16

NEWSFOUR AUGUST 2005

Film Scene •••By Michael Hilliard ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ Charlie Bucket (Freddie Highmore) comes from a povertystricken family, living in a crooked house with three generations of other Buckets, including Grandpa Joe (David Kelly). Charlie dreams of winning one of five golden tickets to visit Wonkaʼs chocolate factory. A lucky chain of events unfolds which sees Charlie and Joe visiting the revered factory for a day they will never forget. This is not a remake of the 1971 Gene Wilder movie. This is both a better movie and a better adaptation of the source material. Tim Burtonʼs films are always interesting. The man who brought us ʻEdward Scissorhandsʼ, ʻBatmanʼ, and ʻBeetle Juiceʼ, has once again been inspired by a reclusive misfit, Mr. Willy Wonka. ʻCharlie and the Chocolate Factoryʼ marks his fourth collaboration with Johnny Depp. Theyʼre obviously on the same page artistically, which explains how Bur-

ton seems to coax great performances from him. Deppʼs Wonka is a jarring creation. At once creepy and innocent, comparisons to a certain pale-skinned ʻKing of Popʼ are hardly uninvited. Production designer Alex McDowell has a ﬁeld day catering to Burtonʼs outlandish vision for the world in which the story unfolds. The chocolate factory itself represents an explosion of imagination, while special mention must go to the chocolate-built palace, the new and improved Oompa Loopas, and Danny Elfmanʼs wonderful melding of his own score and music with Dahlʼs written word. Funny, wildly inventive, and catering for both adults and children on numerous levels, ʻCharlie and the Chocolate Factoryʼ is highly recommended viewing. 4 out of 5

‘Fantastic Four’ The current trend for superhero movies continues apace with ʻFantastic Fourʼ. The latest effort from Marvel Enterprises is the

story of four astronauts whose DNA is fundamentally altered during a freak accident in space, giving them superhuman powers. Reed Richards, played by Ioan Gruffudd (ʻKing Arthurʼ), is an inventor and leader of the group. He gains the ability to stretch his body like elastic, and goes by the alias, Mr. Fantastic. His ex-girlfriend, Susan Storm (Jessica Alba) gains the power of invisibility, hence the moniker, The Invisible Woman. Her younger brother Johnny Storm (Chris Evans, ʻCellularʼ) gains the ability to manipulate fire, (including engulfing his own body with flame), becoming The Human Torch. Ben Grimm is transformed into a super-strong rock creature, gaining the nickname ʻThe Thingʼ (Michael Chiklis, ʻThe Shieldʼ). A fifth member of the space mission, billionaire industrialist and mission financier Victor Von Doom, is also mysteriously affected by the cosmic blast, and holds Reed Richards directly responsible for the failure of the mission and subsequent liquidation of his company. The result is certainly a mixed bag, but not the disaster many were anticipating. ʻFantastic Fourʼ is a single layer familyfriendly popcorn movie. What you see is what you get with this movie and in a way itʼs a refreshing change. No doubt, the comic fans were upset that their heroes werenʼt going to get a ʻseriousʼ big screen treatment, but the movie actually benefits from not taking itself too seriously. It is the antithesis of the brilliantly dark and minimalist ʻBatman Beginsʼ, but only because the material requires it to be. Performances by Chiklis and Evans are the notable standouts, with adequate, if slightly mundane, turns from Alba and Gruffudd. Julian McMahon (Dr. Troy from TVʼs ʻNip/Tuckʼ) comes off worst, given nothing interesting to do with a stereotypical comic book villain. The main draw here, though, is the special effects work. Mostly excellent, with the obvious exception of Mr. Fantasticʼs stretching effect, Fantastic Four is a pleasure to look at. 3 out of 5

FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION ʻWAR OF THE WORLDSʼ Steven Spielbergʼs take on H.G Wellsʼs novel, is a movie of two distinct halves. Firstly, a fast-paced action movie, secondly a slow-burn exercise in basement-based tension. Both work brilliantly and WOW is big-budget disaster movie greatness. Tom Cruise plays Ray Ferrier, a blue-collar (!) dock worker, trying to outrun and outwit alien invaders in a bid to save his life and the lives of his two kids. 4 out of 5 ʻTHE DESCENTʼ Afraid of the dark? You will be. Director Neil Marshall (ʻDog Soldiersʼ) delivers a truly frightening and claustrophobic British horror movie about an all-female caving expedition that goes horrifically wrong. This is low budget, inventive filmmaking at its best, and truly one of the scariest movies in a long, long time. 4 out of 5

ʻTHE WEDDING CRASHERSʼ With a tagline like ʻHide your Bridesmaidsʼ, you know exactly what your getting with the latest team up of two ʻfrat-packʼ stars Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn. Playing a pair of committed womanisers crashing weddings to take advantage of any women they can, ʻThe Wedding Crashersʼ is ultimately, occasionally funny, run of the mill stuff. 2.5 out of 5

Movie News * Brett Ratner (ʻRed Dragonʼ) is directing the third X-Men movie, recently shooting scenes at Alcatraz. The movie is due in May 2006. * Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, and Keira Knightley are reprising their roles in not one, but two ʻPirates of the Caribbeanʼ sequels, shooting back-to-back, for release in summer 2006 and summer 2007. * Steven Spielberg has announced plans for a ʻTransformersʼ movie franchise. He wants Michael Bay to direct the ﬁrst movie about transforming robots/ vehicles based on a popular toy line/cartoon show from the eighties.

NEWSFOUR AUGUST 2005

PAGE 17

T RIUMPH By Francis Corr

he winner of the 2005 Galway Film Fleadh (Festival) for Best Feature was ʻPavee Lackeenʼ, directed by photographer Perry Ogden, who co-wrote the story with Mark Venner. ʻPavee Lackenʼ is subtitled ʻThe Traveller Girlʼ, and defies classification– a blend of fictional and documentary drama, in parts very sad and also extremely funny. The film is set in the inner city, and was shot on location in Ringsend and Sandymount. The main actors are a local family from Ringsend, the Maughans and features Rosie and Winnie and their mother, also called Rosie. The Harbour Hotel, which was the headquarters for the Galway Fleadh was full of well-known directors, actors and producers, but the focus of attention for the filmʼs premiere was Winnie, aged 12 and her 14 year old sister Rosie. The girls captivated the audience with their natural acting talents and their poignant portrayal of the life of

FOR TRAVELLER FILM

the travelling community. Perry Ogden and the Irish Film Board financed the film. The cast included some professional actors such as Michael Collins, who acted in Glenroe, but the real stars of the film are the Maughans. ʻPavee Lackenʼ follows Winnie through her daily life, from being reprimanded at the traveller school for fighting, because the other children were calling her names and jeering her family. Her mother has a fight on her hands too– with the local authorities to have her children educated locally, in what she described as a settled school. Rosie feels her children will receive a better education and get homework to do in the local schools. There is one hilarious scene when Rosie and Winnie spend ages getting ready for a night out, as all teenagers do. Their nightʼs excitement consists of sitting on the traffic barrier of the roundabout eating chips supplied by the local vendor, Deke who runs a shop for truckers at the side of the road. There are scenes where the girls get into trouble for petty theft and a hor-

rific scene where Winnie is sniffing petrol with other children. It is easy to forget the girls are actresses– they were at pains to point out to me later, that the substance they were sniffing

was in fact, Lucozade! There is another scenario that is extremely funny and yet sad, where the two girls are searching for suitable clothes from the recycling bank

Sinn Féin– Working for homes, jobs and a better environment for all

in Sandymount Bring Centre. Later in the film, we witness Winnie roaming around the city looking in shops, dreaming of wedding gowns. She receives a warm welcome from the immigrants of various nationalities, who operate their own shops– they do not treat her with prejudice, she is just another valued customer. Rosie, the mother who gave birth to ten children spends her day avoiding eviction from the side of the road, and makes it very clear to the City Council, the family wish to be housed in the area and live in a settled community. ʻPavee Lackenʼ has been selected as one of six films to be screened in the prestigious Discovery section of the Toronto International Film Festival, which will take place in September. The film is not patronising in any way and indeed challenges stereotypical images of Travellers in present-day Ireland. This is an excellent film, and the two girls show a very natural acting ability. Look out for ʻPavee Lackeenʼ in the cinema over the coming weeks.

PAGE 18

NEWSFOUR AUGUST 2005

T HE

I MMORTAL L IBERATOR By James OʼDoherty

ou may have noticed that the OʼConnell Monument in Dublinʼs main thoroughfare has undergone a major facelift. This monument was unveiled by the Right Honourable Charles Dawson MP Lord Mayor of Dublin on 15th August 1882. The foundation stone was laid on Monday August 8th 1864 with an imposing ceremony by The Right Honourable Lord Mayor of Dublin, Peter Paul McSwiney. The procession which preceded the ceremony was said to be one of the most splendid sights ever witnessed in Dublin. It took three hours to pass. It started from St. Stephenʼs Green

and along its route the streets were populated with throngs of people. The procession reached Sackville Street (now OʼConnell Street) and at 3.30pm, the Lord Mayor arrived, accompanied by the then-Archbishops of Cashel, Limerick, Cork, Dublin etc. and Sir John Grey and other distinguished Irishmen. Sir John Grey made an eloquent address to the Lord Mayor on behalf of the OʼConnell monument committee and requested him as the ﬁrst citizen of Dublin to lay the foundation stone on behalf of the people of Ireland. He then handed the Lord Mayor a trowel of beautiful workmanship composed of solid silver and bearing the following inscription: ʻPresented by the OʼConnell National Monument to the Right Honourable Peter

Paul McSwiney, Lord Mayor of Dublin on the occasion of the laying of the ﬁrst stone of the monument on August 8th 1864ʼ. The foundation stone formed a large square block of granite weighing two tonne. The Lord Mayor, assisted by Sir John Grey, completed the laying of the stone. It would be 18 more years before the actual statue was in place and I am sure you will agree that as a work of art it stands unrivalled, full of power and grace. On a personal note, when I look at this great monument, I cannot but think of the unobtrusive forerunner of the great liberator John Keogh, whom history has at times forgotten. When OʼConnell came on the scene, the Catholics had been freed from the tyranny of the penal laws but the great John Keogh fought for their rights against overwhelming odds. John was born in 1740 and died at Mount Jerome in 1817. He is buried in St Kevinʼs Park (Formerly St Kevinʼs Church and graveyard Camden Row) where his grave is still preserved.

NEWSFOUR AUGUST 2005

PAGE 19

T HERE ’ S

By Stephen Carter

ONE BORN EVERY MINUTE

n Saturday afternoon, Mary Contrary brought back a pair of shoes she was not pleased with. Mary had gone late-night window-shopping the previous Thursday. Pay day was not until next week and she had not really intended to enter the store itself but the very nice older man standing out the front, a certain shop assistant by the name of Mr. Sean Fawn, had enticed her in and before she knew it she was walking out with a brand new pair of shoes which she could only wear on special occasions because they were bright red. “Hello again Mary. It is Mary isnʼt it?” said Mr. Fawn jumping up from tending to a customer to greet Mary as she walked slowly into the Easy Shoe Store. “Take your time trying those on dear,” he said with a bright smile to the elderly lady seated on the cushions surrounded by three to four pairs of slippers and sundry cartons. “Iʼm not letting you leave until we ﬁnd the perfect ones for you”. “Come to buy another pair of those gorgeous shoes have you Mary?” he said without taking a breath. “I told you that black

R UN

suited you as well as red and it was better to buy two pairs rather than one didnʼt I?” he continued

FOR

with his smile opening wide to show gleaming white teeth and she noticed his bushy grey eyebrows rising simultaneously which gave him a kind of knowing, fatherly look. “You didnʼt have to bring them back in to show me you know,” he said softly as he took her arm with the shoe box in it and ever so gently directed her towards a red velvet faux Louis Quinze arm-chair facing the large wall mirror. “I would remember you anywhere, anytime. You have the perfect ballerinaʼs foot my dear, as Iʼm sure youʼve been told many times

E NABLE I RELAND

ENABLE IRELAND are looking for entrants for this yearʼs Corporate 5km Run, which will be take place on Thursday, 1st September in St. Anneʼs Park, Raheny. We are asking companies, clubs and organisations to run and raise funds for Enable Ireland. We will have team and individual prizes on the night in all categories, as well as a spot prize draw for participants raising over €100 in spon-

sorship. Funds raised by the 5km Run will go directly towards Enable Irelandʼs East Region in their work for children and young adults with physical disabilities If you would like to take part in this fundraising event or know others who may be interested, call the East Region Fundraising Ofﬁce on 01-2615917 or 01-2615921 or email: eastfr@enableireland.ie

before. Iʼve seldom seen an ankle as slim and delicate as yours in this town Mary. Dame Margot Fonteyn would have died to have ankles like yours, Iʼm sure,” he said with a deep chuckle. “Stop it Mr. Fawn, I came here to give them back as I canʼt get the wear out of them. Steep price. I was silly to let you talk me into taking them”. Little bigger than a jockey with a face like one of the little people, he looked up his nose at her again, which was a long way indeed and with eyebrows pumping like a frog on a hot plate, he said, “Just you sit here and relax Mary, while I show you the perfect colour for your needs,” and he sat her down in the armchair. Mary felt his elﬁn presence sweep around her and there he was down on both knees with a ﬂourish, like a magician pulling a rabbit our of a hat. “Here are the black ones Mary, the styleʼs called Business Black, just slip

this left one on ﬁrst because I think you have a slightly higher arch in the left donʼt you, yes, of course.” “Business Black is so elegant on you. Youʼll be the envy of your work mates, wonʼt you?” touching her arm again lightly. “Identical pairs Mary. Business Black and Wicked Red. One for work and one for play. Work hard, play hard, thatʼs what I always say, eh?” “You do go on, donʼt you Mr.Fawn. If you donʼt stop youʼll make me giggle again.” “Ah well Mary, they donʼt call me Sean the Faun the Leprechaun for nothing! But seriously Mary, these black shoes compliment the red ones so well and you wouldnʼt get that price anywhere else on the High Street. Really, you canʼt afford not to.” Mary relaxed back into the arm-chair, reached for her hand bag to admire her shoes, looked again at Mr. Fawn and said, “Do you take Visa?”

I RISH C YCLING C AMPAIGN CRITICISES ENFORCEMENT THE IRISH CYCLING Campaign (ICC) has called on the National Safety Council (NSC) to list non-enforcement of trafﬁc laws as the number one killer on our Irish Roads. David Maher, PRO of the ICC explained “If we want to reduce the slaughter on our roads it is time the NSC faced up to the reality that the key problem is our dismal levels of law enforcement. Are the gardai really surprised that a policy of ʻnear zero enforcementʼ has led to a pandemic of lawlessness on our roads ? In all the key areas, our enforcement levels are way below international best practice. In Sweden a motorist will pass a speed check on 1 in every 6 trips made, in Ireland the ﬁgure is closer to 1 in 4000.” Maher continued: “For those addicted to speeding, illegal parking and drink driving, Ireland is simply heaven. So low is the chance of being caught, that compliance to the law is an optional extra. Coming from a dismally low level of enforcement, the introduction of penalty points was used as a further opportunity to slash enforcement levels with speeding tickets issued dropping from 350,000 a year to 100,000. The focus seems to be saving on paperwork rather than saving lives”. Just what a joke the slogan ʻGet the point, not the pointsʼ is, can be gauged by the fact, that over the past 3 years, 4 times as many people have won the national lottery as have been banned under the penalty points systems. The statistics on the lack on enforcement are stark: * Speeding: Despite 99% speeding in 50 kph zones a motorist can expect a ticket every 28 years. * Drink Driving: 2003 saw 15,000 breath tests– a motorist can expect to be breathalyzed every 140 years.

PAGE 20

NEWSFOUR AUGUST 2005

WINDMILL

WHEN I was fourteen (about 1983), myself and a friend, who was a big U2 fan decided to walk downtown to have a look at the famous Windmill Lane Studios. When we arrived, we saw a wall covered in U2 messages and grafﬁti from all over the world. We could also hear the song ʻPromenadeʼ from ʻThe Unforgettable Fireʼ album actually being played by the band inside!

OF MY MIND

After listening for a while, we made our way out, but just as we did, a ﬁgure appeared from the studio. Lo and behold it was Larry Mullen Jnr, who strolled over and gave us autographs. “Howʼs the new album going”? We managed to ask before he disappeared inside. That was an unforgettable day for me and my mate. By Brian Rutherford

Clyne Bros NO GAS-FLUSHED MEAT NO SUPERMARKET-STYLE BAGGED MEAT OUR CARCASE BEEF IS DRY-AGED FOR 14 DAYS FRESH VEG DAILY FRESH FROZEN FISH NEW AND EXCITING MEALS FOR SUMMERTIME SEE IN STORE FOR SPECIAL OFFERS 12 Fitzwilliam Street, Ringsend • Phone: 6680456 - 6602091

NEWSFOUR AUGUST 2005

PAGE 21

T HAILAND AFTER THE

By Brian Kelly

hailand was just one of the many countries affected by the tsunami last December and I, like almost everybody else in the country contributed to the disaster appeals. Nine months on and what the country needs now is people. Tourism is Thailandʼs biggest industry. Millions of people depend on visitors for their livelihoods. If holidaymakers stay away from its hotels, an economic disaster could soon follow. So, for a good cause and some good weather, I decided to visit ʻthe land of a thousand smilesʼ earlier this year. After a couple of days sightseeing in Bangkok, girlfriend and I booked a ﬂight to the island of Phuket, one of the countryʼs most popular tourist destinations and also one of the places struck by the tsunami.

We stayed in an area of Phuket called Patong, which could be described as the ʻTramore of Thailandʼ. During high season, the place would be expected to be thronged with revellers, attracted here by the combination of sun, sea and salacious nightlife. We arrived in the low season however, so tourists were in short supply. Much of the damage caused by the tsunami has been repaired in Patong, but we didnʼt have to travel far to see the legacy of last Decem-

T SUNAMI

ber. On nearby Kamala, one of the prettiest beaches in Phuket, disaster struck during the middle of the night destroying all the dwellings in front of the beach. Property and lives were literally washed away under 5 metre high waves. When sunrise came, 2,000 people were dead or missing. There was nothing left of Kamala. It felt a little strange to sunbathe in the shadow of such a tragedy, but what the Thais need more than anything now is some sense of normality to return. The next day was our last in Phuket so we decided on a day trip to nearby Khai Island. Thailand has dozens of such isles spread along its long, narrow coastline. Many of them are spectacular locations with limestone crags looming over the island like giant sea sculptures. People flock to these offshore havens to swim and snorkel amidst warm, emerald-coloured waters teaming with brightly coloured fish and snow-white coral. Moviemakers are also drawn to these parts. Thereʼs an island called James Bond for obvious reasons. We also visited an island where Leonardo Di Caproʼs ʻThe Beachʼ was filmed. On Khai Island itself, we were offered sliced pan to feed the banana fish. The yellow-coloured creatures swim around in their hundreds in knee-deep waters, waiting for you to feed them their daily bread. Feeding the ducks in St. Stephenʼs Green will never be the same again! From Phuket, we moved back to the mainland and the coastal resort of Krabi. As this was the rainy season, we were able to stay in a luxury bungalow, set in a tropical garden with a swimming pool at our doorstep for roughly €60 a night between us. We had eight days to stay in Krabi and it was a real joy to slowly discover a place, which was low-key, charming and very relaxing. On one particular day trip, we

went kayaking to a mangrove swamp. A tribe of Machau monkeys dangled from the trees and then proceeded to swim across the water, jump up on our kayaks and take chunks of pineapple from our outstretched hands. It was a magical moment and one of several joyous encounters we had with monkeys in Thailand. We ran into our little pineappleloving primates a couple of days later when we visited Phra Nang beach, a ten-minute boat journey away. The monkeys were fed by traders, who served fruit and other food to tourists on the beach. The scenery and the setting in Phra Nang was so beautiful, we decided to forsake our room in Krabi for the night and spend two nights there. Ko Phi Phi is the name of one of the most popular islands in Thai-

land. About an hour and a half boat ride from Krabi, it was also one of the ﬁrst places to face the onslaught of the tsunami. In high season, with the hotels and guest houses full of foreign visitors, Phi Phi was hit. Some of the lucky ones were able to make their way to higher ground in time, but a lot of the people here last December never made it home. The scene when we landed at Ko Phi Phi, the larger of the two islands was a strange one. Behind the beach was an area of land the size of several football pitches. A shrine has been set up to remember those who perished here just nine months previously. Thereʼs also a series of before and after photographs which revealed the total extent of the damage. The place is now a cross between a building site and a bomb site.

Thereʼs lots of reconstruction going on and international aid has arrived here along with dozens of volunteers only too willing to lend a helping hand to the mammoth task of rebuilding Phi Phi Island. One of the ﬁrst and lasting impressions of Thailand for me was the friendliness of the people. Like Sri Lanka, its near neighbour across the Andaman Sea, the country is predominantly Buddhist. Almost everywhere we went in the country, we were greeted with open smiles and genuine warmth. Respect is a fundamental part of Thai peopleʼs make up, so invariably when leaving a restaurant or hotel, staff would line up, clasp their hands together as if in prayer, bow their heads to us and say ʻKhawp khunʼ. Thank you never sounded so charming.

PAGE 22

NEWSFOUR AUGUST 2005

S T . P ATRICK ’ S

HITS

On the 100th anniversary of St. Patrickʼs Church in Ringsend, local man Jimmy Purdy offers some personal memories of his church-going years.

unt Bros was an off licence and provisions shop at the corner of Grand Canal Street. During 1947-8, I worked here as a messenger boy , delivering goods to the local community, which took in South Lotts, Bath Avenue and out as far as Sandymount. Noel Purcell was my most famous customer and his wife always gave me three pence when I delivered. This got me into the Regal Cinema for two pence with a penny left for sweets. My last job was at Belvedere College doing security. I am retired now and as I am often in Ringsend, I sometimes get mass at St. Patrickʼs Church on Saturday evening. Having arrived early one Saturday, I looked around the church and began to wander back in time. On the left, as you come in the front door is a statue of St. Joseph (the worker). I thought of all the workers who would have lit a penny candle and said a prayer to him. Men and women who crossed the Liffey to get to work, some carrying huge big shovels to unload coal boats and other cargo. Directly across from Joseph is St. Patrick. What a great honour to have your parish church named af-

ter the national saint. I think of our young days at school learning the hymn, ʻHail Glorious St. Patrickʼ and belting it out on 17th March. As I moved down the left side passing the Stations of the Cross, I wondered who painted the stations and how beautiful they looked. Soon you arrive at everyoneʼs friend, St. Anthony, holding the child Jesus. I am certain everyone has a story to tell of favours obtained while shedding all their worries here. If this statue could talk, it would tell many a good story. I am now at the pulpit, which is an impressive piece of workmanship (so many other churches mistakenly removed theirs). The pulpit is in memory of Rev. Canon Mooney P.P. who worked in the district for 50 years. Marble altar rails are still in place and add to the beauty of this lovely church. The original altar still re-

40th Anniversary of the opening of

Margaretholme Sheltered Housing, Claremont Road, Dublin 4

Concert 22nd October 2005

at St Phillips and St James Church, Booterstown featuring the Culwick Choral Society, John Dexter family and Mr David English Admission €12 with concessions €10

Celebratory Service on Sunday 23rd October 2005 Rev. Desmond Bain at Margaretholme, Claremont Road

100!

mains and at each side stands an angel and either side of the window are pictures of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John The right side of the church always housed the crib at Christmas. As children, we would make a visit here at least once a day. We looked forward to the day when we could afford the penny to light a candle at the crib. In between the two confession boxes stands Our Lady, where I lit many a penny candle to ask for favours. I was delighted when once a favour was answered. On the left side of the church and looking towards the back, I could picture a packed church for the Monday night novena to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. As kids, we would already have booked our tickets for the second showing of

The Regal. As the novena ﬁnished, we would rush round to the back street to get in. Also looking back, the beautiful organ is no longer there. I always marvelled at the organistʼs ability to play such a complicated-looking instrument. Standing in front of the beautiful

stained glass window, I see Jesus on the Cross, Mary his mother under the cross and ﬂanked on either side by St. Patrick and I think St. Bridget. If you have ﬁfteen or twenty minutes to spare, call into the Church of St. Patrick, Ringsend. It might bring back some nice memories for you.

MEET THE NEW LORD MAYOR By Frances Corr

ublin is a great city with a proud history. However, in recent years the city has become a difficult place in which to live and work. The cost of housing and the cost of living keeps increasing as more and more people are forced out of the city and into adjoining counties. This trend must be turned around and Fine Gael (FG) wants the best for our city, according to our new Lord Mayor Councillor Catherine Byrne, who was born and raised in Inchicore. Before taking up residence in the Mansion House she lived on Bulfin Road with her husband Joe and their five children. Councillor Byrne was first elected to Dublin City Council for the South West Inner City Ward on her first attempt in 1999. The same year she was the FGʼs candidate for Dublin South Central in the byelection. In 2004 she topped the poll for FG in the local Elections. She has been heavily involved with community and voluntary groups in the South West Inner City for over 25 years and was Chairperson of St. Michaelʼs Community centre. She was also a member of the Board of Management of the Mercy Convent Secondary School, Goldenbridge. She completed a course in Lay Ministry in All Hallows and also has a City and Guilds Diploma in Catering. Since her election to the City

Council, she has served on various committees including the Housing and Community Committee Strategic Policy Committee, Arts, Cultural, Leisure and Youth Affairs Strategic Policy Committee, St. Michaelʼs Estate Regeneration Board as well as Fatima Mansions Regeneration Board. Over the years, she has been closely involved with providing social activities for teenagers, supporting older people and fundraising for local community projects. Catherine was leader of St. Michaelʼs Folk group for 15 years. The new Lord Mayor is an avid sports fan and played soccer at the highest level. She supports her local league of Ireland club, St Patrickʼs Athletic and has managed schoolboy soccer in her locality. On her recent visit to St Andrewʼs Resource Centre in Pearse Street to open the South Docks Festival and be conferred with the Admi-

ralty of the Port she was greeted by her cousin Joe Ryan from City Quay, who works with St Andrewʼs Resource Centre. She informed us she was very familiar with the area as her sister-in-law lived in Ringsend and she had worked in a printing company in the area for many years. Among Catherineʼs priorities during her term in ofﬁce are to continue her support for the various regeneration projects across the city, childcare issues within the communities, and supporting community projects. She will encourage civil leadership schemes especially among the young, and ensure that Dublin is a city where people can afford to live and raise their children. Above: Lord Mayor of Dublin Catherine Byrne pictured with Jim Hargis at the St. Andrewʼs Resource Centre in Pearse Street.

NEWSFOUR AUGUST 2005

Dublin-South East Area Special Olympics Network– SEASON The Winner of the South East Area Special Olympics Network (SEASON) competition was announced at a reception in Ring-

PAGE 23 send & District Community Centre. The Network team were very impressed with the standard of the entries which showed wonderful imagination and artwork, and the judges had the unenviable task of selecting a winner. The winner is Maeve Coll from 6th class in St Matthewʼs School in Sandymount. Maeve created a fantastic logo for the local Special Olympics Network, incorporating the distinctive ESB towers which can be seen throughout the Dublin South East region. Maeveʼs innovative and creative design will be used by the Network team in their plans to develop a new Special Olympics

club, and provide new sporting opportunities for local athletes and potential athletes. The ten finalists attended the reception along with their families, teachers and friends. The Winner, was presented with her prize– a Book Token, kindly donated by ʻBooks on the Greenʼ in Sandymount– by local representative, Councillor Dermot Lacey All finalists - Aidan Barry, Maeve Coll, Matthew Costello, Jason Counsel, Eoin Hennessy, Michael Mongan, Kate OʼMalley, Sean Ronan, Vlad Sukov and Alanna Ward– were awarded Certificates of Merit and received goodie bags. A very enjoyable evening was had by everyone. Brendan McEvoy, Chairperson of the newly formed Network, commented “The judges had a very difficult time trying to decide

Lime Street

50% off! Phone: 01 633 6707 on an outright winner as the standard of entries was extremely high. Our Network team would like to take this opportunity to thank all the students and the teachers who obviously put a lot of time and effort into the competition. We look forward to the continued support of local schools in our future development.” SEASON is currently looking to involve interested Athletes, potential athletes and volunteers

in Network activities and in the development of a new Special Olympics club in the area. For further information please contact Network Team members Ailbhe OʼBriain Ph: 086 6019359 or Aileen Murray at aileen. murray@standrews.ie Information on Special Olympics in Ireland can be found on www.specialolympics.ie Left: Maeve Coll and her winning logo.

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If So… The COMPUTERISED OFFICE SKILLS FOR ADULTS course at Ballsbridge College of Further Education Shelbourne Road Dublin 4 Tel: 6684806 www.ballsbridgecollege.com • info@ballsbridge.cdvec.ie is for YOU. Cost €150.00 (VTOS / BTEA / Grant schemes in operation).

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PAGE 24

Drawing attention to himself! LOCAL MAN, Steve Mulreany, has been inundated with requests from friends and family for his portraits, caricatures and graphic design work. Steveʼs sketches of celebrities and friends have gained him quite a reputation in the area.

NEWSFOUR AUGUST 2005 Such is the demand for his work that he has now decided set up his own business. He has already achieved some success with a caricature of Michael Jackson recently featuring in the Sunday Mirror. Steveʼs ambition is to incorporate his work as a graphic designer while continuing to build a network of clients with his portraits, caricatures, invitations etc. So if you have a friend whoʼs celebrating a birthday or know someone whoʼd appreciate a funky wedding invitation, Steve would love to hear from you. He is contactable on www. smacktoons.com or you can telephone 087-214 3440.

M EET Å SMUND THE V IKING

STEPS TO A HEALTHY HOME

evin Molloy, a local indoor air quality expert has the following tips on keeping you and your house in tip-top condition. 1. If you have pets keep them away from carpeted areas and bedrooms. 2. Prohibit smoking in your home, especially if you have babies or elderly at home. 3. Make sure your kitchen and bathrooms are vented with fan driven extraction. 4. Use a vacuum cleaner with HEPA filter. 5. Use solid wood flooring and tiles instead of carpets and laminates where you can. 6. Where you burn organic materials like wood and coal, make sure chimneys and flues are well vented. Headaches or breathing difficulties would suggest there could be a carbon monoxide problem and this should be checked immediately. 7. Make sure you have adequate air flow from vents or other means in rooms with fires or stoves. 8. Some furnishings contain formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and can give off gas chemical emissions. Choose solid hardwood before veneers and laminates. 9. If carpets or rugs are in a place where they often get wet, throw them out as they are a likely breeding places for mould. 10. When you bring dry-cleaning home, hang it outdoors with the plastic cover off to air out cleaning solvents. 11. Cleaning agents and aero-

sols stored under your kitchen sink can harbour harmful chemicals and components that are potentially hazardous and can cause dizziness, nausea, allergic reactions, and eye, skin and respiratory tract irritation. Some aerosol spray products release particles into the air that can be inhaled into the lungs and absorbed into the bloodstream. Substitute pump products whenever available. 12. Where possible use natural cleaners like vinegar and lemon juice instead of chemicals. 13. Try to air your house at least once a day by opening doors and windows. 14. Use an air cleaner with a good HEPA ﬁlter especially in winter when it is too cold to open doors and in June and July when pollen counts are high. 15. Make sure that sewage and waste pipes are correctly vented

and odours and gases are not coming back into the house. 16. If anyone in the house sneezes a lot or has itchy eyes or nose or runny eyes or nose or coughs a lot these are the first indicators of airborne allergies. You need a good air purifier like a Biozone Scientific or Austin Air. 17. If you notice an odour every time you come into your home, you also need a good quality air purifier. Get professional advice. 18. If you feel something in your home is causing you health problems see your doctor. Kevin Molloy can be reached for help or advice at ʻPure Air Technologiesʼ Tel: 01-4510448, Mobile: 0876556344 Email; kmolloy@pure airtechnologies.co.uk Website:www.pureairtechnologies.ie

W ALKING THE WALK ON S EAN O’C ASEY B RIDGE

Viking Åsmund Olason from Norway on his longship ʻGaiaʼ, recently in Dublin to celebrate the centenary of independence from Sweden. The ʻGaiaʼ was welcomed by Lord Mayor Catherine Byrne and is an exact replica of an excavated ship which contained the skeleton of Olav Geirstadalr, who reputedly founded Dublin.

NEWSFOUR AUGUST 2005

PAGE 25

OFF TO SEE THE WIZARD (AND HARRY POTTER)

Reviewed by Lisa Berigan

he wizarding hour has come and gone. The new edition to the Harry Potter collection was released on 16th July. Potter fans eagerly awaited the new book from J.K. Rowling and it didnʼt disappoint. The secrecy surrounding the release made the excitement more magical. The book was released at one minute past midnight on the 16th July. This reviewer was on hand,

with many others, at Books On The Green, Sandymount to collect her copy at midnight from ʻGrand Wizard for a nightʼ Brian OʼBrien. In ʻThe Half Blood Princeʼ, we are reunited with what feels like old friends Harry, Ron and Hermione. Harryʼs return to The Burrow, the Weasley family residence. is like returning to the only real family he knows and into the loving arms of the adoring Mr and Mrs Weasley. The plot barely changes at the start. We follow the same familiar routes as we have before, the annual

trip to Diagon Alley for school supplies, a meeting with our resident friendly giant Hagrid and an unusual meeting with the horrible Draco Malfoy. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince shows us just how much Harry, Hermione and Ron have grown since we last read about them. We are thrown into their awkward teenage life and how they deal with bigger exams and relationship

problems. But unlike teenagers in the Muggle world (thatʼs non-magical peopleʼs world for anyone who doesnʼt know!) the return of Lord Voldemort hangs over their heads and the constant threat from Harryʼs mortal enemy is never far away. The return of Voldemort has the wizarding world in chaos as he wreaks havoc and death on anyone who crosses him. In the conﬁnes of Hogwartʼs School, we see Harry become closer than ever with Professor Dumbledore. Their relationship becomes very strong and Dumbledore conﬁdes more in Harry now than ever. Harry has special lessons with Dumbledore and on these rare occasions we are told a lot more about who Lord Voldemort is and how he came to be the evil wizard he is now. We are given more information about Voldemort in this book than in any of the other books, which makes the story more exciting and thickens the plot. Compared to Harryʼs growing relationship with Dumble-

dore, the relationship between Harry and Professor Snape has worsened. He now despises Snape and it seems the feeling is mutual: there is no reconciliation with these two, the hatred between them remains. I donʼt want to ruin the plot for anyone who hasnʼt read the book or who isnʼt ﬁnished yet, but what I will tell you is Harry falls in love and one of the main characters dies! I really enjoyed my return to Hogwarts and the familiar characters. The last few chapters of the book made up for the lack of action in the beginning. It has also set the stage for the next edition from J.K Rowling, which I feel, will be Harry and friendsʼ biggest and most dangerous adventure. As Harry and his friends grow up, the books seem to become darker with more adventure and danger. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince will leave you yet again in anticipation of the next adventure. It was well worth the wait. I donʼt think Potter fans of any age will be disappointed.

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PAGE 26

NEWSFOUR AUGUST 2005

Music4

News

By Brian Kelly ATTENTION ALL LOCAL BANDS!

Got a gig you want to promote or a CD youʼd like to tell the world about? Music4 would love to hear from local bands in the area, so drop your details into us and weʼll make sure thousands of punters in Dublin get to hear about you– for free! Send your stuff to: NewsFour, 15 Fitzwilliam Street, Ringsend, Dublin 4. Or email us at newsfourscs@eircom.net

Albums ʻThe Forgotten Armʼ Aimee Mann I must admit before I heard this album, I was an Aimee Mann virgin. Donning the cans for her 5th solo album, I didnʼt know what to expect, but was immediately struck by Miss Mannʼs strong plaintive singing on the opening track ʻDear Johnʼ. The record unfolds to reveal an alt. country concept album where every song is an episode in the lives of John + Caroline, a star-crossed couple falling in and out of love along the motorways and motels of America. Recorded in just 5 days last summer, The Forgotten Arm sounds wonderfully fresh and uncluttered. Sharp, poignant lyrics overlap simple but strong melodies to create a record with more than its fair share of memorable tunes. In keeping with the boxing theme on the album, The Forgotten Arm packs a pretty strong punch.

ʻThe New Fellasʼ The Cribs The Cribs are a young three piece band from Leeds, who are all brothers. They are the kind of band you might see on the cover of the N.M.E being touted as the ʻnext big thingʼ, but donʼt hold that against them. This is their second album, produced earlier this year by Edwyn Collins and a pretty ﬁne effort it is too. The New Fellas has the same pop sensibilities as new British bands like Bloc Party, Kaiser Chiefs, and Hard-Fi. The music isnʼt terribly accomplished but three chords and a killer chorus is still going to get a lot of toes tapping. The band has obviously been listening to The Stokes. You can hear the spirit of Julian Casablancas on certain tracks. Hailing from the north of England, The Cribs are also au fait with the acerbic quality of Mark E. Smith lyrics. ʻHey Scenestersʼ and ʻMirror Kissersʼ would bed down nicely on an early Fall album. The brothers Jarman might wear their musical inﬂuences on their sleeves but thereʼs enough pop promise on The New Fellas to suggest this gang can go the distance.

ʻA Temporary Diveʼ Ane Brun Itʼs time once again to be charmed by Norwegian pop music. The boys from Bergen, Royksopp are creating quite a stir with their new album, so lets hear it for Miss Brun, the acoustic (rather than the dancing) queen of Scandinavia. A Temporary Dive, out now on V2 Records, is her second album and it is real delight. Singer-songwriters are ten a cent these days, but leave it to our Nordic neighbours to bring a fresh twist to an old genre. The opening track ʻTo Let Myself Goʼ reels one in straightaway. Itʼs the perfect pop song with some gorgeous guitar chords and a vocal delivery that makes you wonder if there is life on other planets. The quirkiness continues throughout the album, but matching the Arctic eccentricities are tracks of real power and emotions such as ʻMy Lover Will Goʼ and ʻWhere Friend rhymes with Endʼ. A Temporary Dive is deﬁnitely worth checking out.

ʻNew Dawn Breakingʼ The Walls This is only the second Walls album since their 2000 debut ʻHi-Loʼ. The band were royally ripped-off over royalties on that record, hence the re-appearance of The Stunning a couple of years back. With the revenue raised from a sell-out tour and the re-release of the first Stunning album, The Walls were able to finance this CD on their own Dirtbird label. The result is a more back to basic, straightforward rock ʻnʼ roll record than their previous effort. New Dawn Breaking is quickly off the blocks with the first three songs showing The Walls at their best. Thereʼs a nice change of pace on ʻBlack and Blueʼ, the new single, a slow subtle ballad. Unfortunately, things get a little stodgy and uninspired in the middle before ʻDrowning Poolʼ and ʻHighwireʼ lift us up again. New Dawn Breaking makes a solid, if unspectacular return for the boys from Connemara. Hereʼs hoping the next Walls album doesnʼt take quite so long.

Bob gets to the Point Tickets for Bob Dylanʼs concert in the Point on November 26 sold out within half an hour. The promoters have added a 2nd date on Sunday 27th.

Plant on Irish soil

Ex- Led Zed man, Robert Plant ﬂies in to promote his new album and band with a gig in the Olympia on December 9. Ticket prices are a very reasonable 39.50 for standing or 44.50 for those old fogies who canʼt quite manage the mosh pits anymore!

The Odd Couple Keeping up the old masters theme, Paul Mc Cartneyʼs new album is due for release on September 12. Entitled ʻChaos and Creation in the Backyardʼ, the record was produced by Nigel Godrich, the man behind Radioheadʼs masterpiece ʻOK Computerʼ.

All I want for Christmas is Oasis After selling out Marley Park last month, the Gallagher brothers return for a Yuletide show in the Point on December 21. Tickets are on sale now- thatʼs if they havenʼt all being all snapped up already!

Gray on his way Those of you wondering what ever happened to David Gray will be relieved to hear he is back with a vengeance with a new album and tour. ʻ Life in Slow Motionʼ will be released on September 9, his ﬁrst album since ʻA New Day at Midnightʼ in 2002. The boy David will also play the Olympia on September 8 for one night only.

NEWSFOUR AUGUST 2005

PAGE 27

STAR OF THE S EA SCHOOL, SANDYMOUNT 1945

PETER SHEERIN provided this photograph of a First Holy Communion Class from 20 May 1945 in Star of the Sea. He has provided us with some of the names of the boys as follows: Back row, left to Right: Peter Carr, Colm Keating, Leo Whelan, John Ryan. Second row: Arthur Westby, Frank Green, Noel Saunders, Peter Doherty, Peter Sheerin. Third row: Christy Mullen, Brian Redmond, Jack Mooney, Eamon Morley. Front row: Brian Scanlon, Seamus Skinner, Liam Joyce.

By Brian Rutherford

t will soon be that time of the year again, when lunch boxes will be packed, shoes polished and ties straightened. No longer the patter of tiny feet, it will be the mud of the playing ﬁeld and Elastoplasts of the school yard. Ink will have to be washed out of clothes and parents will be asked how to spell and do arithmetic over the dinner table. Kids will grow sad as the sun fades and the windy days of Autumn set in. Memories of school holidays will be shouted inaudibly across the classroom, some having gone to the country, some abroad and some who knew that a walk in Sandymount beach might as well be the South of France. Yes, its time to go back to school. Some people say that school days are the best days of your

life, I disagree, however I do think that the effort from your school days will reap benefit and freedom in the adult world. Agree with this or not, it still remains a place of great sporting endeavour for the little ones. A match played in the floodlit Irishtown Stadium or the fields of a school can be a UEFA cup final, with all the skill, passion and exhaustion thrown in. Remember, these days, teachers are not the worst kind and every child is accounted for no matter how big, small, bright or not so bright. When I left primary school and entered secondary, I remember a teacher saying to us on our first day, “No one has died going through here, yet”. Five years later as I sat down to do my Leaving Certificate, I realized it was that statement that carried

me through, not untouched, but a lot more intelligent that when I started. This is the Irish schooling system and although some people donʼt agree with it, it happens to be the toughest system with the highest standards in the world. There are a lot of schools and colleges in Ringsend, Sandymount and Lansdowne, so there is plenty to choose from. These cater for rugby, soccer and hurling. For the less fortunate, Roslyn Park has facilities for the mentally and physically disabled. It is located on the seafront just off the coast road. A friendly environment and excellent cuisine makes it equivalent to any second or third-level educational establishment. Choose your school carefully and donʼt be afraid to change if your child is under too much pressure or is otherwise unhappy.

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PAGE 28

NEWSFOUR AUGUST 2005

NEWS FOUR CROSSWORD ACROSS

DOWN

1. Socialist Party TD for Dublin West (3,7) 5. Can be slipped or compact (4) 9 and 17. Still the Prime Minister of the UK (4,5) 11. Gigi… who plays for Juventus is reputed to be the worldʼs most expensive goalkeeper (6) 12. In golf the number of strokes a ﬁrst class player should normally need (3) 13. Small pastry or hairstyle (3) 14. Limb (3) 15. Ladies love to get a new one of these from Glo or Jennyʼs. (6) 17. See 9 18. Not in (3) 19. Short for regarding (2) 20. Works of ﬁction (6) 22. Off shore oil platform (3) 24. Travel down snowy slopes (3) 25. Typically done (as…) (5) 26. Apply to a higher court (6) 29. St Maryʼs… Cathedral (3) 30. Farmyard Fowl (3) 31. At the present time (3) 33. A person regarded with great admiration (4) 34. Spanish Artist (Salvadore…) (4) 35. Require (4) 36. Patrick Kavanaghʼs home county (8)

1. Robust 4 wheel drive vehicle (4) 2. Fan or pipe for removing stale air (9) 3. An American fellow (3) 4. Grammatically word for person, place or thing (4) 6. Middle or core (5) 7. The removal of unacceptable ﬁlms or books (8) 8. Relationship outside marriage? (6) 10. Absence of feeling, paralysing (7) 11. Male executives (8,3) 16. Creation of enthusiasm to work harder or earn more money (10) 21. Amaze, surprise or astound (9) 23. First letter of the Greek alphabet (4) 27. Absence of war (5) 28. Eastern continent (4) 30. A pig or greedy person (3) 32. Celebrated by the boys on St Stephenʼs Day (4) 34. Put on clothes or university teacher (3)

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NEWSFOUR AUGUST 2005

PAGE 29

S PORTS D ESK

Always a winning team

By Derek Buckley sponsored by

Alasta Autos and Pearse Tavern

Young on fire as Ringsend Rovers lift Cup!

he Noel Fox Tournament yet again was a great success and I would like to take this chance to thank our main sponsors: Fianna Fáil, Alasta Autos and Pearse Tavern. The first quarter-final was with Bridge United v Markievicz, where Bridge

took an early lead but the response from Markʼs was quality, final score 4:1. Second quarter final, St Patʼs CY 18s beat St Patʼs second team 2:0. Third quarter final Aungier Celtic squandered their hopes with their lack of finishing and Bath ran out 3:1 winners. Match of the Tournament: Our last quarter final, Ringsend Rovers v Liffeys was played in heavy weather conditions but that didnʼt stop the quality of football.

Rovers ended on top 2:0. First semi-final– Rovers ended up 3:0 winners over Bath and St. Patʼs 18s had an impressive victory over

re-tournament favourites Markievicz Celtic– 3:1 in the other semi-final. On to the main event: Rovers v Patʼs 18s. The match was played at Sean Moore Park and what a day it was. I would like to thank both of the teams and their supporters for making this so successful. CY after ten minutes were reduced to 10 men as Dave Andrews saw red for raising his hands. Rovers took the lead 5 minutes before halftime through Barry Young– 1:0. Straight from the restart

Rovers made it 2:0 with Young again– that was the final score and by no means were the 18s disgraced, they were a credit to the tournament and their Club and looking good to be a team of the future. The presentation was held in Clanna Gael Clubhouse and was a major success. Iʼd like to take this opportunity to thank the Fox family and on behalf of them thank players, supporters, committee members, refs and the organising committee, Anto Owens and Dave for a fantastic tournament.

From top to bottom of page: Missing All Stars: Barry Young and Vincent McQuarry of Ringsend Rovers with Managers of the season Paul Fox and Noel McDonald of Ringsend Rovers. Winning team Ringsend Rovers. Martin Denim (right) presents the new cup on behalf of Marks to May Fox and Derek Buckley. Managers and refs, from left: Noel McDonald, Paddy Dunne, Paul Fox, Patsy Brown, John Tormey, Liam Byrne and John Behan.

PAGE 30

NEWSFOUR AUGUST 2005

The Fontenoy Files It’s all action!

By Shay Connolly

lenty to report on the playing front. Intermediate footballers are still unbeaten in their league. The highlight of their campaign to date was their victory over Fingallians in June. Both teams were unbeaten going into the clash and a wonderful hour of football was served up. Clanns produced some excellent football in the second half to secure a 7-point win to go clear at the top of the table. There were many excellent individual performers on the day but none better than Davis Lyons. His display was awesome as he took everything out of the air. Fingallians tried everything and everyone to thwart him but to no avail and if anyone in Dublin can catch a ball better than David did that day I would like to meet him. His ﬁrst cousin Stephen Mulreaney is also an awesome catcher on his day and after David had to retire early in their recent match against Thomas Davis, Stephen took up the mantle to produce

a fantastic display himself. Despite a blip against Round Towers of Lusk when they could only manage a draw they remain the only unbeaten team in their division. With 7 matches to go can they go one better than the last two years when they failed to get promotion at play off stages? Intermediate hurlers after a disastrous start to their campaign regained some pride in recent matches. Faced with the terrible possibility of being relegated to Junior status they went out to face Kilmacud Crokes in June. Hoping, wishing, praying that they could get their ﬁrst win under their belt they were very much in the hunt at half-time, trailing by two points and having the advantage of the wind

Dublin Port Scholarship Scheme Dublin Port Company, in conjunction with the Dublin Port Community Liaison Committee, has initiated a scholarship scheme in order to provide opportunities for individuals living in the Port area of Dublin to fulfil their potential through education. To be eligible to apply for a scholarship, candidates must be living in the port area of Dublin and experiencing significant financial difficulty in undertaking a third-level course of study. Candidates will include school leavers, mature students as well as repeat Leaving Certificate students. The scholarships do not include post graduates. Applicants will be assessed by an independent panel. Application forms are available from the local Credit Unions, Ringsend Library, St Andrewʼ s Resource Centre and Ringsend Technical College. The closing date for applications is Friday, 26th August 2005.

in the second half. However, a quick goal just after half-time for Crokes knocked them back in their strides and with 7 minutes to go they trailed by 4 points. A switch that saw Brian Rush move to corner forward and the introduction of ʻBeeʼ Duffy saw Rush score an excellent goal, followed by a point that brought the Fonts level. Then from a puckout Brian Nicholson leapt into the sky to catch a superb ball, land, turn and strike the sliotar beautifully between the posts to give the Ringsenders the lead for the first time. A further point in injury time sealed a famous victory and the lads were buoyant afterwards. There followed a credible draw against Thomas Davis and a fantastic nine point win over Ballinteer St. Johnʼs to see them gain five points in two weeks and somehow revive their season. However, a return trip to the bad old days followed in their last match against St. Kevinʼs that leaves them still fighting to escape relegation. Ladiesʼ footballers are enjoying a great season. At worst they will have to play off for league honours and at time of writing they play the semi-final of the Championship. Camogie team is still battling hard and got a fantastic draw against St. Markʼs in one of their recent games. Not a game

for the faint-hearted, the girls looked surely out of it trailing by 12 points at one stage. As each goal and point were clawed back there were hysterical antics from the Marks bench but little they could do stop the girls getting a deserved draw in the end Minor hurlers and footballers are having a mixed bag to date with their season. The hurlers who are nearly all minor again next year have played 10 matches winning 7 in the process. Many of this team are playing for a lot of other teams in the club including Inter Hurlers, Junior Hurlers and Junior Footballers and some are also playing and training for the County U.17 squad so it has been a very busy season for them. Minor footballers have played eight matches winning five. Both Championships start in September so there is plenty to play for. Junior A footballers reached the quarter final of the Championship only to produce their worst display of the season to lose to Man of War by 4 points. They still remain in contention for a play-off place in the league and are unbeaten in the Murphy Cup, which will surely see them reach the semi-final stages. Junior B footballers, the fun team, are producing some wonderful wins and some wonderful losses in their season to date. Known as the comeback kings,

they lived up to their reputation in recent matches when the came from behind to snatch wins against St Maurʼs and St Maryʼs of Saggart. U.16 hurlers are really enjoying their season with some cracking wins behind them. They remain very much in the hunt for league honours and their championship campaign starts in two weeks. Junior hurlers are also having a wonderful season. If one result between two other teams goes their way and victories are secured in their remaining two matches then a League final and Championship semi-final awaits them. In July there was a cultural exchange at the Clubhouse between Japanese Peace Boat travellers and Club members in a horse of a different kettle project. Gaelic games display was put on by our members and a match followed between Japan and Ireland. Great craic altogether, but the best moment of a wonderful day was when a sixty-something year old Japanese picked up a hurley stick and smacked a ball over the bar from all of 60 yards. After lunch the Japanese put a wonderful display of dancing on and it reminded me of Jack Nicholson when he jives late at night. U.12 hurlers under the excellent guidance of Eugene Davey and Gareth Saunders secured league honours at first time of asking. Congratulations At long last Oran Burke and Suzanne Murray tied the knot. At what seems like an eternity they made their partnership official some weeks ago. Also one to get hitched was Steve McGrath. Steve went missing on the morning of the wedding but the police found him up a tree in Avoca and got him back just in time. A speedy recovery to long-serving member Brendan OʼBrien after his recent operation in St. Vincentʼs. If Brendanʼs resilience over the past years in the Club is anything to go by then we should see Rusty back in harness in the not too distant future. Due to advice from the Club Solicitor I am unable to bring you the Backchat column this time around! Up the Dubs.

NEWSFOUR AUGUST 2005

PAGE 31

RIGHT

C HARLIE ?

By Aidan OʼDonoghue

TEʼs recent four-part documentary on the life and times of Charles J. Haughey may have received mixed critical responses but it can be considered a success in terms of its impact. This dramatic portrayal of ambition, inﬁghting, secrets and lies set tongues wagging all over the country. It was almost as if Charlie had never left, and we were transported back to a time when Irish politics had an edge to it. Although it was a retrospective piece of television-making, the makers of ʻHaugheyʼ did their very best to bring vividness to proceedings. Music was dramatically used to reinforce the idea that what was being presented to us was more than just another yawn-inducing, overly sombre, run-of-the-mill political documentary. Padraig Flynn was rolled out and– one presumes– encouraged to give it his all as he recalled his glory days playing the role of pack member and enforcer. If the music didnʼt grab our attention, Flynnʼs dramatic contributions would surely guarantee that we tuned in for the following weekʼs instalment. As ʻHaugheyʼ showed, Charlie could be charming, intelligent and a great innovator. But he was also portrayed as a bully who could be ruthless, abrasive and combative. He was the lonely yet talented outsider, the keeper of bad company who entertained a false self-conception. Much as they tried to get to the bottom of what it was that made the man, it sometimes felt as if they should have entitled the series ʻCharlie The Unknowableʼ. So what did members of the local community make of ʻHaugheyʼ? People had varying views about the series, and when it came to the man himself there was no shortage of stories and recollections. Mr Tom Foy, a production manager from Donnybrook, thought that the makers of the series could have done more: “It was quite good and I think it should have been made, but it could have been more critical of him.” Mr Foy was not a great Haughey supporter: “Iʼm sure he was a good father and politically he did some good but as a man, as an individual, he was a crook.” Mr Sean O Hiceada, a retired man from Sydney Parade Avenue

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in Donnybrook, disagreed: “He did more good than bad– he introduced free travel for pensioners and did a major refurbishment of Leinster House. Fianna Fáil today is not the same Fianna Fáil that I knew many years ago.” Michael Mulready, a taxi driver in the Ballsbridge area, was scathing in his opinions of Charlie: “The documentary was brilliant in that it highlighted a lot of the corruption that went on and still goes on today. I think itʼs still very much a case of jobs for the boys, and when I look at the Fianna Fáil tent at the Galway races I wonder if they are a maﬁa or a political party. Michael went on: “I remember living in Finglas and having to go to a stewhouse for my dinner while all the time Charlie was going around buying expensive shirts. He wasnʼt tightening his belt.” He did acknowledge Charlieʼs political acumen: “He was a fantastic politician in the way he was able to present himself as the peopleʼs champion. I was in Kealyʼs pub in Clocken recently when Charlie walked in the door. The locals reacted as if God himself had just walked in and they started buying him champagne.” Over in Irishtown, Breda Kiernan and June Dwyer are sitting on a wall and having a chat. “The documentary was good without being great”, says Breda. “Charlie was a crook in his own way but thatʼs still going on today. I have to say that I donʼt agree with the pension he has.” “People were working on the docks and digging coal boats for

ﬁfty pence while he was out spending the taxpayersʼ money. Itʼs just not right.” June is more sympathetic towards Charlie: “I feel sorry for him. He should be left alone. Charlie Haughey was a great politician– we were down on our knees in this country and he brought us up.” Down the road at the Everything shop in Ringsend, Brian Orr and his nephew Shane are arguing about Charlie. Says Shane: “He was a good politician at the beginning but then he got greedy and in the end he was just plain crooked.” His uncle Brian couldnʼt disagree more: “He helped himself but he also helped this country by putting us back on the map, and in my opinion if you help others youʼre entitled to help yourself.” Whether or not he is remembered as a great politician is another matter altogether according to Brian: “Youʼre only remembered for the bad things you do– never the good. Unless of course you leave on a high note which Charlie did not.” With so many conﬂicting opinions and so much emotion surrounding the man that is Charlie Haughey, I asked Shane if he had an explanation for it all. “People are always going to be divided about Charles J. Haughey. A lot of people loved him so much and everybody looked up to him, and then for him to go and do what heʼs done… well, you know the rest yourself.” It seems no two people share the same opinion on Irelandʼs most controversial Taoiseach.

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NEWSFOUR AUGUST 2005

SEAN MOORE COMMUNITY AWARDS WINNERS T he Sean Moore Community Awards were presented for the tenth time on Thursday 9th June by the Deputy Lord Mayor Andrew Montague at Clanna Gael Fontenoyʼs Clubhouse on Sean Moore Road. The Awards are currently sponsored by Bord Gáis.

The Awards, which are for exceptional community service, were instituted in 1988 during the Dublin Millennium celebrations, in memory of the late Sean Moore, former TD and Lord Mayor of Dublin and nominations were received from the Dublin 2, 4 and 6 areas. During the evening, long-standing

Chairperson of the awards committee Mary OʼToole announced her intention to step down. Speaking following this announcement Committee Secretary, Councillor Dermot Lacey paid tribute to Mary for her work over the last seventeen years. “In many ways Mary OʼToole was the guiding light of

the Sean Moore awards, her effective diplomacy and her hard-working commitment to the community has seldom been equalled. She will be missed by all involved and we wish her all the best for the years ahead.” The winners of the awards are shown on the following pages.

Norman Behennah Many people when they retire from work move on and forget about their old connections. However when this gentleman retired he continued to assist the elderly residents of Mount Tabor Care Centre in many ways. He regularly buys the weekend newspapers for them, he collects the pensions for those who ask and he accompanies anyone wishing to attend church on Sunday morning. He works tirelessly for the beneﬁt of the residents and never complains.

The Bingo Committee There are a number of ladies who have been fund-raising for twenty years. When the Ringsend National School needed their heating to be repaired and renovated they raised €25,000 towards this. These ladies give of their time and energy unstintingly in organising and running the Bingo and fund-raising for all and sundry. They are the founding members of the Bingo Committee: Miriam Murphy, Colette Moran, Geraldine Thorpe, and Ellen Dunne.

Berna OʼGorman The work of ofﬁcers on residents associations is not a rewarding one. It is time consuming and very often taken for granted. However, even after many years of service this lady always has a pleasant smile and a cheerful word and is an invaluable source of helpful information on community matters in her area.

Nan and Jimmy Grifﬁn The person who nominated the next recipients described them as “an amazing and very special couple.” This couple have given their time to numerous charities for the last 40 years. They help CASA, the Hospices and the Wheelchair Association as well as many other local charities. There is no doubt they have made life a whole lot better for many people.

Carmel Malone The recipient of this award started a club for the Special Olympics in 1985. She has given hope and vision to many young people. These youngsters have gone on to represent Ireland at home and abroad. Carmel Malone held the ﬁrst ever Special Olympics National Games in May at Irishtown Stadium with approximately 500 athletes taking part.

John OʼShea An awareness of our local environment has become uppermost in the minds of the community. People realise that we all must work to preserve our planet, each in their own way. Thanks to Dublin City Council there are many drop points in the city for our recycling efforts. Each one of these needs an ofﬁcer to oversee and to maintain its condition. In Londonbridge Road, John OʼShea fulﬁls that need and does so with great courtesy.

NEWSFOUR AUGUST 2005

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SEAN MOORE COMMUNITY AWARDS WINNERS

Laurel Hunter This lady is due for retirement this year. During her working life she has shown great kindness, concern and practical assistance in her work, which very often have gone beyond the requirements of her position. The residents of Cambridge Court will miss Laurel Hunter and this award is a ﬁtting tribute to her years of service.

Gerry Brannock A community which has members willing to give their time to young people in various organisations is lucky. This gentleman has been involved in training young boys and girls in the art of rowing for many years. He has won every honour in Irish Coastal Rowing and helps maintain and repair the boats and clubhouse at Stella Maris. He has been involved in the club for over 45 years, ﬁrst as an Oarsman and now as a trainer and coxain.

Andrew Keegan Andrew has been of outstanding assistance to the people of this area. He organised the Garda bus each year to take people to Knock. He also collects donations every Christmas from his colleagues and elsewhere in order to fund the annual Christmas dinner. He is generous with his time and energy outside of his busy schedule in Donnybrook Garda Station.

Catherine Cavendish Many years ago when Community and Residents Associations became established in towns and villages around the country they attracted many members. Some fell by the wayside, others stayed with their Associations through good times and bad. Our next award is one such person. Her love for nature and the environment has often brought her into conﬂict with local politicians of all persuasions but she has always remained on good terms with them all.

Linda McMahon and Catherine Gorman Linda and Catherine of the City Housing Initiative were worthy winners of their award. Linda and Catherine have achieved something quite outstanding. They were committed to their project from the outset and worked tirelessly to achieve their goal. There are 61 families who now own beautiful homes thanks to their dedication.

Peggy Kearns and Una Henry Bath Avenue and District Residents Association have some outstanding members on their committee. The organisers of the Sean Moore Awards would like to honour them all their hard work and dedication but this is not possible. However two of the officers of that Association have been singled out. Peggy and Una never hesitate to offer their services to carry out any task that is required, whether it is a leaflet drop or keeping their watchful eye on their neighbours. It is difficult to describe all the work undertaken by these ladies, except to say that if they ever retire it would leave a huge gap in the community.

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Bad ideas we’ve adopted from America Number Two COFFEE TO GO YEARS AGO we had tea. And if we really wanted to treat ourselves weʼd have a nice Marietta on the side. Our rich relatives might fancy a coffee and that was fine too. A jar of Mild Blend Maxwell House and they were beside themselves with glee. In fact, we were all happy back then, dunking our Digestives into our milky cuppas. But just look at us now. Our heads are half-crazed from having to make too many drink decisions. “Huh, let me see, will I have a Latte or Cappuccino? How about a Mocha? An Espresso might be good. No, I know, a Café Americano; I havenʼt had one of them before. Wait, maybe a de-caff would be better for me.” But do I want a regular, tall or grande? And is it for here or do I want it ʻto go?ʼ Not even a copper would ask you so many questions. And who is to blame for all these ridiculous questions and even more ridiculous drinks? One word, people. ʻFriendsʼ. Yes, Iʼm afraid ever since those wise-cracking twenty-somethings with their perfect teeth first started hogging the couch in Central Perk– the café on the show– our simple life of tea and scones have never been the same. The show was so popular, we didnʼt just copy the hairstyles, we also wanted the characterʼs coffees. Before we knew it, foreign workers in baseball caps were serving us caffeine cocktails from fancy Italian machines. And yes, I did queue up like everybody else to taste my first cappuccino and boy, did it taste good. But I took umbrage at being asked Do I want it ʻto go?ʼ I only just got here, for Godʼs sake, why do I want to go? And whatʼs with the Americanised grammar ʻto goʼ anyway? Does it take too long to say ʻtakeawayʼ? If I want a cup of coffee, I like to sit down in a café with a nice ceramic cup in a comfy seat. I donʼt want to be sent to the streets with a cardboard cup and a corrugated strip around the middle. Cardboard cups have an unfortunate connotation with homeless people, and besides the coffee doesnʼt taste as good. If you must walk around outdoors with a cup of coffee in your hand, I say forget this ʻto goʼ nonsense. Just go out and buy yourself a flask. By Brian Kelly

C LARKE ’ S G OLF S OCIETY CLARKEʼS GOLF Society, pictured below, started out in the mid 80s with a group of about 12 customers playing occasionally during the summer months. With each passing year the numbers grew until 1994 when the Society was officially formed with John Coady holding the first captaincy. Its success has continued with the membership now being capped at 50. This yearʼs Captainʼs Day was held at Royal Tara Golf Club with Stephen Dunne presiding and there were no nerves as he drove off the first tee with 44 members and visitors looking on. The competition was fierce but in the end no-one could better Kenneth McDonnellʼs fantastic score of 42 points off a handicap of 13. Stephen Byrne was second with 37 points and Darren Russell a close third on 36 points. After the dayʼs golf everyone retired to the 19th to talk about missed putts and wayward drives. The prize-giving followed the meal and great credit should be given to the Captain, Stephen Dunne, and all the sponsors who assembled a range of prizes ensuring that no-one went home empty-handed. Returning to Clarkeʼs by bus, including sing-song and mandatory pit-stop, everyone agreed a good day was had by all. By Vincent Clarke

NEWSFOUR AUGUST 2005

T HE J ACKS

ARE

B ACK !

By Patrick Duffy

rian Mullins is considered one of the finest footballers in the last fifty years. Brought up in Dublinʼs Clontarf, he showed an appetite for Gaelic football from an early age. As a ten year old he was already playing in the local street leagues. At the age of 16 he made his first appearance as a minor with Dublin. In 1974 he first played for the Dublin senior team against Sligo, with Kevin Heffernan as manager. At the age of 19 he won his first All-Ireland Senior Championship medal, Dublin beating Galway by 0-14 to 1-6 in the final. Two years later, he won his second and in 1977 , following the classic semi-final victory over Kerry, Mullins captured his third Championship medal. Dublinʼs success generated enormous support. ʻThe Jacks are Backʼ became the common cry and created a rivalry of city versus country. ʻHeffoesʼ Armyʼ drew fans from all social classes. In 1980 Mullins almost lost his life in a car accident, suffering a serious fracture to his femur along with many cracked bones in his skull, on the Clontarf Road. But this huge and very competitive performer was back again in 1983 full of nuts and bolts to get to the final against Galway. Mullinsʼs sending off in the final destroyed one myth– that if you stop Mullins you stop Dublin. Dublin appeared to be in desperate straights when Mullins departed the scene but it was then

that they were seen at their best going on to beat Galway by 1-10 to 1-8. The spirit engendered by Hefferran and the camaraderie gave Dublin a real sense of playing as a team. This victory secured Brian his fourth All Ireland medal. When Heffernan no longer managed Dublin, Mullins with Robbie Kelleher and Sean Doherty were brought in as a joint management team. In the 1990s he had a spell managing Derry.

Appointed as director of sport in UCD in April 2000, Brian holds a B.A degree in physical education and Irish from Thomond College and an M.A degree in Administration from New York University. He has recently been appointed to the Irish Sports Council. This is the ﬁrst time UCD has been represented on the Sports Council. Above: Brian at a recent presentation.

NEWSFOUR AUGUST 2005

PAGE 35

THE POETRY PLACE Cranes and Crosses

The Parting and the Joining

On St. Brigidʼs Eve, Driving home from work Eleven long armed cranes Hang from fragile clouds Over homes in Ringsend. Men relax, having climbed Down from their cagesAfter spending a long day Suspended between earth And sky, moving ﬁxtures That have turned an empty Site into a living space.

I saw her face again today,

The interweaving of stark Metal above my head takes Me out of the city and Away from chilling greyness Of cement and glass, where Apartments, hinged tightly Together, are modern homes For single people, sharing Alongside smart google Operators who puff smoke From cigarettes outside In the cool frosty air.

She ﬂew but did she have to ﬂy,

I don’t want much from life. Iʼll settle for a job that pays 80 k and 4 holidays a year, I think is ok.

Not smiling as it ever did, But in my mind, her face did stay,

Iʼd make do with a penthouse in Malahide With on street parking for my 4 wheel drive.

A lovely, smiling face, she never hid

Material possessions, I want but a few, Just everything Nike and Sony too.

Then one day she flew, she flew away, And as she flew, she left a token, So now alone I face each day,

As for my partner, I donʼt want much; smart, good looking and royally ﬂush!

The token is my heart is broken.

By Richard Kelle

I wished her well, amidst my tears, I loved her dearly though it now appears That as she ﬂew she cast her die. For today I saw her face again, Not the happy face that once I knew, Her eyes met mine through tears of rain, Her smile, her smile, oh how it grew. We met, we talked, we kissed and kissed again, We loved for all the past was now forgiven, Our hearts did beat as hearts should beat,

I am back in the last century, Walking on purl stitched soil Patterned by cattle footprints Where we pulled green stalks From damp earth, sucked dry Coconut ﬂavour from inside Stems, savouring the vapid tang. With a scissors we cut bundles Of the taller rushes, carrying Them to our homes, where we spent hours weaving fragile crosses for St. Brigidʼs Eve.

In unison for now there was no pain.

Nature I have found a place so profound On my own, without a sound. Beside the lake, close to the sea True nature revealed to me. I am here to escape I am here to ﬁnd. A momentʼs relief, A spiritual bind. The air is silent The mind is clear. Thoughts are superﬂuous, Heaven is here. By Brian Kelly

Our lives are new and intertwined Our hearts and minds do dance and sing, No thought of parting will eʼer cross our mind We are happy now as birds are, upon the wing. By A.E. Mouse

An Old Man And His Cat By Mary Guckian

There was an old man who lived in a big hat He was all alone except for one little cat Feeding his cat with bread and cheese

Solitaire

A Summer’s Day Summer time and the day will be warm, A Monet Print of colours today. “Peter, please take the Singer to the garden We cannot afford to waste the good day” She sang as she sewed; her feet moved in rhythm The bees and machine droned the very same tune. Butterflies stopped to whisper to flowers And they, in return, filled the air with perfume Your dress is now sewn and isnʼt it lovely A cauldron of colours to mix with the day.

The cat meowing with an occasional sneeze

Each one went their separate ways Love one shared, stripped bare. Seasons changing in the dim night air. Their children have all gone away. Silently alone two old people sit by the ﬁreplace, Deep in thought thinking Their siblings will come home today. By Dolores Duffy

By Carmel McCarthy

He changed his diet to add a little milk The cat licked the plate as smooth as silk Now the old man and his very fat cat Are truly happy inside their small hat By Stephen Carter As always, we welcome contributions to The Poetry Place, which can be sent to the ʻNewsFourʼ ofﬁces at 15 Fitzwilliam Street, Ringsend, Dublin 4.

Labels They labelled him this; the labelled him that Sometimes they even labelled him brat But he was more than that. They labelled him good: some labelled him bad They labelled him sane: some labelled him mad. But he was more than that. Labels are concepts: words are not things Weʼre an awful lot more, than the labels that cling By Carmel McCarthy

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NEWSFOUR AUGUST 2005

Summer in Dublin… Clockwise from left: Barry McGovern reading from Joyce, music in Herbert Park, the Liffey Swim and children at St. Andrewʼs Resource Centre during the South Docks Festival.

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NEWSFOUR AUGUST 2005

By Maggie Neary

005 was a year of celebration for public libraries in the city. The first libraries opened in Dublin when Dublin City Council adopted the Public Libraries (1855) Act. The appointment of the first City Librarian, Roisin Walsh, in 1931 marked the beginnings of the Dublin City Public Library system. Its Headquarters, including the Office of the City Librarian, are now in Pearse Street. The Pearse Street library building was purpose-built in 1908, costing £10,000, part of which was provided by a grant from the Carnegie (United Kingdom) Trust. The building was designed by the City Architect, Charles J. McCarthy, who favoured the classical style of 18th-century Dublin building. The contractor was George Langley of Ringsend Road. To help promote Irish industries, it was decided that only native materials should be used in the construction, and local tradesmen and labourers employed. The newspaper room was the first section to open, in December 1911, followed by the lending library and reference room. The childrenʼs room occupied the first floor, and this very large, well-lighted space was also used for lectures. Pearse Street library building was completely restored by Dublin City Council from 2000 to 2003. The newly-refurbished and extended building houses the City Archives dating from the 12th century. The library also features the Dublin Collec-

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150 YEARS OF D UBLIN C ITY P UBLIC L IBRARIES

tion, including Dublin and daily newspapers and periodicals, dating from the eighteenth century. Newspapers are collected on an ongoing basis and are available to the public in bound form and on microﬁlm. The Irish Collection is a major information source on Irish local studies and

includes material on Irish authors, Irish language, Irish genealogy and family history. For the researcher, the genealogist and the casual inquirer– in fact anyone with an interest in Dublin– the 100 seater Public Reading Room on the second ﬂoor offers a perfect opportunity to browse the diversity of the Cityʼs past– through book, manuscript, map, photograph, newspaper and journal collections– and through the ofﬁcial records of the city, contained in

H EART

the archives of Dublin Corporation. A new conference room and exhibition area are used to hold talks, seminars and meetings, to show ﬁlms, to hold storytelling and other activities for children Ringsend library was developed by Dublin Corporation as one of its suburban branch libraries encircling the city. It was completed and opened in October 1937. The library maintains its wonderful community spirit, with staff and readers on ﬁrst name

OF THE ART ON

terms, where there is constant sharing of information, ideas and opinions on all matters and especially on books. As well as reading matters, the staff try to answer information requests on a wide range of subjects i.e. where can I do yoga classes? Where is the Health Centre? Can I have a list of local councillors? Where do I go for planning permission? The library has also developed links with the local schools and community organisations. Homework continues to be done on the premises most afternoons, not to mention all the colouring, drawing and board games played. The Internet is heavily booked as in all the libraries, especially by new multi-cultural clients, bringing a cosmopolitan atmosphere to the library. Pembroke Library was officially opened on 27th September 1929, with the writer Frank OʼConnor (Michael OʼDonovan) as its chief librarian. As well as a talented writer, Frank proved himself to be an energetic and progressive librarian. With his assistant librarian, he introduced a wide range of activities to the library which were many years ahead of their time, including talks, storytelling, drama, a foreign language collection, music and a childrenʼs choir. His office also played host on many occasions to such literary guests as Yeats, George Russel and Lennox Robinson. In 1931, the Pembroke Township was taken over by Dublin Corporation as part of the extension of the city boundaries, and Pembroke Library became a Dublin city branch library. To find out more about the services offered in Dublin City Libraries, including opening times of your nearest branch, go to www.dublincitylibraries.ie

S TEPHEN ’ S G REEN

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NEWSFOUR AUGUST 2005

N EW

BRIDGE FOR D UBLIN

By Ann Ingle and Brian Rutherford

he Sean OʼCasey Bridge was ofﬁcially opened by An Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern on Wednesday 13th July. It is situated 300 metres down river from the Matt Talbot Bridge, linking City Quay to Custom House Quay. The opening was an impressive combination of drama, dance, music and ﬁne weather. Sean O Casey once wrote “All the worldʼs a stage and most of us are desperately unrehearsed.” He would have been delighted to see that on this particular day everything had been well-rehearsed down to the last detail. Actor, Barry McGovern, read from ʻRed Roses for Meʼ. OʼCaseyʼs daughter, Shivaun, was present at the ceremony and had suggested this play be-

1880, a protestant by birth. His father died when he was six, leaving his mother to raise the family. Despite his poor eyesight, OʼCasey began to read the classics and the bible at an early age

and any pennies he could gather were spent on books. From the early 1890s, Sean and his older brother, Archie performed plays in the family home and OʼCasey got a small part in Dion de Boucicaultʼs

cause of its many associations with the Liffey. David Bolger and Muirne Bloomer of Cois Ceim choreographed ʻEnlightenmentʼ, a spectacular dance which began as a man and a woman in red meet like long-lost lovers in a pas-de-deux, as the bridge closed and brought them together. They were followed by the dancers in costumes of silver and turquoise, while silvery ﬁsh appeared to jump through the air above them. As the dance drew to a close, a huge key was carried by a dancer to symbolise the opening of the bridge. The overall effect was electrifying and the ʻsoundscapeʼ of Alexis Nealon complemented the performance perfectly. The bridge continues the tradition of naming the cityʼs bridges after famous Irish citizens. Sean OʼCasey was born in the north inner city of Dublin in

ʻThe Shaughraunʼ in the Mechanicsʼ Theatre. In his early adult life he joined the Gaelic League and the Irish Citizen army. OʼCasey had a lifelong romance with communism, which was to inﬂuence many of his plays. In the 1920s, while working as a labourer he wrote ʻThe Shadow of a Gunmanʼ, ʻJuno and the Paycockʼ and ʻThe Plough and the Starsʼ, which were performed at the Abbey Theatre. These provoked a public outcry, portraying as they did the violence of the nationalist movement and the effect this had on innocent civilians. Lar Bradshaw, Chairman of the Docklands Authority, said that the bridge created a vital link across the river, linking new and established communities. “We are particularly delighted to have an opportunity to provide a landmark tribute to the memory of Sean OʼCasey in an area of the city which inspired so much of his great work. OʼCasey wouldnʼt recognise his Dublin or Docklands today. Life has greatly improved since then and we continue to work on improving the quality of life for Docklanders,” he concluded.

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NEWSFOUR AUGUST 2005

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SAINT MALACHY’S PAPAL

PROPHECIES

important enough to commit them to paper and then handed his manuscript to Pope Innocent II to comfort him in his afﬂictions. The Holy Father then placed them in the Papal archives, where they remained unread and unseen for the next four centuries. Cucherat does not provide any concrete evidence as to whether in fact this may be true or false. A great deal is known about Malachy because his biographer was one of his contemporaries, St. Bernard of Clairvaux. He described him as humble, meek, modest, obedient and truly diligent in his studies.

He then goes on at great length to inform the reader that Malachy predicted the day and hour of his death. Since the second half of the 19th century the predictions have been universally read and the prophecies that were made almost nine hundred years before, have been interpreted by many historians who, in their own way, attempted to make them palatable to interested readers or denounced them as forgeries. Since 1939 until the present day there have been six Pontiffs elected to the Papal throne. The following list contains some of Malachyʼs predictions, from which you can then draw

your own conclusions. Pope Pius XII was ʻPastor Angelicusʼ, meaning ʻAn Angelic Shepherdʼ. For millions of oppressed Catholics worldwide he was viewed as an Angelic Pastor to his flock. Pope John XXIII was ʻPastor et Nautaʼ meaning ʻPastor and Marinerʼ. He was revered by millions of people, perhaps more so than any previous Pope, although his reign was very brief and he was also Patriarch of Venice, which is a city of sailors. He also chose the symbol of a cross and a ship for the Second Vatican Council. Paul VI was ʻFlos Florumʼ, meaning ʻFlower of flowersʼ. His armorial bearings show three fleurs-delis. John Paul I was ʻDe Medietate Lunaeʼ, meaning of the half moon. He reigned for thirty-three days. John Paul II was ʻDe Labore Solisʼ, ʻfrom the toil of the sun or of the eclipse of the sunʼ. He was born in 1920 when there was an eclipse of the sun. The present Pontiff is ʻGloria Olivaeʼ, ʻthe glory of the oliveʼ. The olive branch has always been associated with peace. The Benedictine order is generally known as the ʻOlivetansʼ and the Pope chose to call himself Benedict XVI.

every September and are made up of teams whose players come from members of the homeless, as well as members of the Eastern Health Board and Gardaí. The love of the football game provides the common denominator on which all these, sometimes seemingly-opposed, individuals can get together and allow for a broader understanding to grow. The league continues for 12 weeks and the winners go on to play in tournaments in Cabra or Finglas. In the New Year, the build-up to the World Cup will begin, where only the homeless members of the teams

are eligible to participate. From February on, the selection process for the Cup begins. For those who do not qualify to go to the South African 2006 Homeless World Cup, there will be an opportunity to play in the annual Home Nations tournament which includes teams from Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales. Street Leagues is run on a volunteer basis. Sponsorship to date has been gratefully received from Anglo Irish Bank, Van Fleet, and Errea Sports. Thanks are also extended to the public for their support on bucket days. Any help or sponsorship from

companies or individuals in providing for the growing need for further equipment and the ever-increasing demand for more coaching will be welcomed. Local organisations that have existing relationships with the target groups and are interested in proposing players can obtain registration forms from Mick Prender c/o Irelandʼs Issues at 086-604 7575. Any further queries, contact Brendan Doyle on 086-059 1450. Above: Irish World Cup team members. Brendan Doyle top row third from left, the Physio to the Irish Team.

By Denis Murphy

hen a Pope dies, popular broadsheets and the tabloid press extract from their files the prophecies of St. Malachy, who was Archbishop of Armagh around the middle of the 12th century. From the reign of Celestine II in 1143 until the present day he has given Latin names to 101 successors of St. Peter up to the present Pontiff. A great many experts feel extremely confident that his predictions are a 15th century forgery, yet even so, many of the elected Pontiffs since then have uncannily fitted Malachyʼs prophecies. Nicholas Breakspear, the only English Pope, who became Adrian IV in 1154, was designated by Malachy as ʻde Rure Alboʼ which translates as from ʻthe Alban Countryʼ, the medieval name for England or ʻfrom a white countryʼ. A few curious facts emerge about this Pope also, which deserve looking at. He was born near St. Albanʼs and entered the monastery there, where he became a monk. Further-

ing his studies, he went to France where Pope Eugenius III perceived him as an able person and gave him the red cardinal hat, making him bishop of Albano. The ﬁrst to mention the predictions is Benedictine historian Arnold Wion in his book ʻLignum Vitaeʼ which was published in 1559. Following a brief outline on Malachyʼs life he then inserted them into his text. In 1871 Abbe Cucherat put forward the following hypothesis. Malachy had his visions sometime between 1139 and 1140 during a visit to Rome. He felt that they were

I RELAND ’ S W ORLD C UP GLORY !

relandʼs Homeless World Cup Team had cause to celebrate when they reached the quarterfinals of the 2005 Football Homeless World Cup held in Edinburgh this August. Ireland won 12 out of 13 games. In the first round they beat the title-holders Italy but when facing them again they lost 3-2, going out to a penalty in the last minutes of the game. International News Street Papers (INSP) associated to the Big Issues magazine which hits our streets each month, was responsible for initiating the first Homeless World Cup event held in Austria in 2003 where 22 countries competed. This has become a yearly event and in Sweden last year, out of the 28 countries, the Irish team finished 3rd. Street Leagues started in 2003 as a small leagues project for inner-city hostels that cater for rough sleepers, emergency cases, people who are on the move and have no permanent address, and those who are in drug rehabilitation, aftercare units or care houses.

In the beginning at least 50 young people who would not normally have participated in a sporting activity played. That number has now grown to 150 and Dublin City Council has given the use of their facilities in Cabra and Finglas for training and playing. Brendan Doyle is a freelance physio who works with football teams in the Ringsend/ Irishtown area and also works with recovering drug addicts in the Spellman Centre in Ringsend. Brendan began his volunteer work with the Northside Street Leagues 5 months ago and is now ready to set up the Southside Street Leagues. Having put out the word in the area, he already has 10 teams signed up to start in September. The Irishtown Stadium will be the venue for the teamʼs training and playing. The primary reason for the Street Leagues is to help integrate people who may have become alienated from each other. It is directed towards engaging both male and female players, usually between the age of 16 and 40. Street Leagues commence

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NEWSFOUR AUGUST 2005

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