News Four December 2004 by News Four

CHRISTMAS 2004

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

Happy Christmas to all our Readers!

Christmas Present… Christmas Past

ocals are dreaming of a light Christmas in Bath Avenue with Liam Tilley (above) once again decking his home with a dazzling display. The idea for the lights came six years ago when Liamʼs wife died and he was facing his ﬁrst lonely Christmas without her. Instead of moping around Liam decided to decorate his house with an amazing array of Christmas lights and has done so every year since. Over the years his collection of Christmas decorations has grown. Liam buys something different from a store in Lucan each year and as a regular Christmas customer he gets a good deal. He watches the sales after Christmas too so that he can pick something up for the following season. It takes Liam about ﬁve days to put the display together and his time working with the ESB helps him to ensure that everything is safe. Although he once frightened his daughter, Sinead, when she saw him up on the roof adjusting the wires– “At 71 he

shouldnʼt be taking risks like that,” she said, reminding us all that we should be careful when putting up the lights and decorations at Christmastime. This year Liam has a wishing well and any money collected from passers-by will be donated to the Hospice in Haroldʼs Cross. There is also a singing Santa in the front garden which delights his ten grandchildren and attracts all the children in the area. People bring the children along and have their photos taken with Santa and Liam is only too pleased to welcome them. Liamʼs winter wonderland is on Bath Avenue at the corner of Bath Avenue Gardens and the lights are turned on every evening at 5 pm. He loves to see the children and their parents and is most grateful for any donations for the Hospice. Many thanks to Anne Marie for reminding us to include Liamʼs wonderful display in our Christmas edition. Pictured on right, Royalettes, dancers from the Theatre Royal, Dublin celebrate Christmas in the 1940s. See page 36.

PAGE 2

NewsFour Managing Editor Ann Ingle Advertising Manager Grainne McGuinness Staff Rose Hogan Robert C. Diaz Frances Corr Maggie Neary Patrick Duffy Nicola McMahon Lisa Berigan John Hobson Contributors Derek Buckley James O’Doherty Austin Cromie Patrick Purcell Christy Hogan Shay Connolly Michael Hilliard Mark Barnett Sammy Best Nicola McDonnell George Humphries

NEWSFOUR CHRISTMAS 2004

The Editor’s Christmas Corner

I CANʼT believe itʼs that time of year again. The past twelve months have been hectic but with great results for NewsFour. We have ventured into colour and whilst this created some headaches for our brilliant typesetter/designer, Eugene Carolan, I think everyone was pleased with our new look. The work of our photographer, John Cheevers, is even more appreciated now that we can see his work in all its technicolor glory. Our new printers, Datascope, have been most helpful to us in this transition so we would like to say a big thanks to them. Andrew Thorn joined the team in February this year and by April he had our website up and running. This is greatly appreciated by our fans abroad and please donʼt forget to tell your distant relatives to check us out on www.news4.ie. The website now includes Christmas editions from 1997 and 1998 and this archive will be extended in the coming months. As yet we have not had an ofﬁcial launch of the website and this is something we look forward to in the New Year. Our contributors over the year have greatly enhanced the quality and variety of NewsFour and we would like to thank each of them for their interest and long may this continue. You will see in the paper that Christy Hogan has recently received a Diploma in Journalism and we would like to congratulate him on his achievement. Our own team Frances, Robert, Patrick, John, Rose, Nicola and Mag-

gie have done great work during the year which is much appreciated. I know that our readers look forward to their diverse and interesting articles. Lisa joined us this time last year and has been my right arm ever since which was just as well because I broke an arm earlier in the year as regular readers will know. I am only just getting over the operation which took place in early October. Bone was taken from my hip to put in the arm which after six months wasnʼt healing properly. I came home a few days later but wasnʼt able to walk although the arm was on the mend. After much physiotherapy - thanks Ruth in the physio department at St Vincents and all the doctors and nurses there - the arm is nearly back to normal and I can walk again. With the medical report out of the way I would like to emphasise that NewsFour would not reach you unless our advertisers supported us. We are most grateful for their patronage and look forward to this continuing for many years. A sincere thanks to you all. It only remains to wish each of you a very happy and safe Christmas. Our next edition will be in February 2005 by which time you will have recovered from all the festivities. Look forward to talking to you again then. Ann Ingle

Music Correspondent Dan Hegarty Web Designer Andrew Thorn Photography John Cheevers Design, Typesetting, Layout Eugene Carolan Support Tony Daly Community Services, 15 Fitzwilliam Street, Ringsend, Dublin 4.

New Bank Manager in Sandymount NewsFour would like to welcome the new manager of AIB Sandymount, Marie Fitzgerald to her new post. Marie has been with AIB for all her career and comes to Sandymount from their Upper Baggot Street branch where she was manager of the Business Development Section for the past three years. This will be Marieʼs ﬁrst branch to manage and she says that she is delighted to be coming to such a nice area and she is “looking forward to meeting the community in Sandymount and Ringsend and developing new business opportunities.”

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.

SHELBOURNE PARK RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION LTD 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.

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

NEWSFOUR CHRISTMAS 2004

PAGE 3

Wren Boys Festival St. Stephen’s Day 2004

The Wran the Wran the king of all birds On St. Stephenʼs Day he was caught in the furze Up with the kettle and down with the pan A penny or tuppence to bury the wran The Wran the Wran for all to see Here dressed up in a holly tree Now Mrs Murphy donʼt be thinking Give us our money and let us go drinking

he annual Wren Boys Festival takes place again this year at Sandymount Green, Dublin 4 on St. Stephenʼs Day (26th December) with musicians celebrating the old tradition of Hunting the Wran. The Festival is preceded by

a poetry reading at 11.30am and begins officially at 12 midday. It is all over by 2pm so get up early and make the most of it. Among the music-makers and events expected to feature on the Gig Rig on the day are Clannad, The Swords Mummers, City Fair, The Ned OʼShea musicians and dancers, Shay McGovern, Clanna Gael dancers, Monkstown dancers, Antoinette Heery, Pat Spillane, Mick Lacey, a genuine Kiwi haka and many others from far and wide playing bodhrans, bagpipes, tin whistles and even

combs. Each year a charity is nominated to benefit from a collection made at the merrymaking on that morning. This year the charity selected by the Wran Boys Committee will be Open Door Day Care Centre, a Bray-based charity whose catchment area covers North Wicklow and South County Dublin providing facilities and activities for adult members with many forms of disability. The Committee would like to thank their generous sponsors: AIB, Bennetts, SPAR, Café Java and Sandymount House. For further information on the Wren Boys Festival please contact: Heather Latchford Tel/Fax: 01 2858008, Mobile: 086 2448729, email: heatherlatchford@eircom.net

Toy Soldiers for Christmas anyone? BUY AN army and fight a battle this Christmas! Ancient Egyptians used to fight mock battles on a table with wooden soldiers and even in the Second World War generals would manoeuvre miniature figures on a table and plan major tactics. These tables would have sand, hills and valleys model houses etc. and, of course, model soldiers. Does anyone remember Airfix soldiers? These were plastic soldiers and well within anyoneʼs budget. However, more serious collectors buy metal models. Humbrol paints are used to paint the lead soldiers. Many a would-be general painted his models so they appeared much more realistic. In Britain there are quite a number of clubs where mock battles are fought on tabletops with people of all ages. Collecting and making model soldiers is enjoyed by children from nine to ninety. There is a small shop beside the Kilkenny Design Centre in Nassau Street which has some wonderful models. If you are good with your hands, kits can be obtained from a company in Cork via www.priceaugust.ie/soldiers so that you can make your own. By Mark Barnett

Councillor Garry Keegan Mobile: 086 235 8913

Advice Centres St. Andrew’s, Pearse Street, Dublin 2 Tuesdays 7pm–8pm Community Centre, Ringsend, Dublin 4 Thursdays 7pm–8pm

Working for you with Eoin Ryan MEP WISHING YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND PEACEFUL NEW YEAR

PAGE 4

NEWSFOUR CHRISTMAS 2004

The Letterbox Dear Madam Editor Do any of your readers remember a man called Ward, I believe his fatherʼs name was Paddy. In 1947 Ward was in the Palestine Police stationed in Ajani Police Station in Jaffa. One day he and another went for a swim in Peta Tikva and while there were kidnapped by a Jewish terrorist gang. At that time three Jewish men had been tried and found guilty of murder and were due to be executed. Ward and his comrade were told if the sentence was carried out, they would be hanged also. While prisoners, they were well treated with food and drink but told their days were numbered. Fortunately they escaped and the Jews captured three soldiers in their place. When the three murderers met their fate, the three soldiers were found dead, hanging in an orange grove with their bodies booby-trapped.

I donʼt know if he is still alive but certainly he was very lucky to survive Palestine. As you can see hostage-taking as in Iraq is nothing new. Sincerely, Martin Moore, Sandymount P.S I served in Ajani Police Station with the man in question– a long time ago. Dear Madam Editor, I would like to congratulate you for producing a terriﬁc newspaper as the NewsFour. I just love reading them as they bring back so many memories of my days in Sandymount 50 years ago. I have been away now nearly 49 years and I still love the place. I would like to thank Trish Nagle (Murtagh) of Tallaght for sending copies of same. I would like to wish all your readers a Happy Christmas and New Year, especially Nagle and Robbins families of Tallaght, Keogh

100 Years of Power By Frances Corr

he Electricity Supply Board (ESB) is celebrating 100 Years of Electricity Generation in Ringsend with the unaveiling of a monument by the Chief Executive of the ESB. Mr Padraig McManus unveiled a sculpture on Sandymount Strand on November 12th to mark to mark the occasion. The sculpture consists of a single block of Wicklow granite onto

which is mounted a cast-bronze plaque embossed with a panoramic view from the Strand Road location. It identiﬁes landmarks of particular interest including the location of the Pigeon House, Poolbeg Power Station, The Bailey Lighthouse and Dun Laoghaire Harbour. The sculpture is wheelchair accessible and very tactile, which make it very suitable for people with visual impairment. It also gives a very good map of the outline of the coastline.

The Yacht

Thorncastle Street, Ringsend, 6680977

Best Christmas Wishes from Bob, Monica and all the Staff

Avail of our Off Sales

family of Raheny and all at Paul OʼReillys. All the best and thank you once again. Dick Pollard, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand Dear Madam Editor We would like through your newspaper to thank the Connolly family of Irishtown. Until two years ago, we ran successful bars and restaurants in Mallorca, called ʻBentleysʼ and ʻRosie McIvorsʼ. Our clientele was around 80% Irish and most of our customers became good friends, coming back to see us year after year, sometimes twice a year. Sadly, due to ill health we had to give up and return to England after nearly 12 years. We had never been to Ireland before but recently put that right by ﬂying into Dublin and meeting up with Joe and Fran Connolly of Irishtown and their lovely family, daughters Sally, Fran and Sheila and their families, most of whom we had met during our time in Mallorca. On the doors of our Bars was

the legend ʻCead Mille Falteʼ and no more was that in evidence as when we ﬁnally met up with them all in Dublin. A hundred thousand welcomes could never have been more appropriate!! And we say to you Joe and Fran, and your beautiful family a hundred thousand thanks. The whole family made us so very welcome and made our stay one of the great memories we will keep in our minds, that, and the genuine warmth of the Irish people.

God Bless you Joe and Fran and once again thank you. Knowing these people must be a little like winning ﬁrst prize in the lottery of life. Ivor and Rosemary DugdaleJenkins, United Kingdom (Above: Rosemary with Joe and Fran)

In his speech at the unveiling ceremony, Padraig McManus outlined the history of electricity generation on the Poolbeg peninsula, which dated back to 1903. The Pigeon House Station was built by the then Dublin Corporation Lighting Committee before being handed over to the newly-formed ESB in 1929. Ringsend Power Station ﬁrst generated electricity in 1955 to meet the growing needs of a rapidly-developing Ireland and after almost 30 years of service was closed in 1982. A new station, Synergen, which is operated on a joint partnership basis between ESB and Statoil, was commissioned in 2002 and is located on part of the old Ringsend station site. Further down the peninsula, the Combined Cycle Plant in Poolbeg was completed in 1999. The familiar characteristic twin red and white chimneys of the original Poolbeg station which ﬁrst generated electricity

in 1971 have become synonymous with the city of Dublin and are well and truly part and parcel of the landscape of the city. Since 1903 these stations have provided a vital energy source for the commercial, industrial and domestic life of the capital city and beyond and have played a vital part in our economic growth and success. Padraig McManus said ʻThe ESB is proud of its record of achievement and association with the Poolbeg Peninsula. These power stations have stood as a testament to the vision and the technical, engineering, craft and organisational skills of ESB and its staff. The success of the stations has also been based on an appreciation and awareness of the environment in which we operate. We are acutely aware that we operate in an area of environmental importance and we are committed to being a good neighbour and meeting customer demand

for electricity in a safe, efﬁcient and environmentally responsible manner. Indeed, we consider this to be an essential and challenging aspect of the way we do our business, not just on the Poolbeg peninsula but throughout all ESB.” The Chief Executive thanked the Poolbeg Partnership Group for their initiative in celebrating this particular anniversary. He also congratulated them on their decision to mark this occasion with a sculpture that should be of beneﬁt and interest to people for many years to come. He paid tribute to all those who, past and present, have dedicated themselves to the generation of electricity on the Poolbeg peninsula and the hope that this tradition will continue for many years into the future. From left: Frances Corr, Catherine Cavendish, Cllr. Dermot Lacey, John Gormley TD, Cllr. Kevin Humphreys and Padraig McManus.

Kay Rollo wishes to send Christmas Greetings to George Rollo and family and Billy Rollo and family. She will be thinking of you all at Christmas.

NEWSFOUR CHRISTMAS 2004

PAGE 5

J ONATHAN K NUTTEL A N A RTISTIC P EDIGREE By Nicola McMahon

is coat stayed on, so I was prepared for a short interview. However, as we drank our coffee I discovered the coat was left on for those interspersed smoking breaks not for the quick getaway I imagined. Jonathan Knuttel is not of the ʻlook at me Iʼm obviously an artistʼ sort, but he is a prominent contemporary artist with exhibitions in The Waldock Gallery in Blackrock, The Oisin Gallery, The Green Gallery in Stephenʼs Green, Vlaams cultureel centrum de Brakke Grand, Amsterdam and many more. Although Jonathan attended art classes in school he maintains his father Peter was his biggest influence. When Jonathan was very young, his father was a part-time artist and used to explain certain artistic styles and techniques to him. Today his father is internationally well-respected as a water colourist and printmaker. His internationally acclaimed uncle, the painter Graham Knuttel, was also around a lot as both he and Jonathanʼs father were involved in artistic ventures such as the Lambert Puppet Theatre. In fact, much of Jonathanʼs family are involved in creativity in some shape or form. On his fatherʼs side there are several architects and artists such as Thomas Cooper Gotch, cofounder of The Newlyn School of painting. The actor Cary Grant is better known in their family as great great uncle Archie Leach. His brother is a song-writer whose band supported Mundy recently, his mother has a degree in History of Art and his sister does pottery on occasion.

A career as an artist then seems like the obvious choice when surrounded by so much creativity yet he says that: “I kind of drifted into art because I tried many other avenues that held no interest for me”. He found that whilst other people got themselves run-of-themill jobs in shops, he spent his school summers painting murals and so on. I asked Jonathan what he thought of formal versus selftaught training in general and he told me that “College would have been good fun, although I donʼt think I would necessarily have learned anything different. With art you can pick up techniques just by trial and error”. He feels that art colleges donʼt prepare you for working as an artist in real terms and many students would benefit from a business course to help them become commercially viable. He believes that another important factor for those starting out is to find a gallery you can have a good relationship with so that they will invest their time and faith in you. He taught himself to paint in the style he does today, taking further inspiration from German Expressionist painters such as Kirchner, Otto Mueller, Emil. These painters attracted him because of their rebellious attitude in ignoring religious and political pressure to paint historical events and instead focused on form and colour. Other inspiration comes from everyday sources such as snippets of conversations, the humour in a situation, news, the bleakness of life, the battle of the sexes, friendsʼ opinions on certain issues and popular culture in general. Jonathan paints at home and often starts painting in the morning around nine and

finishes late into the night as he finds that when he gets immersed in a painting itʼs hard to stop. He doesnʼt like to intellectualise his paintings too much, believing that people can catch a glimpse into the social interaction and behaviour of people through his paintings and discuss its meaning in the future. He thinks Ireland is a good place to be an artist because Irish people are interested in arts and culture and in London or New York there is more competition from other artists and less support. As to whether he had any particularly fortunate breaks or not, he believes it was persistence and thick skin that allowed him get where he is today. Every exhibition has helped him develop his career, from his very first one in The Globe on Georgeʼs Street. He has been invited to exhibit at a Christmas show called the Florence bi-annual for 2005. If you are interested in seeing some more of Jonathanʼs paintings you can visit his website at www.jknuttel.com Above: Girl with Cat by Jonathan Knuttel

Geraldine M. Lynch (formerly of Irishtown Road)

General Legal Practice Telephone: 087 9874577 Email: glynchburke@eircom.net

PAGE 6

NEWSFOUR CHRISTMAS 2004

R OBERT B URNS – T HE I MMORTAL M EMORY

By Austin Cromie

ention Christmas, New Year Festivities and a verse of poetry and one name springs to mind– ʻAuld Lang Syneʼ and Robert Burns. In the year 2000, people across Scotland were asked to choose the ʻScot of the Millenniumʼ. The poet Robert Burns was voted the clear winner. He was chosen above all the great Kings and Queens, philosophers, explorers, artists, scientists and bridge builders that Scotland produced over the last thousand years. Burnsʼs work is translated

into hundreds of languages and enjoyed by countless people across the world. His artistic legacy is certainly extraordinary, with more than 600 poems and songs written and gathered over a short lifetime of 37 years. His song ʻAuld Lang Syneʼ is sung by more people than any other (with the possible exception of ʻHappy Birthdayʼ). And for auld lang syne, my jo, For auld lang syne, Weʼll tak a cup oʼ kindness yet For auld lang syne. He was the ﬁrst son of William and Agnes Burns who were tenant farmers. Though poor the family was rich in affection. His formative years

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

were happy and schooldays were typical of the time, a local scholar teaching the local children. His mother and her cousin Betty Davidson would delight young Robbie by singing traditional Scots songs and would hold him spellbound with tales of ghosts and witches. At 25 years of age Robert Burns came to fame with the publication of ʻTo A Mouseʼ in 1785, then followed ʻA Red, Red Roseʼ a poetic gem showing his genius for creating folk material. Eight years later he wrote ʻScots Wha Haeʼ, the poetʼs imagined rallying cry of Bruce to his men at Bannockburn. It

was never published in his lifetime but is now a national song of Scotland. In 1795 Burnsʼs health began to decline with bouts of rheumatic fever and he died on January 21st, 1796. Thousands attended his funeral. On the ﬁfth anniversary of his death, the ﬁrst ever Burns supper was held by a small group of friends in the cottage in Alloway where he had been born. The ʻBurns Supperʼ continues as a regular event on 25th January each year, his anniversary.

There is, of course, an Irish Connection. His sister Agnes Galt lived with her husband William in Knockbridge, outside Dundalk for 18 years. Burns was a regular visitor in summer time. The family headstone can be seen at St. Nicholas-Church of Ireland, Dundalk. Robert Burnsʼs name is synonymous with the Sweet Afton cigarettes pack produced by P.J. Carrollʼs of Dundalk which features the familiar verse: Flow gently sweet Afton A m o n g thy green Braes Flow Gently Iʼll sing thee A song in thy praise. The other connection is with the well-known department store Todd Burns of Mary Street Dublin– now Pennys. Mr. Gilbert Burns– the storeʼs Director was Robertʼs uncle.

Central Hair Studio

Wish all their Guitar Lessons Customers Professional Teacher a Very Happy Christmas Contact Tony at 087 9743775

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

Happy Christmas to all our Customers

PHONE: 6683309

NEWSFOUR CHRISTMAS 2004

PAGE 7

T HE ‘A SGARD ’

By John Cheevers

ʻA

sgardʼ is an old Norse word meaning ʻHome of the Godsʼ– the land between heaven and earth. This was the origin of the name given to the gaff rigged ketch Asgard. It was designed and built in Norway in 1905 by Colin Archer, who was of Scottish descent, and who incidentally was the architect of the vessel ʻFramʼ for the famous navigator and Artic explorer Nansen. The ʻAsgardʼ had a romantic association too. She was given as a wedding present by Dr. and Mrs. Hamilton Osgood of Boston U.S.A to their daughter Mary on her marriage to Erskine Childers, farther of the late president Childers. Erskine was an experienced sailor and navigator who sailed extensively the North Sea coasts

and consequently wrote the internationally renounced novel ʻThe Riddle of the Sandsʼ. In July 1914 the Asgard set sail for the North Sea with Mary and Erskine Childers and four crew members on board to rendezvous with a tugboat off the Belgian coast, and collected a cargo of guns for the Irish Volunteers, which they landed in Howth in broad daylight. Shortly thereafter saw the start of the First World War. The Irish government purchased the vessel in 1961 because of her historical association. ʻAsgardʼ became Irelandʼs ﬁrst ofﬁcial sail training vessel under the guidance of a newly-formed committee, Coiste An ʻAsgardʼ. In 1974 she was retired and shortly after was given a prominent position in the historical museum of Kilmainham jail.

The Bermuda ketch, ʻCreidneʼ replaced the ʻAsgardʼ and continued on until 1980 and is now used as a sail training yacht by the Naval Reserve. Built in Arklow, designed specially for sail training by the late Jack Tyrell and commissioned by the then Taoiseach C.J. Haughey in 1981, the brigantine ʻAsgard IIʼ carried forward the proud name of her predecessor. She has since taken part in many international races, visited Australia to participate in their bicentennial celebrations and was part of the pageant which re-enacted the meeting of the two Queens in 16th century Greenwich, that of Queen Elizabeth and the Irish Pirate Queen Grace OʼMalley better known as ʻGranuaileʼ. Asgard II carries as her figurehead a carving of Granvaile as befits the tradition of the vessel. This year at the Docklands Maritime Festival, Asgard II took a place alongside the famous replica ships, the ʻJeanie Johnstonʼ and the ʻGrand Turkʼ. She is captained by Colm Newport (pictured above) who heads a permanent crew of 5, a training crew of 20 and operates the sail training programme, by which young people over 16 years can apply for a berth. This course runs from February to September each year and takes sail around the Irish coast, Britain and France. Irelandʼs floating ambassador, the brigantine ʻAsgard IIʼ continues on, taking new generations of young sailors on voyages of discovery and adventure.

T HE S PELLBINDER

FINBAR OʼCONNOR, reading from his latest book ʻWolfgran Returnsʼ to a captivated audience in Ringsend Library during the Childrenʼs Book Festival 2004.

A N A RTIST

A CTORS

FIONNUALA COLLINS recently exhibited her work in The Gallery in Greystones. She has been painting since the age of 5 when her parents were informed by her teacher that she was an artist. Fionnualaʼs painting of Maureen OʼHara in her recent exhibition of actors from the Abbey can be seen above. For further information about her work look on her website: www.ﬁonnualacollins.com.

PAGE 8

NEWSFOUR CHRISTMAS 2004

A CALL TO A RTISTS FROM THE D UBLIN P ORT C OMPANY D

ublin Port Company is sponsoring a major international art installation commission at the new entrance to Dublin Port at Promenade Road. This will be a 15month process that includes the invitation for submissions, shortlisting of suitable proposals as well as the announcement of the commission and its installation. In commissioning this work, Dublin Port Company is seeking to create an iconic image for Dublin Port. The deadline for the submissions is 6th January 2005 at 4.30 pm. The announcement of the shortlist and issuing of full brief will be made on 7th February 2005 and the deadline for delivery of stage 2 submissions is Thursday 26th May. The total value of the commission is €300,000. This includes the artistʼs fee, expenses, materials, engineering design, fabrication and installation. Mr. Enda Connellan, Chief Executive, Dublin Port Company said: “This commission represents a signiﬁcant invest-

competition will ensure the best possible range of submissions for the commission.” Submissions for this project must include the following documentation: * A current CV highlighting previous commissions * Illustrations of previous work in an appropriate format (print, DVD, video, CD) * An artistʼs statement in response to the commission (no more than 300 words)

ment by Dublin Port Company to enhance the visual environment within the Port area and create a lasting iconic image that is symbolic of the work done at the Port by Dublin Port Company and its customers.” The commission is being man-

CRANFIELD CONTRACTORS LIMITED

aged by a working group of ten. It comprises ﬁve members representing Dublin Port Company, the Portʼs customers and the local community, four members with expertise in arts management, public art commissioning, architecture and engineering as

well as a project manager. Mary Gallagher, Project Manager of the Commission said: “Dublin Port Companyʼs generous sponsorship of this commission will create a lasting landmark at Dublin Port. The international dimension of the

Information may be submitted to: The Registrar, DPART, Dublin Port Company, Port Centre, Alexandra Road, Dublin 1. For further information contact the Project Manager, Mary Gallagher, 41 Priory Hall, Spawell Road, Wexford. Email: info@dpart.ie or via Dublin Port Companyʼs website www.dublinport.ie or the projectʼs dedicated website, www.dpart.ie Pictured at the launch of of the project are, left to right: Joe Burke, Mary Gallagher and Enda Connellan.

HAVE A HAPPY CHRISTMAS FROM

TEL & FAX: 6687796, MOBILE: 086 2597094 The Complete Building and Contracting Company

CARS · VANS · TRUCKS · CAMPERS Tel: 6791791 - 6799111

We would like to wish all our customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Free Estimates WITHOUT Obligation Full Design Service Available Call The Experts

CRANFIELD CONTRACTORS

OPEN

MON-FRI: 8.30AM - 5.30PM SAT: 9.00PM - 2.00PM

DIRECT BILLING TO INSURANCE COMPANIES IRL &U.K. FULL CITY AND SURROUNDING COUNTIES MOBILE SERVICE COLLECTION SERVICE

NEWSFOUR CHRISTMAS 2004

PAGE 9

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

KEEP RECYCLING THIS CHRISTMAS RECYCLING CENTRE OFF ROUNDABOUT AT SEAN MOORE ROAD, RINGSEND CHRISTMAS IS A TIME WHEN THE AMOUNT OF WASTE WE PRODUCE INCREASES. INSTEAD OF THROWING IT OUT, MAKE RECYCLING IT YOUR NEW YEAR RESOLUTION IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT, SINCE 1ST. NOVEMBER 2004, A CHARGING STRUCTURE BASED ON VEHICLE TYPE (SIMILAR TO OTHER FACILITIES IN THE REGION), HAS BEEN INTRODUCED AT THE CENTRE THE FOLLOWING ARE THE RESPECTIVE TARIFFS: * Car

€4.00

* Estate Car/Jeep/SUV

€8.00

* Vehicle and single axle trailer

€15.00

* Van/Vehicle and double axle trailer

€25.00

NO CHARGE WILL APPLY TO VEHICLES CARRYING THE FOLLOWING MATERIALS ONLY– PACKAGING MATERIAL, PAPER, GLASS, PAINTS, AEROSOLS, BATTERIES, LIGHT BULBS AND FRIDGE/FREEZERS

The following materials will be accepted at the site: IT Computer Equipment Brown Goods - Televisions, Radios, Video Players Timber White Goods - Fridges, Freezers, Washing Machines, Cookers, Tumble Dryers Mobile Phones Household DIY Rubble Waste Engine Oil, Cooking Oil Bulky Items e.g. Furniture Household Hazardous Waste e.g. Paint, Aerosols

Paper / Newspapers / Magazines Junk Mail Cardboard Beverage Cartons e.g. Tetrapak All Glass Bottles and Jars Aluminium, Beverage Cans Steel Food Cans Plastic Bottles Soft Plastic Packaging Textiles Electrical Equipment (tube lights, bulbs) Batteries (domestic & car)

The following Winter Opening Hours Apply: Monday to Friday, 9.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. Saturdays and Bank Holidays, 9.00 a.m. - 2.00 p.m. Please note that there will be some restriction to opening hours during the week beginning 27th December. Any queries in relation to materials accepted should be directed to the Centre at 6144750 ertisement feature - Advertisement feature - Advertisement feature - Advertisement feature - Advertisement feature - Advertisement featu

PAGE 10

NEWSFOUR CHRISTMAS 2004

T HE J ETTY S TEPS By Sammy Best

s a local lad growing up in Patrickʼs Villas, Ringsend, this remarkable and very special village holds many memories for me. Now as a senior citizen, I would like to share one such memory with my friends and readers of News Four. The Jetty Steps were located at the back of the Technical School, Ringsend, and jutted out down to the river. The entrance to the steps is still visible today, but alas, through progress, they are largely gone making way for a motorway to the East Link Bridge. It was a meeting place for the women and children of Ringsend in the summer and at weekends the hard-working dockers came along to enjoy swimming. The coal boat workers from The Gas Company, Wallaces, Heitons, etc could wash and remove the coal dust from their tired bodies. We as children were taught to swim at the steps, swimming

out to a small ﬁshing boat called ʻThe Aliceʼ. It was a place to be during Ringsend Regatta, a seat here was as valuable as a seat at Old Trafford, home to Manchester United. On one sunny afternoon, while swimming at the steps, large objects came ﬂoating down the Liffey on the outgoing tide. It did not take the thirsty men of Ringsend long to know that they were barrels and quicker still what they contained. Guinness Wharf at Kingsbridge was supplied with large barrels of beer from the main brewery. The barrels were lifted by a winch and placed onto Guinness barges which transported them to City Quay and Custom House Quay for shipping. While loading, one of the barges, which was full of barrels, tilted to send Ringsend its gift. A shout went up “All hands into the water”. This command ensured that four barrels did not get away, pushing and shoving to the side of the Jetty Steps, assisted by Anna Liviaʼs outgoing tide. Unfortunately, two other barrels

did get away and I am quite sure their contents were enjoyed by Liverpool or Holyhead dockers or where ever. Nothing was impossible to the Ringsend men and a total of four barrels ended up in Ringsend

Park awaiting a quick decision. One very religious and honest man said, “we should tell Guinness”. He was outnumbered. However a problem arose, how to get at the contents of the barrels. No advantage knocking the bung out as the contents would ﬂow all over Ringsend Park. A compromise was found involving a sledge hammer smashing the circular lid. A constant vigil

WISHING ALL NEWSFOUR READERS A HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A SAFE NEW YEAR. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU ALL IN 2005

was mounted and a steady ﬂow of people with a variety of containers reduced the contents to naught. We all agree that ʻUncle Arthurʼ was a very generous and benevolent man in times past, but what a novel and extraordinary way to send a present to the thirsty men of Ringsend by ﬂoating it down to them via the River Liffey. Cheers!

NEWSFOUR CHRISTMAS 2004

PAGE 11

H IDDEN A RT

R INGSEND

By Frances Corr

uring the rejuvenation of the villages of Ringsend and Irishtown by the Dublin Docklands Development Authority (DDDA) in conjunction with Dublin City Council (DCC), a number of local people objected to the barrier wall, which was planned to replace the crash barrier on the bad bend at the junction of Bridge Street and Irishtown road. It was decided to replace the old barrier with a curved line of steel bars, which stretch from the bus stop in Ringsend to opposite the Library. But these are no ordinary run-of-the-mill railings– these are sculptured, artistically inspired works of art by the Irish-based artist Grace Weir. A description of the work of this artist says she explores the relationship between events, places and time. She questions how and why certain events occur in a particular way and explores the ability to represent these occurrences. Unfortunately, the visual effect of this particular art form is hidden from everyone other than those who are willing to risk life and limb! When I was alerted to this ʻhidden artʼ in Ringsend, I discovered the steel bars, or some of them, have names of books and their authors engraved on one side of the bars. However, these are only visible from the road and are to be admired by passing motorists. Some of the bars appear to have rust stains. Although I did not in-

VACANCY

spect these too closely, it appears that local dogs have found a use for these pillars and are damaging the metal. A spokesman for DCC told me that the architects, McCullough Mulvin, had redesigned the barrier and following consultation with the DDDA the work was commissioned. On making enquires with the DDDA it was revealed that a notice was placed in the library inviting people to write down the names of their favourite book and these were then selected to go on the metal bars,

FOR

WORKER

PERSON QUALIFYING FOR A JOB INITIATIVE SCHEME REQUIRED TO JOIN THE TEAM AT

THE

RINGSEND DUTIES

AND IRISHTOWN

CENTRE IN RINGSEND.

COMMUNITY

WILL INCLUDE OPERATING

CLEANING EQUIPMENT, GENERAL MAINTENANCE, SECURITY AND OTHER DUTIES.

FLEXIBILITY

IS CRITICAL.

TELEPHONE PETER TOBIN

6604789

which are meant to represent books. This piece of work was

very expensive so some pillars were left blank. I noticed that no one chose Patricia Scanlanʼs ﬁrst book ʻCity Girlʼ which was written while she was a Librarian in Ringsend. In answer to my query regarding why the engraving appears on the outside and not where pedestrians would see it, the artist told me “We decided to do this so the engravings catch the sunlight on the road side, which is southfacing.” She further stated that the engravings would capture the attention of people as they leave the library. On closer inspection, I found that the only way to see the lettering is by stepping outside the metal barrier. We would not advise motorists or truck driver to avert their eyes from the road at this dangerous bend to admire them. However, if the glint of these engravings does catch your eye as you leave the library and you are curious, invest in a pair of binoculars, as the lettering is only two inches high and barely visible.

New Personal Skills & Fitness Development Course Starting in January 2005. Places available for Ten Trainees.

Contact : Teresa Rooney, Development Officer, Ringsend Community Training Centre, Regal House, Fitzwilliam Street, Dublin 4. Tel: 6601327 or 0877675655 We will be starting a Pilot Personal Skills & Fitness Development Course in January 2005. This course will primarily help develop personal skills, and will give a knowledge and awareness of personal fitness, hygiene, communication skills, money management, health & safety, diet & nutrition and first aid. We will also include modules on literacy & numeracy and prepare trainees in CV preparation and interviewing skills through our career awareness module. Training Allowance provided.

The Vintage 74 Irishtown Road Local residents would like to extend their thanks to Dublin Port for providing a Christmas Tree to St Patrick’s Church in Ringsend. It was handed over officially at a lighting ceremony at 7 pm on Wednesday 8th December. All donations will go to the Children’s Hospital in Crumlin.

Merry Christmas to all our Customers from Oliver and Mary Gleeson

PAGE 12

NEWSFOUR CHRISTMAS 2004

Ice-skating (and lots more) at the RDS 19th November 2004 to 9th January 2005

By Nicola McMahon

New Year’s Resolution– Cleaning up my act! A PERSON gets a real glimpse of herself when the things said and done are replayed by a miniature person who, by virtue of the fact that you are the parent, is your parrot or mirror image. Of course my little Sunshine is her own person in every way, but the learning comes from somewhere and Sunshine does a very good impression of me. It isnʼt always too pretty. I now realise that during those months before she actually started to speak she was spying on my every action and imprinting these into her brain along with my speech mannerisms and now she is playing this back to me with disconcerting accuracy. Mini-me pretend talks on the phone just like I do– very monosyllabically– Iʼm not a phone fan. “Close your eyes, I said, and go to sleep”, “I said no”, “One last time so” and “Just for one second”. I say these things to her without thinking, but it just doesnʼt sound right coming from the mouth of a two year old to her teddy bear. Am I really so impatient? Patience is one of the virtues Iʼve always thought I had, but it turns out I may not have it in such abundance as Iʼd like to think. It makes me squirm that I actually say those things, and that I am tempted to say “Just because, ok” as an answer to her questioning sometimes. So I am now acutely aware of this learning by example lark and it is my intention to never again watch television (intention, not hard fact). I will be superbly energetic and only eat healthily. Already Sunshine doesnʼt get any sweets or chocolate from me, but she has asked; “Mammy, what you eating?” when Iʼve been eating chocolate whilst driving and thinking she was asleep. Double-standards. Worse, I lie and tell her itʼs a banana or other approved item. Unfortunately for me she has the eyes of a hawk and so asks; “Why do you get big peopleʼs stuff Mammy?” when Iʼve been to the shop. Again I lie and say itʼs for anyone but me whilst trying to sound like I havenʼt got my mouth stuffed. This has to change– either she eats “big peopleʼs stuff” or I stop. And so I have my New Yearʼs Resolution. I will not eat or watch rubbish. I am going to be an improved version of me because the responsibility of helping to mould this beautiful soul means I need to be. I am learning a lot about my shortcomings and know there are changes to be made otherwise it will be a case of ʻdo as I say, not as I doʼ. Sunshine certainly gives me a lot to think about and, in the words of Jack Nicholson in ʻAs Good as it Getsʼ, she makes me want to be a better person.

e are all dreaming of a white Christmas, but as itʼs unlikely that we are going to be able to ice-skate across the canals of Dublin or ski down the slopes of the Wicklow or Dublin mountains, the ice-rink at the RDS is a very welcome novelty for the Christmas period. Aside from the ice-skating, there are other forms of entertainment available for those who prefer to keep their feet more firmly rooted to the ground. These include the Powerscourt Springs Chill-Out Zone and heated terraces with full bar facilities where you can enjoy a steaming glass of mulled wine or sip on some bubbly. There is also a Christmas market at weekends, offering an array of gifts, decorations and Christmas treats. Even if you donʼt want to skate there is still a gate charge of €4 but this amount can be redeemed against the price of a Santaʼs Polar Palace or skating ticket. The Polar Palace has a lot to offer for children under twelve. Kids can post their letter to Santa at the Christmas Post Box, meet Santa and his helpers and they can also receive a gift. They can get immersed in some artistic endeavours at Santaʼs Painting Wall or participate in the interactive Christmas Show. A meeting with Ted the Tailor in the bear factory could be entertaining, especially watching a bear

being ʻbrought to lifeʼ. In the giant Polar Playzone there is a disco dome, two junior play areas for the under fives, an ice obstacle course, a winter slide and a kidsʼ karaoke. Beside the big rink there is a children-only ice rink with small skates and mini-sleighs available. A session at the Polar Palace lasts around an hour and a quarter. If you are more interested in the ice-skating, then you will be delighted to hear that the ʻ7UP Christmas On Iceʼ 2004 boasts one of Europeʼs largest ice rinks and this year they will hold charity skates and an ice-sculpting event there. There are skating lessons on Saturday and Sunday mornings at 9.30am. All skate sessions last for an hour. Schools can book a fun skate time and it is also possible to make a booking to hold birthday parties there. Further details on all activities can be found by ringing the office on 1850 423423.

The following skating tips from 7UPʼs FidoDido might prove useful. Wear gloves to protect your hands and keep you warm! Donʼt wear strings on trousers. Wear plenty of layers and waterproof clothes or ski clothes to keep you dry and cool. When you get on the ice get your balance right by bending your knees, keeping your legs wide, and leaning slightly forward. To begin, keep your legs slightly apart, use the blade of your boot to move by pushing it to the side and push off with the other foot.Donʼt push with your toe or you could end up flat on your face! Pre-booking is recommended. Telephone Ticketmaster 0818 719300 or for group and family bookings Ice Line 1850 423 423. Ice skating for one hour costs €7, Family tickets from €28; Santaʼs Polar Palace from €12.50, Family tickets from €45. www.7upchristmasonice.ie

The Alpha Course

Begins on Thursday 20th January at 8 pm.

at The Anchorage Project, 10a York Road Ringsend (opposite East Link toll Plaza) Any queries phone Joe: 086 0612127 or Anthony: 087 9795454 alphacourse.ie

NEWSFOUR CHRISTMAS 2004

PAGE 13

W OMEN OF M IGHTY V ISION

By Maggie Neary

“W

e have to do this again”. These were the words exchanged between Linda McMahon and Catherine Gorman on the night of the draw for the 62 units in Poolbeg Quay housing project. I talked with Linda on a wet Saturday morning in her cosy house in Irishtown. We drank our tea as she told some of the story around housing in Ring-

send/Irishtown. In the early 1990s when rising prices in Dublin 4 were forcing the young people of the area to move away, Community Development Ofﬁcer, Joe Grennell appealed for volunteers to address this crisis. Linda and Eileen Farnley became involved in the ensuing project, which saw the building of affordable homes at Cambridge Square, Cambridge Park and Cambridge Court. As many locals still remained unhoused, Linda and Eileen de-

cided to call a meeting in the local GAA clubhouse. A huge number turned up and 220 paid £50 each for membership of a new co-op and The City Housing Initiative was formed, with Eileen and Linda being joined by Catherine, Marian Dunne and three other directors. At this time, Linda recalls, she and Catherine were holding down cleaning jobs and operating the Initiative out of a bedroom in Lindaʼs house. With the help of Dublin City Council and Joe Grennellʼs willingness to empower them to do it themselves, The Housing Initiative clawed its way through the intricacies of sourcing the site and the funding and dealing with planners and builders to develop Poolbeg Quay. Poolbeg was unveiled in October 2004. 62 units ranging in price from under €150,000 to €190,000 went on offer to local applicants on the City Councilʼs Affordable Housing list. Linda remembers how emotional it was for the members of the City Housing Initiative to watch as the names were being pulled out of the drum. “Everyone wanted all 140 applicants to be successful”. When I asked Linda what lay in the future she replied with great energy “Plans are well under way to do 19 affordable threebedroom houses in the Ringsend area”. It looks like there will be happy days for more local families when these plans come to fruition. above: Marian Pictured Dunne, Linda McMahon, Eileen Farnley, Catherine Gorman and local residents. Left: Eoin Ryan TD, MEP speaking at the ofﬁcial opening.

R USH H OUR IN 1940 S D UBLIN

THIS PICTURE of Bank Holiday crowds waiting for a tram was taken from the top of Nelsonʼs Pillar. The tram on the right has an advertisement for Heatons, the left for Tedcastles, both well-known coal merchants at the time.

FIANNA FÁIL

Chris Andrews and Eoin Ryan T.D.,M.E.P. Working together for our Community

If you have any concerns that you would like to raise with either of us, you can contact us on 087-2851515 or Eoin on 6184375 Best Wishes for Christmas and the New Year

PAGE 14

NEWSFOUR CHRISTMAS 2004

R ECYCLING IN THE 1950 S

By Christy Hogan

he horse came round the corner pulling a large four-wheeled cart. He was a large well-built horse, a Shire or a Clydesdale, like those in the Budweiser advertisement. The cart contained six big barrels, similar to empty oil drums. It was Wednesday, and in our part of Ringsend, Wednesday was ʻslopʼ day. Not every house had slop. It was mostly houses with large families that had a bucket of slop. The ʻslopmanʼ as he was known, would collect the bucket of slop and empty it into the barrels. This man kept pigs and the slop he collected kept them happy as pigs in the pro-

verbial muck. Todayʼs ʻreduce, recycle, reuseʼ is only in the halfpenny place when compared to the slopman of the 1950s and ʻ60s. Potato skins, apple and orange skins, bread heals, tea leafs and dinner left-overs were all welcome to the slopman. Sometimes during the winter when the roads were iced over, the slopmanʼs horse would slip and lose his footing. This would happen on inclines and especially on Ringsend Bridge. Everyone who witnessed this happen would feel sorry for the horse. And it was painful to watch him as he tried to get up again. Sometimes the slopman would jump off and try to help the horse by pushing the cart

Free Counselling at

Ringsend Community Centre

from the side. The roads never seemed to be gritted enough. Milk was also delivered by horse and cart. I can remember one milkman whose cart was like a chariot and it reminded me of Ben Hur and Charlton Heston. I always felt these contraptions more difﬁcult for the horse as he

had to balance the two wheeled cart as well as pull it. Another milkman used to cycle around Ringsend with a milk churn hanging from the handlebars. This was some feat. He had a pint measure billycan into which he poured the milk. He then poured the milk into Mrs Hoganʼs jug for which she gave him 6d. This was always fresh milk. At night time you could hear the neighbours putting out the glass milk bottles and wishing each other a goodnight. These bottles were collected the next morning and replaced with full milk bottles. The scrapman used a horse and cart to collect unwanted metal such as old bed frames and rusty old bicycles. And if you gave him a lot of scrap heʼd give you a bob or two in return. The ragman however, with

his horse and cart and his chant ʻtoys for ragsʼ was the childrenʼs favourite. ʻToys for rags, toys for ragsʼ you would hear him cry as he weaved his way around the streets of Ringsend. In exchange for a bundle of rags you would receive a bag of marbles or a windmill on a stick. This windmill spun around the faster you ran with it. Some children always got a toy as they always had old clothes to exchange. Other children rarely got anything as most clothes were handed down from brother to brother and from sister to sister. ʻRecycle, reduce, reuseʼ– we were miles ahead of todayʼs environmental lobby! Although the above picture of Thorncastle Street is about 100 years old, the horse and cart was still a common sight well into the 1960s.

BORZA’S TAKE-AWAY Established 1965 5/5a Sandymount Green, Dublin 4

Thorncastle Street

Traditional Fish and Chips to take away

Full conﬁdentiality assured

Phone: 01-2694130

Telephone: Sandra at 087 6742707 or the Community Centre at 6604789 for an appointment

“Save time – Call and Collect”

WISHING ALL OUR CUSTOMERS AND FRIENDS A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS

NEWSFOUR CHRISTMAS 2004

PAGE 15

R INGSEND C OMMUNITY T RAINING W ORKSHOP R

ingsend Community Training Workshop was ofﬁcially opened by Ruairi Quinn TD on the 10th November 1986 at its current site, 28 Fitzwilliam Street Ringsend Dublin 4, the old Regal House Cinema. Since then, it has successfully provided training and personal development to the local community. Over the years many participants have progressed from training on to further education and employment. The client target group is male and female, all social groups and races in the age categories of 16 to 21 years and early school leavers under 25 years. The community workshop provides a safe, supportive environment in which each individual can learn and develop to their full potential, according to their needs and abilities. There is a training allowance provided, which varies with the age of the trainees. The courses currently available are as follows: Computer Equal Skills/ ECDL

Trainees are introduced to basic computer skills, and use Equal Skills as a stepping-stone to further computer training. On completion of the computer training programme trainees will be able to use and understand Computer Basics, the internet, email, etc. Catering Skills

Theory and practical work in the areas of food preparation, food service and hygiene. The food prepared by the trainees under supervision of the catering instructor is meeting local needs, the local créche and senior citizens home are catered for. This course provides FETAC certiﬁcation

Numeracy/Literacy The Centre provides a safe environment for young people who wish to return to education. Young people who may wish to avail of and sit for the Junior and Leaving Certiﬁcation are catered for. Ofﬁce Procedures Introduction of computers,

Keyboard skills, Computer applications, Word Processing, Spreadsheets and Database, Reception and Telephone skills, Basic Account Procedures and Calculation Skills, Written business communication skills. This course provides FETAC certification and gives trainees a good grounding in office procedures Counselling Service There is a free Counselling Service available to Trainees on Wednesdays 9.30am to 12.30pm. This service provides a safe environment to trainees who may have lost trust or are experiencing difficulties around the system, significant others and their environment. The Centre continues to be in touch with the local communityʼs needs for social, educational and employment skills, providing an ongoing, continuously evolving proactive and flexible response. Pictured above are catering trainees Celine Weafer and Annie Mongan with instructor Fergal Corr. Celeste Larkin and Jessica Blake are in the background.

PAGE 16

NEWSFOUR CHRISTMAS 2004

lle Tritonvi Bar & Terrace

MOUNT HERBERT HOTEL AT LANSDOWNE STADIUM

e l y t S n i k n i r Eat & D ’s bt sr 4 n i l b at Du

TEL : 01 6684321 FAX : 01 6607077 * MODERN DECOR * LARGE TV SCREENS * HEATED TERRACE * EXCEPTIONAL VALUE

DELICIOUS FOOD SERVED DAILY!

HOT DISHES, PANINIS, OPEN SANDWICHES, DESSERTS

SUNDAY SPECIAL

(12.30PM – 3.00PM) 3 COURSE LUNCH €14.50 PER PERSON

CHILDREN’S MENU

NEWSFOUR CHRISTMAS 2004

PAGE 17

THE MAN ME MOTHER MARRIED GROWING UP WITH NOEL PURCELL (PART 2)

By Patrick Purcell ʻThe man me mother married had a lovely gentle smile, with his teeth all shininʼ, just like pearls, in the middle of his dial. Well of course the Da has shiny teeth, but theyʼre not the real thing, You can hear his false ones clickinʼ If ever he tries to sing!ʼ

alking about dadʼs teeth, to him they were an instrument. He was a perfectionist at projecting sound, lyric, word and accent to the furthest reaches of the Royal, no mean feat as it was only slightly smaller than La Scala in Italy, and there were none of the modern microphone doodas then, either. So anytime he had to get anything done, it was planned like an army manoeuvre. His dentist was Hymie Wolfe, just off St Stephenʼs Green. Dad was terriﬁed that if he had any major work done, it might change his speech patterns and make him have a whistle. Hymie did the most incredible gold bridgework, real works of art on Dadʼs teeth. Dad loved to surprise many people with his ability to do accents. He actually had quite a neutrally accented voice, and it was really only the turns of phrase that showed he was from Dublin. He used to have fun in England as well whilst ﬁlm-

ing by acting in character. At Portsmouth, where he played an Admiral in the movie ʻWatch Your Sternʼ, he was dressed in the full rig of the day. Walking from the set, heʼd often be accosted by Ofﬁcers and Ratings of the real British Navy, whoʼd swear black and blue that theyʼd served under him in Malta, Gibraltar or Aden! Heʼd never let on he was only an actor, in case it made the matelots feel stupid, so he returned salutes and would ask them in which ship theyʼd served, saying he “remembered it well!” I knew dad worked in the theatre but for a long time I wondered what he really did. My mother explained that the theatre was his job and a lot of things ﬁnally fell into place! Iʼd often wondered why Dad seemed to know so many people, who were always coming up to have a chat. I didnʼt realise that dad

was an only child, either, because I had so many ʻunclesʼ, funnily enough, all in the theatre as well, like Uncle Joe Lynch, Uncle Cecil Sheridan, Uncle Jack Cruise, etc., and a myriad of Aunties, Aunty Babs De Monte and Aunty Alice Delgarno. My brother Mike was named after my maternal grandfather, whom I never knew. Glynn is named after Hugh Glynn McGlashen, a bookie from Northern Ireland, who used to join dad and the rest of the punters in the Annual trek to Liverpool for the Grand National Steeplechase. Iʼm named after Dad, whose full name was Patrick Joseph Noel, even though he was always called Noel. Victor is named after a priest he befriended on Fiji when doing ʻThe Blue Lagoonʼ in the late 1940s. Dad numbered us like Charlie Chanʼs sons, No. One Son, No. Two Son. Iʼve always been

No. Three Son in the family. I used to love going to the theatres where Dad worked, a veritable wonderland for a kid. My favourite to visit backstage was the Royal in Hawkins Street. The No. 1 Dressing room seemed vast to me, and the greatest fun was seeing all the lights around the mirrors, costumes and makeup all lined up. I used sometimes, to put on some of the costumes, especially if they were doing Cowboys and Indians! The holsters, guns and Chiefʼs Headdresses were great gas to play with, except for one time when one of the cast came in to change and was yelling and screaming he couldnʼt ﬁnd his props! Guess who was wearing them? I once remember a comedian, Harry Bailey, who used to do a comic routine rather like Jack Benny, with a violin as a prop. One week he surprised everyone by appearing on stage with his violin, a tall stool and a box containing one Male Mallard Duck! He launched into a song, and every now and again heʼd point the bow at the duck who would oblige with a loud “QUACK QUACK”. It brought the house down. I just had to meet this phenomenon and proceeded to the Number 1 dressing Room, where it sat in state. I put my ﬁnger out to

stroke it and was rewarded with a vicious peck! Dad loved the Royal with a passion, no doubt also due to the fact that, just across the street from the stage door in Poolbeg Street stood Mulliganʼs Bar. The cast would often adjourn there between and also during performances for a pint of Dublinʼs most famous export, the schedule being so brutal sometimes. Dad was in Mulliganʼs one day when he was called in a hurry as a scene had ended early, and was rushing across to the stage when his back locked on him. You can imagine the vision of dad, all 6ʼ4” beanpole of him, halfway across the street, stopping trafﬁc, bent over 90 degrees at the waist, unable to move. The Gaiety was slightly different, although it did share one feature with the Royal, in that, across the lane from the stage door, stood Nearyʼs famous pub. One lasting memory was our annual trip to the Panto at the Gaiety, where we would be in a box. It was the height of luxury, with our little tubs of ice cream, ﬁzzy lemonade and Rowntreeʼs Black Magic Chocolates. Above: Patrick Purcell who now lives in Canada. Noel is shown below at the Theatre Royal c. 1940.

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS FROM

D-O-NEE Kitchen Co. NEW FACTORY SHOWROOMS

OVER 12 FITTED KITCHENS AND WARDROBES ON DISPLAY

FULL RANGE OF BOTH SOLID WOOD AND P.V.C. AVAILABLE WE CAN ALSO SUPPLY KITCHENS AND WARDROBES READY TO INSTALL FREE 3D COMPUTER DESIGN PLAN WITH EVERY KITCHEN ORDERED FOR FREE ESTIMATE AND DESIGN RING BILLY AT 087 2706356 OR 6688361

PAGE 18

NEWSFOUR CHRISTMAS 2004

B ENEFIT N IGHT

FOR THE

H OSPICE

By Nicola McDonnell

was amazed by the amount of people who turned up for the benefit night. Looking around the room I realized there wasnʼt a family there that hadnʼt been helped by the hospice at some point. No one wants to watch their nearest and dearest sick or dying. No one wants to think about it or imagine how they would cope. This is where the Hospice comes in. They are with us helping us through the darkest and most difficult times. Making it that little bit easier for us and trying to help us and explain what is happening when we have no idea what to do. Their kind words, big hearts and sensitivity encourage us to keep going and be strong. They have such a difficult job and do it with such good grace. A lot of people thanked me for organizing the benefit night but that was such a small thing to do in comparison to the work of the hospice. They get little funding from the government and depend on the generosity of communi-

ties like ours to keep the hospice running. I would like to thank everyone who supported the beneﬁt night and especially those who entertained us in the competition– the talent was amazing. I would also like to thank all the people who

helped make the night possible, Clanna Gael, the ticket and rafﬂe ticket sellers, all the sponsors, everyone who sponsored us for the Parachute Jump and everyone who turned up on the night. And thank you to Colin Farrell who donated his Jacket for Auc-

tion and of course Alice Foley who bought the jacket for €200. I would like to thank my own family and friends for supporting me. Especially Ethyl Larkin who helped organize the night and Mark Hudson who did a parachute jump with me. The total amount raised was €4472.20 which was given to Our Ladyʼs Hospice, Haroldʼs

Cross in the memory of May McDonnell and Emily Larkin, and to St Francis Hospice, Raheny in the memory of Janet Dennan. Thank you to: Caitriona Dennan, Lisa Byrne, Robert Larkin, Alice Foley, Susan Byrne, Bridget Gannon, Rebecca Doyle, Christian Caulfield, Noel Doyle, Joanne Hudson-Murphy, Antoinette Neville, Pamela Neville, Garrett Dennan, Jason Dennan, Mary Oʼ Neill, Jonathon OʼConnell, Patsy Doolin, Christine Ryder, Johnny Dennan, Nan Griffin, Julie Egan, Stephen McEvoy, Suzanne Doherty, Angela Marr, Karen Doyle, Philomena Tilly, Robert Neelan, Martin Neville, Stephen Murphy, Tony Masterson, Edel Gannon, Annmaire Kilkenny, Francis Daly. Sandymount Hardware, Sandymount Chemist, Sandymount Hair Studio, The Yacht, Ringsend Chemist, Anna Goad, Ringsend Cleaners, Red Spot, Brown Thomas, Arnotts, Little Feet, Serena, Hibernian, Eagle Star, Wanderers, Canton House, Mespil Hotel, Merrion Hotel, Mount Herbert Hotel and Sankiev. I hope I have not left anyone out, if I have I apologize, as your contribution did not go unnoticed. I look forward to seeing you all at the next Benefit night.

NEWSFOUR CHRISTMAS 2004

PAGE 19

B RÚ P ADRAIG

By George Humphries

he Brú Padraig was a youth club located at 17 Herbert Street just around the corner from the ʻPepper Canisterʼ in a fine Georgian dwelling. It had all kinds of activities for young lads. Arts and crafts were taught by Miss Barrett and woodwork by Mr Lynch. There was also

a cobblersʼ workshop where the art of shoe mending was taught. Jack Chase gave boxing lessons. I myself joined the Brú in 1970 and really enjoyed woodwork. I usually ended up down in the woodwork room learning how to make little stools, pelmets, coffee tables, etc. Mr. Lynch was an excellent tutor and on a few occasions when he was unable to attend, George Pope, who was a broth-

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 €10.23 per hour (gross) to visit and care for vulnerable elderly in the community For further information, phone Brenda Dempsey at 087- 9292119

er in the club, would stand in for him and what a character he was– and also a very good woodwork instructor. We really enjoyed ourselves with George and Miss Barrett who taught us to make fire guards, wallets, statues and lots more. Further on up the house was a gym, billiards & snooker rooms, darts & rings cards then down in the basement was the canteen where we could get bottles of minerals, crisps, chocolate etc. Young people from the Ringsend, Irishtown and Pearse Street areas had somewhere to go and enjoy themselves as well as to learn how to make things. The Chaplin to the Brú during my time was Father Clarke who also taught us in the tech. The brothers were Paddy Quinn, Dickie Bow Lane, Brian Beggins, Joe Downey, George Pope to name a few of these men were dedicated to the welfare of the youths at that time. I remember those days very well and feel it was a great honour to be a part of it. At the time the Brú was strictly a young manʼs club and it was around 1972 when girls became full-time members. Some of the girls were from Powerʼs Court. Alice McDonald, Ann Ennis, Cecilia Hopkins are just a few who come to mind. We had some great laughs. Some of the lads who I palled around with at the time were Tony Robinson, Paddy Donaldson, Christy Rooney, Tony Rooney and Thomas McKay to name a few. I believe the Club closed down around 1975.

January Ball in aid of ‘Chernobyl Heart’ A WONDERFUL evening of dining, wining and top-class entertainment will be happening in the plush environs of the Berkeley Court Hotel in January in aid of the children who are suffering from the ʻChernobyl Heartʼ condition and you too can be a part of it. The tickets cost €200 each or €2,000 for a table of 10. Anyone interested in supporting the ʻChernobyl Heart Ballʼ or needing further information on tickets, donations, etc. can contact Agneta at 086 8299311 or Ellen at 086 8750484.

Free Poop-Scoops ON 17TH NOVEMBER 2004 Dublin City Council launched a pilot anti-dog fouling campaign on Clontarf Promenade and also on Sandymount Promenade by distributing free poop-scoops to all dog owners. Dog fouling is an extensive problem in public areas, especially in public parks and also on the promenades. Dublin City Council Dog Wardens and Litter Wardens are highlighting public awareness by giving out free poop-scoops to dog owners to encourage them to clean up after their dogs. Poop-scoops will also be available in Public Libraries and from Dublin City Council Area Offices. Dog Owners must clean up after their dog. Under the Litter Pollution Act 1997, failure to clean up after your dog incurs an ʻon-thespotʼ fine of €125. Failure to pay this fine can lead to prosecution with a maximum fine of €3,000, if convicted.

BEAUTY BAY NEW SALON NOW OPEN

12 MACKEN STREET, DUBLIN 2. TEL: 01 6623392

ALL BEAUTY TREATMENTS FACIALS WAXING MASSAGE MANICURES SPRAY TAN PEDICURES TINTING PLATINUM DETOX 10% DISCOUNT

WITH THIS ADVERTISEMENT

PAGE 20

NEWSFOUR CHRISTMAS 2004

Shop Local this Christmas

By Nicola McMahon

tʼs almost Christmas already and the city centre is mobbed with busy shoppers and parking spaces are hard to ﬁnd. However you donʼt have to go that far as there is a wide selection of gifts in Sandymount village and Ringsend.

At Tesco you will ﬁnd the top 60 chart DVDs and compilation charts CDs from €19.95, top 60 chart CDs at €14.95, a selection of childrenʼs annuals and a range of books from €8.95 up. For your Christmas dinner you will be able to get free-range and organic turkeys, all manner of game, smoked hams and ﬁsh in Michael Byrneʼs butcher, but donʼt forget to place your order early. Organic and free-range turkeys are also available at Clyneʼs

butchers in Ringsend as well as pale and dry cured hams. There are previously-viewed DVDs and VHS in Xtravisionʼs special offer section in addition to their selection of the most recent DVDs. Chartbusters in The Village News also sell special offer pre-viewed movies. If you feel like spending more, perhaps as a family gift, then you could contemplate buying from their electronics section. If you are buying your Christmas outfit then between Serenaʼs, Aura and Second Chance you should be set for all those Christmas parties. Serenaʼs Boutique is divided into two locations, one with shoes and accessories and the other with clothes. You will find some lovely accessories suitable for gifts. Second Chance has many outfits from different designers and at a cut-down price because

they are second hand but in mint condition. Having bought your own shoes, it may be time to ﬁnd a new pair for the little one from Little Feetʼs huge range of Start Rite, Ricosta, Timberland, Oilily and others. They also stock Shoe Shoes which are soft machine washable fully leather ﬁrst shoes for 0-6, 6-12, 12-18 and 18-24 months which might make a nice present.

Iannelli’s 6 Bath Street

Fresh Fish Daily • Home Made Pizza Kebabs • Southern Fried Chicken

Happy Christmas to all our Customers

You could consider buying a gift voucher from Yvonne Collins Beauty Salon down the lane between Cafe Java and OʼBriens. Some of the Christmas specials include Rejuvenation Day Package for €160 incorporating a full Swedish body massage, an aromatic facial, a manicure and pedicure. There are also less expensive options such as gift boxes filled as desired and there are menʼs gift packs too. In the new hairdressing salon Glo in Bridge Street, Ringsend you can purchase gift vouchers for hair and nails. If you are looking for Christmas decorations, indoor or outdoor lights, Christmas trees, gold, silver and snow spray cans, wrapping paper, candles and gifts then drop into Sandymount Hardware. You can also purchase some spring flower bulbs here or pop in next door to Scarecrow Interflora where they also have hyacinth flower barrels. Scarecrow has Christmas door swags for €65 or €85 and Christmas wreaths for €75 or you could send someone a bouquet of flowers to anywhere in the country. Whilst we are on the theme of flowers, you should keep in mind the Enable Garden Centre in Sandymount Avenue for the end of your shopping spree. Pharmacies arenʼt just for medication for your winter flu, they also stock many a potential gift. Many of the pharmacies have ideal childrenʼs gifts such as Shrek, Spiderman, Barbie and My Little Pony bath and shower gels and wash mitts, cuddly hot water bottles. McAuliffeʼs in Sandymount also has a range of Oilily products for children. McCauliffeʼs stock handmade silver jewellery by local artist Kurt Kutlman. Sandymount Pharmacy is on

the Green and has very nice musical jewellery boxes. The Shelbourne Pharmacy on Irishtown Road has decorative gifts, jewellery, perfumes, Christmas novelties, aromatherapy sets, candles, hair dryers and shaving sets. Bradleyʼs Pharmacy in Thorncastle Street stocks leather pen and pencil sets, a selection of bubble baths for children, sponge and loofah sets and a hamper with a selection of cosmetics and beauty products. They also stock designs from Newbridge Jewellery. OʼBriens, Sandymount offer the personal touch when selecting wines. Helena advised me about some reasonably-priced champagnes such as Bouchet for €20 and Beaumont des Croyeres which is a vintage in the same taste league as other more well known brands such as Moet and Chandon but priced at €29.95. There are also many prepared Christmas gift sets ranging from €13 to €75 for one and two bottles of select wines. Matisse and The Butlerʼs Pantry offer a wide range of gourmet food products that are beautifully packaged. Closer to Christmas The Butlerʼs Pantry will have cooked hams in addition to venison and their well-known delicious chocolate log dessert. Michael Byrneʼs vegetable shop is also stocking some great Christmas treats as well as lots of healthy food. Books on the Green has a range of titles to suit all tastes and age groups. If they donʼt have what you are looking for they will be glad to order it for you. They stock all manner of celebrity cook books, childrenʼs books and vouchers so you should be able to ﬁnd something suitable. MiraMira on Sandymount Green has a vast array of gifts sourced from all around the world. These include organic body products for adults and children, organic aromatic products such as oils and incense, organic food products such as tea, coffee and chocolate, organic baby clothes, toys for babies and children up to twelve, then teenage girl and ladies presents such as masks, cushion covers, etc as well as watercolours from local artists. There is handmade jewellery from Nepal and for Christmas, two Dublin designers will be showcasing their jewellery. If you go through these options and are still left in a quandary, then keep in mind that there are gift vouchers available from almost every shop. Good luck with the shopping and donʼt forget to relax those tired legs in one of the cafes along the way.

NEWSFOUR CHRISTMAS 2004

PAGE 21

YMCA SANDYMOUNT – MEETING NEEDS OF THE Y OUNG now has a magnificent pavilion with fitness suite, six changing rooms, meeting and catering room, etc, an all weather hockey pitch with full flood lighting, cricket square, state of the art training/practice cricket nets, main soccer pitches and junior training pitch. As well as the sports activities available, the YMCA are meeting the needs of young people in the world of work. A Support, Training and Enterprise Programme (STEP) for unemployed 16-25 year olds will be starting in the YMCA in January 2005. Mary Strain, the full-time co-ordinator, is interested in hearing

ohn OʼDonoghue, Minister of Arts, Sport and Tourism recently ofﬁcially opened YMCA Sandymount in Claremont Road. Of course, the YMCA has been there since 1911

doing great work for the youth of the area and this opening was to celebrate its refurbishment. In the 1990s the YMCA committed to refurbish their facilities and were forced to sell part of the

from young people who have left school early who may have few or no qualifications and who are now trying to find a new direction in life. The course lasts for 23 weeks and trainees will receive a full training allowance and travel costs. It will cover a wide range of topics, including wordprocessing, internet and email, communications, personal effectiveness, quality work placement and job seeking skills. For further information call Mary Strain at 6077102 or call into the STEP office in the YMCA Claremont Road, Sandymount from 9 am to 5 pm.

grounds to ﬁnance the development. The entire facility was completed at a cost of €3.2 million, €250,000 of which was provided by the Government. The YMCA

Beach Road, Sandymount, Dublin 4 Telephone: 6605150 • Fax: 6608499

Great Gift ideas also Gift Vouchers, Diaries, Filofaxes Other Branches – Artane, Dun Laoghaire & Blackrock S.C.

Happy Christmas and New Year From Trish and Janice

PAGE 22

NEWSFOUR CHRISTMAS 2004

Crawfords welcomes home Brian D’Arcy By John Hobson rawfordʼs Ford Centre located on the Beach Road in Sandymount is a very successful local business that has been operating in the area since 1970 and their pleasant and courteous staff are delighted to help with any motoring requirements you might have from a new car to a spare tyre. With their Parts Department, Service Department, Accident Repair, Leasing Department and New and Used car sales they are there to help the motorist with anything they might need. Crawfordʼs are very proud to have been a member of the local business community for over 30 years and have always tried to hire their employees from the local area. One such person is their new Sales Manager Brian DʼArcy who has been here for the past three months and is delighted to be back working in his local area where his family has lived and worked for generations. The family on his motherʼs side included stevedores on the Dublin Docks. Because of this, Brian is very aware of what a tight-knit community this is and he believes that it is important to give something back to the area. Recently Crawfordʼs have been getting involved in sponsoring and advertising with local sports clubs, such as Liffey Wanderers, Pembroke Wanderers, Clanna Gael and Sport-

Brian DʼArcy pictured with the new Ford Focus at Crawfords

sco. They look forward to continuing to support sports in the area. Crawfordʼs celebrated the launch of the brand new ʻFord Focusʼ in their showrooms and held a ʻSanta Saturdayʼ on the 4th of December where parents could view the new ʻFord Focusʼ while their kids got to see Santa and get a present, a good time was had by all. The Ford Focus has been the most popular car in Ireland since its launch 10 years ago and this new model is continuing in that trend. Already it has been awarded the coveted ʻSemperit Irish Car Of The Year For 2005ʼ due to its outstanding value, craftsmanship, advanced technologies and reliability. Not only is the Ford Focus the best selling car in Ireland it is now the best selling car worldwide. Prices start at €19,730 for the 3 door 1.4i Freedom model and it also comes in various 4 and 5 Door and Wagon models up to €27,285. Additional options that are available are Metallic Paint, Fog Lights, Air Conditioning, Power Sunroof, Alloy Wheels and Adaptive Front Head Lamps. Brian DʼArcy says that he is always delighted to welcome local people to Crawfordʼs showrooms to tell them all about the new Ford Focus or any of the other Ford Models available there. He looks forward to meeting and dealing with the people of Sandymount, Irishtown, Ringsend and Pearse Street in the future. Brian hopes that Crawfords can continue to provide a valuable service to the community through the Crawfordʼs Ford Centre.

NEWSFOUR CHRISTMAS 2004

PAGE 23

FOR LOVE OF ANIMALS C

atherine Woods is a psychic healer who is also associated with The Animal Foundation in Kildare. She grew up in Ringsend, now lives in Dublinʼs East Wall area and devotes much time to raising funds for the foundation. Catherine speaks with passion about her love for animals and of the great love they show to humans who treat them kindly. She particularly likes to be involved with the Kildare foundation, as they have a no-kill policy. All the animals they take in are neutered and Catherine recommends that all owners do likewise. The DSPCA neuters a cat for €30. Dublin has a ratio of 9 rats to every human and cats help keep these numbers down. She also suggests that pet dogs, especially the females, should be neutered. Dog neutering can cost up to €80 and most vets will allow payment to be done in instalments. The Foundation is always on the lookout for good homes for their animals and, though based in Kildare, because of Catherineʼs involvement, many of their animals have found homes in the Dublin 4 area. Prospective homes are vetted by a member of the foundation to check that the

BOOK YOUR CAR LOAN NOW FOR 2005

dog or cat would be happy there. The Kildare foundation does not sell on their dogs but gifts them to the new home. Catherine urges those who are considering getting a pet for the ﬁrst time to remember that there are responsibilities. There is an onus on the owner to walk the dog. It is illegal for a dog to be on the street or in a public place unattended. Both dogs and cats should be wormed and neutered and the former collared and tagged. I met with Catherineʼs two dogs that came from the foundation. They exuded calm and contentment. The dogs go to the beach with her to play racket and ball, running themselves into a blissful exhaustion. In her work as a psychic healer, Catherineʼs treatments may enable people to help themselves recover their health and well-being. She also administers healing to sick or injured animals for no fee. She is available to give talks on animal welfare in the schools in order to promote a better understanding of animal needs and to educate children on how to involve themselves in prevention of cruelty to animals. The Animal Foundation (045 446995) is located at Lough

Andyʼs House, Kildare Town, Kildare and is open 2-4pm daily. People wishing to offer a home to cats or dogs can come before Christmas and choose an animal. No animals are given out until after 10th January 2005. Catherine says that if you see an animal in need try to get help. The local garda have all the emergency numbers and might be able to tell you what you can do. Catherine understands that there are many who love animals but choose not to have a pet. They can help by sponsoring a pet by donating a monthly sum of money for a year. To donate to the Foundation ask your bank to set up a standing order in favour of Kildare Animal Foundation; Account No: 51 943 527; Sort Code: 901167, Bank of Ireland (even €10 a month would mean so much). All individual or company donations of money, dog/cat food, black sacks, bleach are welcome. The Foundation needs €1,200 per week to tick over. Catherine is contactable for consultations, school talks or queries on how to get involved in fundraising at 01 8552799. For more information look at the website on www.animalfoundation.net

Sandymount Credit Union Limited 13 Bath Avenue, Sandymount, Dublin 4. Tel: 668 5079 / 073 Fax: 6681807 email: info@sandymountcu.ie Website: www.sandymountcu.ie

STANDARD LOANS TO MEMBERS UP TO €15,000 9.4% AR MULTI-PURPOSE LOANS UP TO €30,000 7.5% AR PREMIUM LOANS OVER €30,000 5.9% AR SPECIAL LOANS TO STUDENTS/APPRENTICES 6.5% AR (INCLUDING MATURE STUDENTS) LOAN REPAYMENT CALCULATOR AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE CHRISTMAS HOURS OFFICE OPEN MONDAY WEDNESDAY

CHRISTMAS HOURS OFFICE OPEN DECEMBER 20TH TO THURSDAY DECEMBER 23RD (NORMAL HOURS) DECEMBER 29TH & THURSDAY DECEMBER 30TH (NORMAL HOURS)

OFFICE CLOSED FRIDAY

OFFICE CLOSED DECEMBER 24TH TO TUESDAY DECEMBER 28TH (INCLUSIVE) DECEMBER 31ST

FRIDAY

NORMAL OFFICE HOURS RESUME MONDAY JANUARY 3RD 2005

Normal Opening Hours Monday 10am–12.30pm Tusday 10am–12.30pm Wednesday 10am–12.30pm Thursday 10am–5pm 2pm–8pm Friday

2–5pm 2–5pm

USUAL CREDIT UNION TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY SANDYMOUNT CREDIT UNION IS REGULATED BY THE IRISH FINANCIAL SERVICES REGULATORY AUTHORITY

WISHING ALL OUR MEMBERS A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A PEACEFUL NEW YEAR

PAGE 24

NEWSFOUR CHRISTMAS 2004

M ORE THAN JUST A V EG S HOP

Frank Allen 1942 - 2004 RIP FRANK ALLEN joined Dublin Sea Scouts Ringsend in the early 1950s and went on to become Scout Master. He had a great love for the sea and was a founder member of the Poolbeg Yacht Club and had a shared ownership in the “Bracks Lass” sailing vessel at the club. Frank spent much of his time and energy in fundraising and collecting for the R.N.L.I. He is pictured above in 2002 receiving a Bronze badge from Pam Rhodes for his work with the Ringsend branch. He joined John Clarkeʼs Golfing Society and was made Captain in the year 2003. He was a gentleman only too willing to help his local community and friends. Frank is sadly missed by his family and all his friends.

Ringsend Active Retirement Association

By Nicola McMahon

ou may have noticed a small change in Sandymount in recent times– the vegetable shop on Sandymount Road has changed hands and is now run by Michael Byrne, proprietor of the craft butcherʼs across the road. Although it is still a vegetable shop, there have been many improvements made for the beneﬁt

of customers, in fact you should now be able to ﬁnd all those more elusive products without having to search outside Sandymount. The vegetables are stored on refrigerated shelving which keeps them fresher for longer. In addition to the usual vegetables there are the unusual ones such as the shitake mushrooms, baby carrots and courgettes and they also stock organic produce in the fresh vegetable section. If you are looking for anything they donʼt have, then they will do

their best to source the product. The shop now stocks a large variety of olives, sun dried tomatoes, fresh herbs including fresh lemongrass. The cheese selection is extensive and includes goatʼs cheese, Roquefort, buffalo and cowʼs mozzarella, camembert, Danish blue, Irish cheddars, parmesan and brie. If you are becoming adventurous with cooking, which many people are these days, you will also appreciate the variety of ﬂavoured oils, sauces of all kinds and the new gourmet African ones arriving soon. This shop stocks delicious patés such as lobster, wild boar, pheasant and a vegetarian one too. If you are a vegetarian or are trying to eat healthily, the section of dried nuts, fruits and different beans will truly appeal. There is also brown and white basmati and other rices including wild rice. Over the Christmas period they are also stocking speciality mince pies, brandy butter, cranberry sauce and chocolates, yule logs. They will have some Christmas baskets made up too but they can also make a basket of whichever products you like. With such a large choice inside and more products being included all the time according to customersʼ requests, you can be sure to make a special culinary gift basket.

H APPY 90 TH M ARY !

Annual Christmas Dinner and Dance On Friday 10th December 2004 At Lansdowne tennis Club, Londonbridge Road at 6.30pm. For 7.30pm. Cost €26 For booking, contact Committee members

IT WAS a very special 90th birthday for Mary McDonald, who recently celebrated with her family and friends. She is pictured with her son Tony ʻDekeʼ McDonald on right, while being serenaded by ʻThe Window Cleanerʼ, veteran crooner Sonny Knowles.

NEWSFOUR CHRISTMAS 2004

PAGE 25

M ARIAN ’ S HALF- CENTURY O UR N ATIONAL A NTHEM By Rose Hogan

ʻT

PICTURED AT Marian Collegeʼs 50th Anniversary ceebrations were from left: Ray Ryan, Paul Meany (Principal), Hugo Byrne, Louis Magee and Carl Brien.

is the season to be jolly, and with the Christmas party season in full swing most of us will sing and dance our way to the big day, into next year more likely. Top party bands and DJs everywhere are bringing on the festivities by playing old favourites like, ʻRockinʼ Around The Christmas Treeʼ, ʻChestnuts Roastingʼ, ʻWinter Wonderlandʼ and many more, and itʼs joy to the world as everyone partakes in the yuletide merriment, and then just when youʼre getting into the swing of it, itʼs time for the last song of the night, and no itʼs not ʻRudolph The Red–Nosed Reindeerʼ, itʼs the National Anthem. After all the singing, it sometimes becomes a case of ʻsilent nightʼ, as quite a large number are struck dumb, and very often embarrassed as they mime something that sounds remotely like the real thing, or suddenly get

a tickly cough that brings on a case of laryngitis only to make a miraculous recovery for the last line. The National Anthem consists of three stanzas and a chorus and was written in 1907 by Peadar Kearney, an uncle of Brendan Behan who, together with Patrick Heaney, also composed the music. The Chorus was formally adopted as the National Anthem in 1926. There has been much debate through the years about its suitability as an Anthem and some suggestions that it suited its time and now itʼs time to change. However, it still remains the only one we have and everyone should know it. So, next time you stand for the National Anthem, sing loud and sing proud, and keep those heads up. Aramhán Na bhFiann Sinne Fianna Fáil, Atá Fá gheall ag Éirinn, Buidhean dár sluagh tar rúinn do

ráinig chughainn: Fámhoídh bheírh saor, Sean-tír ár sinnsear feasta Ní fágfar fáʼn tíorán ná faʼn tráil; Anocht a theigeamh sa bhearna baoghail, Le gean ar Gaedhí chun báis nó saoghail, Le gunna sgréach: Fá lamhach na piléar. Seo Libh canaidh amhrán na bhFiann. The Soldierʼs Song Soldiers are we, Whose lives are pledged to Ireland Some have come from a land beyond the wave, Some to be free, No more our ancient sireland Shall shelter the despot or the slave; Tonight we man the Bearna Baoghal In Erinʼs cause Come woe or weal ʻMid cannonʼs roar and riﬂeʼs peal Weʼll chant a soldierʼs song.

RINGSEND AND DISTRIST RESPONSE TO DRUGS LTD THE SPELLMAN CENTRE 17 IRISHTOWN ROAD IRISHTOWN DUBLIN 4 TEL: 6677666 RDRD HAS A 14 SEATER MINI BUS AND ANY COMMUNITY GROUPS WISHING TO AVAIL OF THE USE OF THIS SHOULD

CONTACT THE MANAGER,

TERESA WEAFER AT 6677666

WISHING YOU A VERY HAPPY AND PEACEFUL CHRISTMAS

BEST WISHES AT CHRISTMAS FROM ADDISON ROOFING

PAGE 26

NEWSFOUR CHRISTMAS 2004

P EARSE S QUARE P ARK James OʼDoherty

little over 125 years ago there were no public parks in Dublin, other than the Phoenix Park which had been opened by The Duke of Carlisle in 1865. There had, of course, despite our uncertain climate, been pleasure grounds devoted to outdoor amusements, places that people frequented in large numbers. But after a while these pleasure gardens fell out of favour. There were some lovely squares, these were private and for exclusive use of the residents, for example Merrion Square. The population of the city was around 400,000. Conditions were very overcrowded and despite the introduction of public recreation grounds, following very serious agitation in 1830 no action was taken by the then Dublin Corporation. However Sir Arthur Guinness, under an Act of Parliament in 1877, acquired the privately

owned St. Stephenʼs Green and opened it to the public in 1879. This was at a cost to himself of £40,000, a lot of money at the time. The ﬁrst public park under Dublin Corporation was Queenʼs Square, so named in 1840 for the young Queen Victoria, then three years on the throne. It is now known as Pearse Square. The square was built between 1838 and 1855, comprising some 48 houses with amenities such as piped water, main sewerage and of course a private green area for the residents. Follow-

ing negotiations with the owner, the Queenʼs Square Green area was purchased by Dublin Corporation at a cost of £200 and this area was laid out in typical Victorian pleasure garden style, informal paths, sunken feature, bandstand, planting of various shrubs and trees. It was ofﬁcially opened to the public on 23rd April 1889 and all at a cost of £1,570. We are all familiar with the slow deterioration of this small park from the 1950s onwards. The play ground area, tarmacadam pitch, the concrete build-

ing, the ugly fenced frontage became dilapidated and an eyesore in the area. Today, all is different and a beautiful inner city park enhances the area for the beneﬁt of all the residents and passers by. The new design by Patrick Curran, Senior Executive Parks Superintendent of the City Council, takes as its basis a formal layout which he noted on the 1838 Ordinance Survey map of the area. He included a sunken cruciform path system edged with Wicklow granite leading to a

raised central feature surrounded by formal planting. The three pedestrian gates are defined by the antique granite piers. I had the pleasure of selecting these with Mr. Curran, the designer. Cast iron seats were installed at suitable vantage points and the paths were defined with castle stone pavoirs. The planting of this park comprised 90% evergreen and 10% deciduous using trees and shrubs, combined with heathers, grasses, spring and summer bedding and to complete the whole area, Pat Curran on behalf of the City Council and in conjunction with the Pearse Square Residents Association commissioned Sandra Bell to design a piece of contemporary Irish sculpture in bronze entitled ʻHarmonyʼ. This defined the central feature. The project cost approximately £100,000. This lovely small park was reopened on July 2nd 1998. Just one final thought– I would love to see a monument erected to the great Patrick Pearse, our great President of the Provisional Government and Commander in Chief of the Army of the Republic in this park which bears his name.

C OBBLES L IGHT THE W AY AT D OCKLANDS

Ringsend and District Credit Union Ltd. 5 Irishtown Rd., Dublin 4. Phone: 6686676 • Fax: 6686288 T o all our Members

M erry Christmas a n d a Happy New Year All Business Transacted During Opening Hours CHRISTMAS OPENING AND CLOSING TIMES: Friday 24 December– Close at 1.30pm. Re-open 29th December Closed 3rd January 2005 Re-open 4th January 2005

IRISH ARTIST, Rachel Joynt has designed a series of beautiful illuminated glass cobbles that will adorn the riverside pathways from the Custom House all the way to the Point in Dublinʼs Docklands. Designed as a series of stepping-stones, the ﬁrst cobbles are being installed now, with installation of all 900+ cobbles to be completed mid-December.

The cobbles are a series of hand-made glass blocks made in sea greens and aquatic blues encasing small silver/copper ﬁsh that appear like shoals swimming towards the sea. The Docklands cobbles were designed at the Firestation Artistsʼ Studio on Buckingham Street, Dublin 1. Rachael Joynt said, “The cobbles suggest windows to an un-

derwater world, which in fact existed before the narrowing of the river to the current quayside. I hope they will become a trail of light for people to follow, using them as stepping stones to explore the docklands. The cobbles are part of a larger lighting project which includes plans to uplight trees, benches and structural features of the area.

NEWSFOUR CHRISTMAS 2004

PAGE 27

Clyne’s Master Butchers

12 Fitzwilliam Street, Ringsend, Dublin 4 Phone: 6680456

AT CLYNES WE STOCK…

Free-Range Poultry Fresh White Turkeys Fresh Organic Turkeys Duck, Geese, Whole Ham Ham Joints

Sausages Special Roasts Roasts, Joints & Steaks Sausage Meat & Cocktail Sausages Our own Award-Winning Spiced Beef

HOW TO ORDER By Telephone: Ring our Customer Order Line on 01 6680456

By Hand: Come into our Shop and your order will be quickly processed and confirmation of order will be given to you. Every Customer will receive a copy of their order with a number which will be needed when collecting their purchase.

! e l b a l i a v A s r e h c Gift Vou HOURS OF BUSINESS December 22nd closed all day December 23rd 8.30 – 6 pm December 24th 8.30 – 1 pm

DANNY O’TOOLE AND STAFF SEND SEASON’S GREETINGS TO ALL OUR CUSTOMERS

PAGE 28

NEWSFOUR CHRISTMAS 2004

Film Scene •••By Michael Hilliard ‘The Incredibles’ THE LATEST from Pixar, the studio behind ʻToy Storyʼ, ʻMonsters Inc.ʼ, and ʻFinding Nemoʼ, to name but three, is a computer generated animated adventure concerning a family of oppressed superheroes. Written and directed by ʻThe Simpsonsʼ veteran Brad Bird, ʻThe Incrediblesʼ blends action, humour, and drama into a magnificently well crafted and visually stunning feature. Fifteen years ago, ʻsupersʼ were not uncommon, protecting and serving innocent citizens from such everyday annoyances and inconveniences as petty theft and runaway trains. Mr Incredible (voiced by Craig T. Nelson), Elastigirl (Holly Hunter) and Frozone (Samuel L. Jackson) were three such ʻsupersʼ, enjoying their powers and working at the top of their game. But when the very people who are being saved begin suing for distress, the supers lose their government sponsorship, and are forced into anonymity courtesy of the ʻSupers Relocation Programʼ. Present day Mr Incredible, under the new guise of Bob Parr, a bottom-rung employee at an insurance company, and his wife, the former Elastigirl, have assumed the identity of a typical suburban family. Kids Dash and Violet however, have inherited super powers (speed and invisibility respectively), but are under strict orders never to use them in public. Frustrated by the limitations he faces as Bob Parr, Mr Incredible starts sneaking out of the house to resume his heroic exploits, while under the pretence he has joined a bowling league. Itʼs hard to know who this movie is supposed to attract. On one hand, The Incredibles is the perfect childrenʼs film, designed to distract and entertain for two hours, much in the same way as previous Pixar efforts. But on the other hand, and crucially for Brad Bird, it

manages the tricky task of being both funny and entertaining for adults too. Perhaps taking a cue from rival studio Dreamworksʼ ʻShrekʼ franchise, Pixar figured that they needed to cater to both ends of the audience spectrum to remain competitive and more importantly, relevant to modern audiences. While the physical comedy and visual flair will wow younger viewers, itʼs the fantastically written script that will hold the interest of even the most jaded adult. The running gag involving the concept of ʻThe bad-guy Monologueʼ will surely fly over younger heads, but will be rewarding to older viewers. As with most Pixar movies, ʻThe Incrediblesʼ is highly recommended viewing and probably the most family fun to be had in cinemas this Christmas. 4 out of 5

‘I Love Huckabees’ Director David O. Russell (Three Kings) brings us an ʻexistential comedyʼ, where the laughs come as thick and fast as the ponderous, pseudophilosophical dialogue. Jason Schwartzman (Rushmore) stars as Albert Markovski, the hippie head of the Open Spaces Coalition, ﬁghting against the plans of department store chain, Huckabees, to lay waste to a woodland and marsh in order to erect a new store. Brad Stand (Jude Law), an executive climbing the corporate ladder at Huckabees, tries his best to manipulate the Open Spaces Coalition into conceding some land. Albert has been experiencing a series of disconcerting life coincidences, the meaning of which he desperately needs to investigate. Upon hiring a pair of existential detectives, Bernard (Dustin Hoffman) and

Vivian Jaffe (Lily Tomlin), he is forced to confront his fears, his emotions, and his new worst enemy, Brad Stand. Unbeknownst to Albert, Brad has also hired Bernard and Vivian, who see through the sham of his seemingly perfect life with model girlfriend and ʻvoice of Huckabeesʼ, Dawn Campbell (Naomi Watts). This is a bizarre movie. One moment thereʼs talk about the meaning and/or meaninglessness of life, the next thereʼs an in-your-face slapstick comedy sequence. It shouldnʼt work, but it does. While there have, and always will be, movies concerned with questions about the nature of the universe and the meaning of life, none seem to pull it off with such charming reckless abandon as ʻI Love Huckabeesʼ does, to such an extent that sometimes even the characters themselves acknowledge that they have no idea what others are saying to them. Even the most wonderful screenplay could be let down by an uninspired cast, but thankfully everyone involved here gives their all, especially scene stealer Mark Wahlberg. Whether itʼs Dawns eventual understanding that there may be more to life than selling her image, or Wahlbergʼs fire fighter finding himself while putting the pieces of his life back together after ʻthat big September thingʼ, almost every scene is unforgettably entertaining. 4 out of 5

For Your Consideration… ʻBAD SANTAʼ This is definitely not a childrenʼs film. Billy Bob Thornton plays an alcoholic safe cracker, who works as a department store Santa at Christmas time in order to infiltrate the store security and pull off a daring Christmas Eve heist. Thornton has a lot of fun creating one of the most appallingly memorable characters ever put to film. 3.5 out of 5 ʻTHE GRUDGEʼ Remake of the 2003 Japanese shocker ʻJu-Onʼ. Starring Sarah Michelle Gellar as an American exchange student working as a nurse in Japan, ʻThe Grudgeʼ offers a fair few scares, but re-

lies too heavily on sudden jump scare tactics, rather than exercising the originalʼs psychological horror. 3 out of 5 ʻTEAM AMERICA: WORLD POLICEʼ The new movie from ʻSouth Parkʼ creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone is an absolutely hilarious, very politically incorrect, parody of the all-American action movies produced by the likes of Jerry Bruckheimer and Michael Bay. Only instead of actors, the stars are puppets. Just think thunderbirds, but with one hundred percent more swearing, sex and world politics! 4 out of 5

Movie News * Matt Damon will play on the opposite side of the law from Leonardo DiCaprio in Martin Scorseseʼs remake of the twisty Hong Kong crime thriller ʻInfernal Affairsʼ, which begins shooting next year. * Tom Hanks has been cast in the lead role of Robert Langdon in the upcoming ﬁlm adaptation of Dan Brownʼs best-selling thriller The Da Vinci Code which is due for a May 19, 2006 release. The ﬁlm will be directed by Ron Howard from a screenplay by Akiva Goldsman, both of whom took home Oscars for the drama, A Beautiful Mind. * Colin Farrell is to play Detective James “Sonny” Crockett in, the Michael Mann-directed, big screen version of “Miami Vice”.

NEWSFOUR CHRISTMAS 2004

PAGE 29

N EW S CHOOL

tʼs not often that adults get time off to go back to school; well thatʼs just what John Mates, Billy Brown and Paul Garton did during Halloween. The Dublin Port Company, as part of its corporate community relations policy, sent a crew of painters to St. Patrickʼs Boysʼ National School in Ringsend for a week during the Halloween break. The task they were given was to paint the hall, stairs and landing. The Dublin Port Companyʼs man on the ground, Charlie Murphy visited the school recently and agreed with the school principal, Mr Pat Coyle that the boysʼ national school in Ringsend badly needed to be painted. All national schools are ﬁnanced through a capitation grant that the Department of Education gives on the basis of the number of pupils. The school then uses this grant to pay school expenses. This system is grand for schools with high numbers of pupils. The problem is that numbers in St. Patrickʼs Boysʼ Na-

P AINTING !

tional School has been falling. There are now only 90 pupils in the school. Small numbers are good for the pupils because they have small classes and a good teacher ratio. The pupils get excellent service from the teachers and learn very well. However, small classes are bad for school maintenance. The ﬁrst bill that has to be paid every year is insurance. This comes to over €6,000. The next bill is heating and light. After that, the capitation grant is used up. The result

is that cleaning and painting are left until last and the much-needed painting never gets done. The boys were welcomed by Pat Coyle Principal of the school who could not contain his delight, when they returned after their break. He thanked the Dublin Port Company for their contribution and said that it is an example of how other companies could contribute to the communities in which they are located. Pictured above are Paul Garton and John Mates.

C HRISTY ’ S J OURNALISTIC A CHIEVEMENT

CHRISTY HOGAN graduated with an honours Diploma in Journalism from The Irish Academy last month. Readers of ʻNewsFourʼ will know that Christy has been contributing articles to this paper for some time. He was presented with his Diploma by Cllr. Aodhan OʼRiordan, deputising for the Lord Mayor of Dublin. Ann Doyle, the well-known television newsreader, gave the guest address at the ceremony, which was also addressed by Ellen Gunning (a near neighbour of Christyʼs for over 20 years) who is the director of the Academy. The Diploma in Journalism is taught by the Academy at UCD, UCC and GMIT. The course is taught two evenings a week from October to May and includes journalistic writing, broadcast media, legal and ﬁnancial environments and politics. Further details of the Academyʼs courses are available on their website www.irishacademy.com or by telephoning 2780802. Left to right: Christopher Hogan, Ellen Gunning, Director Irish Academy, Cllr. Aodhan OʼRiordan and Antoinetta Nestor.

GLO Hair and Beauty 11 Bridge Street, Ringsend, Dublin 4 Telephone: 634 9633 Email: glohairandbeauty@yahoo.ie

We offer hair styling and colouring, hair extensions, nail bar, tanning system and the Glo Tooth Fairy to make your teeth shine with diamonds.

Opening Hours: Tuesday 9.30 am - 5.30 pm, Wednesday 9.30 am - 5.30 pm, Thursday 9.30 am - 7.00 pm, Friday 9.30 am - 5.30 pm, Saturday 8.30 am - 4.30 pm.

Prepare to be amazed by the care and attention, Prepare to be astounded by the satisfaction and value. Prepare to park easily and avoid those city blues. PREPARE TO GLO.

Gift Vouchers available Lynsay, Bernadette and staff would like to wish all their customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

PAGE 30

NEWSFOUR CHRISTMAS 2004

M ASSIVE D EVELOPMENT P LANNED FOR P OOLBEG F

2000 showed that bore hole tests taken on the site produced evidence of contamination. This was not surprising as the site in question is formed from landfill, which was created by the Municipal Dump, which remained open up to the 1970s. In more recent times illegal dumping has occurred on this site through the removal of soil from the site of the former

gasworks at Barrow Street, which was illegally dumped on the site over the past fifteen months. DCC waste enforcement section is reviewing this situation at present. At a meeting of the South East Area committee of DCC held on 8th of November, the entire committee decided to recommend to the Planning Department that this development should be rejected. The

main reason was that this application pre-empts the 2006 Dublin City Development Plan, which is in its draft form at present and may recommend some change of zoning on the site. The area is at present zoned for industrial use and recreation use only. There was no appropriate information as to the location or number of social or affordable units, which would have to be included under part 5 of the Planning Act. The cost to remediate the land/soil on this site would make the units very expensive. The infrastructure in the immediate area could not cope with another 2000-plus car journeys per day. This would be on top of the DCC plan to site an Incinerator on Poolbeg, which would involve 500 to 600 truck journeys per day. There is no public transport service available in the immediate area. Also, any development on the Poolbeg area may be prone to flooding through increased sea levels due to global warming and climate change. The Planning application Number for this latest development is 4996/04. Letʼs hope that this application does not take almost five years without a decision being made by the Planning Department of Dublin City Council!

puters face a trainerʼs computer that has been linked to a multimedia projector. “We decided early on that the projector was essential to deliver good training and so it has proven.” There is an open area to the left of the training machines that gives a feeling of space and openness. “That area is used for the student to get away from the computer if the trainer is showing how to develop a database or a spreadsheet without the PC getting in the way,” says Elaine. A large sign on the wall proclaims ʻTraining @ St. Andrewʼsʼ. Elaine explains “Training is because thatʼs what we do, the @ signiﬁes that we are an IT centre and St. Andrewʼs is where

we are. We have had a very positive reaction to the name.” Shay Barry the resident IT trainer picks up the theme. “It was essential that we developed an identity for the IT Training function and the name plays its part in that. We have also added to our suite of courses and can now offer Typing, Basic Computers, Internet for beginners. Qualiﬁcations have been expanded also– we can now offer Microsoft Training, thatʼs called MOS, and IC3 which stands for Internet and Computing Core Certiﬁcation and we are still able to deliver the ECDL which is still popular with students and some employers.” Looking around the room itʼs

hard to not be impressed with the facility. The original goal of organising a centre that is of commercial standards has clearly been met and exceeded. Shay goes on, “we also tailor courses for groups, some might want a package of typing and basic computers without certification, others might want a longer course, say IC3 and we are developing a course for parents to help them ensure that their children are surfing the Internet safely.” St. Andrewʼs organise morning, afternoon and evening courses. To find our more about this excellent additional facility in the area contact Elaine on 01 677 1930 or email her on elaine. kenny@standrews.ie

By Frances Corr

abrizia Development lodged a planning application with Dublin City Council on 14th of October 2004 for a massive mixed-use development on the former Allied Irish Bank sports grounds to the back of the former Irish Glass Bottle factory in Ringsend. The application is both for apartments and office development, which consists of 780 housing units, in 10 blocks, of 6 to 8 stories high on top of two storey over ground car parking space. On top of this there will be ancillary works on the roof level. A further 220,000 square feet of offices is proposed for six blocks of seven to eight storey buildings. There is also an inclusion of shops, restaurants and a créche. The application also has provision for almost 1000 car parking spaces in the development. It also appears to include part of the causeway and the strand at Sandymount as part of this development. Liam Carroll purchased the site in 1999 from AIB for 31million euro. In the year 2000 an application was lodged by the developer Fabrizia for a similar large development on this site. This application was withdrawn on 19th November.

In the meantime Liam Carrollʼs company had two planning applications lodged with Dublin City Council for the same site. The Carroll group of companies include Zoe Developments, who has been developing the former gasworks site at South Lotts for the past number of years. The application lodged for the Poolbeg site in the year

Training @ St. Andrew’s

t. Andrewʼs Resource Centre has been well known for years in this area for providing services and training to local residents. So it came as no surprise to ﬁnd that the most recent development in the Centre is a fantastic computer and IT training centre. Elaine Kenny the Training room administrator is enthusiastic about the facility: “We started to develop the centre in the summer and continued until it is now fully functioning. It was important to have the room wellappointed and with top-class equipment and we were fortu-

nate because our management wanted to develop an IT centre that would rival any commercial training organisation and we have achieved that.” Looking around the room it is impressive, 12 Black Dell Com-

NEWSFOUR CHRISTMAS 2004

PAGE 31

P AQUITO D’R IVERA : ‘A S AX -J AZZ P OET ’ By Robert C. Diaz

he prodigious child, and iconoclastic alto and soprano saxophonist and clarinettist Paquito DʼRivera, six-time Grammy winner, is celebrating his half century birthday in his musical career. He has inspired a generation of musicians in the ﬁfty years of his phenomenal career. Born in 1948 in Marianao, Havana, Paquito, started studying music with his father Tito, a classical saxophonist and music store owner. At the age of 6, and by Daddyʼs hand, he traded in his clarinet and alto, and began studying the playing both Cuban classics and traditional music and in a kind of ʻunderground wayʼ some of the biggest jazz masters such as Benny Goodman, Armstrong, Charlie ʻthe Birdʼ Parker and Lester Young. Early in the 60s he joined the Havana Music Hall Theatre Orchestra where he teamed up with la créme de la créme of the Havana Musical scene. This project was in the expert hands of Alfonso Arau, a famous Mexican comedian, and ﬁlm-maker. In 1967 Armando Romeu founded the Cuban Modern Music Orchestra. This project would involve the greatest Cuban popular musicians at that time. Also, the jazz trio formed by Paquito, Chucho, and Carlos Emilio, were called to be part of it. This would be the embryo of the Irakere, the best Cuban Jazz line-up ever seen. Irakere was an extremely ex-

perimental ensemble which combined an authentic variety of Cuban rhythms with tunes of the contemporary international jazz scene at that time. Talented jazz players like Arturo Sandoval and Jorge Varona (on trumpet), Carlos Averoff and Paquito (on sax, ﬂute and clarinet), Carlos del Puerto (on bass), Carlos E. Morales (on guitar), Enrique Pla (on drums), among others, were included in its original line-up. Paquitoʼs popularity resurged following the success of his outstanding improvisations on some masterpieces at the ﬁrst Irakere era, like ʻAdagio on a Mozartʼs themeʼ, ʻMisa Negraʼ (The Black Mass), ʻLos ojos de Pepaʼ, and ʻEl Valle de Picadurʼ. After their concert at the New

John and Rose Renew Vows

John and Rose Bermingham of St Patrickʼs Villas Irishtown renewed their wedding vows after 50 years in Westland Row Church earlier this year.

York Jazz Mecca, (as part of the Newport Jazz fest) in 1978, this ʻwoodwind magicianʼ and Irakere won their first Grammy award, and critics recognized his performance as the best jazz instrumental solo in that year. In 1980, Paquito left Cuba and in 1981, while on tour in Spain, sought asylum with the American Embassy, and left his homeland forever. He has continued his prolific career, touring around the world, recording albums, performing jazz concerts and demonstrating his unlimited talent. He has achieved more than 25 recorded albums in his solo career, and some of his compositions such as, ʻWapangoʼ, ʻChuchoʼ, ʻVals venezolanoʼ, etc, became standards during his years alongside Dizzy Gillespie and the United Nation Orchestra. In a time when many artistsʼ truest musical hearts are sacrificed to the notion of “mainstream success at all costs,” Paquito has made the bold decision to return to his roots. Jazz fans in his adopted hometown of New York and throughout America best know the saxophonist for his longtime leadership of Irakere, and his well-received mid-90s solo albums ʻReunionʼ (1990) and ʻCuba-Jazzʼ (1996). The ʻHabaneraʼ album proves his musical calibre. Paquito keeps exploring new avenues, even getting into the avant-garde stuff like a symphonic jazz ensemble on the Habanera album. Itʼs a beautiful and ironic meta-

phor of Havanaʼs nights mixed with the evolution of the Cuban and Latin-American rhythms. Blending such diverse jazz inﬂuences as Ed Harris, Joe Henderson, and Charlie Parker with his melodic leanings towards experimental bands like Irakere and O.M.M., Paquito creates a sly mix of blue, Latin, Cuban traditional music and world beat sounds. Paquitoʼs goal is to show dimensions of himself he has been exploring in life situations for years. In spite of the prohibitions suffered in his native Cuba, due to his almost frantic devotion to Jazz, Paquito and his music have had the acceptance deserved on the part of the great public. It is sad that the Cuban cultural authorities refused to admit Paquito and that he has had to suffer the ignominy of being an absentee from the culture of his country as well as an exile. Paquito has seen tremendous growth within himself as a jazz player over these years, attributing much of that to his ongoing gigs with Dizzy Gillespie, Lionel

Hampton, Chick Corea, Maynard Ferguson, Stan Getz, Herbie Hancock, Michael Brecker, Al DiMeola, Michel Camilo, Claudio Roditti, Arturo Sandoval, Chucho Valdes and recently with the octogenarian Cuban pianist Bebo Valdes, among a large list of jazzʼs superstars. During these ﬁfty musical years, Paquitoʼs career has moved through a diversity of formats and styles within the new jazz-streams. In 2005 Paquito will be honoured with the National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters in America. This is the title bestowed upon only a handful of living jazz musicians and promoters in recognition of their contribution to the music form. Listening to him, from any perspective, he is a true sax-jazz poet. Paquito himself says “My favourite players/ composers are the ones who keep a tight focus on strong melodies. This shows up in my own work. I just have this desire to express myself artistically while also creating a very entertaining sound.”

RAILWAY UNION SPORTS CLUB PARK AVENUE, SANDYMOUNT YOUR LOCAL CLUB WE HAVE LADIES AND MEN’S INDOOR AND OUTDOOR BOWLS, CRICKET, HOCKEY, RUGBY AND TENNIS

WELL AS A MODERN, LUXURIOUS BAR

MAKE NEW FRIENDS AND ENJOY THE AMENITIES

FOR INFORMATION

RING

2692272

PAGE 32

NEWSFOUR CHRISTMAS 2004

The Fontenoy Files Christmas Lights Come to Clanna Gael!

By Shay Connolly

t has been a very good year for us here at Clanna Gael Fontenoy with progress on many fronts. Earlier this year saw Dublin Port Co. enter into a partnership agreement with the Club. Dublin Port Co. will offer invaluable support to our set up and in our efforts to improve our games for all our members. Our thanks to Enda Connellan, Jimmy Carolan, Charlie Murphy, Michael Sheery, Gerry Barry and Ann Moran for all their help throughout the year. Our second Prunty pitch outside the Clubhouse was completed and matches have commenced on it. The Dublin Juvenile Camogie Championship finals were held here in October and the large crowd were truly aghast at the perfect conditions that the pitch provided. None more so than Irish Times columnist Tom Humphries who in all his years covering sports events said that it was the best surface he had encountered. Some praise indeed! (I was waiting for him to make similar comments about the referee but it never came). The first Prunty pitch, completed two years ago, came under severe wear and tear from many quarters as was well-documented in previous editions here. Joe Pat Prunty from Prunty Pitch Contractors takes great pride in his work and his company has gracefully decided to repair the damage done with no extra expense to the Club. Anybody passing by will see that our Floodlight project is well under way and lights are expected to be turned on in the next couple of weeks. This project was undertaken by Brendan Hall from SLS Ltd, whose family hails from Ringsend. The floodlights will provide a fantastic service to our members and community alike. We will now be able to train and play matches all year round. Dublin Docklands Development Authority provided the project with 40% funding and the remaining 60% was met by the Club. If one can cares to remember what these playing areas were like just a few short years ago, its present condition represents a formidable achievement by all those involved. The official opening of our new-

Ofﬁcial launch of the Clubʼs partnership with Dublin Port Co.

est pitch and our new clubhouse is pencilled in for late January with an intercounty match between the Dubs and opponents yet to be decided. On the playing front, the Juvenile section had a remarkable year. Each team have gained promotion from their present leagues with the U9 footballers, U10 footballers, U15 hurlers, U16 footballers, U16 hurlers, and Minor (U18) footballers all winning their respective league campaigns. This certainly is no mean achievement and can only auger well for the years ahead. In the last edition I wrote that the U16 hurlers had two very difficult assignments remaining if they were to capture league honours against OʼTooles and Ballinteer St Johnʼs. It was done in style as they ran out winners with over fifteen points to spare in both games. The smile is still on the Legendʼs face. U15 hurlers travelled to St Monicaʼs in Edenmore in a winner-takesall encounter. Trailing by 5 points with just a couple of minutes left, they fired home two late goals to win the day. In June we ran a very successful ʻPeople in Needʼ day with Gaelic and Soccer matches outside the clubhouse with haircutting, beard trimming, toenail sucking all held inside it. Almost €2000 was raised. Juvenile Coach Eamon Clancy is a busy bee this year with all local schools having been visited a number of times during the year. Eamon has just started hurling for 7-11 year olds in the club hall each Wednesday night and anyone is welcome. Saturday morning nursery sees

coaching in football and hurling for the 4-8 year olds and parents can enjoy tea and coffee upstairs in our lovely lounge with panoramic views. In August we opened the second Prunty Pitch with a Ladiesʼ Junior Football Tournament in aid of Tracy Staunton. It was a wonderful success and we thank Crawfordʼs Ford Centre for their kind sponsorship on the day. Marian College is flying the flag of Gaelic Games with distinction. John McEvoy has truly been magnificent in his delivery of our games to the young lads. The same applies to Mick Maughan, Kevin Munnelly and Brian McDermott in Star of the Sea and Donnagh Cleary and Eddie Hassett in Lakelands. And staying with Juvenile affairs, the club wishes every success to Ciaran Diviney who is due for an operation soon. Ciaran is a truly wonderful football and hurler and is a star for the future. In September we ran our usual All-Ireland Forecast Competition. As there was no outright winner the €5000 prize was donated to The Childrenʼs Hospital Crumlin and Temple Street hospitals. November saw the annual club bash in the clubhouse. The hospitality shown by the club was unbelievable as Salt and Vinegar Crisps and Johnny Onion Rings were handed out like confetti. This was the occasion when all the adult players of the year were rewarded with some lovely statuettes, those ones that the grandchildren will see in years to come. Charlie Murphy from Dublin Port Co presented all the lads and lassies with their trophies.

The only blip on the night was the boos that echoed round the clubhouse when the Legend was not included in the list. The highlight, I suppose, were the ʻThree Degreesʼ, alias Albert Hannon, Ronan Smith and Des Markey who went on and on and on until everyone fell asleep. Beer mats were thrown, money ﬂung and shoes hurled at them, but all to no avail. Alas, the Guards had to be called to remove them from the stage. The following were the recipients on the night: Inter Football: Ian Kavanagh Inter Hurling: Bee Duffy Junior Football: Declan Campbell Junior Hurling: David Early Ladies Football: Louise Kane Adult Camogie: Nikki Doran Minor Football: Philip Power Minor Hurling: Shane Hilliard Club person of the year: Jean Joyce

The Juvenile presentation night will take place on Sunday 12th December from 4-7 p.m. This will include a Disco downstairs for the 8-12 year olds. All parents please attend. In October the U15s travelled to Glasgow courtesy of the Dublin Docklands Authority on a Drug awareness programme. They were hosted by the local GAA club, Tir Conaill Harps and a great time was had by all. Christmas rafﬂe tickets are now on sale and they are the talk of the town. The prizes are out of this world and for a measly €10.00 you can shoot for the stars. Tickets available from usual outlets or behind the bar. Below is a list of events that are occurring over the Christmas period. 16th December: Christmas Draw. Music by GAEL FORCE 26th December: Music by Strike Two– Upstairs 26th December: Disco with Paul Murray– Downstairs (All Ticket) 31st December: Music with High Society– Upstairs 31st December: Disco with Paul Murray– Downstairs (All Ticket) Tickets for St Stephenʼs Night and New Yearʼs disco will go on sale from the 12th December. Finally a big thank you to all who made 2004 a very worthwhile year here at the club and we wish all our members, our neighbours and friends, our sponsors and all in the Community a very enjoyable Christmas and a sporting New Year. Have a good one!

Shane Hilliard gets his ʻPlayer of the Year award for Minor Hurlingʼ.

NEWSFOUR CHRISTMAS 2004

PAGE 33

Louise Kane receives her ʻFootballer of the Yearʼ award from Charlie Murphy, Dublin Port Co., with Big brother Pat in background.

Under 15 in Glasgow on drug awareness trip.

The Legend ʻreaches for the bottleʼ during one of his many exploits throughout the year.

Jack Nicholson about to get sheared at the Telethon ʻPeople in Needʼ night in the clubhouse.

Calafort Átha Cliath

Jean Joyce receives her ʻClubperson of the Yearʼ award from Charlie Murphy of Dublin Port Co. with Chairman Pat Kane.

Dublin Port Company Port Centre, Alexandra Road, Dublin 1.

Telephone: 887 6000, 855 0888 Fax: 855 7400 Web: www.dublinport.ie Award winners at this yearʼs Summer Camps with Dublin Port Co. personnel.

PAGE 34

NEWSFOUR CHRISTMAS 2004

The Young Lady has Talent! Sports Page by Derek Buckley

essa Oʼ Reilly is a normal seven year old but thereʼs one thing that makes her different and that is her ability to play pool. Nessa was brought to my attention by local talent scout Noel Gregg who spotted her and her grandfather, Sean Oʼ Reilly playing pool in the Irishtown House. What amazed me when I saw her was her cue action and stance, her gifted ability to waltz around the table, taking no prisoners. Nessa, whose hobbies include spelling, reading and football, says Arsenal is her favourite football team and she loves to watch Ken Doherty in action. As a bonus from the proprietor of the Irishtown House, heʼs willing to sponsor Nessa to an afternoon of free pool to enhance her talent! LIFFEYS V SACRED HEART F.C. 4:2 Liffeys Win Without Heart! A well below par performance by Liffeys was good enough to claim 3 points and remain proudly top of the table. What annoyed me about

this game was the attitude of the referee before the game. Now I know refs do get grief but when you hear a ref shouting to Liffey linesman that any misbehaving on the line and “Iʼll pick up the ball and walk” before kick-off introduced unnecessary friction. On with the game– Sacred F.C from Tallaght travelled to Ringsend Stadium hoping to improve on their 0:5 thumping inflicted by Liffeys in the first encounter. Their hopes of improvement were looking good when number one choice goalkeeper Glen Rigley limped off after 10 minutes with a thigh muscle injury. Momentʼs later James Bradshaw broke the deadlock with a tap– in in front of the post 1:0. Sacred responded from the kick-off with a cross that David Lane couldnʼt deal with, gifting the equalizer where replacement goalkeeper Philip Uzellsʼ first touch was picking the ball out of his own net, 1:1. For the next half-hour Liffeys played with the attitude that they thought they only had to turn up to claim the points. But there was one player who stood out and that

was Philip OʼConnor with his Roy Keane attitude and to be honest without him in that first half things could have been so different. Liffeys did take an undeserved lead just before the break through Andy Doolin off a Darren Rice corner, 2:1. After a half-time telling off by manager Karl Wilson, Liffeys started the second half for once playing ball and it was OʼConnor with another one of his delightful balls picked out Clive OʼReilly who in turn squared it and fortunately for Liffeys it went in off a Sacredʼs defender, 3:1. Ten minutes later Liffeys made it 4:1 after calamity Jane goalkeeping which left Clive OʼReilly with an open goal, Sacred did get a late consolation after sluggish defending, 4:2. Karl Wilsonʼs comments after the match were simple, poor performance– 3 points! Liffeys committee would like to thank sponsors A.G.M. Builders for the new set of gear. Attendance: 68 Star Man: Philip OʼConnor. CAMBRIDGE V TRINITY SPORTS 0:0 Honours Shared By Top

Always a winning team

Two! Cambridge U14A, under coaches Patrick Reynolds and David OʼConnor realise that a win today could be the foundation of a league title and vice versa for their opponentʼs manager as they currently sit level pegging top of the table with both teams dropping only 2 points after 6 games. Cambridge, (below) defending league cup winners one match away from the quarter finals, were certainly up for it and with a professional build-up prior to kickoff you can only compliment coach Patrick Reynolds and his players for their belief and focus. After only losing one game in 2004 this is a record they want to hold on to. It was a mixed first half, both teams respecting each other, it was kind of whatever you do– we do! First chance of the game came from a quality weighted corner by Niall McCabe and it was Daniel McDonnellʼs effort which blasted just wide of the post. Trinityʼs response was instant when their mid fielderʼs effort from 30 yards thundered over the crossbar. Then came the best chance of the game after man of the match Dillon Barnes juggled the ball around two defenders, picked out Daniel McDonnell with a dream cross, but his effort from his head never connected. Halfway through the first

Cambridge Boys Under 14A.

half Barnes was unlucky with his powerful shot as it flew over the crossbar. Just before halftime Trinityʼs free kick effort was blocked by a wellorganized wall. The second half was completely different, Trinity, right from re-start had their only chance with a one-onone but this effort was below par. From there on it was oneway traffic, people like captain Montgomery and Byrne were dominant in defence and Tristan Nolan controlled midfield. I felt sorry for Conor Byrne because he must have delivered from the half-way line a good half dozen quality weighted balls into Trinityʼs box but his fellow team-mates could not finish them off. At this stage Mr. Barnes was everywhere, half effort after half effort went wide and then Niall McCabe nearly stole the show in the death with his lob from 40 yards but it didnʼt dip in time. If there were stats in this match it would have been 75% to 25% in favour of Cambridge. I would like to take this opportunity to wish Patrick, David and players all the best as they travel soon to Manchester with fellow clubs such as Shelbourne, Home Farm, and Cherry Orchard to participate in the Manchester Cup. Attendance: 36 Star Man: Dillon Barnes.

NEWSFOUR CHRISTMAS 2004

PAGE 35

D ODDER Y OUTH S ERVICE T

he Dodder Youth service has been working hard to entertain and involve young people in the area over the last few months. More information on regular and ongoing activities is given below. Drop in Service Activities include snooker, fuseball, playstation, dance mat and music. Unlike regular Youth Clubs young people can come and go as they wish with no need to pre-register. The times for the drop in are: Monday evenings (excluding bank holidays) 8.15pm-10pm, Porta Cabin Ringsend District Community Centre. Open to young people aged 16 years and over living in Ringsend, Irishtown, South Lotts or Bath Avenue. Tuesday evenings 8.15pm10pm, Porta Cabin Ringsend District Community Centre. Open to young people aged 12 years and over living in Ringsend, Irishtown, South Lotts or Bath Avenue.

The Drop in is a place to hang out with your friends and have a bit of fun. If youʼre a young person living in the area and ﬁt the age group mentioned please feel free to call down. Remember places are limited so do arrive early to avoid disappointment. The drop ins will ﬁnish up for the Christmas Break on Monday 6th December and Tuesday 7th December. They will recommence in the New Year on Monday 10th January 2005 and Tuesday 11th January 2005

Christmas programme Events in our programme this year include: ʻJack and the Beanstalkʼ Panto in the Gaiety Theatre (age 10yrs14yrs) Fun Skate 7up on Ice RDS (age 10yrs-14yrs) Decks on Ice 7up on Ice RDS (age 15yrs +) Bowling Stillorgan Leisureplex (age 15yrs +) Registration for the Christmas Programme will take place in the Youth Ofﬁce in the Ringsend

Community Centre, Thorncastle Street on Monday 13th December and Tuesday 14th December 5pm7pm. Those interested can only register on the dates mentioned. Up-coming programmes in the New Year * Metal Work open to young people aged 14yrs and over. * Mosaic Programme open to young people aged 10yrs and over Volunteers Weʼd like to congratulate Betty Barry who won CDYSB Volun-

teer Award of the year. Not only is Betty involved in the Girl Guides, she is also an active member and treasurer of DYS Board of Management. She received her award for her time and commitment to the young people of the area. Congratulations Betty, keep up the good work! There is a huge demand from young people for the services offered by DYS. In order to expand the service DYS relies heavily on volunteers. If you are over 18 years and have a couple of hours a week to spare, DYS needs you! All volunteers receive training and support in return for their time and commitment. If you are interested, please contact the Youth Ofﬁce at 6608875 for further details. DYS sends out a big THANK YOU to all the volunteers who gave their time and commitment to the service over the last year. Without you many of the events and activities could not have gone ahead so THANK YOU ALL. A special thank you to Ringsend Technical Institute and Shelbourne Residents Association for their on-going support and use of premises. The Management & Staff of Dodder Youth Service wish you all a very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Michael Byrne

Butchers and Fine Foods Don’t forget to order early for Christmas to avoid disappointment

Our new Fruit and Vegetable Shop stocks all you will need for the festive season Including sauces, cheeses, cooked meats and a new range of premium quality chocolates. Hampers are available

We have a wide range of Christmas fare including free range turkeys and geese, along with pale and smoked gammons plus our award-winning spice beef Opening Times

Tuesday 21st December Wednesday 22nd December Thursday 23rd December Friday 24th December

7.30 am to 7 pm 7.30 am to 7 pm 6 am to 9 pm 6 am to 3 pm

We would like to wish all our customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

PAGE 36

NEWSFOUR CHRISTMAS 2004

BRAINE BACKSTAGE

A SNAPSHOT OF DUBLIN THEATRICAL LIFE IN THE 1940S

THESE PHOTOGRAPHS, and the one of Noel Purcell on page 17, were taken at the Theatre Royal in Dublin by Harry Braine in the 1940s. Braine ran a well-known garage beside the Canal bridge at Drumcondra for many years. Pictured on the left is, of course, Jimmy O始Dea, while, above and below, girls from the theatre始s dance troupe the Royalettes while away the time between performances. A vanished era!

NEWSFOUR CHRISTMAS 2004

PAGE 37

S EAL P UPS AND B RENT G EESE NEED THEIR SPACE By Frances Corr

ith the grey seal pupping season that starts in September to October well under way, volunteers and members of the public are asked to be on the alert when visiting beaches and keep a look out for seal pups. If anyone comes across a pup, keep a distance from the animal as the mother may be nearby and any disturbance will drive her to abandon the pup. If it is felt that the pup has been separated from its mother due to disruption, or is injured or in stress, then contact the The Irish Seal Sanctuary (ISS) at 8354370, leave a clear message and contact number and a volunteer will get back to you as soon as possible. Donʼt be tempted to put the animal back in the water as this

may result in the death of the animal. Never try to pet or handle the animal, as seals are wild animals and will bite. Seals are lactose intolerant and must never be fed cowʼs milk– this could cause serious medical problems to the pup. This is also a reminder to local dog owners, who enjoy a stroll with their pets on the beaches, in Sandymount, Merrion, Shellybanks and Poolbeg area to be vigilant and minimise any disturbance to the Brent geese. People are also asked that dogs be kept under control in Sean Moore Park, and in the Nature Park and kept on a lead. Over the next few months the Brent Geese will be over-wintering in our mild climate, having arrived from as far-off as Greenland. These geese who are feeding on the shoreline at present will move onto the grass areas

in January to fatten up before they make their journey home in March or April. Dogs can cause a disturbance to their feeding habits and people are asked to minimise the disturbance to the geese by keeping their dogs under control.

SHELBOURNE P19HARMACY I R RIS H TO W N

OA D

PH O N E : 6684481

IRISH GUIDE DOGS FOR THE BLIND MORNING SERVICE ON 12 DECEMBER AT 11AM AT ST STEPHEN’S CHURCH (PEPPER CANISTER) MOUNT STREET CRESCENT GUIDE DOGS AND PUPPY WALKERS ESPECIALLY WELCOME ALL DONATIONS FOR THE GUIDE DOGS CHRISTMAS CARDS WILL BE AVAILABLE EASY PARKING

We have a wide range of gift sets, jewellery, perfumes, Christmas novelties, aromatherapy sets, candles, hair dryers, shaving sets and much more! Join our Christmas Club and enter our Free Draw for €200. Draw on 18th December

A Very Happy Christmas from Paddy and the Staff

PAGE 38

MUSIC

NEWSFOUR CHRISTMAS 2004

The Jukebox Review 2004’ S T O P F I F T Y A L B U M S

By Dan Hegarty

1. The Go! Team ʻThunder, Lightening, Strikeʼ (Memphis Industries) ʻThunder, Lightening, Strikeʼ is a fantastic album . It jumps genres, skips from sampled electronic tunes into what sounds like sixties soul. The Go! Teamʼs experimentation works wonderfully - itʼs a joy to hear free-spirited music like this. www.thegoteam.co.uk

2. The Prodigy ʻAlways Outnumbered Never Outgunnedʼ(XL) After a six-year gap, this album had to be good. ʻAlways Outnumbered Never Outgunnedʼ is more ʻMusic From The Jilted Generationʼ than ʻThe Fat Of The Landʼ. Tracks like ʻHot Rideʼ, ʻThe Way It Isʼ, and ʻGirlsʼ make this an essential album. www.theprodigy.com

3. U2 ʻHow Dismantle An Atomic Bombʼ (Island) Itʼs the biggest album of the year by far. You get the impression that ʻHow To Dismantle An Atomic Bombʼ will grow into another classic U2 album. Itʼs great to hear a band sound so hungry at this stage of their career. The new material will no doubt sound blistering live. www.u2.com

4. Trans AM ʻLiberationʼ (Thrill Jockey) The electro-rock three-piece have created a monster of a record in ʻLiberationʼ. To say that their music has attitude is an understatement! The abrasive sound from this record will leave your ears and brain ringing - if that doesnʼt get you their irreverence will. www.thrilljockey.com

5. Handsome Boy Modeling School ʻWhite Peopleʼ (Atlantic) With guests like Cat Power, De La Soul, and ex-Faith No More vocalist Mike Patton, this was always going to be good. Along with the tracks, there are some hilarious monologues. This is the best Hip Hop record since Outkastʼs ʻSpeakerboxxx/The Love Belowʼ. www.handsomeboymodellingschool.com

6. PJ Harvey ʻUh Huh Herʼ (Island) Some people try, most fail miserably, but PJ Harvey is credibility and cool embroidered into her every breath and motion. In comparison to its predecessor, ʻUh Huh Herʼ sounds more like Harveyʼs early 90s material. She screams, she roars, and then purrs sweetly - it all sounds great. www.pjharvey.net

7. The Radio ʻKindnessʼ (Reekus) The coming together of former Rollerskate Skinny, Chicks, and Johnny Pyro personnel has brought exciting results. ʻKindnessʼ is one of the strongest debut albums youʼll hear. ʻHang Onʼ, ʻEmpireʼ and the single ʻRemember Me Remember Youʼ are some of the highlights. www.theradio.ie

8. Lali Puna ʻFaking The Booksʼ (Morr) You canʼt help but think of bands like The Sundays, Cocteau Twins, or Plague Monkeys when listening to ʻFaking The Booksʼ. The haunting, ethereal tones of this record make it a perfect soundtrack to the twilight hours. www.lalipuna.de

9. The Frames ʻBurn The Mapsʼ(Plateau) The Framesʼ ﬁfth album still has fans and foes divided. This albumʼs strengths donʼt reveal themselves immediately, but give it three or four rotations, and you might just hear The Framesʼ best album. www.theframes.ie

10. Orbital ʻBlue Albumʼ (Orbital) What a wonderful way to sign off on a glittering career. The ʻBlue Albumʼ is not the big fanfare album that many acts would have delivered. This is simply the ﬁnal piece in the history of an important duo. www.loopz.co.uk

Numbers 11 to 50 11. The Crystal Method ʻLegion Of Boomʼ (V2) 12. Rob Sonic ʻTelicatessenʼ (Deﬁnitve Juxx) 13. Jape ʻThe Monkeys In The Zoo Have More Fun Than Meʼ (Trust Me Iʼm A Thief) 14. Magnus ʻThe Body Gave You Everythingʼ (Anti) 15. Morrissey ʻI Am The Quarryʼ (Sanctuary) 16. Jeff Martin ʻSpoonsʼ (Note) 17. (The Real) Tuesday Weld ʻI, Luciferʼ (Pias) 18. The Redneck Manifesto ʻI Am Brazilʼ (Trust Me Iʼm A Thief)

19. Eagles Of Death Metal ʻPeace Love & Death metalʼ (AntAcidAudio) 20. Jimmy Behan ʻDays Are What We Live Inʼ (Elusive) 21. Beastie Boys ʻTo The 5 Boroughsʼ (Parlophone) 22. Sonic Youth ʻSonic Nurseʼ (Geffen) 23. BJ Cole ʻTrouble In Paradiseʼ (Cooking Vinyl) 24. Giveamanakick ʻIs It Ok To Be Loud Jesus?ʼ (Out On A Limb) 25. Fatboy Slim ʻPalookavilleʼ (Skint) 26. Scala On The Rocks & The Kol-

acny Brothers ʻDream Onʼ (Pias) 27. The Shades ʻExplosiveʼ (Grade) 28. Ash ʻMeltdownʼ (Infectious) 29. Pete Pamf ʻProne To Abuseʼ (PA) 30. Green Day ʻAmerican Idiotʼ (Reprise) 31. Fingathing ʻThe Big Bad Nebula Bandʼ (Grand Central) 32. Mark Lanegan Band ʻBubblegumʼ (Beggars Banquet) 33. Jimi Tenor ʻBeyond The Starsʼ (Kitty-Yo) 34. The Cure ʻThe Cureʼ (Geffen)

35. Stanley Super 800 ʻStanley Super 800ʼ (Bingo) 36. Wagon Christ ʻSorry I Make You Lushʼ (Ninja Tune) 37. Rollers/Sparkers ʻSecond Level Crossingʼ (Lazybird) 38. William Shatner ʻHas Beenʼ (Shout) 39. Two Lone Swordsmen ʻFrom The Double Gone Chapelʼ (Warp) 40. Blink ʻDeep Inside The Sound Of Sadnessʼ (Serene) 41. Elliott Smith ʻFrom A Basement On A Hillʼ (Domino) 42. Slipknot ʻVol. 3: The Subliminal Versesʼ (Roadrunner)

43. Auf der Maur ʻAuf der Maurʼ (Capitol) 44. Interpol ʻInterludeʼ (Rough Trade) 45. Loretta Lynn ʻVan Lear Roseʼ (Interscope) 46. Deasy ʻShut Up & Makeʼ (The Fear) 47. Mcenroe ʻ5 Years In The Factoryʼ (Vertical Form) 48. The Knife ʻDeep Cutsʼ (Rabid) 49. Chromeo ʻSheʼs In Controlʼ (V2) 50. Alphastates ʻMade From Sandʼ (Magic)

NEWSFOUR CHRISTMAS 2004

PAGE 39

HINDSIGHT, HIGHLIGHTS & HEROES

f someone had told you this time last year that The Pixies were going to reform and play a live date in Ireland, you probably would have laughed at them. While the rumours had started in mid 2003, the chances of an Irish Pixies show seemed as likely as a Napalm Death and Celine Dion duet! The unlikely event did happen, and it was to many a religious experience! Loads of bands lose their edge as they get on in years, or they manage to turn beautiful noise into middle-of-the-road nightmares. The Pixiesʼ set

in Phoenix Park was everything that any fan could have hoped for– loud, irreverent, and most importantly every bit of spite and anger in each song remained (and in some cases intensified). It wasnʼt all joy and delight though, Orbitalʼs grand finale was both a joyous and sombre occasion. Their ʻBlue Albumʼ was a gem, but trying to get a glimpse of them at the Oxegen festival proved very difficult. There was much cause for excitement from new Irish acts. Waterfordʼs Siam Collective created some of the

yearʼs most engaging music. Others like Dry County, The Leeches, The Shades made strong accounts for themselves. Many people view U2ʼs return the biggest single event of 2004. ʻHow To Dismantle An Atomic Bombʼ is without doubt a giant record in every sense, but its real strengths are going to surface when the band play live– the prospect makes your mouth water! Nirvanaʼs box set ʻWith The Lights Outʼ is something that fans have been waiting for for a decade. Between a number of patchy recordings

and rehearsals, the bandʼs true spirit and genius comes through, to the extent that your jaw will drop. If this really is the last of the unheard material from the Nirvana vault– this is an historical document. As for next year, thereʼs so much already waiting to unleash itself– reunion gigs (Kerbdog, The Hitchers, and possibly more), the new Queens Of The Stone Age album, and the Oxegen festivalis shaping up to be something special (see below for more). It all makes your head spin!

Upcoming Live Dates: Velvet Revolver – Point Theatre – January 12th Cathy Davey – Temple Bar Music Centre – January 15th The Dears – Whelanʼs – January 19th Low – The Village – January 28th Cake - Vicar Street – January 31st Henry Rollins – Vicar Street – January 30th Megadeth – Ambassador – February 1st The Wedding Present – The Village – February 19th Lemon Jelly – Ambassador – February 26th

NEWS • NEWS • NEWS • NEWS • NEWS • NEWS • NEWS • NEWS • NEWS • NEWS

ix years after they bowed out, Kerbdog (pictured) have announced that they are to play a live date at Dublinʼs Temple Bar Music Centre on February 5 next year. The news comes just months after the bandʼs former record label ceased producing copies of their popular album ʻOn The Turnʼ. “We miss playing Rock ʻNʼ Roll!” vocalist Cormac Battle commented recently. “I guess we want to show some of these young punks how itʼs done by us elder statesmen!” Rumours have already started to circulate that a full tour and studio work will follow, but Battle is remaining tight-lipped about anything beyond the live date. “At the moment itʼs going to be a one-off gig, but you never

know we could get our arms twisted to do some more. Thatʼs as far as weʼre looking at the moment.” ʻLullabies To Paralyzeʼ is the title of the forthcoming album from Queens Of The Stone Age. Due for release on March 21 2005, the bandʼs line-up will be Josh Homme, Van Leeuwen, Joey Castillo, Dave Catching, Alain Johannes. Itʼs unclear whether Mark Lanegan will feature on the record, but reports suggest that Garbageʼs Shirley Manson contributes, as does Hommeʼs girlfriend (and Distillers vocalist) Brody Dalle. Recording of the third series of the Other Voices TV series concluded earlier this month. ʻOther Voices - Songs from A Room 3ʼ will be broadcast on RTE 2 in the New Year. The

broadcast will include performances by Sack, American Music Club, Future Kings Of Spain, Gavin Friday & Maurice Seezer, Ocean Colour Scene, and many others. God Is An Astronaut will unleash a new album early next year. ʻAll Is Violent, All Is Brightʼ will be released nationwide on February 12th. The album features their current single ʻFragileʼ, which is currently available to download from www.godisanastronaut.com. Finally, Foo Fighters have been conﬁrmed as the headline act for next Summerʼs Oxegen festival. Weekend tickets are on sale at a discounted price froml December 3rd to 24th. Dave Grohl and band will headline the Sunday night – as yet, no other acts have been ofﬁcially announced.

PAGE 40

NEWSFOUR CHRISTMAS 2004

L E P ETIT J ARDIN

Super Saints in Sandymount ST PATRICKʼS Athletic Football Club Strike pair Robbie Doyle and Aidan Oʼ Keeffe took time out from their regular schedule to join in a kick around with children from Sandymount School Enable Ireland. The school had their annual FETA presentations. Thirteen students obtained certiﬁcates for their hard work. The school is for pupils with physical disabilities, but none of the pupils let this hold them back in their studies. There is a huge St. Patʼs following in Sandymount. Having presented certiﬁcates, posed for photographs and signed countless autographs, the lads were then put through their paces in a 5-a-side match with the children from the school. This visit formed part of the ongoing ʻFootball in the communityʼ initiative, which the club is involved in, working with both children and adults from a variety of groups in the local and regional community.

By Rose Hogan

estled in its own leafy surroundings, Le Petit Jardin is the new Montessori School in Sandymount providing children from two and a half to ﬁve years with a challenging programme in a very warm and cosy atmosphere. Mary Coyne who runs the playschool is no stranger to caring for children. She has been running ʻTir Na nÓgʼ on Sandymount Green for the last four years.

Mary believes a busy child is a contented child and with the Montessori equipment, arts and crafts and drama and French which Mary incorporates into the childʼs day thereʼs no time to get bored. Having just ﬁnished colouring by numbers in French, the children were heading out to the garden for some fresh air when I visited them. The hours at present are 912am Monday to Friday with a view to having an all-day facility in the near future, which will be the ﬁrst service of its kind in

Best Wishes for Christmas and the New Year from

Sandymount. ʻTir Na nÓgʼ Playschool on Sandymount Green also provides an after-school club for school-going children where they are collected from school and provided with a hot snack. For more information you can reach Mary at 6678606 or 087 9114482, or by email: tirnanog63@hotmail.com. The children from both Le Petit Jardin and ʻTir Na nÓgʼ will perform their nativity play at Mount Tabor on Sandymount Green on Friday 17th December at 10 am.

NEWSFOUR CHRISTMAS 2004

PAGE 41

HOW QUICKLY CAN YOU DO OUR CROSSWORD?

Name ________________________ Address _________________________________ Tel No. _____________________ Prize: €20 book token. Closing date for this competition is 25 January 2005. Winner of October 2004 Crossword was Julie Kavanagh of Grove Lawn, Blackrock.

Across 1. Place where alcohol is produced (10) 5. Salvadore _ _ _ _ (famous painter) (4) 9. Units of electrical resistance On Her Majestyʼs Service (4) 11. One who cuts beards and hair (6) 12. Tidy the lawn (3) 13. Place for a good workout (3) 14. Whatʼs up _ _ _ (3) 15. Riches (6) 17. A saintʼs circle of light (4) 18. French friend? (3) 19. Disease of the lung (2) 20. Oldest (6) 22. Poetic version of until (3) 24. To grow old (3) 25. All Ireland Gaelic Football Champions (5) 27 Large birds of prey (6) 30 Royal Air Force (3) 31 Strike (3) 32 Cat talk! (3) 34 Warmth (4) 35 Zilch, nothing (4) 36 Caress with lips (4) 37 Girlʼs name or beautiful Italian city (8)

Down 1. 2. 3. 4. 6. 7.

Measure of spirits (4) A bank of snow (9) _ _ _ Miserables (3) Quantity of paper (4) Showery month (5) Only newspaper in Ireland with a female editor (5,5) 8. Oppose something (6) 10. & 23. Sandymount butcher who is now selling fruit and veg 11. A former time (6) 16. Place to go for a quiet stroll off the Beach Road (6,4) 21. Outdoor swimming club (4,4) 26. Prepare for publication (4) 28. Childrenʼs party activities (5) 29. Reverberating sound (4) 31. You might need a new one for a wedding (3) 33. Fermented juice of the grape (4) 35 Where the animals are kept (4)

G UIDE M ERITED AN A WARD By Frances Corr

C RYPTIC DUBLIN CAN YOU guess these parts of Dublin from the following cryptic clues sent in by George Humphries? 1. Get out of my way 2. A Motionless musical instrument 3. Sea creatures outhouse 4. A large dark boulder 5. A rodent before the pits 6. Single men do not run 7. Letʼs dispose of this woman 8. Duelling weapons 9. Mr. Seacombe is angry 10. A Cunning beastʼs stone 11. Large cats dwelling 12. A Gravelly Paste Answers on page 42.

etty Barry was nominated by the Dodder Youth Service to receive an award from Conascadh Naisiunta Na nOg for her outstanding achievement. Betty has dedicated thirty years of her life as a volunteer in the Catholic Girl Guides. She joined the guides when she was 10 years old. At sixteen she became a leader in the organisation and has remained dedicated to the aims and traditions of the guides ever since. Betty says that some of the girls who are leaders now were with her as brigins, and she also has girls in the brigins whose mothers and aunts were members of her troop. She was surprised and honoured to hear of her nomination for the award. Betty hopes the publicity she and the guides

receive will encourage other girls to join the guides. She said they have the capacity to cater for more young people in the Ringsend troop. The mission statement of the CGI is to provide a challenging programme within a safe environment to enable all girls and young women to develop their full potential. Gone are the days of the drab brown uniform. Guides today wear tracksuit bottoms and sweat shirts of various colours denoting their rank and coloured neckerchiefs that denote their troop or company. The guides are divided in up to ﬁve sections catering for girls from ﬁve or six year olds up. The younger girls are called cygnets and they meet in the CYMS on Irishtown Road each Saturday between the hours of 1.45 and 3pm. The next stage is called brigin, after St Bridget, catering for the

age group of 6 to 11 who meet in the CYMS between 2.30 and 4.00pm, also on Saturdays. The older girls are guides and meet on Friday night at 6.30. The girls have the choice at sixteen to join the rangers, who are a more adventurous group or they can train as leaders. This year has been a hectic and exciting year for CGI as it cele-

brated its 75th anniversary. Girls took part in visits to the zoo, pantomime, jamborees and campﬁre singalongs and quiz nights. They also attended services of celebration that were held through the country. This was in addition to the regular hikes, camps, nature trips and regular outings and fun things which the girls love to take part in.

PAGE 42

NEWSFOUR CHRISTMAS 2004

41st SAMRA AGM S

andymount and Merrion Residentsʼ Association (SAMRA) held their 41st Annual General Meeting on November the 16th in Scoil Mhuire, Lakelands, Sandymount. Councillor Wendy Hederman and Councillor Dermot Lacey were in attendance. Cllr Lucinda Creighton, who was overseas, sent her apologies. Catherine Cavendish as Secretary reported that she had to deal with things as diverse as the damage to the locks in Sandymount Green, which occurred last July and August, and the annoyance that was caused on various weekends by pranksters. She also received calls from people who lost cats, dogs, and parakeets. She said that the work of the association was extremely time-consuming but SAMRA will always try to assist those who needed its service. The regular issues were raised about dirt, dog fouling, and blocked drains and Catherine said there had been a slight improvement in this area over the past year. She particularly thanked Paddy Gilmartin who undertakes to keep the area litter-free. His efforts were greatly appreciated by the residents. Catherine said overall it had

been a very busy year with applications for large developments at the RDS, AIB and the Incinerator. SAMRA was successful in moderating the arrangements for the fireworks, so that the Nature Park was spared the worst impact and she said it turned out very well indeed with boats carrying the fireworks up and down the strand. The Chairperson in her address thanked the councillors for their help through the year and in particular she made a special reference to the help they gave SAMRA with the draft City Development Plan. She also thanked the shopkeepers and traders for their support and in particular Berna OʼGorman for her assistance in collecting subscriptions and signing up members. The Mount Herbert Hotel was also singled out for thanks, for allowing the association to hold its regular meetings there. The treasurer Liam Handy distributed balance sheets, which showed the association, had a healthy surplus. He thanked Ann Jordan for her assistance with the books. He said Ann had prepared the spreadsheets for him as he was computer illiterate and he had thought a spreadsheet was something one put on a bed. Lorna Kelly the planning Offic-

er for SAMRA, then gave a brief outline on the numerous planning applications the association were requested to deal with. Lorna pointed out that even when the Association had been successful in stopping inappropriate development, they often had to repeat the process several times on the same site from the same developer. Lorna spoke about the Fabrizia Development planned for the Poolbeg site and the fact that the developer dumped aggregate on the site at South Bank Road. She said that complaints to Dublin City Council (DCC) had not brought enforcement of the Planning Law and SAMRA had been forced to take action. She said that

under the planning Act section 5 they had taken Legal advice and had a solicitorʼs letter written to DCC, which cannot be ignored. The secretary of CRAI (combined residents against incineration) gave an update on the work of the group through the year. A number of people requested that the existing committee remain in place for a further year, as they appeared to be doing an excellent job. The committee returned for another year are Joan Mc Arthur, Catherine Cavendish, Lorna Kelly, Liam Handy, Des Flynn, Kieran Best, Tom Ponsonby, Cathal Stanley, Geraldine Foster, Cathal Mallon and Malachy Ryan.

ANSWERS TO

CRYPTIC DUBLIN QUIZ

ON PAGE

41:

1. STEPASIDE 2. STILLORGAN. 3. DOLPHINS BARN 4. BLACKROCK 5. RATHMINES. 6. BACHELORʼS WALK. 7. KILLESTER. 8. SWORDS. 9. HAROLDʼS CROSS. 10. FOXROCK 11. LEOPARDSTOWN 12. STONEYBATTER.

RINGSEND LIBRARY Free Art Classes for children 7 - 12 years of age 10.30 - 11.30 Saturday mornings Booking essential, Telephone 6680063 Free Computer Tuition Computer basics, email, using the internet. Booking essential, Telephone 6680063

Claire and Briana Foley, two budding young artists.

What’s Going On ••• What’s Going On ••• What’s Going On November 26th to 9th January Smithﬁeld on Ice. Open air ice rink, relax in the rink side Ice Café. Ticket prices children €9.50, Adults €14, Family €38. Booking 4487777 or www. smithﬁeldonice.ie. 19th November 2004 to 9th January 2005 Ice-skating and lots more at the RDS (see article on page 12) Wednesday 8th to Sunday 12th December National Crafts Fair of Ireland, Main Hall, RDS. 1000s of unique Christmas gifts. Saturday 11 December to Sunday 2 January 2005 ʻThe Borrowersʼ adapted for the stage at The Helix, Collins Avenue, Glasnevin. When Mary Norton created ʻThe Borrowersʼ

she invented a wonderful world of adventure which has enchanted children and adults of all ages ever since. Evening show starts at 7 pm, also matinees and school morning shows. Box Ofﬁce 7007000, online booking www.thehelix.ie. Friday 10th December at 4 pm Lighting up of the Christmas Tree in Sandymount Green. Sunday 12 December Christmas Fair and Cake Sale in the Star of the Sea School Hall in aid of Star of the Sea School. Friday 17 December 10am Nativity Play performed by ʻLe Petit Jardinʼ and Tir na nÓgʼ. Sunday 19 December 4 pm Community Carol Service in Methodist Centenary Church, Leeson Park, off Upper Leeson Street.

Sunday 19 December 3pm/ 5.30pm RTE Concert Orchestra– Music for Fun at Christmas. ʻThe Snowmanʼ performed by the Adele King Theatre School at The Helix, Collins Avenue, Glasnevin. Tickets €12 (adults), €6 (child). Box Ofﬁce 7007000, online booking www.thehelix. ie. Sunday 26 December to 11 January 2005 Funderland, Simmonscourt, RDS

1st January at 11 am Peace Mass at Star of the Sea Church, Sandymount. All churches in the area will be represented.

Market shopping * Blackrock Market Main Street, Blackrock open every weekend Saturday 11am–5.30 Sunday 12am-5.30pm. * Book Fair Saturdays Temple

Tuesday 4 to Sunday 9 Janu-

Bar Square.

ary 2005

* Cowʼs Lane Fashion and De-

Cinderella on Ice featuring

Sunday 26 December The Wren Festival at Sandymount Green. Poetry reading at 11.30 and the fun and games begins at 12 mid-day and ﬁnishes at 2 pm.

the world renowned Russian Ice

Friday 31st December 8 pm New Yearʼs Eve Barndance with John Miller and the Country Casuals at the Holiday Inn. John Miller, ex- Radio Sweethearts member and his Country Casuals with their bluegrass tunes. Tickets €35.00 per person and this includes entertainment, buffet dinner and late bar.

nevin. Tues–Sat 7.30 pm, Sat-

Stars and Olympic Gold Medallist Ioulia Barsoukova at The Helix, Collins Avenue, Gas-

urday matinee 2.30pm, Sunday matinee 1.30 pm). Tickets from

sign Market 10am–5.30pm every Saturday. * Farmersʼ Market, Multi D School Ranelagh 10am–4pm every Sunday * Georgeʼs Street Arcade all week * Temple Bar Food Market in Meeting House Square every

€22 (Tuesday only). Box Ofﬁce

Saturday.

7007000, online booking www.

* Wolfe Tone Market runs on

thehelix.ie.

Saturdays at Jervis Street.

NEWSFOUR CHRISTMAS 2004

PAGE 43

The Christmas Poetry Place Looking back, looking forward New Year is traditionally a time for reﬂecting on the past year and looking forward to the year to come. It is a good opportunity for letting go of resentment or sadness and being thankful for good things past.

Teach us, Lord Teach us, Lord To serve you as you deserve, To give and not to count the cost, To ﬁght and not to heed the wounds, To toil and not to seek for rest, To labour and not to ask for any reward, Save that of knowing that we do your will. By Ignatius Loyola

How Would You Feel? If you had no home to go to, no place to lay your head If you had no road or fixed abode, would you wish that you were dead Would you think there was no justice, would you find it hard to pray Well thatʼs that way they feel– Everyday If you hadnʼt any money, and you couldnʼt pay a rent If the man at the Welfare office said, you canʼt have a supplement If you think these situations are unlikely or unreal Then pause for just a moment please and tell me how would you feel? How would you feel if you had to spend your nights out in the streets How would you feel with newspapers for your blankets and your sheets How would you feel if you heard people refer to you as scum And when theyʼre being nice to you they still think youʼre a bum If you canʼt see any future, and you didnʼt have a past If each day is the same and in lifeʼs game, you feel youʼve finished last And to think that youʼre a winner just because you got a meal Well pause again think and then tell me how would you feel? By Michael Green

The Timeless Christmas Message This Christmastime may perfect love Be born within our hearts– A love that makes a difference, A love that never parts. And may that love have its effect– To make this world a better place, A love that is infectious, That ﬁlls all the human race. By Michael J Thompson

The Real World The Lanzarote tanned woman up the road Has a minimal IQ like a swarthy toad, She lives in her valley of ʻsquinting windowsʼ, treads on the good community toes. She talks about her culchie buildersʼ uproar when Britain with America are on the brink of war, all she can utter is gossip, tittle-tattle tittle-tattle; we hope that the UN will save Iraq from battle. She notices the skip full of things unused, when we are considering measures for abuse, she steals all your energy on letting her in, there is no way that you can win. One idea runs through her head all day, we have ﬁfty thousand on the way. Standing in the shadows with an ugly pose no sensitivities, she has to nose. Did I say this out loud? By Maureen Daly

Stardust Youʼve seen me in the films Made in years long passed Iʼve Oscars by the millions But– stardom doesnʼt last. My film days are over (ʻTho theyʼre showing them again), Iʼm not much good at writing, But Iʼm awfully good with men. Yes, those glamorous days are finished. It was lonely at the top. I tried to be a good girl But I never could say ʻStopʼ! And as I write my memories, They cheer me up because Iʼd rather be a ʻhas-beenʼ Than ʻone who never wasʼ. And thank you for the chocolates, The flowers and the wine. When next in town, donʼt just pass by, Come up and see me sometime! By Marie McAuliffe

Winter Crystal leaves and frosty lawns When the winter morning dawns For old man winter has been here To show us winterʼs beauty By Fionn Ruadh (age 11)

As always, we welcome contributions to The Poetry Place, which can be sent to the NewsFour ofﬁces at 15 Fitzwilliam Street, Ringsend, Dublin 4.

Here all the time “Iʼm looking for the ocean” the little fish said As he swam about peering and searching and twisting his head “Youʼre in it already” the old dolphin said. “Jump on my back and Iʼll show you around Youʼll see all the wonders that I have found” So he jumped on his back, they swam to the sea bed Past fishes all colours, blue green and red. Through coral and crevices, rocks and old wrecks. “Theyʼve been here all the time” the little fish said. By Carmel McCarthy

Pigeons in Joy Street Driving home from work, pigeons Scurry away from crumbs placed By kind neighbours for them To eat on the cold grey cement. Other times they totter Around the roof across from My window, leaving the loft Where they spend time resting. At week-ends they are placed In crowded containers, taken On long trips and let loose, Numbered rings on their legs. Arriving back to the cosy lair They are easily recognized, Spending time eating, dozing, Getting ready for the next trip. The homing instinct a mystery That we are unable to deﬁne. By Mary Guckian

Christmas-time in Dublin City Itʼs Christmas-time in Dublin City All the streets they look so pretty With their lights and decorations, and all the presents for our relations Oh itʼs Christmas-time in Dublin City once again– Once again. In Grafton Street that wonderland At the Christmas windows we would stand And stare, at the magic there, at Father Christmas and the Polar Bears Oh itʼs Christmas time in Dublin City once again. And every Christmas we would go To see Maureen Potter in her Panto “Christy Christy” she would roar Weʼd all fall laughing on the ﬂoor At Clerys store weʼd visit Santy And go to Bewleys with our favourite Aunty Then weʼd head, for Parnell Square, the Moving Crib we would see there Oh itʼs Christmas-time in Dublin City once again. By Michael Green

PAGE 44

NEWSFOUR CHRISTMAS 2004

CAB 2000 are proud to announce their arrival on the southside in Sandymount. We are already the No. 1 cab company on the northside of the city and we are bringing our vast experience to our new and growing southside fleet

of local drivers who have an in-depth knowledge of your local area. We are constantly improving and updating our service. We are fully computerised and we offer a fast and friendly service to all our customers.

CAB 2000 269-11-11 Airport – Ferryport – Trains. On time. Every time!!!

THE NO. 1 CAB COMPANY SERVING SOUTH DUBLIN EARLY MORNING BOOKINGS A SPECIALITY 24 HOURS – 7 DAYS A WEEK FULLY COMPUTERISED BOOKING POLITE AND COMPETENT STAFF 7 SEATER AVAILABLE ON REQUEST COVERING ALL SOUTH AND NORTH DUBLIN, SANDYMOUNT, RINGSEND, BALLSBRIDGE, CITY CENTRE, ETC.

269-11-11 ATTENTION ALL TAXI/HACKNEY DRIVERS Would you like to work in a company like ours that offers you work southside and northside? We are looking for taxi and hackney drivers to join our winning team. We offer quality cash and account work. Pay your radio rental with your accounts. Competent and friendly base staff. Information pack available. Call Dave now on 087 9158907 and join a winning team today!