News Four October 2004 by News Four

OCTOBER 2004

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

R HAS INCINERATOR BEEN RUBBERSTAMPED?

esidentsʼ groups and local representatives staged a protest in Ringsend on Saturday 25th September outside the Ringsend Technical Institute where Dublin City Council were holding a meeting on the statutory process involved in the development of the proposed Poolbeg incinerator. Local anti-incinerator group Combined Residents Against Incineration (CRAI) urged residents not to attend the meeting as they say that taking part in the pre-planning process could inhibit them from taking legal action in the future. CRAI has a legal team led by environmental lawyer Mr Colm MacEochaigh

but cannot take legal action until the planning process has begun. “A lot of locals seem to think that this incinerator is a fait accompli, but it has not even got to the planning stage, in fact there hasnʼt even been a company selected to build it yet,ʼ said a representative from CRAI. Daithi Doolan said “The sole purpose of this meeting is to promote incineration and massage this community into accepting hazardous incineration here on our doorstep.” The protest follows last weekʼs

move by Dublin City Councillors to block the proposed incinerator from the Draft Development Plan for the city. However, Mr John Fitzgerald, the city manager, said that the councillorsʼ decision “will not affect the proposed development of a thermal treatment plant at Poolbeg.” Dermot Lacey conﬁrmed that the power to locate an incinerator in Ringsend rests with the city manager. He said: “We will continue to ﬁght against the proposal, and push for the government to reverse their decision.”

H ARVEST T IME AT S T . M ATTHEW ’ S

B RONZE P LAQUE FOR S ANDYMOUNT S TRAND

he ESB has commissioned a sculptor to design an appropriate installation to commemorate 100 years of electricity generation on the Poolbeg peninsula. This was the preferred option amongst ESB workers at Pool-

beg when asked for suggestions to mark this particular milestone. They also suggested that it be located at the Strand Road location where it can be seen by members of the public. The proposed sculpture has been commissioned from the art-

ist, Mr Con Gent, and consists of a single block of Wicklow granite onto which is mounted a cast bronze plaque. The granite is ﬁnished in a combination of smooth and punched surface textures. The bronze plaque is embossed with a panoramic view from the Strand Road location, which identiﬁes landmarks of particular interest, including the location of the Pigeon House, the Baily Lighthouse and The Martello Tower in Sandymount. The sculpture is mounted on a new base of limestone paving which replaces the existing tarmac footpath. The design of the sculpture is wheelchair accessible.

PICTURED AT the recent Harvest Festival at St. Matthewʼs Church, Irishtown is Christine OʼNeill with her children, Niamh and Brendan.

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NEWSFOUR OCTOBER 2004

A RT

NewsFour

IN THE

D OCKLANDS

Managing Editor Ann Ingle Advertising Manager Grainne McGuinness Staff Rose Hogan Robert C. Diaz Frances Corr Maggie Neary Patrick Duffy Nicola McMahon Lisa Berigan John Hobson Contributors Derek Buckley Ray Ryan James O’Doherty Grainne McGuinness Austin Cromie Patrick Purcell James McCarthy Brian Lacey Tom Crilly Christy Hogan Shay Connolly Michael Hilliard Music Correspondent Dan Hegarty Web Designer Andrew Thorn Photography John Cheevers Design, Typesetting, Layout Eugene Carolan Support Tony Daly Community Services, 15 Fitzwilliam Street, Ringsend, Dublin 4. Telephone: (01)6673317 E-mail: newsfourscs@eircom.net Affiliated to Comhairle, South-East Area Network, (SEAN) Local History Research, Community Resource Service, NewsFour Newspaper, FÁS Community Employment Programme. Opinions expressed in News Four do not necessarily represent the views of Community Services.

By Nicola McMahon

recently had the pleasure of meeting with Antonella Scanu who, together with her Italian partner Constanzo Idini, developed ʻPhoenix Studiosʼ in the Docklands. Through the interview it becomes apparent how this lifestyle suits her, although she is not an artist herself. The creativity surrounding artists is very enchanting, but it also requires a lot of tolerance and love, as everyone knows how the temperament of an artist is reported to be! Antonella appears to be a calm

person whilst still capable of being the driving force behind the studios. Organising events for the studios and its artists is one of her main objectives so as to promote awareness of their art. She claims, “I love doing this, I live for it, itʼs my main motivation for living in Dublin.” Their ﬁrst venture came to fruition in the form of Barrack Studios. At the same time they created the company ʻNoahʼs Ark Studiosʼ, with the thought of bringing together the synergies of different artists through providing a spacious, untroubled work environment, encouraging creativity and involvement in new projects,

shows and international partnerships with similar organisations. Unfortunately after just twenty months the Barrack Studios building was demolished to build student accommodation and they found new premises in Liffey Trust before moving to their present location just across the road in December 2000. By Antonellaʼs own admission, it took quite some time to find a suitable location, “Itʼs hard to find buildings for our purpose because many donʼt want artists, they only want businesses and professionals, other places that will accept artists charge too much.” The 5000 sq. ft stone loft of the former soap factory, located on Upper Sheriff St., was then completely renovated by Antonella and Constanzo by means of their own finances and six months of labour. Initially, it was divided into twenty partitioned spaces before being extended in 2002 into another building so as to add thirteen more spaces. The main aim behind the design was to provide light, wall space, some privacy and to facilitate interaction. The studios are the base for some thirty-two artists working in varying forms of media such as paint, sculpting, mixed media,

The Editor’s Corner

THERE IS an international ﬂavour to News Four this month. Two letter writers sing our praises from Australia and the USA; Noel Purcellʼs son, who now lives in Canada writes about his famous father and elsewhere Kevin Humpheys can be seen representing Dublin in France. Halloween fun and games are featured on page 12 where once again our Baby and Me feature offers an honest– and in parts hilarious– look at the joys of motherhood. Also, the local Ralph family reveal their connection with Knock on page 11. Jim OʼDoherty writes passionately about the plane trees in OʼConnell Street on page 7 but it must be remembered that not everyone agrees with his point of view. Sam Stephenson wrote recently in a letter to The Irish Times: “The protestors regret the passing of ten old plane trees

which must be near their end. They will be replaced by 145 semi-mature trees and many other splendid features… Few people seem to be aware of the magniﬁcence of the plan now being implemented.” The full plan may be seen at the Civic Ofﬁces, the ILAC Centre and by logging on to www.dublincity.ie. Finally an up-date on my broken Editorial arm for all those interested. On Tuesday 21st September I telephoned the hospital to ask what time I should present myself only to be told that there was no room at the Inn and to ring again next week. On Tuesday 28th I rang again to be told the same story. I have to ring again on Tuesday 5th October and who knows… Take care of yourselves at Halloween. Ann Ingle

ceramics, glass, jewellery, illustration, photography and fashion and handbag design. I met with some of the resident artists including Anthony Collins who has been in Phoenix Studios since its inception. He arrived directly from NCAD, where he had studied as a mature student. His work has been exhibited in Oisin Gallery and he has also displayed an interactive piece at Limerickʼs EV+A Project. I also met Maria Tupper who is from Sweden and is a self-taught fashion designer who sells her designs in the Cowʼs Lane Market with two other designers under the label ʻTailor Bright and Youngʼ. They also had a stall in the IFSC during the recent Fringe Festival. Finally, I met with Beatrice OʼConnell who graduated from D.I.T. and has been in Phoenix Studios for two years now. She has had four solo shows to date and is planning one for early in 2005. An annual event called ʻOpen Doorsʼ is organised by Noahʼs Ark to allow the public to stroll around and see the artistsʼ work and the atmosphere in which it was created. There is also an ongoing exhibition called ʻArt in the Docklandsʼ with the art exhibited along the corridor walls in Phoenix Studios. If you are interested in visiting the studios for the sake of buying or simple curiosity, contact Antonella at antonella@phoenixartstudios. org or 087- 2753944.

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

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

NEWSFOUR OCTOBER 2004

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NEWSFOUR OCTOBER 2004

The Letterbox Dear Madam Editor I have just read ʻNews Fourʼ August and loved every page. It is sent to me by my nephew Raymond Hamilton who lived in 79 Coastguard Station Pigeon House Road where I was born and lived for 21 years until coming to Australia in 1951. What a lovely surprise to see the photo of Ringsend Mission Hall, 1955. Three of them, Randal, Jean, Hazel Elliott were my next door neighbours. When I was leaving for Australia in 1951, Hazel wrote a beautiful poem put it in a little frame she made. I still have it after 53 years so you can see how lovely it was for me to see her photo in your paper. Thank you so much for such a wonderful memory. Hazelʼs wonderful poem has been seen by my 10 children. Hazel would remember me as Josie Campbell in No. 79. Also lovely to see Jim Driver in his dadʼs shop where my Daddy and brother Michael always went for a hair cut. Ringsend Bridge and Chapel, what lovely memories of riding over it four times a day coming to and from work in Arnotts home to lunch then back again past wolf whistles from bottle house lads sitting on the footpath having lunch– good auld days. I would like to ask you about a photo on page 13 of 4 tennis players, one name was Tadgh Kennelly. We have an Irish lad here playing Australian rules football, same name. I wonder if thatʼs his Dad in your picture. Our Tadgh is pretty famous. I knew a Jimmy

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Ingle in my day, do you know of him? Also went to school with a Mary McGuinness, sister Eileen. Thank you for all wonderful memories - they mean a lot to us Emigrants. Regards Josie Lynch, Melbourne, Australia. Dear Madam Editor I would like through NewsFour to send this reminder to all theParents, Past Pupils and Friends of Marian College As you may know, we have booked the National Concert Hall for a 50th Anniversary celebration on Tuesday 12th October. Some of you may remember our 40th Anniversary concert in the N.C.H., which was a huge success, and played to a packed house. This one promises to be even bigger and better, a night of celebration and nostalgia, with a party atmosphere. There will be music and dance by pupils, past-pupils and special guests, with excerpts from shows and music from the popular, jazz, classical and traditional repertoires. We also plan to have a 150 strong choir made up of pupils, past-pupils, teachers and guests. Booking can be done in either of two ways: 1. Directly with the N.C.H. (there is no charge for credit card bookings). 2. By filling in the booking form available from Marian College or ʻNewsFourʼ and returning it to the college as soon as possible. Remember, the earlier you book, the better seats youʼll get– so send in your booking form (with payment please). Tickets cost €15 or €10. Yours sincerely, Ray Ryan, Musical Director. Dear Madam Editor I would like first to compliment your people on a very interesting new paper. A friend of mine Christy Kelly visited Dublin this spring and mailed the newspaper to me from Los Angeles where he and his family live now. We keep in touch us old-timers as we seem to be the only two left. I am from Pearse House flats. Your newspaper brought back some great memories for me which bring tears to my eyes now. My tears of reminiscence are now mixed with tears of bereavement. I am very alone in this big house on my island as I lost my wife of 40 years two years ago. It still feels

like yesterday, we never had any children. My heart is in Dublin, Ireland I keep hoping and praying to get the courage to travel there, but I think itʼs too late. Your paper brought back memories as my mother was born right there at number 18 Fitzwilliam Street, Ringsend to my grandmother Sarah Kelly nee Mrs. Gaffney, a common name around Ringsend. My best childhood friend Eddie Gannon was a famous soccer star for the Shelbourne team. He married a Ringsend girl and lived in the ﬂats beside the church. We all had girls from Ringsend and our favorite movie house the Regal Cinema was a hangout 2 or 3 times a week, mostly during World War 2. Then after the War other interests took over like Ballroom Dancing in which I became quite accomplished especially at the Olympic Ballroom, the Crystal, and the Balalaika of Dorset Street. Charlie Ingle from South Lotts Road was a great ballroom dancer and his brothers John and Jimmy were famous boxers. My last contact with Charlie Ingle was in Toronto, Canada back in 1953/54. I often wonder if Charlie went back to Ireland. My other great memories are of

our family friend Bill Smith who married Liz Goff of Ringsend– they had their apartment just behind the Regal Cinema. Bill was lost at sea during the war on one of our Irish ships, the ʻCity of Ghentʼ I believe. He was my father ﬁgure as my real father was never home. I have other great memories of my friend Noel Purcell the famous Irish Comedian from the theatre Royal and some movies, he liked to have a drink now and then in Irishtown on the pub at the hill, I think it was Doyles. Also some other sea fairing people from around Irishtown– Tommy Brice, Phil Cleary and his brother from Stella Gardens. My old and close buddies from Pearse House are mostly all gone. I think thereʼs one left who I am trying to locate, Matthew Kearns an old school chum. I will close now. Thank you for your paper it is a great read. Very Sincerely Yours, John Francis Quinlan, New York, USA. PS. I hope your arm has healed up by now. Please God it will. Ed. We are so glad you like the paper. We have an article by Noel Purcellʼs son in this issue which I

hope you will enjoy. Charlie Ingle is still living in Toronto, by the way. I have put you on our mailing list so that you will be able to read ʻNewsFourʼ on a regular basis. Dear Madam Editor Thank you very much for sending the €20 Book Token which I was delighted to receive. I look forward to choosing a good book. With Best Wishes, Yours Sincerely, Betty Marsden. Dear Parishioners Centenary Dinner for Ringsend parishioners As the parish is celebrating its centenary in 2005, we thought it would be nice to celebrate with a dinner dance. We would like to know how our parishioners feel about this. We would appreciate it if parishioners could leave their comments about this in the box provided at the back of the church, or talk to the priests and let them know how you feel. It is proposed to hold the dinner dance in Juryʼs Hotel in Ballsbridge in October 2005. Fr Michael Coady, Parish Priest.

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NEWSFOUR OCTOBER 2004

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‘C HERNOBYL H EART ’ AND THE

W ILL

H ELP

Grand Princess arrived in Dublin

By Maggie Neary

wonderful evening of dining, wining and top-class entertainment will be happening in the plush environs of the Berkeley Court Hotel next January in aid of the children who are suffering from the ʻChernobyl Heartʼ condition and you too can be a part of it. The evening begins with a wine reception featuring music by the renowned classical guitarist Alan Grundy and a viewing of the photographic exhibition by the Sandymount award-winning photographer Julien Behal. There will be a sumptuous four course meal followed by dancing to the live music of the band ʻJohnnie Be Goodeʼ, an auction hosted by Niall Gunne and a Raf-

ﬂe. RTEʼs Derek Mooney will host the event, with contributions by Adi Roche and Duncan Stewart. It is Duncan Stewartʼs wife Agneta, who is the force behind the ʻChernobyl Heart Ballʼ. Duncan, who lives with his family in Sandymount, is widely known in Ireland for his programmes on RTE. He is a very keen environmentalist and also an architect. When I spoke with Agneta she told me that, back in October 2003, Duncan was in Belarus helping to redesign an old building as a day-centre and he had a very serious accident. The prognosis of the doctors was that “if he survives heʼll likely be paralysed”. He did survive and to this day he believes he did so mainly because of the excellent care he received in the two Russian hospitals where he was treated. And it was while

The Yacht Thorncastle Street, Ringsend, 6680977

‘For a Quiet Pint’

he was there in hospital that the particular condition of ʻChernobyl Heartʼ first came to his immediate attention. After the Chernobyl disaster in 1986 the issue of nuclear fallout came crashing into the worldʼs consciousness as the horrific results of the event were blasted across the media. One of the results of the Chernobyl disaster is that around 1,000 children are born every year with ʻChernobyl Heartʼ and currently there are 7,000 cases. The life expectancy of the affected child is three to five years but with the necessary operation there is every chance of a normal life. While Duncan was in hospital one little girl in particular touched his heart and he felt he wanted to help her. Agneta, deeply grateful for her husbandʼs recovery, was keen to help and through her brother, a doctor in Germany, in November 2003 the one-year old girl arrived in Germany where she had several operations over the following six months and is now progressing satisfactorily. Agneta wants to continue helping by raising funds to enable more of these children to have the necessary treatment. For every €1,000 raised a childʼs life will be saved. The donations will be used to provide life-saving equipment in Belarus and send teams of international surgeons to perform the operations while at the same time training local surgeons to be able to continue the work. The tickets cost €200 each or €2,000 for a table of 10. Anyone interested in supporting the ʻChernobyl Heart Ballʼ or needing further information on tickets, donations, etc. can contact Libby Keeling on 087 994 4860.

ʻThe Grand Princessʼ a cruise liner, which berthed on the south side of the Liffey in Ringsend recently is 290 metres long, the equivalent in length of three football pitches. It is capable of carrying 3,000 passengers and over 1,000 crew members. The 450 million-dollar vessel, which was built in Italy in 1998, offers the latest in cruise luxury. The liner is owned by Princess Cruises and is part of the Carnival Corporation, one of the largest vacation companies in the world. Their cruise liners sail to all seven continents and call at nearly 260 ports around the world, carrying more than 800,000 passengers each year to more worldwide destinations than any other major line. Dublin Port company is committed to promoting Dublin as Irelandʼs leading cruise liner destination, It has seen the numbers of cruise liner passengers calling at Dublin increasing steadily over the past few years and will welcome almost 40,000 passengers to Dublin Port in 2004 a 100% increase on 2000. Visiting cruise liners make a major contribution to the economy each year. In April this year Dublin Port announced an agreement with Princess Cruises, to bring 10 giant liners with an estimated 26,400 passengers and 14,100 crew members to Dublin in 2005, worth an estimated €23 million to the local economy. Mr Enda Connellan, Chief Executive, Dublin Port said “We are now reaping the rewards of our work to welcome the Grand Princess which will contribute €3 million to Dublinʼs economy during its one-day visit. It will also enable us to continue our work of promoting Ireland and Dublin as an attractive cruise liner destination.” By Frances Corr

Councillor Garry Keegan Mobile: 086 235 8913

Advice Centres St. Andrew’s, Pearse Street, Dublin 2 Tuesdays 7pm–8pm Community Centre, Ringsend, Dublin 4 Thursdays 7pm–8pm If you want to contact me please do so on 086 235 8913

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NEWSFOUR OCTOBER 2004

S T M ATTHEW ’ S C HURCH 300 Y EARS

S ERVICE

t Matthewʼs church was founded in 1704 because a dramatic growth of population and prosperity in Dublin and its primitive port at Ringsend had brought a population surge to this area. The narrow peninsula of Ringsend was already congested with buildings, so the church was built about 300 metres to the south, now called Irishtown. The landscape was sand dunes and mud flats with scrubby trees and shrubs. The housing and other facilities were dreadful. Poverty was universal. The church of Ireland Archbishop of Dublin, Dr. William King, decided to build a church for this rough, remote but rapidly-expanding port, which was busy not only with sailors and fishermen but with customs officers. He asked the government to pay for the church. It fell for his argument and subsidised the church, which is why it was called the Royal Chapel of St Matthew from that time until 1871. A few years after St Matthewʼs opened, Dublin Corporation paid to heighten the tower

and add a pyramidal steeple as a navigation mark for ships on this dangerous coast (the steeple was later taken down). In 1871 the Church of Ireland became an independent church, no longer controlled by any government (this was called ʻdisestablismentʼ). The ʻroyal chapelʼ was turned into a normal parish with its own priest as rector and its own vestry, or self-governing body of lay people, to raise money, to help the poor, protect the building, and carry out the many and various functions of a Christian community. In 1879 the church was expanded as the number of parishioners grew. It was nearly doubled in length, with a new sanctuary and choir at the east end. North and south transepts were added, so the church now has the shape of a cross. Old balconies were taken down and the organ moved from the balcony to the new choir. Capacity rose from about 350 to about 500 parishioners. A memorial beside the altar is to those who lost their loves in World War I and is inscribed ʻDied ﬁghting for God and right and libertyʼ, and not the previous style of ʻKing and Countryʼ. The 36 men named included eight members of the 17th company Boys Brigade, which was based in St Matthewʼs. In the last quarter of the twen-

tieth century a parish room was built at the west end, using part of the nave near the tower. St Matthewʼs School has served the parish area since 1832. It is now in Cranﬁeld Place, 200 metres from the church. It has recently been enlarged and the facilities updated. Services are held every Sunday at 11.15 am in St Matthewʼs. Rector: Rev. Ted Ardis, 4 Ailesbury Grove, Donnybrook, Dublin 4. Tel. (01) 2692090 Organist: Mr John Shera, B.Mus., T.C.D. TERCENTENARY EVENTS November 12th 8.00pm Tercentenary Music Recital, John Shera B.Mus. TCD. November 21st 4.00pm Evening Prayer and Dedications, Preacher: Archbishop of Dublin All Enquiries Phone: 692090/ 0872509047

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ST MATTHEWʼS National School organised a Childrenʼs Poster Competition for National Car Free Day which was judged by John Gormley TD of the Green Party with the prizes sponsored by Dublin City Council. John Gormley said: “This is a brilliant initiative. Ms. Watson and everyone involved deserve great credit as does Dublin City Council for sponsoring the prizes. The children really did a great job in presenting art conveying the message that pollution from cars is bad for the environment. I look forward to a day when every day might be a car free day.”

NEWSFOUR OCTOBER 2004

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C OUNCILLORS By James OʼDoherty

nce again controversy arises over the proposed removal of the remainder of the lovely large trees in OʼConnell Street, known as the London Planes. Would you believe it, there is no such tree, its correct name is platanus acerifolia. Many years ago in London many trees were tried out for street planting, but none stood the terrible conditions as well as the Plane Tree. It coped well with tar, fog, smoke, asphalt, concrete, flagstones, traffic etc., hence its nickname the London Plane. This tree is believed to be a hybrid and first appeared around 1672 in Oxford. Closer to home there are fine examples of this tree in Earlsfort Terrace, the North and South Circular Roads and also some fine specimens in Merrion Square Park and Pearse Square. Platanus Acerifolia can grow

TAKE HEED !

to a height of 90ft. It has a large circumference and you will notice the outline of the tree is not regular. The wood is tough and hard and is often used by cabinet makers. The leaves are gathered in heavy masses with broad spaces between. All this is due to the freedom of the crooked arms of the tree, which are well distributed. The leaves are smooth and ﬁrm and can get quickly covered with grime, but when it rains the rain washes them clean. The long bark can go blackish in colour. The rigid outer layer of the bark is thrown off by expansion of the soft bark underneath and if you look closely you will notice large and small ﬂakes which leave a lovely smooth yellow patch, which remains free from pollution. This is a majestic tree with a long life and is a much-loved feature in Dublinʼs main street. The jury is still out on the regeneration and development of OʼConnell Street. The trees

planted will never reach the height of the existing ones. Have you noticed how the lovely centre walkway is now a parking bay for motorcycles and bicycles? These are even tied to the newly-planted trees! The bird life is affected and even the Christmas lights, which festooned the large trees, are gone. The City Council should hasten slowly and learn from the best school of all– the school of experience, before it obliterates forever the OʼConnell Street of yesteryear. Many of us Dubliners as we progress along lifeʼs highway cast our minds back to OʼConnell Street with Nelsonʼs Pillar and its beautiful trees– always the trees. So who will have the ﬁnal say? I hope our elected Councillors take heed and act before it is too late. In phase two of the plan for the regeneration of OʼConnell Street it is certainly not necessary to remove the ten beautiful specimens of the London Plane Tree.

RTE/2FM JACOB’S SONG CONTEST Entries invited for 2005 contest THE COMPETITION to find the winner of the 2005 RTE/ 2fm/Jacobʼs Song Contest is underway. This is the 23rd year of the popular RTE/2fm/Jacobʼs Song Contest, which sets out to find and reward young Irish songwriters. The competition provides a unique opportunity for talented young musicians to broadcast live on RTE/2fm and RTE television. Contestants are invited to write their own song, both lyrics and music, and send it on tape, mini disc or CD to RTE. Application forms are available by calling (01) 208 3461 or e-mailing 2fmjacobs@rte.ie and leaving your name, address and telephone number, or by dropping a line to RTE/2fm/ Jacobʼs Song Contest, Donnybrook, Dublin 4. The closing date for entries is Friday, 3 December 2004. The panel of judges, chaired by Larry Gogan RTE/2fm DJ, this year are Cormac Battle, RTE/2fm; Eddie Rowley, Sunday World; Richie Taylor, The Sun; Bairbre Power, Evening Herald; Justin Green, MCD; Flo McSweeney singer/presenter and Roisin Murphy, BMG. Hundreds of entries for the 2005 competition are expected and the judges will select ten songs to go through to the final, which takes place on Friday, 18 February 2005, in Vicar Street. Produced by Kevin Hough, director of the song contest since its inception in 1982, the final will be broadcast live on RTE/2fm and will be presented by RTE/ 2fmʼs Gerry Ryan. The winner will receive €8,000 worth of Yamaha musical or recording equipment. The second and third prizewinners will receive Yamaha vouchers to the value of €4,000 and €2,000 respectively.

PAGE 8

NEWSFOUR OCTOBER 2004

By Frances Corr

n event to celebrate the close relationship between the people of the town of Eu in the Normandy region of France and the Dublin Docklands Development Authority (DDDA) took place at the end of August. The Mayor of Eu, Francoise Gouet together with Cllr. Kevin Humphreys, who was representing Dublinʼs Lord Mayor, performed the ribboncutting ceremony on the New Irish Quarter and the naming of a street, called Rue de Dublin. Mr Gerry Kelly, Director of Social Regeneration for the DDDA, along with other representatives from the Docklands council, was on hand to celebrate the ribbon-cutting ceremony. In 2001, the Docklands Authority began a programme to sponsor French lessons within St. Laurence OʼToole girlsʼ primary school and St. Laurence O Toole CBS in the North Wall area. The programme, which starts from second class, focuses not only on French language, but also engages the children in French life and culture and cul-

R UE

minates in a cultural exchange programme. Each year the Dockland Authority, along with sponsoring French classes, also sponsor a trip to Eu for fifth class stu-

D UBLIN

dents to practice their language skills and to help them develop a clearer understanding of French culture. The children spend a day with their counterparts in the

local school and visit Paris to see the Eiffel Tower and other well-known cultural exhibits and participate in an official reception with the Mayor of Eu.

Gerry Kelly, who has been involved with the exchange programme since its inception, said: “the naming of Dublin Street along with the development of the new Irish quarter in Eu is a very proud moment for us in the Docklands. We always strive to develop education and social regeneration programmes that will have a lasting impact. We know that the students get a great deal out of this cross cultural exchange programme between Eu and Dublin, but that the townspeople of Eu would construct a new street and a new quarter and name it after our city and country is nothing short of wonderful.” The town of Eu is the final resting-place of Saint Laurence OʼToole, patron saint of Dublin and the North Wall Parish in the Docklands Pictured from left is Gerry Kelly, Director of Social Regeneration, Dublin Docklands Authority, Francoise Gouet, Mayor of Eu, Councillor Kevin Humphreys, Deputy Lord Mayor of Dublin, Donall Curtin, Board member, Dublin Docklands Authority.

Ringsend Action Project Are you interested in Creative Arts?

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

Pottery and Mosaics Classes starting in Ringsend On Wednesday 22nd September for 10 weeks Venue: The Spellman Centre, Irishtown Road, Dublin 4 Time: 10 am to 12.30 pm Contact Aileen at 087 7706503 if you would like to take part

OPEN

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

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

NEWSFOUR OCTOBER 2004

PAGE 9

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

KEEP RECYCLING THIS AUTUMN AT THE RECYCLING CENTRE OFF ROUNDABOUT AT SEAN MOORE ROAD, RINGSEND The facility which is for HOUSEHOLD WASTE ONLY is being managed by Thorntons Recycling.

The following materials will be accepted at the site:

IT Computer Equipment Brown Goods - Televisions, Radios, Video Players Timber White Goods - Fridges, Freezers, Washing Machines, Cookers, Tumble Dryers Mobile Phones Household DIY Rubble Waste Engine Oil, Cooking Oil Bulky Items e.g. Furniture Household Hazardous Waste e.g. Paint, Aerosols

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

The following Opening Hours Apply: February 1st to October 31st, Monday to Friday, 9.00 a.m. - 8.00 p.m. Saturdays and Bank Holidays, 9.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m. November 1st to January 31st, Monday to Friday, 9.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. Saturdays and Bank Holidays, 9.00 a.m. - 2.00 p.m.

Any queries in relation to materials accepted should be directed to the Centre at phone number: 6144750 ertisement feature - Advertisement feature - Advertisement feature - Advertisement feature - Advertisement feature - Advertisement featu

PAGE 10

C ORK J AZZ F ESTIVAL

ONCE AGAIN, Cork City, prepares to celebrate the Guinness Jazz Festival. The festival will be held from October 22nd - 25th. Cork and its charming and welcoming people have every reason to be proud of the success that this event has had over the years. This year musicians from more than 10 countries will be performing. Most of them will up-date the different and popular trends of the contemporary international jazz scene. Swing, Cool, Bebop, Free Jazz & funky, Jazz-Rock fusion, Latin, Afro and the classical European Jazz are some of the most popular styles of jazz known worldwide. However the Cork Jazz Festival also presents Celtic and Afro-Celtic Jazz; both are journeys through Celtic culture, handled with the magic of jazz. The festival will also host other musical expression such as Blues, Salsa, Traditional, Gospel and Hip-Hop There will be a select group of very high-ranked jazz players such as: Mike Brecker, Charlie Mariano (now aged 80), Dieter Ilg, Richard Galliano and The Mingus Big Band simply the best jazz orchestra today. Pictured above is Charles Mingus. By Robert C. Diaz

NEWSFOUR OCTOBER 2004

B LOSSOMS IN B ATH A VENUE

lowers To Go, a supplier of wholesale flowers direct to the public, recently opened at 25a Bath Avenue, Sandymount. A new concept in flower shops, Flowers to Go supplies wholesale flowers by the bunch directly to the public at affordable prices. Managing Director, Tony Lefroy said: “There has been an increased demand from the public over the last few years to be able to buy their favourite flowers by the bunch as opposed to a bouquet that is fluffed up with foliage and cheaper quality flowers.

“We give the public what they want– fresh bunches of flowers at affordable prices without the frills. This gives people the opportunity to buy their flowers for their home, parties and weddings in wholesale amounts which they can arrange as they like.” Flowers to Go is set back off the road with two windows through which can be seen a raft of flowers. The majority of the flowers, however, are stored in a large cold room in the back, which helps to keep the flowers fresh and extend their life. Plants and wreaths are also available

from the shop. Lefroy Wholesale Flowers was established over 25 years ago at Hanover Quay and Flowers to Go is a subsidiary. Due to the redevelopment at Hanover Quay, Tony needed to move his business to new and bigger premises. Tony says that when he saw the property in Bath Avenue he felt it would be ideal. “Bath Avenue in Sandymount is a lovely area with a great sense of community spirit,” he said. So far Flowers to Go has had a great response from people in the area and Tony Lefroy is looking forward to providing present and future customers with affordable, quality ﬂowers for many years to come. If you wish to order ﬂowers or make enquiries Tony is available at 087 2588472.

NEWSFOUR OCTOBER 2004

PAGE 11

K NOCK : T HE S ANDYMOUNT C ONNECTION Although it was raining heavily the area of the gable wall including the ground remained dry. When news of the Apparition spread, thousands of pilgrims ﬂocked to Knock with their sick. The ﬁrst recorded miracle took place ten days after the Apparition. A twelveyear-old girl was cured of deafness when her mother rubbed the cement from the gable wall on to her ears. In a short time the pilgrims stripped the gable wall of its cement to such an extent that it had to be protected by covering it with boards. Today, almost 1.5 million visit the Marian shrine annually. The personal pilgrimage of Pope John Paul in 1979 commemorating the centenary of the Apparition, inspired an even greater devotion to the shrine and endorsed the indelible seal of Vatican approval. A number of commissions were set up to enquire into the reported Apparition. All witnesses were examined and the commissions, stated that the testimony of all, taken as a whole was trustworthy and satisfactory. Three witnesses who gave evi-

By Frances Corr

he Apparition, at Knock, Co. Mayo occurred on August 21st 1879 and was witnessed by 15 local people. This event put Ireland and Co. Mayo on the International map forever. One hundred and twenty ﬁve years ago Knock, was an unknown Irish village. One of the local families living in the village at that time was the Beirne family. Mrs Margaret Beirne was a widow and she and her daughter Mary had just returned from a visit to another part of the county on that eventful day in August 1879. Neighbours and family called to welcome them home. One of those who visited that day was Mary McLoughlin, who was the parish priestʼs housekeeper. When she was leaving, Mary Beirne walked out the narrow roadway with her chatting as they went. It was about 8pm and although it was raining the evening was still bright. As they approached the church Mary Beirne noticed what she thought was a number of statues outside the church. Then they noticed that the images were moving and were not, in fact, statues. Mary dashed back to her family home to summon other members of the Beirne household. Her mother Margaret, her brother Dominick and sister Margaret went back with her to the church. Others arrived having noticed the extremely bright light shinning from the direction of the church. One man working in the ﬁelds a half mile away reported that he had seen the light. In total 15 people of all ages ranging from the very young to the elderly witnessed the event. They distinctly beheld the Blessed Virgin Mary, life size, standing about

two feet or so above the ground, clothed in white robes. Her hands were raised to the level of the shoulder, with the palms facing one another and slanting inwards towards her face. She appeared to be praying and her eyes were turned towards heaven. She wore what appeared to be a brilliant golden coloured crown on her head. To the right of the Blessed Virgin was St Joseph. His head was bent from the shoulders forward, his hands were joined and his robes were also white. Another ﬁgure also stood to the left of Our Lady, this ﬁgure being dressed like a bishop and

on his head he wore a small mitre. In his left hand he had a Missal or book. He appeared to be preaching although he did not speak. Margaret Beirne, thought this was St John the Evangelist. St Johnʼs hand was turned towards an altar which was plain and white and on which stood a lamb. The ﬁgures were full and round, life size and lifelike. A striking aspect of the apparition was the extraordinary light, which did not resemble any light ever seen by the witnesses. It was exceedingly brilliant and covered most of the gable from the ground to the window and higher.

dence to the original commission of enquiry survived to give evidence in the ﬁnal commission of enquiry in 1935. They included Mary OʼConnell, formerly Beirne, Patrick Beirne, and John Curry. It was the last year of Mary OʼConnellʼs life. Her statement made in January 1936 was striking. She said: “I am clear about everything I have said and I make this statement knowing I am going before my God.” On the 19th of October she died at the age of 86. Mary Beirne married James OʼConnell and had six children, ﬁve boys and a girl. Her daughter was Marian and she in turn married Patrick Ralph. Marian and Patrick had eleven children, one of whom was Sean Ralph who now lives in Claremont Park, Sandymount, with his wife Margaret (Peggy). Sean and Peggy have eight children, six of whom now live in Chicago, USA. Their two sons who chose to remain in Ireland are Kevin, who is married to Bernie and lives in Ringsend and William (Bill) who lives with his wife Celine and their two sons in Irishtown. Main photo of Mary Beirne OʼConnell and below, Sean Ralph, with his sons Kevin and William (Bill), with Billʼs children William and Michael.

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PAGE 12

NEWSFOUR OCTOBER 2004

Mother and Toddler Name: Zeynep OʼBrien Childrenʼs Names: Isabelle (5) and Robert (2).

Baby and Me THIS IS mostly about me– well, itʼs about the ʻmeʼ that I am still lamenting. Two years down the line and with only one child to blame I still canʼt get over the shock of what pregnancy did to my body. I was never seriously thin or fabulous, but I used to be normal. These days my mind still retains the vision of the old me until I catch sight of my reflection in a mirror or shop window and there I am shocked all over again. There used to be a time when it was only my clothes that were baggy, now thereʼs a whole load of baggy body. I miss firm skin, not even the toned skin of an athlete, just not wobbly. This doesnʼt mean I wouldnʼt do it again if I were given a choice, but given a God-like choice Iʼd deliver an egg and sit on it for nine months instead. So why is this occupying my mind so much? Well, Little Sunshine doesnʼt yet realise that it might be considered mortifying (to me) to flaunt my flabby belly to the world whilst at the same time saying: “Your bellyʼs bery big mammy”- like, as if I didnʼt notice. Actually I know in truth she doesnʼt mean it like that because she calls her own tiny belly “bery big” too. Of course itʼs all too easy to stay with this idea of how I used to be and how having a child has changed me, but then, just how many times have I used Little Sunshine as a reason for other things. For instance, not being able to find my keys/phone/wallet numerous times every single day. Perhaps it might be true that it happens more often now, but the truth is Iʼve always been scatty. Now Iʼm just top-class scatty as opposed to top-class totty. Many times in my past Iʼve been called a bag lady too, especially due to my recycling tendencies and the fact that I always seem to have a big bag of ʻstuffʼ, but now with Little Sunshine Iʼve become the Ultimate Bag Lady. There is evidence of it everywhere. When Little Sunshine was just a baby and I managed to go out with friends Iʼd end up pulling a nappy, soother or even rattle out of my bag. This is less likely to happen these days as she doesnʼt need this equipment, but my bag is still a danger zone full of crushed biscuits and rice cakes and even bananas sometimes. I brush my hair these days, which is a definite improvement, but those first few months brought out the hippy in me. Add to this the fact that the car we travel around in looks like we might actually live in it such is the enormity of items and food pieces it contains. Iʼve been wearing sellotaped together glasses in the car because Little Sunshine had broken my third pair and not one to be defeated I insist on wearing them. However, because I am scatty I mostly forget to take them off when I get out of the car. “Bery silly Mammy,” as Little Sunshine might say.

Where are you from? Istanbul, Turkey. How long have you lived here? Five years Why did you move here? We were in London ﬁrst, but we decided to come here after Isabelle was born because itʼs nicer for the children. We also came here for work reasons. Do you like living here and why?

I like living here because itʼs friendly and people are more helpful. Itʼs a relaxed place and itʼs very good as regards children. What differences do you ﬁnd between here and home for bringing up your children? I think the education system is better here and also it is a nice clean relaxed place for the children and they can take part in many activities. The warm weather at home is nicer for being able to do more outdoor things, but then there are disadvantages such as earthquakes. What things do you enjoy doing here with your children? I like going to the parks and going for walks especially as there isnʼt too much pollution. I also enjoy meeting people with their kids for coffee mornings. By Nicola McMahon

Have a Haunting Halloween I

By Nicola McMahon

tʼs that spooky time of year again– and Halloween has always been a great time for a party for both children and adults. Of course a party is always enhanced by a bit of simple decorating. Once youʼve got the decorations and the food ready, just add music and sound effects that ﬁt the Halloween spirit, for example, ʻGhostbustersʼ and ʻThe Adams Familyʼ. One thing thatʼs guaranteed to make everyone giggle is to howl at the moon every time you pass a window– itʼs crazy but you wonʼt get a chance to do this too often. There are many decorations you can buy already made, but simply having a lot of black and orange colours will set the tone. Children can be kept busy during the day or else as a party activity by making some decorations. Just make sure to have some of the following: (black and orange) crepe paper, balloons, washable paints and markers, non-toxic glue, staplers, sellotape, pipe-cleaners and paper plates. Children can have fun helping to carve the eyes and mouth out of the pumpkin. You can make stew and soup from the ﬂeshy insides and roast the pumpkin seeds. Before

doing this, let children put their hands into the pumpkin to explore the texture– it is a fantastic sensory and learning experience. Decorations Pumpkin Seed Art: Let the pumpkin seeds air dry and the children can then use them to make a collage, perhaps painting them when they are stuck on. Pumpkin Seed Shakers: Using air-dried pumpkin seeds, two paper plates (per child) and a stapler. The children put seeds on one of the paper plates (bottom side down). Next, have them place the other plate on top of the ﬁrst plate (bottom side up). Help the children staple their plates together with the seeds inside then use paint, markers or crayons to decorate their shakers. Balloon Jack oʼ Lanterns: Blow up an orange balloon and let the child use a black marker to create facial features Pipe Cleaner Spiders: Have the children twist the pipe cleaners together to form the body and legs. You could talk about how many legs spiders have. Paper Plate Spiders: Get the children to paint a large and smaller paper plate black, then let to dry. Staple the smaller plate onto the larger plate, so that the smaller plate will be the spiderʼs head. Then glue on black wool or paper for legs and white paper for eyes and hang them from the ceiling. Mask Making: Use paper plates, a hole punch or scissors to cut out a mask, then decorate with glitter glue, markers, paint, bits of fabric, feathers etc… Silly Hats: Pick up old hats from a charity/ thrift shop and decorate. Here are some further ideas for decorating below: * Dim lighting, and try to accentuate any shadows that can be made on the wall. * A blue light bulb can enhance the eerie effect, as can a couple of ﬂashing Christmas lights. * Plastic spiders and witchesʼ hats (made from cardboard then painted) scattered around and hung from the ceiling.

* For extra effect, buy a couple of helium balloons and cover with lightweight white material then draw in two black spots for eyes and BOO!– you have some floating ghosts! The Games * Hang an apple by its stem to some string and hang from the ceiling or door frame. The aim is to try to get a bite of apple without using the hands. * Using a plate or board with a mountain of flour, place a grape on top and each child has to try cut away some of the mountain without knocking the grape. * Spider Walk Race: By placing hands and feet on the floor and lifting their bottoms off the floor, the children can race each other whilst walking like a spider. * Dressing up is always a favourite for children– if possible try having a box with bits and pieces to dress up in and then ask them what they are. Good items to have include hats, scarves, brooms, masks, jewellery and face paints. The Food Roasted Pumpkin Seeds: Save the pumpkin seeds from a pumpkin and boil them with 2 tablespoons salt for a few minutes. Drain them and toss in 1 tablespoon of butter. Spread on a baking pan then roast for 30 minutes stirring regularly. Potato Ghosts: Hand sculpt mashed potatoes to look like ghosts and place on an oiled baking sheet. Put them in the oven to heat and brown a little. Scrambled Brains: Scrambled eggs look like brains– add a few drops of green, red and blue food colouring as youʼre mixing the eggs and the final product will come out looking just like that delightful grey matter. Witchʼs Brew: A cauldron full a mixture of your favourite fruit juices with chunks of fruit. Tip: If you are bringing children trickor-treating and they get a lot of sweets and chocolate you could try using a certain mysterious ʻHalloween Witchʼ. The children decide on some of the sweets they would like to keep then put the rest into a box outside their bedroom for the Halloween Witch– who returns the favour by giving them a little gift such as crayons and a colouring book.

NEWSFOUR OCTOBER 2004

PAGE 13 Iʼm from China and Iʼm looking forward to seeing the games in Beijing in 2008. Alan Tian

THE SPORTING SPIRIT FROM ST MARY ’ S NATIONAL SCHOOL, BELMONT A VENUE

The pupils of St Maryʼs National School, Belmont Avenue, Donnybrook kindly gave us some poetry and prose. Unfortunately, we could not include them all. Below is a selection of their writings. The Swimmers The swimmers dived from their blocks Into the deep ﬁfty metre pool as lightly as a feather. They come up to the surface and inhale the clear air. Then they go back down and kick like propellers They swing their arms in and out of the water, In seconds the reach the other side. An Olympic hero wins the gold Hugo Mays F1 Grand Prix 2004 The rumble of the engine The noise of the circuit The Ferrari and the Renault Always pushing hard Shumacker powering his way up the track Barichello close behind Still Shumacher is simply the best No one can catch him! In his red Ferrari so fast! Another championship won Another 60 million roars into his bank. Andrew Coffey My favourite sport My favourite sport would have to be Swimming, Diving would be next. I loved watching the Olympics, Ian Thorpe was amazing but Michael Phelps was better. I like swimming because I can take part in it as well. I love water sports, Polo would be my favourite theme. I go swimming in Marian College. I also love swimming in the sea. The Olympic water sports were fantastic but I was disap-

pointed to see no Irish taking part. When I am older I hope to take part in water-sports for Ireland! Jessica Reynolds A terrible tragedy The terrible tragedy in Russia, makes me feel that the world is over and there is nothing left except war and terrorist attacks. I feel we will never have peace. I think the terrorists did it because they were sick or because they thought it was cool or maybe they did it for their country but whatever the reason it was nothing but evil so the prayer I say is O my God please bring peace to everyone In the world and bring happiness to the world And end this terrible time of war. Michael Moore We had a prayer service for the children in Russia and it makes me feel aware of how privileged we are to be without terrorists in our country. This was an inhumane act of violence. I mean what kind of people are they? Dear Lord, Please stop this madness can you protect all my friends and the people of the world. Patrick Orr Horse Show Jumping The rider has to control the horse around the course and over the jumps. While the rider is doing this they are timed and if they knock down the jumps, points are taken from them. Show jumping is my favourite event because I love horses and I enjoy watching the different riders control their horses. I also love riding horses and I have won many rosettes. My favourite hero is Cian OʼConnor. As an Olympic athlete you have to train really hard and be able to control the horse. You also need a well trained horse like Cian OʼConnors, who was called Waterford Crystal. Maybe some day Iʼll jump for Ireland in the Olympics! Barbara Cashman Swimming is the best There are so many sports But swimming is the best of all The whistle sounds I dive off the block 100 metres to cover in one minute Iʼm on the last lap. I touch the line ﬁrst! I jump for joy. Iʼve won the gold!

Daniel Kohn Donnybrook Jogger Standing in the lashings of rain Waiting for a gunshot to go so we can race Bang! Theyʼre off. Starting at the red and white stripes Jogging around the bend Up the 100 metre straight Sprint around the bend again Running by the stand Shivering in the lashings of rain Donnybrook! Donnybrook! Sandyford! Come on Donnybrook! Come on! Passed the finish line But, oh no! He finds he didnʼt get through Jason McCarthy Swim for Silver The Paralympics was brought to our attention when Irish man David Malone brought pride to our hearts by taking an Olympic medal for the third time in a row. In 1996 he brought the first silver medal home from Atlanta for the 800m back crawl swim. In 2000 he won a gold in Sydney in the same race. Now in 2004 in Athens he won a silver medal in the 800m back crawl swim. After only receiving one medal at the Olympics, it seems that things have taken a turn for the best as two Irish athletes have brought home an Olympic medal each. David Malone visited our school four years ago after the Sydney Olympics. He visited our school as our former drama teacherʼs husband took him swimming when he was young. This amazing athlete will be remembered in our hearts for an age. Ciara Cosgrave The Sort of Sport I like Is The sort of sport I like is Soccer. I like watching Chelsea and Man U. I like going to the matches and once I had the honour to be a mascot for the Irish team. My brother was a mascot when Roy Keane was playing for Ireland. I wish I was there too, because I think heʼs really grand. I love going out on that pitch and hearing the people shout from the east and west up-

per stand. I love watching them waving ﬂags about. Just thinking about it now, maybe Iʼll be able to play for the womenʼs football team. Kate OʼSullivan Table Tennis Table Tennis was my favourite event in Athens 2004. I liked this event because China won lots of gold medals. I like this game because China are very good at this event. Some of the womenʼs table tennis games were very exciting. Many Chinese women won medals in the Olympic games. I know that Ireland won only one gold medal in show jumping, but they did their best as well. I hope in the future that Ireland can win a lot more medals. Maybe in Beijing in 2008, Ireland will be better.

Autumn Autumn is near No, wait! Itʼs here. Summer is far And locked in a jar. The sun is setting in a way That no poet can explain. The swaying trees And the divine breeze Autumn is not far Not coming Not near It is here! Eamon Weitz Hurling and Camogie Hurling and camogie are both Irish sports. Hurling is a fast, skilful game which is made up of two teams of ﬁfteen players. Camogie has ﬁfteen players also but it used to have thirteen players and it used to be played on a smaller pitch. The hurley stick is what hurling is played with. It is made of ash. The ball is called a sliotar and it is made of plastic and leather. Hurling is called the ʻclash of the ashʼ because the hurleys are made of ash. Camogie started in 1904 and is still played. Mark Costello

FIANNA FÁIL

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

If you have any concerns that you would like to raise with either of us, you can contact us on 087-2851515 or Eoin on 6184375

PAGE 14

G REAT N EW B AR

NEWSFOUR OCTOBER 2004

D UBLIN 4 D ONNYBROOK ON THE U P AND U P ! By Maggie Neary

THE NEXT TIME you fancy going for a drink and you donʼt want to get into the car or take the dreaded number 3 bus, you just want to stay local, why not try The Tritonville Bar in the Mount Herbert Hotel? If youʼre anything like me, you might say “thatʼs the hotel with no drink!” Well, not anymore! The Mount Herbert has had a full bar licence since 1998 and the new Tritonville Bar is a great place to spend an evening. The Tritonville Bar serves excellent food at very reasonable prices. The menu is extensive and the desserts are really good. When I visited recently I had sirloin steak with home-made onion rings and French fries for only €9.95. After that I went for the profiteroles which were as good as I make myself. It just goes to show you that you donʼt have to go into town for a good meal and a great night out when itʼs all here in Herbert Road– superb bar, large-screen TV, good food plus one of the best pints of Guinness in the area with free car parking for one hundred cars. The Mount Herbert Hotel is sited on the old Haigʼs Distillery. The distillery was set on 21 acres and operated from 1769 to 1860. The nearby river Dodder supplied power to the distillery, through a sluice running wheel on the river. The distillery was founded by Robert Haig, Laird of Bemersyde, the first distiller of the famous Scotch whiskey. The hotel consists of eight semi-detached houses which are now interconnected. These houses were originally constructed in 1866, and were built using bricks from the old distillery. The hotel was founded in 1955 by George Loughran from Cookstown and his wife, Rosaleen, from Downpatrick. Sadly, Rosaleen passed away last January. George and Rosaleen are very well known in the area for generously providing a venue for a lot of resident and local community group meetings over the years. They also provided plenty of local employment in the area, which still continues. George and Rosaleen had five children, Patricia, John, Paul, Caroline and Louise. John Loughran now manages the hotel and on a recent visit he gave us a tour. Most of the hotel has been recently refurbished, but John has more plans for the future. One of the bedrooms in The Mount Herbert was used by ʻFair Cityʼ when filming outside the Carrigstown set and John showed us this as well as many other well-appointed single, double and family rooms in the hotel. The Hotel has 180 bedrooms and the rates are very reasonable. John made us very welcome and even brought us up to his fatherʼs rooftop apartment. The view is amazing from the roof garden and the walls were adorned with pictures of family members and many famous people who stayed there at one time or another. Lunch in the new Tritonville bar was a must after this. We sat on the terrace attached to the bar on what was probably the last good day in September. My guest had Goatʼs Cheese Bruchetta and I had the fish and chips, which were both excellent. Food is served all day in the bar from 10 am - 11 pm and there is a three-course lunch menu on Sundays from 12.30 - 3.00 for €14.50. The new Tritonville Bar in the Mount Herbert Hotel is well worth a visit. www.mountherberthotel.ie By Grainne Mc Guinness

s Ballymun demolishes its tower blocks plans forge ahead to erect a 26-storey cylindrical tower development right in the heart of Donnybrook Village whilst three other development sites within the immediate area are in various stages of progress with the Dublin City Council. Business tycoon Denis OʼBrienʼs company Partenay Ltd is seeking permission to build what its architect described as “an elegant glass tower shooting up from brick walls into the air” on the former Bizquip site beside the Fire Station in the village. It would comprise of basement car parking, some ﬂoors of commercial use, 36 apartments, a duplex penthouse apartment, a gym, roof garden and function room. Local Councillor Dermot Lacey, who lives in the area, has vigorously opposed the development, which he describes as “the imposition of this Downtown Manhattan Skyscraper to Donnybrook.” At the September meeting of the City Councilʼs South East Area Committee he proposed that permis-

sion be refused. This proposal was agreed by the Committee. It is now up to the Planners to make the final decision. Beside the village and only a short distance from the proposed tower block, the Bective development proposes to provide for a new stadium and 109 apartments in a series of blocks which could run up to nine storeys, presenting heights above that of the present so called Smurfit Building across the road. Residents near the development of the 3.6 acres behind Sachʼs Hotel on Morehampton Road claim that the scheme will make a mockery of existing conservation. The site, on what was formerly part of the nine acres of grounds of Avila Retreat House is to have 182 apartments in four six-storey apartment buildings, 14 houses and a creche. Across from the Avila site off Bloomfield Avenue permission has been granted for development on 4.45 acres on the former Quaker hospital site for 66 residential units and 3,162 sq metres of office space in blocks no higher than 5 storeys. John Holohan, an active conservationist and Chairman of a Local Donnybrook residentsʼ associa-

tion, in speaking about the present explosion of development in Donnybrook, pointed out that people need more than just houses, they also need an environment where the family can live and play. He holds that, up to now, many people beneﬁted from the existence of the open spaces surrounding the institutional lands which were numerous in the area. These properties were, by and large, procured with money donated by the people to provide education, hospitals, etc. for the community, which services are now being provided mainly by the state. Unfortunately, under the present law the institutions in theory own the buildings and also the sites, so are legally entitled to sell for the most money they can get. However, he suggests that the institutions could see ﬁt to designate that greater open spaces be allocated on their developments than is normally required. Locals I spoke with are particularly aghast at the proposed Tower Block and other building plans and fear that their opinions will be overlooked in the end result. The €20 fee now charged for objections to planning applications seems to stand as a deterrent against the individualʼs freedom to convey their opinions to the appropriate authorities.

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NEWSFOUR OCTOBER 2004

PAGE 15

T HE K ETTLE F AMILY – ‘A H OUSEHOLD N AME ’ By Austin Cromie

he Kettle Family come from North County Dublin with origins going back to the 14th Century. They owned lands from Artane St Margaretʼs, Swords to Kinsealy where they lived. Andrew Kettle (18331916) was a founder member

of the Land League and a farming pioneer and one of the best informed and most progressive farmers in Ireland. He was always the ﬁrst to try out new machinery which he imported from Germany. A tillage farmer he grew barley for brewers and distillers and raised bullocks and did some horse breeding.

In 1880 he helped to found the Land League and was a major supporter of Charles Stewart Parnell. Often referred to as Parnellʼs ʻRight Hand Manʼ they had a shrewd respect for each other. In a moment of good humour the great leader said, on introducing him to a group of electors, “Hereʼs a man whose name is a household word.” Andrew Kettle became something of a patriarch. He was a pillar of cloud by day, his son told a friend and a pillar of ﬁre by night to the farmers of County Dublin. His arrest under the Coercion Act and imprisonment in Naas Jail provoked his supporters and greatly upset his family. After he retired from public life his health deteriorated and for the last seven years of his life he was disabled by rheumatism. When the news came through that his favourite son Tom was killed in the battleﬁeld he was devastated. He remarked “Tom is dead, life is over for me.” Four weeks later he was dead. Tom Kettle was born in 1880 in Artane and attended the OʼConnell School, arriving each morning in a pony trap. His abilities were above-average and the Christian Brothers soon saw him as a potential prize winner. He excelled in every subject and quickly gained the title of scholar. When he left for Clongowes Wood in 1894, the Christian Brothers

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were lavish with praise. They remarked “he is the most brilliant pupil that ever went through the portals of OʼConnell Schools.”

The enigma of Tom Kettle has been well-documented, patriot, essayist, poet, barrister and the ﬁrst professor of national economics at UCD. He was elected MP for East Tyrone in 1906. As a writer he deserves to be ranked with Oscar Wilde as a witty conversationalist and a master of epigram and with George Bernard Shaw as an expert on the use of paradox. After the outbreak of the First World War he applied for a commission in the Dublin Fusiliers and took part in the campaign to recruit Irishmen for the British Forces. He asked to be sent to France and was killed in September 1916 when leading his men in an attack on Givenchy. His

body was never recovered. Five days before his death Tom Kettle wrote the sonnet by which he is best remembered. His poem was addressed: ʻTo my baby Daughter, Betty, The Gift of Godʼ.

To My Baby Daughter Betty, the Gift of God In wiser days, my darling rosebud, blown To beauty proud as was your motherʼs prime, In that desired, delayed, incredible time, Youʼll ask why I abandoned you, my own, And the dear heart that was your baby throne, To dice with death. And oh! Theyʼll give you rhyme And reason: some will call the thing sublime, And some decry it in a knowing tone. So here, while the mad guns curse overhead, And tired men sigh with mud for couch and ﬂoor, Know that we fools, now with the foolish dead, Died not for ﬂag, nor for king, nor Emperor But for a dream, born in a herdmanʼs shed, And for the secret Scripture of the poor. The last three lines were inscribed on Kettleʼs memorial when it was erected in St Stephenʼs Green on 25th March 1928. The bust on the simple memorial was designed by the celebrated Irish Sculptor Albert Power.

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NEWSFOUR OCTOBER 2004

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NEWSFOUR OCTOBER 2004

PAGE 17

T HE M AN M E M OTHER M ARRIED G ROWING

UP WITH

N OEL P URCELL (P ART 1) of view, in that Dad made an excellent salesman just driving around. I remember Dad with a trailer he got on loan from the Abbey Delivery Service on Mount Street, driving us kids up and down Newbridge Avenue in the trailer, hanging on like grim death and yelling with the fun. Of course, he would be had up for that kind of thing these days, but it was so innocent and Iʼm sure what we thought was 100 mph was a far more sedate pace. The father of Rodney Devitt had a motor bike and we used to be on the pillion (no crash helmets or anything) and whizzing along at an insane 15mph. At that time, the trams used to still run to Sandymount Tower, and all the kids, including my brothers, made various trips to the Emergency at Sir Patrick Dunnʼs Hospital with broken limbs after getting our bicycle wheels caught

By Patrick Purcell ʻThe Man me mother married was a smashinʼ lookinʼ chap, With a lovely suit of Navy Blue and a gorgeous stripey cap, Thatʼs accordinʼ to a photo that was took so long ago, Me mother swears it was me Da, Iʼm sure I wouldnʼt know!ʼ (Poem by Leo Maguire)

y father, Noel Purcell, Actor, Comedian and Freeman of the City of Dublin, was born in December 1900. He grew up in the same way many children did in those days, going to the Christian Brothers schools and doing odd jobs for pocket money. He became a call boy at the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin and, from that, developed a love of the theatrical life. His mother persuaded him to take up a trade before trying anything so chancy, so he apprenticed as a shopfitter and cabinet maker to Bex and Co. His theatrical and movie work are legendary, and have been ably described in ʻNoel Purcellʼ by Michael B. Ryan. I want to share his humanity, the real man behind the stage and screen star, his pride in his work, his incredible humility for all his success and his vulnerability to a sob story or anyone in trouble. But, most of all, I want to show him as MY DAD. Dad married Eileen Marmion, in 1941 and had four boys, Michael, born in 1942, Glynn, 1943, myself in 1946 and finally Victor in 1953. My first memory of Dad was as a result of a major incident. I was born at home in Sandymount. I must have been about two or three years old. Mum was in the kitchen doing the laundry in an electric washing machine with one of those clothes rollers on top for squeezing the water out. Well, sure enough, muggins put his little paw into the moving rollers and mum heard me calling and was able to hit a quick release bar on top to stop me being sucked all the

way through! I was up to my armpit by then and so, when the spring loaded top flew up, it got me smack in the mouth. I can remember the blood all over the clean washing and crying fit to bust when this enormous, yet gentle, arm picked me up and carried me to the car and off to the hospital. My face was a right mess and I swallowed a few teeth, but it was the memory of feeling secure in Dadʼs big hug and that everything was going to be all right that I remember, rather than the pain. I remember Dad coming home from somewhere (Fiji, I think,) having gone through the USA and I got a green satin one-piece insulated jump suit. Of course, I had to test this in the first snow and so nearly froze to death, because it was warm at first, but not waterproof. I loved water with a passion. Dad was a great swimmer and had a beautiful crawl action, which he taught me. We used to go down to the Pigeon House and out along the South Wall to the Half Moon Swimming Club, Costelloʼs and the Shelley Banks. We lived for quite a few years

at 2, Newbrige Drive, Sandymount. I was sent (screaming my head off!) to St. Maryʼs Star of the Sea School. It was there I discovered, painfully, that I wasnʼt like other kids. I didnʼt realize it at the time, but I must have seemed to the others from less well-off families like a really spoilt brat. I wasnʼt aware, naturally, at the time, that jealousy existed, so I thought I was a freak of some sort, because I got beaten up so regularly. The funny thing is we werenʼt that welloff at all. Dad, for all his fame, wasnʼt that well paid, like actors are today. I couldnʼt go to the secondary school of my choice, Blackrock College, because the fees were more than we could afford. Anyway, at ʻDe Starʼ I did have a few chums, mostly from Newbridge Avenue and Strand Road. I remember Dad used to get a good deal on cars from Tommy McCairns, of McCairnʼs motor fame. He had the General Motors franchise and so Dad used to get Dodges, Chevrolets and Vauxhalls at a good rate. I didnʼt realize is at the time, but Tommy knew his onions from a marketing point

in the tram tracks. Dadʼs Mother lived in the house he was born in, at Lower Mercer Street, close to St Stephenʼs Green and 100 yards from the Gaiety Theatre. We used to visit her there regularly and she lived over her (by then closed) antique shop. I remember her as a lovely, white-haired lady, who always had little presents or sweets for me and my two brothers. I was six when she died in 1952, aged in her eighties, and I remember Dad being so very sad. I still remember the funeral to Glasnevin. It took Dad a long time to get over it, but being the trouper he was, he never let it interfere with making the punters laugh at the Theatre Royal or the Gaiety. Patrick has kindly allowed us to print extracts from his book, as yet unpublished. Watch out for more recollections in future editions. (Ed)

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PAGE 18

NEWSFOUR OCTOBER 2004

B ACK TO S CHOOL Y ES , IT ’ S THAT TIME AGAIN !

FOR THE more mature among us, ʻback to schoolʼ used to be a time when we got a sinking feeling in our stomachs after the freedom of long Summer holidays. No more, it seems! These local schoolkids seem positively delighted to be back in classs again. They even seem to like their teachers! What is the world coming to? Pictures from bottom clockwise, St Patrickʼs Girlsʼ School, hard at work; hopping at Star of the Sea; St Patrickʼs Boysʼ School; dressing up at Scoil Mhuire, Lakelands; the Star again, lined up for action and above, Gwendolyn Sheridan of St Matthewʼs School with her Junior Infants Class.

NEWSFOUR OCTOBER 2004

PAGE 19

‘No-one should be out there late at night’ By James McCarthy

r Pat was born and reared in Achill Island in County Mayo and after completing medical training at University College Dublin and St Vincentʼs University Hospital he returned to the island with his Dublin born wife Mairead. She was an artist. One November night, the doctor was returning home following a late emergency call to the old coastguard station in Keem Bay, which had been converted to a holiday home. Cut out of the side of the rocky cliff, the Keem Bay road is three hundred feet above the Atlantic. It was a clear night with a full moon and the breakers pounded the rocks below. He felt a strange loneliness. He reached the entrance gates to Corrymore House. “Beautiful view but I would prefer my bed at this unearthly hour– Iʼll be home soon,” he thought. He remembered with a smile his grandfatherʼs tales, about the ghostly presences encountered on the Keem Bay road. “No one should be out there late at night,” he would say. Grandmother was more pragmatic, “Watch out for the live ones they can do you more harm,” she would say. Opposite the gates to Corrymore

‘G UYS

House the engine cut out. He engaged the starter a number of times without success. “Better not to run down the battery, probably a bit of dirt in the carburettor– Iʼll leave it a few minutes and try again,” he thought. Mairead and Pat loved the historic and artistic past of Corrymore House. Corrymore was the former residence of the notorious landlord, Captain Boycott. In 1924 Robert Henri, the famous painter who was the leader of the Ash Can group, visited Achill with his Irish-born wife Majorie Organ and purchased the house. They spent their summers there up to 1928. In July 1929 Henri died from cancer in New York Dr. Pat looked in the direction of the House and to his surprise the entrance gates started to swing open. “Caught in the breeze coming down from Slievmore Mountain,” he thought. In the background the mountain was huge in the night sky. He was cold and shivering. “I must stop this nonsense,” he thought as he recalled his grandfatherʼs ghost stories. The clip-clop of horsesʼ hooves could be heard above the sound of the Atlantic breakers. Slowly through the gates came a black

AND

D OLLS ’

hearse being pulled by four horses. Their heads were elaborately decorated with white and black feathers. Three men, in top hats and long coats followed carrying a coffin. He could hear his grandfatherʼs words. “If in the dead of night you see three men carrying a coffin, then the only way to prevent your own death is to become the fourth pall bearer.” “There must be some logical explanation to this, low blood sugar or something,” he thought. The scene changed suddenly and he seemed to have been transported to Slievmore graveyard. The ground underfoot was mucky and his feet were wet. Strangely, his fear had gone and he now felt comfortable there. He was a spectator as the three men carried the coffin to the open grave. A headstone had been erected and through the swirling mist the words Dr P were visible. The priest carried out the burial ceremony and a lone piper at the top of the cemetery played a lament. He could distinctly hear each shovel of earth thump on the coffin as the

M ARIAN

grave was ﬁlled in. As if woken suddenly from a dream, he was back in his car driving past the gates of Corrymore House. It took him a few seconds to adjust. “I must have dozed for a minute or two and had a nightmare, lucky I didnʼt go off the road,” he thought. When he got home, his wife Mairead had prepared an early breakfast of toast and marmalade. His feet were wet and covered in mud. “I am not going out to any more late calls from strangers, itʼs enough to look after my own patients,” he said. He told Mairead about his ex-

perience and they both concluded that he must have dozed off while driving and his grandfatherʼs ghost stories buried somewhere in his subconscious did the rest. Although it was strange that the emergency call appeared to have come from the old coastguard station, yet when he got there it was all shuttered up for the winter. Two years later in the autumn, the silent killer pancreatic cancer claimed another victim, Dr Patrick OʼConnor. He was buried on a misty day in Slievemore cemetery and a lone piper played a lament. The local undertaker Michael Moran had imported a horse-drawn hearse from England and he had restored it completely. The horses pulling the hearse had been expensive. They had come from the Curragh and were jet black. “My little bit of madness,” was how the undertaker described his new purchase. The Doctor was the ﬁrst person to be buried, using the new hearse. A lone piper at the top of the cemetery played a lament and the mourners complained about how their shoes were being destroyed by the wet and mucky ground in the cemetery. Painting of Keem Bay, Achill by Robert Henri.

c c

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Building and Maintenance Contractors MARIAN COLLEGE is performing ʻGuys and Dollsʼ for their annual musical this year from 1st to 4th December inclusive at 8 pm each night. Booking 6684036 (school hours) and 4514376 (evenings). Last yearʼs South Paciﬁc was a great success and many of last yearʼs strong front line cast are back for ʻGuys and Dollsʼ.

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PAGE 20

NEWSFOUR OCTOBER 2004

Have you got what it takes to be a Board Director? Would you like to be a team player? Want to be part of a growing local business? If so, then come and talk to Sandymount Credit Union! SANDYMOUNT CREDIT UNION is an autonomous registered limited co-operative regulated by the Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority (IFSRA) and is affiliated to the Irish League of Credit Unions. We are owned by our members and are governed by a volunteer board of eleven directors, elected by the credit union membership. We employ professional staff to carry out the day-to-day operations, and we use the most up to date technology specific to our sector. At Sandymount Credit Union we are offering the opportunity to gain valuable experience of both business practices and a community based, community owned co-operative. Sandymount Credit Union is an organisation of people – for people. It exists to serve its members – all surpluses earned from business activities are returned to the members and to the community; no individuals profit at the expense of others. What type of credit union positions exist on a volunteer basis? Board Directors Supervisory Committee Members General Committee Members How do I become involved? We need volunteers at all levels within the credit union but to become a board member or supervisory committee member, you must be elected at the credit unionʼs Annual General Meeting. Any Sandymount Credit Union member, over 16 years of age, can be nominated for election. Simply fill in the coupon opposite and drop it into the credit union or post it to the address given. You may also e-mail us at info@sandymountcu.ie All volunteers and staff in the credit union sign an obligatory declaration of fidelity, which ensures for all members absolute confidentially in all transactions and discussion relating to the credit union. What is involved? The board of directors is elected by the members of the credit union and is responsible for ensuring that the credit union is run properly. Every board director is required to attend monthly board meetings and also to sit on an operational committee of the credit union. The operational committees meet on a weekly basis, during the daytime or in the evening, whichever is suitable to the needs of the committee members. The supervisory committee is elected by the members of the credit union and is responsible for monitoring the board of directors on behalf of the members of the credit union. This committee meets on a continuing regular basis. Do I need specific qualifications? You donʼt need to possess any qualifications to serve as a volunteer. We will provide you with the necessary training to enable you to work as an efficient and effective volunteer. We are looking for people with aptitudes and skills that we can use in the credit union, such as local knowledge, professionalism, integrity, honesty and a desire to give something back to the local community. Are you interested in finding solutions to individual and local community financial requirements? Do you believe in the co-operative ethos of credit unions? If yes, you are one of the people we are looking for.

HISTORY OF SANDYMOUNT CREDIT UNION Founded 1961 Membership 15 Members Shares £15 (€19.05) Members Loans £5 (€6.35)

2004 Membership 4,725 Members Shares €14.25 Million Members Loans €9 Million

NEWSFOUR OCTOBER 2004

PAGE 21

Sandymount Credit Union Limited 13 Bath Avenue, Sandymount, Dublin 4. Tel: 668 5079 / 5073 Fax: 6681807 email: info@sandymountcu.ie Website: www.sandymountcu.ie

SANDYMOUNT CREDIT UNION BOARD

DIRECTORS

Standing, left to right: P. Kavanagh (Chairman); C.Sheehan; C. McDonnell; M. Whelan (Treasurer); T. Owens (Manager); G. Pepper; P. Barrett. Seated, left to right: L. OʼConnell; M. Smith (Secretary); T. Murray; B. Smith; P. Ennis; T. Manning

Benefits of Membership *Guaranteed security of savings * Lodgements and withdrawals can be made on request at our office during the office hours listed * We are open until 8.00pm each Friday for the convenience of members

I am interested in ﬁnding out more about volunteering in the Credit Union. Name ……………………………………………………………

* Lodgements can be made by personal direct debit

Address…………………………………………………………

* Lodgements can be made by company group payroll deduction scheme

Telephone………………………………………………………

* Applications for loans can be made (a) at our ofﬁce (b) either on-line or down-loaded from our website (c) by phone-a-loan

I would like to nominate……………………………………

* All loans are covered by free life insurance – if a member dies, the loan is automatically cleared (Subject to Conditions) * Optional repayment protection insurance against critical illness, sickness and redundancy.

Address………………………………………………………… Signed…………………………………………………………… Address………………………………………………………… Telephone………………………………………………………

PAGE 22

NEWSFOUR OCTOBER 2004

St Patrick’s Temperance Brass and Reed Band, Ringsend c.1913

Members included P. Saunders, Georgie Gough, Tilley Clarke, Dan Redmond, Frank Condron, Stephen Dent, John Doyle, Frank MacDonald, ʻJockeyʼ Sheridan and P. Power. The band seems to have disappeared by the early 1920s.

Ringsend and District Credit Union Ltd. 5 Irishtown Rd., Dublin 4. Phone: 6686676 • Fax: 6686288

At Ringsend Credit Union we now offer • Highly Competitive Lending Interest Rates • Foreign Currencies • Travel Insurance All Business Transacted During Opening Hours OPENING HOURS Monday–Thursday 9.30am-12 noon • 2.00pm- 4.30pm Friday 9.30am-12.30pm • 2.00pm-4.30pm • 6.00pm-8.00pm Closed Wednesday Afternoon

H IGH LIGHTS !

By Frances Corr

he chimneys in Poolbeg are 680 metres in height, and clearly dwarf the Spire in OʼConnell Street at a mere 120 metres. In early August we witnessed in the night sky of Dublin an illumination show that outshone the mere 12,000 light bulbs on the spire. This spectacular show was brought to us courtesy of the barber poles in Poolbeg. The spectacular night lights were caused by the light beam being set at the day time intensity as the engineers endeavoured to adjust the project. During the daytime the light must glow at the highest setting so that it can shine out against blue or grey skies. The chimneys at the ESB power station, Ringsend are on the ﬂight path for one of the runways at Dublin Airport. So the new chimney light has to comply with the latest lighting standards by the Irish Aviation Authority to ensure the

safety of airline passengers and the public. These standards dictate how the lights are set up and their intensity. The new energy-efﬁcient lights will be lit day and night and there are three intensity settings, day, twilight and night, which is the lowest. During the installation of the new lighting system which commenced during the summer, the lights on the west tower were switched on. Over the next number of days, adjustments were made to the beam direction to reduce their visual impact and the night-time lighting intensity was reduced and that was the end of the light show. The new chimney lights have been in service with high daytime and low night lighting levels on the west stack

since then. Similar lights are currently being installed on the east stack and it is expected that this work will be completed during September, at which stage the new lights will be switched on. The lights will be synchronised to ﬂash at the same time as the lights on the other chimney. Mick Downey, the spokesman for ESB Poolbeg, said this is the ﬁrst change of the lights in over 35years on the Poolbeg chimneys. “We are no longer able to source spare parts for lights of this age and we have to update them to comply with the Irish Aviation Authority standards,” he said. The ESB are endeavouring to make the lights as unobtrusive as possible to the local communities.

NEWSFOUR OCTOBER 2004

PAGE 23

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NEWSFOUR OCTOBER 2004

Film Scene •••By Michael Hilliard video cameras, this movie will be remembered as a technical milestone. Collateral is highly recommended viewing. 4 out of 5

‘Super Size Me’

‘Collateral’ THE LATEST film from director Michael Mann (ʻHeatʼ, ʻAliʼ), ʻCollateralʼ is an account of one night in the life of an L.A. cab driver called Max. Through a fantastic performance by Jamie Foxx (ʻAny Given Sundayʼ), Max is portrayed as a part-time cabbie, working nights only so he can save enough money to start up his own limo company. Trouble is, itʼs already been twelve years and heʼs no closer to his dream. Screenwriter Stuart Beattie has the dramatic sense to have Maxʼs everyman win over the audience within the first five minutes. Once we are on his side, things begin to get interesting. Vincent (Tom Cruise) is Maxʼs third fare of the night, one he almost misses, but by some unfortunate timing, one he accepts. Not unlike Heatʼs Neil McCauley (Robert de Niro), Vincent is a professional who takes pride in his work. Offering Max twice his nightly earnings, Vincent persuades him to make five stops around the city, allowing him to visit old friends to close a real estate deal. Of course, unbeknownst to Max, Vincent is actually a hit-man hired by drug lords, to kill several people that night. As high concept thrillers go, this is up there with the best of them. Michael Mann has crafted an unashamedly crowd-pleasing

picture. The pacing is perfect, the dialogue snappy and the action scenes, focusing almost entirely on Vincentʼs treatment of anyone foolish enough to get in his way, are notably brutal, particularly his penultimate contract killing in a packed nightclub. Tom Cruise has played cold and unscrupulous types before (Frank Mackey in ʻMagnoliaʼ comes to mind) but he has never been this frighteningly effective. This outstanding performance more than compensates for his embarrassing ʻOscar-baitʼ work in ʻThe Last Samuraiʼ. Cruiseʼs physical transformation is a huge aid to his performance, with his silver haired, silk-suited assassin thankfully not overshadowed by his toothy ʻTom Cruise: Megastarʼ image. For Michael Mann, the supporting cast seems equally as important as the two principal players. Mark Ruffalo as an LAPD detective on the murder trail, Bruce McGill as an FBI agent and Barry Shabaka Henley as a jazz club owner all lend believability and gravitas to their roles. Javier Bardem also makes the most of his bit-part as drug lord Felix. Thanks to impressive cinematography by Dion Beebe (ʻEquilibriumʼ) and Paul Cameron (ʻMan on Fireʼʼ), the City of Los Angeles exudes a real sense of loneliness and isolation. Filmed almost completely with digital

Thirty seven per cent of young Americans and two-thirds of all American adults are either overweight or obese. Upon discovering this, ﬁlmmaker Morgan Spurlock decides to ﬁnd out why. While interviewing experts in twenty U.S. cities, including Houston, Texas ʻThe Fattest City in Americaʼ, Spurlock sets himself the task of eating his three main meals at McDonaldʼs, every day, for a whole month. He declares that he can only eat what is available over the counter, that he only has to super-size his meal when offered, and that he has to eat every item on the menu at least once. Along the way, a team of doctors and a nutritionist follow his progress, their concern mounting along with Spurlockʼs cholesterol. It is brought to our attention early on in the documentary, that there are four McDonaldʼs restaurants per square mile in Manhattan alone and that one and a half billion dollars is spent annually on advertising. We are also informed that McDonaldʼs Chiefs refer to their customers as either heavy users or light users, not unlike the terms used to classify heroin addicts. Spurlock forwards the case for food addiction by highlighting, what he believes, is the pushing of an addictive substance upon children, with the availability of ʻHappyʼ meals, Ronald McDonald, and in-house party

areas landing a lethal propagandist blow to their young minds. All the while, Curtis Mayfieldʼs ʻPusher-manʼ plays on the soundtrack. The result is disastrous. He gains over twenty five pounds in three weeks, eating around five thousand calories a day (compared to the recommended two thousand). He damages his liver to the point of seriously endangering his health. He also complains about chest pains, depression, headaches, sugar/caffeine crashes, and heart palpitations at various stages throughout the month. The film also explores the state of the school lunch programme, the decline in P.E. class, and the extreme measures people take to lose weight and regain their health. 4 out of 5

ʻAnchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundyʼ You thought ʻDodgeballʼ was bad? A ʻComedyʼ about a 1970s news anchor in San Diego. Itʼs even worse than it sounds. What was (the usually hilarious) Will Ferrel thinking? Not even an unexpected cameo appearance by Ben Stiller, Luke Wilson and Tim Robbins can save this disaster. Two moments of comedy in ninety four minutes is not good enough. 1 out of 5

For Your Consideration… ʻThe Punisherʼ A Marvel comic book adaptation that falls way short of the high standard set by ʻSpidermanʼ and its sequel. Essentially a violent revenge flick, ʻThe Punisherʼ dabbles with offbeat comedy (the gay henchman?) which doesnʼt quite work. Still, if you are in the mood for an eighties style Schwarzenegger circa ʻCommandoʼ brainless action film, this may be worth a rental sometime. File safely in the ʻso bad itʼs goodʼ section. 2.5 out of 5 ʻDodgeball: A True Underdog Storyʼ A small local gym is threatened with extinction by a gleaming sports and fitness palace unless a group of social rejects can rise to victory in the ultimate dodgeball competition. Ben Stiller seems to have lost his sense of humour. This year so far we have had to endure ʻAlong Came Pollyʼ, ʻStarsky and Hutchʼ and now this mess. ʻDodgeballʼ just isnʼt funny enough. 2 out of 5

Movie News * ʻThe chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobeʼ is currently shooting in New Zealand. Directed by Shreksʼs Andrew Adamson, this is Disneyʼs great hope for Christmas 2005. Early reports are positive, and so sure are they of success, it seems a second instalment in the franchise called ʻPrince Caspianʼ is already in the works. * There will be a new ʻSupermanʼ movie in 2006. Director Bryan Singer (ʻThe Usual Suspectsʼ, ʻX-Menʼ) has signed on, and the movie begins shooting in March 2005 for Warner Brothers in Sydney, Australia. No word yet on who will play the titular hero, but it is likely that it will be an unknown. * Classic seventies horror ﬂick ʻThe Amityville Horrorʼ starring James Brolin and Margot Kidder is being remade for release in 2005. It will star Ryan Reynolds (ʻBlade: Trinityʼ) and Melissa George (ʻDark Cityʼ).

NEWSFOUR OCTOBER 2004

PAGE 25

S NIBBIN ’ OFF M OORE ’ S L OCK

M EMORIES

OF HAPPY FISHING DAYS

By Christy Hogan

ooreʼs lock was the final lock gate when crossing from the Ringsend side. It ran from Hanover quay to Green Street and was supervised by a man called Mr. Moore who lived in a ʻgate houseʼ beside the lock. This was a great spot for fishing. Like most young boys, I began fishing at the lock gates in Ringsend where the Canal, the Dodder and the Liffey form a confluence to meander into Dublin Bay. It was the early 1960s and I had received a fishing rod and reel as a present the previous Christmas. The coal boats came through the lock gates bringing their cargo to the Gas Company at Misery Hill. On one occasion a ship

damaged the lock gate and the Canal basin emptied completely. There always seemed to be dead cats and dogs floating in the canal around this time. If you crossed the locks at dinner time you would see the men returning to work at Metal Utilities, the Raleigh Bicycle Company and Paul and Vincents. Dockers were ubiquitous, crossing from one quay to another on the ferry. Snibbing is another word for ʻfoul hookingʼ a fish and something I would not do today. Itʼs a cruel way to catch fish. When you advanced from snibbing you would either spin or use a float. Mullet were in abundance and could be seen in large shoals all along the river Liffey. They appeared in thousands like a dark blanket on the surface of the water, their mouths opening and

closing like a massive nautical choir. Sometimes weʼd follow them as far as Butt Bridge and to Marian College on the Dodder. A favourite spot for mullet and bass was the ʻhot watersʼ, a waterfall of warm water ﬂowing from the ESB station on Pigeon House Road. From Mooreʼs Lock to the area known as the Point, dozens of boys and men would ﬁsh the summer long. On seeing the massive shoal youʼd cast your

line among the fish, dragging a number of treble hooks through the water. More often than not youʼd snib one or sometimes two fish in the one cast. Graduating from snibbinʼ was a big step. Most of us began to fish for mackerel and bass using either a spinner, or float fishing using herring fry as bait. This was ʻrealʼ fishing and snibbinʼ was now only for beginners. Watching the float grace the water and then bob below the surface as the bait was taken was

magic. You were now catching mackerel and bass, real edible fish. Sometimes trawlers would berth along the quay wall taking up precious fishing space. On a bright August afternoon as the mackerel were breaking the waterʼs surface chasing fry, a man fishing next to me cast his line. As the line weaved its way through the air it became entangled in a seagull. This was a new experience. The man reeled the unfortunate bird gently to shore, held its beak, disentangled it and watched as it took to the air once more. The man then continued fishing. That was really cool, I thought, and when it happened to me some time later I knew exactly what to do. Sometimes weʼd fish for ʻflatsʼ. Flats was a name used to describe flounder, plaice and dabs etc. On one occasion I snibbed a small flounder along the quay wall and a man close by immediately offered me 3d for it. I took the money and the man, without hesitation, threw the fish back into the water. The little fish swam fast and disappeared beneath the surface. I was glad: I had got the message– and the money.

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TASTY, VARIED, VALUE

PAGE 26

NEWSFOUR OCTOBER 2004

The Jukebox Review MUSIC

By Dan Hegarty

ove, hate, cherish, despise… There is rarely any fence sitting when The Frames come up in conversation. Since their inception in the early 90s, their relationship with the public has been distinctly two-tone. ʻBurn The Mapsʼ (Plateau), their fifth studio album is in many ways their most adventurous. As theyʼve always done, The Frames have avoided any transparent formulae, and made a heartfelt and at times unpredictable record. ʻBurn The Mapsʼ doesnʼt reveal its strengths immediately, but give it three or four rotations, and you might hear The Frames best album yet. The artists formerly known as Jon Spencer Blues Explosion are back– now simply Blues Explosion. Soundwise, not a lot has changed– ʻDamageʼ (Mute) is as insane and brilliant as any of their previous outings. As the years go by, these crazy old men of Rock ʻNʼ Roll just seem to get more ʻout thereʼ! Just when you thought the world was safe from Celine Dion, back she comes with another epic, gut-wrenching bunch of weepies. ʻMiracleʼ (Columbia) finds Dion on vocal and emotional autopilot. I know youʼre probably thinking… ʻCeline Dion, what an easy target to slag off ʼ, but to be honest, if she keeps putting out tiresome muck like this, she deserves all the slagging she gets. Kasabian are one of the current crop of media darlings. However the material on their album ʻKasabianʼ (RCA) has a lot more edge than most of their contemporaries. There are some ladrock tendencies, which are a little irritating, but over all this record isnʼt bad. ʻI.Dʼ and ʻU Boatʼ are good songs that will win this band a

The Frames and The Go! Team - two great bands with two great albums.

much bigger following. ʻThunder Lightening Strikeʼ (Memphis Industries) from The Go! Team is a serious contender for album of the year. It jumps genres, and skips from sampled electronic tunes into what sounds like Sixties Soul. Trying to describe this beauty is probably a waste of time– take a listen, you wonʼt be disappointed! Thereʼs no denying that ʻGravityʼ is a fine song, but Embrace have always left more question marks than satisfactory answers. ʻOut Of Nothingʼ (Independiente) contains some catchy material, however it all sounds too calculated and mapped out. Itʼs like all the songs have

been written to sit between the perimeters which FM Rock has established - pity, Embrace have shown flashes of true class at times. IN BRIEF: The Redneck Manifestoʼs new album ʻI Am Brazilʼ (Trust me Iʼm A Thief) should be on your shopping list– itʼs their best yet, and will hopefully build on the success they found with their previous two albums. ʻCoursesʼ (Brassneck) from Halite is also worth picking up. The bandʼs follow-up to 2003ʼs ʻHead Onʼ album is a heavier affair, but just as enjoyable. If like many, you were undecided as to whether The

Fiery Furnaces were any good after hearing their debut album, their latest ʻ Blueberry Boatʼ (Rough Trade) will confirm that they are a damn good band– pick of the album is ʻMy Dog was Lost But Now Heʼs Foundʼ. DJ Krush wonʼt be amassing fans with ʻJakuʼ (Columbia). This will be uneasy listening for most, but some of his trademark touches make it worthwhile for those who are familiar with his material. Reaction to the new U2 single has been hugely positive, and who are we to disagree? ʻVertigoʼ (Island) is vintage U2– the countdown to ʻHow To Dismantle An Atomic Bombʼ is now on!

RECOMMENDED: Green Day ʻAmerican Idiotʼ (Reprise) Katell Keineg ʻHigh Julyʼ (Megaphone) Jape ʻThe Monkeys In The Zoo Have More Fun Than Meʼ (Trust me Iʼm A Thief) Tom Waits ʻReal Goneʼ (Anti) Therapy? ʻNever Apologies Never Explainʼ (Spitﬁre) Jesse & Layla ʻKineticʼ (JL) Jeff Buckley ʻGraceʼ 10th Anniversary Legacy Edition (Columbia) Mansun ʻKleptomaniaʼ (Parlophone) Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds ʻAbattoir Blues/The Lyre Of Orpheusʼ (Mute) Gavin Moore ʻUntil Todayʼ CMR)

ESSENTIAL LISTENING

The Prodigy ʻAlways Outnumbered Never Outgunnedʼ (XL) After a six-year void ʻAlways Outnumbered Never Outgunnedʼ had to be good. This, their fourth record is more ʻMusic For The Jilted Generationʼ than ʻThe Fat Of The Landʼ. ʻGirlsʼ, ʻHot Rideʼ, and ʻThe Way It Isʼ are the highlights from an essential album. www.theprodigy.com

Pete Pamf ʻProne To Abuseʼ (P.A.) If strong language offends you, run away if you spot this album in your local record shop. On ʻProne To Abuseʼ, Pamf covers a concoction of topics (crabs, Bewleyʼs Menu, etc.) in a fashion that will surely make him a hero for under-achievers. www.petepamf.com

Jeff Martin ʻSpoonʼ (Casino Gravity) Much like Ben Leeʼs ʻBreathing Tornadosʼ, ʻSpoonsʼ is a simple record. Rather than trying to be clever with layer and mixing tracks, Martin has left each song to breathe. The one concern is that this record might slip by without people getting the chance to hear it– treat yourself! www.jeffmartinmusic.com

Blink ʻDeep Inside The sound Of Sadnessʼ (Serene) This is an album thatʼs been six years in the making. The band may not be ʻthe next big thingʼ anymore, but they can still write seamless pop tunes. ʻTo Goʼ and ʻDonʼt You Rollerblade In Nashville, Tennessee?ʼ are timeless gems that will serve the band well in the coming years. www.irishblink.com

NEWSFOUR OCTOBER 2004

PAGE 27

Music From Another Place Heʼs known by many as the man behind ʻManiacʼ. Six years after that song became one of the biggest singles in Irish chart history, Mark McCabe has abandoned the proven formula, and re-invented himself with a new project - Music From The 4th Place.

“E

ven back then when I was touring with ʻManiacʼ, I was quite shy about it,” McCabe reflects. “I used to tell people ʻthis is just a calling cardʼ– it was more like something to get my name known. I naturally didnʼt realize how successful the song was going to be, but it certainly gave me a good platform to work from.” Earlier this year Mark unveiled his latest musical outing with Music From The 4th Placeʼs debut single ʻAuroraʼ. For many, this may have seemed a strange path to take, but the full picture came into view when the album ʻVersion 1ʼ came out at the beginning

of this month. “This is a record where any kind of music that Iʼve listened to in my life has been an influ-

ence on it. To put a finger on particular individuals would be difficult, because I listen to all kinds of stuff– Techno,

to Singer/Songwriters, then other stuff like House, Classical, and Rock, so I try and take influences from anything I listen to.” McCabe drafted in a number of vocalists and musicians to record ʻVersion 1ʼ, these included Derrick Devine (of Ellison 9) and Louise Byrne (from Delta Line). The addition of these guests brings an organic feel to a record that hovers between styles and tempos effortlessly. Aside from Music From The 4th Place, Mark McCabe is well known as a radio presenter on RTE 2FM. Much like the music he makes, his current show (Mondays from midnight to 2am), is a mixture of all sorts– as all good radio should be. “Being a radio presenter gives you a testing ground to find out exactly what it is that people want to hear. Having the show is like having a portal into peopleʼs minds– you can throw tunes at them and see how they respond– you can ask them questions, which theyʼll text back and answer you. “At the end of the day, when youʼre a radio presenter, you have to know what people

want. When you translate that into the recording studio, you have a very interesting weapon– youʼre used to hearing certain things, and you almost have a sixth sense that you know a record is going to do well.” Modesty constantly comes to mind while talking to Mark, although he knows that ʻVersion 1ʼ is a good album, heʼs humble about the quality of its content. Remarkably, heʼs already planning the next phase of Music From The 4th Place, which will come our way in due course. “I think people realized that I wasnʼt talking crap when I said that ʻManiacʼ was a calling card, and wasnʼt really me. The stuff on this album was finished almost two years ago, and its a small step in the direction of where I want to go, but I think thereʼs enough on this album to make people realize that itʼs possible that I could go on and make a really, really good record one of these days! ʻVersion 1ʼ was my first album, and Iʼve learned an awful lot, but Iʼm just looking forward to getting on with the next one to be honest.” ʻVersion 1ʼ by Music From The 4th Place is out now.

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

hristmas (yes, that word already!) has come early for Virgin Prunes fans. Mute Records re-issued the bandʼs back catalogue last month. ʻOver The Rainbowʼ, ʻ...If I Die, I Dieʼ, ʻHeresieʼ, ʻThe Moon Looked Down & Laughedʼ, and ʻA New Form Of Beautyʼ are now available on CD format for the ﬁrst time. Interestingly, rumours of a reunion havenʼt been quashed yet. Aside from a rather rash live review recently, things keep getting better for The Thrills. Not only did the band capture the No.1 spot with their second album ʻLetʼs Bottle Bohemiaʼ, they were also invited to open for The Pixies on their recent 19-date US tour. The Thrills will play their largest Irish headline show at The Point on December 21. Speaking of live music, there are a number of gigs coming up that you might want to check out. Snow Patrol, Ben Folds, The Album Leaf, and others are all Dublin bound…

Tychonaut - Crawdaddy on October 9 Death In Vegas - Ambassador on October 12 Pony Club - Whelanʼs on October 13 The Album Leaf - Whelanʼs on October 17 Divine Comedy - Olympia on October 20 Amp Fiddler - Temple Bar Music Centre on October 22 Rufus Wainright - Vicar Street on October 26 The Magnetic Fields - Olympia on October 31 Future Kings Of Spain & Republic Of Loose - UCD Bar on November 4 Ben Folds - Vicar Street on November 15 Scissors Sisters - RDS on December 28 Snow Patrol - RDS on December 29 REM - The Point on February 26 & 27

The Thrills.

PAGE 28

NEWSFOUR OCTOBER 2004

The Fontenoy Files Tracy Staunton Remembered

By Shay Connolly

he Tracy Staunton ladies football tournament was held on our new Prunty pitch last month and what a successful tournament it turned out to be. Brilliantly organised by Jean Joyce and Pat Kane it involved 8 of the top junior teams in Dublin. The draw for the competition was held early in the morning by Martin Mannion from Crawfordʼs Ford Centre. It pitted our first team against hot favourites Thomas Davis in the opening match and what a match it turned out to be with Clanns pulling away in the last couple of minutes to score a brilliant win. They easily dispatched Naomh Barrog and Na Fianna in their next rounds to reach the semifinal. Meanwhile the second Clanns team was battling it out against much stronger opposition in St Anneʼs, Ballymun and Ballyboden and they performed exceptionally well, losing narrowly in two of their matches. The first team had a great semi-final win over Ballymun and went on to meet hot shots Ballyboden in the final. This was a great match with Clanns getting off to a flyer to lead by 5 points after 5 minutes and held the advantage to lead by four at the interval. The game ebbed and flowed in the second half, with Clanns always keeping their noses in front. That was until the dying seconds when Ballyboden got a goal to lead by two. As hard as they tried Clanns, could not get the equaliser or the winner and despite being the better team for most of the match, victory was not to be theirs on this occasion. In the Shield competition St Anneʼs beat Naomh Barrog in the final. The presentations were held in the Clubhouse afterwards where some beautiful words were spoken by Tracyʼs Mother. Tracyʼs parents were in attendance all day and they thanked the Club for honouring Tracy in such a special way. Martin Mannion from Crawfords Ford Centre on the Beach Road said he was delighted to sponsor the event and

Dublin Hurling and football star Conal Keaney and Coaches with the prizewinners at the Club Hurling Summer Competition. looked forward to its continued success in the future. By the letters of thanks received by Jean Joyce afterwards, this competition is here to stay for many a year. Jean has recently taken command of the Saturday morning football and hurling nursery. The numbers attending have now passed all records with 100 people plus signed up. Great credit is due to Jeanʼs organisation skills and if you want your child to participate please ring Jean at 6672204. Tea and Coffee will be served for the parents each Saturday morning and they can keep an eye on little Johnny or wee Wendy from the beautiful view of our Clubhouse. From this view you can see the Dublin Mountains, Dun Laoghaire Harbour and Sally OʼBrien and the way she might look at you. We started our own Summer camps this year in football and hurling as well as the Leinster Summer Camps and we invited members from St Joeyʼs of Sheriff Street along. Dublin Port Co awarded some beautiful trophies to the best player etc and we would like to thank Charlie Murphy, Michael Sheary and Gerry Barry for their presentation.

The third Summer Camp available to the Club was the Docklands hurling and football camp held in Parnell Park. Club members enjoyed a wonderful 4 days being coached by Nicky English, Niall Quinn and Conal Keaney. They were collected each morning at the club by coach and returned safely that afternoon. So all in all a great summer was had by all the kids at the club. David Trolanʼs team is having a wonderful season to date. David, a past master of both football and hurling and who played with the legend himself, is passing on all his expertise to the U.10s. David began coaching this team two years ago and they now ﬁnd themselves top of the league, with three matches remaining, having had some great wins over Cuala Casements, Liffey Gaels and Ballinteer St. Johnʼs. Some excellent players are performing for this team, Fran Mosnier, Gareth Trolan, Jacob Farrell, Kevin Stafford, Tadhg Coleman, Paul Casey, and Eddie Doyle to name but a few. David will be introducing hurling with them next month when they will prepare for next yearʼs Camaint Tournament Inter footballers have remained unbeaten since we last wrote and

are heading for the promotion play-offs with an outside chance of automatic promotion itself. Their latest mauling dished out was a 15 point hammering of Naomh Mearnog in Portmarnock. This again represents a fantastic achievement by Albert and the Boys considering the defections suffered at the beginning of the year. Also having a great season are the U15 hurlers who, at time of print, are contesting the semi-final of the championship, having already won the league. U16 hurlers were knocked out of the championship at the semifinal stage. A number of factors contributed to this, including some key players who were just returning after a flu virus. However, they remain top of the league with two matches remaining. These two matches are extremely difficult assignments so itʼs fingers crossed. Our second and wonderful new Prunty pitch held its first match on Sunday 12th September with the Minor hurlers beating Naomh Barrog in the first round of the Championship. This pitch is truly a great surface but we are all anxious here at the club because of the abuse that the first pitch suffered since it opened.

People practising golf in the very early hours in the morning have left gaping holes in the surface. Other times, club personnel have had to clear the pitch of broken bottles etc from previous nightʼs drinking. To add to that, we have had our juvenile goalposts broken down on more than one occasion. These events have left a sour taste in the mouth considering all the investment that has gone into this pitch. We pray and hope that it will not happen to the second pitch but we are powerless to prevent it from occurring again. Our floodlight project has commenced and this will see the two pitches floodlit from some time in November. Having spoken to numerous walkers who use the park, they are all delighted that the park will be lit-up at night and that they will be able to take themselves and their dogs for a walk during winter time. This is indeed a massive undertaking for the club and despite a generous grant from Dublin Docklands Development Authority, for which we are extremely grateful, we will still have a hefty deficit on this project. To offset this deficit we are introducing a 10-year family Membership scheme. This scheme will be formally launched in the clubhouse in the next few weeks. So members– the club is a-calling. We need you! All club members are up in arms over our Juvenile pitch in Ringsend. To put the record straight, we released our Juvenile pitch in Ringsend to accommodate our soccer neighbours while the stadium project was taking place. This project is now complete and we still have not recovered the Juvenile pitch in Ringsend. The end result is that many of our 14 juvenile teams now have to concede home advantage. As if it wasnʼt difficult enough, having to compete against many of the bigger clubs but having to concede home advantage is making it impossible for us. And to really pose a problem, our first Prunty pitch will be closed for repairs during the month of October, which will leave us with no Juvenile pitch at all! What are we supposed to do?

NEWSFOUR OCTOBER 2004

Backchat * Sincere condolences to Mulreaney, McCabe, Mantle, Boylan, Dunne, Byrne, Kemple, Jago and McCartney families in what was a terrible month for deaths in our community. Condolences to her family on the death of Abbey Rose Kemple. Celine Mulreaney was the life and soul of many a social occasion in the Clubhouse and will be sorely missed as too will our lifelong friend Joe McCabe, who was part of the furniture with us over the past 15 years. Another dear and cherished member, Kathleen McCartney, was a great worker for the club over the years and always treated it as her second home and we all too will sorely miss her. * Des Markey is now working for a government agency in trying to promote hurling in the Far East. Des is regularly travelling that part of the world trying to unearth raw talent for this ancient craft of ours. So far, Des has come back with nothing only miraculous medals. * King of Karaoke himself, Pat Kane surprised quite a few and raised more eyebrows than normal when he took the stage at the launch of our Friday night Karaoke spot recently. Keeping his eyes closed as he does when he speaks, the crowd was aghast at the singing powers of the Chairman. Older patrons compared him to Count John McCormack and Perry Como, while younger ones were whispering Robbie Williams and Eminem. Pat gave a lovely rendering of the 1930s love song ʻKissing you at the goalpost down by the Prunty Pitchʼ. Thank God, Conor Dodd was in place to attend to

PAGE 29 the many women who fainted. The club wishes them a speedy recovery. * Sincere condolences to U9 mentor John Dodd on the death of his father in Sligo. * The ʻMoan of the Year Awardʼ, inaugurated last year, is fast becoming the most soughtafter piece of crystal going. Such are the amount of moans that we received this year that the judging committee is set to be increased from two to ten. But the job is very satisfying due to the nature of the complaints. Here are just a few: ʻThe ﬂoor is too shinyʼ ʻThat door doesnʼt open quick enoughʼ ʻThe drink is too cheapʼ ʻThe music is too much seventiesʼ ʻThe Bar staff arenʼt pretty enoughʼ ʻThe Big Screen is too bigʼ ʻThe Small screen is too smallʼ ʻThe tables are too roundʼ I could go on forever. There are many who are shortlisted for this coveted prize and I will have pleasure naming the winner in the New Year. * Shay Connolly recently tried out his thespian talents with a special extra part in Fair City. The crew of this wonderful soap was shooting in the surrounds of our new clubhouse. They actually used it as a hotel but Julie Egan was peeved that actor Paul was sitting in her chair. Such was the impact that Shay made that Director, Stephanie Stielberger has pencilled him in for a love scene over the next couple of weeks. The scene involves a fairly steamy session with the local rose of Carricks-

Martin Mannion presents the Shield to winners St Anneʼs with chairman Pat Kane. town but ends up in tears when he starts talking about hurling in the middle of it. As if there was ever a comparison! * Australian Seamus Keating entered the Clanna Gael Fontenoy book of records when he scored 1-1 for the U11 hurlers recently. He became the ﬁrst person from that part of the world to score for the club. No he isnʼt one of Des Markeyʼs recruits. * New Club website is up and running. The address is www. clannagaelfontenoy.ie and its constructor is Dan Palmer. Any information at all can be left in the Clubhouse where Dan will duly paste it on to the site. * Clubnight takes place on the 30th October in the upstairs lounge. Players of the year, Club person of the year, Legend of the year etc are all up for grabs. Nominations in a brown envelope to Secretary Conor Dodd.

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

Calafort Átha Cliath

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

Telephone: 887 6000, 855 0888 Fax: 855 7400 Web: www.dublinport.ie St Patrickʼs, Ringsend and Star of the Sea hurlers at their Hurling Blitz Day in Clanna Gael Fontenoy.

PAGE 30

NEWSFOUR OCTOBER 2004

C AMBRIDGE B OYS F.C. V C HERRY O RCHARD F.C. 4:1

Always a winning team

C AMBRIDGE G O C HERRY P ICKING !

By Derek Buckley

he game was started with a minuteʼs silence as a mark of respect for Noel Mantle who recently passed away. He was heavily involved in the club and will be sorely missed by players, managers and committee members. Cambridge under 11s premier are coached by Billy Colton and Shels player Alan Murphy and managed by Andy Nolan and Michael Kilroy. After a bad start the week before when beaten by Crumlin Utd things had to get better and better they did get. However, it was not to be easy for Cambridge, as their opposition were the well-respected, Cherry Orchard. From kick-off there was only one outcome, and that was victory for the home side. They were first to everything and even though they looked physically smaller than their opposition, they played with a lot of passion! Both wingers, Dean Kelly and Paul Healy could have had one goal each as early as in the first 5 minutes but praise for Cherryʼs goalkeeper, although he conceded 4 goals he still had a terrific game. Minutes later both Jason Doyle and Daniel Power had efforts saved. The deadlock was broken on

the 18th minute mark by Jason Doyle with his top corner cracker, 1:0. The 23rd minute, Cambridge went 2:0 through fast legs, Dean Kelly. Although Cherry Orchard did have one or two half chances they were denied by replacement keeper Michael Kilroy who stood in for injured, Jordan Barnes. At half-time off went Daniel Power and on came Steven Caulﬁeld. After 40 minutes Cambridge made it 3:0 with a 20-yard volley from Sean Kavanagh. Minutes later Dean Kelly made it 4:0 as he sent the goalkeeper the wrong way. For the last 15 minutes Cambridge, well in control, brought on David Kiernan and Andrew Doyle as Kelly and Doyle made way for them. Every player was outstanding. Ryan Tiernan and Craig Nangle were tower blocks in defence alongside Ross Kemple and Gary Mullen. Man of the match went to Dean Kelly. Iʼm sure you all heard the saying ʻLike Father, like son!ʼ Well in this case it was ʻLike son will be better than father!ʼ Markievicz Celtic V Sandyhill F.C. 3:1 Marks Advance through Dunne Screamer Markievicz hosting Sandyhill F.C. in the second round of the

F.A.I. junior cup having already beaten their opponents 2:0. Cup matches should be different but that was not the case for Sandyhill who were simply woeful and to be honest Markievicz werenʼt far behind them as Manager Joe Coleman stated “we played bad and got a result!” On the brighter side of things, Coleman has worked wonders with Marks. Last year they were relegated to Premier B and nowadays they sit proudly on top of the table after seven matches with six wins and one draw. It was a bright start for the hosts and the few early chances they had were squandered, they were in control and it was strange to see the visitors playing so deep, the likes of Alan

Murphy and previous under 21s Shamrock Rovers player, Joe OʼConnor having so much space in defence. Marks best chance came in the 25th minute when OʼConnor brushed aside four Sandyhill players with a run from his own half to feed the ball onto the path of Carl OʼBrien and from the edge of the box his effort wasnʼt quite as good as it should have been. As Marks took their foot off the pedal this below-average Sandyhill side took a surprise lead from a half-cleared header from Willie Bell to gift No.8 an early Christmas present 0:1 where goalkeeper and captain Brian Whelan could do nothing. Chances galore fell to Marks through Lynch, OʼBrien and Dunne but Sandyhillʼs goalkeeper kept denying them. The second half Marks were up against a stiff breeze and there was a simple solution, keep it on the deck, which they did but they had a problem in getting the ball past the last man and then on the hour mark Sandyhillʼs defender, feeling

probably sorry for Marks, gave them a dig-out and slots the ball in his own net, 1:1. Marks second came minutes later from a Mark Teeling throwin onto the boot of Tony Dunne and the rest was a carbon copy of the famous Ronnie Whelan goal scored in Lansdowne Road many years ago, 2:1. The game ended as a contest with 15 minutes left as Philip Crowe tapped in an OʼBrien cross 3:1. Markievicz did make good, but I still rate them alongside Liffeys as the best team in the area, and wish them all the best for the season. Finally the Committee would like to thank Clanna Gael for the use of their facilities and also Nicols Funeral Home, their main sponsor. Star Man: Joe Oʼ Connor. Attendance: 42. Top left: Cambridge Boys Under 11s. Above: Captain Kilroy, Referee Mr. Martin and Man of the Match Dean Kelly. Below: Markievicz gets a half-time lashing by Manager Joe Coleman.

NEWSFOUR OCTOBER 2004

PAGE 31

P ATRICK K AVANAGH ’ S C ENTENARY Y EAR By Patrick Duffy

atrick Kavanagh, one of the foremost Irish poets of the twentieth century, was born in Inniskeen on 21st October 1904. His ﬁrst volume of poems ʻThe Ploughman and other poemsʼ was published in 1936. Kavanagh went to Dublin in 1939 where he worked as a journalist and ﬁlm critic. In the early 40s his poems began to attract attention. In Dublin, his beloved second home, he was immortalized according to his wishes: “O commemorate me with no hero-courageous tomb– just a canal-bank seat for the passer-by.”

The Trustees of the Patrick Kavanagh estate organised a centenary celebration outside Parsons bookshop in July of this year to honour his memory. Peter Kavanagh, his brother, who lives in New York, was there to address the crowd. Patrick lived in Raglan Road and used to drink in the local pubs. He is especially remembered by Dubliners for his great poem ʻRaglan Roadʼ. This poem was recorded and popularised by Luke Kelly and set to the traditional air ʻFainne Gael an Laeʼ (The Dawning of the Day). On Raglan Road of an Autumn day I saw her ﬁrst and knew, That her dark hair would weave

a snare That I might someday rue. I saw the danger and I passed Along the enchanted way. And I said, “Let grief be a fallen leaf At the dawning of the day.” Events Screening of Patrick Kavanagh related ﬁlms in the Irish Film Centre, Eustace Street on 14th October. (6793477) Ofﬁcial Centenary Commemoration, 21st October in The City Hall, Dublin 13.00 to 14.30 featuring well-known actors and musicians. All welcome. Special Kavanagh Commemorative Evening on 21st October in the National Concert Hall, organized by Noel OʼGrady.

ENABLE IRELAND – SUPPORTING FAMILIES By Rose Hogan

n September 9th last Enable Ireland held their 5km corporate challenge in St. Annʼs Park in Raheny. Companies, clubs, organizations and friends got together in teams of three or four and walked, jogged, and ran to raise muchneeded funds for people with disabilities. Funds raised by the challenge went directly towards Enable Irelands East Region in their work for children and young adults with physical disabilities. Enable Ireland currently provide a wide range of services including physiotherapy, speech therapy, pre-school and primary education, they also provide respite services and parent and family support groups. From this event the East Region Fundraising Ofﬁce expects to raise in excess of €15,000, as the sponsorship money is still rolling in. Companies that took part in this event include Microsoft, Barclays Bank, AXA Insurance, Aer Lingus, Hibernian Life, Bank of Ireland, Air Canada to name but a few. This year Enable Ireland replaced their Yellow Ribbon emblem with a button badge, which

went on sale nationwide from 20th to the 26th of September for their action week on disability. The theme this year was support for families. Enable Ireland has been assisting the families of thousands of children and adults with physical conditions such as cerebral palsy, spina biﬁda, muscular dystrophy and development delay. Caitlin Hazell, East Region Fundraising Co-ordinator said: “This new campaign was an exciting development for everyone involved including staff, parents and service users.” Last year Ireland had the great honour of hosting the Special Olympics. It was a wonderful experience that left us in no doubt that Irish hospitality and

generosity is very much alive. It also gave us an insight into how much people with physical and learning difﬁculties can achieve. Coming up on the 20th and 21st of November, Enable Ireland is holding an Art Exhibition and Auction in the Sandymount Centre. Artists from all over Ireland are being invited to bring works along for sale and 25% of the sale price will be donated to Enable Ireland, together with the proceeds of the Auction. All are welcome. More information on the work of Enable Ireland can be found on their website: www.enableireland.ie. Above: Fun with Pat Shortt and friends for Enable Ireland.

PAGE 32

Alternative Careers in Music Seminar FOLLOWING ON from the very successful launch of the Alternative Careers in 2002, the RDS is delighted to announce the 2004 seminar. ʻAlternative Careers in Musicʼ is directed at students who have a serious interest in a career in music outside of performance or teaching. The daylong seminar will take place on Saturday 9th October in the Minerva Suite of the RDS. Guest speakers, who are experts in their fields, will advise on all aspects of alternative music careers. Topics covered will include marketing, public relations, journalism, sales and care of instruments, music therapy and technology. Each speaker will partake in a question and answer time, with a career guidance expert on hand to offer advice on courses and degrees. The well-known Lyric FM broadcaster Eamon Lawlor will act as Chairman for the day. The work of the Royal Dublin Society in the promotion of music dates back to the last century. The Societyʼs musical activities have been at the forefront of Irish culture. Today the work of the RDS Music SubCommittee is primarily concerned with the encouragement of young musicians and education programmes. The cost of the day-long seminar is €5 which includes a light lunch, and bookings will be taken on a first come, first served basis. Further information from: Ciara King, RDS Arts Development Executive at: Direct line: 01-240 7211 Email: ciara. king@rds.ie.

NEWSFOUR OCTOBER 2004

Tommy Lacey RIP (1928-2004) ‘Work is Love Made Visible’

ommy was very proud of his workmates and of his job as a train-driver. He was known among his workmates as: ʻThe Senatorʼ, ʻThe Skipperʼ, ʻRosieʼ– whatever that meant, and ʻCrash the Gatesʼ. I dare not ask what that name referred to. He loved the fact that in his working life he had driven the full range of trains– from steam engines to diesels and, later, the electric Darts. He also loved CIE but that didnʼt stop him being a very active trade unionist, first as a member of the British and Irish Railwaymenʼs union ASLEF and then of the NBRU. He was also involved in some of the very early attempts at employee participation in the running of CIE, as a worker member of the Sectional Council. When as kids weʼd be looking for something to be bought, he would occasionally remind us that, in his own words, he only worked for CIE– he didnʼt own it. The only day he was ever deliberately late for work was the day of Nelson Mandelaʼs release from prison. You might remember that the authorities in South Africa kept on delaying Mandelaʼs release, obviously unaware of Tommyʼs great interest and the impact that this was having on the train schedules in Ireland. Mandela was a hero of Tommyʼs and during his illness he said he wanted to go to see him in South Africa. As the so-called ʻresearcherʼ in the family he gave me the job of finding out how heʼd get there. In the last five years or so heʼd taken a great interest in Africa and his imagination was especially engaged by the practical work of the charity Bóthar. Heʼd fleece everyone who came into the house for money to fill his big bottle. As a result of his fundraising there are a few more cattle now in Africa than before. He was always very interested in self-help projects such as Credit Unions, the Scouts of course, and community activism of all sorts, both formal and informal, especially in Donnybrook. On the day his remains came home for the last time, his neighbour and great friend Gretta Fogarty went around all the houses on Brookvale Road

and collected ﬂowers from everyoneʼs garden to make a special bouquet for him. Tommy would have loved that. As Gretta said, he had helped to plant most of them. He loved living in Donnybrook where our family came in 1955, mainly to be nearer St Brendanʼs Cerebral Palsy Clinic on Sandymount Avenue for our late sister, Deirdre, who was disabled. Much later, Tommy would tease those of us who hadnʼt the good fortune to live in Dublin 4, especially in Donnybrook. He loved the River Dodder and was an environmentalist long before the concept was invented. His practicality, however, also extended to the Dodder and he used to take sand out of the river for his various building projects. One neighbour used to say that he had changed the course of the river in the process of building-on all the extra rooms in his house. I once heard him say that neither his house nor his family was planned. The enlargement of one grew alongside the enlargement of the other. Work and workmanship was what really interested Tommy. Work was the language he used to express his affection: for CIE, for his community in Donny-

brook, and especially for his family. Thereʼs a saying– I think by Thomas Merton– that ʻWork is love made visibleʼ. I donʼt know if Tommy knew the quotation, although he was a very early attender at the Workersʼ College. But whether or not he knew the saying that was the philosophy he lived by all his life: Work is love made visible. Tommy came to Dublin from Kilkenny in 1946 without very much in the way of assets, but he didnʼt do too badly in the end. However, he really remained a countryman all his life. I donʼt know if he did it in OʼConnell Street but around Donnybrook Tommy would speak to virtually everyone he met on the roads. He was a fairly old-fashioned man and believed in old-fashioned things like neighbourliness and hospitality. His house was always open to everyone. I often say that I didnʼt grow up in a house but in a Community Centre. Of course, he wasnʼt always an angel (not all the time, anyway) and there were lots of rows as well. But now after all his work, struggles and arguments, he is at peace. He was a great individualist, a very ﬁne human being and we are very grateful for his life. Brian Lacey

NEWSFOUR OCTOBER 2004

PAGE 33

ART ON SANDYMOUNT GREEN

By John Hobson ART LOVERS in the area will have been delighted to notice

recently the opening of the Spiller Art Gallery on Sandymount Green in the premises where Mapothers shop used to be. The gallery, which was orig-

inally located in Harcourt Terrace for a year, has been open for a few weeks already and is run by Kevin Spillane and Fidelma OʼSullivan who say they

U NDERSTANDING A DDICTION

W HY

HAVE WE COME TO FEAR LIVING SO MUCH ?

By Tom Crilly

he Spellman Centre in Irishtown is a communitybased project that provides its eleven participants with training programmes, which assist in their rehabilitation and their re-integration into the community, and also helps towards employment. According to Teresa Weafer, co-ordinator of the project, “Each participant is proactively encouraged to avail of counselling, oneto-one supports, addict and family support, conﬁdence building, but we also see our role as developing a broad addiction awareness in the community.” Dr. Shane Butler of the Addiction Research Centre, based in Trinity College believes our national alcohol treatment services are “haphazard, confused and not integrated,” and that scarce resources are not being used effectively. A report published in 1984, ʻPlanning for the Futureʼ, recommended community and evidencebased treatment for those with alcohol problems within the mental health services, with outpatient counselling replacing hospital admissions. Yet in 2003, some 17% of all admissions to psychiatric/ hospitals, such as St. Lomanʼs, in Mullingar or St. John of God (private) were still alcohol related. An integrated treatment service must ensure equal access to what should be a comprehensive public health service, and greater co-

operation between various government departments, the health boards, hospital consultants, GPs, counsellors, social workers, community and voluntary groups. Ongoing Match Research has demonstrated the importance of therapy/counselling, which can help to match the client to treatment. For example some clients with high social support for drinking did better with Twelve Step Facilitation (TSF) because of their Alcoholic Anonymous involvement, whilst clients with higher psychiatric severity may require Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to develop their motivational readiness to change. The Spellman Centre is an integrated service provider, with a highly trained support staff, operating within a National Drug Task Force. Why are people with alcohol related problems treated differently? A recent government initiative, the Joint Committee on Health and Children has produced a report ʻAlcohol Misuse by Young People, June 2004ʼ. This compromise agreement between the Department of Health, hospital consultants, representatives of the licensed trade, the alcohol industry and the Pioneer Abstinence Movement highlights the need for more control, regulation and education on alcohol. One important recommendation contained in this report states; “The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment introduce price controls for non-alcoholic drinks served in licensed premises within a period

not exceeding six months.” Why are more young people still seeking enjoyment or escape through alcohol, drugs (including prescribed drugs, methadone and benzos), smoking, food and gambling even as they become aware of their related effects? Are certain individual characteristics already predisposed to addiction or is there also a societal or cultural dimension to this issue? According to the Irish Times journalist, John Waters, what is required is a more integrated response with a view to prevention as opposed to cure. He believes it is vital that we bring together the various forms of expertise from the medical, socio-cultural and spiritual disciplines, with a view to answering a question broadly along the lines of “Why have we come to fear living so much that we choose to kill ourselves slowly in the guise of enjoying ourselves?” Ringsend and District Response to Drugs welcomes this ongoing healthy debate on addiction, institutional versus community care, control (Department of Justice) versus treatment (Department of Health), individual characteristics versus the inﬂuence of present day society. If you do need advice, information, or support on addiction why not contact The Spellman Centre. Tel. 6677666 Tom Crilly is chairperson of RDRD, which is the board of management of The Spellman Centre.

have received a warm welcome to the area with many people from all walks of life dropping by to have a look at the art on display. The gallery is on two ﬂoors with over 100 paintings on display from watercolours and oil paintings to modern abstract as well as sculptures and tapestries. The gallery caters for all tastes and price ranges so you are bound to see something you like. The gallery mainly features Irish artists but also features some international works. Some of the artists of interest on display include Tony OʼMalley,

Graham Knuttel, Darren Paul, Marie Carrol, Phelim Egan, Thomas Lindsay, Brian Quinn and Rory Harron. The galleryʼs opening hours are 11 till 7 Monday to Friday with a later opening on Thursdays till 9. They are also open from 11 till 5 on Saturdays and 12 till 4 on Sundays. There will be an ofﬁcial opening on the 6th of October and all are welcome to attend. So if you are a serious collector or feel like getting something to brighten up your house you should get yourself along to see some ﬁne pieces of art.

B RING C ENTRE

UP - DATE

educe, Reuse and Recycle, to the majority of households in our community this has become the norm. Busy householders now take pride in their recycling programme. The majority of people are trying their best to do their part to tackle the waste problem. The gathering of like-minded people at Bring Centres on Saturday mornings has become a new social event. The recent topic of conversation has been the total lack of green waste recycling, especially at this time of year when most gardeners are preparing their garden for the winter season. Other items on the agenda are cardboard packaging, such as corrugated board. This cannot be torn up and placed in green bins or bags, because it is classiﬁed as industrial. The dreaded polystyrene packaging is not accepted in most recycling centres. The most recent complaint is that some recycling centres are refusing to accept computers. This I felt was strange as the new recycling centre on Pigeon House Rd lists computer equipment as part of their recycling efforts. A recent query to Peter Morley at Cambridge House clariﬁed matters. He informed me that the acceptance of green waste at the recycling facility on Pigeon House Road and Londonbridge Bring Centre was discontinued. This follows the temporary closure of the Green depot at Saint Anneʼs Park on the 18th of August last. Peter also informed me while there are no plans to restore the green facility at either of the recycling centres in Dublin 4, the St Anneʼs facility, entrance via all Saints Road is scheduled to reopen on Monday 27th of September. Householders may take their green waste to this facility during the following hours: Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5.00pm during summertime, and 8.30 am to 4.00pm in wintertime; on Fridays between the hours of 8.30am and 2.00pm and on Saturdays between 10.00 and 1.00pm. There is a charge for vehicles using the Bring Centre. A car costs €5 and a small trailer €30. For those households with the space, DCC can supply you with a well-designed and neat composting bin, for a small fee. You can then store your green waste including kitchen peels and other organic material, and create your own compost for next spring. Peter informed me that there is no change to the type of household goods, including computer equipment accepted at the facility. However he emphasised that the facility is authorised for household use only. Materials presented by commercial operators will therefore not be accepted. There may be some instances where the volume of items or the nature of transport used in individual deliveries suggests a commercial operation. He said if householders have doubts about anything they want to dispose of then it would be advisable to phone the Centre in advance at 6144750. The Recycling centre at Pigeon House Road is open six days a week, Monday to Friday 9.00am to 8.00pm and Saturday and Bank holidays between the hours of 9.00 and 4.00pm, from February 1st to October 31st. During the months of November, December and January it opens Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm and Saturdays 9am to 2.00pm. By Frances Corr

PAGE 34

NEWSFOUR OCTOBER 2004

Magazine for parents of young children JAMIE LAWLOR is the founder and editor of a magazine called Childcare.ie that is aimed at parents of preschool children and childcare professionals. Jamie, prior to founding the magazine ran a créche in Greystones, Co. Wicklow for four and a half years, which is where he gained his experience in the ﬁeld. He noted that there was a need for a magazine that could inform and offer advice for parents of young children and people involved in childcare, as they often found it difﬁcult to get all the information they needed without going to many different sources. The magazine, which is published bi-monthly, will celebrate its twoyear anniversary with its next issue for October/November and is going from strength to strength with nationwide distribution to media outlets at a cost of €3.50. They also issue 4,500 free copies to créches around the country. Written by childcare professionals, the magazine is Irelandʼs only independent publication dedicated to the childcare industry in Ireland and is an invaluable source of information and features articles of interest for and about parents, teachers, nannies, au-pairs, nurses, créches, drop-ins, schools and childminders. Every issue of Childcare.ie covers topics like activities, news, health features, reviews and arts and crafts ideas. The magazine gives those involved in the industry the professional knowledge they need in their career and also allows parents to gain valuable knowledge regarding their childrenʼs welfare. By John Hobson

FOR MEN AND WOMEN RINGSEND: COMMUNITY CENTRE THORNCASTLE ROAD WEDNESDAY: 5.30 PM AND 6.45 PM SANDYMOUNT: CHRIST CHURCH HALL SANDYMOUNT GREEN TUESDAY: 6.00 PM AND 7.15 PM FOR INFORMATION ON MEETINGS 24 HOURS PER DAY PHONE 1850 234123 OR LOG ON TO OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.WEIGHTWATCHERS.IE FOR INFORMATION ON WEIGHT WATCHERS ‘BY POST’ CONTACT: 056-7722276 8

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BEST BAR NONE AT SYDNEY PARADE

he sporting denizens of Sydney Parade, members of Pembroke Cricket Club, and Monkstown (Rugby) Football Club joined together to celebrate the opening of the newly refurbished pavilion bar on Friday, August 13th with not a superstitious thought among them ! The refurbishment project, which was two years in the planning, was completed in mid-July to the great delight and relief of the people within both Clubs who had been instrumental in bringing it to fruition. In welcoming members and guests to the celebrations, Geraldine Banks, President of Pembroke, thanked those members of both clubs who had given voluntarily of their time and expertise to ensure that the project was completed satisfactorily. These views were endorsed by John Turner, immediate past President of Monkstown, and like Geraldine, one of those who had been actively involved in the project. The new bar in Sydney Parade is both bright and spacious. The comfortable seating has the flexibility to be arranged in whatever manner best suits the occasion. While Pembroke have enjoyed the bulk of its use to date, there have been many Monkstown members drawn to the unusual summer surroundings of Sydney Parade during the cricket season, with a view to enjoying the

comforts of the bar. Both Pembroke and Monkstown are quick to note their place in the local community. While Monkstown may have moved to Sandymount ʻonlyʼ about 100 years ago, compared to Pembrokeʼs rather longer tenure in the area, both clubs have established themselves as an integral part of sporting life in the area. There are many locals among the membership of both clubs, although in recent years the cricket club in particular has seen an influx of players from beyond the confines of Ireland, never mind Sandymount. Both Clubs are keen to welcome local players, particularly young people, to participate in either cricket or rugby. The junior sections in both sports provide coaching to ensure that skills which are sometimes initially learned in school are honed, and brought forward to a bigger playing field. Mem-

bers from both Clubs have acquitted themselves to great credit at Interprovincial, and even International level. It is also hoped that the grounds, and pavilion/bar in Sydney Parade, can be utilised by the local community, perhaps for sports days, barbeques, meetings, fund-raising events, social occasions etc. Geraldine says that she hopes it will be seen as the great resource that it is within the Sandymount area. With the stresses and strains of modern life, it is good to have the refuge of Sydney Parade, where players, friends and guests can congregate, exchange stories, discuss previous triumphs and disasters and be a part of a Sandymount tradition stretching back well over 100 years. The doors of both clubs are open to new members, and to the local community of which they are a part.

NEWSFOUR OCTOBER 2004

PAGE 35

HOW QUICKLY CAN YOU DO OUR CROSSWORD?

Prize: €20 book token. Closing date for this competition is 5 November 2004. The correct entries will be placed in a hat and the lucky winner will then be selected. Winner of August 2004 Crossword was Mrs Betty Marsden of Claremont Park, Sandymount.

Down 1. Shakespearian king (4) 2. A comedian in a Republic in the Balkans (anag) (9) 3. and 8 down Local barber featured in the August edition (3,6) 4. A nice kind of camera (anag.) (4) 6. An evil spirit (6) 7. Failing or forgetting to take care of (10) 8. See 3 down. 10. Very sure of (7) OR an old pop star (4,3) 11. Whatʼs it all about _ _ _ _ _ (5) 16. Transmits by radio or TV (9) 21. Pub Owner 23. European country shaped like a boot (5) 26. Second son of Adam and Eve (4) 28. Pleasant odour (5) 29. Finds fault and complains persistently (4) 31. Zodiac sign (3) 33. Worn by judges and barristers (4) 35. Divide a pack of cards (3)

Across 1. Squeeze an oval citrus fruit to get this (5,5) 5. Where the first sin was committed (4) 9. Last minute study (4) 11. One of the six counties (5) 12. National Broadcaster (3) 13. Chanted at Irish football matches or Spanish bull fights (3) 14. Molecules containing genetic information (3) 15. Explore every _ _ _ _ _ _ to find an answer (7) 17. Motion-picture film (5) 18. Royal Australian Navy (abbr.) (3) 19. Short for concerning (2) 20. Short snooze (3) 22. Busy insect (3) 24. Promise of payment (3) 25. and 37 across is 300 years old this year (2,8) 27. and 34 across Local GAA Club (6,4) 30. One in cards or a hole in one (3) 31. Cork River (3) 32. Immediately (3) 34. See 27 across. 35. Previous home of NewsFour (4) 36. Lather with this or watch it on TV (4) 37. See 25 across.

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PAGE 36

NEWSFOUR OCTOBER 2004

By: Robert C. Diaz

Mike Porcel: ‘Echoes’ over the Cuban music rainbow!

ʻE

choesʼ is the most recent record made and produced by Mike Porcel. It is also his finest. Critics and specialists agree that he is one of the most influential and creative contemporary Cuban musicians of his generation. The album is segmented into three fluid ʻEchoesʼ: Distant Echoes, Dispersed Echoes and Serene Echoes, each containing three themes. These nine ʻEchoesʼ tracks, like an impeccable film, can be seen as a unified shot of multi-photographic resonance. It is easy to appreciate the tremendous visual approach coming from the authorʼs inspiration. For instance, tracks like: ʻFantasy over the Cuban tap dancingʼ, ʻJourney to a lost memoryʼ and ʻWanderer Habaneraʼ evoke a fine combination of classical music, rock-fusion and afroCuban jazz, seen through a poetic rainbow of rhythms and tunes. ʻDéja vuʼ, ʻVisionsʼ and ʻArs Poeticaʼ (the poetic side of this album) reflect how Mikeʼs searching arrangements have been melded beautifully with wonderfully structured musical outer orbit, sheer strength and musical

intelligence. ʻEchoesʼ has been composed sampling both, acoustic and electronic format, mixed with a classical style of suite. Maybe for this reason ʻEchoesʼ, also has been called by its author ʻA New Age Cuban Suiteʼ. Musically, itʼs been written as a harmonic script-play in which the authorʼs own musical story, mixing love, memories, exile and the unhidden dilemma of the nostalgic Cuban landscape is told. Mike Porcel says “It seems to me like a re-opening (reviewing) of my own visual and artistic concepts. Itʼs not casual or ʻvanguardʼ music. Iʼm not the person to stick some kind of label on. Itʼs only music, in the way that I understand and enjoy doing it. “Maybe, the most sincere echoes that I can give from the bottom of my musical feelings. But, I donʼt know. Iʼm still in resonance with all of it. Let the sound coexist, bounding from one wall to the other. It means my ʻEchoesʼ, anyway. No other reason to play my music, freely.” Contextually, ʻEchoesʼ is reminiscent of the ʻavant-gardeʼ 70s rock and symphonic composers like Rick Wakeman, Keith Emerson, Mike Oldﬁeld, Jean Michel

NEWSFOUR OCTOBER 2004 Jarre, etc. Also, his intimate lyricism reminds us of the powerful images visualized in some lyrics of Cat Stevens, or even John Lennon, especially, in ʻDance of the Poetʼ, the fourth track on the album. This is a self-portrait of someone who is expressing his simple everyday thoughts. Finally, one of the most positive points achieved by this exhilarating project is to show that Cuban music is also something else other than the Buena Vista Social Club. This album has already been welcomed by fans, becoming a big success in New York and Miami. Pretty soon ʻEchoesʼ will be on sale in all European music stores.

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50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS FOR MARIAN COLLEGE anniversary concert at the same venue which was a huge success before a packed house. This one promises to be even bigger and better, a night of celebration and nostalgia, with a party atmosphere. There will be music and dance by pupils, past-pupils and special guests, with excerpts from shows and music from the popular, jazz, classical and traditional repertoires. We also plan to have a 150-strong choir made up of pupils, past-pupils, teachers and guests. Booking forms are available from Marian College or ʻNews Fourʼ.

‘Fantasy over the Cuban tap dancing’ Music & Lyrics: Mike Porcel Lend me the sigh of the Morning And colours of the rainbow, The ﬂowers gracefully dancing With the windʼs eternal tune Lend me the pace of the river Sliding down between the pebbles A cooling breeze, a broken cloud, To untie the chant of my soul. Lend me the words of the poet To ﬁnd hope and soothe my sorrow, The loyal heart of a friend To face the road and warm my wings Lend me the laugh of the children Drifting in the Hands of Time To go beyond that shining star And reach the Music of Life.

By Ray Ryan

arian College first opened its doors on 8th September 1954 when the Marist Brothers began the great adventure that is Marian College. Now, fifty very successful years later, we are celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the foundation of the school with

a number of events in October and November. All parents, past-pupils, current pupils, staff and friends of the College will be most welcome to all of these events. The main events are:

versary mass in the Star of the Sea Church, Sandymount, at 12.00.noon on Saturday 2nd October. After the mass, everyone will be welcome to come back to the College hall for a reception in the school hall.

Saturday 2nd October The new Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Diarmuid Martin, who is a past-pupil of the College, will celebrate a special anni-

Tuesday 12th October We have booked the National Concert Hall for a special 50th Anniversary celebration. Some of you may remember the 40th

Sunday 14th November We will host a special afternoon at the College when past pupils will be able to call in and meet old friends and see the many photographs of times gone by that now adorn the walls of the College. In addition to these events, a special commemorative magazine with many different contributors will be published in October to provide a permanent record of the history of the past fifty years. The photo shows Archbishop John Charles McQuaid being welcomed at the official opening of Marian College in 1954.

What’s Going On ••• What’s Going On ••• What’s Going On Friday, 8 October 8 pm Bootleg Beatles, possibly the most famous tribute band. Join the fab four and a string and brass ensemble for a 60s celebration. Mahony Hall at The Helix at DCU, Collins Avenue, Glasnevin, Dublin 9. Tickets €31, €28 and €25. Box Office 700 7000. www.helix.ie Tuesday 12 October 50th Anniversary Concert for Marian College, National Concert Hall. Choir, music, dance by past pupils. Booking forms available from Marian College and NewsFour. Thursday, 14 October Special screening of Patrick Kavanagh-related films in the Irish Film Centre, Eustace Street. Box office 6793477

Thursday, 14 October 8pm Charlie Landsborough, true great of country music, appearing at the Mahony Hall at The Helix at DCU, Collins Avenue, Glasnevin, Dublin 9. Tickets €26 and €23.50. Box Ofﬁce 700 7000. www.helix.ie.

Thursday, 21 October 1 at 2.30 pm Ofﬁcial Centenary Commemoration of Patrick Kavanaghʼs birth at the City Hall Dublin. Well-known actors and musicians celebrate Kavanagh. All welcome.

Saturday 16 - Sunday 17 October Over 50s Show at the RDS Industries Hall

Thursday 21 - Monday 25 October The Ideal Homes Exhibition at the RDS Simmonscourt

Monday 18 October Race Night in aid of Labour Party funds in Clarkeʼs Public House, Irishtown Road.

Thursday 21 - Monday 25 October The PC Live Experience at the RDS Simmonscourt

Tuesday, 19 to Saturday 23 October 8 pm Lord of the Flies. Pilot Theatre presents their award winning production. The Theatre at The Helix at DCU, Collins Avenue, Glasnevin, Dublin 9. Box Ofﬁce 700 7000. www.helix.ie

Saturday 23 October at 8.15 Ulysses Choir in the Star of the Sea Church. Admission €10 (fund raiser for the Church) Monday 25 October Lionel Ritchie Concert, Main Arena, RDS

Wednesday 27 - Saturday 30 October 7.45 pm Russian State Opera present Pucciniʼs Madame Butterly at the Mahony Hall at The Helix at DCU, Collins Avenue, Glasnevin, Dublin 9. Box Ofﬁce 700 7000. www.helix.ie Saturday 30 October Halloween Ball with eight piece swing band at the Green Room, Holiday Inn, Pearse Street. Box Ofﬁce 6703666. Sat. 30 - Sun. 31 October Docklands Hallowʼen & Harvest Festival at Georgeʼs Dock. Thursday 4 - Sunday 7 November The Knitting and Stitching Show, Main Hall, RDS. Friday 12 - Monday November Off the Rails Live, RDS Simminscourt Friday 12th November 8pm. Music recital by John Shera, St Matthewʼs Church.

Sunday 14 November Special afternoon at Marian College when past pupils will be able to meet old friends. Thursday 18 November 8pm. Sandymount and Merrion Residentsʼ Association AGM at Scoil Mhuire. Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st November Art Exhibition and Auction in Enable Ireland, Sandymount Avenue. www.enableireland.ie. Sunday 21 November Evening Prayer and 4pm Dedications. Preacher; Archbishop of Dublin, St Matthewʼs Church. Wednesday 8 - Sunday 12 December National Craft Fair, Main Hall, RDS

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NEWSFOUR OCTOBER 2004

T HE S IKH C OMMUNITY

By Patrick Duffy

ikhs are followers of Sikhism, an Indian religion that originated in the Punjab in northwest India. In 1995, India had approximately 18.7 million Sikhs, 1.9% of the population with other small communities in the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Malaysia, East Africa and Ireland. The Sikh community in Sandymount started about

1988 when the Oscar theatre was bought and made into a temple with help from Sikhs in England. Their numbers kept increasing and now some Sundays there are from 200 to 250 followers. I went along to Guru Nanak Guraivara Temple to speak to Dr. Puri, head of the Sikh community in Ireland. I took off my shoes and put on a head dress, some wear turbans. Then I entered the area of worship where most of the followers were. They approached the gurdwara

READERS OF NewsFour will remember the article by the Combined Residents Against Incineration (CRAI) in the August edition concerning a mysterious ʻsurveyʼ. At the Dublin City Council South East Area Committee of 13 September, Councillor Dermot Lacey put down a motion as follows: To ask the Manager if she can report on what involvement, if any, Dublin City Council had in, the recent survey entitled Ex-Ante Incinerator Community Questionnaire. For what purpose was the survey conducted, who compiled the survey, who paid for the survey, when will the results of this survey be published and on what basis were the assertions contained in question number 42 determined, by who and for what reason Dublin City Council was unaware of this survey and investigated the source. The following reply was received from

and donated something to the upkeep of their community. Most people sat in lotus position or stood, as the ceremony continued and music was played to enhance the ceremony. The ceremony lasted for about two hours and was followed by a communal meal, which was Indian style chapati, chick peas and yogurt, which serves as their communion and as I talked to Dr. Puri I could see that everyone was busy talking about their daily lives and enjoying what was

S ANDYMOUNT

in front of them. The special food semolina pudding is also served while the ceremony is in progress. The congregation is made up of people from different backgrounds. The Dasam Granth is considered to be their sacred book

I NCINERATOR Q UESTIONNAIRE I LLUMINATED the Heritage Trust Professor of Environmental Studies, University College Dublin: This is a PhD undertaken under my supervision. Our department specialises in the economic assessment of choices in regard to environmental endowments. We have an international reputation in undertaking such research, and in particular doing studies addressed to understanding the values that individuals and communities place on options. The core objective is to mobilise our skills and experience to gain insight into the losses perceived by members of a community when a new intervention, in this case an incinerator, is proposed. The contingent valuation methodology applied draws on protocols developed by a Nobel Prize panel of

economists who developed same. One purpose was to advance the methodology in general and specifically to assess its applicability in regard to assessing waste disposal choices. Advancing the state of the art is a core requirement for a PhD candidate. Secondly, we hope that the findings will inform the values people in Ireland generally place on final disposal options. We are also surveying in 3 other locations and so we expect to develop generalisable results. We in U.C.D. piloted the study, with advice from survey specialists. A professional survey company was then hired (selected via competitive bidding) to undertake the survey. The sample size, the selection of households, and the questions asked all follow best in-

like the bible for Christians and their head is called guru, which is a word meaning from darkness into light, much like the Pope of Catholicism. Guru Nanak was their ﬁrst leader and from him and the following gurus came their Holy Scripture.

ternational practice. We successfully applied to the Environmental Protection Agency (E.P.A.) for PhD Fellowship grant provided under their Environmental Research and Technological Development and Innovation (ERTDI) Scheme. Such applications are independently reviewed by peer scholars internationally to ensure that: they are independent contributions to scholarship, use state of the art methodologies and whose ﬁndings will be published in the international literature. It is a very competitive process. Some results will be available from January 2006. Question 42. This question, which addresses willingness to accept compensation, must be asked in order to follow the best practice protocols. The PhD would be compromised if this question was not asked. U.C.D. was wholly responsible for all questions for the main reasons elaborated above.

NEWSFOUR OCTOBER 2004

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The Poetry Place November 94 November easily forgotten Angry clouds east winds Autumns end The unpopular image now reformed Daffodils spring pre mature Benign weather as self confessed Street philosophers chatter Met ofﬁce men collate and chart Temperatures above normal November 94 best ever And when Novembers are recalled Childrens diaries will proclaim Remember 1994 Will I ever forget By Austin Cromie

The Nature of Things He plays around and in and out Till sooner or later he catches the mouse. Thatʼs what the cat does. It waters the seeds, It waters the weeds, To discernment, it gives not heed Thatʼs what the rain does. He munches the grass, He gallops around, Then lets his droppings hit the ground Thatʼs what the horse does. He jumps and barks, Creating sparks, Thatʼs what the dog does So donʼt try to teach a pig to sing. The pig wonʼt like it. Itʼs not the nature of things. By Carmel McCarthy

Picasso at T.C.D. (June 1969) Iʼm a painting by Picasso And Iʼm feeling rather queer, Itʼs not surprising really, As Iʼve lost one eye and ear. My legs are in a Celtic knot, My bosom is askew, And my ʻsit uponʼ is twisted So you can admire the view. But Iʼve one eye in my tummy And itʼs firmly fixed on YOU. If you locate my missing ear, Youʼll find itʼs listening too! So be careful what youʼre saying When you view my purple hair. So what - if Iʼm rectangular? You, dear, are just a square. By Marie McAuliffe

An Autumn Wish to walk among Autumn leaves, where an array of harmonious colour, is falling away.

Gold on my wrist, I ﬁt your shopping list. Am I conﬁned to this? My OKness depends on you If, for a change, Iʼm me What then will you see? Will you go away? If Iʼm not O.K. By Carmel McCarthy

Letʼs go down by the Liffey And see, what we can see Three drunken idiots, sittinʼ on a chair They havenʼt got a penny between them And not shirt to spare Their dreams are like their lives – just empty They havenʼt got a care But when they put their head down to rest, The angels give them care. By Tony Gill (RIP) 1953 - 2004

Why do we live in darkness Why do we live in darkness, Are we so afraid of the light? Our lives were lost from the beginning, But now we must face the end. There is no darkness or no light Just life But we are mere mortals And we let our life slip through our ﬁngers ʼtil life itself runs out. By Tony Gill (RIP) 1953 - 2004

By Thos. Maher

How many days have I walked alone How many days have I walked alone, How many faces have I seen Some smiling Some turned away. How many miles have we travelled, Just looking for something we will never ﬁnd A home and warmth, Somewhere, just to be safe. For life was never easy for us It gets harder by the day. Some say we like living on the street, Please donʼt pass us by. By Tony Gill (RIP) 1953 - 2004

Trophy Girl Iʼm OK you say, I speak the right way. Image is the thing Blond hair, tanned skin, Itʼs the fashion to be slim So I make sure Iʼm thin.

By the Liffey

Halloween Night Itʼs dark, dogʼs bark At the bangers in the park. I jump with fright on Halloween night. Itʼs scary outside, Do barking dogs bite? My friends are all dressed up, Iʼm dressing up too. Iʼm frightened to go out Oh, what will I do? They say that thereʼs Spooks on Halloween night. The Witches, the Ghosts are dirty and smelly, I think I will stay in and switch on the Tele!! By Toraigh Pearse (Age 9)

Mechanical Bits Iʼm tired of the mechanical bits Eyes that open and shut jaded lips Doling out clichés electric ears Picking up sound bites blocked Channels short circuits crippled Minds shattered, loose screws Unhinged units that eat defecate, Drink urinate, purple visage Switched off from living. Compu Talk, monotonous drivel, petty Squabbles unconscious reminders Of the trivial boring work routines That only require mechanical bits To deliver, a slow hammer tapping Grey matter. The mechanical box Produces mimics, orang utans jungle. The great hope of living takes a nose Dive from the beginning a low key Stimulus kick starts the mechanical Bits, a ticking dull existence The living are the dead on holidays. By Imelda Kearney. September 2004 As always, we welcome contributions to The Poetry Place, which can be sent to the NewsFour ofﬁces at 15 Fitzwilliam Street, Ringsend, Dublin 4.

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NEWSFOUR OCTOBER 2004

Celebrating 25 Years

SPORTSCO would like to thank the local community for their support and patronage over the past 25 years