NewsFour_2007_08 by News Four

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2007

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

AN ANTIDOTE TO THE RAIN!

LOVELY LINDA L

Not just locals, but pilgrims from the far end of the number 18 bus route converge on Borza’s of Sandymount. See page 5.

By Ann Ingle

inda Dunphy, pictured right, has just completed a Certiﬁcate in Contemporary Living at Trinity College and she is very excited and happy with her achievement. Linda studied art, English, communications, international awareness, literacy and numeracy. She also had to research and present a special topic. Linda is a great soap fan and decided to focus on ʻEastendersʼ. She devised a Power Point presentation on the computer and communicated her knowledge verbally as she demonstrated the slides. She was able to put me out of my misery by telling me that Phil Mitchell was not going to be jailed for the murder of Stella as the CCTV camera showed that she fell and was not pushed. With that crucial piece of information out of the way, Linda went on to tell me that as part of her international awareness module she visited Budapest with the other 18 students on the course. Of course Linda

Is it true Homer only appeared in ‘The Simpsons Movie’ for the… doh? Sorry. See Film Scene page 18. has also been to Spain, Turkey, Crete, Australia and Florida so she is no novice when it comes to travel. Linda has made some great friends during her studies and she hopes to keep in touch with them in the future. Linda has been on the course for two years and during that time she has learned a great deal. One of her most important achievements is being able to travel independently. She had to come into town four days a week on her own in order to undertake her studies. Linda is now able to cook for herself, although Sandra, her mother, hasnʼt abdicated this role altogether just yet. One of the most important elements is obtaining employ-

From left: Victoria Flood, Lauren Cummins and Kelly Gannon of Stella Maris Rowing Club.

ment and Linda was fortunate enough to do work experience in the head office of the ESB in Fitzwilliam Street. This proved to be a great success and everyone there was sorry to see her go as she had proved to be such an asset. Linda has two interviews lined up and she will be happy whatever job she gets. A key aim of the Certificate programme is to ensure that the students go on to appropriate employment. The Certificate in Contemporary Living is run by the National Institute for Intellectual Disability in Trinity College. This course is unique in Europe and ground breaking internationally. The plan is to replicate the programme at other Irish universities with the hope that third-level education will become standard for people with intellectual disabilities. The emphasis is on life-long learning so that each person can achieve their full potential. Linda can be seen selling tickets for Clanna Gael in the Yacht each Sunday with great success. No one can refuse that winning smile. To become involved in supporting the work of the National Institute for Intellectual Disability contact Eileen Punch, Trinity Foundation, East Chapel, Trinity College. Dublin 2 Tel: 896 1714 or email eileen.punch@tcd.ie

Why is the lovely Ann Marie Horan parading about in her nightdress? All is revealed on page 29.

After their sell-out concert in Slane, the Stones set an example for all pensioners. They have not grown old. They are too busy growing up! See Music on page 39.

Spot the odd one out! Larry Yazzie of the Meskwaki nation did a ʻsun danceʼ on Sandymount Strand. Nice try, Larry! See page 27.

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NewsFour Managing Editor Ann Ingle Advertising Manager Grainne McGuinness Office Manager Miriam Holmes Staff Grace Charley Brian Rutherford Fergal Murphy Audrey Healy David Hussey John Cavendish Nessa Jennings Contributors Michael Hilliard Derek Buckley Shay Connolly Jimmy Purdy Austin Cromie Grainne McGuinnes John Cheevers Angela Barry Catherine Cavendish

NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2007

The Editor’s Corner

e are very pleased to announce that we are holding a Short Story Competition (see page 4) with a prize of €100 for all ʻNewsFourʼ readers. Please write us a story or maybe you have one lurking in a cupboard which you have kept hidden until now. If you want to remain anonymous we will, of course, respect your wishes. We had a young lady call into the ofﬁce during the week researching the media and the incinerator for her doctorate. She went through all the back issues and was amazed at the coverage over the years. John keeps you up-to-date on this important issue on page 7. A timely article by Nessa on the abuse of alcohol following the radio programme Spirit Moves is a stark reminder of the problem of addiction (page

17). Catherine Cavendish drew our attention to the amazing orchids growing in the Irishtown Nature Park and has kindly written an article to accompany Johnʼs photograph. Grace in her own inimitable style tells us more about her new puppy (page 25), just donʼt read this while youʼre having dinner. Donʼt forget we are always happy to receive letters, suggestions, information, articles or photographs from you all. I know, I know, the weather is still depressing but according to weather forecasts relating to the orbit of the moon this week should improve. Iʼm off to Donegal for a few days and whatever the weather I am going to enjoy it. Our next edition will be with you in the middle of October so we will see you then. Ann Ingle

• SPECIAL NOTICE •

SHELBOURNE PARK RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION LTD Swimming in Sportsco

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

Guitar Lessons Professional Teacher Contact Tony at 087 9743775

Web Designer Andrew Thorn Photography John Cheevers Design, Typesetting, Layout Eugene Carolan Community Services, 15 Fitzwilliam Street, Ringsend, Dublin 4. Telephone: (01)6673317 E-mail: newsfourscs@eircom.net

A Social and Natural History of Sandymount, Irishtown and Ringsend, ﬁrst published in 1993 and The Roads to Sandymount Irishtown and Ringsend, ﬁrst published in 1996 are now available From ʻNewsFourʼ, 15 Fitzwilliam Street, Ringsend, Dublin 4 and ʻBooks on the Greenʼ, Sandymount Village.

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

Ringsend Active Retirement Association Retired with time on your hands?

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

Pictured above are, from left: Ed Dornan, Bob Donaldson, Leo Hitchcock and Robert Cox, all previous committee members of Stella Maris; Gerard Brannock, President Stella Maris and Matt Bolton of DDDA.

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

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

NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2007

PAGE 3

V IKINGS INVADE D UBLIN P ORT !

THE LORD Mayor of Dublin and Admiral of the Port, Councillor Paddy Bourke, welcomed the arrival of the ʻSea Stallion of Glendaloughʼ from Roskilde in Denmark. The boat will be on display in Collins Barracks Museum until next Summer. Captain Carsten said that the worst experience on the voyage was the rudder breaking and the greatest was the hooting of the ships in the harbour coming into Dublin and the welcome

of the crowds. Pictured left: John Sheahan, Carsten Hvid, skipper of the longship, Poul B Erager. Above: An Irish Monk (Padraig OʼRourke) from 900 A.D. Right: A coin maker (Ivan Erskine) re-minted the ﬁrst Irish coin, a King Citric Siliver Penny 997 A.D.

CECIL’S BARBER SHOP Traditional-Style Barber Shop Established 1939

Cecil’s is back in Ringsend Special Rates for OAPs Only €6 on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday Closed all day Monday 10 Thorncastle Street, Ringsend, Dublin 4 Tel: 6680606

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NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2007

W HAT

BOOK ARE YOU READING ?

John Keane “At the moment Iʼm reading ʻOn Chesil Beachʼ. Itʼs by Ian McEwan. The book is basically about human relationships. A husband and wife have just got married and theyʼre going on their honeymoon and they are both looking back over their lives. Iʼm also reading Conrad Blackʼs biography. Itʼs a business book. He was charged with fraud so heʼs in the news at the moment. Thereʼs a big court case in America. I choose books if they appeal to me and Iʼll probably read Alistar Cookeʼs biography next.”

Kelly Mason

“Iʼm reading a book called ʻA Short History of Tractors in Ukrainianʼ. I donʼt know the name of the author but sheʼs Ukrainian I think. Itʼs about this womanʼs father whoʼs in his seventies who marries a woman who is forty years younger so she can stay in America and itʼs about what happens in their relationship, which is a big, big mess. Heʼs a widower and he wants to help her out. Right now heʼs trying to divorce her and sheʼs contesting it. Iʼll read a book if itʼs recommended. My sister is good at that. My next book is going to be Harry Potter.”

AFTER A record breaking spell of bad summer weather (49 consecutive days of rain from June 11th - July 29th), ‘NewsFour’ took advantage of a welcome break in the clouds and spent some time outside Hampton Books in Donnybrook to ask some passers-by what they were reading. With the weather as it is there must be nothing better than to stay indoors with a good book.

Short Story Competition Win €100! ‘NewsFour’ invites readers to write a short story to be in with a chance of winning €100. The winner will also get their winning story published in the next issue of ‘NewsFour’ due out in October. All entries should be no more than 1500 words and be sent to the following address by 1st October. Short Story Competition NewsFour 15 Fitzwilliam Street Ringsend Dublin 4 Or by email to: newsfourscs@eircom.net

Leo Weida “Iʼm reading a Chinese novel. I donʼt know how to say it in English. I think maybe ʻBlood Romanticsʼ. Itʼs about people in China thirty years ago from now. Itʼs about the history of those people from thirty years ago to now. The people in the story are a factory worker and an army solider and young people loving. It is about a revolution. I sometimes read foreign novels in Chinese. The last book by a foreign author I read was James Bond, 007. It was about a terrorist on an island, a doctor. I think the name of it was ʻDoctor Noʼ.”

Charmaine McGing

“Iʼm reading ʻMemoirs of a Geishaʼ by Arthur Golden. Itʼs the story of a geisha girl and what she went through. How she eventually becomes a madam and has to take care of other geisha. Itʼs about how traditionally the geisha was a normal way of living for them. While we might look at it from a different point of view, you know, we might condemn it or criticise it, the attitude was that it was actually an art. There was tradition and a different culture behind it, therefore it was not just mere prostitution. Geisha are still part of todayʼs society in Japan.”

Garda Daly “I wouldnʼt be a big reader, but Iʼve just ﬁnished the new book from Ross OʼCarroll Kelly, ʻI Shouldnʼt Have Got Off At Sydney Paradeʼ. Itʼs about a fella from the Dublin 4 area, a rugby guy, a young fella and what he gets up to. I have Dan Brownʼs ʻDeception Pointʼ at home so Iʼll probably read that next. I read his other two, ʻAngels and Demonsʼ and ʻThe DaVinci Codeʼ. I thought ʻAngels and Demonsʼ was better than ʻThe Da Vinci Codeʼ. I read books that interest me or books that I hear good reports about.”

Sarah Dowd

“Iʼm reading ʻGulliver Lilliputʼ in ʻFavourite Fairytalesʼ. Itʼs this boy, he ate a lot and then he grew into a strong boy and he grew fat and he liked to sail in ships and go to islands and lands and then one day he went on a ship and there was a big storm and the ship blew and he was holding on a piece of wood and then he blew into a tiny land with little people and he was big so they had to tie him up and the king said you have to help us because there are pirates trying to attack us and then he helped them. He killed the pirates and then sunk the ship and then the king made him a ship and then he sailed back.”

NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2007

By John Cavendish

andymount has some advantages in that there are now a number of restaurants, maybe too many, for one to choose to dine out at, but my favourite place to eat out around Sandymount has to be Borzaʼs Fish and Chip shop on the Green. Bruno Borza tells me that the competition from the other food outlets is healthy and keeps everyone on their toes. Thereʼs Marioʼs, Itsa4, Browneʼs, Café Java, Matisse, and Dunne and Crescenzi as well as Butlerʼs Pantry, Spar, Michael Byrneʼs butchers and greengrocers and Tesco if you want to cook your own. Sandymount is an excellent location, beside the Strand, just ﬁve minutes walk from Lansdowne Road and ten minutes walk from the RDS in Ballsbridge. All this with the proximity of the Dart station make Sandymount the ideal place to get some sustenance if you are out to a big event or maybe after a pint in OʼReillyʼs or Sandymount House. The menu is wide-ranging including traditional ﬁsh and chips,

PAGE 5

B ORZA ’ S

pizza, chicken, kebabs of various types, and when Iʼm ordering I canʼt exclude a batter burger, onion ring or sausage in batter. I sat with Bruno in the Green and he told me how his father Elio, with his mother Angela, set up the shop in 1965. “My family comes from a place in Italy near Monte Casino called Casalattico. Before coming to Ireland they

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first moved to France in the midfifties, where my father worked as a bricklayer for five years before coming to Ireland in 1960.” Bruno told me how his father first started with a chip shop in Dún Laoghaire called the Lido with his brothers, which is still there but as the family expanded and needed more space they found the current shop here in

Sandymount because the village was so attractive with the Green in the front of the building. He says he was born two weeks before they opened the shop. Bruno and his wife Angela have two children, a daughter of 17 in Muckross who is facing the Leaving Cert next year and a son of 11 in Star of the Sea, where Bruno himself went before sec-

ondary school at Sandymount High. Bruno has now worked for over 20 years in the shop, which is also home. I reminded Bruno that he had told me one night I was in for a feed that the Green was his front garden and he has been looking at it for so long that itʼs a permanent feature in his mind, “I have counted the trees,” he says. He recommends that the best place to eat his food is in the park. “Al fresco eating adds ﬂavour to the food. Weather depending, of course. We get some famous visitors to the shop, some on a regular basis. Thereʼs Colin Farrell, Christy Moore and Daniel Day-Lewis, and most days Ruairí Quinn walks past and sometimes dines on his way home.” The opening times for Borzaʼs are Tuesday to Thursday and Saturday 12noon to 2.30pm and 5pm to 12.30am. Theyʼre open all day Friday from 12noon to 12.30am, Sunday 5pm to 12.30am. Borzaʼs is closed on Mondays unless thereʼs a Bank Holiday when they close Sunday and open Monday 5pm until 12.30am. Borzaʼs will take a telephone order on 2694130. Above: Bruno and Angela pictured in Borzaʼs of Sandymount.

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NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2007

FUN DAYS IN CARLINGFORD FOR Y OUTH PROJECT

ALL OF US AT Ringsend & Irishtown Youth Project would like to thank all the young people who took part in the RIYP Summer Programme July ʻ07. Over 90 young people ranging from age 10 to 18 took part in the various different programmes and it was a huge success. Keep your eyes

peeled for future groups and activities with RIYP starting in September ʻ07. If you have any queries please contact Yvonne OʼNeill Youth Worker on 0863832094 or 6608875. Shown above are just a few of the YP participants enjoying themselves.

Now YOU can get out and about Vastly improve your freedom with an amazing maximum range of 10 miles Enjoy getting on and off your scooter with ease using the lift up arm rests and swivel seat. Experience a wonderfully smooth ride with traction control and a top speed of 4.5mph Exclusive offer available while stock lasts. Call now quoting NewsFour and you can have one of these scooters for only €1350.00

Comes complete with arm rests & shopping basket, see our full range at: 8 to 10 Bath Street, Irishtown, Dublin 4 Tel/Fax: 01-6602808 www.physioneeds.ie

NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2007

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DEBATING THE INCINERATOR THE MINISTER IS RESTRICTED BY PRIMARY LEGISLATION

By John Cavendish

n the 3rd July Fine Gael initiated a debate in the Dail calling on the new Minister for the Environment, John Gormley TD, to use his powers to prevent the Incinerator, proposed by Dublin City Council, from being built on the Poolbeg Peninsula. Deputy Fergus OʼDowd, the Fine Gael spokesman on the Environment moved the motion that called on the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, using his powers under section 24(c) of the Waste Management Act 1996, to require the managers of Dublin City Council, Dún LaoghaireRathdown County Council, Fingal County Council and South Dublin County Council to vary the replacement waste management plan for the Dublin region, made by them on 11 November 2005, by the deletion of paragraph 18.8 and the exclusion of the siting on Poolbeg Peninsula

of a ʻwaste to energy (incineration)ʼ plant. A responding amendment by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, John Gormley TD, reafﬁrmed the national commitment to the waste hierarchy and endorses “the Governmentʼs commitment to supporting the development of the recovery and disposal technologies which produce the most positive environmental outcome, while in particular achieving the targets set by the EU landﬁll directive.” The new Fine Gael deputy, Lucinda Creighton TD said that “a total of 2,000 residents in my constituency of Dublin South-

East, myself included, lodged objections with An Bord Pleanála to the proposed incinerator. While the voice of the people should count for something in a democracy, it appears the Minister disagrees. On agreeing a programme for Government in recent weeks, he had the opportunity to make the incinerator in Poolbeg a make or break issue. Unfortunately, however, he failed to so do. On the contrary, there is no reference to the incinerator in the programme for Government.” Deputy Creighton then went on to clarify what she believed should be done. Minister John Gormley TD responded and said “I live with my family in Ringsend and my position as a public representa-

he Lord Mayor, Councillor Paddy Bourke launched the South Dockʼs Festival and was honoured with the ancient title of Admiral of the Port of Dublin– a title which dates back over ﬁve hundred years. The Lord Mayor was presented with a ceremonial Admiralʼs Hat by the Chief Executive Ofﬁcer of Dublin Port Companyʼs Board, Mr Enda Connellan. “This Festival is a week of fun and entertainment for the community to enjoy and be involved

Geraldine M. Lynch (formerly of Irishtown Road)

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

tive for Dublin South-East and a local resident in regard to the Poolbeg incinerator project is well known, entirely consistent and second to none. “However, I address the House as Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and in that capacity must act under and be respectful of restrictions placed on me by primary legislation enacted by the Oireachtas. The motion tabled by the Fine Gael Party cites one of the statutory provisions under which I operate but conveniently ignores another. “Notwithstanding the power available to me under section 24(c) of the Waste Management Act, there is also a very clear limitation of my powers under section 30 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 which states: ʻthe Minister shall not exercise any power or control in relation to any particular case with which a planning authority or the Board is or may be concernedʼ. In the light of this provision it would not be appropriate for me to comment on or interfere with this case which is before An Bord Pleanála. The Opposition knows this.” Minister Gormley told the House “I have set out for Deputies the exact legal position. The Poolbeg project is the subject of

an application by Dublin City Council to An Bord Pleanála for planning permission and an oral hearing in that regard has recently concluded. It is also the subject of an application by the council to the EPA for a waste licence and the legislation governing this process has a similar provision. These restrictions on ministerial involvement were put in place by the Oireachtas for good reasons.” Deputy Ruairí Quinn, TD said that Deputy Gormley must ask himself, as Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, whether the policy direction to An Bord Pleanála to provide for incineration still stands or can be retrieved. “One cannot simply say there is a statutory legal planning process that cannot be interfered with. When the planning inspector in Ringaskiddy recommended that an incinerator there should not go ahead, An Bord Pleanála, having regard to the policy direction that was legally given to it by the then Minister acting in his ofﬁcial capacity, said there was a higher instruction.” Picture: A computer-generated image by Thomas Plunkett on ﬂickr.com of the proposed incinerator as seen from Sandymount Strand. The proportions are, we are told, accurate.

SOUTH DOCKS FESTIVAL 2007 in and I want to congratulate all those who have worked so hard in putting together what I believe will be a wonderful week of festivities,” said the Lord Mayor. This year is the 20th celebration of the South Docks Festival. The Festival week is organised by St. Andrewʼs Resource Centre

in conjunction with several local groups. Pictured at St. Andrewʼs Resource Centre, from left: Enda Connellan, Dolores Wilson, Peter Watson, Joe Burke, Lord Mayor Cllr. Paddy Bourke, Betty Ashe, Ruairí Quinn TD and Betty Watson.

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NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2007

The Letterbox Dear Madam Editor As an old Shamrock Rovers supporter since the 1930s I would like to remind your readers of one of the greatest cup finals ever seen at Dalymount Park. It occurred in 1956 between Rovers and Cork Athletic, the latter had the great Jamie Delaney at centre forward and was going for a record four winners medals under four different Assoications. He won one with Glasgow Celtic, one with Manchester United and one with Derry City, the latter teams were then in the Irish League. Cork went into a 2-0 lead, their first goal scored by Jamie, the second by a lad named Murphy. The score remained at 2-0 until thirteen minutes from time, then things began to happen. Tommy Hamilton scored Rovers first, a few minutes later, Liam Hennessy converted a penalty and with about four minutes left Ronnie Nolan left us all cheering our heads off, so ended a great day for the Hoops. Yours sincerely Oliver Doyle Ballyfermot PS. My brother-in-law, Willie (Bugs) Rutter struck a bet with a Corkman late in the match that Rovers would win, that shows the confidence we had in the ability of a Rovers comeback.

Main picture: Standing left to right: G. Mackey, L. Hennessy, C. OʼCallaghan, T. Hamilton, P. Ambrose, L. Tuohy, B. Lord. Seated left to right: J. McCann, N. Payton, P. Coad (Captain), M. Burke, R. Nolan (Absent S. Keogh) Dear Madam Editor Iʼve just discovered your NewsFour newspaper and Iʼm a big fan– congrats on a super newsy publication!! I have a query for you please. Can you tell me if there is a prize for winning the crossword and if so, what it is? Many thanks, Emer The prize is a €25 gift voucher from Easons. Ed Dear Madam Editor Once again I must congratulate yourself and the terrific team at NewsFour for the great little paper. It brings untold pleasure to so many from that area who are scattered in different parts of the world. I wonder if any of your readers (they would have to be in their 70s) can remember a matinee at the Ritz or Shack, someone in one of the front seats started to hit the seat and years of dust started to rise. Soon we were all at it and you could not see a thing. Samson who was one of the ushers was running trying to restore peace. We all came out

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looking like Al Jolson. One of the many happy memories I have of the Shack. I would like to wish all the best to Fred Butler, May Roddy, Peter Healy, Paul OʼReilly and his great team. I would love to be walking into OʼReillys right now for a pint. Sorry to say I will never see it again. I hope that all is well with the team at NewsFour. I am looking forward to the August issue What I would like to know is would you have any information regarding Bro Martin Murphy (Jesuit). I was in contact with him as we both went to school and the Tech together. He has not answered any of my emails for a while including yesterday his 73 Birthday so I was wondering if he is well. He is based in Dublin. Slainte and God Bless. Dick Pollard Above: Shamrock Rovers pictured in 1956.

Ringsend & Irishtown Community Centre Thorncastle Street Dublin 4

Computer Based Training available for everyone September 2007 Introduction to Computers – including E-mail & Internet Intermediate Standard – Word, Excel and PowerPoint Computer Fundamentals Clay Animation Comic Creator Digital Photography – Team & Project work Introduction to Computerised Payroll Introduction to Computerised Book-Keeping New Life Learning – New ways to develop Self Esteem & Conﬁdence for your Child NEW – ‘ADAM & EVE’ The Golden Computer Club starting in September 07 Learn how to use computers/go on line/ use digital photography/ make a ﬁlm using video, and most importantly, sharing your projects with friends and the Community! OPEN DAY Thursday 20th September 12pm to 3pm For further details Contact: Brendan, John, Alison or Lorraine @ 6604 789

The Young Composers Collective Computerised Wheel Balancing Fast Puncture Repair New & Remoulded Tyres Stocked

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

Sunday 26th August at 3pm • The Red Stables, St. Anne’s Park • Admission free, all welcome • Tel: 01 222 7305 Opera in the Open brought to you by Dublin City Council

Tosca (Puccini)

Thursday 30th August at 1pm, The Amphitheatre, Civic Ofﬁces, Wood Quay This is a free outdoor event Tel: 01 222 7850 Northside Music Festival brought to you by Dublin City Council

Hukuna Matata

Friday 31st August at 3pm Outside Finglas Civic Centre, Mellowes Road, Finglas Admission free, all welcome Tel: 01 222 7305

NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2007

PAGE 9

REMEMBERING DAG HAMMARSKJÖLD

By Austin Cromie

ome years ago I recall our late Taoiseach Mr Jack Lynch being interviewed on television about his life and

times. His choice of heroes was quite interesting and almost predictable. In order of preference he chose president Eamon DeValera, Christy Ring the great Cork hurler, Seamus Murphy the sculptor

from Cork and my teenage hero Dag Hammarskjöld, secretary general of the United nations from 1953 to 1961. When Hammarskjöld was elected to the post it was described as the most impossible job on earth. The crises facing him included Suez, Hungary, Korea and the Congo (Zaire). He was known as a quick thinking economist and a master of the art of compromise. His strengths were high proﬁciency, mental and physical endurance, and the ability to analyse a situation quickly, get the facts in order and propose a course of action. Many people disagreed with some of his methods but few questioned his dedication to his job. When Krushchev launched his famous shoebanging attack on him at the UN General Assembly demanding his resignation Hammarskjöldʼs reply was greeted with thunderous applause. “I wonʼt resign, it is not my future but that of the

United Nations that is at stake, it is not a question of the man but of the institution,” he declared. Dag Hammarskjöld was born in Jönköpping, Sweden on 7 July 1905. He received degrees in law and political economy from Swedenʼs Uppsala University and taught economics for a time at the University of Stockholm. It was once said of him that he was a solitary ﬁgure with many acquaintances and admirers but probably only a few close friends. He was devoted to his job and in time of crisis worked day and night. He spoke ﬂuent French, English and German as well as his native language. Hammarskjöld had great admiration for the Irish diplomatic team at UN headquarters led by Mr F.H Boland, president of the General Assembly. Being from a small nation himself, the UN leader had a deep understanding of Irelandʼs part in international politics. When he discovered the diplomatic abilities of Dr Conor Cruise OʼBrien he made personal representations to Mr Frank Aiken in the Department of External Affairs for Dr OʼBrienʼs transfer from the UN Secretariat to become UN representative in the Congo.

On several occasions Dag paid a warm tribute to the Irish Military contingent serving in the Congo. His faith in the Irish was abundantly displayed when he appointed General Sean McKeon as UN Supreme Commander in the Congo. At the height of the Civil War in the Congo in 1961, Hammarskjöld decided to fly to Ndola (Zambia) for direct talks with Moise Tshombe, leader of the Belgian-supported breakaway province of Katanga. On 18 September he flew out with staff members including his permanent bodyguard. At 12.10am the plane reported seeing the airfield lights of Ndola– after that contact was lost. There are numerous theories about what caused Hammarskjöldʼs plane to crash. The simplest explanation appears to be the most reasonable: the plane which was about to land came in too low and struck the treetops. Ten days after the crash, Hammarskjöldʼs body was flown home to Sweden. Sweden was in a state of shock. A few weeks later the Norwegian parliament announced the posthumous award of the Nobel Peace Prize to Dag Hammarskjöld.

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PAGE 10

NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2007

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Irish Ferries Mini Cruise to France IRISH FERRIES has launched their Mini Cruise to France programme attractive to bargain hunters and those who want to re-stock their cellar with wines and beers at prices half of what you would pay at home. From the end of August the return fare is €99 per adult and €39 per child including ensuite cabin accommodation in a two-berth cabin with the option of travelling by car or motorbike for just €59 extra return when two or more adults travel together. Also available is a range of low-cost Autumn Short Breaks offering a 30% savings on standard Autumn fares for up to 6 nights stay in France. Further information and bookings can be made online at www.irishferries.com or by telephoning 0818 300 400 or any travel agent.

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couting in Ireland needs to be relevant or redundant,” according to the former Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Dermot Lacey. Addressing the 4th National Council of the new, merged Scouting Ireland, Councillor Lacey said that “as Scouting begins a second century it needs to be central to the local communities and be a voice for and on behalf of young people. Scouting– boys and girls, young men and young women. Rich and poor. North and south, City and country. All backgrounds, all faiths– all Scouts. What an incredible success story– unequalled by any other similar body in Ireland or abroad. In my view, one of the best things about the new Ireland

is the vibrancy, honesty and confidence of our young people. They are full of enthusiasm. Eager to learn. Capable of greatness. And heavily influenced in their formative years by what they see around them And what do young people see today? They see that Ireland is a prosperous country with more retail space per head of population than any other country in Europe. Incredibly, we have more mobile phones than we have people. As a nation, we are spending more on consumer goods than ever before. Despite working hard, or indeed perhaps because we are working harder, we have less time for the things that matter. ʻIʼm all right Jackʼ as a motto for the modern Ireland has perhaps never been more apt. Scouting should chal-

lenge that attitude In Scouting it is about, indeed it must be about, enthusing young people. Helping them to learn the skills of citizenship and helping them to develop and grow as people. Far from being an out of date, old-fashioned body, Scouting is a movement whose time for renewal has come. A renewal and a growth that will come– provided it is bold enough and enthusiastic enough to grasp the opportunities with both hands.” For Further Information: Dermot Lacey, 0872646960. Above: Dermot and Jill Lacey with their children Adrian and Sam. Photo reproduced courtesy of Priory Studios.

NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2007

GEORGE HOWELL : A SPORTING MAN

By Grainne McGuinness

eorge was born in Stephenʼs Place off Mount Street. He began his school days in Baggot Street and later went to Westland Row. I went to visit George to chat about his many sporting achievements. He showed me his vast collection of trophies, cups and medals which he won for football, golf,

pitch and putt and hockey. George and his school friend, well known boxer Jimmy Ingle, boxed in all-Ireland championships. They met in Westland Row School and they joined the Riverside club in Lombard Street at the same time. George has many fond memories of his ﬁghts with his pal. He also fought many exhibition matches in Scotland where he worked during the war as a riveter and solderer. When

PAGE 11 George returned to Ireland, he worked in the Hammond Lane foundry for forty years before taking early retirement. He told me when he was a young man, he joined the antiCommunist group, which was the hub of social life at the time. It was on Thorncastle Street in Ringsend, opposite the old school, also known as the stables. It was run by another local man, Mr. Dolan. You could play pool there, and on Saturday nights, if you had 3d in your pocket, you could attend the weekly dance. They had a professional pianist and sometimes when he didnʼt turn up, George would step in and play for the night. He was paid ﬁve shillings, a lot of money in those days. On the way home, he would

go to Ferrariʼs and buy ten singles for himself and his pals. One night, George hit the right note, because it was there he met his wife, local girl Betty Duffy from Stella Gardens. After they married, George moved into the family home. They had two children, Marie, who lives in Australia, and George junior, who lives in Skerries. These days, at the age of eighty

eight, he keeps ﬁt playing snooker in the CY (now the CMWS). George says he would love to see a pitch & putt green in Clanna Gael. That would be a dream come true. George is pictured, centre, playing the piano at Cambridge Court; in the Irish team against Scotland 1939–40, sixth from left at rear; and below on the left in an outdoor boxing tournament.

Advice Clinic every Wednesday 7pm, Ringsend Community Centre Telephone: 086 8534666 Email: cllr_daithi.doolan@dublincity.ie Visit our website: www.dublinsoutheast.com

SINN FéIN IS CALLING ON THE NEW MINISTER FOR ENVIRONMENT TO LISTEN TO OUR COMMUNITY AND GUARANTEE US AN INCINERATOR FREE FUTURE!

PAGE 12

NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2007

The Fontenoy Files By Shay Connolly

A Summer selection of photos… Calafort Átha Cliath

Top left: Dublin Football Manager ʻPillarʼ Caffrey posing with one of the 10 groups participating in the Football Summer Camp. Top right: ʻPillarʼ Caffrey takes a question and answer session from another group at the Summer Camp. Below: Shay Connolly and

Dublin Port Company Port Centre, Alexandra Road, Dublin 1. Telephone: 887 6000, 855 0888 Fax: 855 7400 Web: www.dublinport.ie

Frank White hand over a cheque on behalf of the Club for €10,000 to Nichola Mernagh, Crumlin Childrenʼs Hospital. Also in the picture

is Jerry Grogan, Chairperson Cumann na mBúnscol. These funds were raised by the Clubʼs annual All-Ireland Forecast Competition.

NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2007

K ATHY ’ S

NOVEL CAREER

By Audrey Healy

aised on a diet of such influential female authors as Catherine Cookson, Anne Tyler, Anita Shrieve and Marion Keyes, it was perhaps inevitable that Kathy Rodgers might one day turn her hand to writing herself and today she is basking in the glory of the publication of her fifth book with leading Irish publishers Poolbeg. Still resident in her native town, Kathy is somewhat overwhelmed by her success which has already seen her publish ʻMisbehavingʼ, ʻAfterglowʼ, ʻIt Started With a Wishʼ and ʻWhen the Light Fadesʼ and she has high hopes for her latest offering ʻFinding Avaʼ. As her latest novel hits the shelves an excited Kathy says, “Itʼs about feisty American Eva Dimato who believes she was born to an American family but then discovers that neither of her parents are who they claimed to be and she leaves her native Boston and finds that she has to come to Ireland to find her real family and, in doing so, find herself. Itʼs about her search for her own identity as a young woman in the sixties and the challenges she encounters along her way.” Rodgers has come a long way since her own first novel became a best seller with Poolbeg, achieving

PAGE 13

10,000 sales. The stepping stone to success for her was Longford Writers Group which is based in Longford Library and meets twice a month. There, under the guidance of former writer in residence Paul Perry, she found the right environment and the encouragement to develop her skills. The main character in her ﬁrst novel was a woman quite similar to her in both age and background and this, she maintains, made it easier for her to create authentic characters. Initially, she says, she was both writing for herself and with a view

to publication. “I was conscious of the market but certainly couldnʼt be writing something that didnʼt relate to me. I sent in a few chapters to Poolbeg and they asked for a few more, but it didnʼt happen overnight. I believe everyone has a story to tell, sometimes itʼs not so much the story they are telling but the different way people react to events that happen to them.” Kathy is already working on her sixth novel which must be completed by summer 2007. “It is very challenging. You have to be very disciplined to write, I currently have an idea in my head but havenʼt started in on paper as yet. Once I have the ﬁrst 20,000 words or so done then the story is established and I get to know my characters and then I really begin to enjoy it as I feel I know where I am going– or where the story is taking me. “The characters take on a life of their own and of course the deadline is a great motivator! It is also a great escape from reality. I seldom watch television as I donʼt have much time and I can have my own dramas going on in my head.” Finding Ava is published by Poolbeg and is for sale now at €9.99.

V ERONICA

Dr Veronica Dunne, the doyenne of Irish singing teachers, and herself a former opera singer, reached her 80th Birthday on Thursday August 2nd 2007. As a tribute to this remarkable lady, pictured left, her former students, her many friends and colleagues gathered at the National Concert Hall on the evening of her birthday to present a concert in her honour. A host of singers performed great operatic numbers by Verdi, Puccini, Mozart, Dvorak, Gluck, Strauss, Lehar and Sullivan accompanied by The Orlando Chamber Orchestra and conducted by Ite OʼDonovan. Ronnie, who herself enjoyed a successful career as an opera singer and performed on many of Europeʼs foremost operatic stages, has trained many generations of Irish singers. Far from being retired at the young age of 80 years, Ronnie is continuing to produce some of operaʼs great stars.

Self Esteem and Conﬁdence For your Child By Tony Humphreys International Expert Child and Family Relationships FREE COURSE Starting Sept 2007 Would you like to hear a leading expert talk about new ways to develop Self Esteem and Conﬁdence for your Child? Sounds good?… Want to know more?? Come in sit back and relax… put on a set of headphones… and hear Tony Humphreys… you can even chat and discuss what you have heard with other parents in the room!… It’s that easy you don’t even have to know how to use a computer to join in… we’ll show you how! Interested? It doesn’t matter what age your children are… this course is for all Parents/ Grandparents or if you are involved in Childcare…

What other parents have said.

“This course was really enjoyable… I didn’t miss a week… it should be made available to all parents and anyone even thinking about childcare…” “Everyone should do this course… it was brilliant… it got me out of the house. It’s the ﬁrst one I’ve done in years and now I can’t wait to do more.” “I never used the computer before and in less than 10 minutes I was.it was so easy. I couldn’t wait to show my kids! I’m so glad I did this course… really made me look at things diﬀerently… I’d recommend it for everyone”

Bernie Smith and Tommy Owens from Sandymount Credit Union presented tracksuits, warmup tops, bags and polo shirts to St Patrickʼs CYFC. Pictured left to right: Tommy Owens, Ross Kemple (player), Bernie Smith, Richard Dowling (player), Glen OʼConnor (player), Patrick Healy (Treasurer, St Patʼs) and Peter Dowling (Committee, St Patʼs).

Like to know more? Contact : Alison or Lorraine Ringsend & Irishtown Community Centre Phone: 6604 789

PAGE 14

NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2007

WORDS OF WISDOM FOR THE BEST MAN By Grace Charley

ew things strike terror in the heart of a man (aside from the footie being cancelled) than having to make a best manʼs speech. Recently, Dave, my better half, had the honour of being best man for his brother. Of course, at the time, Dave was delighted to be asked but when the sentimental warmth of brotherly love wore off, fear struck. Now, Iʼve never known anyone whoʼd risk breaking their neck in order to get up to make a speech but for Dave it was a particularly

slow shufﬂe to the top table. Being of a shy disposition, Daveʼs tortured memories of having to read at school never waned and came ﬂooding back ten-fold every time he thought of making a speech. And I wasnʼt much help either. With a book launch looming, I was most likely expected to say a few words too, which I have to say I wasnʼt breaking my neck to do either. It was ridiculous. Here we were in a constant state of fret over having to say a few simple words. And the apprehension of having to speak in front of people you know for fear of criticism. Thatʼs even more ridiculous.

In fairness, though, I got the long straw. At most, my speech would consist of, “good night, safe home and god bless.” Dave would be expected to serve up ﬁfteen minutes of stand-up with the proﬁteroles. Being a best man is a tough call. But not for the likes of my brother Bryan. Having inherited his fatherʼs gift of the gab, our Bryan relished the best man role which is why I referred Dave on to him. Big mistake. My brotherʼs tactful advice to a shyaholic was: a) make it up as you go along and b) be very funny or theyʼll get bored. Being a true gentleman, Dave thanked my brother politely, hung up the phone

then glowered at me. Somehow, it was my fault he was prone to mindblankness and that he at his own admission was not a born comedian. So the next person to be drafted in to help with the best man speech was Paul McKenna. Dave decided he was going to hypnotise himself into this speech but unfortunately Paul McKenna never came off our bookshelf and three months passed by with no mention of the best man speech… until we took a trip home to Monaghan and met our Bryan enjoying the after-glow of his best friendʼs wedding. Apparently, Bryan had delivered the mother of all best manʼs speeches, and when Dave heard footage of which was now showing in the local pub he went a bit pale. After that there wasnʼt a word about speeches. Until the evening before the wedding, when he decided he would Google. Now common sense would dictate that the last thing youʼre going to do the night before any presentation or event is trawl

the internet. Once you were in cyber space you were lost forever and there wasnʼt time for that. Having had enough, I grabbed pen and paper and we dashed to the nearest pub. First we ate, then we got down to it (writing the best man speech I mean). We agreed to: Keep it simple Speak from the heart Include one good memory of growing up with his brother Say a few thank youʼs Then wrap it up. In one hour, we had a three minute speech. Plenty. There was even time to type it up and print it out. The wedding came and went just like every other wedding. The speech was simple, no special effects apart from the raucous laughs of Daveʼs mother Esther. Like most mothers, Esther thinks her son is perfect at everything he does. Above: Has the best manʼs speech caused unintended hilarity?

Computerised Office Skills for Adults Computerised Office Skills for Adults, FETAC Level 5: Ballsbridge College of Further Education, Shelbourne Road, Dublin 4 This course suits adults who may have been in the work force before but who now need to update old and maybe forgotten skills. It also suits adults who have no skills at all and want to get computer skills for the first time. Classes take place from 9.00am to 2.00pm, Monday to Friday to accommodate adults who may have other commitments. The course will commence in September and follows the standardised 2nd level school timetable. The course will build confidence and improve communications and interpersonal skills. Participants will develop excellent keyboard skills. In addition, students will be introduced to email and the Internet. No previous computer or keyboard skills are required. A simple induction programme helps integrate students on the course. Enrolling in the College is taking place now and is very straightforward– just bring along your PPS Number, a passport photograph, and €30.00 deposit fee. For further information, please contact the college at 01-6684806 or visit the college website www.ballsbridgecollege.com

NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2007

PAGE 15

COUNCILLORS RETURN TO PEMBROKE TOWN HALL By John Cavendish

or the ﬁrst time since 1931 local councillors gathered in Ballsbridge for a meeting of the Dublin City Council Local Area Committee on Monday 9th July at 3pm. Present were Cllr. Mary Freehill who was elected to chair the meeting, Councillors Dermot Lacey, Kevin Humphries and Oisin Quinn from Labour, Cllr. Daithí Doolan of Sinn Féin, The Progressive Democrat Councillor Wendy Hederman, Cllr. Michael Donnelly of Fianna Fáil was joined by new Councillor Deirdre Keane who was nominated to replace Chris Andrews TD on his election to the Dáil for Dublin South East. Cllr. Paddy McCartan of Fine Gael replaces former Councillor Lucinda Creighton TD now that she too has been elected to the Dáil for Dublin South East. Eileen Brady the Area Manager of DCC also attended. The meeting began with trafﬁc issues concerning reducing pay and display times on Sir John Roger-

sonʼs Quay, a clearway on Grosvenor Road, a disabled parking space at 17 Sandymount Green, permit parking on Park Drive Ranelagh, and a parking solution for Prince of Wales terrace were all recommended. Then derelict sites were discussed with a quarterly report from the management as to what work is being undertaken to move sites back to the non-derelict list. Jim Doyle the South East Area Arts Ofﬁcer answered questions about culture matters. He presented a report that outlined an Arts Work Plan, which would continue to examine the need for additional arts facilities and the possible support for existing, alternative and temporary facilities for the arts. The meeting moved on to housing and residential issues with the role of the caretakers. Their duties of maintenance came under some scrutiny with Cllr Kevin Humphries demanding that standards be keep up around the estates. Senior Housing Ofﬁcer Brendan Hayden responded to questions about the general upkeep of housing complexes. The councillors were asked for

approval or rejection for planning applications for a new Lidl outlet in Rathmines which was approved with loading restrictions and an ofﬁce complex on Sir John Rogersonʼs Quay was refused. The Area Managerʼs report was presented which included the Urban and Village Renewal Programme concerning a footpath upgrade at

South Richmond Street, a mosaic art feature at Cheltenham Place and improvements to the footpath on the Grand Canal. The report dealt with an update on housing projects, after which a number of local improvement issues were discussed, including a Ringsend Village Improvement scheme, Ringsend Park works and

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an All-Weather pitch and the surfacing of the Tennis Courts, works on the Dodder flood alleviation scheme; what to do with Sandymount baths; and finally that preparatory work has commenced on a design statement for Sandymount Village. The meeting finished with questions to the Dublin City Manager from the councillors.

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NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2007

Bookworm

underworld and pick up a string of underhand jobs to survive, mixing with various undesirables and By Douglas Kennedy dangerous individuals along the way. Soon, he is witness to Reviewed by Audrey Healy violence and murder and life in the US suburbs seems a long way away. eing an avid fan of author But– and there is a but– just as his Douglas Kennedy I was de- life seems to be taking an even more lighted to see his latest of- sinister and unpredictable turn he fering on the shelf. Having already encounters the beautiful and deeply been enthralled and gladly ensnared mysterious Margit, elegant and atby ʻThe Big Pictureʼ some years ago tractive and he is drawn to her like a I waited with bated breath for ʻThe moth to a flame. Together the pair embark on a pasWoman in the Fifthʼ, which offered a blend of intrigue and suspense and I sionate and fiery affair. She underwas not disappointed. stands him like no other and he tells Douglas Kennedy has previously her all his secrets, but Margit has sesuccessfully written in a womanʼs crets of her own and the affair must voice but this time he is Harry Ricks, only be on her terms, only every a man who had lost his marriage and three days, only for a few hours at his daughter due to a deep, dark se- a time and when the truth about her cret which is only revealed half way comes out, it is too unbelievable to through the book, after he has fled fathom. from the US to make a new life for Stuck between what is real and fanhimself in Paris. tasy, Harry is trapped and left quesOnce a pillar of the community and tioning if fact is truly stranger than working as a teacher, he is forced fiction. I wonʼt reveal that truth here to become embroiled with the seedy because it would spoil the surprise in

ʻThe Woman in the Fifthʼ

this book but suffice to say I couldnʼt put it down and it is page-turning, gripping stuff. Kennedy, who actually studied in Trinity College for a time, says of his novels: “I write about ordinary lives going into freefall after some unforeseen mistake or substantial event. In other words, I write about the potential nightmares lurking behind day-to-day life and we all like to read about the nightmares of others.” His previous novels include, ʻA Special Relationshipʼ, ʻThe Pursuit of Happinessʼ, ʻTemptationʼ, ʻThe Jobʼ, ʻState of the Unionʼ and ʻThe Dead Heartʼ. “I can never say how long a book takes to write– because they all have their own individual rhythm and because you should never tell such things,” he continues. “Generally, however, I give myself a year for a first draft– writing between 500 and 1000 words per day, six days a week. The discipline of the word quota is essential– as it gets the damn thing

written.” Of ʻThe Woman in the Fifthʼ, he says, “Itʼs set in Paris– and it is, I hope, the sort of novel which will keep my readers up into four in the morning, as it is a story of a waking nightmare.” He is absolutely right.

NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2007

A LCOHOL –

ʻSpirit Movesʼ on radio – The problem of addiction

By Nessa Jennings

istening to ʻSpirit Movesʼ one Sunday on RTE Radio 1, made me aware of some of the issues surrounding alcohol addiction in this country. There was a panel of four to discuss the problem: Dr. Shane Butler; Dr. Conor Farren; Pat Coyle and Jack Houlihan. Broadly, there seemed to be two main factors: Individual and societal susceptibility to drinking alcohol, and common availability of alcohol and the wealth to buy it. There is help for people out

PAGE 17

ILLUSION AND REALITY

there, counselling and residential care, but the panel stressed, that there may be a need for larger governmental measures. Dr. Shane Butler said “I think it is very interesting to speculate about why the Irish drink– genetic predisposition, or some psychological gap or chasm that makes us all drink too much. We are not unique. Northern Europeans tend to drink more and in more dangerous patterns.” Dr. Conor Farren said “Clearly we have more money, and thatʼs right across the classes in the social stratum. For the ﬁrst time, those innate tendencies have been allowed to come to the fore. Young people have the

National Heritage Week 2007 Saturday 25th August to 2nd September On Sunday the 26th of August at 3 pm St Andrew’s Resource Centre, Pearse Street will host ‘From the Pillar to the Tower’ Nelson’s Pillar to Sandymount Tower– the Riviera of the period. An illustrated talk by Christopher Sands, A memoir of growing up in south-east inner-city Dublin in the 1940’s covering entertainment, pictures, dances and shows The memoir will centre on the Westland Row– City Quay parishes, Pearse Street– Townsend Street and the south docks areas and the no. 3 bus route from the city to the seaside.

disposable income. They spend money on alcohol, because itʼs now become so easy and so fashionable. “There has been an explosion in alcohol abuse over the last 15 years. And in parallel with the good changes in society, have been these parallel, somewhat hidden, but equally profound changes in the addiction proﬁle. There has been active promotion of alcohol during this time.” He is talking about the hundreds of cases of beer on special offer that confront you at the entrance to the supermarket. Also, bar extensions until 3 or 4 oʼclock in the morning in rugby and GAA clubs, and sponsorship of major sporting events, actively encouraging young people to drink. The only warning campaigns that exist are actually sponsored by the drinks industry (ʻDonʼt see a good night wastedʼ– Diageo), so you can understand how ambivalent the message is. One listener rang in, pointing out that the problem with the

people in this country is that we think itʼs a great laugh. And if someone doesnʼt want to drink, we make them feel like a pariah. “They binge drink par excellence in this country. A binge drink is taken as between 4-5 standard drinks. But if you tell a bunch of drinkers that, they fall around the place laughing. They deﬁne a binge drink as between 15 to 20 drinks.” In the last 12 years, major cities in Britain and Ireland decided that they needed to create a nighttime economy. In order to do that, they extended the number of licences that were available. Places like Manchester and Dublin have become drinking capitals of Europe. By the time the affected person shows up for help, their alcoholism can be very advanced and can manifest with mental conditions, most commonly depression. Which came ﬁrst, is lost in obscurity but if both problems exist, both need treatment. That leads to one of the criticisms of residential treatment, that there

is too much recourse to medication. Since the 2001 Mental Health Act, addiction is one of the categories where it is no longer possible to be admitted to a psychiatric hospital involuntarily. They estimate that €3 billion a year is the economic cost to Irish society. The Swedish recognised a similar problem over 10 years ago and took action. The Irish problem is seen as being far worse. Dr. Shane Butler continues: “If we need to tackle it, I donʼt think information is of any value at all. There have been many strategies and reports over the last 10 years, and itʼs almost as if no-one takes a blind bit of notice. We need strong public policy, but these are policies that are quite unpopular.” In Sweden, they introduced taxation, government off-licences, and they did not congregate pubs in a type of Temple Bar area. In Ireland, where we drink so enthusiastically and so liberally, this would be interpreted as the creation of a nanny state. Also, what weʼre up against is a government which would appear to be in collusion with big business, the drinks industry.

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PAGE 18

NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2007

Film Scene•••By Michael Hilliard

‘The Simpsons Movie’ Twenty years in the making, the Simpsons movie has a lot to live up to. An impossible task really

but well worth the shot it seems. Is it as good as the show was in its heyday? The answer, unfortunately, is no, but at least it tries to be.

As anyone who has kept track of the show over the years could tell you, the quality has dropped considerably in recent years– the writing has become lazy, relying on a throw-it-all-and see-whatsticks mentality, which is sad after such a great run of ﬁve or six series dealing with family issues, real issues, with underlying messages sadly having been replaced with general buffoonery. The movie attempts to recapture the great shows of old by having a storyline with meaning, dealing with how Homerʼs actions affect his marriage and family life, all the while maintaining a steady gag rate and a genuine sense of urgency. The cast, as usual, are top notch, the animation spruced up for the big screen whilst retaining its trademark look. The special guests are few but hilarious and, of course, youʼll be humming the ʻspider-pigʼ theme long after the credits roll. Deﬁnitely worth a watch then, if only for the novelty of seeing an extended episode on the big screen. 2.5 out of 5

‘Transformers’ Director Michael Bay is no stranger to big budget blockbuster filmmaking. The ʻBad Boysʼ films, ʻPearl Harborʼ, ʻArmageddonʼ, and most recently, ʻThe Islandʼ, all bear his trademark flourishes of explosions, high-speed car chases,

and the thinnest of plotlines. The main challenge of bringing a 1980ʼs toy-commercial-turnedkids cartoon show, to the big screen, was primarily a visual one. Producer Steven Spielberg wisely chose a director, who has delivered on these terms before. Essentially a good versus evil yarn about alien robots from the planet Cybertro, Transformers is the most low-brow big-budgeted fun to be had at cinemas this summer, following the disappointing third instalments of both the ʻSpidermanʼ and ʻPirates of the Caribbeanʼ franchises. The lead role by relative newcomer, Shia LaBeouf, is the key to the success of the human story behind the action. With an awkward yet likeable screen presence and personality, he looks like the most likely candidate to take the place of Tom Hanksʼs everyman or indeed, Woody Allenʼs loveable misﬁts. John Turturro and Jon Voight show up in what can only be described as extended cameos and serve their purpose well, if a little too tongue-in-cheek at times. The special effects are the best that todayʼs technology has to offer, and are the main draw here. Funnier than expected too, ʻTransformersʼ comes as a welcome reminder that they can still ʻmake ʻem like thisʼ, a crowd pleaser reminiscent of Jurassic Park era Spielberg. 4 out of 5

NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2007

PAGE 19

B LOOMING W ILD

ORCHIDS IN

By Catherine Cavendish

ost of us are familiar with the orchids sold in flower shops as a special gift for someone dear to us. In the past, sprays of orchids were also worn on dinner dresses and ball gowns. Such orchids are large conspicuous, fleshy, beautiful blooms, but our native wild orchids tend to be much smaller and fairly inconspicuous. While not very common, wild orchids excite botanists and wild flower enthusiasts, so there was some degree of celebration this Summer when a large burst of a native orchid, Pyrimidal, made its appearance in two places in Irishtown Nature Park and persisted in bloom for over three weeks. About a hundred of these distinctive blooms made their appearance in two places. While they are not fragrant,

WONDERS

I RISHTOWN N ATURE P ARK

they are unusual and striking, with a range of colours like a modern paint catalogue, having pink blooms encompassing a spectrum from deep magenta through puce to shocking pink to pale salmon. Looking superficially similar to the pink hyacinths on sale for Christmas, Pyrimidal Orchid is topped by a cone of florets condensed on a stem. It grows happily on dry, sandy banks and is not found in north Dublin. It may be found inland, but is not common. Irishtown Nature Park, just twenty years old, is beginning to turn up some interesting plants, medicinal St. Johnʼs Wort and Ladiesʼ Bedstraw are two of the plants noted by photographer John Cheevers on the day we visited the park to take photographs of the orchids. Unfortunately, a single rare Bee Orchid which had popped up in June for the first time in Irishtown Nature Park, was

well and truly spent, probably due to the torrential rain we have been having. This orchid is listed as rare in the Republic of Ireland but is on the rare and endangered list in Northern Ireland. So hill walkers keep your eyes open, you never know what you may find. Due to the fact that the last glaciation of Ireland was merely thirteen thousand years ago, and that the ice sheet was later moving off the land, Ireland has fewer species of native plants and animals than does the neighbouring UK. The edible dormouse, moles, weasels, and snakes do not occur here, and plants are fewer in species numbers. Part of our national heritage, plants are respected for their own sake as food, for beauty and also for the present and possible future uses which might be essential active components for the medical and pharmaceutical industry.

HARRY CASTS HIS SPELL AT ‘BOOKS ON THE GREEN’

Weekly walks Dublin City Council has organised the following walks for the summer months to help keep us healthy

Tuesday 7pm meeting outside The Barge Pub, Charlemont Street for a walk along the canal and surroundings areas. Charlemont LUAS Station is nearby. Group Leader: Dorothy Fine (4110963) Wednesday 7pm meeting at Raheny DART Station for a walk through St. Annes Park and surrounding areas. Group Leader: Dermot Byrne (8375220)

idnight… 20 July 2007… An eagerly awaited time for numerous children, teenagers and not a few adults. Harry Potter was coming to bookshops all over the world to cast his magic spell. In Sandymount too, despite heavy rain, there was a long queue from ʻBooks on the Greenʼ to experience his magnetic magic. Most were locals but some came from as far off as America. Pictured left at the witching hour, the gates are opened! Meanwhile, little Katie Berigan, above, rose to the occasion in her beautiful wizard outﬁt.

The Yacht Thorncastle Street, Ringsend, 6680977

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

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NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2007

G ALWAY – CITY OF THE VIBES

By Brian Rutherford

he city takes its name from the river Corrib on which it is built. The word Gaillaimh means ʻstonyʼ

as in stony river. The city also bears the nickname ʻthe city of the tribesʼ because 14 tribes led the city in Norman times. The population is over 70,000 and it is the third largest city in the Republic. The popula-

tion is descended from Celtic tribes and Norman settlers. There is also Spanish ancestry due to a history of trading with Spain and descendants of the Spanish armada survivors. Galway has experienced phenomenal growth in recent years. It had 2.1 million visitors in 2000 and produced revenue of over €400 million. Nowadays the city is a multicultural haven for all walks of life. It is home to some great food and drink with the likes of McDonaghs on the seafront where the cod is fresh and the name famous for it. Eyre Square got a recent makeover and to tell the truth there isnʼt much of a difference to it. The climate is changeable as elsewhere in Ireland and there are prevailing winds from the gulf stream. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and you can hire a bike and see all the surrounding countryside from the stones of Clare Island to Aran.

There is also great nightlife with Roisin Dubhʼs supplying live music and a friendly

atmosphere any night of the week and Monroeʼs just across the road serving many a weary

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NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2007 traveller. The Gaelteacht is on Galwayʼs doorstep so the Irish language is strong there. Itʼs said that 50% of its people speak as Gaeilge. It has a fantastic market on the weekends and this year it celebrated an arts festival in July. During the Norman invasion of Connacht in the 1230s, Galway Fort was captured by Richard Mór deBurgh. As the deBurghs eventually became gaelicised the merchants of the town pushed for greater control over the walled city. This led to them gaining complete control over the city and the granting of mayoral

status by the English crown in December 1484. Galway endured difficult relations with its Irish neighbours. A notice over the west gate of the city, completed in 1562 by Mayor Thomas Oge Martyn Fitz William, stated ʻFrom the Ferocious OʼFlahertys may God protect usʼ. A byelaw forbade the native Irish unrestricted access into Galway, saying ʻneither O nor Mac shall strutte nor swagger through the streets of Galwayʼ without permission. During the Middle Ages, Galway was ruled by fourteen merchant families. These were the ʻtribesʼ of Galway.

PAGE 21 The city prospered on international trade. In the Middle Ages, it was the principal Irish port for trade with Spain and France. Christopher Columbus is known to have visited Galway, possibly stopping off on a voyage to Iceland or the Faroe Islands. Galway remained loyal to the crown for the most part but in 1642 relations changed and it allied with the Catholic Confederation of Kilkenny. During the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland it was captured after a nine-month siege. At the end of the 17th century the city supported King James the second of England in the Williamite war in Ireland. King William of Orange captured it and the families of Galway gave up. The great families of Galway were ruined, the city declined, and it did not fully recover until the great economic boom of the late twentieth century. Visions of Galway, from left: Summer frolics, crowds line the streets for Galway Race Week and relaxing in the recentley redesigned Eyre Square.

CONGRATULATIONS TO MAUREEN AND PETER

BELATED CONGRATULATIONS to Maureen and Peter Barry of Stella Gardens who celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary on 12 May 2007. We couldnʼt celebrate their big day due to ill health, but through it all they keep on going. I would just like to thank them both for all their love, kindness and devotion to each other, especially my mam, who at almost 80 is better than any hands-on nurse. Her hands work magic. We send all our love from all your children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. A special thank you to Louise and Nigel who have just visited with the great grandchildren Kyle and baby Aimee, all the way from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. We enjoyed every minute of our precious time together. A special hello to Jason, Nicola and little Freya who would have been here from California but great grandchild number two is due any minute! All my love to you both always. Angela Barry

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

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NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2007

THE ROCKY ROAD TO PEACE

By Grace Charley

y intention was to write an article about my recent trip to Donegal– but then I thought, what can I say about Donegal that noone hasnʼt already experienced? You donʼt have to visit Donegal to know itʼs still one of Irelandʼs

most treasured counties, not bitten by the Celtic Tiger bug. The air is still clear, the people eternally laid-back so that leaves me with the rocky roads, the hump-backed hills and the swirling seas. And you get the picture. As a child, I used to spend many a summer in Donegal and since then not much has changed.

But what has changed are the roads that lead to this beautiful county. Having lived on the Monaghan/Tyrone border, weʼd have to travel through ʻtroubledʼ towns like Aughnacloy and Strabane before weʼd eventually hit Donegal. Last week, having ﬁrst picked up my mother, I took the exact same route and it quickly dawned

on me how much the peace process has altered the landscape. Of course, the make-over didnʼt happen yesterday, but it may as well have, because for some bizarre reason itʼs only now that I can survey and appreciate this promising land. Travelling through Aughnacloy, I didnʼt eye one British soldier still in the throes of puberty. Gone were the high walls of the barracks where sometimes youʼd be pulled in to have your car searched. Other times were more pleasant. Like when my mother would cross the border to do the weekly shopping, and the soldiers would throw bags of ʻTaytoʼ in through our car window. Lorries that passed over the border would, as a kind gesture or maybe a sweetener, dump a load of confectionary with the soldiers. They in turn would pass them on to any car laden with children. But that all depended on who you were travelling with. I ﬁgured that out each time I travelled with my older brother and his friends. Those times, we got nothing more than a grilling. Once we were permitted to cross the border, we always felt a sense of relief. Not that we were ever guilty of anything. Our grandfather was in the old IRA but our fatherʼs neutrality to the ʻcauseʼ carried through the blood so, unlike other children

of our generation, we didnʼt get into a frenzy later on whenever we heard a rendition of ʻMen behind the wireʼ. But having witnessed the burial of our fatherʼs friend– blown up in his car for failing to pay protection money– did leave us confused. In the late seventies, being Catholic and Irish didnʼt mean guaranteed amnesty from the IRA. But when youʼre a child, you donʼt think too long and hard about politics. Instead, you stare at the Union-Jacked coloured kerbs and the dark balaclava-ed ﬁgures etched on grafﬁti walls and you know youʼre on different land. But as I passed through Aughnacloy and Strabane last week, there wasnʼt a trace of territorialism. The only sign of sovereignty in those towns was a thronging ASDA store and a BT van trundling by. Admittedly, there is still the odd wornout road sign inscribed ʻDerryʼ, with the word ʻLondonʼ scrawled out– but thatʼs it. Thatʼs all thatʼs visibly left of the troubles. Of course, other scars will take longer to heal. But for a change itʼs nice to embark on a holiday without being reminded of the terror and bitterness this land once harboured. May rocky roads only belong in Donegal. Above: A rock and a hard place– the Fanad Head Lighthouse in Donegal.

BIGGS DAY AT SANDYMOUNT GREEN Parentline are looking for volunteers to man our conﬁdential Parent Support Helpline. Could you spare three hours a week just to lend a sympathetic ear and to support stressed parents with the problems they encounter? If so – full training will be provided. For more details just call 8787230 and we’ll talk you through it. Parentline Carmichael Centre, North Brunswick Street, Dublin 7. Phone: 01 8787230 Email: info@parentline.ie www.parentline.ie

Mags Biggs and David Walsh are pictured at the recent Sandymount Family Fun Day in Sandymount Green.

NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2007

PAGE 23

D ON ’ T

By Audrey Healy

nyone who has ever suffered a migraine attack will know just how debilitating it can be and with this

in mind the Migraine Association of Ireland held an information day in the Clarion Hotel, Liffey Valley in May. Migraine affects approximately 400,000 people in Ireland and is the countryʼs most common neurological disorder. It is a condition that, though it cannot be cured, can be managed, according to Peter Murphy, CEO of the Migraine Association. “If you suffer from migraine, the ﬁrst step is to learn about the condition and how it can be managed,” he told NewsFour. Migraine remains a misunder-

LET MIGRAINE RULE YOUR LIFE stood and under-managed condition. It differs from a ʻnormalʼ headache in that it generally features a one-sided throbbing headache which is episodic and lasts hours or even days with total freedom between attacks. The headache is normally worsened by movement or routine physical activity. Migraine has been likened to a power cut, as the whole body seems to shut down until the attack is over. The

headache is, of course, just one of the symptoms, albeit the most well-known. An attack of migraine can be very frightening. The onset of classical migraine (migraine with aura) may be signalled by visual disturbances in what is called the ʻauraʼ stage. This affects about 20% of sufferers. Common migraine (or migraine without aura) and classical migraine may be accompanied by nausea, vomit-

ZERO MARKS FOR SIZE ZERO

By Fergal Murphy

ize zero for those of you who donʼt know is the current trend among celebrities and models where they starve themselves down to what they believe is an attractive weight. Appalling images of stick-thin celebrities and other ﬁgures in the public eye has sparked off a huge debate as to whether this trend is detrimental for impressionable young girls. Most of these famous actresses and models insist that they eat just like anyone else and undoubtedly there are a small, very small minority of women who are naturally stick-thin no matter what they eat. For the lollipop (big head and a tiny body) ladies we see in the media, they really arenʼt following a healthy diet. Starving themselves to ʻlook goodʼ down to the size of a seven year old boy can have dramatic health consequences. In September 2006 model Luisel Ramos died days after appearing on the catwalk. Newspapers reported that she was told that if she lost a ʻsigniﬁcant amountʼ of weight (she was 5ft 9 tall and weighed 7stone when she died) she would succeed as a model! You donʼt have to be stick-thin to be fashionable. A grown woman who looks like she needs a good meal with a body that has been starved to resemble that of a young boy is not healthy and certainly not attractive. Above: Actress Rene Zelwegger pictured left as the well-rounded Bridget Jones later reverted to a ʻfashionableʼ skin and bones look.

DÁIL ÉIREANN, LEINSTER HOUSE, KILDARE STREET, DUBLIN 2 TEL: 01 6183054 FAX: 01 6184146 EMAIL: CHRIS.ANDREWS@OIREACHTAS.IE WEB: WWW.CHRISANDREWS.IE

ing, diarrhoea, confusion and in rare cases temporary paralysis and loss of speech. Sensitivity to light, noise and strong smells is also frequently reported. The Migraine Association of Ireland is organizing two seminars in September and further information can be obtained from the Migraine Helpline at 1850 200 378 or email info@migraine. ie or check out the website address: www.migraine.ie

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NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2007

C AN YOU HOUSE A STUDENT ?

EVERY YEAR thousands of students of all ages come to Dublin from elsewhere in Ireland and abroad and can often find it very difficult to find suitable accommodation. There are two thousand-plus beds available through on-campus accommodation but this unfortunately does not come close to meeting the needs of UCDʼs twenty two thousand-strong student body. With this in mind, over the summer months, UCD Studentsʼ Union will be coordinating a campaign to compile a resource detailing all available accommodation in the area. Once published, this list will be available to all students from the Student Centre and via the Student Union website, www.ucdsu.net. The Studentsʼ Union will organise the distribution of postcards to all home-owners in the locality, (up to ten thousand homes, in South County Dublin). The purpose of which is to invite home-owners to advertise accommodation, including digs, for students during the academic year, beginning in September. The Studentsʼ Union employs a full-time accommodation officer, whose role includes the maintenance of this accommodation list for UCD students. For further information contact 01 7163108.

Ringsend and District Credit Union Ltd.

E TIHAD TAKES OFF IN I RELAND

tihadAirways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates has launched a new, four ﬂights-a-week service, from Dublin to Abu Dhabi. This will offer Irish air travellers direct access to many popular tourist destinations in the Middle East. The airlineʼs one-stop connection to Sydney also offers Irish travellers the fastest way to Australia. Two of the airlineʼs cabin managers are Helena Holmes and Philip Heavy, pictured above. Helena, who went to school in Sandymount, speaks about her

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experience of life in the Middle East. “I came to the Middle East with a fair idea of what life would be like. There are highs and lows with moving and having to adapt to a different country and culture, but if you open yourself to new ideas and experiences it can be fruitful. I have found the Arabic culture to be warm and friendly, and as are the Irish, very family orientated.” A native of Irishtown, Philip joined the airline three years ago. “I joined Etihad because it was a new company and moving to the Middle East gave me the chance

orld Vision Ireland asks people of Dublin to help them reach a target of 1000 new child sponsors by end of September The World Vision Ireland campaign aims to sign up 1,000 additional child sponsors by the end of September to help alleviate the extreme poverty suffered by millions in Africa. World Vision Ireland Patron and child sponsor Victoria Smurﬁt (pictured right) said, “Every day 30,000 African children die because they live in

to experience something new, to meet different people from around the world and to travel. My goal for the future is to stay in the industry as itʼs something Iʼve always wanted since I was a kid watching airport and airline programmes on television.” The Abu Dhabi-based airline will operate an Airbus A330-200 aircraft on the Dublin route with 10 seats in ﬁrst class, 26 seats in business and 164 seats in economy, with a total passenger capacity of 1,600 seats every week. For more information see www. etihadairways.com

W ORLD V ISION

extreme poverty. By September 30th another 1,830,000 children will have died. We can do something to help prevent this. “As a child sponsor myself I visited Tanzania with Pauline McLynn to see the work of World Vision Ireland ﬁrst hand and the difference child sponsorship can make.” World Vision Ireland Chief Executive Helen Keogh urged people to consider the beneﬁts of child sponsorship. “Child sponsorship gives you the opportunity to bring clean water, food, healthcare and education to a child in desperate need, as well as bringing about long-term changes in their community. These are things we often take for granted in Ireland.” Ms Keogh explained the way World Vision Ireland supports the communities: “Working in partnership with the community, we help them build for their future, gaining the skills and know-how they need to stand on their own two feet. Our child sponsorship

scheme is unique. We manage every penny of our donations ensuring no less than 80 per cent of sponsorsʼ donations are applied to our sponsorship programme. Our child sponsors can be sure that their money reaches those who need it most,” World Vision Ireland child sponsorship costs €25 a month. Thatʼs just 82 cents a day. For more information please visit www.worldvision.ie or text ʻsponsorʼ to 51500. Pictured left Pauline McGlynn and below Victotia Smurﬁt, both child sponsors for World Vision.

NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2007

PUPPY

POWER RULES

By Grace Charley

ome time ago, I wrote an article offering advice on choosing the right dog. Well itʼs a pity I didnʼt take my own advice. Donʼt get me wrong, Frank (my dog) is perfect. I just chose the wrong breeder, which I eventually found out when I hired a dog trainer. Having been brought up with collies, corgis, lurchers, border terriers, Jack Russells, Staffordshires and boxers at one point or another, I knew the basics in pet care. But it still took me two years to choose one of my own. Living in the city can be a slow suffocation for someone reared in the country, so I felt it may have been a tad selﬁsh keeping an animal. But I longed for one and my mother said if I didnʼt get one quick, Iʼd end up ill. (She maintains dogs lower your blood pressure). I trawled the shelters and pounds looking for a suitable dog but they

PAGE 25

only had the larger kind. My house and garden would only accommodate a smaller dog like my motherʼs stray mongrel who have both lived happily together for years. My motherʼs dog is a Tibetan/ terrier mix and when I researched the Tibetan breed I knew I had found my ideal dog. Tibetans are renowned house dogs, bred as watch dogs and companions for the monks in the Himalayas. When I got past the bit where they also used to keep the monksʼ beds warm and turned the cogs of the monksʼ prayer wheels (God bless them)– I knew Tibetans were the breed for me.

I scoured the internet looking for Tibetans but to no avail. Then one day, I found them advertised in the ʻBuy & Sellʼ. I rang and spoke to a nice-sounding lady who invited me down to the country to have a look at her Tibetan pups. I must have visited her house about four times before I eventually committed to the idea of taking one home. Being the smallest, Frank was the last in the litter and already I adored the little paws of him. But as soon as I took the wee pup home, his behaviour seemed a bit bizarre. He was constantly barking and scaling the walls of the sitting-room. Not only that, when it came to feeding, he would take one mouthful then run off as if you were about to steal his food off him. But, most worryingly of all, he had got into the bad habit of eating his own poo and as a result was violently ill. According to the vet, it is not unusual for ʻlap dogʼ pups to eat their own poo but no matter how many chunks of pineapple I chucked into his food it still didnʼt

act as a repellent. And that wasnʼt the end of it. I became a virtual prisoner in my own home as I worried about him each time I left the house. Whether I was at work or out having dinner, I was fretting about my pup getting sick or imagining him barking his lungs up as he scaled the sittingroom walls. In the end, I enlisted the help of a dog trainer (or animal behaviourist as they prefer to be known). Now, this wasnʼt a decision I came to lightly. The session was going to be expensive and I had to vanquish all feelings of guilt about my granny barely having enough money to feed her ten children let alone pay to heal a pupʼs psyche. And if my granny were alive today, she would know what to do with the pup, because alongside rearing a large brood, she ran a farm full of animals. A pup making strange would have been the least of her worries. Within ﬁve minutes of observing Frank, the dog trainer could tell me that she suspected he came from a puppy farm. I was shocked. The woman I got him from seemed like a dog nut (as it turns out she was, but not in a good way)– she would never house them in unacceptable conditions or be underhand. I even

had all the paperwork. “Did you see where she bred them,” asked the trainer. “Didnʼt get past the front door,” was my reply. The trainerʼs nod confirmed “puppy farm.” I felt very stupid and angry with myself. The country blood in me would never allow me to ask to enter somebodyʼs house unless invited. It was bad manners! But had I known I had a right to see my pupʼs living conditions, I would have been in like Flynn. The scaling of the walls signified that Frank had been kept in a kennel. Running off with his food meant he obviously had to fend off a lot of other pups in order to eat. And eating his poo meant he was copying his mother. Apparently, in puppy farms, mothers eat their puppyʼs poo to keep the place clean and to destroy evidence in case predators come sniffing around. I forgot my guilty feelings about the expense of the sessions. If nothing else came out of it, at least the breeder was now being investigated which Iʼm very happy about. Itʼs early days yet, but already Frank seems to be a much happier pup. Animals donʼt have a voice, so they can only communicate through behaviour. And look how insightful my wee pupʼs was. Puppy Power!

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NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2007

Sports Desk Sponsored by

Compiled by Derek Buckley ST PAT’S CY VERSUS VINTAGE DOCKLANDS 1 : 2 Yet another Vintage performance by Docklands! Cup shock as Vintage come out as overall winners. Cup shock because, not only were the Vintage anti post outsiders but they faced teams that were of higher league standards. Manager David Doyleʼs side, convincingly outright winners, produced all the ingredients it takes to become champions– pride, passion, hunger, and belief. After thrashing Bridge United 3-0 in the quarter ﬁnals they fought back from 0-2 down to overcome a brave Railway Union 3-2 and to set a mouthwatering ﬁnale with pre-joint tournament favourites St Patʼs CY who in turn beat co-favourites Ringsend Rovers in the quarter, 1-0 and it took a penalty shoot-out to overcome Liffey Pearse in the semis. So as the crowds assembled on a sunny Saturday afternoon in Ringsend with the playing surface 100% thanks to our chief grounds man ʻSmasherʼ out came both teams. CYʼs manager Anthony Owens looked in upbeat mood and Vintage manager David Doyle looked fairly nervous and it was nerves from both teams on the pitch as neither team could settle. St Patʼs were clearly the better footballing side but David Doyleʼs troops were aware of this and enforced their upper body strength to stop their rhythm, which proved very effective. After 20 minutes, Anto Owen looked on in disbelief as his players failed to get out of the starting blocks and could do nothing about efforts from both Alan Yuen and Sean Luden, thunderous strikes, lucky for him they blasted just wide. On the 21st minute Graham Hannigan for CY might have done better from the edge of the box. At this stage the belief was there for the Vintage. The likes of Robert Alwright mopped everything for Vintage in defence,

Raytown Bar

both on the deck and in the air. Captain Glen Doyle controlled everything in the middle of the park As the game entered the halfhour mark the deadlock was broken through Captain ʻfantasticʼ Glen Doyle with a goal any player in the world would be proud of as his 40-yard strike thundered into the top left corner, leaving the CY players stunned. That sparked CY into life as the likes of John Flood started his trademark runs on the right side and Keith Ryan waited to pounce and that he did inside the box on the 38 minute, 1-1 with a clinical finish! CY finished the first half stronger, which gave Doyle time to consult with his head coach Barry Benson on getting their sideʼs shape back With only minutes into the second half Vintage took the lead through Alan Yuen, 1-2, from an Eamon Phibbs corner as CY failed to clear their lines. From there on, a lot of the traffic was one way, CY huffed and puffed! Several changes were made by both managers early in the second half and the most eye-catching was the replacement goalkeeper Adam Roche, who continuously denied CY extra time as he pulled off save after save! At that stage Vintage were holding on for their lives and then the music rang out from referee Patsy Browne as the final whistle sounded to the joy of all Vintage players and supporters. Final score 1-2 to the Vintage Docklands. Manager David Doyleʼs quote after the match, “The ladsʼ job was to keep them quiet for the first 20 minutes and that they did, their heads dropped and we took our chances, what a team I couldnʼt have asked for more.” Finally, I would like to thank all involved in running the ʻNoel Fox Tournamentʼ and Fianna Fáilʼs Chris Andrews for his support.

From left: Barry Young, event organiser; May Fox with the Noel Fox Cup and Chris Andrews TD of Fianna Fáil.

The winning team Vintage Docklands!

TEXAS HOLD ʻEM Every Monday The Raytown Bar Registration 6.30 pm Every second week– Freezeouts

Ed Saul holds the Noel Fox Cup, with Glenn Doyle in the blue. Left and right are linesmen Christy Lawrence, and Walter Thompson. Centre is referee Patsy Brown.

NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2007

PAGE 27

CITY COUNCIL TO ‘GREEN’ DUBLIN D ublin City Council is set to take the lead in tackling climate change in Ireland. It will be co-ordinating a regional response so that Dublinʼs four local authorities will meet the demands outlined in the Kyoto Agreement. Sinn Féinʼs Dublin Spokesperson for the Environment Cllr. Daithí Doolan, a member of Dublin City Councilʼs Environment Strategic Policy Committee, announced the establishment of an All-Party Working Group charged with implementing the councilʼs five-year environmental strategy. “An all-party group has been established to work on the five year strategy linked directly to the Kyoto Agreement, which will focus on: Waste Management. The promotion of reduction, reusing and recycling as alternatives to land fill & incineration. Adoption of a Zero Waste Policy for Dublin and the scrapping of any plans for an incinerator in Dublin. Transport. The promotion

of public transport over private cars. Renewable energy sources for Dublin City Council vehicles Planning. To ensure that all developments are environmentally & socially sustainable. Develop guidelines for lands at risk of ﬂooding. Integrated actions on spatial planning to reduce commuting. Energy. To increase use of

renewable energy sources in heating existing buildings and new developments. Renewable energy sources to become standard in renovation programmes for Dublin City Council Policy prooﬁng. To ensure all policy developed by Dublin City Council is Environmentally Proofed and is in line with the Kyoto Agreement. Interdepartmental Co-operation. Establish an interdepartmental group by June 2007 to oversee and implement this strategy.” Cllr. Doolan said, “the City Councilʼs working group will be formally linking in with the other three local authorities and will be co-opting environmental groups and NGOs to ensure this does not end up a talking shop.” Above: Eco houses.

T HE SUNDANCE MAN

Larry Yazzie of the Meskwaki nation brought a brief, brilliant ﬂash of American Summer with his astonishing ʻsun danceʼ on Sandymount Strand a few weeks ago. The appreciative audience were also treated to a lively display from some young Irish dancers.

Ballsbridge College of Further Education Shelbourne Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 Ph: 6684806 Fax: 6682361 Email: info@ballsbridge.cdvec.ie Web: www.ballsbridgecollege.com

BUSINESS & COMPUTING EDUCATION • Auctioneering Estate Agency & Valuation • Business Studies • Computerised Ofﬁce Skills for Adults • Criminology & Social Studies • English (EFL) & Business Communications • English (EFL) & Media Studies • Health Sector Studies

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NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2007

Security devices for people over 65 OVER THE past 10 years the Government has been operating the Community Support for Older People grant scheme. The grant is available nationwide and is open to people over 65. The scheme helps to cover most of the cost of installing the 24hour Monitored Pendant Alarm and Security Light at your home. This year it is the aim of Elderly Reassurance to make available the Pendant Alarm with a programmed bogus caller button for only €50 to each applicant. The Security Light will be free to each applicant. If you are over 65 or indeed know someone in your community who is over 65, please contact Elderly Reassurance Community Services, whose details are listed below. Elderly Reassurance will link your application to its network of community groups who make an application for this grant annually and who will make further contact with you. If you belong to a Community Group you could become involved with the scheme and help those in need within your own community. For further details contact Elderly Reassurance at 4130556 or email ercommunitycare@eircom.net or call to Elderly Reassurance, D1 Bawnogue Enterprise Centre, Clondalkin, Dublin 22.

The NewsFour

Crossword

Back to school costs a burden for low income households

he cost of sending children back to school can be a big worry for parents living on a low income. As costs per child for clothing, footwear and school books are considerable it is a very heavy burden on parents who have to fund this cost from their normal household budget. Parents on a low income, who have not already done so, should apply to the Department of Social and Family Affairs for the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance. This allowance gives €180 for each eligible child aged 2-11 on or before 30th September 2007 and €285 for each eligible child aged 12-22 on or before 30th September 2007. While the allowance will go some way towards the overall cost it will not be sufﬁcient to cover all the costs associated with returning to school. MABS (Money Advice and Budgeting Service) advises parents to plan now for going back to school. 1. Make a list of all you need to buy and fund e.g. uniform, school books, school materials, photocopying,

school trips, sports gear etc. 2. Try to estimate the cost of each item– be realistic– check the prices. 3. Try to ﬁnd ways to keep these costs to a minimum, e.g. Is there a book rental scheme in the school? 4. Add up the total cost. 5. Check if you might be eligible for the Back to School Allowance or other welfare payments. 6. Once youʼve ﬁnally agreed on the overall cost, consider ways you might pay for it. Calculate how many weeks there are between now and when you need to buy– how much will you need to save each week to cover the cost? Can you do this? Where will you save– the Credit union is a good option for saving, allowing you access to credit, if needed. 8. If you cannot save the full amount, can you reduce costs anywhere? 9. Remember that your everyday bills still have to be paid after this. 10. If you feel you have no option oth-

er than to borrow, please remember to consider how much you can afford to repay each week and how long you will need to repay. Only borrow the amount you actually need. Try to avoid borrowing from Money Lenders/ Doorstep sellers– they will cost you much more in the long term The Money Advice and Budgeting Service is a free, confidential and independent service for people in debt or at risk of getting into debt. It is funded by the Department of Social and Family Affairs. It has 65 offices nationwide staffed by professional money advisers. For more information contact: Michael Culloty at 087 7978966 or Dublin South East MABS at 6706555 If you are still in doubt about your budget or have concerns about debt contact your local MABS office or visit the MABS website on www. mabs.ie

Crossword compiled by Killian Holmes Name:…………………………… Address:………………………… Telephone:…………………

Winner of last crossword: John Smith from Sandymount Prize is a €25 gift voucher from Easons Please send you entries to NewsFour, 15 Fitzwilliam Street, Ringsend, Dublin 4 by 30 September 2007 Across 1 One goes to these gates when flying (9) 9 Intense animosity or dislike (6) 10 Having the sharpest inclination, most precipitous. (8) 11 Bowman (6) 12 River and town in Co. Cork (6) 14 To calculate, add up (4) 15 Viewpoint or to fish with a line and hook (5) 16 Evergreen Mediterranean tree, fruit is used to make oil (6) 18 Without flaw, ideal (7) 21 Marie -------, Ship found in the Atlantic Ocean unmanned and under full sail heading towards the Strait of Gibraltar in 1872 (7) 24 Song of patriotism or modern rock ballad (7) 26 Genuflected perhaps in veneration (5) 30 Recess in a building (4) 31 Changes to facilitate new situation (5) 32 Persistently bother or attack (6) 33 Misleading representation of reality, trick of the eye (8) 34 Required, wanted (6) 35 Spectator, onlooker (9) Down 2 Performers hired to play a minor part (6) 3 Plan or outline of things to be done (6) 4 ------ up, taking the steps necessary to play your opening shot in golf (6) 5 Spins around on an axis (7) 6 Evergreen tree, Roman emperors wore wreathes of it on their heads (6) 7 Place where historical records are kept (8) 8 Destinations of correspondence (9) 11 To make amends (5) 13 Occurring a single time (4) 17 Scattering water as people do in the sea (9) 19 Delayed, impeded (8) 20 Places where tents or other temporary shelters are set up (5) 22 Failed to tell the truth (4) 23 Condition of excessive fatness (7) 25 Christian festival in commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ (6) 27 Pocketbook for money, credit cards etc (6) 28 A type of plum (6) 29 Hemorrhage of a blood vessel leading to the brain (6)

NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2007

PAGE 29

M INI W ORLD C UP FUNDRAISER

Dublin Port Company, Shamrock Rovers Supporters Club and Local Community Score for Charities. Dublin Port Company and the Ringsend Shamrock Rovers Supporters Club held a fundraising

day of football events at Irishtown Stadium on a day of lightning, thunder, rain and lots of goodwill on the August bank holiday. Over sixty children from East Wall, Sheriff Street, Ringsend, Pearse Street and the surround-

ing areas battled it out for World Cup victory as they participated in the ﬁve-a-side Mini World Cup game. The children participating in the competition were busy over the past few weeks raising money for the event, seeking sponsorship

from family, friends, local residents and businesses. Following the Mini World Cup, it was time for the ʻprofessionalsʼ versus the ʻamateursʼ game, as the Shamrock Rovers Select 11 team played a selection of players from Ringsend and Pearse Street football teams. The score was an inevitable 6-1 for Shamrock Rovers but the sporting Ringsend/ Pearse Street 11 team were magnanimous in defeat. The fundraising event was in aid of both Crumlin Childrenʼs Hospital and the Indonesian tsunami support project. Following the Asian tsunami disaster in 2004, Dublin Port Company together with the local Dublin Port community, raised over €225,000 for the reconstruction of an elementary school in the port town of Lampoh Daya, Banda Aceh, Indonesia, one of the worst affected areas of the tsunami disaster. Funds raised from this day of sport go towards the maintenance of the Indonesian school and the fund for the building of a health centre and community centre

beside the school. Charlie Murphy, Community Liaison Ofﬁcer of Dublin Port Company said, “Dublin Port Company has a long history of working hand in hand with the local community, whether developing projects at a local level or supporting other port communities. There is a great sense of community in the area and a great sense of active citizenship, with the local community keen to support important fundraising initiatives.” Further information on the project can be found on Dublin Port Companyʼs website www. dublinport.ie Left: The winners. Below: The runners-up.

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PAGE 30

NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2007

CAN YOU IDENTIFY ANY OF THESE PEOPLE? hood spent in Bath Avenue. One of thirteen children born to John and Mary Murphy she attended school in Haddington Road and had ﬁve sisters and six brothers. One child died early on. She had a twin sister Sheila who went on to become a nun and served in Burma. Spirituality is a trait that passes through the family with her other sister Mary also choos-

By Audrey Healy

renda Murphy may be eighty six years of age but sheʼs as sprightly and alert as they come and sheʼs trying to jog your memory with these two photographs. The ﬁrst one goes back to 1928 and features her late brother Vincent Murphy, Francey

ing the religious life as did her brother Fr. Desmond, the only remaining sibling still alive. “I wouldnʼt say Iʼm very religious myself but enough to get me through each day and I always love going to Mass in Ringsend church,” Brenda told ʻNewsFourʼ recently. “I also loved taking part in the May processions and doing the collections.” Brenda never married and spent most of her adult life caring for other members of her family. “Iʼm the only one in my family who never got married. I

decided to care for my parents when they got ill and they died within six weeks of each other and then I cared for my brothers and sisters, but thereʼs no point in being morbid about these things,” she says philosophically. “Thatʼs just the way things went. Iʼm still very active. I still drive and Iʼm still involved in lots of local events. Iʼd been enjoying reading ʻNewsFourʼ for years and would love to know the names of some of the people in these photographs if any of your readers could help me.”

Nolan and Peter Allen alongside the unnamed clerk of the local Church while the group photo features some local children from the Ringsend/ Sandymount area in the late nineteen thirties about to go on a day trip with the St. Vincent de Paul. Brenda has great associations with the St. Vincent de Paul and did volunteer work with them in adulthood after a happy child-

M EET

THE MINI CLASS OF

2007

PROBLEMS PAYING OFF DEBTS? EXPERIENCING FINANCIAL DIFFICULTY? NEED ADVICE ON MONEY MANAGEMENT? HELP IS AVAILABLE AT:

DUBLIN SOUTH EAST MABS 26 to 28 Lombard Street, Dublin 2 Phone: 01 6706555 Fax: 01 6705439 Email: pearse_street@mabs.ie Website: www.mabs.ie

A GREAT NIGHT of celebration took place in Ringsend Community Centre on Wednesday 18th July. The expression on the faces of the parents as their children walked into the room all capped and gowned that night was amazing. The children, who have spent the last four years in the Home from Home, Ringsend Community Playgroup/Creche learning through play, singing and social behaviour, graduated. Well done to all the Staff and Management of the Creche. Back row, from left: Lee, Tadgh, Clodagh and Lance. Front row: Ella, Jason and Erin.

NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2007

PAGE 31

THE POETRY PLACE

Dark days

Crocodile Tears

The wind blows in from the north a pale blue sun fading away the park lies idle in a dusky light the old trees like ghosts in the cold tinges of orange pickle the cloud an ice field waiting for snow homeward voices along the road the dog slips quietly indoors the traveller longs to get home winos huddle beneath the arches lonely rivers black as ice the noise of crows in a cellular light the traffic rumbles through the night the festive season looms in the distance inflated hearts plunge neath the moon.

Donʼt cry crocodile tears for me, Now that Iʼm no longer near, For all the years I spent here on earth, I was always there but you werenʼt always here. I cared for you from your cradle days Through your school and teenage years, I worried when you stayed out late,

But all the care I gave to you, The love and joy all sincere, You took all this for granted, And when in need you turned a deaf ear. In your adult years I was so proud of you, I made sure you never wanted,

Right-angled triangles against the sky Unfinished trigonometry on an azure page. Puffed clouds float by, unconcerned. Do your worst and see if I care A cheeky lift shaft sprouts above the rest Challenging us. The rest will grow this high The day is filled with hurry Clank and chant of machines Men, in hard hats, dwarfed by the structures they create. Later, the glassed front catches the last of the evening red. Fly past birds are mirrored in its bronze, As they make for surviving trees. These nights, a lonesome moon keeps guard, Shadows everywhere Incomplete bits jagged like broken teeth. By Carmel McCarthy

Itʼs ﬁnding the strength from within my soul To break free from these chains Itʼs peeling away the outer layers And seeing what remains Itʼs getting behind the wheel of a car Going places on my own Journeying deep inside Without playing prisoner to the phone Itʼs staying up all night Without keeping an eye on the time Itʼs taking back the childhood gifts All thatʼs rightfully mine

Was always proud to have you near.

By Imelda Kearney

Cityscapes

Freedom to me

I put you on a pedestal high, But again you took all this for granted. Now my day is done and Iʼve passed on, You can depend on me no more, And you canʼt take things for granted, As you did so many years before. The tears you now shed are not tears of grief, They are as false as false can be, They trickle down your guilty cheeks, More for you and not for me,

Its rock climbing and abseiling Itʼs free falling through the sky Itʼs getting through the dark days Without questioning why Itʼs recapturing those lost years When I was young and free Itʼs revisiting the one I was Before this monster came to me Itʼs falling in love with someone Without the fear of what theyʼll say If and when they hear my secret If it will mean theyʼll walk away Itʼs not living with a shadow A burning in your brain Itʼs not living with self pity And why Iʼm not the same Itʼs not hearing nagging voices About sleep and work and drink Itʼs having the chance for independence Itʼs having space to think These are the things that I envisage The colours that I see The goals I wish were close at hand The ones I cannot see

Now itʼs far to late to make amends For all the things you didnʼt do, If you had only realised, That I thought the world of you. You may have never meant to cause me pain, Now you know that ignorance is bliss,

But I am who I am And though sometimes Iʼm not free Thatʼs just ﬁne because Without it I would not be me. By Audrey Healy

If you hadnʼt taken me for granted,

Leaking Tap

You would never have felt like this.

Monotonous sounds clutter my room as drop after drop from a leaking tap chants all night. Thinking of morning having to face a long day, I force my body to cope: my head fuzzy my body drained.

Silence

So spare your tears they are in vain, You may be sad now but thatʼs no surprise, They are as genuine as crocodile tears But then, a crocodile never cries. By Sonny Kinsella

By Mary Guckian

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

Silence can be happiness Silence can be sad Silence can be penetrating Silence can be bad Silence can cause tension Silence can drive us mad Silence can be wonderful Silence can be unbearable Silence can be just nice If two people love silence It is a great gift To lighten the noise around us And bring some peace. By Mary Guckian

PAGE 32

By Jimmy Purdy

ingsend is well known for the soccer players it has produced down the years, names like Flood, Fulham, Godwin, Fitzsimons, Nolan and hundreds more. Ringsend also has a great name among seamen, with old stories of teams racing out to the bay to get a line aboard a cargo boat to secure the right to work unloading it when it berthed. As times changed and working conditions also changed, skiff rowing clubs developed along the coast and Ringsend got two rowing clubs which are still competing to the present time, St Patrickʼs Rowing Club and Stella Maris. In my young days living in Ringsend the regattas were the highlight of the year. Skiffs from Arklow, Wicklow, Greystones, Bray, Dalkey, Dun Laoghaire, Stella Maris, St Patrickʼs and one time the IGBC and Port and Docks had boats. These regattas are still held today. Thereʼs an All Ireland held and this year itʼs on 24 to 26 August at Union Hall, Skibbereen, County Cork. My story today is of the St.Patrickʼs skiff rowing senior crew who travelled to the city of Bogliasco in Italy for the European Cup. This was the ﬁrst time for this event to be held. Teams taking part included the

NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2007

oan OʼHara died on Monday 23 July. The skilled actress, who was in her 70s, had not been in good health for some time. I had the privilege of interviewing her some time ago. As ʻFair Cityʼsʼ Eunice Phelan, Joan OʼHara achieved the balance between being utterly irritating though strangely

resented by St. Patrickʼs rowing club Ringsend came second and received a gold medal for their effort. A silver plaque was awarded to Ireland as the best international crew. A feature of the race was that it was held at 9 pm with markers on the river lit it up. The course was made up of three turns. The Paddy started well with the

raise. Her children have undoubtedly inherited a little of her creativity with son Sebastian Barry making a name for himself as a successful author and playwright. At the time of our interview Joan was already eagerly anticipating the staging of his most recent play on tour in England and with Dublin its eventual destination. “Itʼs called ʻOur Lady of Sligoʼ and is based on me,” she revealed with more than a hint of pride. “It stars the Cusack sisters Sinead and Catherine as myself and my mother so itʼs a bit incestuous.” Joan was the ideal co star for Brenda Fricker in Joseph OʼConnorʼs ʻThe Weeping of Angelsʼ at the Gate. This comedy centred around three elderly nuns reflecting on life and encountering a few difficulties along the way. Though wheelchair-bound, blind and almost deaf, she was still manipulative, mischievous and

poignant. And back to ʻFair Cityʼ. And to Eunice, the woman weʼre most familiar with. “I loved it because they gave me a bit of leeway and I really play myself. I kind of play her from my own point of view. She thinks she knows everything,”

laughed Joan, “but you canʼt dislike her. “Acting,” Joan continued, “is a simple task. I donʼt have angst about it and have to put a bit of myself into each character. I just hope that by what I do I bring some joy.” That she did.

ST PATRICK’S ROWERS VISIT BOGLIASCO

Italian National crew, City of Bogliasco, a combined crew of Falmouth (England) and Prov. Genova, Deal rowing club (England), St Patrickʼs (Ireland), Chablais Aviron Thonon (France), Antica Republica Marinara, Portofino and Veslanski Klub Bled (Slovakia). Three heats were run off and first in each heat qualified for the final.

JOAN O’HARA – A TRIBUTE

By Audrey Healy

In heat two St. Patrickʼs came first with Deal rowing club second, and Chablais Aviron Thonon in third place. First in each heat qualified for the final and so the final line-up saw St Patrickʼs rowing against the National Italian Crew and a crew from Antica Republick Marinara. The great news from this first European Cup is that Ireland rep-

three boats hitting the ﬁrst turn together. The Paddy broke her tiller at the second turn but the Cox John Flood used his hand with what was left to straighten the boat. From being 3½ lengths behind at the last turn and with a super turn the Paddy was back in the race to pull ahead for second place. I might mention here the Paddy is a cherished and proud name for St Patrickʼs but she was not in Italy as each team rowed the same type of boat supplied at the regatta. Crews were allowed some training to get used to the boats. Gay Murphy speaking on behalf of the crew stated it was a remarkable few days and congratulated the organiser of the event at which they were very well treated. Gay said the hospitality was superb and the people very welcoming. St Patrickʼs Club are invited back next year and it is hoped more Irish crews will travel. The crew wish to express their thanks to Marco Callai and Mario and to the organisers of this ﬁrst European cup for skiff racing and to the Bogliasco people for the warm welcome received. Many thanks to all sponsors, to Dalkey Rowing Club and to the East Coast rowing Council. Pictured: The crew for St Patrickʼs Ringsend representing Ireland were Gabriel Murphy, Neil Cunningham (Traveling Sub), David Cunningham, Ken Cunningham, David Doyle, and Cox John Flood.

lovable. There were two sides to her character– the busybody who thrives on everybodyʼs misfortune and the lonely old woman, although according to the lady who played her “how could she be lonely with all the time she spent in McCoys?” A veteran of both stage and screen, the Sligo native grew up with an almost inevitable desire to become involved in theatrics. Her parents, she said saw “a film star” and were convinced of her talents. Many years later local drama productions followed and she later studied in the renowned Abbey School of Acting. Professional training she felt was “essential.” In the late 1950s Joan moved to the UK and found her theatrical life somewhat restricted with three young children to

Ringsend & Irishtown Community Centre & Ringsend & Irishtown Youth Project Proudly Presents

‘GREASE’

in 2008 Calling all talented youths in the Community: Ages 7 to 9yrs and 10 to 21yrs To take part in the performance, help with props, and backstage. Auditions will take place at the Centre in September 2007. It promises to be great fun!! FOR FURTHER DETAILS: Contact Lorraine Tel: 6604 789 at RICC Or Jacinta/ Yvonne Tel: 6608 875 at RIYP

NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2007

PAGE 33

S PEAKERS ’ UCD CAMPUS AND LOCAL RESIDENTS “As Dr Hugh Brady wallows in self-praise at the appointment of the prominent German Architect to redesign the UCD campus, he still refuses to meet with his neighbours for the other unannounced UCD Development,” according to the former Lord Mayor of Dublin Councillor Dermot Lacey. “The UCD Authorities last year submitted a planning application for a massive development of 500 apartments, office complex and various ancillary buildings. The site notices for these developments were placed about a mile away from the residents of the houses most affected. While Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Council granted permission, residents appealed the decision to An Bord Pleanala and won.” A new planning application has been submitted which is also being vigorously contested by residents.

ROLL OUT OF FORTNIGHTLY GREEN BIN SERVICE Cllr. Kevin Humphreys welcomes the roll-out of a fortnightly green bin collection service that started in June 2007. Householders receiving the fortnightly service may also put plastic bottles in their green bins. “The Labour Party has worked tirelessly to improve the recycling services for Dublin and welcomes this announcement, this is another example of Labour delivering for Dublin” says Cllr. Kevin Humphreys It is proposed that in the region of 85,000 households in the city will receive the fortnightly service by the end of 2007 and that all remaining households will be provided with the service in the first half of 2008 NEW FLOOD PROTECTION TO PROTECT A THOUSAND HOMES In 2002 Ringsend suffered a serious flood, for the last five years Cllr. Kevin Humphreys

CORNER

and local activists have campaigned for increased flood protection along the River Dodder. Speaking before a recent council meeting, Labour Cllr. Kevin Humphreys told residents, “Iʼve seen first-hand the destructive power of flooding, not only are peopleʼs homes destroyed but also their peace of mind. It has taken five years for the OPW to agree to carry out the flood protection upgrade. When this work is completed, residents of Ringsend and Sandymount wonʼt be nervous every time there is heavy rain and a high tide.” MINISTER FOR ENVIRONMENT MUST RESPOND TO COUNCILʼS INCINERATOR STATEMENT Sinn Féinʼs Dublin Spokesperson on the Environment, Cllr. Daithí Doolan, has expressed deep disappointment that Dublin City Council management are going to push ahead with the proposed incinerator for Poolbeg Peninsula. Daithí Doolan said, “This

will be greeted by the residents and environmental campaigners here in Dublin South East with both anger and disappointment. The officials of this City Council must remember that Councillors have continued to vote against this incinerator. The proposed incinerator is unworkable as much as it is unwanted. Those of us still committed to winning the campaign must now redouble our efforts and ensure that the Minister hears our voices loud and clear.” DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL HONOURS DR. T. K. WHITAKER A pedestrian square in Sir John Rogersonʼs Quay will be named after one of the most influential architects on modernising the Irish Economy. ʻWhitaker Squareʼ will be located close to the new ERSI (Economic and Social Research Institute) headquarters. “Dr. Whitaker was instrumental in the foundation of the ERSI and it is fitting that he should be honoured in the new business

heartland in the docks,” said Cllr. Kevin Humphreys. T.K. Whitaker is best known for his leadership in planning and modernising Irelandʼs stagnant economy in the late 1950s. GORMLEY WELCOMES RAPID FUNDING OF€66,000 FOR PLAYGROUNDS John Gormley TD, Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government welcomed funding of €66,000 towards the development of a new playground or the refurbishment of an existing playground in Dublinʼs South East Inner City. The funding is being made available under the RAPID Playground Scheme. “The RAPID Playground Scheme 2007/2008 is the latest of a group of RAPID schemes which support small scale local actions designed to help meet the needs of the local community. I am particularly pleased that this funding will improve childrenʼs facilities,” said Minister Gormley.

PAGE 34

NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2007

AN BHFUIL GAEILGE AGAT?

TWENTY YEARS A-SINGING FOR MICK MICK FLAVIN is celebrating 20 years in the music business by publishing a book in which he invites fans young and old to take a nostalgic trip down memory lane to where it all began back in the early eighties. There is exclusive coverage of articles and photographs of bygone days to give a unique glimpse into the journey that brought the popular singer to where he is today. Fans will be delighted with this production, which includes an up-to-date interview with Mick. From Drumlish to Wembley stadium to Nashville itʼs been an incredible journey and all those special memories are recorded in this beautifully presented glossy book which is compiled by ʻNewsFourʼ journalist Audrey Healy who worked with Mick on this project. “I never thought it was possible to reach this milestone and I want to thank everybody, especially my family and friends for all their marvellous support over the years. I wanted to do something special for this special anniversary and a book seemed a good idea and will accompany my new album, which will be out later on this year. The book takes a look back at some of the highs and lows of my career down through the years.” Mick extends a warm thanks to everybody who has enjoyed his music over the years and who have followed his career. “Thanks to everybody for all their generosity over the past twenty years and hereʼs to the next twenty!” ʻMick Flavin– celebrating 20 yearsʼ is for sale in Easons or by calling 086 8420164 or sending a postal order for €10 to A. Healy, 3 Canal Close, Longford.

By Nessa Jennings

a roinnt gaeilge agam– after learning from Liam OʼMaonlaíʼs Irish CDs, which were issued with ʻThe Irish Independentʼ earlier this year. Entitled ʻEveryday Irishʼ, the course introduced the useful, common language used in everyday conversation you might have with your friends or family. Learning Irish is important in keeping Irish culture alive as to lose any language is to lose a unique way of looking at life. Liam speaks the phrases in a beautiful Kerry Irish accent. Itʼs fun to have cúpla focal. I was at an advantage, having basic Irish from school. Still, the course was as good as it could have been for ﬁrst-time learners, and was accompanied by worksheets to explore the written and grammatical aspects of the language. You learned how to say anything from ʻDia dhuit. Peadar is ainm dom.ʼ ʻDia is Muire duit. Conas atá tu?ʼ “Tá me go breá, agus tu féin?ʼ to Ní raibh fhèidir leis an tortóis rith

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an-tapaigh (the tortoise couldnʼt run very fast); Bíonn oicheanta na seactaine igcomhair caitheamh aimsire (weeknights are for hobbies) to Ní mór don domhain laghdú ar bhrúchta carbóin chun an téamh domhanda a sheachaint (the world has to reduce carbon emissions to avoid global warming). The Anglicisation of the language in many words and phrases is apparent for example: galfchúrsa (golf course); panini gan feoil (vegetarian panini), gin agus tonic, alleargach (allergic); cairtceoil (chart music), Also Irish has absorbed the new media as best it can in new words: Chaill me mo fón póca (I lost my mobile phone); DʼFhág mé guthphost aige (I left him a voicemail); Chuir téacs uaim (send me a text); Cén gréasán ar a bhfuil tusa? (what network are you on?); Fón saorláimhe (hands free); Fís digiteach (DVD); Dhíoslodáil me an t-album ar fad go dtí mo iPod (I downloaded the entire album to my iPod); an idirlíon (the internet); and srúthfísean (streaming video). Youʼd also be able to discuss property in the current market by saying Tá comhair leighis a chur air don suaitheach tar éis féachaint ar

phraghas iarrata teach leathscoite trí sheomra i gCabra (he is being treated for shock after seeing the asking price for a three-bed semi in Cabra!). And discussing trends and style: An séasúr seo, sé dearg an dubh úr (this season, red is the new black); is féidir le gach bean féachaint go breá i ngúna dubh (every woman looks good in a black dress); Tá na hippies fós ag caitheamh na sprébhríste (the hippies are still in their ﬂares); and Bhí sé chomh caol le slat agus droch-ghnúis air (he was as skinny as a rake with a face that would cool soup!) Of course, the weather: Sa samhradh seo. Níl sé te ná grianmhar agus níl an spéir gorm (this summer, its not warm or sunny and the sky is not blue) gabh mo leithsceál (sorry for mentioning it), Tà sé scamallach agus tá sé ag stealladh báistí? (its cloudy and its pouring rain). If you have enjoyed reading as Gaeilge, you might like to take it up yourself. Go n-éirí an t-ádh libh! Good Luck! Get in touch with Conradh na Gaeilge 6, Harcourt St.,Dublin 2. Tel:4757401 or Gael Linn, 35, Dame St., Dublin 2. Tel: 6751200.

FRESCOS BY Pinturicchio from the the Piccolomini Library in the Cathedral of Siena will be exhibited in the Library of the Royal Dublin Society from 1 August 2007 to 31 August 2007. Open to the public: Monday to Friday 10 am to 5 pm, Saturday 11 am to 5 pm. Courtesy of the Italian Cultural Institute, in association with the Cooperativa Ediﬁcatrice di Muggio.

NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2007

PAGE 35

THE STATELY CASINO AT MARINO

By Brian Rutherford

o pull in through the fine gates of the Casino and drive through to the house itself is deceptive. The Casino looks small, too small for anything important. A person might think that maybe a few pictures are inside but the 50 foot square footprint has three floors and 16 rooms to it. The design is that of a Greek cross. Each projecting elevation is framed by a pair of columns. It was designed by Sir William Chambers (1723-1796) for James Caulfield to amuse himself and guests. Chambers never visited any of the build-

ings he designed in Ireland. Chambers also designed Charlemont House, the Exam hall and Chapel of Trinity and Rathfarnham Castle. Caulfield (1728-1799) was fourth Viscount Charlemont and later became first earl of Charlemont. He was also the Commander in Chief of the Irish Volunteers in 1780 and in 1785 he became the first president of the Royal Irish Academy. Caulfield loved Italy and the house is his little part of it. It cost £20,000 to build in 1759. It contained a basement for the servants and kitchen, a second floor for living quarters and a third for bedrooms. It also

the signs of the zodiac around the ceiling. The house was restored in 1974, as it had fallen into ruin. It took 10 years to restore it to its present glory. It is now owned by the state under the auspices of the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands. The Casino is located at Marino, just off the Malahide Road, first turn left after Griffith Avenue. Left: The Casino, once in virgin fields is now surrounded by houses. Below: The salon with its parquet floor and ʻhiddenʼ door.

neurological disabilities. “Art classes are just one of the activity programmes providing physical and cognitive stimulation, enjoyment and a sense of achievement for our patients.” Each of the paintings in the exhibition was completed by patients of the RHD under the guidance o f t h e h o s p i t a l ʼs a r t i s t - i n residence, Ms. Cathy Callan. Rosemary Kearns, a pa-

12 to 4 pm January to March 12 to 5 pm April Daily 10am to 5pm May 10am to 6pm June to September 10am to 5pm October (Tel: 8331618) Admission: €2.90 for adults and €2.10 for children.

in Sandymount. Rosemary prefers to paint with oils, which she f i n d s a r e m o r e f o rg i v ing– “if you make a mistake you can throw down another blob of paint,” commented Ms. Kearns. Through regular attendance at the art class and with the help of the artist in residence, Ms. Cathy C a l l a n , R o s e m a r y ʼs s k i l l s have improved and art has proven to be a very relaxi n g p a s t i m e f o r h e r.

IN RESIDENCE ’ SHOW THEIR SKILL

n art exhibition by the patients of The Royal Hospital Donnybrook (RHD) entit l e d ʻ I n M y M i n d ʼs E y e ʼ was opened recently by P r o f e s s o r S e a m u s H e a n e y. RHD Chief Executive, Graham Knowles said, “The hospital is very proud and privileged to be a b l e t o o rg a n i s e t h i s e x h i b i t i o n . We a r e c o n t i n u a l l y striving to meet the evolving needs of adults of all ages with physical and

Sat to Sun only, 12pm to 4 pm, November to December

used the roof, which was ﬂat, to view the surrounding landscape in summer. Conducted tours are given and I learned a lot about the house from Miriam, my guide. Casino Marino is Italian for little house at the sea. Four of the columns which surround the building are hollow and are used to drain rainwater from the roof, and Roman funerary urns on the roof are used as chimneys. The ﬂoors are made up of wood from China and America, Ebony and Walnut, and the stone comes from Dorset. I was shown to such rooms as the China Closet and the Zodiac Room, called this because of

R OYAL H OSPITAL D ONNYBROOK ‘A RTISTS

Opening times:

tient in the RHD showcased her paintings in the exhibition. Rosemary has been a keen artist since she

came to The Royal Hospital Donnybrook, having first learned to paint at the Blue Door Art Gallery

A b o v e : P ro f e s s o r S e a m u s Heaney and artist Paddy OʼSullivan at the opening of the exhibition.

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NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2007

IRISH INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION OF 1907 T HE

BIRTH OF

By John Cavendish

hree million visitors attended the Irish International Exhibition from May to November 1907 at the 30-acre site we now know as Herbert Park, Ballsbridge. This was a very exciting and important event following as it did in the footsteps of other great exhibitions in European capitals. The doors were ﬂung open at exactly midday in bright sunshine on 4th May, to a fanfare as their

H ERBERT P ARK

excellencies, the Lord Lieutenant, Governor of Ireland and the Countess of Aberdeen arrived behind such other dignitaries, including Marquis, Marchionesses, Earls and Knights from the British empire. All were seen passing through the main gate at Morehampton Road of the Irish International Exhibition of 1907, a century ago. On the opening day, the scene in the concert hall was a memorable one. On the spacious platform were the band and chorus of some 600 performers, under the directorship of Barton McGuckin, the

Pepper Canister Church ST STEPHEN’S CHURCH, MOUNT STREET CRESCENT, DUBLIN 2 WE HAVE A SMALL BUT VERY ENTHUSIASTIC CHOIR SINGING EACH SUNDAY, AND WOULD LOVE TO SEE OUR NUMBERS INCREASE. ARE YOU INTERESTED IN JOINING WITH US? IF SO, PLEASE COME ANY SUNDAY MORNING AND TALK TO OUR ORGANIST JOYCE TRIMBLE. IF YOU CAN READ MUSIC, THIS WOULD BE AN ADVANTAGE, BUT NOT NECESSARY. WE WELCOME ALL VOICES– YOUNG MEN AND MAIDENS, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, AND WOULD BE DELIGHTED TO MEET YOU.

leader being Patrick Delaney. There was a grand organ recital by Brendan Rogers, the organist of the Pro-Cathedral. Miss Bell, resident organist at Star of the Sea Church in Sandymount also played, giving the audience an idea of the power and sweetness of the king of instruments, the brand new organ in the concert hall. Crowds which gathered around the entrance from much earlier were wearing morning dress as was the fashion of the day, with the ladies decked out in their best dresses and most stylish seasonal attire to watch the procession. The focal point of the exhibition was an enormous central palace with four wings representing the provinces of Ireland. This palace was 45 metres high (150 feet) and it took ﬁve years to construct the massive stands and entertainments where all of the British empire was represented including a full-scale Somali village that was occupied by natives working and living as they would at home in Africa and producing their crafts, tools and clothing. This stand proved to be of huge interest to the 2,751,113 visitors in all during the six months that the exhibition lasted. So much so, that it became the most proﬁtable stand, earning £9,601 in sales of its pottery and other native goods. The ʻIrish Timesʼ reported ʻThe

Somali potter was of a cheery temperament and lightened his toil with the wild songs of his native landʼ. This massive undertaking, comprising the front palace and all the other exhibition buildings which would impress even today, transformed the 30-acre site at Ballsbridge into a gleaming white series of domes housing the Palace of Industries, the Palace of Fine Arts, French Pavilion and Concert Hall. After the Somali village, the Canadian water-chute came second in terms of profitability, costing £3,000 and taking in £7,000. This feature consisted of a tall tower standing about 90 feet high with a ramp, making a spectacular waterslide, leading down eventually to the pond. People would climb the tower, enter a small boat with room for about 8 people. The boat then slid ʻfaster and fasterʼ down the ramp and hit the water, then it skimmed to the surface, to travel under two bridges and finally come safely to a halt at the far end of the pond. Imagine the squeals of excitement from those on board! A competition to find the best workerʼs cottage was held. The winning design selling at £135 was a type still to be seen in some parts of County Dublin. One enterprising builder named William

Pickering had a stand in which models of homes he had for sale could be seen. This advertising gimmick was so successful that he built several of the houses around Dublin. One of them can be seen at 18 Park Drive in Ranelagh. At the beginning of the exhibition three English pickpockets were arrested outside the grounds by D.J. Jauncey of the Manchester City Police, who followed them from England and nabbed them on their ﬁrst day in Dublin.

The closing of the great exhibition was held on Saturday 9th November 1907 in the concert hall in the presence once more of their Excellencies the Lord Lieutenant and the Countess of Aberdeen. The exhibition was dismantled and sold off piecemeal over the next eighteen months and eventually the 32-acre Herbert Park as we know it today was built. The pond at the end of the water chute is the only reminder of those days and the quiet groves and pathways in the park make it hard to imagine the hustle and bustle of those six months in 1907.

NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2007

PAGE 37

SPORTS, HEALTH & FITNESS COURSE AT

RINGSEND COMMUNITY TRAINING CENTRE

ingsend Community Training Centre is currently looking for applicants to participate in the new Sports, Health & Fitness course which is due to start on the 17th September. This will be the second year of the Sports, Health & Fitness course. The Sports, Health & Fitness course is now a full-time course offered at Ringsend Community Training Centre after a successful pilot course in 2006 and was ofﬁcially launched by An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern at a presentation of certiﬁcates in September 2006. The course aims to attract males and females aged between 16 and 23 from the Ringsend, Irishtown, Sandymount and Pearse Street areas. Ringsend Community Training Centre is a local community-based centre and as such the Sports, Health & Fitness course has developed links with local sport and leisure facilities such as Irishtown Stadium, Markievicz Leisure club and Sportsco. These facilities provide the resources needed to organise a wide variety of different sporting activities and also offer the pos-

sibility of work experience. The Sports, Health & Fitness course will be a one year fulltime course. Participants will be registered as FÁS trainees and will receive a FÁS allowance. There is also an allowance provided if the use of Ringsend and Irishtown créche is required. Subjects covered on the course include: FETAC Modules– Health Related Fitness, Preparation for Work, Computer Literacy, Personal & Interpersonal Skills, Occupational First Aid, Water Safety, Swimming, and Kickstart Soccer coaching. There will also be National Governing Body coaching courses run in Basketball, G.A.A (Hurling and Gaelic Football), Badminton and Volleyball. Other possible activities include water sports, rock climbing, bowling,

horse riding and snooker/ pool. Past trainees have received Irish Water Safety Pool lifeguard qualiﬁcations and progressed onto further education. Other courses being run at Ringsend Community Training Centre include: Ofﬁce Procedures, Catering and European Computer Driving License (ECDL) Ringsend Community Training Centre aims to help young people develop the necessary skills to progress into a job or onto further education after leaving the centre, and has established the necessary supports to help achieve this. Anyone interested in joining the Sports, Health & Fitness course can ring Ringsend Community Training Centre on 01 6601327 for more information.

INTIMATE INDIE

OPEN NIGHT FOR ALL PERFORMERS

By Nessa Jennings

ac aodhas is a new venue open to artists on Thursday nights. Under new management, Anthony McMurray wants to give performers a space to showcase their songs, poems and theatre pieces, to share their talents with like-minded individuals. Anne Marie Kelly, pictured

right, is the organiser, and sets up the PA equipment in time for a 9 oʼclock start, and there is no charge. Since the beginning of the summer, there have been three core performers a night, who each are given a half an hour. You need to contact Anne Marie if you want this much time, or just show up if you have shorter pieces, as there is an open mike period. Itʼs an opportunity to read from your favourite piece of literature, read your latest poem, or you can play covers or do original songs. It is a great environment in which to gain experience performing in front of a live

audience and is different in that a home video is shot that can be used for peopleʼs MySpace or BEBO page, and that can be replayed to give someone a window on their live performance. The night is being advertised in music shops and libraries, on Phantom FM and through the gumtree website. Anne Marieʼs background is in music, and she has two main band projects working: Schmooze (jazz) and Deilin (trad/ rock outﬁt) as well as other projects. She hopes that word will get around about the session. “Itʼs very low-key at the moment. And if youʼre anyway nervous about doing these nights, then this is the one to start with.” Mac aodhas, Ellis Quay is beside Collins Barracks. Contact annemarie.kelly@o2.ie or phone 086 814 5897 between 8.30 to 10.30pm.

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NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2007

M u s ic4 …

BY FERGAL MURPHY * NESSA JENNINGS * GRACE CHARLEY

Hot event for RDS

Prince - Planet Earth

rince, or is that symbol? No, itʼs Prince again now and he is back with a new album. This is pretty much same olʼ Prince but thatʼs not a bad thing by any means. Thereʼs plenty to like about this mix of pumping rock and old school soul. The tight ten tracker opens and closes with social commentaries (ʻplanet earthʼ and ʻresolutionʼ) both of which showcase Princeʼs dexterity on the guitar as he effortlessly rolls with intriguing tempo twists and turns. Maria Kingʼs delicious vocals set off the rollicking funky ode to model ʻChelsea Rodgersʼ. Then Prince shifts gears to mellow on the smooth flowing ʻSomewhere here on earthʼ and ʻMr Goodnightʼ. With long-time colleagues such as Sheila E, Maceo Parker and Wendy and Lisa in tow you can hear how much fun Prince is still having and why he shouldnʼt be counted out as he approaches the thirtieth anniversary of his first chart hit!

usic Ireland ʻ07 (in association with Hot Press Magazine) is due to take place in the Main Hall RDS, Dublin on October 5th, 6th and 7th. This is a three-day long feast of live music, exhibitions, seminars, workshops and master-classes. It will be a must-see event for anyone passionate about music. All the latest instruments, technology, electronics, music equipment, recording and production equipment, accessories, etc will be on show. The event also presents the ʻRock Clinicʼ– a forum offering bands the chance to consult the experts about how to get ahead in the industry. The show will attract established and up-and-coming musicians from across Ireland, and also regular music fans. This is Irelandʼs biggest annual music extravaganza. Friday, 5th October is for schools and this will be a careers day. The day will be dedicated to providing the best lectures, seminars and one-on-one advice for students with an interest in a career within the music, entertainment and arts industries. For further information please visit www.musicireland.ie

IL DIV– INO

By Grace Charley

ﬁnally got to cash in on the last of my Christmas presents– a ticket to see IL DIVO in the Point. And boy were they worth the wait. Free from the distraction of ﬁreworks and scantily-clad backing dancers, the classical quartet gave a performance that was both raw and spine-tingling. Itʼs very rare when I get the feeling that, God– or something close– is in the room. On this occasion, He was there. Talent is an amazing thing and when shared, it can leave you speechless. You suddenly forget about the road works that kept you hijacked on the Quays– you donʼt care if you get squashed by the ʻcrowd controlʼ on the way home. For two blissful hours, my world was still to the arrangements of ʻSomehow Somewhereʼ, ʻUnbreak My Heartʼ, and ʻMy Wayʼ. The last concert I felt this silly about was ELVIS (Elvis singing on big screen but original band members and backing singers playing on stage). But I wonʼt compare. It wouldnʼt be fair. Unlike Elvis, IL DIVO were afforded the opportunity to do theirs live.

NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2007

PAGE 39

Music4 … By Nessa Jennings

ublinʼs newest public space, Grand Canal Square, was transformed into a stunning outdoor venue for a contemporary music festival, which took place over three days from Friday 13 to Sunday 15 July. Over 13,000 requests were made for free tickets which were allocated at random to music fans around the country. DJ Food and DK shared the decks on Friday night, as the rain cleared briefly, to start off the festival. It was a beautiful scene as people gathered in the open square, paved with red stones and grey pathways, with large red light-sticks for outdoor decorations, lending to the modern feel of the event, sponsored by Dublin Docklands Development Authority. There was green strip lighting and seating around alternate grass squares and beds filled with wild flowers. The sun went down behind the fabulous stage, as the Cinematic Orchestra made their Irish debut. This six-piece London-based outfit were very impressive, employing strong musical structures and scintillating jazz solos. The crowd loved the atmospheric landscapes created by the band, suitable to the darkening blotting paper clouds which were bringing down a misty rain, at the end of the first night. On Saturday night, Dublin band Cap Pas Cap, ʻwith a sound all of their ownʼ, appeared first. Inspired by late seventies/ early

ANALOG MUSIC FESTIVALGRAND CANAL SQUARE

eighties no-wave punk sounds, loving all things psychedelic, the band combine to create ʻa wonderful indie-post-punk meltdownʼ. A four-piece unit, including a male and female singer on catchy tunes, with some daft words, reminded me of the B52s. Clever, repetitive melodies and driving riffs, well-played make this band one to watch out for. Later, Konono no.1 (from Kinshasa), came to bring us relentless rhythm (and no blues), from Africa. Their continuous set (with no breaks in the mu-

sic) was extremely danceable. I was defenceless against the urge to shake everything about! The band, founded over 25 years ago, contains three likembes (traditional instrument, sometimes called a ʻthumb pianoʼ). Thereʼs also a rhythm section which uses traditional, as well as makeshift percussion (pans, pots and car parts). Their repertoire draws largely on Bazombo trance, and is also experimental, containing merciless grooves. Excellent. On Sunday, Stratocasters, Telecasters, Les Pauls and Sun-

bursts, played through the usual amps: Peavey, Marshall, Vox, Fender, Roland. On stage, there were more guitars and amps than you could shake a conductorʼs baton at. With music stands and chairs enough for the 30-plus performers, the stage looked like the front room of Waltonʼs. By the time we were ready for the Analog guitarfest, with around over 700 people in the audience, there was about 1 guitar for every 20 people! Hallucination City. Glenn Branca came to Dublin where he

recruited the guitarists to perform this piece, called his 13th symphony for 100 electric guitars, ﬁrst performed at the base of the World Trade Centre in New York City in 2001. Glenn Branca is an experimental composer who, starting with Symphony No.3 (ʻGloriaʼ) in 1983, began to systematically compose for the harmonic series, which he considered to be the structure underlying not only all music but most human endeavours. We had to brace ourselves when Glenn came on stage to conduct all those electric guitars. And the music came in a frightening, deafening series of waves, building and assailing with the menacing sound of approaching thunder, conjuring up images of deserted big city streets of impending doom. Think gothic, think loud; piano falling down the side of Everest, and a jumbo jet warming up its engine. A ghostly tangle of harmonics, and stupendous rolling tom tom patterns help crank up the mayhem to a fever pitch. This is surely holding your breath under water as entertainment. The organisers promised us an unforgettable performance as the culmination of the event, and it was, as well as an extraordinary feat of organisation. There was also food and wine to be enjoyed at the newly-opened Ely HQ at Hanover Quay, while Vertigo Bar at the Quality Hotel served up pre-show drinks and entertainment.

AGEING ROCKERS – ARE THEY PAST IT? By Fergal Murphy

here is an upsurge in the amount of ʻageing rockersʼ touring nowadays, stars who by all rights should have retired a long time ago and should be sitting at home with their pipe and slippers counting their royalty cheques. So far this summer we have seen performances from the likes of The Who, Aerosmith and Rod Stewart with the granddaddy of them all the Rolling Stones still to come! Although the Stones may be criticised for touring just for the money I for one canʼt wait till they play Slane this August.

While there is the big factor of the money (the sales of their back catalogue and gate receipts

generated by a tour) there is no question that reputation and demand keep these guys going.

Mick Jagger and Keith Richardʼs song writing partnership has changed popular music forever with their most creative period being in 60s and 70s up to ʻExile on Main Stʼ. The Stones have had a chameleon-like ability to adapt to changing times, going from their typical bar room rock to country to disco funklike sounds. So how are they nowadays? From what Iʼve seen Jagger looks older than he is but still manages to strut around on stage like heʼs 25. He still has a youthful energy and gets into the music, dancing all around the stage and catwalk that protrudes into the crowd, still trying to come off like a sex symbol.

Keith Richards, well… his guitar hangs almost to his knees, cigarette hanging from his mouth. He looks to be an old 80, but heʼs still cool even at 60-plus. And man can he still play guitar as he half stumbles and bends his body on stage like heʼs still on whatever concoction of illegal pharmaceuticals he used to be on! I think there is a need for these ʻageing rockersʼ to tour because the music is so timeless it gives a chance for the old fans to get reacquainted with the music and young fans such as myself an opportunity to see them before they go to the great gig in the sky!! Left: The Rolling Stones still get plenty of satisfaction– and dough– from their tours.

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NEWSFOUR AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2007

W IFE ’ S LIST – DO YOU NEED A HANDYMAN ? By John Cavendish

illy Brophy has set up a new company, called ʻWifeʼs Listʼ and he says “I decided to call the company Wifeʼs List because, if asked, most women in the home would have a list of jobs around the house that their partner has neither the tools nor the time to fix, but you donʼt have to be a wife or have a partner to call us.” “Years ago, every street had a neighbour who was handy with a hammer and saw, but today most of us, especially if we live in apartments or gated estates, donʼt know a local handyman,” says Billy. Billy Brophy has been trading as D-O-Nee Kitchens for the last twelve years, making and fitting kitchens and wardrobes. It was often the case when he was fitting a kitchen at the end of the work he would be asked to hang a curtain rail, fix a door, or put in an outside tap. These were small jobs that his clients couldnʼt get anyone to do. There were times Billy Brophyʼs crew didnʼt have time to do these little extras around the house but often

as not because they were there they did them. The aim of Wifeʼs List is to cater for all those small jobs that normally take between half an hour and half a day.

Estimates can often be given over the phone with all work guaranteed for a year. The workmen are members of the Guild of Master Craftsmen and are fully insured to work in the home

or office. Billy is confident and says “Over the years we have built up a large number of satisfied customers and trade contacts so that if someone is looking for a larger job to be done like a fitted bathroom, we will be able to provide fully qualified plumbers, electricians and carpenters, all of whom we have worked with over the years.” An Irishtown resident and a father of four children, two in Star of the Sea and one just starting in Lakelands, Billy trained as a shipwright, serving his time in the port repairing tug boats and the like on the Liffey. D-O-Nee Kitchens are sponsors of Cambridge Boys in the Mini World Cup that took place in Ringsend Park. He has a workshop on the north side where they make and prepare kitchens for fitting. Billy says that he can offer building maintenance and can fill in for maintenance staff. The mainstay of work undertaken, though, is around the house including tiling, carpentry, electrical and plumbing. They can be contacted on 087 2706356, or 01 6688361 and by e-mail on doneekc@eircom.net

T HE V IKINGS

HAVE LANDED

Spectators look over the Viking ship ʻGlendaloughʼ berthed in Dublin Port.

Wife’s List

All those little jobs your wife keeps asking you to do A complete home service company Phone Billy on 087 2706356/6688361 Or email doneekc@eircom.net

We specialise in kitchen and bathroom remodelling. En suites from start to finish. Add value to your home by converting under the stairs to a new toilet Tiling Bathrooms Kitchens Wall and floor tiling Carpentry New doors Floors Fitted kitchens Wardrobe Attic ladders Assistance with flat pack purchases

Electrical New sockets New fuse boards Electric showers Light ﬁttings Plumbing Repairing leaks Outside taps New tanks Installing dishwashers Installing washing machines

Wife’s List is a professional handyman service. Customer satisfaction is a priority. From hanging curtains to repairing leaks, no job is too small for us. Our technicians have over 20 years experience and are professional, insured and reliable.