News four june 2006

JUNE 2006

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

IN YOUR JAM-PACKED JUNE ISSUE Brian Kelly gives us the full tooth about the misadventures of his dentures on page 17

SUMMER IS HERE! T

here is nothing like a blast of warm, sunny weather to get people in a good mood! The children at Little Bo Peep creche, above, took part in Danoneʼs Big Toddle for Barnardoʼs fundraising event.

Meanwhile, the third Docklands Maritime Festival took place over an extraordinarily hot June Bank Holiday weekend. The free event featured a fleet of historic Tall Ships including the replica famine ship the ʻJeannie Johnstonʼ.

There were plenty of market stalls selling everything from crafts, clothing and jewellery to gourmet meats, cheeses and breads. There was also musical entertainment and an outdoor exhibition by local artists.

TWO GREAT local landmarks, the Poolbeg Lighthouse and Sandymount Strand are brought to vivid life by master photographers Peter Donovan and Marko Hauke.

These and 300 other outstanding photos will be exhibited in Photo2006 at the Dublin City Library, Pearse Street from 5 July to 29 July. The Library is open all days except Sunday. Entry is free!

Clearly, Tom Hanks and Audrey Tautou have read Michael Hilliard’s review of ‘The Da Vinci Code’ on page 18

Conserving and recycling are child’s play if you read the article ‘Save our planet!’ on page 23

Lucy Kennedy talks about her job in Ballydung Manor with those two scallywags Podge and Rodge on page 16

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NewsFour Managing Editor Ann Ingle Advertising Manager Grainne McGuinness Office Manager Miriam Holmes Staff Brian Kelly Maggie Neary David Hussey Grace McKenna Brian Rutherford Dorothy Cole Fergal Murphy

NEWSFOUR JUNE 2006

I

The Editor’s Corner

ʼm still here. Say nothing. Next time when I am told to go I will just slip away quietly.

Thanks for all your good wishes anyway.

It is very rewarding to get so many letters and emails some of which are printed on page 6. Letʼs hope someone can help Jason in his search for the photograph of the White Horse.

Most of our poetry page this edition is taken up by the heartfelt poem penned by John Moloney whilst he was berthed in Poolbeg

Marina. Please keep sending in your letters, poetry and prose, your feedback is very important to us.

Remember NewsFour is published on the web (www.news4.ie) and you can always get to us via newsfourscs@eircom.net or call in to 15 Fitzwilliam Street (016673317).

Our next edition will be out in mid August and in the meantime have a lovely summer.

Ann Ingle

WELL DONE! Miriam Holmes and Cathy Cummins representing Cerebral Palsy Katmandu Nepal and Susan Holmes representing Crumlin Childrenʼs Hospital in aid of Adam Nanarey in the Womenʼs Mini Marathon.

Contributors Michael Hilliard Christy Hogan Saoirse O’Hanlon Helen Walsh James O’Doherty Aidan O’Donoghue Maurice Frazer Sammy Best Jimmy Purdy David Carroll Bob and Frances Corazza Derek Buckley

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.

Guitar Lessons Professional Teacher Contact Tony at 087 9743775

“All Star Sports Camp” Railway Union, Park Avenue, Dublin 4 For 8 to 12 year old boys and girls

Music Correspondent Brian Kelly Web Designer Andrew Thorn Photography John Cheevers Design, Typesetting, Layout Eugene Carolan

Miss Price, Headmistress of Lakelands and her committee taking part in a fundraising event.

The RDS National Crafts Competition & Student Art Award Winners Exhibition will open during the Fáilte Ireland Dublin Horse Show to ticket holders from August 9 -13 between 9am and 7pm in the RDS Concert Hall.

The exhibition will be open to the general public, free of charge, from August 14 to 18 from 10am to 5pm. The significant prize pools for both competitions ensure this is a red letter event for Irish Craft makers and visual artists.

3 to 7, 10 to 24, 17 to 21 and 24 to 28 July €120 per child per week 10% discount for more than one child Hockey, football and cricket and every other game under the sun with emphasis on participation, regardless of athletic ability.

Telephone: (01)6673317

Ringsend Active Retirement Association

E-mail: newsfourscs@eircom.net

Retired with time on your hands?

Affiliated to Comhairle, South-East Area Network, (SEAN) Local History Research, Community Resource Service, NewsFour Newspaper, FÁS Community Employment Programme.

Why not visit us at the CYMS in Ringsend any Tuesday to Friday from 2.30 pm New members (men and women) always welcome

Community Services, 15 Fitzwilliam Street, Ringsend, Dublin 4.

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

Contact: Mary Dillon 0862231550 or Email allstarcamp@gmail.com

Pictured above are students from St.Matthewʼs School, Irishtown, who carried out a big cleanup in Sandymount recently.

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

NEWSFOUR JUNE 2006

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BEATING

A

re you among the one in three women, and the one in five men around the world who will be affected by osteoporosis?

The hospital at Tallaght has a busy trauma and orthopaedics unit

OSTEOPOROSIS

dealing with fractures, many of which are caused by osteoporosis.

This condition can develop silently and lead to debilitating fractures of the spine, hip and wrist. It causes severe disability and can be fatal.

In 2006, The Meath Foundation

is targeting osteoporosis for an exclusive research grant and kicked off this fundraising campaign with the Womenʼs Mini Marathon, which was held on the 5th of June.

To help raise awareness of Os-

teoporosis they distributed copies of the ʻInternational Osteoporosis Foundation One Minute Osteoporosis Risk Testʼ so that participants and their supporters could self-assess their osteoporosis risk.

The Meath Hospital was founded in 1753 to provide health care for the poor of Dublin city. Funded entirely by voluntary subscriptions, the Hospital attracted some of Irelandʼs most celebrated physicians and surgeons. With the move

to Tallaght in 1998 the Meath Foundation was established as a charitable body and successor to the Board of the Meath Hospital.

For further information contact (01) 4145896/4142432, e-mail meathfoundation@amnch.ie or visit their website www.meathfoundation.com Pictured above are Carmel Kelly, Frances Mantle, Edel Gannon, Bridget Gannon and Alice Foley.

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NEWSFOUR JUNE 2006

NEW BALLSBRIDGE GUILD FOR ICA

I

By Maggie Neary

f you are looking for a change in your social life or a new local venue in which to pursue on-going learning and meet new and diverse people then, ladies, the new guild of the ICA (Irish Countrywomenʼs Association) in

Ballsbridge offers you just such an opportunity.

Marie OʼToole, Secretary of the Dublin Federation of the ICA met with me recently and spoke with enthusiasm of her years as a member. She outlined the wide diversity of pursuits available: drama, poetry, choir groups, creative writing, pitch and putt,

bowling, baking competitions, charitable fund raisers and more.

Marie wryly adds: “Join the ICA and youʼre never at home!”

The ICA was first established in 1910 in Bruff, Co. Limerick, with a view to improving womenʼs lives by helping them to generate income from their crafts and skills. The idea quickly spread

S TARDUST

Showʼ at the RDS. When Pauline Geoghegan, the Recruitment Officer, processed the two hundred forms filled in by women who showed an interest in joining the Association, she found that 35 of these lived in the vicinity of Dublin 4. It was consequently decided to re-establish the Ballsbridge guild, which had disbanded some twenty years ago.

This guild was officially opened on 10th April last at 58 Merrion Road (opposite the RDS) which is also the headquarters of the ICA. Monica Murphy is the Secretary of the Ballsbridge Guild and says that there are now 25 members and room for more. A talk on musical appreciation is planned in the near future and decisions on activity pursuits is made by popular demand from a wide range of subjects: calligraphy, local history, gardening, visits to places of interest, art and many more.

Meetings will be held on the first and third Monday in every month at 8 pm. Monica sees it as a great opportunity for people in the area to meet, have a chat and get to know one another.

Further information can be obtained from 01 6680453 and from www.ica.ie

VICTIMS LEGAL CHALLENGE

In Memory of Carol Bissett (Ringsend) and my sister Thelma Frazer (Sandymount) and the 46 other victims. would like to take this opportunity to thank most sincerely Mrs. Bissett and all her family for organizing the fund raiser at Clanna Gael for the Stardust Victims Legal Challenge (SVLC). Despite all the promises from the political forums, our plea has to this date still fallen on deaf ears.

The SVLC was set up to find the real cause of that inferno, to bring to justice the guilty, and to clear the names of the innocent.

The fire engulfed the Dublin

I

and became a countrywide endeavour, growing to a present membership of 20,000 women in 1,000 guilds throughout Ireland with 2,500 of those members in the 45 Dublin Guilds.

Marie comments, “Nowadays our criteria is different and members are attracted to the association because we meet in a spirit of friendship, are non-sectarian, uphold no religious barriers and are non political.”

Though non-political the Association claims to be an agency for radical change, which constantly challenges to ensure that women are equal partners with men in creating a healthy society.

Today, it is an organisation involving women of every age and from every walk of life, where women work together to develop their skills and at the same time where they can gather and voice their experience and knowledge to influence the wider agenda and policy-making.

Marie smiles as she reflects on her own times with the ICA and the fun she has had along with the wonderful lifelong friends she has made.

There was a great show of interest last October at the stand they took in the ʻOver 50ʼs

nightclub ʻStardustʼ in the early hours of St. Valentineʼs Day 1981. Some 850 attended the disco that night of which 215 were severely injured and 48 young people were killed.

The tribunal found that the owners had acted with “reckless dissregard” for the safety of their customers (by chaining exit doors, fixing steel plates to windows). After 122 days of the tribunal of inquiry, it was found the most likely cause was arson, and yet the owners of the club won costs for damages to their business to the value of £500,000.

But now new evidence suggests that arson was not the cause.

I lost my sister Thelma (20) in the fire that night, the fact that the inquiry found that arson was the cause, meant that all the 850 (including the 215 wounded and 48 dead) were in some way guilty of arson that night.

No charges were ever brought against the the owners despite their “reckless disregard” for the safety of their customers.

Anyone wishing to donate to the ʻSTARDUST LEGAL CHALLENGE FUNDʼ can do so at AIB in Raheny Village,Dublin 5, Ireland, Account Number21334030 Sort Code- 93-23-45.

Maurice Frazer Sandymount

NEWSFOUR JUNE 2006

JOHN BRIDGES 36

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YEARS

Geraldine M. Lynch (formerly of Irishtown Road)

General Legal Practice Telephone: 087 9874577 for appointment JOHN MURPHY, Secretary of Bridge United, has been with them since they were first established 36 years ago. Bridge United is currently in the First Division of the AUL and plays every Sunday in Ringsend Park.

Email: glynchburke@eircom.net

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NEWSFOUR JUNE 2006

The Letterbox Dear Madam Editor I was at the Irish Club In Wimbledon when I was lent a copy of ʻNewsFourʼ with the story of Christine Kinsella and Whelan House.

I could feel a warmth go through my body as I read the things that brought back memories of my child hood. Kinsella, yes I remember that name, there were two families, one lived on the fourth floor and the others lived on the first floor. Two of the girls were called Carmen and Anna.

This was at Whelan House in the 1940s. I was born in 1941 at 15a Whelan House, followed by my sister Margaret in 1943 and my brother John in 1948. We lived with my grandfather John Hynes, grandmother Margaret Hynes (nee Greg) my mum Annie McMahon (nee Hynes) my Aunt Margaret Hynes and Uncle John Hynes.

On the first floor of Whelan House lived the Kinsellas, the Quinlans the Govens the Hynes the Rutters, the Gregs (nephew of Margaret Hynes).

I believe that Marie Greg still lives there. On the top floor of Whelan House lived the other Kinsellas, the Sanders, the Hawthorns and the Tobins. Mary Tobin (nee Hynes) was Margaret and John Hynesʼs daughter. She was married to Frank Tobin and they had ten children May, Ann, Kathleen, Margaret, Patrick, Frank, Phyllis, Pauline, Roseleen and John.

As far as I can remember all these children were born in hospital while they lived at Whelan House. The only other families that I can remember that lived at Whelan House at the time were the Murphys and the Dwyers. I have fond memories of the fifteen years of my life spent there as there were many children and of them many were cousins. A lot of the family members worked at Lux and my aunt Margaret and my mother Annie worked for Mrs Lux in her home.

I did return to Ringsend in 1991 with my husband so that I could show him where I grew up, went to school and also worked. The trip down memory lane was good even though a lot has changed.

I have the same picture of the Sacred Heart in my house which was given to me by my mum Annie who probably got it from her mum Margaret Hynes. So there is a possibility that the picture once hung in Whelan House as well.

Mary Margaret Williams nee McMahon 28 March 2006

Dear Madam Editor My partner, Joan, and I are visiting by sailboat from Canada.

Through the winter of 2004/05 I composed a poem. My boat is once again in Poolbeg after sailing around Ireland last summer.

Our visit to Ireland has been an amazing experience and my fondness for the people, the country and the way of life is a treasure to us. Our time in Ringsend has been a complete surprise.

Iʼve found it to be so rich in stories and history. I was privileged to purchase a copy of the Maritime History of Ringsend from Jim Driver before he passed away.

And we cannot say enough about the friendly people weʼve come to know and love.

This is our thank you to the people of Poolbeg and Ringsend for a wonderful experience that we will never forget.

Yours truly, John Moloney and Joan Harivel Poolbeg Marina Ed: John sent us a poem which we have published on page 35.

the owner as a loved one is usually depicted, so once again let me reiterate that extreme care will be taken with anything should it be loaned to us. If anyone had a photo and felt they could not loan it out, I can bring photo scanning equipment to you if that was acceptable.

The White Horse will play a prominent part in the official crest of The Pride Of Ringsend Shamrock Rovers Supporters Club and is currently being designed. We would be extremly grateful to anyone who could help us. Anyone who has any information whatsoever can contact me at 087-2933441 or by email at hoops1901@hotmail. com Yours in Sport Jason McLean, Secretary, Pride Of Ringsend, SRSC

A Chairde You may remember in the April 2006 edition of ʻNewsFourʼ there was an article by Brian Rutherford about the activities of The Pride Of Ringsend Shamrock Rovers Supporters Club. As your readers may be aware, Shamrock Rovers was founded in Ringsend at the turn of the century and has a proud tradition of association with the area which continues to this day.

Part of that tradition was when, on Cup Final day, thousands of Rovers fans would assemble at Ringsend Church and walk en masse to Dalymount Park behind a white horse. Indeed, an article by Sammy Best about this very tradition appeared in the February 2005 edition of ʻNewsfourʼ.

I am the secretary of The Pride Of Ringsend Shamrock Rovers Supporters Club and I am appealing to your readership through the letters page for a photo of the white horse procession. If anybody has a photo of the white horse or of the crowd assembled outside the church I would be extremely interested in obtaining a copy.

I will personally guarantee that any photo loaned to our Supporters Club will be copied and returned within twenty-four hours. I am acutely aware that such old photos usually carry sentimental value to

Dear Madam Editor As you may know, one of my Maguire forebears was drowned along with four other young men from Ringsend in Dublin Bay on Monday 9th of February 1880.

Family history is that two boats (hobblers) had left Ringsend that morning. From the papers of the day, ʻFreemanʼs Journalʼ and ʻThe Irish Timesʼ, the following information has been found; Page 7 of ʻFreemanʼs Journalʼ dated 13th February 1880: Two bodies washed up at Merrion have been identified as John Byrne and John Sheridan of Ringsend.

Page 3 of ʻThe Irish Timesʼ dated 11th April 1880: Two boats have been found, one at Merrion the other at Poolbeg and enquiries have established that they had departed Ringsend Monday 9th February 1880 with five local men aboard and named as follows: Patrick Maguire, John Byrne and Peter Clarke all of Bridge Street, Ringsend and T. Geoghegan of 75 Fairview Irishtown.

There is no mention of John Sheridan.

My query is this: can any of your readers shed any more light on this tragedy, for example: were the two boats hobblers or were they salmon fishing? My understanding is that

my Maguire forebears were Ringsend fishermen. Was there a special service in St Patrickʼs Church Ringsend to commemorate the sad occasion that five young local men had lost their lives in such tragic circumstances?

Yours sincerely Donal McKenna, Cheshire, UK Dear Madam Editor I came across your website, www.news4.ie, recently, which delighted my mother, who grew up in Stella Gardens. Viewing the back issues brought back many memories for her, which was also a great help to me, as I am tracing our family history.

We came across many old friends and would have loved to have a copy of the many photographs printed in ʻNewsFourʼ. She cannot see a computer screen too well, but spent hours with me going through all of your back issues and had many stories to tell about people mentioned in your issues.

Would it be possible for me to obtain back issues of your paper?

I know she would be able to read them much better as hard copy rather than sitting in front of a computer which is uncomfortable for her and also do you have a mailing list for people who live abroad and how much would this cost?

Carol OʼGrady Sanders Walsall, West Midlands, UK Ed: Your name has been added to our mailing list. Unfortunately we cannot send back issues of the paper as we only have copies for our archive.

Dear Madam Editor A new initative to clean up the grand canal.

As a result of the meeting of the Grand Canal Development Committee in the Mespil Hotel on March 28th 2006, an initiative has been taken at a local level to do what we can to clean up the Grand Canal.

Volunteers, namely anyone who appreciates the Grand Canal and would like to see it litter free, will assemble at Leeson St. Bridge

(look out for balloons tied to a canal bench on the city centre side) at 10am on the first Saturday of each month (5th August, 2nd September, 7th October, 4th November and 2nd December).

Each volunteer will be given a refuse sack, a litter picker and rubber gloves. They will be divided into groups. The plan is to have each group tackle a stretch of canal. We aim initially to clean up the canal bank from the grand canal basin to Portobello harbour.

If you are able to join one or all of our clean-up parties, weʼd love to hear from you. The more advance notice we have of volunteers, the more ambitious we can be with our clean up plan (e.g we could aim to go as far as Haroldʼs Cross bridge or further if enough people turn up).

You can contact us by: email on: breffnie@gmail.com, telephone: Breffnie mobile: 087 2574 573, Chris Andrews 087-2851515, or just turn up on Saturday morning.

In an ideal world other things weʼd like to see are: a daily litter pick up along the canal; the provision and daily servicing of adequate litter bins along the canal; sponsorship of our clean up efforts by local businesses such as fast food outlets and sandwich bars.

Finally, we note that Waterways Ireland have welcomed our plan to have a clean up day and have undertaken to meet with us at the end of each such day to collect our rubbish and dispose of it. So thank you to Martin Dennany of Waterways Ireland.

Breffnie Oʼ Kelly and Chris Andrews Dear Madam Editor In answer to J. Lynch of Melbourne (ʻNewsFourʼ April 2006), I have no recollection of working with your husband but if he worked in the Dublin Port and Dockʼs Board during 1949 to 1956 it is possible we worked together.

Thanks for your kind words about my story on Ringsend Church. I may have been at school with your brother whose first name I can not remember but he was a Campbell from the Coastguard Houses which you mentioned in your letter. The only other Jimmy Purdy at that time in Ringsend was a cousin of mine who was a shipwright in the Dublin Port and Dublin Board who also worked with me. I lived in Whelan House flats.

With best regards Jimmy Purdy, Raheny, Dublin 5 Pictured above is a ʻhobblerʼ boat from the early 1900s. See letter from Donal McKenna.

NEWSFOUR JUNE 2006

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THE VIPS AT RINGSEND A CTIVE RETIREMENT

By Sammy Best

A

s a member of Ringsend Active Retirement Association, it gives me great pleasure to record the outstanding achievements of our very talented indoor bowling members.

We attended the annual presentation dinner dance for the subsidiary indoor bowling league, which was very special but made extra special by the fact that members of our club were very important people at this award-winning ceremony.

The Rinks Cup is a coveted and sought-after trophy but our team knew from day one that the Rinks Cup would be going to one place only, Ringsend. With the bowling skills of Derek Murphy, Kay Flood, Andy Henderson, John Wilson and myself, this proved to be correct.

Our Rinks team are proud to

have won the final in representing Ringsend and with the extended rapturous applause accorded to us at the Sheldon Park Hotel on the night we are encouraged to ensure that the Cup remains at Ringsend.

During the early part of 2005/2006, our B team seemed to have lost their way temporarily, but with the addition of Marie Montgomery and Olive Farrell, two very talented bowling ladies, it was evident with our team giving a high-powered performance that the bubble would burst and we would enter the arena again.

We were very proud to be called on again to receive yet another trophy as runners-up in the League to our good friends and winners Ballyfermot.

While exalting our B team to the pinnacle they so richly deserve, we congratulate our A team for keeping the flag flying for Ringsend. They as a team

have received numerous trophies and as they are fore-runners for Ringsend, we are confident that with their great skill they will once again grace the winnersʼ enclosure.

Ringsend will again be entering the bowling fray in the 2006/2007 campaign and after a short rest and partaking of a small or large Jameson (according to taste) and a drop of Uncle Arthurʼs Guinness special brew to lubricate the vocal chords, we at Ringsend send our best wishes and thanks to all our bowling friends and ask forgiveness for singing Vera Lynnʼs wartime song ʻWeʼll Meet Againʼ.

Our thanks to our Chairman, Bernard Flood, Carmel Magee and Mrs Sadie Murphy for their support in travelling with us to Sheldon Park Hotel.

Pictured above with their trophies are members of the Ringsend Indoor Bowling Association.

M ASTERS OF THE WAVES

Competitors in the Ireland Challenge leaving Dublin Port.

Jeanie Johnston sails away THE DUBLIN DOCKLANDS Development Authority has appointed River Cruise Ireland Limited as operator for the Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship. The ship began its 2006 Summer sailing programme recently when it departed Dublin for Ostend.

It will continue to function as a maritime museum when in dock and will also offer corporate entertainment opportunities both in dock and at sea. Day sailings will also be a big feature in this yearʼs schedule, offering the less committed and the younger sailor alike the chance to experience life on board a tall ship.

River Cruise Ireland Limited is a new Irish company established

by Mr James Campbell, a native of Tralee, County Kerry, who has extensive experience in the yacht charter market in the US, where he operates a corporate yachting and cruise company based in Florida.

With its home berth at Dublin City Moorings, the Jeanie Johnston will be under the direction of Captain Michael Coleman who has spent many years with the ship.

More information about the Jeanie Johnston is available at www. jeaniejohnston.ie

The Yacht Thorncastle Street, Ringsend, 6680977

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

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NEWSFOUR JUNE 2006

A B EACON S ISTER I MELDA

NEE

OF

L IGHT

M AUREEN B RENNAN

Y OUR F

S

By Maggie Neary

ister Imelda of Therese was born Maureen Brennan, at 75 Stella Gardens in 1922. She became a nun and spent 60 years teaching in India, where she died April 24th 2006. She was buried in her adopted country.

Her brother Jack, who still lives in Stella Gardens, remembers that he was only 12 or 13 when she went away at 17 to join the Novitiate of the Sisters of Cluny at Gallen Priory in Ferbane.

When she professed she was assigned to the Indian Mission and went to Scotland to await passage to India. Sister Cecilia who knew Imelda says that she and her companion took a boat for India which would have taken over two weeks, going via Gibraltar, the Suez Canal, the Red Sea and on to Bombay. The following train journey to Salem in Tamil Naidu took over 30 hours and was followed by a bus journey.

Sister Imelda was later transferred to Darjeeling, then to Bangalore as Secretary to the Provincial and finally to Yercaud where she taught English to the young girls preparing to join the Novitiate.

Sister Imelda had specialised in the history of the Congregation and in the life and spirituality of the foundress, Blessed Anne Marie Javouhey, who has been called the First Missionary Woman and Liberator of the Slaves. Sister Imelda was to give a talk to her students on the very day she suddenly died of a brain haemorrhage. She was 83 and had spent 61 years in India. Her friend Sister Cecilia says she will be badly missed as she was dearly loved by all and was a beacon of light.

Jack organized a memorial mass for Sister Imelda in Ringsend.

She went to school in Lakelands and in the Dominican College in Eccles Street and will doubtless be fondly remembered by friends and family.

Her last visit home was in 2001 when she stayed with Jack and his daughter. Jack says she loved India and the people and was always healthy and busy up to her last day.

SUMMER PREGNANCY

By Helen Walsh

irstly, congratulations! Here are a few of my tips to keep you in good health during your pregnancy.

Tiredness: At the start the high levels of progesterone can have a sedative effect on your body, which is why you can really feel like you want to sleep all the time in the first few weeks of your pregnancy, so rest and sleep as much as you can till this phase passes. Your energy will take dips but also highs as you go along, you have to go with that and mind yourself.

Morning sickness and your diet: Although everyone calls it that because that is the time it is most likely to hit, it can happen at any time of the day. It is much more likely to happen if you donʼt eat enough and your blood sugar levels are allowed to drop, so eat small amounts of food on a regular basis.

Severe vomiting is dangerous as it can cause dehydration– if you are experiencing this make sure you let your GP know.

Your body can experience some pretty strange cravings when you are pregnant but this is less likely to happen if you are eating really healthy food and keeping your blood sugar levels balanced.

Small snacks every couple of hours will really help, remember you are investing in your baby and looking after your own body when you eat the best food that you can.

Some new mums think that it is a great time to eat lots of rubbish food because they are not watching their figure anymore, but you will have to deal with the excess weight after the baby is born if you take this route and you will have less time to work on it because you will be so busy.

Exercise: All research has shown that pregnant women in nearly every case have a much easier pregnancy in terms of energy and less swelling when they take exercise.

Walking every day for up to 40 minutes is the safest and best way to do this.

By walking each day you will increase your energy, increase circulation so less chance of swelling in the ankles etc, be fit and healthy which will make labour easier and you will sleep better.

Drink your water: You will want to do this less and less as you go through pregnancy as you will be living in the bathroom if you fill

your bladder too much. My advice is small amounts at regular intervals. It is vital that your body stays hydrated while you are carrying your baby.

If you suffer from water retention, make sure you are not standing for long periods of time. Avoid salty food types. Do not take diuretics while you are pregnant. If this gets worse then see your GP, also try raise your feet when you get the chance.

One last tip for you: a lot of women experience bouts of constipation during this time. The progesterone relaxes the intestine muscles and makes it much harder for them to do their job so if this happens do not take a laxative without consulting your doctor but you can mash

up some kiwis, drinking warm water will also help or if all else fails try good old prune juice.

That may all be starting to sound a bit depressing, but remember there are lots of good parts as well.

You will be more radiant than ever before, you are creating a new little person and you now have an excuse to REST guilt-free any time you can.

Good luck with your new arrival!

For more information www. helenwalsh.ie or phone 01 2605050.

Helen has a seminar on June 28th in Stillorgan Park Hotel. If you would like to book a ticket and you mention ʻNewsFourʼ you will get a €10 discount.

Clanna Gael Fontenoy urgently seeks assistance in the running of their 28 teams.

As part of the club’s new recruitment drive Foundation Courses will be provided for all newcomers.

The Club has arguably the best facilities in the country and its €3.75 million investment in the last five years is the envy of top GAA clubs in Dublin. The Club does not belong to any one individual or individuals.

It is a community run club and anyone who wishes to join will receive a warm welcome.

The Club has a dream of where it wants to be in 3 to 5 year’s time but it needs a team at every age level to achieve this.

The players are there but we have no one to train them.

If you wish to be part of this dream and could assist in any way possible please contact any of the following: Shay Connollly 087-9011716 Pat Kane 086-3715944 Ciaran Murphy 087-2333720 Jacqui McDonnell 087-7832489

NEWSFOUR JUNE 2006

PAGE 9

V AN G OGH : A TURBULENT LIFE

By Brian Rutherford “My brush goes between my fingers as a bow on a violin” hen I was seventeen I was accepted into Art college to become a potter. To tell the truth I had little interest in artists but I found in Van Goghʼs work something different. Maybe it was the style of painting or maybe it was his subject matter, peasants and landscapes that attracted me.

He seemed to paint the real people, but one thing was for sure, in a time of black and white photography these were contemporary colour reproductions of real life. In fact, they were among the first pictures that spawned the new age of contemporary art.

While in America in 2000 I visited the famous Guggenheim gallery in New York and actually saw some of his paintings up close. Although small pictures, I marvelled at the work on display and I could see why John Denver wrote that famous song dedicated to this man.

Vincent Van Gogh had little success during his lifetime. It took until

W

1901, 11 years after his death, before he became famous when 71 of his 900 paintings were shown in Paris.

He lived penniless and died the same, but his paintings sold for some of the highest prices ever in the history of art. His ʻIrisesʼ sold for an incredible $53.9 million in 1990.

Born on 30th March 1853 at Groot Zundert, Holland, near the Belgian border, his father was a Pastor of the reformed church. The family consisted of three boys and three girls.

Vincent was the eldest.

He was a bad-tempered boy who rarely smiled. His early interest was nature in all its forms. When he grew up he worked as a clerk at the Goupil Art Gallery in the Hague. He was sent in 1873 to the London branch of the Gallery.

He stayed at Lambeth, and was very happy until he fell in love with the Landladyʼs daughter and was rejected. He was then transferred to Paris. Due to his bad temper he lost his job and then decided to teach at Ramsgate in Kent before becoming an assistant to a Methodist minister, the Reverend Jones of Isleworth.

Here he began to preach sermons.

Vincent then returned to Holland and began a course to become a lay preacher. He failed this but still got a position at Boringe near Mons.

The self-denial and mortification that he practised during his studies served him well here, as he gave away everything he owned and lived in rags, slept on straw and ate barely anything. This lasted for two years. It was here that he began to draw and paint. At 27, it was time for this tired young man to return home to his family and to realise that art was his real vocation.

He stayed with his family until argument after argument led to him being expelled for the rest of his life from the home he was raised in. His art continued in Nuenen then, due to one of his peasant models claiming he had got her pregnant, he left and moved to Antwerp. Here he developed syphilis and lost several of his teeth. He then painted in Paris, where he worked furiously. Van Gogh drank excessive amounts of absinthe and suffered from mental deterioration.

He moved to Arles, where he painted more than 200 canvases in 15 months and invited the artist Gau-

gain to stay with him. They argued furiously until Van Gogh pulled a razor blade and held it to him. He then withdrew to a hotel and cut off the lower part of his left ear and delivered it to a prostitute saying, “Keep this object carefully.” Thirty citizens then signed a petition to send Vincent to an asylum.

He moved in with his brother Theo with the hundreds of paintings which had accumulated over the years. He made several attempts at suicide and eventually went into a wood and shot himself. When he was discovered the bullet could not be removed as it was too close to his heart and he died in his brotherʼs arms.

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PAGE 10

A GRAND

I

By Jimmy Purdy

t was a great thrill when the day arrived for us to make the trip to Skerries, and the excitement grew bigger when we got to Connolly and were told we would be travelling by puffer. An old steam engine which had been saved from the scrapyard was standing on platform seven looking like new.

It didnʼt take long to get us onto the train and everyone got very excited when the old puffer gave a long blast on the whistle. Soon there were a few jerks and we began to move slowly out of the station.

One little fella was heard to say “Look, Mammy, the ground is moving!” The other children laughed at this and so the happy mood was set for the day. The old puffer was picking up speed and soon we were going through places with names like Portmarnock, Malahide, Rush until someone shouted “Skerries is next.”

After the train stopped we got out onto the station and as the train pulled away it looked as if it was going right out into the country.

We had to go down stairs and through a tunnel to get out on the other side and soon we were on the

NEWSFOUR JUNE 2006

DAY OUT ! beach. As the sun was shining there was a race to get into the swimming gear and be first down in the water.

The fun was great and we were running from the sand into the water and diving under. We played tip and tig and donkey. Some of the boys and girls were ducking one another until someone shouted “Crabs” and the water was cleared in a second.

All the games were played over and over until it was time for the picnic. We had lots of goodies like sandwiches of all kinds, cake, biscuits, crisps, lemonade, and to finish it off ice-cream. While sitting there we heard the adults talking about Red Island and how they used to go there dancing and others often had holidays or weekends there.

When we were leaving the city we were told we would see boats and so at this point we set out for the harbour. When we got to the harbour there was a full tide and the water was calm and to see all the different boats was like a picture.

As we moved further around the harbour, we saw the place where the ice is stored for the fishing trawlers that operate out of Skerries. Some of the names of the boats were interesting and we wondered who thought them up.

An old fisherman mending some

C HANGING

nets told us about the days when they had to row out in boats to shoot their nets to catch fish, mostly whiting and cod. “We caught lots of prawns and we would eat them raw as well as boiled. Compared to those days the boats are much better but itʼs still a hard life,” he said.

A couple of trawlers were unloading their catch and sea gulls were swooping down to try and get some fish. Just then something appeared above the water and it was being called everything from a shark to a whale. Wacker McDonnell said it was a dog, Jacko Maguire said it

TIMES IN

D UBLIN

By Grace McKenna

S

ociological crime issues like gangland murders, drug abuse and prostitution are the life blood of film and TV. In recent years, RTEʼs ʻFair Cityʼ, have bravely tackled art imitating life issues and if their latest hard hitting story on ʻracismʼ is anything to go by, we are definitely not the nation of a thousand welcomes with our ʻcome all yeʼsʼ and smiling eyes.

When an asylum-seeker is granted refugee status in this country, it means the Justice Department has invited a non-national to stay here and live as one of our own.

But misinformation has led to Irish society thinking it is giving ʻpermissionʼ for immigrants to stay when in fact, we are partaking in a global ʻadoptionʼ process where multi-cultural integration is vital to our social and personal development.

So why are we racist?

Maybe because weʼre angry. Angry with the government for ʻnot looking after our own firstʼ. The

idea that charity begins at home, has fallen on deaf ears and Irish society resents the fact that immigrants are receiving welfare money while the elderly people of this country are still lying on hospital trolleys.

Further salt is added to the wounds when government squandering is allowed to continue with non-starters like defunct e-voting machines and redundant road signs. Unfortunately, anger is often misdirected, resulting in the hurt of those most vulnerable.

Hence racial attacks.

Ruth Diaz-Ufano, project co-ordinator of the Community Links Integration Project believes that ʻracismʼ does generally stem from lack of in-

formation. At the Community Links Project, it is their aim to improve communication and integration of the different community groups living in Dublinʼs Inner City.

Alleviating xenophobic attitudes completely will take time, but schools are a good place to start. With the help of the Community Links School Integration Programme, integration is kept high on the school agenda.

Volunteers from the Project go into schools, creating awareness, so that children understand why asylum seekers are forced to seek refuge in another country. Being persecuted for having a certain belief or gender base has many asylum seekers

was a cat because it had whiskers.

In the end, the fisherman told us it was a seal.

There was great excitement then waiting for it to come to the surface again. The fisherman told us that there was fish in the harbour once the seal was there.

We made our way back to the beach by way of the rocks at the back of the harbour. As we went along we collected some winkles.

Little Maggie Molloy was heard to say “Thereʼs maggots inside the shells.” Her friend Mary Jones said she wouldnʼt eat them because “they were like snails.” Joe OʼToole said winkles were lovely and their family always collected them when they went to Loughshinney.

As we continued along the rocks, three small islands came into view and great interest was taken in them when we were told the one with the tower on it was built to keep the coast safe from invaders many years ago.

Some of the children imitated what would have happened and in no time at all they had the enemy beaten. Soon we were back to the beach, and a game of rounders was organised at which there was great fun. Arguments went on all the time about who was out and who was in, who had run round the base and who had let the ball hit the ground.

The game went on until it was decided weʼd have a swim before we headed for home. With shouts of “Last dive, last swim,” we packed our bags and cleaned up the beach area we were on and set on the road up the hill to the station.

Soon we spotted the train coming in from the country and it was like a big snake making its way along the tracks. As we got on the train some settled in for a snooze, others played cards and some sang their way home, all happy in the knowledge that it was a great day and that Skerries would see them again soon.

fleeing their own country for fear of punishment or even death.

Gaining refugee status is not as easy as some might believe. Language barriers and gruelling interviews are traumatic for anyone who has had to flee their home and move to a different country.

Being able to share their ʻstoryʼ in schools and community aids the healing process for a refugee as they now feel their harrowing plight has been received with compassion.

Through the schools, Community Links is also involved with the support system for non-national parents, who are encouraged by community workers and teachers to join parent groups.

When an asylum-seeker eventually receives refugee status, Community Links supports them in their quest for work. But getting an outside qualification recognised in this country has proved an arduous task, resulting in some refugees having to re-train as old as 60. For those who are un-skilled, Community Links runs a capacity building programme supporting refugees to acquire new skills on the many training courses they offer.

Settling here is not all blue print

and red tape. The Community Links social calendar is always full and embraces our national events as an important development in integration. Their Womenʼs Integration Group (WIG) which brings together Irish and refugee/ asylum seeker women living in Dublinʼs Inner City, recently celebrated International Womenʼs Day by organising ʻLinking Womenʼ.

The Open Forum saw women from different backgrounds gather to share their common interests and differences, inspiring each other with their stories of change and development.

Already Community Links is organising their summer programme which will see all parents and children from all backgrounds taking part in Sports events in Mountjoy Square Park (every Tuesday, starting the June 27th).

Other activities for the summer are: Training & Public Talks for Adults and Childrenʼs Activities every Thursday, Film & Opinion Forum month and four outings during July & August.

If you would like to get involved or learn more about the Community Links Integration Project, email clproject@jesuit.ie

NEWSFOUR JUNE 2006

PAGE 11

S OMETHING I

ROTTEN FROM THE STATE OF D ENMARK ?

t is a slow Saturday afternoon in the village of Ringsend. The temperature is comfortably mild and the sun is making a welcome appearance through long, white, threading clouds, basking momentarily the ground below in a cool spring warmth. On a bright day like today the sky above is that blue blue of warmer summer skies.

Outside the Ringsend Technical Institute on Cambridge Road some hundred and fifty people have gathered. Young and old, male and female, good and good they are there to protest at the proposed construction of an incinerator in Dublin Bay. They carry placards with slogans that express in a few words their opposition to this proposed development. To one side of the gathering there are eight members of the Garda Siochana, keeping an eye on proceedings and controlling oncoming traffic. The people assembled outside plan to march down to Bolandʼs Mills.

Inside the Technical Institute is the scoping session for the Environmental Impact Statement. In here there is information available in the form of leaflets and pamphlets regarding the ʻDublin waste to energy projectʼ brackets incinerator close brackets.

There are corporate people on hand to answer any questions the citizen might have concerning any and every aspect of incinerators and incineration as a viable and environmentallysound method of waste management and energy production for their local area.

The Danish company Elsam that has been offered the contract for the operation of the incinerator is represented among the specialists. They stand in front of detailed representations of incinerators that also show how the waste cycle occurs.

Wall displays depict front, side and rear elevations of incinerators. On the cover of some pamphlets there are photographs of giant incinerators

with swans swimming in the foreground. The swans look okay.

Outside, the demonstration march begins to wind itself towards Bolandʼs Mills. At the head are the Labour Party and a large Labour party banner.

On reaching the Mill, members of CRAI (Combined Residents against Incineration) speak out against the proposed incinerator through a microphone and amplifier. Some local politicians also speak. The cars and trucks passing by honk their horns in encouragement.

Not long after the march reaches the mill and the speakers have begun the skies darken and the temperature drops. The cloud overhead curls grey and thickens and with it comes Irish rain.

The gathering and speakers persevere for a little while longer, doughty and resolute under the sudden downpour.

Until that is everyone who has taken part in the protest march is thanked and the dayʼs participants dissolve to where.

Trevor Dunne is doing fine!

Emma Dunne and Teresa and Larry Dunne of Leukos Road wish to sincerely thank all their family, relatives, friends and well-wishers for their prayers and support in the last few weeks. Trevor has made a wonderful recovery and is back to full health. A special mass will be said in gratitude.

RDS celebrates 275 years with Maritana The RDS, in celebrating its 275th anniversary, is hosting two concert performances this June of the opera, Maritana, part of the Irish Ring.

The performances take place on two consecutive nights, Saturday, June 24 and Sunday, June 25 in the RDS Concert Hall.

Tickets on sale at 01 668 0866 or online at www.rds.ie/irishring Tickets: €35 per person per concert; Hospitality also available, i.e., Saturday Gala Dinner (€69.95) and Sunday Concert Dinner (€59.95).

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CAMBRIDGE ROAD, RINGSEND, DUBLIN 4 PHONE: 6683805

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PAGE 12

NEWSFOUR JUNE 2006

DUBLIN CAMERA CLUB EXHIBITION AT PEARSE STREET LIBRARY Wednesday 5 July to Saturday 29 July Contact: www.dublincameraclub.ie

Photo2006, the annual exhibition of Dublin Camera Club, will take place in the Dublin City Library, Pearse Street from 5th July to 29th July.

The Library is open all days except Sunday and admission is free.

Over 300 photographs, black and white and colour, from some of Irelandʼs top amateur photographers will be on show.

Dublin Camera Club runs Beginners and Digital classes starting each September and January. Full details at www.dublincameraclub.ie Photos, clockwise from left by: Donal Meghen, Eddie Chandler, Tatiana Grytsayeva, Noel Dunne and Stephan Jaeger.

Hobbler’s End / Raytown Bar 12 to 14 Bridge Street, Ringsend To book call Cliff or Karl at 6674792

Under New Management – Completely refurbished Food served Monday to Friday 12 mid-day until 3 pm and 5 to 9.30 pm Saturday 12 mid-day to 5 pm • Sunday Carvery 12 mid-day to 5 pm Soup and sandwiches served all day every day • Barbecues, weather permitting, over the summer Tuesday Poker Classic • Wednesday James Brown Karaoke King Thursday DJ Don with his unique quiz – 60s, 70s and 80s music • Friday Ballads by South Dublin Union Saturday DJ Don playing today’s music • Sunday A different band each week

NEWSFOUR JUNE 2006

PAGE 13

L INNETS , LABRADORS AND LAGER

By Christy Hogan

M

y usual morning routine would take me down Thorncastle Street onto Cambridge Road and finally onto Pidgeon House Road.

However, of late with the bright mornings and summer weather I have been taking the scenic route through Ringsend Park.

The park is a revelation at 8 oʼclock morning time. Peace, tranquillity, serenity, harmony, calm, in fact the whole blinking lot wrapped together. You could even use the euphemism ʻlaid backʼ if you fancy.

The doggie people are an early morning lot and they have a wide variety of mutts in tow. You will see a black labrador having his early morning sniff and a boxer straining at his leash.

Thereʼs another four-legged yoke that resembles a big ball of red fluff and I canʼt figure out its pedigree. Anyway, this ball of fluff loves rolling and stretching in the grass and showing off.

Some of the dog owners are in a hurry to get home as they have to go to work or college or whatever. Others just potter along, take in the scenery and for them, ʻtimeʼ is of no consequence.

The Council has introduced ʻpooper scoopersʼ and the major-

ity of dog owners tidy up when their mutt has done its business.

Unfortunately, there are still some poops left on the poop deck.

(That last bit is for the maritime heads.)

The Park has an abundance of

H OBBLER ’ S E ND AND R AYTOWN B AR

T

By Grainne McGuinness

he Hobblerʼs End and Raytown Bar on Ringsend Road, formerly Bunit & Simpsons, has been totally refurbished.

I went along to meet part-owner Cliff Rooney, who took me on a grand tour.

The lounge is spacious and comfortable. You can relax, enjoy a drink, and watch the big sporting fixtures on TV or you can go into the bar and read your your paper, enjoy the banter with friends , and still watch TV. Whether itʼs racing, football or GAA, everyone is catered for. If the weather is good, there is also a beer garden out the back.

Cliff tells me that he pulled his first pint at the age of fifteen, and has been doing so ever since.

Although not a Raytowner himself, he spent the last five years just up the road as manager of Paddy Cullenʼs. There is entertainment every night in the Hobblerʼs, with ballads, 60ʼs, 70ʼs, quizzes and karaoke, all great craic. If youʼre

magpies and a dearth of sparrows and I wonder are the maggers responsible. Not being a bird watcher or an ornithologist Iʼm not sure what the answer is.

If you walk to the Cambridge Avenue area of the park you will

having a celebration, there is a function room upstairs with a smoking area which is where they hold the poker classic every Thursday night.

Lunch is served Monday to Friday from 12pm to 3pm, dinner from 5pm to 9.30pm, and 12pm to 5pm on Saturday. There is also a Sunday carvery from 12pm to 5pm.

Chef Jason Bowden prepares a wide variety of dishes to suit every palate, the portions are very generous. You certainly wonʼt leave hungry! Cliff loves Ringsend and the people. He is a sponsor and member of Poolbeg rowing club.

He also sponsors Ringsend Rovers and Bridge United. We wish you and your friendly staff all the best.

The Hobblers is so called because hobbling is an old occupation dating back to the eighteenth century. They were skilled and courageous men who often took risks on dangerous seas to row out and guide ships safely back to harbour, competing against each other to be the first to offer a guiding hand to a safe berth. Many perished in pursuit of their hazardous trade, young men from formidable families of Ringsend (Lawless, Hughes, Shorthall, Miller, Pluck and Brennan), who learned their trade from their fathers and uncles, from generation to generation.

see wood pigeons and linnets sometimes visit from Irishtown Nature Park. I wonder has Derek Mooney of ʻMooney Goes Wildʼ been to Ringsend Park recently.

Itʼs a virtual aviary.

Thatʼs the good news part of this story. Unfortunately and sadly, I have to tell you of the downside. Among the labradors, the boxers, the fluffy ball, linnets, magpies and wood pigeons, we have the ʻcansʼ, the lager cans to be precise. There seems to be an outdoor hooley two or three nights a week in Ringsend Park.

Morning strollers are confronted by lager cans strewn on the grass. And sometimes you will see lager bottles smashed to pieces on the pavement. Each morning after the lager party (these are definitely not cider parties, lager is the preferred tipple) the groundsmen have to tidy up the mess.

I am tempted to suggest that this behaviour is the work of ʻbirdbrainsʼ, but this would only be an insult to the magpies, linnets and wood pigeons.

Pictured on left is James May from Irishtown with his Greyhound Jack. Jackʼs father won the English Derby and James takes him walking in Ringsend Park regularly.

St Stephen’s Church, Mount Street ST STEPHENʼS Restoration Fund continues apace and is now at €85,000. Floodlighting was completed last December and the electrical work is now complete. Repainting of the external doors and a ramp with wheelchair access was completed in May. Our sincere thanks to the corporate sector and the public for their generous support.

The Church is pleased to announce the lunchtime opening for July and August– Monday to Friday 12.30 to 2 pm. All are welcome.

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PAGE 14

NEWSFOUR JUNE 2006

Commission of Investigation into Clerical Abuse in the Dublin Archdiocese HAVE YOU ever complained about clerical abuse to either the church authorities or any public authorities between 1975 and 2004 or do you know of any such complaints? If so, please contact the Investigation in strict confidence by post, phone, fax or email.

Maeve Doherty, 21 Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin 2. Tel: 01 6190000, Fax: 01 6190029, Email: contact@dacoi.ie This investigation was established by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform in March 2006 under the Commission of Investigations Act 2004 into the handling of complaints of child sexual abuse involving Catholic priests in or under the aegis of the Archdiocese of Dublin. A copy of the terms of reference of the Investigation is available on request.

ONCE UPON A TIME IN R INGSEND W

hat began as a short story about a group of mischievous teenagers in Ringsend during the 1970s might soon be a new childrenʼs television series.

That story was written by Pat Larkin from Ringsend who will see his characters brought to life in a pilot show which begins filming in and around Ringsend during the month of June.

For Pat it began some time ago. “About 4 years ago I met Conor McPherson the playwright and I had written one short story and I got to show it to him. He liked it and suggested to keep the characters and that I write a book of stories about them in Ringsend.

So I did. I called it the Coalboat Kids.”

With his book of short stories written the next plot turn for Pat came a year later while

working on an American movie being filmed in Dublin called the Honeymooners. It was here that he met the director, John Schultz.

The two got on well with Pat giving the American a grand tour of Ringsend and some of its popular locals (people and pubs). After showing his stories to Schultz, Pat was told that he should write a script based on the stories. So Pat did and was then invited to Hollywood for one month.

“When I was over there, one of the film people that John Schultz introduced me to wanted to take an option on the story, but that would have meant just buying the right to change the story and make it an American story but I didnʼt want to do that. I wanted it to be a Ringsend story.”

After returning from the Hollywood Hills Pat wrote a

feature piece, ʻPaddy goes to Hollywoodʼ, about his trip to America and had it published in the weekend magazine section of the Irish Times.

He also became a member of the Attic Studio in Dublin, where he had his story read out by actors and filmed. After Irish producers saw the story in The Irish Times and the rough filming of the script Pat was told that it could make a great TV series.

So the pilot show will be called ʻThe Coalboat Kids meet the Pickaroonyʼ and is about how four Ringsend teenagers meet up with the tramp (the Pickaroony) that lived on

the dump site in Ringsend in the 70s.

It will be filming around Pidgeon House Road and around the Lough with local kids from St.Patrickʼs boys school being used as actors and extras.

The director will be Graham Cantwell, who directed a short film called ʻThe Dublin Storyʼ, which was Oscar-nominated.

Pictured above: The ʻCoal Boatʼ director Graham Cantwell who was short-listed for an Oscar for his short film ʻA Dublin Storyʼ. East wall boy Cain Williams who plays the lead role of Gitcha, and the writer Pat larkin.

SHELBOURNE P19HARMACY Irishtown Road Phone: 6684481

Docklands Active Citizenship Initiative is a winner

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THE DUBLIN DOCKLANDS Development Authority has won a major award for its ʻActive Citizenshipʼ programme at the recent Business in the Community (BITC) All-Ireland conference on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Conference delegates were invited to vote for the most innovative example of corporate responsibility best practice and the Docklands project emerged as the overall winner from the 65 CSR projects represented.

Director of Social Regeneration in the DDDA, Gerry Kelly said: “We are absolutely delighted to win such a significant award. It is fantastic recognition of the Community Leaders in Dublin Docklands and the Docklands Authority in the area of active citizenship and community development. By putting people at the centre of all that it does, the Docklands Authority and the Community Leaders are working in a meaningful way with the people of the Docklands to build their own social and economic capital. This is a story of active citizenship which can and should be replicated throughout Ireland.”

President Mary McAleese presents the Business in the Community (BITC) Corporate Social Responsibility Award to Gerry Kelly, Director of Social Regeneration, Dublin Docklands Development Authority for the Docklands Active Citizenship programme.

NEWSFOUR JUNE 2006

Here is an extract from Pat Larkinʼs story ʻThe Coalboat Kidsʼ

G

itcha looked back as he walked past and saw Snowy heading towards the dumpsite. Without his bike Snowy looked a lot less threatening and less sure of himself, walking slowly and using the stone walls for support. To the kids this just made him a softer target.

PAGE 15 “I bet I could get him with a chestnut,” whispered Two Slices, whose nickname nobody seemed to know the origin of, and who was a gamey little swine.

They all hunched behind the low wall of the Strand Road and took aim with a chestnut each. Snowy was about fifty yards from the kids, heading into the old dumpsite. When he heard the cry of, “One Two Three Fire!” he threw up an arm to cover his head.

A hail of chestnuts headed for him, some hitting their target. Without turning around he just kept walking, trying to protect his head. Snowy had learned it was better not to confront kids in a group. Confronting them would make things worse. He just accepted it.

Lick The Walls, who was gang leader, finally shouted, “Stop! We donʼt want to waste all our conkers on that ould shite.”

The gang headed on toward home with the rest of their chestnuts, which would be placed up their chimneys on ledges for about a week until they were hard enough to be threaded onto pieces of string or old shoelaces. The whole game of chestnuts was played on the honour system. Every time you broke an opponentís chestnut you got his total of kills added to yours, although everybodyʼs chestnut always seemed to start with a huge number of kills which theyʼd claim theyʼd acquired playing other kids who remained nameless.

Two Slices was sent to the Post Office to buy a stamp for his Da. While he was waiting in the queue he overheard some women talking about Snowy.

“I saw that ould pickarooney Snowy on the strand on Tuesday acting very weird,” Mrs. Caulfield was saying.

“What do you mean?” Mrs. Murphy asked her.

“Well, he had a piece of stick and a burst ball and he was whacking the ball along the beach, walking after it and whacking it again,” Mrs. Caulfield continued.

“Well, I ask ya, what sort of thing is that for a grown man?”

“Ah, no. Sure that Snowy used to be a hurling champion years ago,” Mrs. Murphy informed her.

“Go away. Him a hurling champion? I donʼt believe it,” Mrs Caulfield derided.

“Ah, no, itʼs very sad really,” Mrs. Nolan chimed in.

“He was due to play in an All-Ireland semi-final for some country team, Galway I think, and the girl he was to marry the following week ran off to England with his best friend.”

“So how did he end up in that state then?” Mrs Caulfield wanted to know.

“Well, I heard he went off his rocker and spent a year in England looking for her. He couldnʼt cope and became a recluse on the dump,” Mrs. Murphy answered her, nodding.

Two Slices listened intently to everything that was said.

“I donít believe a word of that,” huffed Mrs. Caulfield.

“Are you calling me a liar?” Mrs. Murphy demanded, waving her finger at the doubter.

“Well, if the shoe fits,” Mrs. Caulfield answered while looking at the other women on the queue.

As the row developed and the whole shop got involved, Two Slices slipped to the top of the queue, got served, and left them to it.

He caught up with the rest of the kids who were hanging out at Cuddys Corner. Cuddys was the kidsʼ meeting spot.

It was their corner. The men had their own corner at the other end of Thorncastle Street, no kids allowed.

Two Slices shared the story heʼd just heard, with a few embellishments of his own creation. He had the women pulling hair and kicking the shite out of each other. Gitcha listened to yet another version of Snowyʼs life, which confused him even more.

Working with you for an incineration-free future.

Mobilise for April 8th protest against incineration.

PAGE 16

NEWSFOUR JUNE 2006

Here’s Lucy!

By Brian Kelly

B

eaming into our homes from Ballydung Manor earlier this year, we witnessed the behaviour of two irascible bachelors, Podge and Rodge. Pecking away at their guests like a pair of comic vultures, their popularity soared with each passing show. The result is record viewing figures for RTE 2, a second series this autumn and sell-out shows in Vicar Street in October.

Sitting pretty on top of this comedy colossus is the presenter of ʻThe Podge and Rodge Showʼ, 30 year old Lucy Kennedy from south county Dublin. Lucy formerly worked with the terrible two behind the scenes on the late night show ʻA Scare At Bedtimeʼ.

Now very much in the limelight, Lucy spoke to ʻNewsFourʼ about her new life in Ballydung.

Whatʼs a nice girl like you do-

ing in Ballydung Manor?

I did a television course about six years ago and from that I started working on shows. I was Eamonn Dunphyʼs assistant on ʻThe Weakest Linkʼ on TV3. I went from job to job after that, on and off the dole for four years, just working for myself as a freelance producer.

Then I got a spot on Double Z, the production people who made ʻA Scare at Bedtimeʼ. I did two series for them, producing behind the scenes. After that, I got a job on a show called ʻThe Ex-Filesʼ and while I was doing that I got a call to do an audition for a new show for RTE featuring the two boys and despite being up against some serious competition, I got the job! Having known P and D previously helped, but it was still nerve-wracking. I couldnʼt believe it when they rang me to say I got it!

Why do you think the show has been so successful?

Podge and Rodge are such tra-

ditional Irish characters. They may be puppets but there is something real about them too.

They were already well established with ʻA Scare at Bedtimeʼ but I think now they have human interaction and the show goes out at an earlier time, it has made a huge difference. Something just clicked with the people. Itʼs rude, itʼs different and I think the public just accepts the smut. They love it. There is nothing else on television like it. It has definitely broken the mould for RTE programmes. A friend of mine was in Howth recently and the pub actually stopped serving when the show was on. That gives you an idea of what Irish people think of the show.

How much input do you have in the show?

Podge and Rodgeʼs responsibility is basically interviewing. Mine is audience participation and contestant interaction.

I would have a say. If I didnʼt want to do something, I say “get stuffed”, but if I get any good ideas they would let me do them.

What is your favourite part of ʻThe Podge and Rodge Showʼ?

I really enjoy going out on the streets talking to people. What I love about this country and what I love about the vox pops, which is what we call the interviews on the streets, is you can ask an Irish person a straight question and you will get a straight answer.

They wonʼt think twice about what they are going to say, they will just give it to you straightand I have such a laugh doing it.

The stuff people come out with is unbelievable. We only use three-

minutes in the show but there is enough material there to make a show in itself.

Will there be any changes for the new series in the autumn?

There will be more audience interaction. I will be going into the crowd and getting them to heckle and argue with Podge and Rodge and they in turn will abuse the audience. We are also going to drop the games and concentrate more on the interviews. Everything else will stay the same.

There was talk of more shows, but I think that will kill us all. Itʼs a long day in the studio. We are there from 2 until 10 with lots of bright lights over you and no air for a long time, so it is draining and very tiring, but I am not complaining because, unlike a lot of my friends, I love my job. I really feel I am one of the lucky ones.

Tell us about the Vicar Street shows coming up in the autumn.

Vicar Street will be the same format as the TV show. I will be onstage with P and R , so my advice to anyone going is: donʼt sit in the front rows! I have to say though, the thought of going live in front of 700, 800 people is frankly daunting.

On the nights in Vicar Street, we will call upon some people we have already met, who are strong enough to do a good interview, because obviously the interviews will be much longer as well as being the basis of the show.

We have a rough idea at the moment what we are going to do, but it is still to be finally decided.

We might have some bands, you never know. The original two

shows sold out in ten minutes, so there will be extra nights for sure. Doing Vicar Street in October and the TV shows as well is going to be mad busy and really manic as well.

You have some time off in the summer. What do you plan on doing?

During the summer I will be doing two trips for ʻNo Frontiersʼ, the travel show. Itʼs not confirmed yet where I am going but I enjoyed the trips I took with them last year so that should be fun. Then my sister is getting married abroad in August, so I can write that month off. I have three months to switch off this summer and refuel for what is going to be a mental nine months afterwards.

What about personal ambitions? Do you have plans after ʻThe Podge and Rodge Showʼ?

My professional plan for this year or early next year is to open my production company. I would like to be able to come with my own ideas and produce them for television. I am a big fan of reality TV and would see myself coming up with shows in that format.

Personally, I am with the same guy for seven years. We just bought a house together in Glasthule, so thatʼs commitment enough for me. I have no plans for marriage and babies yet.

Iʼm just going to concentrate on my career at present, then maybe in four or five yearʼs time, I might start feeling broody– who knows!

Above: Lucy with the beastly Ballydung bachelors.

NEWSFOUR JUNE 2006

PAGE 17

B RIDGE OF SIGHS - MY LIFE IN THE DENTIST ’ S CHAIR L

By Brian Kelly

ast summer, while chewing on a sandwich in Sandymount Green, my two front teeth came loose and fell out. My bridge, the centre of my mouth for 8 long years had finally collapsed, leaving me to pick up the pieces and run back to their maker: The Dublin Dental School and Hospital.

The hospital has a number of clinics and specialist units as well as an Accident and Emergency area and it was here I returned last July to get my bridge re-attached. After explaining to reception what had happened, I was told to take a ticket and wait. Thankfully this A&E is not as grim as other hospitals, so I didnʼt have to watch too much Sky News on TV before I was seen to.

The student dentist re-sealed my teeth in minutes and sent me on my merry way. As my belly was grumbling, I decided to go to a nearby café for a spot of lunch.

I knew I had to be careful with my newly-cemented gnashers so I took the first bite of my panini out of the corner of my mouth.

You can imagine my shock as my bridge decided to tumble out of my mouth for the second time in two days. Teeth in hand, I legged it back to the hospital and the A+E dentist.

The student had only fitted a temporary bridge, but still I expected to last longer than one bite of a ham sandwich. The next fitting was more successful and managed to stay put long

enough, until another student decided it was time to get to work on a more permanent replacement.

I have always had trouble with teeth. Since as long as I can remember I have been visiting men and women in white gowns with long needles. They told me to cut down on sweet things and brush after every meal.

I was a good little boy and did what I was told, but still my teeth hurt. As I grew older the visits became no less frequent and my mouth started filling up with metal. In my early twenties, my regular dentist told me my two front teeth were decayed and would have to come out and be replaced by dentures. He tried to explain to me that it might feel strange at first but I would soon get used it.

He wasnʼt kidding about feeling strange. As soon as my new plastic teeth were fitted, I felt prematurely old. Here was I, a young guy not long out of college and I was putting my teeth into a glass every night just like the old folks.

It was humiliating and on more than one occasion a little embarrassing. I was in Scotland with some friends visiting the bonny bonny banks of Loch Lomond in the Highlands. We were driving up from Edinburgh when we stopped for some lunch at a branch of KFC. My teeth werenʼt on my mind at all as I ordered a Corn on the Cob to go. One quick bite later and my denture was embedded in the corn. The cry of anguish from me in the back seat of the car and the sight of half my gob

in the cob was enough to send my two female friends into fits of almost hysterical laughter.

The laughter only intensified as I, with increasing frustration tried to fit the dentures back into my gums upside down.

Another episode occurred shortly afterwards. I was out one night with some friends in a club. I got talking to a woman and things were going well. We went on the dance floor for a little boogie-woogie. The music was really loud and we had to shout to make ourselves heard.

Well, you can imagine what happened next…

In mid-conversation my teeth flew out of my head at considerable velocity and struck my companion on the chest. To hide my mortified face, I quickly bent down to retrieve my missing molars. Needless to say, as soon as I found them and placed in their rightful place again, the object of my desires has departed. God only knows what she thought of me.

Nowadays, of course dentistry has become a lot more sophis-

ticated and the extraction of teeth, especially front teeth is very much a thing of the past.

The policy of the Dublin Dental Hospital is very much anti-extraction and there are all sorts of procedures to save your precious pearlies.

The hospital is similar to other hospitals in that as soon as you go in with one complaint, they examine you thoroughly and find something else wrong with you!

Since last summer, I have been back to Lincoln Place on more than a dozen occasions. Longterm, the plan is to replace my bridge with an implant (I will spare you the gory details) but in the meantime, a lot of my Monday mornings are now taken up with me lying on the dentistʼs chair while my young student dentist drills and fills away in every crevice of my mouth.

To pass the time, I often daydream about having teeth so white, so shiny and so perfect, they could get work on Hollywood movies.

“Are your teeth ready for their close-up now, Mr. Kelly?”

THE DUBLIN Dental School and Hospital is part of University of Dublin, Trinity College and is situated beside the College entrance on Lincoln Place.

Under the supervision of qualified dentists, undergraduate and postgraduate students offer a course of treatment to the general public.

The Accident and Emergency unit is open from 8.30am Monday to Friday.

Fees are charged for hospital services but are generally less than you would pay in private practice. If you are in possession of a Medical Card, there is no charge.

Contact the hospital on 612 7200 or 612 7391

Anyone for Badminton?

Pictured at the RDRD graduation event in Clanna Gael are, from left: Alice Leahy, Tom Crilly, Teresa Weafer and Noel Ahern TD.

Epworth Badminton Club is one of Ireland’s oldest Badminton Clubs. It was founded in the 1920’s and has been going strong ever since. Epworth is situated in the hall behind Christ Church on Sandymount Green. We have between 20-30 members and this year we entered one mixed team and two men’s teams into the Leinster league with some success.

The club holds a “Summer Club” during June, July and August on Tuesday & Frday nights. This commences at 8pm and there is a charge of €5.00 per night.

There is no need to commit, just come along and play.

All standard of players are welcome. We will be looking for new members in September, but until then, why not just come down during the summer? You would be very welcome.

Any queries, contact David Bowles on 086 8178306.

PAGE 18

NEWSFOUR JUNE 2006

Film Scene •••By Michael Hilliard is an all-too-literal adaptation, remarkably boring in places, safely played, miscast and utterly disappointing.

2 out of 5

‘X-Men: The Last Stand’

‘The Da Vinci Code’ Harvard professor of Religious Symbology, Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) is in Paris on business when heʼs summoned to the Louvre. A dead body has been found, setting Langdon off on an adventure as he attempts to unravel an ancient code and uncover the greatest mystery of all time.

The movie adaptation of Dan Brownʼs hugely successful novel, was directed by Ron Howard (ʻA Beautiful Mindʼ, ʻApollo 13ʼ), who is the single most important factor in the movieʼs failure. Quite how he managed to miss the mark so spectacularly is anyoneʼs guess.

The novel, while not particularly well written, practically reads like a screenplay, and in the right (perhaps more daring) hands, could have been a great pop-thriller.

As it stands, the movie is flat and uninspired. This could be due to the fact that everyone and their mother has read the book and been bombarded by media coverage concerning the backlash from the Catholic Church,

but thatʼs no excuse.

Examples of previous Oscarwinning, million-selling bookto-movie adaptations such as ʻThe Godfatherʼ and ʻSilence of the Lambsʼ, were such huge artistic and commercial success stories, because the right cast and crew were allowed to bring the stories to life.

Tom Hanks, as central character Robert Langdon, is utterly forgettable. Admittedly, the character from the book is not exactly Indiana Jones, but Hanks brings none of his trademark likeability here.

Ian McKellen as Sir Leigh Teabing, however, shines when he appears half way through, and carries the movie for the duration of its running time. Paul Bettany, as crazed assassin-monk, Silas, does an adequate job with what heʼs given, yet always seems like heʼs in the wrong movie.

Audrey Tautou, as Langdonʼs sidekick asks a lot of stupid questions, and serves only to make sure the audience hasnʼt missed anything. Extra support comes in the form of the ever-watchable Jean Reno, and Alfred Molina.

All in all, ʻThe Da Vinci Codeʼ

When a cure is found to treat mutations, lines are drawn amongst the X-Men, led by Professor Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart), and the Brotherhood, a band of powerful mutants organized under Xavierʼs former ally, Magneto (Ian McKellen).

The third in the mega-successful comic book movie franchise was rushed into production and completed in half the time it should have taken. It shows. The two previous X-movies were directed by Bryan Singer (ʻThe Usual Suspectsʼ).

After being offered the chance to make ʻSuperman Returnsʼ, Singer bailed out of ʻX-Men 3ʼ and upset a lot of people at Fox studios. Tom Rothman, Foxʼs head of production, vowed to have the film completed and in cinemas before Singer could release his ʻSupermanʼ movie in July, no matter what.

Firstly, it could have been a lot worse. The movie has no right to be any good, given its production history, Singerʼs replacement, Brett Ratner (ʻRush Hourʼ, ʻRed Dragonʼ), has delivered a solid summer blockbuster.

Where Singer excelled at inter-

weaving the charactersʼ stories and developing the depth, subtext, and themes of intolerance and rascism, Ratner is a one trick pony. He blows stuff up really well.

The main cast returns, for their third and final, contracted appearances. ʻX-Menʼ is an ensemble film, and most of the fan favourites are given reasonable screen time, with even more new mutants added to the mix.

A pair of particularly jarring deaths takes place in the film, main characters too, and some will be surprised to see them go.

Many mutants lose their powers, through ʻThe Cureʼ too, which will no doubt annoy many, but does serve to add a sense of danger and urgency to proceedings.

The visual effects have clearly

been affected by the short turnaround time, but while not on a par with ʻX-Men 2ʼ, still deliver the bang for your buck. On one hand, the lack of any emotional depth on show compared to the superb second film, really detracts from what could have been a fitting end to the trilogy, but on the other, it really delivers on the action, in a way Singer could never quite manage.

Its incredibly short running time too, affects the pacing terribly and the hardly-there soundtrack doesnít help either. If youʼre expecting, smart action, you wonʼt find it here, but if you only want to be entertained by comic book superheroes for a couple of hours, itʼs a no-brainer.

3 out of 5

NEWSFOUR JUNE 2006

PAGE 19

T HE JOY OF OUR MOTORWAYS

By Brian Rutherford

I

recently acquired a car, not new, but itʼs enough to appreciate our Dublin road network. I can only say that to drive on it in the year 2006 was well worth waiting for.

The shining, black tarmac makes for a smooth and enjoyable experience as the driver can let go and cruise at 100 kilometres per hour. To drive from Swords to

I

Wicklow on a clear day can take a mere 30 minutes depending on the traffic. Even the Toll-pass is a quick and easy to get through and €1.80 is a small price to pay for such a drive.

The roads I use are the M50 to Dublin and M1 to Swords from the city. Town can be congested but to break free from it and cruise up the M1, not forgetting to take a quick left at Swords as indicated, is testament to the new age and its motoring engineers.

The new port tunnel built for trucks looks good as it nears completion later this year. Although water was reported as seeping through it, this has now been dealt with. There is only one outstanding problem– the tallest of trucks wonʼt be able to pass through it.

However, it should still make life easier for cars and trucks alike.

There is plenty of room on the motorway with a three lane driving space making it easy for quicker cars to indicate and pass,

giving us the famous ʻlane-hoppingʼ, as it is now known. I grew up with dual carriageways, which were prone to accidents of all descriptions so Iʼm amazed at the new motorways and their slipstream.

As you drive along the M50 you get a good view of the Dublin Mountains and various industrial estates. At night the industrial estates are very atmospheric, with all the neon lights shining. If the right song is playing on the car radio or CD player, for me it can be a nice experience.

I was driving from Sandyford the other day when I noticed the great Mont Pelier with the Hell Fire Club at its summit, not to mention the horses and cows grazing along the way and if you are lucky you might get a glimpse of a deer.

Driving to Cornelscourt for late night shopping used to be the highlight of my driving journeys but it has nothing on driving from one side of the city to the other that I experience now. Itʼs not quite spaghetti junction but as I pass under bridges, sometimes five of them, I look in awe at where they might be going.

You have to be careful in the rush hour as you might get more tailback than you bargained for.

Be tactical with your timing.

S ELF - ASSURED S EPHIRA

ts not often that a classical trio combine their talents to compose contemporary music which is what sisters Joyce and Ruth Leary along with Colm Henry have done on their newly released debut record ʻBelieveʼ.

Classically-trained and in their twenties, they got together after Ruth and Colm, who had been friends in the National Youth Orchestra met up at a recital that was to lead to various compositions from their instrumental palette.

Both Ruth and Joyce began their musical journey as soon as they could hold a violin and bow.

While Ruth, the eldest was practising she did not know that her younger sister was listening until Joyce, at the tender age of three, stormed across the floor at a feis with violin and bow in hand and played a Beethoven Minuet that she had picked up by ear.

Winning medals and trophies throughout the country, the girls set on a path that would give testament to their unique abilities and love of the violin. Both

Joyce and Ruth developed their love of music with Ruth studying at the Guildhall in London and Joyce at the Royal Irish Academy of Music.

Joyce was awarded the prestigious ʻIrelandʼs Most Promising

Violinistʼ which recognised the talent in this young girl. Her vocal talents came to the fore when she landed the lead role in the production of ʻMy Fair Ladyʼ.

At the same time Colm Henryʼs musical talents werenʼt go-

ing unnoticed. From the age of seven Colm began playing piano, performing Gala Concerts in his garage in Blessington, Co Wicklow. This led to Colm, at twelve, being appointed Musical Director of the local Musical Society.

After performing in Jazz and Swing Bands, Colmʼs reputation was established as one of the most gifted young pianists on the circuit. Colm studied music at RIAM, playing for the Royal Academy Big Band along with being a member of the Dublin Symphony Orchestra.

It was while busking at Eurostar that Lisa Vard approached ʻSephiraʼ and offered them encouragement. They recorded a demo and this led to a management and recording contract with MDM Entertainment.

Their record, ʻBelieveʼ, consisting of eleven original compositions and a version of David Gatesʼs ʻIfʼ, offers this trio a platform to pursue their dream which, judging by the sell-out concert in Dublinʼs Helix theatre, is about to come true.

Keep your oil and cooler topped up because a breakdown can happen all too easily. Be sure to keep the windscreen clean as trucks cause dirt on the windows. A mobile phone comes in handy in an emergency.

There are lots of places on the motorway where you can stop if you feel like a break. Restaurants, garages and hotels are the main ones, especially around the airport.

The airport itself is a central feature of the motorway and is a world in itself. You might also notice some of the art that has been placed at the junctions of the motorways such as the ʻflying pigʼ at the airport or the ʻmotorway ballʼ on the road to Naas. The planners seems to be doing away with some of the trees along the motorway, which is a pity as they make for a more scenic route.

Iʼm looking forward to travelling on the motorways which are still under construction but if the current ones are anything to go by it should be magnificent. Happy motoring.

Scholars of the future will thank you HAVE YOU got something to say about your life? Would you like it to be recorded for posterity? Many of you already provide ʻNewsFourʼ with your memories of past years which are always much appreciated.

Now UCD Ireland Life-Writing Archive is inviting anyone who has written reminiscences or life-accounts to join them in their project of preserving and archiving this valuable material.

Scholars of the future will be grateful for snapshots of the changing lifestyles in Ireland over the years. The archive will include life stories, personal memoirs, diaries, travel writing and autobiographies.

Material can be sent in any written form or by email. It doesnʼt matter whether it is a great literary epic, the idea is to capture your experiences as an Irish person at home or abroad.

For further details contact Dr Eibhlín Evans, The Ireland LifeWriting Project, School of English and Drama, UCD Belfield, Dublin 4, telephone 7168530, email: eibhlin.evans@ucd.ie

PAGE 20

NEWSFOUR JUNE 2006

MY FAVOURITE PLACE: SANDYCOVE T

here is magic in Sandycove at any time but I particularly look forward to the 16th of June every year

where the voices of yesteryear ring out. There can be no doubt that James Joyce is intrinsically linked to this beautiful village.

He brought the locality onto the world stage of literature.

James Joyce lived in the Martello Tower as a guest of Oliver St. John Gogarty, the first civilian tenant, who had taken up residence in August 1904.

The tower was one of a series built by the British Army in 1804 for defence against a threatened invasion by Napoleon. Joyce set the first chapter of ʻUlyssesʼ in the tower, which was opened as a Joyce museum by Sylvia Beach, original publisher of Ulysses in 1962.

Every year on 16th June, a date firmly marked in my calender, it is traditional for women dressed in lace blouses, hats and Edwardian period costume with James Joyce look-alikes in straw boaters, dark glasses, wearing bro-

cade waistcoats, white trousers and jackets, yachting plimsolls and elegant canes to perform appropriate passages from Joyceʼs work in celebration of the famous scribe.

Sandycoveʼs commanding views have made the locality scenically beautiful and the superb vista across Dublin Bay comprises a landscape that includes Dun Laoire, Blackrock, Poolbeg

and Bull lighthouses with the spires of the city and cranes in the skyscape. Look across the span of the open sea to Sutton and the Hill of Howth, the Baily Lighthouse, Dalkey Island to the left with the Wicklow Mountains in the background.

The Forty Foot, beside the tower, was once known as a ʻgentlemenʼs onlyʼ bathing place, now open to all since 1976. It offers

those who are brave enough the exhilaration of jumping off the jagged rocks that jut into the sea.

It is a regular haunt for locals who are conditioned to their daily ritual of plunging into the sea, often in freezing temperature.

The joie de vivre is apparent if you sit among these swimmers whose banter and familiarity with one another make it seem like an exclusive club. Popular

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NEWSFOUR JUNE 2006

PAGE 21 the gregarious Peter Caviston, the menu includes a wide variety of seafood and seasonal dishes where reservations are essential, as the popularity of the place ensures thereʼs never a spare seat for long. If youʼre in a hurry and have no time for a lingering lunch try his sophisticated deli next door which offers a range of culinary treats. Here, you can buy everything from monkfish to prosciutto, cheese, salads, fresh bread and soups, all guaranteed mouth-watering fare.

If youʼre fussy about fashion and still have time, browse round the little boutiques youʼll find along this belt. They all carry an eclectic mix of designer labels on both clothes and shoes. For those that are furnishing a home

on Christmas Day for hundreds of Dubliners that take the plunge in freezing temperatures for charitable causes. They emerge to applause from the crowd that gathers to enjoy the spectacle. Hot toddies and mulled wine accompanied by Christmas cake tend to bring a glimmer of warmth back into frozen bodies.

No matter what the weather, the expanse of the promenade overlooking the bay leading

from Dun Laoire will raise your spirits. Visit the farmersʼ market in the Peoples Park on a Sunday before buying a delicious ice cream from Teddyʼs. Then stroll along the promenade with its green carpet of grass towards Sandycove beach.

Take in the sights and homes of former residents such as Joyceʼs Tower, and ʻGeraghʼ, the stylish, curved, white house based on the great passenger liners of the day,

or love collectables, just down the road is Buckleyʼs auctioneers. A treasure trove of furniture, paintings, rugs, glass and china, the most unusual sits side by side with the everyday pieces of modern living. The auction takes place on Thursday afternoons but beware– you have to have determination of steel not to be tempted to bid for some amazing finds.

If you want to continue your journey, the path from Sandycove leads to Bullock Harbour on the way to Dalkey. But I usually stop at Sandycove and linger awhile just to savour the atmosphere and absorb the views. I hope you may be tempted to venture out someday to enjoy this very special place.

designed by renowned architect Michael Scott. Children occupy the little beach where they make their sandcastles with their buckets and spades regardless of what time of year it is.

After a brisk walk around Sandycove you may feel a bit peckish. Pop into the fashionable restaurant Cavistons where the food is simple and full of flavour and the clientele have both dash and cash. Owned by

Sandymount Credit Union Limited 13 Bath Avenue, Sandymount, Dublin 4.

Tel: 668 5079 / 073 Fax: 6681807 email: info@sandymountcu.ie Website: www.sandymountcu.ie Normal Opening Hours

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For more information visit our website at www.sandymountcu.ie New Members always welcome

PAGE 22

NEWSFOUR JUNE 2006

DDDA MOVE TO S IR J OHN R OGERSON ’ S Q UAY T

he move took place just over half way through the Docklands Master Plan, which is due to culminate in 2012.The last nine years have seen huge changes on both sides of the River Liffey, with the area being transformed into a attractive and vibrant place in which to live and work.

The Docklands Authority has made the move after eight years based on the north quays. The previous offices were in a temporary structure, which is set to be demolished later this year.

This will complete the quayside development on the north quays, creating a riverside walking trail from Custom House Quay to the Point Depot.

Lar Bradshaw, Chairman of the Docklands Authority, said that the office move coincides with many exciting developments taking place on both sides of the river. “While the last nine years of the Docklands project have seen huge changes in the area, itʼs only going to get busier and better as some of the most exciting architectural projects are yet to come,” said Lar Bradshaw.

By the time it is completed in 2012, the Docklands project will have resulted in an increase in the areaʼs population from 25,000 to 42,500, the construction of 11,000 new homes and

the creation of 40,000 new jobs.

Speaking at the new offices, An Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern said, “I have taken a keen interest in both the Docklands and

the IFSC since their beginnings in the late 1980s. I continue to follow the important work being carried out by the Authority in the regeneration and redevelopment of this area of some 1,300

acres of what was once rundown, neglected and isolated land.”

Mr Ahern went on to acknowledge the vision of Ruairí Quinn, who was responsible for introducing the legislation which made possible the regeneration of the Docklands.

The Docklands Authority joins numerous well-known businesses in the Grand Canal Dock area, many of which have already moved in, including O2, the Irish Taxation Institute, Dorville Homes along with several law firms including Beauchampʼs, McCannFitzgerald, Dillon Eustace and Matheson Ormsby Prentice.

Interest in the Docklands amongst residential property buyers and tenants has also been strong. Over 350 properties have been purchased at Gallery Quay and HQ and the initial phases in Forbes Quay and Longboat Quay have all sold out, with the first residents due to move in this summer.

Photo, from left: Lar Bradshaw, Chairman DDDA, Betty Ashe, Dolores Wilson, Paul Moloney, Chief Executive DDDA, Frances Corr.

matches versus English county sides.

Our photograph shows Maurice Whelan, Club President and Rangan, Club Sponsor and Proprietor of the Russell Court Hotel making Shahid Afridi (centre) welcome to Railway Union.

Great day out on June 18th!

All sports fans in Dublin 4. are reminded that 20/20 Cricket comes to Park Avenue on Sunday June 18th. Taking part will be hosts Railway Union C.C., Merrion.C.C., current Leinster 20/20 trophy holders and North

County CC, current All-Ireland Cup holders. It promises to be a great family day of exciting cricket– coloured clothing, lots of sixes and food being served in the Clubhouse. Everyone from Dublin 4 is very welcome to join in the fun.

S HAHID A FRIDI VISITS R AILWAY U NION

By David Carroll

F

riday 12th May will be remembered as the day that the few days of decent fine weather during May came to an abrupt end and the rain came and came and came…

It was also the date that Railway Union Cricket Club selected for their inaugural Treasure Hunt around Sandymount and Irishtown. As the thunder rumbled and the skies darkened, fourteen well wrapped-up teams set off from Sandymount Green on a route that led back to a barbecue at Railway Union.

On the route, the teams solved a series of sixteen clues and collected some unusual items to gain bonus points. Everyone made it safely back for the prizegiving and enjoyed the excellent barbecue and Indian food that had been prepared by a team of

parents.

Everyone, despite being a little damp, said it was a great event and look forward to taking part again in 2007, when it is hoped that the sun may even shine. All proceeds raised will be directed to promoting Youth Cricket in the Club, where overseas player coach John Anderson from South Africa has become a popular figure in the area, making weekly visits to four local schools in addition to conduction coaching at the Club for members.

Shahid Afridi, the Pakistani test star and currently one of the most exciting players in world cricket also paid a visit to the Club and was made welcome by Club President Maurice Whelan, who presented him with a club polo shirt as a memento of his visit to Railway Union. Afridi is currently based in Ireland, assisting the Irish team in the Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy

NEWSFOUR JUNE 2006

PAGE 23

S AVE OUR PLANET !

T

he world is wracked by flash floods, fires, droughts, freak storms and mud slides. Global warming is a reality.

How can we prepare for the future if we donʼt address now the biggest threat our planet has ever faced?

Well, each of us can make our own contribution in an effort to decrease global warming and you donʼt have to be superman to do it.

In Ireland, the change in our economy has seen prosperity bring us in from the cold to the warmth of gas and oil heated homes. Where once we walked or bicycled everywhere, we now hop into the car for the two-minute drive to the shops or the school.

Gone are the days of recycling clothes as our children wear designer clothes as part of their ever-increasing wardrobe, no longer dependent on hand-me-downs from siblings or cousins. In manicured, paved and patio-perfect gardens, washing lines are becoming extinct, with tumble dryers busily airing the clothes.

If you have the time to cook a family meal, the dishwasher takes care of the dirty crockery. The results of our lifestyle speak for themselves.

Ireland is now the seventh most oildependent economy in the world.

We are the fifth-highest producer of greenhouse gases per capita. These are not statistics to be proud of.

With increasing oil shortages and gas price increases, we will soon be switching to renewable energy forms.

But if solar panels, geothermal or aerothermal systems and wood pellet energy donʼt mean a lot to you now, they soon will be, as they are the key to conserving the precious resources of our planet.

Oil and gas are no longer a viable

long-term energy option. We will see the cost spiralling in the next few years. These systems may not sound familiar to you but with the introduction of the Governmentʼs Greener Homes Scheme you soon will be able to tell the difference between your heat pumps and your wood chips.

Check out these technologies with Sustainable Energy Ireland, the government agency that administers the grants to find a system that suits you.

We can all play our part in our daily lives to save the planet. Though it may not seem much, everything we do regarding reducing, reusing and recycling helps in being environmentally-friendly. See what you are already doing in the list below. Here are a few tips: In The Home * Separate your waste that can be recycled into different bins * Get a compost bin which can reduce the amount of waste by one third * Try to repair items when they break down rather than replace them * When buying appliances check the energy labels and buy ʻAʼ rated appliances * Use glass, plastic bottles and jam jars again for storage instead of cling film or tin foil * Use resealable containers for lunch boxes * Keep a shopping bag with you when you go shopping * Buy products made from recycled materials * Buy loose fruit and vegetables * Avoid disposable products such as face wipes, kitchen towels, cameras, paper and plastic plates, cups and cutlery

* Give unwanted books, clothes, furniture, bed linen and gifts to relatives, friends or to charity shops * Use rechargeable batteries particularly for high-use products * Tick boxes in questionnaires to request no unsolicited mail * Avoid over-buying, it only leads to clutter and waste * Take a shower instead of a bath * Use compact fluorescent light bulbs where possible, these use a fraction of the energy * Switch off lights that are not being used * Turn off your computer and television at night * Donʼt let frost build up in the freez-

er as this uses up more energy * Donʼt put warm or hot food in the fridge * Put lids on pots and at a certain point in cooking turn off the rings to use residual heat that will continue cooking food such as rice or pasta * Use energy-saving devices for cooking such as microwaves, slow cookers and toasters On The Road * Avoid using your car for short journeys * Use one trip for shopping, school run etc * Drive at lower speed to consume less energy and reduce pollution * If you are waiting in the car it is

more economical to turn off your engine and start again * Keep your windows closed on journeys * When you open your sunroof your fuel consumption increases * Use air conditioning sparingly– using air conditioning increases fuel consumption significantly * Keep your car regularly serviced For more information on renewable energy visit www.sei.ie For information on recycling visit www.dublinwaste.ie To combat climate change in Ireland visit www.combatclimatechange.ie

PAGE 24

NEWSFOUR JUNE 2006

S UN , SEA AND HISTORY T HE ANCIENT ATTRACTIONS OF C RETE

C

By Brian Kelly

rete is in ruins. The remains of six major civilisations are scattered across the idyllic shores of Greeceʼs largest and most southerly isle.

The birthplace of Europeʼs oldest civilization is also on Crete.

The Minoans arrived from North

Crossword

Africa around 2800 BC and ruled for over one thousand years before their cities and palaces were destroyed (it is speculated) by a tidal wave around 1450 BC. The Minoan legacy is preserved in many different parts of Crete with a major palace at Knosos and an impressive museum to Minoan culture in the capital Irakeio. The Minoans were the first of many dynasties to inhabit Crete. The treasures of thousands of years of history still remain with Greek and Roman temples, Venetian fortresses, Byzantine churches and elegant Turkish mosques just waiting to be rediscovered by todayʼs visitor.

Modern day attractions are just as plentiful as artifacts in Crete. Situated so far south, it enjoys probably the most welcoming climate of the entire Greek archipelago. Autumn is a good time to visit because the heat is more bearable and the crowds less plentiful. The northern part of the island is where most of the resorts are situated. Tourism is very well developed here, so if you

want to enjoy all the benefits of a packaged holiday, you will be well catered for in places like Hersonnes, Malia and Stalis.

Despite its small size and the millions of visitors it receives every year, it is still possible to lose yourself in unspoilt and relatively unchartered parts of Crete. There is over 1,000 miles of coastline to explore and with car hire plentiful and inexpensive, itʼs an ideal way of seeing the countryside. For the more adventurous, you can fly around the roads on mopeds or on small four-wheel quad bikes, which look like miniature tractors and are particularly popular with younger visitors.

The western side of Crete contains the most dramatic landscape.

The beautiful White Mountains, reach a plateau here with the highest point on the island, Mount Idi, majestic at 2,456m (over 8,000ft).

Amidst the White Mountains youʼll also discover probably the most spectacular scenery in Crete, the Samaria Gorge. The Gorge is one of the deepest and longest in Europe measuring 18km in length and taking an exhausting 5 hours to complete by foot. If you are brave and fit enough to complete the trek, you will be rewarded with mile after mile of pine woods, wildflower

Name:……………………………

Address:………………………… Telephone:…………………

meadows plus the chance to see some of Creteʼs most exotic birds and wildlife.

Even though it rarely rains in Crete, much of the island is quite fertile and verdant. Olive groves and vineyards are a common sight, as are geraniums which seem to grow in abundance all over the island.

Cretan villages offer an excellent excursion away from the resorts and convey a way of life that seems to be unfazed by the passage of time. Up on the hills and high in the mountains, youʼll discover dozens of small villages where cars and trucks have to squeeze through narrow streets to pass. Itʼs a common sight to see the older men of the village sitting languidly outside cafés drinking cups of strong coffee. Dressed in dark clothes and flat caps, itʼs fascinating to observe them, a lifetime of character and dignity etched into each one of their faces.

The women of the villages are much more active than their menfolk. The more enterprising among them sell linen and embroidery to passing tourists. Take a wander around the streets and amidst the whitewashed walls and large potted plants; youʼll invariably see the village cats seeking shelter from

the unrelenting heat.

Escaping the mainland, Crete has an abundance of islands to explore and relax upon. From the prosperous port of Elounda on the east coast, a short ferry ride takes you to the remarkable island of Spinalonga. Build as a fortress by Venetians in 1579, almost all of the island is protected by ancient walls. Much of it still intact today.

Spinalonga was also used as a leper colony, the last one in Europe, abandoned in 1956. Hundreds of victims of leprosy lived here, totally excluded from the mainland for over 50 years. The colonyʼs way of life is encapsulated in the houses, shops, streets and churches, which are preserved today and which you can read about as you walk around the island. I was so captivated with this place and the spectacular scenery that surrounds Spinalonga, I lost track of time and missed my connection back to the mainland. As I waited on the quayside for the captain of the boat to return and retrieve me, I couldnʼt help but think: “do I really want to leave here?”

Budget Travel fly direct to Crete three times a week till October from Dublin.

Doorway and ruins are on Spinalonga, the church on Crete.

A book token will be awarded to the first correct entry drawn.

Closing date for entries is 20th July.

ACROSS 1. Some would say he is Irelandʼs most prestigious writer (5,5) 5. Irish Business and Employers Confederation (4) 9. Wander around (4) 11. Country bordering Costa Rica and Colombia or a sun hat (6) 12. To travel down the snowy mountain slopes (3) 13 and 17. Well known broadcaster and chairperson of the Road Safety Authority (3,5) 14. Located on the west coast of India and liberated from Portuguese rule in 1961 (3) 15. A Chinese martial art (4,2) 18. --- de sac (3) 19. Regarding (abbrv.) (2) 20. Mountains in County Down (6) 22. Health resort (3) 24. We canʼt survive without it (3) 25. Fish in the ray family or an icy way to get around (5) 26. 1 across is one (6) 29. She lays eggs (3) 30. Major way of scoring points in rugby (3) 31. Industrial Development Agency (3) 33. This paper only gives the good kind (4) 34. A person who patronises or ignores others regarded as social inferiors (4) 35. Tubular lighting sign, can be flashing (4) 36. A tower originally built by the British Military to repel a possible attack on Irelandʼs east coast by Napoleon Bonaparte (8) DOWN 1. Between the ---- and reels I donít know where I am! (4) 2. Orange and yellow flowers that bloom in abundance (9) 3 and 16. The latest FF nomination for Dublin South East (see ad page 29) (3,10) 4. Used to make pots (4) 6. Billy ----- , a British musician known for his blend of folk and protest music (5) 7. We had to fill this in on 23 April 2006 (6,4) 8. Cat or car? (6) 10 . One of the southern states of the USA (7) 11. They make loans on personal effects that are left as security, also known in slang terms as uncle (11) 21. A person or animal that eats one of his own species (8) 23. Brendan ----- wrote The Borstal Boy (5) 27. A dance originating in Argentina (5) 28. The sound of a pig (4) 30. The number of people it takes to dance 27 down (3) 32. In the UK this order is made against a person who has caused alarm, harassment or distress to another (4) 34. Yes, --- thatʼs my baby (song from musical 1949) (3)

NEWSFOUR JUNE 2006

PAGE 25

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PAGE 26

NEWSFOUR JUNE 2006

Music4 …

BY BRIAN KELLY * FERGAL MURPHY * BRIAN RUTHERFORD

Albums Snow Patrol Eyes Open Snow Patrolʼs new album, Eyes Open, is one I was really looking forward to as I was a big fan of its predecessor, Final Straw, which stayed in my CD player for a good few weeks after I bought it.

This album, however, is a huge disappointment. Itʼs like one big, long, torturous song. The music is still catchy but Gary Lightbodyʼs vocals never seem to change throughout the album. Gone is the lovelorn angst of Run from the last album and in its place is misery for the listener.

The album starts off all right with the single Youʼre All That I Have, being the best track on the album and that isnʼt saying much. It seems that their punk rock roots have been replaced by M.O.R. tripe. By track five, Itʼs Beginning To Get Me, it was beginning to get to me all right! Gary Lightbodyʼs voice, that is. I donʼt hear lyrics any more, all I hear is blah, blah, blah and itʼs really got to me that I paid nearly €20 for the album.

Not one to get unless you have a masochistic streak.

Music For Long Ears Sofa Records Taking a thermometer to the body of Irish indie rock ʻnʼ roll is this double CD compilation from Sofa Records in Waterford. Glad to report that the patient is enjoying ruddy health with almost 2 hours of excellent music from 30 acts, most of which are fresh on the scene.

Almost every genre is represented here from straight-ahead rawk ʻnʼ roll to low fi electronica to sweet psychedelica. Not every track is diamond quality, of course, but there is enough quality to make up for the duds. Standing tall on disc one is music from Dry County, Sunday Morning, Dae Kim and Hybrazil.

Disc two opens with a wash of fuzzy guitars and a soaring vocal from The Fontanellas. Following this is a plethora of instrumentals, the highlight of which is the beautiful Fragile from God Is An Astronaut. Just as good is the elegant electronica of Dave Jacobsʼs Snowflake and the 80s electro-pop of Dark Room Notionʼs The Distant Lights.

Full marks to Sofa Records for compiling such a diverse and dynamic collection of young Irish talent. Lend an ear to it.

Republic Of Loose Aaagh!

This is the seond album from Dublin based outfit, Republic of Loose, and itʼs a cracker. Much better than their debut, The Tomb Of The Juice on which there were a few good tracks, this follow-up is laced with them.

This is Irish music but not as we know it. The eclectic mix of musical influence sets Republic Of Loose apart from most other Irish bands at the moment. This album is like old Irish drinking music brought right into this century and mixed in a melting pot of blues, funk, rock and soul.

There arenʼt many lyrics I can quote in the paper mainly because theyʼre all too filthy. But this is one of the things which draws you to the album. Listening to it I find myself thinking, I canʼt believe he said that. He did and thereʼs worse to come.

But itʼs humorous smut with singer Mick Pyro making fun of himself a lot of the time.

Standout tracks include the soulful and funky hit single Comeback Girl, Shame and Break which sounds like it was produced by Pharrell Williams. Not one for the kids!

Broken Songs Jack L. Jack L aka Jack Lukeman has released a cracker of a CD with Broken Songs. The songs are far from broken, from Authentic Fake to Apes and Angels Jackʼs baritone voice is still as powerful as ever. As the lyrics of Broken Songs goes, “If love is just for poets then forever weʼll speak in rhyme,” and Jack certainly does. Itʼs a CD of lost love and hope for new love, of a need to see the truth in relationships between men and women and of always trying to see a light at the end of a lonely tunnel.

Highlights such as Open Your Borders, Wicked Way and Lost In Limbo make this well worth the money. Iʼm still humming Wicked Way long after I gave it a listen and so will you.

Jackʼs following is mostly Irish but Broken Songs breaks new ground and is up there with the best of them. There is no reason why this CD should not sell to the rest of the world.

Forthcoming Attractions July Eels

Temple Bar Music Centre. July 7

Brian Kennedy

Olympia Theatre July 10, 11,13, 14,15

Richard Thompson

Vicar Street July 27

Tommy Fleming

Olympia Theatre July 25, 26,27, 29, 30

Billy Joel

Croke Park July 29

August Hi:Fi Festival

Belvedere House Mullingar August 5, 6 See hififestival.ie for full line-up.

Faithless/Kasabian

Marlay Park August 17

Snow Patrol

Marlay Park August 19

Morrisey/ Magic Numbers/ Dandy Warhols

Marlay Park August 22

Pearl Jam

Point August 23

Radiohead/ Beck

Marlay Park

August 24

September Johnny Mathis

Point September 25

Maximo Park

Olympia Theatre September 26

Will Young

Point September 27

The Beautiful South

Point September 30

October Mc Fly

Point 0ctober 9

Harlem Gospel Choir Vicar Street Oct 14 Lyle Lovett

Olympia October 15

Steve Forbett

Whelans 0ctober 20

Tom Jones

Point October 24

Status Quo

Point October 25

Gypsy Kings

Point October 30

Motorhead

Point October 31

Forthcoming attractions: Snow Patrol, Brian Kennedy and Motorhead

NEWSFOUR JUNE 2006

PAGE 27

Music4 …

J OSH R ITTER

By Fergal Murphy

Y

ou may be forgiven for asking “whatʼs Josh Ritter doing in this editionʼs music pages?” as this is meant to be an Irish special. Bear with me Iʼll explain…

A native of Idaho, Canada, 29 year old Josh Ritter has just released his 3rd album ʻThe Animal Yearsʼ (more on that later) and owes a lot to these fair isles.

When Josh played recently in Vicar

Street, he opened with the words “itʼs good to be back home,” which goes some way to showing the affection he has for the Irish and the acknowledgement of how much we have done for him.

When Josh was a struggling musician working in a temporary job and playing three or four open mike nights a week in Boston, The Frames heard him play one song and instantly recognised his talent. They invited him to come over to Ireland and open all their shows. Through this, Josh built up a large fan base in Ireland and

through a lot of hard work and long hours spent touring he carried this through to the States. Plus thereʼs no denying his amazing talent.

With each album, Josh matures immensely and with ʻThe Animal Yearsʼ Josh has found his own voice and style. On his first album ʻThe Golden Age Of Radioʼ one of Joshʼs main influences, Bob Dylan, instantly comes to mind when trying to find comparisons right down to the gruff singing voice and the storytelling style of his lyrics as seen in ʻHarrisburgʼ and ʻThe Golden Age of Radioʼ.

By his second album Josh seems to be more comfortable in his softer, natural voice as on the melodic and haunting ʻWingsʼ and ʻBright Smileʼ.

But there are still up-tempo gems

SINGER-SONGWRITERS: ARE THERE TOO MANY OF THEM?

T

By Brian Kelly

he Census on April 23 last is expected to reveal a significant increase in the number of singer-songwriters in the country. Once a fledgling minority, their stock has grown significantly in recent years, so much so some people consider they have reached ʻpest levelsʼ.

Until the Census figures are revealed there is no way of knowing how many singer-songwriters there actually are. Conservative estimates put their number at 250,000. Others in the music business think the real figure is close to 2 million.

A number of record company executives think the situation is getting out of hand and feel singer-songwriter numbers have to be curtailed.

One of Irelandʼs leading record producers who wishes to remain anonymous recently called for a cull on this particular genre of music saying “the country canʼt take much more of these sensitive singer-songwriter types. They are far too many and most of them should just go far, far away.ʼʼ Another record company exec who receives 500 CDs a day from aspiring singers with guitars feels it is time for radical action. “The government is going to have to look at banning or at least strictly controlling the amount of acoustic guitars.”

He suggests a special performance license should be issued before singer-songwriters can perform in public. He adds: “there are maybe ten talented singers of this type in the country, the rest should stick to their bedrooms or concentrate on the folk mass circuit.ʼʼ

Even among fellow musicians, singer-songwriters have their critics.

Musicianʼs Union Chairman Luke OʼClancy is forthright on the issue.

“A lot of my members feel threatened by the explosion in S-S numbers. Quite a few of them, especially the banjo players feel they are taking work away from them. Iʼve heard talk of running an anti singer/ songwriter candidate in the next general election. Thatʼs how seriously they are taking the issue.ʼʼ Until recently, the number of SS in the country was quite small.

In fact, from the period 1970-1983, there was only one recognized exponent of the art in Ireland.

His name was Christy and he came from Kildare. Christy played Bob Dylan covers 7 nights a week, 363 days a year in the Lexlip Inn. Following a short tour of the Isle of Man in 1984, he bought a plot of land in county Louth, christened it Christyland and was never seen in public again.

Irelandʼs economic misery in the 80ʼs meant there were only 5 acoustic guitars in the whole country, so talent scouts of the major record labels had a thin time of it. Trad bands, jazz bands and show bands were the flavour of the month with just the occasional solo superstar bothering to show up here and strum a few numbers.

By the mid 90s, change was blowing in the wind. The fabled Celtic Tiger, freed from Fossetts Circus had gone native and bitten everybody with the money bug.

People now had jobs, could go on foreign holidays and smiled for the first time in 20 years. With our newfound wealth, thousands of tiger cubs invested heavily in music. Queues

began forming outside Waltonʼs Music Stores. The owner of Waltonʼs, John Boy Snr. began importing guitars by the tonne and within a decade topped the Richest Men in Ireland list in the ʻSunday Timesʼ.

Soon singer-songwriters were as ubiquitous as rain in Kerry. Record stores began filling up with CDs of baby-faced crooners with names like Andy, Paddy, Damian, Declan and Gemma. Publicans throughout the country hired twentysomething troubadours as the warm-up act for almost every Sky Sports event on TV. But what really set the number of singer slash songwriters into the stratosphere was the arrival of a television show called ʻWhen Will I Be Famousʼ The format was simple enough: a group of callow performers, almost all armed with an acoustic guitar, tried to impress a trio of jaded judges with their musical ability. Success meant a recording session, a yearʼs supply of Shreddies from the sponsor and a career-launching managerial contract from pop Svengali Colonel Louis Parker. ʻWhen Will I Be Famousʼ was as popular with the public as it was with pop wanabees. At the peak of its fame in 2001, the E.S.B had to import electricity from Russia just to power all the televisions in the country watching the show.

Singer-songwriters seem to be now part of the new Ireland. They may have appeared a bit strange at first, their large numbers agitated many and others objected to the way they have integrated into our society, but for the majority of Irish people it seems to be a case of ʻ Well they are here now, we might as well try and get on with themʼ.

2 such as ʻKathleenʼ and ʻMan Burningʼ. The one theme that springs to mind when listening to Joshʼs music is travelling, that great country, folk rock constant. ʻThe Animal Yearsʼ is his masterpiece in which his own style of song writing and singing has come to the fore.

From the emotional ʻGirl in the Warʼ (about the Iraq War and the middle East) to the up-tempo, almost rocky ʻWolvesʼ, this album instantly grabs your attention and stirs everything inside you as good music should. Not overproduced, just real, simple music as if Josh and the lads are in your living room.

The album contains two of the best songs I have heard in a long time (and I donʼt say that lightly). ʻThis Blue Flameʼ, which took a year and a half to write and in which John describes his vision of a world in which reli-

gious calling becomes a battle cry and everything on earth is sacrificed in the name of heaven. This song builds and builds until it explodes in an almost apocalyptic-like inferno of sound.

The other gem, the haunting, dreamlike ʻIdahoʼ was recorded with just a hint of acoustic guitar and relies on Joshʼs voice as the main instrument which stirs the emotions as he tells a tale of regret and mournful longing for his home town.

If youʼve never heard him buy this album and remember he has us to thank for his success.

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PAGE 28

NEWSFOUR JUNE 2006

S AOIRSE VISITS I RELAND

By Saoirse OʼHanlon

H

ere I am again, Saoirse OʼHanlon, living in France, just back from my lovely holiday in Ireland. Iʼve noticed a lot of changes since I was last there, and realised that there is a lot of things I could have said, and compared in my first article.

I think the biggest thing that struck me, in Dublin, was the amount of different nationalities.

Every second person was speaking a different language! Chinese, Spanish, Italian, French… but most of all, Polish. I heard that they are very nice people, good workers, and get on with

everyone else, so I suppose itʼs a good thing. My dad even found a Polish supplement in the Evening Herald Thatʼs good too, it should make them feel a bit more at home. I would like an Irish supplement in the French newspaper, but as far as I know, there are not many Irish people living in this part of France. Maybe ʻNewsFourʼ could get something done there… weʼll see!

Something else that caught my attention, was the fact that Sunday was just like a normal working day, all the shops in town were open, and I saw lots of supermarkets and DIY stores open around the city. I donʼt think I could ever get used to something like this, because in France everywhere closes.

One of the reasons why I loved Dublin was because there is a bit of everything there. Dublin City, full of people, noise, shops and quiet places, like Sandymount or Terenure. In Dublin City, I spotted a few French cafés, shops but also Italian

restaurants, Chinese takeaways and African shops, lots of different cultures in the one city.

Thatʼs what I really liked about Dublin, Iʼm so used to the same thing. The Basque country is all the same. All the houses are the same style, the restaurants all cook the same stuff, the shops sell the same things, so having such a big choice was really cool!

The Saint Patrickʼs Day Parade was something else– so much noise, so many people, so much everything. The big celebration here is the ʻFítes de Bayonneʼ, and every village has its own festival around the same time. Just music and dancing really, maybe a little funfair, nothing like Dublin though. We found a nice little

S T . M ATTHEW ’ S S CHOOL

T

By Brian Kelly

he Green Schools Programme is run by An Taisce in association with Dublin City Council. The Programme is a European initiative

which seeks to bring environmental thinking into the everyday running of schools throughout the EU. In recognition of the environmental achievements of St. Matthewʼs, Sandymount in recycling all its waste, keeping its immediate locality litter-free and planting and maintaining its own vegetable garden, the school was recently awarded its own green flag, now flying proudly in Cranfield Place.

At a ceremony to mark the occasion in May, the head of An Taisce, Gavin Hart was present, along with many of the areaʼs public representatives.

The honour of raising the Green Flag was given to past pupil and present-day RTE newsreader, Brian Dobson, pictured left.

Children of St. Matthewʼs sang a couple of environmentally-

spot opposite the central bank on Dame Street, where we met our cousins.

After spending the rest of the parade with them, we walked back to the car, and it was freezing! The two things I remembered about the Saint Patrickʼs Day Parade was a lot of people and a lot of rain. I never remember it being so cold.

I also got a chance to visit other parts of Ireland. I went to Killarney, in Co. Kerry, and Dingle.

My parents brought my sister, my brother and I to see the Cliffs of Moher. (Or as my little brother says, the clipps!) It was beautiful!

I also stayed in Limerick for a few days, to celebrate my gran-

nyʼs birthday. (Happy birthday, Granny!) During my stay in Limerick, I had the chance to visit Bunratty Castle. It was beautiful!

I had been there once or twice before, but donʼt remember much, as I was younger.

While I was in Dublin, I called into the ʻNewsFourʼ offices, and had the great pleasure of meeting Ann Ingle, which meant a lot to me.

Now that I have got to know my country a little better, I can honestly say that it seems a great place to be– even if it was a little expensive.

Left: With my Nana in Dublin Above: With my sister Dearbhla and brother Briain at Lansdowne Dart Station

FLIES THE GREEN FLAG

themed songs with lyrics penned by the pupils themselves.

After the speeches and flag unveiling, Brian was presented with a copy of his school reports from his time there in the not-

too-distant past!

The ceremony also included the opening of the pupilsʼ art exhibition on the theme of the environment. Every school child contributed a painting, with some

group work also included.

An art auction was held the next day with each painting sold to the highest bidder. All proceeds went towards funding the ongoing needs of St. Matthewʼs.

NEWSFOUR JUNE 2006

PAGE 29

ST KEVIN’S PARK

By James OʼDoherty

A

s the Celtic tiger roars on and changes take place in our beloved city, life goes by so swiftly that it seldom allows much lingering on days gone by. But some of us are happy to look back over the years that both separate and connect us with our new Dublin.

History has a way of hiding itself and Dublin has its history hidden in places, stones and names. These thoughts were uppermost in my mind as I walked up Camden Street and onto Camden Row, my destination the old St. Kevinʼs Church and graveyard.

Thankfully this old place that time has consecrated, did not fall into the hands of the speculators and lose its identity. It is now a small city park redesigned and landscaped successfully in keeping with the atmosphere and tranquillity of the old graveyard,

treating with the utmost respect the memory of all who are buried here.

As I entered through the small side gate into this very old graveyard it was scarcely possible for me to go half a dozen steps without bringing to mind Christian martyrs, poets and hosts of figures who it seemed were walking the pages of history and coming to life again in this special place.

The area is quite small, 0.3 hectare.

The old church dates back to 1226, therefore the site is of great historical interest. It was situated in the native Irish section of the city. The present ruined church built on the foundation of the medieval one dates to around 1750. This was used as a place of worship until 1912, the last service was held on April 28th that year. The roof was removed in 1930 and the graveyard closed in 1884. Use of the church for Catholic worship ceased under the penal legislation of Elizabeth and James 1st.

The graves have been preserved

undisturbed with their original headstones because of their historical value. They span 600 years of Irish history, Tudor persecution through penal times, the revolutionary period of 1798 and the cultural heritage which Thomas Moore preserved for us and the great work of the Catholic Emancipation Group.

There are six graves left in their original position in St Kevinʼs.

1. Rev John Austin (1717-1784) A pioneer of catholic education in Ireland, the penal days themselves may be said to be marked by his grave. This Jesuit friend to the poor people of Ireland laboured heroically to keep catholic schools in Ireland going. Worn out by charity, zeal and labour for the people of Dublin he died at the age of 66.

2. John Keogh (1740-1817) This man who may be described as the first civil rights leader was a successful catholic businessperson when he became, in 1790, a member of the catholic committee seeking alleviation of the penal laws. The debts of Catholics in both England and Ireland to this quiet forerunner of the great liberation have been forgotten. John Keogh fought the battle for catholic emancipation almost single handed.

He was also an intimate friend of Theobald Wolfe Tone.

3. The Moore Family Grave

Interred in this grave are the Father and Mother of the Irish poet Thomas Moore along with his brothers and sisters. Thomas Moore himself is not buried in this graveyard but he was responsible for having the headstone erected.

4. Jasper Joly (died November 9th 1823) Jasper was a Captain of the Irish Volunteers in 1799. He built a number of houses on Harcourt Terrace to an obviously French Pattern. He was a friend to Lord Edward Fitzgerald. While the latter was on the run in March 1798 he was hidden in the Joly house. It was raided and he took refuge in a well in the garden. From there he escaped on to a barge which brought him to Thomas Street. The houses are still preserved in Harcourt Terrace to this day thanks to the efforts of Hilton Edwards and Micheál MacLiammóir.

5. John Darcy (Died 1825) Mr Darcy was a distinguished catholic layman who died in 1825.

At his burial the protestant church dignitaries who would not allow any prayers to be said in the grounds or the graveyard halted the funeral procession from Francis Street at Camden Row entrance. The prayers were accordingly recited in Camden Row outside the graveyard on the street. Daniel OʼConnell used this incident as basis for agitation, which lead eventually to the granting in 1829 and 1831 of legal authority for the establishment

of Golden Bridge and Glasnevin cemeteries to be used by Catholics, as a place to bury their dead with dignity.

This grave could therefore be said to mark Irelandʼs emergence from the darkness or the penal days.

6. Dermot OʼHurley (Died June 1584) The monument to the martyred Archbishop of Cashel Dr. Dermot OʼHurley who was buried in the ruined church was erected following his beatification in Rome on 27th of September 1992. A native or Emely, following extreme torture he died for the faith on Saturday June 20th 1584 at Hoggins Green near St Stephens Green. His feast day thus falls on June 20th.

As the evening bells of the two cathedrals peeled over the city I sat alone in this sacred place and pondered how Dublin will always remain just Dublin in spite of all its modernisation, wealth and splendour.

I left St Kevinʼs Cemetery looking back with pride on Dublinʼs history and remembering the many great people who shape our city. May they rest in peace.

PAGE 30

NEWSFOUR JUNE 2006

S WOTTING A big thank you from Special Olympics Irishtown CARMEL MALONE and Bernie Griffin would like to thank everyone for their support and kindness in helping them to fund the forthcoming Ireland Games in Belfast this coming June, especially The Vintage Inn (patrons and staff), Tesco Sandymount, Doolins Pub, The Courtyard Studios, Molesworth Construction, Kennedy Court (No.2) MGT Ltd, Dublin Stevedores, Irishtown Credit Union, IKFS, ESB canteen staff, ESB Pidgeon House Road, Seasons, Dublin Port, Irish Tar, Adrian Savage, Ken Harrington, R&M Murphy, Update Technology, Unilever Ltd, ECDL, Finance Life, DynoRod and the East Link Toll Bridge.

A special word of thanks to John Desay, Charlie Byrne, Andy Nolan and Christy OʼKeeffe from the Vintage Inn for their Fun Karaoke Night; Linda, Cathleen and their volunteers for bag packing in Tesco and Nan Griffin for all her time and effort and all those who contributed spot prizes and other donations. Apologies to anyone whose name has been omitted.

WITHOUT SWEATING

F

or thousands of students in June every year the agony of sitting exams in different subjects they have studied over the years takes place. Most students are well aware of the importance of these exams. They know they hold the key to their future and will determine the life path they will take in regard to the course they will be offered based on the points they gain from their Leaving Certificate.

For most students the key to learning is to be able to regurgitate all the formulas, notes and text they have learnt in order to answer the questions that come up in those few hours every day for two weeks in the month of June. Memory plays such a huge role in these crucial weeks that I am amazed memory techniques are not part of the curriculum.

Charles Garavan is one man that recognises the power and importance of understanding the way memory works. Having attended one of his lectures on memory I can still remember the images that we were given that evening four weeks later!

As a child Garavan was given Harry Lorayneʼs book ʻAmerican Memory Techniques for Tricksʼ as a present from his father, which may have sown the seed for his later interest in memory.

A former barrister and taxation consultant, he has spent years researching the psychology of

memory and has developed his own unique memory improvement systems for exams, which are explained, in his book ʻHow Best to learn and Remember for the Leaving Certificateʼ. For him they worked. The proof being that when Garavan sat the Irish Taxation Institute final exams, he achieved first place in Ireland in the exam overall as well as first place in two of the four papers!

He acknowledges that most educators see the purpose of education as a broadening of the mind and the development of skills beyond the ability to perform in exams.

Yet, after years of education Garavan knows that success in the Leaving Certificate depends on performance.

He says in his book, and rightly so, that at the end of twelve years of school you are judged solely on how you perform in the Leaving Certificate exams.

He compares preparing for the exam the way an athlete approaches the Olympics. The athlete that wins Gold in the Olympics will have trained for their

‘I NTERNATIONAL F LAVOURS ’

OF

specific event, focusing on the skills and attributes that are needed in order to win.

Athletes will only prepare and train in a way that will improve their performance on the big day.

You need to think about how a professional coach would prepare and train you for such an event.

Effectively explained in his book, he covers how memory works, the best way to study, critical thinking for exams and effective and successful memory techniques. All the skills that are needed in order to obtain the results you desire. Learn how to

study using past exam papers to test yourself, keep an eye on the clock and be mindful of what the examiner is looking for and the marking system.

Garavan dismisses the myth of some people having a photographic memory. He maintains

S T . B RIGID ’ S

ʻI

Pictured at the launch of ʻInternational Flavoursʼ are food critic Paolo Tullio, Australian Ambassador Anne Plunkett and St. Brigidʼs Headmistress Annemarie Hogan.

everyone can use his or her memory effectively. How do you know peopleʼs names and phone numbers without ever having to look them up? The fact is we test our memory every day without realising it and it works.

Garavanʼs technique with regard to study is to test yourself consistently on the facts you are learning as soon as you learn them. This retains the information long-term.

First, write down all you know on a chapter you are about to study. Then open the book and read through the relevant section jotting down points as you go along. Then test yourself again on what you know now. Scan back and see where there are gaps in your information.

Repeat, testing yourself on what you know now and scan back once again. This works because you are activating the memory for what you have learnt.

This sends a message to the brain that the information is important and should be retained. It also focuses you to remember the points you have read.

At the end of your study you know what you have learned. Itʼs vital that you test yourself again within twenty-four or forty eight hours. Repeat the test regularly until it is firmly planted in your brain. Garavanʼs message is simply use it or lose it!

Charles Garavan runs the Memory Academy and gives seminars in memory techniques. He can be contacted at 01-2611798 or charles@memoryacademy.ie.

You can also purchase his book ʻHow Best to Learn and Remember for Leaving Certificateʼ at most good book stores.

COOKBOOK

nternational Flavoursʼ is the new cookery book from the Parents Association of St. Brigidʼs Primary School, Haddington Road. It contains a worldwide range of recipes from the families and friends of St.Brigidʼs and has been published to raise funds for the upgrading of the schoolʼs classrooms and also to highlight the international diversity and vibrancy in the the school and the country as a whole.

The book was officially launched at the school on a warm June 1st. Speaking at the launch was the food critic Paolo Tullio, pictured left, who

urged all listening to buy the book.

“Iʼve looked through this book and there are some wonderful recipes here,” he said.

“These are good, delicious, interesting foods and nothing too complicated either. This book is worth having, so give it to your friends and introduce them to some of the delicious foods from all over the world.”

The book will be available at the school and also at ʻBooks on the Greenʼ, Sandymount and ʻHamptons Booksʼ, Donnybrook. To order phone 6681155 or e-mail saintbrigids@eircom.net

NEWSFOUR JUNE 2006

PAGE 31

S PEAKERS ’ C ORNER LABOUR CALLS FOR TWO EXTRA PUBLIC HOLIDAYS Labour Party Councillor for Pembroke Cllr Dermot Lacey has called for two additional public holidays to be added to the calendar given that Ireland currently lags well behind the rest of the European Union in the number of such holidays during the year.

Cllr Lacey said, “Ireland currently has just nine statutory days-off per year. This ranks among the lowest in Europe, with only England and the Netherlands having less. Even those working across the border in the North benefit from a greater number of holidays.

“The last new holiday to be introduced was when Labour was in Government in 1993, when Ruairí Quinn made May Day a public holiday. This is now a basic matter of bringing Ireland up to the international norm, and we should not have to wait for a change of Government before these new holidays are introduced.”

NEW WEBSITE FOR CITY OF DUBLIN YOUTH SERVICE Chris Andrews Welcomes Launch of City of Dublin Youth Service Board Website www.cdysb. ie. “CDYSB has been one of the principal organisations at the heart of Dublinʼs Youth Services for many years. The current youth services provided by the Board are indeed extensive and can be accessed by a range of different methods. The new

these are of little consolation to the 44,000 families who remain on local authority housing lists and to the tens of thousands of families who find that they simply cannot afford to buy a house for themselves.”

website is a way for anyone to find information on their programmes and activities.”

“Increased funding amounting to €47 million in 2006 is testament to the Governmentʼs commitment to youth work. The funding will provide for the continued development of Youth Work Services and Programmes and will facilitate the further roll-out of the Youth Work Act, 2001 and the National Youth Work Development Plan,” said Chris Andrews.

THREATS TO CLOSE DARTMOUTH SQUARE ARE BULLY-BOY TACTICS The valuable city park located at Dartmouth Square, Dublin 6, is once again under threat, as the company Marble & Granite Tiles Ltd has threatened to close the park.

Councillor Lucinda Creighton is demanding that Dublin City Council prevent the closure and keep this unique park open for the use of residents.

“If the park closes, pending a decision on the compulsory purchase of the site, Dubliners may well be deprived of this fantastic amenity for more than two years. An appeal to An Bord Pleanala, in addition to any judicial review proceedings, could easily take that long. It is impossible to see any benefit for the developer in closing the park. It will merely inconvenience and disadvantage residents. It is a blatant attempt to bully the City Council

and the Councillors into forgoing the CPO application. I for one, will not succumb to such a self-serving agenda,” she said.

SENATOR MARY WHITE SPEAKS OUT AGAINST THE INCINERATOR Senator Mary White has spoken out at the news that Dublin City Councillors have voted to ban trucks from the city centre from next year. “Truck movements must be kept to a minimum in urban and residential areas, and the deci-

Councillor Lucinda Creighton and Paddy McCartan of Fine Gael recently held a very well attended coffee morning in the Mount Herbert Hotel. Councillor Creighton is anxious to create a rapport between herself and those who voted her into the Dublin City Council. The coffee morning was one such event she has planned to keep in touch with the local community.

sion by Dublin City Council to ban them reinforces my belief that there should be no incinerator at Poolbeg.

It is absurd that politicians can take a brave decision like this one day, and then expect the people of Ringsend to accept a massive increase in truck movements to an incinerator the next.”

“To send an extra 400 trucks per day onto this road would be asking for trouble, and I want it known that I will not sit idly by and let this happen. Residents of Poolbeg have accepted large developments in the past, but this particular proposal poses a danger to the children and the families of the area. The women at the head of the Combined Residents Against the Incinerator (CRAI) group are absolutely fantastic, and their activism demonstrates clearly the power and value of a womanʼs perspective in politics. We need more women in the Dáil.”

FAILURE TO MEET HOUSING TARGETS Labour Party Councillor and former Lord Mayor of Dublin, Dermot Lacey has accused Fianna Fail and the Progressive Democrats of failing to meet almost all of the targets they set for themselves in the housing sector. Cllr Lacey was speaking following the publication of new housing statistics by Minister of State Noel Ahern.

Cllr Lacey commented, “Hardly a week passes without another statement from Minister Ahern boasting of the Governmentʼs so-called achievements on housing. But

€1.6M FUNDING FOR LOCAL PARKS Cllr. Kevin Humphreys welcomes this funding, which will be spent in the coming year for improving the local Park in Dublin South East.

Ringsend Park: Upgrade childrenʼs playground, construction of three tennis courts and an all-weather football pitch. Hebert Park: City Council in partnership with St. Conlethʼs Secondary School will develop an artificial grass all-weather pitch and renovate the changing rooms. Works will also be carried out in Shelly Banks, Palmerston Park and Ranelagh Gardens.

“Local parks are an important part of the community and need continued investment of both time and money for the local residents to enjoy these amenities. The Labour Party on Dublin City Council is committed to the development of city parks,” said Kevin Humphreys.

Sinn Féinʼs Dublin South East Representative, Councillor Daithí Doolan, also welcomes the announcement. “I am delighted at the City Councilʼs announcement to make this money available.”

DECISION FOR NEW CLAMPING COMPANY IN DUBLIN VINDICATED The move to replace the clamping company Control Plus with a new company (Park Rite Ltd) last year has proven to be a wise decision, according to Cllr. Lucinda Creighton, a member of Dublin City Councilʼs Traffic and Transport Committee.

ENERGY STRATEGY FOR DUBLIN “With 89 per cent of Irelandʼs energy needs being imported, it is time for the Dublin Managers to develop an energy strategy for Dublin. Our reliance on imported fuels is putting Irelandʼs economy more at-risk than any other European country. The Labour Partyʼs vision on the Council is to turn Dublin into a world leader in the use of renewable energy,” said Cllr. Kevin Humphreys “It is up to Dublin City Council to lead the way with better designed public buildings, improved planning by-laws to encourage the construction of energy sustainable buildings with zero emissions and a more fuel-efficient transport fleet.”

PAGE 32

NEWSFOUR JUNE 2006

S ANDYMOUNT

By Maggie Neary

L

orna Kelly, co-founder of SAMRA (Sandymount and Merrion Residents Association), invites you to stand in the centre of Sandymount Green and really take time to look around.

“Along the roofline of the buildings you will see there is a dip in the centre of the buildings on each side,” and she admonishes “unless you take the time to really look you donʼt see it but when you do, then you recognise why Sandymount Village is different and how these and other features contribute to its uniqueness.”

Since its founding in the 1960s SAMRA has endeavoured to re-

SPLENDOUR

tain to a large extent the feeling of a village around the Green which Dublin Corporation in the 1970s wanted to turn into a roundabout and parking space!

A Conservation Order on the Green itself and its surroundings was granted in 2001which did not include the roads running into the Green. In 2005 the Conservation Order was extended to include certain distances on all approach roads to the Village.

Lorna remembers the Gem, a little shop that made Easter eggs, chocolate bunnies and homebaked cakes. It was situated where Browns now is. Brackenʼs Supermarket stood on the Spar corner and Findlaters was across on Marioʼs site.

The assistant in Findlaters wrapped your money in an invoice, put it in a little canister that was attached to metal wires and then it was whisked away above your head to the cashier in his box-like office. After an appropriate wait it shot back down, carrying the receipt and change.

The Martello Tower on Strand Road has a long commercial history. It belonged to the Cheatle twins who sold ice cream and ran a little café where tea and scones or snacks like bacon and eggs and beans on toast could be had. Boiling water could also be purchased to fill the picnic kettle.

When the Cheatles retired sometime in the late 1970s the Residents Association tried to buy it and had negotiated the promise of a bank loan. They then approached Dublin Corporation for a grant and were told “Leave it to us, you donʼt need to do anything.” Lorna wryly continues “We did this and of course we lost it.”

The Tower has been sold on a few times and the present owners had visions of offering bay trips and gourmet meals. However, alongside approved development that was carried out, shutters were also installed on the outside to combat likely vandalism and protect against the battering of high tides. This was done without permission, and since then Dublin County Council refuses a permit to operate the business unless the shutters are removed.

The Sutton to Sandycove Cycle Way scheme that is gone into the City Development Plan and which would be supported by the City

Council is now causing concern to many. The plan proposes to fill in back towards Marine Drive, which is the beach where families play in the summer, up along to the promenade and at its far end along the back of the houses which are on the beach and right out through Williamstown, Booterstown, Blackrock and Monkstown.

With regard to any development proposals on the Poolbeg Peninsula, Lorna claims that originally it was promised, in writing, that any land the Port didnʼt require would be parkland and says “We are fighting for just some of that land to be given back to the people for public facilities. There is no excuse and no good planning reason for covering the rest of the land with cement plants, developments and incinerators. We could have coastal parkland for the use of the people.”

Lorna herself envisages the enhancement of the village in a ʻSandymount in Bloomʼ project which would expand on the effort already made by some traders to have attractive flower pots and hanging baskets. Though vandalism can discourage these types of projects, she believes it would be worth a try and that in the end it would succeed.

When I asked Michael McAuliffe to comment on his many years as a Sandymount resident and businessman, he replied “thereʼs nowhere like it, Sandymount has been good to me.” He sees great progress in most of the changes and especially welcomes the demise of what he experienced

as “the great divide between the rich and the poor in the area.”

Michael remembers when the Green was a place with no railings, broken pathways, worn out grass and no flowerbeds until improvements began in the late 1950s. He believes that the Tidy Towns Competition and the establishment of Sandymount Community Week brought all the community together in a way previously unknown and says that the Sandymount Traders Association was strong for some years.

It was they who donated the seat near the bus stop outside Tescoʼs, which disappeared a few years ago and is still being sought by those who miss its presence.

Michael is, of course, a pragmatist and recognises the down-side of progress, like the “grim sewage smells that travel on certain airflows and get worse in the summer months” but says that “there is still a good residentsʼ association” and overall he seems upbeat and very positive about his home place.

NEWSFOUR JUNE 2006

PAGE 33

T HE VIEW FROM S ANDYMOUNT Aidan OʼDonoghue talks to people on the street about their opinion of Sandymount

F

rancis X. Carty has lived in the area all his life. “In my sixty-five years here I have seen many changes”, says Francis. “Before, you had five butchers around the place but thereʼs only one left now. You had The Gem where Brownʼs is now. The bank was once where Scarecrowʼs is, and when sent to the shops by my mother I would regularly see the number 2 and 3 tram coming along.”

Francis believes that the essence of Sandymount has been retained down through the decades. “All the new shops have been absorbed quite well and the original village atmosphere hasnʼt been lost which is very important.

“Thereʼs no place exactly like Sandymount– you have the railway, the buses, the sea. And weʼre close

to town so if you want to avoid all the traffic you can just walk. It really is that great,” he says with a smile.

Siobhan Langan is doing a spot of shopping on a pleasant afternoon in Sandymount village. Although she lives in Irishtown, it is often necessary for Siobhan to come to Sandymount because of the dearth of supermarkets in her immediate locality.

“People from Ringsend have to make their way to Sandymount if they want to shop in a supermarket,” says Siobhan. “We need to rebuild that sense of community and there certainly ought to be a more visible police presence about the place.”

Having grown up in Sandymount, Karen Sadlier has found it a decent place to live.

“Sandymount has most of the things you would need in terms of shops,” she says. “But as for things to do at night, thereʼs not much for young people. All the bars are geared towards the older crowd so young people have to go to town to find a bar that suits us.”

Overall, though, Karen is happy to

live where she does. “I think people do get on well with each other round these parts. I know all my neighbours in Beach Drive and I wouldnʼt want to live anywhere else.”

Although she does not live in the area, Frances Cuddy spends a lot of time in Sandymount through working in Butlerʼs Pantry. The thing that regularly disappoints Frances is the quality of the transport services.

“The bus services to Sandymount are absolutely terrible, especially the number 2 and the 3. You just canʼt rely on them. And if you drive youʼre going to find yourself stuck for somewhere to park,” says Frances. “I think that a car park would be very useful but then again nobody wants an ugly grey car park on their street so itʼs a tough one.”

Apart from the transport problem

she finds working in Sandymount very enjoyable. “Itʼs a fine area to work in, with plenty of shops and cafes around. All the other businesses around are quite friendly in my experience.”

Phil Roberts is over from Holywell in Wales to see his daughter who has just had a baby. He visits the area a few times a year and is always impressed.

“I love coming to Sandymount,” Phil says. Itʼs very, very friendly here and we are always made welcome. I very much like the area, and from my own experiences here and from what my daughter has told me I think it is a fantastic place to raise a young family.”

Grainne Scollard of Sandymount Avenue is out in the green with her young children. She is unhappy with

the state of facilities for children.

“There are a lot of things lacking for children growing up in the area, like proper playgrounds,” she says.

“Thereʼs one down in Irishtown but that is a disgrace what with all the broken glass and syringes around the place, not to mention the rust.”

“Thereʼs one in Herbert Park which is okay but there isnʼt a whole lot in it and there are no toilet facilities, which is ridiculous considering the fact that there are so many children around. You would expect better in todayʼs Ireland.

“Of course you have swimming pools and tennis clubs, but they all cost money. The green is fantastic and Sandymount is a relatively safe place to live but thereʼs a lot of improvement needed in specific areas.”

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

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PAGE 34

NEWSFOUR JUNE 2006

H UGH L ANE G ALLERY

REOPENS There is a lecture room with state of the art equipment, extensive archive and storage area in the basement for art students, a bookshop and a café. As the Lord Mayor of Dublin said at the reception, “What we dream becomes a dream.”

There is also a showing of eight impressionist paintings at the new gallery which Hugh Lane himself suggested before he died. They are two Manets, a Monet, a Morisot, a Pisarro, a Renoir, a Vuillard and a Degas, These are worth over €180 million.

Other artists to be shown include Jack B Yeats, William Orpen, Sir John Lavery, Louis Le Brocquy, Brian Maguire and

By Brian Rutherford

T

he Hugh Lane Gallery, founded in 1908 by Hugh Lane, was originally at Harcourt Street. It then moved to Parnell Square and has been there since 1933.

A new wing has now been added. However, to say that a new wing has been added is an understatement as the renovations double the space of the original building.

The opening on 4 May ran in conjunction with an exhibition entitled ʻBeyond the White Cubeʼ by Patrick Ireland.

The new gallery at the Hugh Lane is a statement of conceptualism and geometric abstraction and the artists chosen to adorn its walls are Sean Scully, Francis Bacon and Patrick Ireland.

Sean Scullyʼs work is large and abstract and consists of densely and lushly painted stripes. He has given eight paintings from his collection and a ninth was given by the Dublin business community. They will go on permanent display in a specially designed room named ʻThe Sean Scully Roomʼ, which is lit entirely by natural light.

Scully himself had a hand in designing this room in dimensions, light and layout. Not since Francis Baconʼs studio has the gallery received such a gift. The room is a culmination of ten yearsʼ work between Scully and the Gallery.

As Barbara Dawson, the gallery director, said at the opening, “The dedicated exhibition room gives a sense of space and

Register to vote now– it’s important!

If you want to make your voice heard in the next General Election you must be on the Register of Electors. It is a very easy process and if you have reached the age of 18 since the last election, recently moved to Ireland or have never been on the Register, now is the time to take action.

Next yearʼs Register of Electors is now being compiled and application forms are available at the public libraries, post offices and County Council offices. If you want to register on line go to www.oasis.gov.ie and search for Register of Electors.

Applications for inclusion on the Electoral Register must be completed by 25 November 2006. You must be at least 18 years old on the day the Register comes into force (15 February 2007) and have been ordinarily resident in the State on 1 September in the year preceding the coming into force of the Register. After the Electoral Register comes into force it is still possible to register (see website).

While every resident is entitled to be registered, not everyone can vote at all elections. Irish residents can vote at every election; British citizens at Dail, European and local elections; EU citizens (other than British) may vote at European and local elections; Non-EU citizens may vote at local elections.

The compiling of electoral registers has not kept up with housing development and changes in where people work and live.

Since the last General Election there are 300,000 new houses in the country and a big increase in private renting.

By Ann Ingle

Elizabeth Magill. Also mentioned at the reception was a series of Bronze Hare Sculptures

by Barry Flanagan, ten of which will be displayed in OʼConnell Street. The Hugh Lane is also the world centre for studies on Francis Bacon.

Gallery opening times: Tuesday to Thursday 10 am to 6 pm, Friday and Saturday 10 am to 5 pm, Sunday 11 am to 5 pm.

Closed Monday. For more information consult the website at www.hughlane.ie Below: ʻSummerʼs Dayʼ by Morrisot.

its proportions and high ceilings are in keeping with the paintings selected for the exhibition.”

Gilroy Mc Mahon, the galleryʼs architects, has created a mesmerizing white heaven covering three floors with 13 new galleries to complement the existing 13. The gallery is 4000 square metres, once being 2000 metres, and costing €13 million to build over a 5-year period.

C OMMUNITY

CLEANUP OF

THE GRAND Canal Development Committee launched its first monthly clean-up of the Grand Canal on Saturday 6th May. Volunteers assembled at Leeson Street bridge with the initial aim is to clean up the canal bank from the Grand Canal basin to Portobello harbour.

The development Committee was established

G RAND C ANAL

some months ago to lobby for the prioritisation of the Grand Canal so that it becomes a valuable community and tourist resource for the city.

If you wish to become a volunteer, further information can be obtained from Breffnie OʼKelly at 087 2574573.

NEWSFOUR JUNE 2006

PAGE 35

THE POETRY PLACE

The wind in the rigging

In my sweet little home that moves with the waves, Just down a spell from the bridges of knaves; I lay my head in a place called Poolbeg; Ringsend is the village through the park a peg; I feel the surge of a river well known; Strength, power, and life, as its people have shown; The winter wind on its way to the sea, Howls in the rigging; Is it speaking to me?

It pulls my gaze from the soft written word; Are there voices and truths that want to be heard?

I stop what Iʼm doing; I crave to hear more, So I still myself and wait by the door.

Thereʼs more wind coming with stories galore, Of dreams, and deaths, and glory in store; Can I open my soul to the misery and ache?

Of this Nationʼs lifetime without my heartbreak?

My boat shakes itself in its tightly tied bonds, As though it were hearing from those long gone; Of the desire for freedom from the ties; Freedom from the hate and lies.

Wait– what sounds are those that come to me; Surely Iʼm dreaming… or maybe, Can I hear the crowds murmur with misery?

Is that shouting and clashing a sign of ill will?

Has Cromwell arrived to conquer and kill?

Could that be the wail of children forlorn, On a prison ship for stealing corn?

Is that Captain Bligh I hear going by, Sounding the bay to help foreign ships ply?

Is that boat taking food to the east of this isle, As the families with children starve all the while?

Can I hear the hungry, the dispossessed?

Surely God heard them and made them blessed, As they carried their life and their babes in their arms, To board a ship for better times.

Do I feel the hopes of young and old, In the belly of ships, the human gold?

Are there guns on that boat to help with the cause, Turning kindness to killing with grievous loss?

Is that the anguish and the pain, Of the patriots failing once again?

But others say, ʻyou gave us victory, you paved the way For the freedom that will come some day.ʼ Do I feel the pride of giving your life, For a visualized future without any strife?

Did I hear the shot… surely not fair; To kill a hurt man tied to a chair.

Did I hear the crowd roar, and an orator soar; And the anger of men more and more?

I hear the stillness of a city on strike, That starved while the rich took their time and watched.

I feel my chest heave with the sadness of women, Who lost their sons before they were men, In causes for freedom…

For Ireland… for them.

The tears come forth, from now I know where; From the living; the giving; the never despair.

Thereʼs only one way to clear the slate; Itʼs forgiveness; forgiveness; forgiveness; not hate.

I hear sounds of change; thereʼs hope in the air; Of peace and goodwill and not of despair; Still feeling, yet healing, the wounds of the past; Adjusting to harmony for a good life at last.

Out of the ashes emerging here; A country desired; respected; held dear.

This riverʼs alive with the history so clear; Iʼll never forget my being here; Can my heart leave this land, ever again.

Iʼve been captured; enraptured; a lifetime Iʼve gained.

I will carry the Liffey along with me now, With its pain and its joy… as I look at the bow; Over wave after wave as I make my way home, With my boat untied, and wherever I roam; The wind in the rigging Iʼll never forget; On the lovely old Liffey in Dublinʼs Ringsend.

By John Moloney

Reflections (Written for an old friend) Itʼs many years since we first met At the Woollen Mills on Sunday We saw many traders come and go And friends that faded away.

Weʼve a lot in common as we both found out Our interests varied a lot.

He is a printer by trade, but redundancy put paid.

To a friend who deserved much better than that, Harry lives on the north side of Dublin, The same side of the city as me, His surname is Swedish and heʼs proud of it too But heʼs as Dublin as Dublin can be.

The years may go and time will pass And nothing stays forever But a true friendship between good friends Will never waiver, never.

The Dublin we knew has changed over the years And the rare ould times forgotten Weʼve seen the best of what was good But the core of the city is rotten.

There is drugs, corruption and murders too A far cry from the days of old, We meet every Sunday at the Haʼpenny Bridge Our previous weekʼs tales to unfold.

It may be two hours we meet on the day But to us itʼs the joy of meeting To see the friendly face we missed for a week And to receive a wonderful greeting.

How long it will last no one can tell Ah sure itʼs only one day in seven And when the time comes and we have to go Please God weʼll all meet up in heaven.

By Sonny Kinsella

Annie’s discovery Annie was going to live in her body from this day forth.

Yes and no, you see, Annie had always lived in her head.

Sheʼd lived with her mensa, mensae, joined the elephants as they climbed over the Alps with Hannibal, lived the French revolution, saw heads being chopped, didnʼt dwell there, too gory.

She liked Shakespeare. Thought he was a great guy Told him how much she liked his melodic verses.

She would skim through the world; dwell where delights were.

Her body was a frame, in that it carried her head.

She threw on it what fell out of the wardrobe If not warm enough, she added the next falling layer.

It started with a Yoga class.

“Breath out,” the instructor said, “Relax your toes.”

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

Sheʼd forgotten she had toes, much less to relax them.

“Relax your knees, your abdomen” and on to her upper body “Relax your neck. Scan your body for tensions.”

Annie realized that while her jaw was now relaxed, her toes had tensed up. “Relax those toes,” she told herself.

She loved the sensation. She had muscles, she had never dreamt of There was her head sitting on this magnificent machine That would obey her every command. She was very excited.

Sheʼd seen babies study their hands and toes in wonderment.

Now, she Annie had discovered her body.

By Carmel McCarthy

See Them Swing (In the Ryder Cup) See them swing in the Ryder Cup See them swing in the Ryder Cup The Swing is the Thing… Swing Swing See them Swing I can feel the excitement beginning to rise Itʼs going to take place right before our eyes Weʼll watch it on telly and in the pub When the Ryder Cup comes to the K Club With a ball on the tee and a club in their hand Theyʼll be doing their best to stay out of the sand Theyʼll be pitching it high theyʼll be spinning it back Theyʼll be trying to play golf like Sevy and Jack With the wind at their back theyʼll be driving it far Theyʼll go on the attack for a birdie or par From the heat of the sun theyʼll be looking for shade Then theyʼll go for the green with a draw or a fade Itʼs hard to putt straight when the nerves begin They have a four footer and thatʼs for a win Thatʼs when they start thinking what all golfers know You drive for show and you putt for dough And when they start thinking theyʼre losing their touch Theyʼll ask for advice from maybe David or Butch And with a little adjustment to how they move In no time at all theyʼll be back in the groove See them swing in the Ryder Cup See them swing in the Ryder Cup The Swing is the Thing… Swing Swing See them Swing

By Michael Green

PAGE 36

NEWSFOUR JUNE 2006

Anna Callaghan. Holland U9s.

W ORLD C UP

Lee Weafer Joyce. Czech Rep. U13s

Daniel Power. France U13s.

FEVER HITS

Finn McWilliams. Switzerland U11s.

Jessica Handley. Brazil U9s.

Jordan OʼSullivan. Italy U9s.

R INGSEND P ARK – M INI W ORLD C UP 2006

Mark Byrne. Brazil U7s.

Mark Dent. Australia U9s.

Ruth Byrne. Mexico U9s.

Sean Condron. Italy U7s.

The Shelbourne House 2 Shelbourne Road, Dublin 4 Telephone: 6676380

Sunday lunch 12 mid-day to 5 pm Weekday lunch 12 mid-day to 3 pm Evening meals 5 pm to 8 pm

Live music Friday nights Live band Saturday nights Live music with Mick Redmond Sunday night 12th August 3pm Texas Holdin’ Poker Tournament Limited to 64. Freeze out

NEWSFOUR JUNE 2006

PAGE 37

Sports Desk

By Derek Buckley

Sponsored by The Raytown Bar, Ringsend

The RDS Foundation – Celebrating 275 Years €10,000 RDS MUSIC BURSARY 2006 Contestants Hail from Dublin, Wicklow and Belfast

T

he idea came about from the Mini World Cup of the early 1970s, in which I and most of the managers Cambridge Boys FC played. With the World Cup in Germany looming, we decided to create our own Mini World Cup. A meeting was set up for volunteers and it was decided that a fee of €5 per player would cover costs and if any money was left over both Cambridge and Pearse would use it towards the running of their Junior Teams. Notices were placed in local schools and shops.

On the day, 180 players registered. A lot of thought went into forming teams of mixed ability to create a fair chance for all teams.

Groups, teams and fixtures were ready, pitches were marked, goal posts erected and volunteers assembled, ready for a 6.00pm kickoff.

What we were not prepared for was the huge amount of new players wanting to play on the day. A slight delay ensued and a complete reform of our Groups, Teams and Fixtures, and an even bigger headache, we now had approximately 300 players taking part.

The tournament started on 12th May with 4 age groups U7, U9, U11 and U13. We had 8 teams in U7, U9-16 teams and U13-8 teams. We played a total of 104 games over 2 weeks.

Weather-wise we were lucky in our first week as all went according to plan. The second week our Irish Summer arrived and instead of suntan we got soaking.

The Finals and Penalty Competitions scheduled for Sunday 21st of May had to be rescheduled for Monday 22nd and Tuesday 23rd May due to bad weather. As we wanted all players to be involved

to the end, we had a penalty competition before each Final Winners: Runners Up Penalty comp U7 Holland, France, Argentina.

U9 Spain, Portugal, Mexico.

U11 Czech Rep., Australia, Germany.

U13 Holland, Czech Rep., Argentina.

We presented each player with a medal (sponsored by Dublin City Council), a Certificate and some refreshments. Any player who won a final got a ball sponsored by the FAI. We would like to thank Jason Donoghoe, Youth Development Officer FAI, for his input with this Mini World Cup. His help was immense and through him we got sponsorship from FAI and DCC. Thanks also to Liam Behan for his superb IT skills in updating the ever-changing fixtures and for all his ideas in putting together and promoting our competition booklet.

Our daily team of volunteers: Billy Bolton, Emma Caulfield, Gerard Byrne, Thomas Quinn, Christy OʼKeefe, Stephen Hevey, Miguel Gonzalez, David Doyle,

Jimmy Maher, Sned Richardson, Oxo Glynn, Willy Cassidy, Joe Smith, Joanie Weafer, Karl Pepper and Andy Nolan deserve great credit for their time and work.

I would also like to thank John Griffin and his volunteers from Pearse: Ger Griffin, Stephen Roche, Jonathan Tormey, Ross Nolan, Terry Deegan, Joan Swaine and Sean Keating.

Our crew of Pauline Caulfield Gregg, Debra Behan, Pauline Jolley, Elaine Doolin, Sinead Tilley, Angela Flannagan and Martin Garvey, who calmed and cajoled all involved, deserve a special word of thanks.

This event would not have got off the ground without all the above volunteersʼ time, patience, enthusiasm and energy. Overall, it was a great success and great fun!

Also, I would like to take this opportunity to remind senior clubs that the Noel Fox Cup will start after the World Cup. Last yearʼs teams have first refusal! Entrance fee is €150 per team.

At the moment we have Liffeys, Ringsend Rovers, Bridge, and St Patʼs CY, so for the rest of you contact me to secure your place!

Above: Winners Holland U7s.

Below: Runners-up France U7s.

THE €10,000 RDS Music Bursary is the largest single music bursary on offer to a young musician in Ireland. It is unique in that it is open to all singers and instrumentalists. Since its foundation in 1731, the RDS has promoted and developed the Arts. Music is a cornerstone of the RDSʼs foundation activity.

The RDS Music Bursary was first awarded in 2003 and was initiated to support the professional development of young musicians. The Bursary is intended to assist a young professional musician develop their career through further study at home or abroad or through the purchase of a suitable musical instrument or sheet music.

There have been three very worthy winners of the Bursary since its inception: Redmond OʼToole, Cello Guitar; Mairead Buicke, Soprano; and, Aisling Seery, Recorder.

The RDS Music Bursary is open to winners from the senior competition categories at the Dublin Feis Ceoil. The Feis Ceoil has also made a significant contribution to supporting Music in Ireland and the RDS is delighted to continue its association with this body.

The Feis Ceoil winners are invited to apply for the Bursary in April of each year and must submit a detailed application form. Short listed candidates are invited to interview with a panel of judges. This yearʼs judges are Colman Pearce, Maurice Flynn, Maeve Madden, Richard Stokes and Anne Marie Stynes.

The RDSʼs support of music does not end with the RDS Music Bursary. The RDS foundation music programme has an exciting list of events planned for the RDS Concert Hall in 2006 including a production of Maritana by William Wallace on June 24 and 25, an Alternative Careers in Music Seminar on October 7 and the return of the highly-regarded Chamber Music Weekend on November 18 & 19, 2006.

For further information, please contact: Katie Finnegan, Press & Marketing at 01 240 7269. Email: katie.finnegan@rds.ie

SANDYMOUNT HOME HELP SERVICE Do you have two to four hours free every week and would you like to earn some extra money?

We pay you €13.01 per hour (gross) to visit and care for vulnerable elderly in the community For further information, phone Brenda Dempsey at 087- 9292119

PAGE 38

NEWSFOUR JUNE 2006

CEREBAL PALSY CENTRE OPENS IN NEPAL

By Bob and Frances Corazza

A

fter 9 years hard work by many, the first unit, a clinic where Cerebral Palsy children go to be assessed and advice given to parents was about to be opened on May 2nd 2006 and Frances and I had to be there. We began the project in 1997, raised funds to get the land in 2003 and now the first unit was up and running.

On the flight we found our seats with only 20 others. The plane was empty because many had cancelled going to Nepal as there has been a public uprising against the king, who had dissolved the parliament and clambered into

the driving seat. We were going anyway and nothing would stop us from attending the Cerebral Palsy centre opening.

After a drive on the severely holed roads we were glad to reach the Tibet Cottage, a Tibetan hotel we have used over the last 10 years costing €3 a night. We knew everyone working in the hotel and we all used first names.

There was a New Zealand cycle group helping the funding of our project and they had just cycled in from Lassa that evening.

We arranged to meet them at 9am. They were exhausted. The ride across the Tibetan high plateau was not easy. At 17,000 feet you get breathless sitting in an arm chair, let alone cycling 900

kilometres.

On Friday morning we found ourselves waiting for a bus to take us all to the new cerebral palsy centre. The guide said it would be here soon, but in Nepal a soon can be a long one. After an hour the guide confirmed that the driver had slept in.

The bus arrived, two hours late.

We bumped our way on unmade roads out to Dhapakhel where we had bought the land– an acre of farm land 7 kilometres out south along very dry bumpy tracks.

The children love any visitor and as the cyclists wandered round, the buzz in the centre grew.

This first unit will be the clinic with Physiotherapy, Occupational therapy, Counselling and upstairs an administration office.

Now this is done, we with the help of many, hope to next build the school followed by a small training unit.

Each day the rains gradually

G REEN

stretched out with the occasional rolling thunder as the clouds hugged the mountain tops, indicating it was nearly time for the monsoon to rain for days continuously. The heat, about 28ºC, continues to increase along with the humidity. Walking around the centre we noted things that needed to be done.

The parking area in front was still a field and needed digging out and a firm surface put in for transport to deliver the children.

The watchmanʼs house was going up and the fence was now round the grounds but an entrance gate was necessary. Next was a meeting with our team of school staff and assistant from a Swiss bridge construction firm to shape up the school design.

Not knowing how stable politically the country was going to remain, we decided to build half the school, 4 class rooms and a kitchen diner and then complete

FINGERS AT

O

the rest of the school at a later date.

The official opening on May 2nd was lovely with lots of involvement from the children. The children in the pictures have Cerebral Palsy, a nerve and muscle disorder where steady controlled movements are difficult to carry out. The clinic and school will be accessible so walking frames and wheel chairs can be used by the children.

If you can support any part of the school we are building, we would love your help.

The Nepal Cerebral Palsy School Charity. Charity Registration 16410.

Allied Irish Bank, 98, Sandymount Rd, Dublin 4. A/C 03648603. IBAN: ie04 AIBK 933600 03648603. SWIFT: AIBKIE2D You may contact Bob and Frances Corazza at 01 6687538 for further information.

E NABLE I RELAND

By Brian Kelly

n Sandymount Avenue, as part of the Enable Ireland complex, you will find Dublin fourʼs only Garden Centre.

100% owned by Enable Ireland with all proceeds going towards services for physically handicapped children, the Centre has recently undergone extensive renovations and is now open to the public 7 days a week.

The Enable Garden Centre offers a wide choice of plants from the small bedding variety to larger, more exotic flora from across the world. Thereʼs an extensive range of terracotta pots to choose from, plus all the extras you need to help your garden grow.

The Centre is a specialist supplier of herbs and lovers of roses will find particular delight with the news that David Austin supplies Sandymount with his creations.

Another feature of the Centre is its hanging basket service. If you have recently purchased

a basket, you can bring it along and for a small fee, the Centre will happily ʻplant it upʼ for you in special growing conditions. You can choose your own plant or pick from any of the varieties on display. After two weeks of tender loving care, your hanging basket is ready for a home of its own in the great outdoors.

Co-ordinator of the Centre is Grainne McGee, who is a trained horticulturist and has been in charge in Sandymount for more than 7 years. Her team of trained personnel are on hand every day for advice and information on all aspects of gardening. With the summer in full bloom and plenty of long nights ahead of us, the Enable Ireland Garden Centre is a must for anyone with even a passing interest in flora and fauna.

Enable Ireland Garden Centre Sandymount Ave, Dublin 4 Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 10-5.

Sunday and Bank Holidays 12-5.

Telephone 2615928 Pictured on left is Grainne McGee.

NEWSFOUR JUNE 2006

PAGE 39

T HE W OLLEMI P INE

D INOSAUR

by Maggie Neary

T

he Wollemi Pine tree (Wollemia nobilis) rediscovered twelve years ago looks something like an oversized yew and in botanical terms is the equivalent of discovering a living dinosaur today. And you too could soon have this Jurassic tree growing in your back garden.

When Dave Noble abseiled down into a rainforest gorge

OF THE PLANT WORLD

some 200 km west of Sydney in the Blue Mountains he found himself dwarfed by remarkablelooking trees. He brought away with him a fallen branch. Later analysis showed this to be a plant that was believed to be extinct and is now considered to be the oldest living species of tree in the world, fitting in alongside the dinosaurs of the Jurassic era.

The pine belongs to the 200 million year old Araucariaceae family and there are less than

100 of the mature trees left in the wild, the largest being around 131 ft tall.

In 2005 the National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin received some of the first specimens of the species in Europe. It is planted in the central section of the Curvilinear Glasshouse and is being tested for its suitability for cultivation in Ireland. Survival of such rare plants as the Wollemi is helped by the selling and growing of the plant worldwide and gardeners are now emerging as playing a vital role in the propagation of such endangered species.

Future gardens may host this conifer, which has attractive dark green foliage. The bark is very distinctive, covered in what look like small brown blisters. The tree sprouts multiple trunks and has a distinctive, prehistoric look.

It is fast-growing and is happiest in lime-free soil. Plants should be available in 2006. The first batch of 50 will be auctioned and more will be released later.

The Botanic Gardens is open to visitors daily. There are over 50 acres of gardens and some 10,000 plant species and varieties. The historic Victorian glass houses have been recently magnificently restored and host diverse educational and horticultural exhibits.

The café offers splendid food and views over the gardens. CIE take you directly to the gate and entry is free. The gardens offer a marvellous opportunity for a great day out for family or groups.

Further details from www.wollemipine.com

Anita’s Diary – The Road to Santiago ANITA AND PADRAIG GRANT (formerly of Ringsend) were brave enough to journey on foot from Leon to Santiago. El Camino de Santiago (Saint James Way) is the name given to the road pilgrims have followed since the middle ages. St Jamesʼs body is said to be buried under the Cathedral in Santiago. The pilgrimage is 900 km long and Anita and Padraig had an arduous journey. It took them about three weeks and they arrived in Santiago de Compostela footsore but very happy.

Anita has a written a journal of the pilgrimage and concludes: ʻIt was a very long and hard three weeks. We stayed in 18 different rooms, had some good food and bad food (mostly bad) and walked through a lot of dirty, smelly villages (slurry land). We were roasted and frozen, chased and nearly savaged by dogs, met a lot of nice people along the way and had a lot of laughs. It has been a fantastic experience.ʼ A recommended guide book for all those venturing on this journey is ʻA Practical Guide for Pilgrims: The Road to Santiagoʼ by Milla Bravo Lozano.

Labour’s oconnellbridge.net gets 25,000 hits THE WEBSITE established by the Labour Party to receive submissions on a new plaque for OʼConnell Bridge, www.oconnellbridge.net, has exceeded 25,000 hits since it was launched recently.

Labour Deputy for Dublin South East, Ruairí Quinn TD told ʻNewsFourʼ that submissions have been coming in to the website and via email at a huge rate. “A great variety is included. We currently have about 100 ideas posted up on www.oconnellbridge.net, and have received several hundred more submissions by email to submissions@oconne llbridge.net.

“There has been some support for keeping the Fr. Noise plaque [shown left] in place as

a cultural and humorous oddity. Other suggestions garnering large amounts of support include a plaque in memory of those killed during the 1913 Lockout and a dedication to Mná na hĒireann.”

Local labour Councillor, Kevin Humphreys, who was first heard on RTE with the suggestion to replace the plaque, tells us that currently Paddy Power have Gay Byrne and Maureen Potter as the 6/1 joint favourites.

Time will tell how the Arts Committee of the City Council reacts when it comes before them shortly. In the meantime if ʻNewsFourʼ readers have any ideas, send them to submissions@oconnellbridge.net

PAGE 40

NEWSFOUR JUNE 2006

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Activities: Pool and games Basketball Soccer Swimming Unihoc Aerobics and Dance Rounders Treasure Hunt Arts and Crafts Tennis

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South Lotts Road, Ringsend, Dublin 4 Telephone No. 6687022 FAX 6604187 Email: sportsco@esb.ie