Go Rail 7–4 Winter 2017-18 U2

WINTER 2017 • VOL:07 ISSUE:04

U2

REACH NEW HEIGHTS

NOEL GALLAGHER

ALISON SPITTLE

BEN AFFLECK

A Rock ‘n’ Roll Star Reborn

TV Comedy’s Hottest Property

A Batman For All Seasons

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CONTENTS

W I N T E R 2 01 7

Volume 07 // Issue 04

KATHRIN BAUMBACH

U2

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I N T E R V I E W O N PAG E

6/ Go For It

30/ Rugby Preview

48/ Sebastian Barry

From cultural outings to sporting events, we give you the lowdown on what there is to see and do across the country over the next few months.

John Walshe looks ahead to what 2018 has in store for Irish rugby.

The celebrated Irish author on making literary history with his latest novel Days Without End, his artistic family background, and his future creative ambitions.

32/ Noel Gallagher

The latest news and views from the Irish Rail network.

Stuart Clark caught up with the iconic rocker to discuss his new album and his friendship with the likes of Elton John, Jade Jagger and Bruce Springsteen.

The full lowdown on one of the jewels of Eastern Europe, Dubrovnik.

18/ U2

40/ Ben Affleck

58/ Fashion

Olaf Tyaransen catches up with the Irish superstars in London to discuss the background to their superb new album, Songs Of Experience.

The Hollywood star talks about reprising the role of Batman in superhero blockbuster Justice League.

Chart sensations The Chainsmokers talk about their excellent new collaboration with Tommy Hilfiger.

44/ St Vincent

62/ Reviews

The US art-pop star on her stunning new album, her hugely ambitious live show, and her Irish roots.

We select the highlights among recent album, DVD and book releases, including The Corrs, Conor McGregor: Notorious, Dunkirk, and Paul Howard’s latest Ross O’Carroll Kelly book, Operation Trumpsformation.

16/ Train News

26/ Alison Spittle The comic discusses her hit RTE sitcom, Nowhere Fast, and her nationwide Worrier Princess tour.

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56/ Travel Guide

Credits WINTER 2017

Volume 07 // Issue 04

MANAGING EDITOR

Máirin Sheehy

COMMISSIONING EDITOR

Roisin Dwyer

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Paul Nolan

CONTRIBUTORS

Stuart Clark Peter McNally Peter McGoran Anne Sexton Roe McDermott Stephanie Costello John Walshe Olaf Tyaransen

DESIGN & PRODUCTION

Hot Press 13 Trinity Street Dublin 2

DESIGN

Eimear O'Connor Lili Ferreira Ria Pollock

ADVERTISING MANAGER

Catherine Madden

ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE

Daria Kyne

GROUP AD DIRECTOR

Conor White

CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER COVER PHOTO PUBLISHER

Kathrin Baumbach Anton Corbijn Niall Stokes

PRINTED BY

Boylan’s Print

GO RAIL IS PUBLISHED FOR IARNRÓD ÉIREANN BY:

Osnovina Ltd 13 Trinity Street Dublin 2

Contact TELEPHONE FAX EMAIL LETTERS

(01) 2411 500 (01) 2411 538 gorail@hotpress.ie The Editor, Go Rail Magazine, 13 Trinity St Dublin 2

While every effort has been made to ensure the information in this magazine is correct, the publishers cannot accept any responsibilities for errors. The views contained in this magazine are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Iarnród Éireann.

All material © Osnovina 2017.

All rights reserved.

Reproduction of material without permission of the publishers is strictly prohibited.

Editor's Message THE JOY OF THE NEW

The New Year is a time of renewed aspiration

As 2018 kicks into gear, there are numerous exciting events and activities taking place around the country.

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o much thought, planning and effort goes into the Xmas period, and yet when the time arrives, it always seems to go by so quick.

No sooner has the 25th gone, than thoughts quickly turn to the New Year. It’s always a time of fresh optimism and renewed aspiration, and as we detail in this edition of Go Rail, there is a remarkable array of cultural and sporting events happening around the country in early 2018.

Iarnród Éireann, of course, offers the perfect opportunity to get out and explore what’s on offer. As the New Year kicks into gear, there’s a classical music festival in Galway; the Audi Dublin International Film Festival; the Vegan Foodie Festival; and Quarter Block Party in Cork. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the sundry festivals, gigs, events and activities around the country.

On the sporting front too, the action begins to get

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more serious. As we detail in this issue’s Six Nations preview, Irish hopes are again high as we face into the 2018 campaign. And with the GAA calendar now commencing earlier in the year, the National League competitions kick off in earnest at the end of January, bringing with them the usual fanfare and high hopes for the forthcoming season.

As always, Iarnród Éireann provides a convenient and relaxing means of getting around the country, whatever you want to explore. The end of 2017 saw a succession of hurricanes, cold snaps and weather warnings, but as spring comes into view, the conditions invariably improve, the days lengthen and a new sense of anticipation is palpable in the air.

We hope you enjoy this issue of Go Rail, and that you have many memorable experiences as you make your away around the country.

Mairin Sheehy Editor

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GO FOR IT A R U N D O W N O F W H AT ' S H O T & H A P P E N I N G

by Stephanie Costello & Peter McNally PHOTOS CLOCKWISE: RAY MAC MANUS / SPORTSFILE, PIARAS O MIDEACH / SPORTSFILE, STEPHEN Mc CARTHY / SPORTSFILE

IN A L EAGU E O F T H E I R OW N The GAA season commences earlier in 2018 and things really get underway in earnest on the weekend of January 27-28, when the Allianz National League football and hurling campaigns swing into action.

On the football front, having completed a historic three All Irelands in a row in 2017, Dublin will attempt to add to their haul of

silverware when they take on Cian O’Neill’s up-and-coming Kildare in their opening game in Croke Park on the evening of the 27th.

The match is part of a highly attractive double header which also sees ex-Dublin football boss Pat Gilroy taking charge of the county’s hurlers for the first time, with the team taking on Offaly in the curtain-raiser.

Elsewhere on the hurling front, All Ireland champions Galway begin the defence of their league title on the 28th in a home tie against Antrim. But those games are just the tip of the iceberg in an actionpacked weekend, in which other highlights include Kerry v Donegal and Monaghan v Mayo in football, and in hurling, Cork v Kilkenny and Waterford v Wexford.

For best value fares on all intercity services check out irishrail.ie

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Need to Know...

WHEN:

January 27-28 WHERE: Various venues around the country

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CINEMA PARADISO For a small island nation nestled in the Atlantic Ocean, we sure do punch above our weight at the box office. Now in its 16th year, the Audi Dublin International Film Festival (ADIFF) showcases the best and brightest in Irish and

world cinema. Hosted over 11 days in various locations, the event will appeal to both industry insiders and cinephiles alike. As ever, there’ll be a range of workshops, talks and conferences for budding filmmakers to source inspiration.

The one to watch this year is undoubtedly The Breadwinner, which is produced by Angelina Jolie and directed by Cork native Nora Twomey, who is one half of the venerated Cartoon Saloon animation company.

Need to Know...

WHERE: Various cinemas around Dublin WHEN: February 22 – March 4 Nearest Station Heuston / Connolly

Walk On The Wild Side Hustle and bustle of modern life getting too much? Switch that phone off and strap on those hiking boots for the Dingle Walking Festival. Trek the vast uncultivated terrain of Europe’s most westerly point, marvel at prehistoric ring forts, and afterwards wash it all down with a pint in Antarctic explorer Tom Crean’s pub. Between February 17-19, there’ll be a gaggle of guides on hand to help everyone from novice strollers to advanced amblers. Discover all Dingle has to offer and while you’re at it, don’t forget to wish dolphin-inresidence Fungie a happy 32nd birthday.

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S PA C E O D Y S S E Y Marvel at the wonders of the universe with everyone’s favourite on-air physicist Professor Brian Cox, who's lauded for ability to explain even the most challenging concepts to the masses. With the help of

high-tech gadgetry, his latest show will look at the inner workings of nature on the most fundamental level. Professor Cox will be joined on the night by co-host of The Infinite Monkey Cage, award-

winning comedian Robin Ince.

There’ll also be a Q&A segment at the end for audience members to pose those burning science questions.

Need to Know...

WHERE: 3Arena WHEN: February 16 Nearest Station Connolly

THE SMURF CLUB

I PREDICT A DIET

The Smurfs Live on Stage, Bord Gáis Energy , February 17-18

Veganism has been gathering momentum as a social movement in Ireland for quite some time now, with more people switching from meat and animal products. Despite the shift in recent times, vegans are a long way off being catered for by the mainstream. Cue the Vegan Foodie Festival, the first vegan food event of its kind in Dublin.

From January 19-21, diners will enjoy delicious cuisine from a host of businesses, who’ll be creating brand new discounted menus specifically for the occasion, including Aperitivo, On The Pig's Back, Brother Hubbard and Bombay Pantry. To register as a participant, or to find out more details, email hello@veganfoodiefestival.com.

The Smurfs Live On Stage makes its Irish debut in the architecturally astounding surrounds of the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, with “lifesize, Smurf mushroom-shaped forest houses, vibrant backdrops and wonderful sing-along music”. Spring is every Smurf’s favourite time of year and preparation is underway for the annual parade, but the storyline sees baddie Gargamel use every weapon in his arsenal to make sure the celebrations don’t go as planned. This February 17 and 18, join Papa Smurf, Smurfette and co for a family-friendly tale of true team-work.

Tickets start at €19.90 and go to €50.90.

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DAVID MAHER / SPORTSFILE

STE VEN’S DAY Few players have come to represent a club the same way Steven Gerrard symbolises Liverpool. He’s been celebrated internationally for his dynamic

WHERE: Bord Gáis Energy Theatre

midfield play, as well as his influential leadership skills.

The footballing megastar, who retired last year, will discuss his distinguished career as Liverpool

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Need to Know...

and England captain in this essential live show for footie fans.

It’s sure to offer an incredible insight into one of the most gifted footballers of his generation.

Quality accommodation at great rates, located on Talbot Street, in the heart of Dublin city.

Our lovely rooms are decorated in modern colours and fabrics with luxurious welcoming touches.

Just 5 minutes walk from both Connolly Train Station and Busáras, the main bus station in Dublin.

Popular attractions Guinness Storehouse, Dublin Zoo, Book of Kells at Trinity College, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin Castle and the Old Jameson Distillery are close by. www.celticlodge.ie 81-82 Talbot Street, Dublin 1 Tel: 01 878 8810 Email: info@celticlodge.ie

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WHEN: January 31

Traditional Irish Music Every evening from 9pm. Come on in for a pint and the craic!

Come along and experience the authentic atmosphere found only at The Celt Bar, the traditional Irish pub in Dublin that’s as full of life as it always has been. Friendly faces, a traditional bar menu with the finest selection of Irish whiskey’s, beers, ales and stouts, ciders and not to mention the goodness of real Guinness. www.thecelt.ie Tel: 01 878 8655 The Celt Bar 81-82 Talbot Street, Dublin 1

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A PAUL STORY Renaissance man Paul Weller returns to the road this February touting a new R&B retro soul album, titled A Kind Revolution. Having fronted

legendary punk band The Jam, and enjoyed an illustrious solo career in the ‘90s and beyond, Weller could be forgiven for resting on his laurels, but

Need to Know...

WHERE: Olympia Theatre

continues to seek out fresh creative terrain. He’s added extra Irish dates already due to phenomenal demand, so fans are urged to act hastily.

WHEN: February 12-14 Nearest Station Heuston / Connolly

LIVING AVIVA LOCA RAMSEY CARDY/SPORTSFILE

PERSONAL BRAND Wacky, eloquent and irreverent are but a few adjectives used to describe chameleonic television personality Russell Brand.

Recently, Brand has gained traction for a string of bestselling books, his hilarious and informative

Ireland v Italy, Aviva Stadim, February 10

YouTube show The Trews, and searing social commentary. The comic will be touring his new unique comedy show, Re:Birth, extensively around Ireland in 2018, with his first date in Cork Opera House on March 12.

Ireland host Italy at the Aviva in the Six Nations Championship this February. While the stats are undeniably in our favour – the boys in green have won 23 out of 27 games against the Azzurri – it will be interesting

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to see if Italian manager Conor O’Shea can get one over on his native country. The last game between the two countries saw hat-tricks for both Craig Gilroy and CJ Stander, who’ll undoubtedly be looking for a repeat of their spectacular performances.

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LEE WILL ROCK YOU

Cork’s coolest festival, Quarter Block Party, is back again this year for a weekend of contemporary music, art, poetry and discussions, hosted on North and South Main Street.

From February 2-4, Leeside will be awash with a brilliantly eclectic array of pop-up performances. Among the headliners this year are Waterford five-piece band O’Emperor and acclaimed comic Alison Spittle.

Need to Know...

WHERE: Cork Main Street WHEN: February 2-4 Nearest Station Cork, Kent

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“It's Notorious" “Great fun for all” The Sunday Times

fantastic cocktails delicious food master screens for all sporting occasions

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WESTMORELAND sT, dUBLIN 2 cALL: 01 671 8373 WWW.WAXMUSEUMPLUS.IE

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ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE CON TEMPO QUARTET

We’re almost halfway through the blustery winter months, and what better way to celebrate than a festival with a whole host of classical musicians on the theme ‘Beloved – Composers In Love’. Midwinter Festival will feature music by the great Romantics – Brahms, Wagner and Schumann – performed by the likes of Galway’s Con Tempo Quartet, pianist Dearbhla Collins and cellist Simon Aspell. There’ll also be operatic love songs with soprano Sarah-Jane Brandon, and a talk by distinguished musicologist Richard Wigmore, entitled ‘Beethoven and the Immortal Beloved’. Running from January 19-21 in Galway’s Town Hall Theatre, this is an unmissable event for music lovers.

Need to Know...

WHERE: Galway Town Hall Theatre WHEN: January 19-21 Nearest Station Galway, Ceannt DEARBHLA COLLINS

TRAD TO THE BONE

Need to Know...

Taking place over St. Patrick’s weekend, Kilkenny Tradfest has earned considerable acclaim during the past few years, landing the 2016 IMRO award for Best Small Festival.

Although this year’s line-up is still to be announced, last year’s event featured a superb array of performers, including Paul

WHERE: Kilkenny Trad Fest WHEN: March 15–18 Nearest Station Kilkenny, MacDonagh

Brady, Eleanor McEvoy, Beoga and Ushers Island. With gigs at the likes of Kilkenny Castle, St Canice’s Cathedral and the Medieval Mile Museum – and with a Bulmers Trad Trail leading you to many of the city’s best venues – Kilkenny Tradfest is a brilliant spring-time treat.

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KERRY GOLD January 2-4 sees The Beauty And The Beast panto taking place at the INEC in Killarney for the first time ever. The show will feature a star-studded cast, including comedian Karl Spain, Red Rock’s Adam Weafer and RTÉjr presenter Clara Murray.

Set to feature a combination of the biggest and most glamorous sets and costumes in Ireland, and chart-topping hits of the past and present, it’s unmissable family entertainment.

Need to Know...

WHERE: INEC WHEN: January 2-4 Nearest Station Killarney

All the colour and drama of the GAA year captured by the Sportsfile photographers

ZO O STATION Illuminating the night sky, Wild Lights is bringing some vibrancy to Dublin Zoo via silk lanterns and beautifully crafted sculptures.

Inspired by wildlife, some of these attractions include a 30-metre long Chinese dragon and porcelain elephant tower. Throughout the display, there will be Chinese performers and crafts, while there will also be lots of warm food and drinks.

The 21st edition of the acclaimed pictorial review of the Gaelic games season

Need to Know...

WHERE: Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo WHEN: November 3– January 7 Nearest Station Heuston

Available in all good book shops or online at:

www.sportsfile.com

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A DAY AT THE RACES The Dublin Racing Festival combines the finest that the city has to offer over one weekend, including music, fashion, food and, of course, jump racing. A firm favourite with both general sports fans and racing aficionados alike, the event will see the cream of racing talent battling it out for two massive titles: the Unibet Irish Gold Cup and the BHP Insurance Irish Champion Hurdle.

Need to Know...

WHERE: Leopardstown Racecourse WHEN: February 3-4

KATHRIN BAUMBACH

THE UNFORGETTABLE FLOAT LIKE A BUTTERFLY SATIRE Kendrick Lamar made the transition from cult artist to major star following the success of his critically acclaimed 2012 album, Good Kid, MAAD City. But it was the release of To Pimp A Butterfly three years later that truly turned him into a global icon. Ever since, he’s been reinventing the rap game almost as quickly as he’s been selling out stadium shows around the world. His latest album, DAMN., was another phenomenal effort.

The massively popular musical version of the beloved Monty Python And The Holy Grail runs at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre from January 23–27. Written by Eric Idle, the riotous parody of the King Arthur legend took home the Tony award for Best New Musical in 2005, and enjoyed a sell-out run in the West End. Expect a night filled with raucous singalongs – including the evergreen ‘Always Look On The Bright Side O f Life’ – and side-splitting recreations of all your favourite scenes.

Need to Know...

WHERE: 3Arena WHEN: February 7 Nearest Station Connolly

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Need to Know...

WHERE: Bord Gais Energy Theatre WHEN: January 23–27 Nearest Station Connolly

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T R A I N news Rail customers invited to get on board with new “Baby on Board” badge initiative for Mums-to-be!

Mums-to-be who commute by rail are to be given a little helping hand to secure their seat on busy rail services, with the launch by Iarnród Éireann of a new “Baby on Board” badge.

The badges – available by post from Iarnród Éireann by emailing name and address to babybadges@irishrail. ie – are designed to overcome the awkwardness often felt by pregnant women in having to ask someone to give up their seat on the train. It will also assist other customers to know a Mum-to-be is pregnant as it may not be immediately obvious, and also encourage greater consideration for their needs.

It’s the latest campaign from Iarnród Éireann to encourage

more considerate behaviour by commuters, following the tongue-in-cheek “Urban Travel Dictionary”, which highlighted the means by which some practised commuters avoid acknowledging the needs of others for their seats! “MobilePhoney” (pretending to be on a call) and “Snoofing” (spoofing a snooze) and other terms have become part of commuters’ vocabulary as a result.

A spokesperson for Iarnród Éireann said, “Commuting by its nature, particularly in the morning and evening peak,

is busy with high demand on our services, including DART and Commuter trains.

However, it should still be an environment where we all show consideration for others. We hope the Baby on Board badge will make commuting easier for Mums-to-be, and make it easier for others to offer them assistance. Already we’re seeing strong interest from both pregnant women and indeed their partners, who are emailing us to get badges for their commute.”

ARRIVE AND DRIVE WITH GOCAR

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rrive & Drive with Iarnród Éireann & GoCar allows you to combine the comfort, convenience, and punctuality of the train, with the flexibility of a car waiting at your destination.

Travellers can cover long distances on the train and then simply hop in the car to get around for meetings or errands. GoCar allows you to book cars online or via the app for as little as an hour, including immediately before your desired departure time, then access the car with your phone or GoCard; the keys are in the car, with fuel and insurance all included. Rates start from €8 per hour, with 50KM of driving included on each trip. You can make reservations for anything from one hour to several days. To see the stations included, visit GoCar.ie/Locations Ireland’s leading car sharing company GoCar has undertaken this nationwide expansion following a €3 million investment this year. This

new partnership with Iarnród Éireann has made it possible for GoCar to expand its service beyond Dublin and Cork and make car sharing available across 18 more counties over the last three months, including Galway, Limerick, Kildare, Kilkenny, Waterford and Wicklow. The new Iarnród Éireann bases will make it easier for commuters in Ireland to combine rail travel with car sharing, and thereby embrace multi-modal, sustainable transport with reduced dependency on private cars.

Discussing the new partnership, Iarnród Éireann Marketing Manager Paul O’Kelly said, “At Iarnród Éireann we are delighted to partner with Go Car and believe it is a great benefit to our customers that they can switch travel modes easily at even more of our stations”.

Commenting on the national expansion, GoCar Managing Director Colm Brady said, “We are delighted to announce GoCar’s expansion across Ireland – a significant milestone for the company as we approach our 10 year anniversary next

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year. Working with Iarnród Éireann and county councillors throughout the country, we have made considerable progress in improving accessibility to car sharing and hope to continue expanding until car sharing is available in as many parts of Ireland as possible.”

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Shane Ross commented, “Providing accessible transport, not just in cities but also in our towns and rural areas, is of huge importance. I’m delighted that GoCar are expanding their car sharing service beyond the ‘Big Smoke’ cities of Dublin and Cork and into 18 more counties. As well as reducing travel costs, traffic congestion and carbon footprints, the partnership between GoCar and Iarnród Éireann will allow commuters to combine rail and car sharing, enhancing travel experiences and allow for much more social mobility. This is terrific news. I look forward to even more car sharing bases being introduced for the benefit of all Irish travellers in 2018.”

CHANGING TIMES Iarnród Éireann advises customers that a number of changes to its timetables across all routes took effect from Sunday 10th December.

Customers are advised to check times before travel as there have been minor changes to departure and arrival times on many services, including both earlier and later departure times, and including intermediate stations.

Please search the journey planner at www.irishrail.ie for full details.

The most significant changes are: • Journey time improvements of between 3 and 10 minutes to services on the Dublin Heuston to Cork route, following line improvement works • Journey time improvements of between 2 and 12 minutes between Limerick and Dublin (including via Limerick Junction) following line improvement works, and Limerick Station signalling and platform works • Journey time improvements of between 2 and 6 minutes to services between Portlaoise and Dublin Heuston, following line improvement works • Minor changes to departure times on routes in the Dublin area (including DART, Northern Commuter, Maynooth/M3,

Kildare, and Grand Canal Dock to Newbridge) to improve punctuality • Sundays only 08.20 Limerick to Heuston; 11.30 Portlaoise to Heuston; 18.25 & 19.25 Heuston to Limerick will all stop additionally at Monasterevin Customers should particularly note the following services on the national network which will depart earlier than previously: • 05.40 Longford to Dublin Pearse is advanced to depart at 05.35 • 09.45 Limerick Junction to Waterford is advanced to depart at 09.40 • 15.30 Heuston to Portlaoise is advanced to depart at 15.25 • 17.25 Limerick to Ballybrophy via Nenagh is advanced to depart at 17.20 • Sundays only 09.40 Limerick to Limerick Junction is advanced to depart at 09.30 • Sundays only 20.50 Cork to Mallow is advanced to depart at 20.45 Iarnród Éireann plans a further timetable revision in the first half of 2018 to enhance DART frequency, off-peak Maynooth services and other changes, subject to a full public consultation process, and the approval of the NTA.

STAY SAFE GETTING ON AND OFF THE TRAIN Customers getting on and off trains are asked to always be aware of the gap between train and platform. Make sure you can safely get on and off, and pay particular attention at stations with curved platforms, including Kent Station in Cork, Tara Street in Dublin, and some of Connolly Station’s platforms.

This winter, make sure also to be careful on wet or icy platforms. Never run, cycle or skate on platforms – walk, and make sure you leave enough time to get your train.

Together, let’s make rail travel as safe as possible for everyone.

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UNFORGETTABLE PHOTO : DANNY NORTH

EXPERIENCE 18

U2’s barnstorming new album, Songs Of Experience, has been widely hailed as a return to form. Olaf Tyaransen catches up with the band in London to discuss its sometimes fraught creation, their creative ambitions and their plans for another blockbuster tour in 2018.

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t’s the afternoon of November 11, 2017, and Go Rail is one of a 15-strong contingent of Irish journalists and radio DJs assembled in the basement of the Trafalgar Hotel in central London for a press conference with one of the biggest bands in the world. Well, half of them anyway…

It’s less than three weeks away from the release of U2’s long-awaited fourteenth studio album, Songs Of Experience. Later this evening the four Dubliners will be playing a special show in Trafalgar Square, highlights of which will be broadcast on MTV tomorrow night when Adam, Edge, Larry and Bono receive a long overdue Global Icon Award at the EMAs. Just before the playback of the album begins, their publicist Lindsey Holmes announces that it will be only Edge and Adam joining us. Larry rarely does these things anyway, but Bono apparently “needs to rest his voice before the gig.”

Given the recent ‘Paradise Papers’ revelations, it’s far more likely that the singer would simply rather avoid being quizzed about his financial affairs by a roomful of headline-hungry Irish journalists. And who could blame him?

Edge and Adam seem in cheerful form when they finally arrive. The guitarist and bassist politely shake hands with everyone in the room before seating themselves on a lengthy couch.

Edge – who’s wearing an Armistice Day poppy badge on his lapel – apologises in advance for any lax answers he might give. “My head is kind of spinning, because we’ve been doing so many different things. Travelling so much. I mean, all good stuff. We just left South America. Back to LA for a while. Now we’re here and it’s going from The Joshua Tree Tour, which was an amazing experience, to now the new album, so it’s kinda full-on.”

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“Thematically, it’s both extremely personal and quite political.”

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out to this end of the year, it gave us the licence to do The Joshua Tree shows, so we kind of had this moment where we went, ‘Oh! We could celebrate The Joshua Tree.’ Originally we thought we’d do maybe ten shows as a commemoration of it, but it just grew and grew. And that’s how we ended up coming through the summer with The Joshua Tree Tour.”

While most of the new songs are quite personal, love letters addressed to Bono’s family and friends, there are a couple of political tracks, too. ‘American Soul’, in particular, takes a potshot at Trump’s America.

“I think we felt that, to ignore it would just be weird,” Edge explains. “Knowing that these are the things that we care deeply about, I think people would expect us to step forward to a degree. Obviously democracy sometimes throws up surprise results and you gotta respect the result when it goes for you as well as when it goes against you. But I think in terms of values and ideals, we’re different, so fundamentally, from what President Trump is putting forward. And the sentiments that he’s putting out there, and who he’s looking to get support from, you know – it’s fear politics of the most cynical type. “And we don’t necessarily want to get wrapped up in what you might think, ‘the resistance’ to his presidency, at all,” he continues. “What we want to do is just keep moving forward with the issues that we care about. And keep the agenda that we believe we

PHOTO : ANTON CORBIJN

Press conferences are never easy, especially with so many different agendas, but the pair are graceful throughout. Adam laughs when congratulated on the recent birth of his second child. “Well, I came to it late,” the 57-year-old explains, “but I’m sure you’ve all been through it. I can thoroughly recommend it. Not too many sleepless nights. It’s not too bad.” He smiles, “We have help.”

For the most part, Edge does the talking.

The cover of Songs Of Innocence featured a striking shot of Larry and his son Elvis. Keeping with the family theme, the cover of Songs Of Experience has an Anton Corbjin photograph of Edge’s teenage daughter Sian and Bono’s teenage son Eli holding hands.

“Covers are hard,” Edge muses. “You can kind of stick the band on the cover and that sometimes will do it, but this album is a

complicated record. Thematically, it’s both extremely personal and quite political and both very internal and also very universal. And it’s very difficult to find an image or an idea.

“So we felt, let’s take it away from us as a band.

Let’s just try and find some kind of simple, iconic, symbolic cover that tried to bring it together in a very succinct way. Through our career, we’ve always used friends or others to take on that iconic, symbolic role. And it seemed like on the last cover we had Larry and Elvis. So it made sense that we kind of continued that theme into this cover. It’s the sense of life just beginning.

Two teenagers.”

The Experience + Innocence Tour will kick off in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on May 2, 2018. Needless to say, they’re looking forward to finally getting to play these new songs live.

“We’re very excited about playing live,” says Edge. “I think we’ve been in rehearsal. Obviously, we’re starting to gear up to play them and on our first outing, I think they sound really strong.

There’s something about a great song, you know – it’s very durable, it doesn’t rely on very specific arrangements. If you get it so that it really holds together, it gives you a lot more leeway.

Sometimes, the tunes that are production reliant, you almost have to recreate the recorded version to make it work. In this case, I think these songs are going to just be fun to play.”

Adam adds: “Because the album got pushed

PHOTO : BRIAN MULLIGAN

PHOTO : BRIAN MULLIGAN PHOTO : DANNY NORTH

Special branch: U2 performing during the Joshua Tree tour

PHOTO : ANTON CORBIJN

will all be getting back to, to hopefully moving forward. And I think, being inspired by what some of the governors and mayors in the USA did in response to him, taking America out. The powers, they just don’t care what the president says or thinks. So they’re moving forward, and I think that’s positive. We feel okay to take him on in certain levels, but we’re really just gonna keep on ploughing forward with what we really believe in.”

Given the album’s title, what’s been the hardest experience U2 have collectively gone through over the years?

“Well, I think challenges are a big part of anything that you really care about,” he says.

“And I think that the relationships within the band are something that’s sustained us. But they are at times quite hard to maintain. So the band itself is, in some ways, our greatest work. And our most challenging work.”

Does it get heavier being in U2, the longer you’re still creating music?

“I think it does actually,” the guitarist admits.

“And that’s understandable. If you think about bands like they’re street gangs. You know, you get together at 18, and you decide to go off and do this thing. It involves a complete commitment from everyone and total unity and regard for one another. And a lot of humility on an individual basis as you go forward. That’s, dare I say… quite an unnatural thing to be involved with when you’re getting into your forties and fifties. We’ve

been able to pull it off, but even we understand how extraordinary it is.”

Neither man is willing to go into details about Bono’s health scare last year, except to comment on how it affected his lyrics.

“Well, Bono has spoken about his brush with mortality, which he is not going into too many details about,” says Edge. “It was a fairly serious scare he had and it did affect his writing for this record. He ended up taking Brendan Kennelly’s advice to write as if he was already dead. A lot

“The band itself is, in some ways, our greatest work.” of these songs turned into letters to the people he cares most about. Some were his and our children. Some were the U2 fans. Ali obviously features. And a lot directed to America and the current political situation globally. He found himself thinking, ‘If this is the last song I’m gonna write, what do I want to say?’”

Bono has been getting a lot of flak in the press recently. Do you think he’s being unfairly treated?”

Edge winces slightly, but immediately gives

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this response: “Well, I think it’s a complicated thing. We are wealthy people so you could say it comes with the territory, and we are high profile.

Sometimes you can feel a little put upon, and sometimes you feel like you don’t get nearly enough stick. We do understand why people are angry with the system as it is. It definitely needs an overhaul, but it’s a complex thing. It needs an international overhaul; it’s not straightforward like one nation can do it on their own. Unfortunately, I think there was a lot of inaccuracies reported initially and at this point there are lawyers involved so we will see how that works out.”

U2 worked with a number of different producers on the album. It was important for them to experiment sonically?

“We understood that for us to do a very straightforward band record would’ve pleased some people hugely, but it unfortunately at this moment in time probably would’ve sounded a little old-fashioned and out of touch on a music and cultural level,” Edge explains. “So, we were prepared to experiment a lot with the production and the sonics, but we are also aware that as a band we do something that so few other bands can do.

“Listen to pop music on radio; I think you’re listening to a lot of great songs, but also some very generic production sounds as well. So we wanted it as we always do, we’re greedy – we want 21st century production with the chemistry that only a band can produce. We really, really

“We want 21st century production with the chemistry that only a band can produce.”

“We were like, okay, yeah that’s great! Be perfect! So one of the tracks from our album kinda debuted in part on his record. And then we got towards the end of our recording and Bono had demoed this psychedelic preacher vocal in that link between ‘Get Out Of Your Own Way’ and ‘American Soul’.

“We thought, ‘Wow, Kendrick could do that!’ It was really last minute, we’re talking like the last couple of weeks before the record was done and he said he would do it. He phoned it in, literally on his phone, it was great. For him to be on our record was great.”

What is it that happens when you guys go, ‘Yes, this is it – this is a hit!’?

Edge laughs: “We ask ourselves the same question! We grew up in a particular moment

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in music where things were being reinvented, and we therefore developed a very specific approach to playing and writing. which has not really changed that much. We keep trying to update and stay conversant with what’s going on culturally, but essentially we are still the same guys who started in the early ‘80s. We seem to have We have this ability to experiment as much as we want, but by the time we’ve all done our thing, it always seems to sound like us.”

You’ll be starting the next tour in arenas. Will U2 be playing Ireland?

“We are definitely going to be coming home,” he confirms. “We are looking at different venue options. Of course the production is kind of big, so we’re weighing up all of our options there. But definitely, you’ll be seeing us in Ireland.”

PHOTO : ANTON CORBIJN

went after the songs in this record. We wanted to challenge ourselves and our audience with the sonics, but really the bottom line was if we don’t create songs that we will listen to in a bar played by some piano player, or in elevators around the world, we won’t have delivered to our own standards. So that’s really what we did. We kept pushing to make sure that each song was as good as it could be.”

How did the collaboration with Kendrick Lamar come about? What inspired you to collaborate?

“Well I think we share a lot of values with Kendrick,” Edge observes. “We are fans of his, we reached out and initially asked him to guest on our album, and then we sent him a tune. He got back in touch with us asking if he can put it on his record.

Alexandra College DUBLIN

Preschool, Junior, Senior and Boarding School for Girls.

A School For Life

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With Christmas just around the corner, Iarnród Éireann and Focus Ireland are teaming up to try and alleviate the homeless crisis this festive season. his Christmas, Iarnród Éireann is working with Focus Ireland in its bid to help fight the growing problem of homelessness across Ireland.

This partnership between Iarnród Éireann and Focus Ireland will raise vital funds to help in the delivery of the charity’s frontline services, while helping to raise public awareness about homelessness in Ireland. It will also support the work that we do to prevent homelessness, and to provide vital supports for the families and individuals who are currently experiencing homelessness.

Tonight, as you head home on the train from a regular day at work or perhaps doing a bit of Christmas shopping in town, you are making a journey you have made many times. The journey home.

All of us can sometimes take our own home for granted. Not everyone has this security. Sadly over 8,000 people are homeless nationwide. A total of over 3,000 are children.

Behind these shocking statistics are real people

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with very real experiences of the impact of homelessness.

A mother from one family who faced homelessness, who Focus Ireland supported to secure a home, has kindly agreed to share her story with the readers of Go Rail.

Focus Ireland supports over 13,500 people a year who are homeless or at risk of losing their homes.

Focus Ireland manages to secure a home for one family every day, but sadly that same day two to three more families are becoming homeless.

This Christmas, Iarnród Éireann and Focus Ireland are asking you to help provide Sharon and her daughter, and many other families, with the vital support they urgently need.

As you will read, the details of their life in emergency accommodation are truly heartbreaking.

Like many other families, Sharon and her sixyear-old daughter were homeless and living in a hotel due to the critical shortage of housing.

They became homeless after the landlord raised the rent again.

“Having a home again is unbelievable.

I can close the door and I feel safe.”

Sharon said one of the worst things about being stuck in one little hotel room was not having anywhere to cook.

She said, “I was reduced to having to boil pasta and eggs in the kettle just so we had something to eat.

“As a mother, it was so terrible to see the damage living there was doing to my daughter. She was so unhappy and just not the same as before. She was sad a lot of the time and started to get more withdrawn.

“You are so worried about your child you just don’t really see the impact the stress and everything is having on you as a person yourself. Then it all really hit like a ton of bricks one day and I was bursting out crying. I just felt so alone.”

Things started to improve when Sharon was put in contact with the Focus Ireland Family Homeless Action Team, who worked to support her; a specialist childcare worker was also there for her daughter.

Sharon recalled, “Things started to get a bit better once I got help from Focus Ireland. It meant so much to me to see my daughter getting the extra support she really needed. Then for me it meant I wasn’t as isolated.

Someone was listening to me at last. Someone was helping me.”

After a while Sharon managed to secure a rented home with the support of Focus Ireland, and she is now on the road back to where they were before homelessness.

“Having a home again is unbelievable. I can close the door and I feel safe. I feel my daughter is safe.

“My daughter is also a lot happier again and that is the most important thing to me. I can’t thank Focus Ireland enough as I don’t think I would have made it this far on my own without the great support they gave me and my daughter. I feel we really have a future now.”

While the crisis continues to deepen, with a record total of 8,374 people now homeless, the situation would

be much worse without the lifeline services and housing Focus Ireland provides.

Focus Ireland founder Sr. Stan knows better than the most the impact of being homeless has on children and families.

“It breaks my heart to know that some of these children have been born into homelessness. It is fundamentally wrong that many of them will spend their first Christmas stuck with their family forced to live in one little room together”, said Sr. Stan.

The demands on Focus Ireland services are immense; the homelessness crisis is gathering momentum, in the first nine months of this year alone, compared to the same time in 2016 the organisation…

• Supported 12,318 people who are homeless or at risk of losing their home compared to 11,744 in the same period last year.

• Provided over 820 homes nationwide.

• Helped 700 families out of homelessness compared to 230 in same period in 2016.

• Served over 31,000 hot meals.

Sr. Stan adds: “This is awful and it makes me think back to what Christmas is about… how nobody would take in the baby Jesus and his family.

“I am sure this will strike a chord with everyone no matter what their beliefs are as these children today have also been turned away and left as homeless.

“They are our children too and we have a duty as a society to provide a safe home for them.”

Focus Ireland is working to end homelessness. Everyone has the right to a place to call home.

It is expected that hundreds of thousands of passengers will travel home with Iarnród Éireann this Christmas.

There are many who don’t have a choice to travel home with us. Iarnród Éireann and Focus Ireland would like to change this. But we need your help to do it.

With your support, we can help one family to escape homelessness – every single day.

Together we can change the face of homelessness person by person, child by child, family by family. Please go to focusireland.ie/donate/ and give today. Then help spread the work by sharing your journey #HomeForChristmas story on Facebook and Twitter. Thank you.

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Alison Spittle

The Secret Of

HER SUCCESS Comedian Alison Spittle discusses her hit RTE sitcom, Nowhere Fast, and her nationwide Worrier Princess tour. Interview Pat Carty

A

lison Spittle is in a good mood, as she should be – 2017 has really been her year. Her highlight? “I was asked to headline Vicar St,” she reflects. “I got that phone call while I was making my own TV show. That’s hard to beat.”

The show in question is Nowhere Fast, a riotous comedy based in the wilds of the midlands. I spoke to Alison only a few days after the first episode aired, but the show was already a hit, lighting up social media. Spittle, who co-wrote the show with partner Simon Mulholland, plays Angela, whose media career hits the skids after an ill-advised on-air comment.

This extreme faux pas forces her to move from Dublin back to the family home in Athlone. Two characters stand out straight away, the overbearing Mammy (Cathy Belton), and the loud of mouth and loose of moral mate Mary (Clare Monelly).

The obvious question: are they based on actual people? “I think we all have one of those pals that we grew up with,” replies Alison. “Their behaviour is unacceptable, but because you used to play curbs with them, you explain it away to strangers with a ‘Don’t worry about it, it’ll be grand!’ And bits of the Mam are based on my own, she’s very supportive.

She was very soft on me in my teenage years. I’d mitch off school and light up a fag and have a cup of tea with her. Her friend would come along with all the gossip, and we’d go at it like football analysts.”

Although born in England, Spittle moved to Mullingar as a young girl, and from there to Tyrellspass, before settling in Ballymore, a village near the Lough Ree end of Westmeath.

“The last comedy show based in the area was Pure Mule,” notes Alison, “which came out when I was in school. I remember that

they filmed the nightclub scenes in Moate, and we thought Hollywood had arrived, so I’m proud to be able to bring it back! The problem is I can’t live there, ‘cause I can’t make my living. I love Dublin but I grew up in a small estate in a small village. If I had to emigrate to the UK or America, that would break my actual heart.”

It’s where a lot of Irish comedy writers end up though? “I know, I guess I have to be open to that as well.” Is it possible to make a living at it here? “I don’t know, Dublin’s very small, but I’ve said to my partner, we have to make it work.”

“The best live show I saw was Chris Rock.

We weren’t allowed to use our phones, so I had to try and actually remember things.”

Alison first gave stand-up a go while interning on local radio, and loved it, prompting her move to Dublin. Hard work lead to spots with Des Bishop, Republic Of Telly and a short for Sky Arts. Producer Ailish McElmeel, co-founder of Deadpan Productions (Moone Boy), saw Spittle performing in the International Bar, and felt there was mileage in the Spittle mother/ daughter relationship. Mulholland and Spittle were persuaded to write a pilot.

“There was two years of going back and forth over it and eventually we got somewhere,” reflects Alison. “It was a lot of work when you don’t know where it’s leading to, but when you’re given the opportunity…”

Spittle is currently on her Worrier

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Princess tour (“Monaghan, Galway, Kilkenny – it’s been lovely”), which includes that daunting Vicar Street show.

“You have the excitement of going ‘I’m playing Vicar St!’, but then you think ‘Oh my God, I have to sell all these tickets!’ It’s a massive worry, but hopefully the TV show will help publicise it. Either that or I’ll be e-mailing everyone I ever met! I’ve already made sure the in-laws and friends have bought tickets.” You made them all pay up?

“Oh yeah, of course!”

For anyone who hasn’t yet seen Alison perform live, how would she describe the show?

“This is my third show,” she reponds. “The first one was called ‘Alison Spittle Needs An Agent’, which was a professional cry for help. The second show was about me not leaving my bedroom for a month after I was robbed, also a cry for help! This one is about me getting the TV gig, and breaking up with my therapist – my 2017 really.”

Speaking of the year that was, what other cultural creations impressed you?

“I love Everything Everything’s fourth album Fever Tree, and for a movie I’ll go for Boy, directed by Taika Waititi – the young lad’s mum is dead and his father comes back from prison. It’s so funny, although it mightn’t sound like it! The best live show I saw was Chris Rock. We weren’t allowed to use our phones, so I had to try and actually remember things. It changed my perspective on what to expect from gigs.

He had great support acts, great music, and there was a fight in the crowd!” Finally, what are Alison’s hopes for 2018?

“I hope that I’m still able to do stand-up comedy in Ireland,” she says, “and that people don’t get sick of me.” There is little chance of that.

Alison Spittle is currently touring Worrier Princess around the country, and plays Vicar Street, Dublin on January 13.

CALLING ALL STUDENTS!

WRITEHERE

WRITENOW

THE COMPETITION

SOCIAL MEDIA: A WRITER’S TALE Over the past fifteen years, with the rise of social media, the most extraordinary changes have taken place in people’s lives across the globe. In terms of the way we communicate, a whole new world has opened up as people make use of Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Instagram, and a whole host of other platforms and apps.

There are huge pluses involved, as we all find groups of like-minded souls to connect with, spread the word quicker than ever before – and generally make social media hay. But there have been downsides too, with Fake News dominating elections, social media bullying impacting adversely on individuals – and so on.

THE CHALLENGE

One of the key objectives of the Creative Ireland Programme is to nurture and develop new creative talent. Write Here, Write Now has joined forces with Creative Ireland to uncover the best new young writing talent in the country.

We want you to to unleash your imagination and create a story which involves – or which reflects on – social media.

Whether it’s kicked off by an unexpected like on Facebook, a tweet that really hits home, an Instagram post that makes you laugh or cry, or a group conversation on WhatsApp that goes askew, we all have social media stories to tell. In Social Media: A Writer’s Tale, we want you to draw on any or all of them: the good, the bad, the humorous, the mysterious, the downright strange.

W E W I L L R E WA R D F O U R W I N N E R S ,

+ EIGHT REGIONAL WINNERS (AND MORE BESIDES!)

CATEGORY 1:

SO HERE’S THE FINE PRINT • It will be up to the entrants to set their vision down, create a fictional world, or reflect on the theme of Social Media and its impact on our lives in whatever way they think works best. Competition entries can be in the form of stories, poems, songs, monologues, film scripts – or whatever medium the entrant chooses. What we are asking students to do in Write Here, Write Now is – in the spirit of the Creative Ireland Programme – to unlock their creativity and give us something brilliant and inspiring to think about.

Second Level – Two Overall Winners

• No limits will otherwise be set about where, when, in what era – or indeed galaxy! – the entries will be located. Nor indeed about what form the written entry can take. We want students to use their imagination...

•

There will be one Male Winner and one Female Winner

•

Both winners will be invited for a four-week internship in HP central.

• Remember, the competition will be a test of creativity, of originality, of vision, of style – of good writing! – and of the ability to entertain or enthral. In Social Media: A Writer’s Tale, the best entry in each category, in the opinion of the judges, will be the winner.

THE JUDGES Our special panel of writing experts will include the Bookerprize winning D.B.C. Pierre; the multiple award winning crime writer Tana French; recent winner of the Goldsmiths Prize, Mike McCormack the acclaimed poet Rita Ann Higgins; Hot Press Editor Niall Stokes; and Deputy Editor Stuart Clark.

This strand is open to Leaving Certificate (5th & 6th Year) or GCSE students.

•

There will be one Male Winner and one Female Winner

•

Both winners will be invited for a two-week internship in HP central.

CATEGORY 2:

Third Level – Two Overall Winners This is open to all students attending 3rd Level colleges.

(Category 2 is also open to those who have completed their third level education in the last 12 months.)

These FOUR OVERALL WINNERS will win an internship in Hot Press, during the spring or summer of 2018.

They will also receive a superb Canon PowerShot SX620, a €250 cash prize; a Certificate of Achievement

CREATIVE IRELAND • Creative Ireland is the Government’s Legacy Programme for Ireland 2016 – a five-year initiative, from 2017 to 2022, which places creativity at the centre of public policy.

• The Creative Ireland Programme is an invitation to the entire country to get involved in something truly inspirational. The five pillars of the

from WRITE HERE, WRITE NOW and other great prizes.

There Will Be Even More Winners Too...

Even if you aren’t one of the four overall winners, there’s a still a chance to come away with some marvellous booty – and to set yourself on the road to writing full-time! Four runners-up, one from each province, will be selected in both Second Level and Third Level categories, to receive special prizes. And there will also be prizes for ten additional runnersup – amounting to 22 lucky winners in all.

Please note that there is no entry fee – this brilliant opportunity is open to everyone!

So, what are you waiting for? There’s no time to dawdle! The closing date for completed entries is February 10, 2018.

To submit your entry, log on to: hotpress.com/writeherewritenow Or email writeherewritenow@hotpress.ie if you have any queries.

GET WRITING!

initiative are Children and Youth; Creative Communities; Creative Industries; Global Reputation; and Cultural Investment.

One of the key objectives of the Creative Ireland Programme is to nurture and develop new creative talent. Write Here, Write Now is an integral part of that national drive. It will aim to uncover the best new young writing talent in the country.

Rugby Preview

MAUL THAT YOU CAN’T LEAVE BEHIND That winning feeling: Jacob Stockdale scores against Argentina

After a mixed 2017, Irish rugby fans can approach the new season with a mood of cautious optimism.

John Walshe looks ahead to all the 2018 action.

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for the 2018 campaign.

Previously untouchable head coach Joe Schmidt found himself the subject of considerable criticism in the wake of the Six Nations, with the Kiwi derided in some quarters for what was seen as a conservative game-plan. Some of the comments must have stung, as the free-running, off-loading team of the autumn internationals looked a world away from the kick-and-rush tactics of the spring.

The summer tour to USA and Japan saw a very different looking Irish squad. Eleven of our best players were on Lions duty in New Zealand, yet we still carved out three resounding victories (albeit over lesser quality opposition), with a host of players winning their first caps and getting a taste of international rugby. In the Autumn Series, a similar number of players were blooded in victories against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina.

Particularly notable were Leinster lock James Ryan, who made his full Ireland debut before featuring for his province, and Ulster wing Jacob Stockdale, who looks born to play the oval ball game at this level. Other highlights included the rehabilitation of Ulster’s Paddy Jackson as an international out-half, the ease with which Chris Farrell slotted in at centre, particularly against Argentina, and the blossoming of Leinster playmaker Joey Carbery, whose wonderful swerve and pass against Fiji was a moment of magic that saw Munster wing, Darren Sweetnam, touch down in the corner.

Carbery is the most mercurial of talents, tipped

PHOTO: RAMSEY CARDY / SPORTSFILE

he 2017 Six Nations promised much but ultimately proved disappointing, yet the summer tour and autumn internationals offered oval ball aficionado more reasons to be cheerful. Most Irish rugby fans began the year with huge confidence, with many pundits predicting the Six Nations would come down to a straight shootout between Ireland and England in Dublin on St Paddy’s weekend. As it turned out, a disappointing opening day loss to a resurgent Scotland, and a bruising 22-9 defeat to Wales, meant that the Aviva showdown with the old enemy wasn’t a winner-takes-all knockout.

Nonetheless, it still offered Ireland the chance to deny Eddie Jones’ side a grand slam, which they duly took in an intense encounter, where no quarter was asked or given.

Peter O’Mahony was arguably Ireland’s standout performer in the 13-9 victory, which was ironic considering the Munster back-row wasn’t even supposed to start the game, only being called into the fray after a freak injury to Jamie Heaslip in the warm-up. O’Mahony’s performance that day was so powerful, it probably single-handedly earned him a Lions call-up, and he subsequently captained the tourists in the first game in New Zealand. He was hugely unlucky to be dropped for the remaining two games, as Lions head coach Warren Gatland recalled his favourite son, Sam Warburton. Even though Ireland currently have an abundance of riches in the back row, the big Munster number 6 would be this writer’s first name on the team-sheet

SPORT PHOTO: SAM BARNES / SPORTSFILE

by none other than former Lions and Kiwis coach, Graham Henry, as a future world star. To these eyes, he resembles an Irish Freddie Michalak, capable of turning a game in a heartbeat, but also liable to take some outrageous gambles that result in easy turnover tries for the opposition. With Johnny Sexton cemented in place as Leinster fly-half, many commentators believe that if Carbery is to achieve his true potential as a number 10, he may have to leave his home province to get the requisite number of games in this key position. I’m sure the Leinster management team will be understandably reluctant to allow that to happen – perhaps a loan system similar to that in soccer could provide the perfect solution.

Injuries to key players have cost us dearly in the past, so the nation will watch anxiously every time Sexton or Murray is put to the floor. But the good news ahead of the 2018 season – and less than two years from the next World Cup – is that the Irish squad has more depth than ever before. We probably have two entire front rows of genuine world class talent, and an embarrassment of riches in the back row.

The likes of Munster’s Scannell brothers may be ones for the future, but Andrew Conway has given himself a massive chance of being a first choice wing for the new season, as has Ulster’s Stockdale.

Leinster’s Jack Conan, meanwhile, has grown to become a number 8 of real quality in a position long dominated by Jamie Heaslip. The fact that Connacht centre and human wrecking ball Bundee Aki has qualified to play for Ireland should be something to be celebrated and not disparaged: Aki didn’t invent the residency rule and the IRFU would be incredibly stupid if they didn’t make use of it as other ‘home’ nations have done.

One big elephant in the room is the exclusion of Simon Zebo from the autumn internationals, because the versatile Munster back announced his plans to join Parisian club, Racing 92, at the end of the season.

One would presume that Zebo will be similarly omitted from Ireland’s Six Nations squad, despite the fact that he is still plying his trade with Munster.

Nobody wants to see an exodus of this country’s top talent to the mega-rich and gruelling Top 14, but the Zebo decision has the look of an association cutting off its nose to spite its face.

On a brighter note, the departure of Ronan O’Gara from Racing 92, where he was defence coach, to become assistant coach at Super Rugby champions, Crusaders, is a brilliant move and surely one that will fast-track the former Munster and Ireland out-half on the road to head coach. One wouldn’t bet against the honest, intelligent O’Gara ultimately taking over his native Munster and the national team in the future.

Kicking on: Joey Carbery in action against Fiji

THE PROVINCIAL OUTLOOK

PHOTO: RAMSEY CARDY / SPORTSFILE

LEINSTER After a disappointing 2016-17 campaign, Leinster look back on track in the current season, with the addition of experienced Australian Scott Fardy already proving a shrewd move. The Leinster coaching dream team of Leo Cullen and Stuart Lancaster seem to have clicked, and their blend of youth and experience could see the province lift some silverware after a couple of barren seasons.

ULSTER The start of the 2017-18 season has been the archetypal ‘game of two halves’ for Ulster.

Currently flying high in the Pro 14, Les Kiss’s charges have been blowing hot and cold in

the European Rugby Champions Cup, with a super victory over Wasps followed by a comprehensive defeat to La Rochelle. At the time of going to press, their back-to-back fixtures against Harlequins could define Ulster’s season.

CONNACHT The heady days of becoming Pro 12 champions in 2016 look a long way in the past for a Connacht side struggling to recreate their best form. The departure of head coach Pat Lam for Bristol hasn’t helped, but if Kieran Keane can hold on to the province’s best players, including Bundee Aki, Kieran Marmion and Ultan Dillane, Connacht could yet make headway in both

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the Pro 14 and the EU Challenge Cup. MUNSTER Munster were arguably the most improved of the Irish provinces in 2017. Following the heart-breaking death of head coach Anthony Foley, the province had an emotional, thrilling yet ultimately trophy-less 2017. The departure of Rassie Erasmus caused a bit of a stir, but in former South Africa forwards coach, Johann van Graan, they have an able replacement.

They have a host of talented players coming through, including the Scannell brothers, although the fact that none of their three outhalves, Keatley, Hanrahan nor Bleyendaal, have really stood out, could ultimately hamper their chances of lifting silverware.

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Noel Gallagher

How Lunar

IS NOW

Noel Gallagher has reinvented himself with his brilliant Who Built The Moon? album. The recording process was intense, but didn’t prevent him from doing some A-List celebrity hobnobbing with Bono, Elton John, Jade Jagger and Bruce Springsteen. Interview Stuart Clark

S

wine! Whilst some of us pile on the pounds and suffer the incomparable agony of male pattern baldness, Noel Gallagher actually looks in better nick than the first time I met him in 1995 backstage at Slane where Oasis had just comprehensively blown REM off stage. Unlikely due to a troublesome younger brother (more of whom anon) to ever fully achieve a Zen-like state of contentment, he’s nevertheless looking pretty damn chuffed with life as we settle down for a cuppa in the North London offices of his Ignition management company, which are liberally decorated with Oasis and Noel solo gold discs.

“On a scale of one to ten, how happy am I?” Noel reflects. “A very smug, self-satisfied 9 ½, thank you for asking. Things are great at home, City are top of the table and I’ve made the record I’ve wanted to make for the past ten years, but didn’t know how to until I sat down in this very room, actually, with your friend and mine, David Holmes.”

That record is Who Built The Moon?, an almost Bowiesque reinvention which, egged on by the aforementioned Belfast DJ, producer and soundtrack man, finds Noel going off on more tangents than you’ll find in a Leaving Cert Honours Maths textbook.

“There are Oasis records I’ll listen back to now and think, ‘If only we’d had the balls and/ or know how to do that differently…” he admits.

“I’ve already written ‘Don’t Look Back In Anger’, ‘Wonderwall’ and ‘Live Forever’. For that matter, I’ve already written ‘If I Had A Gun…’ and ‘The Girl With X-Ray Eyes’. I don’t need to write ‘em again.”

The album gets off to a rip-roaring start with ‘Fort Knox’, an instrumental Chemical Brothersstyle call to action, and ‘Holy Mountain’, which includes The Faces, Bryan Ferry’s ‘Let’s Stick Together’, Iggy’s ‘Lust For Life’, Bowie’s ‘Diamond Dogs’, Plastic Bertrand’s ‘Ca Plane Pour Moi’ and Ricky Martin’s ‘She Bangs’ among its trace elements.

“I’ll take all of those,” Noel deadpans.

“Somebody else said the Beach Boys but I’m as

happy with the Ricky Martin comparison as I am the Brian Wilson one! “‘Holy Mountain’ is probably the most instant thing on the album. I had a sort of tin whistle riff that I played to David and he instantly said, ‘Do you think you could turn that into a song?’ And I went, ‘If it kills me I’m gonna…’ Which it very nearly did because he made me record about four hundred versions before he was satisfied with it.”

Day One of the Norn Iron sessions started with a shock, albeit a pleasant one.

“I’ve made the record I’ve wanted to make for the past ten years.”

“He lives next-door to (TV presenter) Eamonn Holmes – no relation! I spotted him one afternoon in his garden, which blew my mind. Anyway, I arrive in Belfast to record in the studio Holmer’s got in his house in the dead of winter; there’s brutal snow and the like. We spent the first night playing records and drinking red wine. He’d pull something out of his amazing collection and say, ‘I think you should be doing something like this avant-garde French jazz rock from the early ‘60s.”

Despite David Holmes working him hard, Noel slipped the studio leash long enough to hook up with some of his celebrity pals in Spain.

“Six of us were in this restaurant in Fuerteventura,” he fondly reminisces. “One of those happened to be Jade Jagger who’s a mate of ours. After taking a phone call, she said, ‘That was my godfather; he’s just arrived in by boat and wants to know if he can bring a friend of his to lunch?’ We asked, ‘Who’s your godfather?’

33

She went, ‘Calvin Klein’. ‘Who’s his friend?’ ‘Bruce Springsteen’. I was like, ‘Wow’, and 20 minutes later there Bruce was. He’s a dude!

“You know what we talked about over our starters - the Stone Roses! He says, ‘Ain’t that first Stone Roses record something? What happened to those guys?’ Which was my cue to go, ‘Let’s have another drink, and I’ll tell you the whole sorry saga!’”

Noel spent a goodly part of the summer touring round Europe with U2, which must have prompted some giving out from Paul Weller who hates them and thoroughly disapproves of Noel being best mates with Bono.

“I’ll tell you a funny story,” he says gleefully.

“We were out in the south of France with Bono and Elton John who’s also on Weller’s hate list.

We were having the craic – please note the correct use of an Irish colloquialism – and I said to them, ‘Let me get a picture of you two sat with me and send it to Weller ‘cause he’ll explode in his boots.’ So, I send him the photo with the message, ‘E and B both send their regards.’

Almost immediately I get a text back saying, ‘You’ve gone too far this time!’”

Before we let Noel go and sort out his family’s future, there are regards to be passed on from Celtic legend and Oasis diehard Neil Lennon who informed Hot Press in September that he’s a son called Gallagher.

“Has he? Gallagher Lennon as opposed to Lennon Gallagher. That’s very funny. Who’s he the manager of now? Hibs?”

Yep, where instead of Jim Kerr and Rod Stewart he gets to hang out after games in the VIP Lounge with The Proclaimers and Irvine Welsh who took him to the T2 Trainspotting soundtrack.

“Is it a fair swap?” Noel deadpans. “He’s a good guy, Irvine. We haven’t met for a while so I must email him. I imagine that between Brexit and Trump, he’s not very happy at the moment. I don’t want to jeopardise my 9.5 out of 10, so I let most of that wash over me.”

Who Built The Moon? gets a live airing in SSE Arena, Belfast (May 9) and 3Arena, Dublin (10).

BUSINESS

Money Business

Since setting up operations in Ireland in 2003, PayPal has grown to become one of Ireland’s biggest businesses, with a talented workforce drawn from all over the world. Louise Phelan, VP of the company in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, talks to us about the benefits of working in Ireland, standing up for diversity, and making business work. By Peter McGoran

H

aving assumed responsibility for PayPal operations in over 100 countries across the globe, Louise Phelan is perhaps one of the country’s most in-demand senior managers. So Go Rail is understandably delighted to get the chance to talk with a woman who has presided over PayPal’s incredible growth in Ireland – and beyond – for the past 11 years.

“When it first started operating in Dublin in 2003,” reflects Louise, “PayPal quickly discovered that it could be a base that would support markets throughout Europe. We firstly decided to support the English market, but from there it grew to the entire continent. What

we realised about Ireland was that we had huge talent here, and we had a great location to bring in talented employees from other countries. A corollary of that was that we could employ people who spoke more than one language.

“So our task as a growing business was, how do we get the best people working for us? People don’t just come for a job, they want to go somewhere where they can see there’ll be opportunities and where they’ll be happy in the place they work. So not only were we advertising jobs, we were also offering people the prospect of career development.”

This is a major part of PayPal’s approach to business. While

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aiming to offer the most secure, convenient service to people – after all, theirs is a business model which requires trust and quality assurance in order to continue its longstanding reputation – they also aim to hire the right people. They want to ensure their workforce is able to reach out to consumers and merchants in all the different countries in which they operate.

For Louise, diversity is key.

“It’s not just about hiring people from every type of background, and then giving them an opportunity to work for us while they speak their own language. What we offer is an opportunity to learn. PayPal’s drive is to get the best employees, but also to also give them training

BUSINESS

“We support anyone, no matter what their personal background” and education. We want to set them up for success. We provide health insurance, we provide transport, and we provide courses where they can always be improve their career prospects. We make sure that we’re doing our utmost to make an employee’s life experiences easier, not just their job experiences.”

While encouraging diversity in the workplace might be good business for PayPal, Louise stresses that this has always been a part of the business’ core values.

“We signed the European Commission’s Diversity Charter last year, first foremost because we believe in it,” she says. “We support anyone, no matter what their personal background is, or their gender, or their ethnicity. The most important thing to remember, for PayPal, is that our customers are of all different backgrounds.

So we want to map our PayPal employees to the customers that they’ll be dealing with on a daily basis.”

What are Louise’s future plans for the business?

“We’re educating all the time,” she replies. “Not just our employees, but ourselves. We’re also looking at how that factors into an employee’s sense of wellness, inside and outside the

workplace. Years ago, you turned up to work, did your shift and you might not have engaged with your employer at all. Now, companies are looking into wellness so that we’re supporting our employees. That’s especially important for a lot of these people who have travelled from another country to live here. We don’t want them to be left out there alone. A happy employee is what we want, because at the end of the day, people work with people. Ultimately people will trust your business if they trust those who work there.”

While Louise and her team have gone to great lengths to improve the lives of their employees, she also maintains that PayPal is consistently working to be a reliable service in times of industry changes.

“We want consumers to think of PayPal as being a reliable ‘one stop shop’. We want them to think that PayPal is simple, easy and secure.

Years ago, we used to say that cash is king – but that’s not the case anymore. If you think about the generation that’s coming through, credit cards and online spending are the norm for them, so we need to make sure we are providing them with a means of spending which has security and convenience at the heart of it.”

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Taking A Stand

PayPal have been vocal about their values for years. Here’s three occasions when they’ve stood up for equality.

Signing Diversity Charter In June 2016, PayPal signed the Diversity Charter Ireland as part of Diversity Inclusion Week. The Charter – a seven-point plan – is supported by the European Commission and reflects PayPal’s commitment to prevent discrimination and promote equality in the organisation.

Supporting Same-Sex Marriage Having always been heavily supportive of Pride Week in Ireland, it came as a surprise to no one that senior members of PayPal, including Louise Phelan, were outspoken in their support of same-sex marriage in Ireland. In more recent months, PayPal helped fund the marriage equality campaign in Australia, launching a $50,000 campaign to support a ‘yes’ vote on legalising samesex marriage.

Withdrawing Expansion In North Carolina When legislation was enacted in North Carolina which invalidated protections of the rights of LGBT citizens in 2016, PayPal refused to move forward with a planned expansion in the area, saying that the state’s laws affected the company’s “deepest values and our strong belief that every person has the right to be treated equally, and with dignity and respect.”

EAT

CELEBRITY TABLE

Doctor In The House Broadcaster and GP Ciara Kelly sits down over a delicious meal at Aqua to discuss Operation Transformation, presenting Lunchtime Live on Newstalk, and her love of new professional challenges.

Interview: Anne Sexton Photography: Natalie Dyer & Kathrin Baumbach

Aqua 1 West Pier, Howth, Dublin 13 Tel: (01) 832 0690 aqua.ie

“O

h you can see the sea!” exclaims Ciara Kelly as she sits down at our table in Aqua. “I’ve never been here before.”

The Howth restaurant is famous for two things — its delicious seafood and its panoramic windows looking out over the Irish Sea. Ciara Kelly is also famous for two things — her outspoken views on her Newstalk show and the fact that she is a qualified doctor.

“I fully expect to be fired at some point for saying something!” she laughs.

Last October, after her colleague

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George Hook moved to a weekend slot, Ciara was offered the chance to take over the Lunchtime Live show. She also quit medicine to concentrate on her radio career. This, she says, was a “huge transition”.

“I was a doctor doing a bit of media work, but still doing a regular day job for 20 years. I never thought I would do anything else, but life does funny things and you go on different roads. I dabbled in the media, and the media thing just kept growing and it became unmanageable. I was working seven days a week. I think at some point I might go back and do one afternoon a week as a GP because I miss it.”

Saying good-bye to her patients was “bittersweet” she says.

“Normally you have to wait until you die for people to say nice things about you. But I told every patient I saw and

EAT

Plate expectations: Bere Island scallops and (below) the lobster main course I announced it on the local Facebook group. I got incredible messages back from people. It was really moving.”

A career in media had never been a goal. It all came about after a chance meeting with journalist Eilis O’Hanlon outside the school gates. This lead to an article for the Sunday Independent, a regular writing gig, a spot on Operation Transformation and finally Newstalk.

“Somebody asked me, ‘How do you get a media profile?’ but I have no idea,” says Ciara. “It was an accident that just happened.”

When the offer came to present full time on Newstalk, Ciara decided it was not an opportunity she could pass up.

“I really liked what I did, but I got offered something I thought I would regret not trying,” she reflects. “I like change. I’m okay with the fact that I don’t know if I will have a radio career forever. Most media careers end in ignominy, like political careers!”

Her work as a GP, she says, was great training for radio.

“I spent the last 20 years doing 10 to 15 minute appointments with people where I need to get all the salient facts, and wrap it up to move onto the next person. Only someone who has done the two jobs

37

would realise that they are really similar!

“One of the things about being a GP is you get used to asking very personal questions. I’m really matter-offact about asking personal questions because I have a lifetime of experience doing it. GPs are trained to ask the really ‘in your face’ questions.”

It has also given a keen sense for when people are telling porkies.

“People lie to GPs. Mostly they are the regular lies about smoking or how much they drink, and so you have a good nose for when you’re being mislead.”

As we tuck into our starters – crab claws with garlic butter for Ciara, fresh Connemara oysters for me – it seems a good point to ask about Operation Transformation.

It’s important not to make anyone feel bad about being overweight, says Ciara.

“My mum was very overweight. She would have been morbidly obese all my life. I adored my mother and I don’t think there is any role for fat-shaming. Fatshaming is about trying to make people feel bad about being overweight.

“The people who come to the show are people who want to lose weight. We don’t coerce anyone, they come to us. There is a good success story for most of the people. Some have gone on to become personal

EAT

The hunger games: (from top) Entrance of Aqua; the pier outside; and the restaurant view trainers and more than half the leaders have kept the weight off. Dieting is hard and a lot of people who come to us do so after several failed attempts to lose weight. It is a very supportive environment. It’s not just us the experts, but they get massive community support and online. People get behind them. It’s very uplifting.”

For her main course, Ciara chose the scallops with black pudding. This is a favourite of hers – so much so that she will serve it when she takes on the mantle of head chef for TV3’s The Restaurant early in 2018.

“It’s a little terrifying. I went to the meeting and I was supposed to have two menus prepared, but I only had one. In the meeting they were like, ‘What’s your second menu?’ and I was, ‘Oh second menu! This!’ and blurted out random foods. Anyway, we’ll see how I get on.”

She is “not a bad cook” she says, but more importantly, Ciara is not afraid of failure.

“I’m not really afraid of failing. I don’t really mind. People are really afraid of failing and looking bad. We will all fail at something. I will fail, you will fail, and on top of that failure, there’ll be other failures. You’ll look bad or get it wrong sometimes or people won’t like you – that’s just life.”

THE DAMAGE Aqua serve their fresh Connemara oysters with Mignonette sauce and lemon (€14 for six). The Lambay Island crab claws come with chilli and lashings of garlic butter (€15).

There’s plenty of garlic butter with the lobster, which also comes with skinny chips and a mixed leaf salad (€45 to €65). The Bere Island scallops are served in the traditional Irish way with Clonakilty black pudding.

We washed the food down with Yealand’s Estate Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand (€8.50 per glass).

Sadly, we were both too full for dessert. Aqua has a great selection, including home made ice cream and pecan pie (both €7.95), as well as a cheese board (€8.95).

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EAT

A Matter Of Taste Stuart Clark Brings You The Latest Foodie News

THE INSIDE SKINNY We had a fabulously greedy time eating our way round the recent Savour Kilkenny festival, which proved so popular there was nary a spare hotel bed to be found in the Marble City.

Our eatathon started with a visit to Le Skinny Chef, AKA Aymar Gourdet, the Portlaoise-based Frenchman whose spreadable Sun-Dried Red Tomato, Fresh Basil and Wild Garlic pestos are things of immense beauty. You’ll find them at the Kilkenny, Naas and Emo Village farmers markets and selected SuperValu outlets.

Our tastebuds were also comprehensively tantalised by Frisky Garlic Goat, the latest must-try from Helen Finnegan and the Knockdrina Farmhouse Cheese Co. team. Their goodies can be ordered online at knockdrinna.com.

Providing them with serious competition were Aran Goats Cheese whose dillisk seaweed infused – and, indeed, enthused – Soft Goats’ Pearls make for a fabulous bruschetta topping.

Having previously acquired their award-winning wares from Lidl, we were delighted to meet Cavan town’s Crowe family whose Chocolate Chip & Honeycomb Barry John’s sausages have made foodie headlines all over the world.

They’re good, but not as nibblesome as their Cheddar Cheese & Chili and Crushed Garlic varieties, which should be purchased on sight.

Joining them on our Savour ‘highly recommended’ list are the Flavour Safari range of African cooking sauces magicked up by expat Nigerian Michael Onalimi. Also available from an increasing number of SuperValu stores, the Spicy Olive & Tomato narrowly steals the honours.

(clockwise from top left) A walk on the Wild side; scoring a Bonsai; Trinity City's fish is your command & goat expectations

Great George’s Street, Dublin 2.

Along with an unrivalled list of Japanese whiskeys, beers and sake, you’ll find bespoke cocktails – the Plum & Marzipan Sour is outrageously good! – and tempting bar bites like Black Cod with Japanese Tare Sauce; Wagyu Beef brushed in Sweet Miso with Smoked Bonito Flakes, and Akame Yellow Fin Tuna on a Kimchi Croquette. Yum! tasteatrustic.com/bonsai-bar

TREE’S COMPANY Celebrated chef and restaurateur Dylan McGrath has opened Bonsai Bar, a new concept in highend Japanese-influenced food and drinks, which is to be found between his Taste At Bonsai and STONE at Rustic eateries at First Floor, 17 South

THE HOLY TRINITY Our favourite new D2 foodie haunt is the Trinity City Hotel, a beautiful cluster of Pearse Street buildings just a degree scroll’s throw away from the famous college and the bright lights, big

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stores of Grafton Street. The art deco lobby and lounge are great refuges from the hustle and bustle outside, while contemporary Irish fare like Slow Cook Pork Belly with and Black Pudding & Apple Croquettes and Smoked Haddock Risotto with Poached Egg & Parmesan Crisp rules in their Courtyard restaurant. If you fancy a festive splurge, their new fourth floor suites are so comfy we considered barricading ourselves in and refusing to leave. trinitycityhotel.com.

They can also book you on to one of the Vintage Tear Tours that lets you scoff delicious sandwiches, cakes and scones - with strawberry jam and fresh cream, naturally! – whilst zooming round Dublin. vintageteatours.ie.

26

Ben Affleck

Bat’s ENTERTAINMENT Hollywood superstar Ben Affleck talks about reprising the role of Batman in superhero blockbuster Justice League.

Interview Roe McDermott

B

en Affleck has the oddest of image problems. Good-looking, talented and smart, he wanted to be an actor ever since he was a child – but the traits one would assume would make him successful were instantly viewed as a problem. At 6’4, he was told he was “too tall to be a leading man”, in an industry where stars like Tom Cruise, Robert Downey Jr. and Zac Efron all come in at 5’8 or under.

His handsome looks were also accompanied by the presumption that he couldn’t be humble, and so selfaggrandising jokes were interpreted as arrogance by journalists and casting agents. A sports lover and college drop-out, many disbelieved that he was smart enough to have co-written the Oscar-winning script for Good Will Hunting.

The combined power of these suspicions and misunderstandings may explain why Affleck’s career initially floundered while his peers became fan and industry favourites.

Cast as a jock, bully or jerk in early roles (School Ties, Dazed And Confused, Mallrats), his supporting role in his own breakout film seemed to foreshadow the future of his career.

When he and best friend Matt Damon wrote Good Will Hunting and went on to win an Oscar, it was Damon who not only took the film’s leading role, but appeared to have the recipe for personal and professional success nailed down. In contrast, Affleck’s career and personal life have been marred by pitfalls and setback; several high-profile relationships (including with Jennifer Lopez and Gwyneth Paltrow) saw him become a tabloid fixture, while he has had his share of flop movies.

Still, Affleck is reflective about ups and downs he has experienced over the years.

“I’ve gotten much better at recognising my luck as I’ve got

older,” says the actor, his tall frame filling an armchair in an L.A. conference room. “I have three great kids, and they’ve got the best mom in the world, and I’m really lucky that I get to work in this great business. Sure, everything’s not exactly how I want it to be – every take isn’t perfect, and I’d like there to be world peace, and I’d definitely like the political situation to be different than it is. But I can see how lucky I am and how easy it is to be grateful. That’s an important thing to remember, if you can. And people are bad at that in this industry. My brother has this joke, ‘What’s the best way to get an actor to complain? Give him a job.’”

Indeed, Affleck has recently backed out of a job. Initially slated to direct The Batman, he stepped aside, claiming he wanted to focus his energies on playing the Caped Crusader. Matt Reeves will now direct the film, and Affleck denies that he finds it difficult being directed by others.

“It’s super easy in a situation where I have a director I trust,” he shrugs. “I just don’t go into movies with directors I don’t trust. I do believe that the director is half of the performance – and I’m not just saying that because I’m a director now!”

Following on from Batman V. Superman, Affleck has reprised the role of the winged superhero in his latest movie, the blockbuster Justice League. Fuelled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman’s selflessness act, Bruce Wayne enlists the help of his newfound ally, Diana Prince. Together, Batman and Wonder Woman work quickly to find and recruit a team of metahumans to stand against a newly awakened threat. But despite the formation of this unprecedented league of heroes – Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and The Flash – it may already be too late to save the planet from an assault of catastrophic proportions.

“It’s your classic end-of-the-world scenario!” laughs

“I’ve gotten much better at recognising my luck as I’ve got older.”

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We can be heroes: Justice League

“Leadership and heroism are not just about what abilities you have; it’s about character.”

Affleck. “We certainly didn’t suffer from a lack of apocalyptic stakes in our storytelling! What’s interesting about the stor is that Bruce wants to come together with Diana to assemble this team. He’s a pretty solitary and reclusive guy – almost antisocial at times – but he’s forced to become a leader. He reaches out to this group of outsiders and cajoles them into working together for the greater good. And Batman doesn’t tend to play well with others, so it’s a lot of fun seeing him thrust into this leadership position.”

While Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman briefly appeared in Dawn Of Justice, this is the first time she will appear onscreen with Affleck since Patty Jenkins’ Wonder Woman broke box office records. Affleck, who defended Gadot’s role in Dawn Of Justice back when some fans lashed out at the casting of the relatively unknown actress, is thrilled that she is finally being appreciated.

“Gal is awesome,” he asserts. “She’s a pro, really smart, and I think her hard work and dedication really show in her performance. She has that deep quality onscreen that’s hard to define, but you know it when you see it, and it’s pretty special.”

Gadot’s Wonder Woman is simultaneously charming and strong, all wide-eyed idealism

mixed with incredible strength. Her unwavering faith in humanity’s sense of what is good and right seems on paper to be the polar opposite of Bruce Wayne’s cynical misanthropy – and Affleck enjoys how those differences play out.

“Bruce and Diana are working very closely together and share a sense of urgency about the mission,” he notes. “They don’t have a romantic relationship in this film, but there’s a lot of chemistry and camaraderie in how they work together. They don’t always agree, but they both understand the importance of convincing these disparate heroes to unite for a single cause.”

Wonder Woman fans may enjoy the fact that she actually makes poor little Batman feel slightly inadequate, seeing as she and the other Justice League members have super-powers. Bruce, meanwhile, has gadgets, ears and some eyeliner to fill in his mask’s gap around the eyes.

“You see the incredible power of this group and it dwarfs what Batman’s capable of,” says Affleck.

“There are definitely times in the movie when you can see the difference between somebody who’s got super-powers and somebody who doesn’t!

But the stakes are so high that Bruce is forced to step up and lead. And his will and determination to do what’s right are, I think, emblematic of what the Justice League comes to be all about.

“He’s just a guy with gadgets and a bulletproof

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suit, and yet he’s out there trying to cultivate friendships with them. He knows this threat is too big for any one of them to fight on their own. Leadership and heroism are not just about what abilities you have; it’s about character. So, in a way, his power is having the courage to lead and the ability to inspire these people to go off and save the world together.”

Despite Batman’s reputation for well, frankly being a bit of a sulky downer, Affleck reveals that the Justice League set was full of fun.

“The first time we were all in costume together was definitely memorable, he enthuses. “It was such an iconic moment for all of us – we were geeking out and taking selfies. I think the studio was panicking because they thought we were going to tweet them out or something! It was just a great feeling to have all of us standing there with these amazing costumes on – except for Ray Fisher as Cyborg. His suit was computer-generated, so he got to wander around in pyjamas all day, while we were sweating through these leather outfits!

We were envious of Ray’s comfort, but he’s so charming you can’t hold it against him.”

Reflecting on our perennial fascination with Batman, Affleck believes that our attraction to the complex character mirrors the modern world.

“There’s something about the natural co-mingling of human qualities that seem to be at odds with each other that intrigues us,” he opines. “Because there’s nothing for free, and you can’t seem to have one without the other. Movies that explore those juxtapositions are intriguing.

It’s this post-modern awareness that good things in life often carry a price with them.”

Well, he would know.

COVERED IN GLORY by Niall Stokes Brings you on an extraordinary trip through the 40 years, since Hot Press started making Ireland safe for rock ’n’roll in 1977.

“IT’S STUNNING. AN HERCULEAN FEAT OF PASSION” – Brendan Graham on the Hot Press Covers Exhibition

Join us in making history. Order your copy now at pledgemusic.com www.pledgemusic.com/hotpress

2

ST VINCENT

The Art of Masseduction US art-pop star St. Vincent has produced one of the albums of the year in the stunning Masseduction. She talks about her hugely ambitious live show, Donald Trump and her Irish roots. Plus her reflections on David Bowie, fronting Nirvana, and life in the tabloid spotlight. Interview Paul Nolan

W

ith several brilliant albums already to her credit – including this year’s art-pop extravaganza Masseduction – as well as a unique sense of style and megawatt charisma, 35-year-old Dallas native Annie Clark, aka St. Vincent, is one of her generation’s most important artists. But as is always the case with iconic rock figures, it’s about more than just the music.

In the manner of Prince and David Bowie – the latter in particular one of her great musical heroes – Clark also has that ineffable element lusted after by record labels and talent scouts the world over: star quality.

That much is obvious when I’m ushered into a meeting room in Dublin’s Morrison Hotel to meet the singer. Wearing a black overcoat and sunglasses (which stay on for the duration of the interview), and sporting a jet-black bob offset by bright red lipstick, Clark has a striking, magnetic presence. Indeed, she could have walked straight out of the pages of Vogue – with whom she partook in a high-profile interview around the time of Masseduction’s release.

There had been some carping on social media following the UK leg of St. Vincent’s tour, with some punters apparently unhappy that Clark performed the show solo. At the singer’s Dublin Olympia gig, my main thought during the first song – which found her spotlit and singing from the side of the stage – was that she seemed more exposed than performers normally are during rock shows.

Was that how it felt to her?

“No, it didn’t,” replies Clark in her soft Southern tones. “Keep in mind that all the reworked versions of old material, those are tracks that I made with the help of my touring keyboard player; I MIDI mapped the songs and ran them through synths.

I did all the programming, the J Dilla drum sounds and so on, and I had so much fun. It was basically remaking an album’s worth of old material.

“I was thinking about it, and if you went to a hip-hop show, it’s a different dynamic. Like, I saw Kendrick Lamar at the Barclays Centre, and there wasn’t a band onstage. I mean, I’d already conceived of my show, so it wasn’t as if I was ripping off Kendrick – although he’s a great person to rip off – but at his gig, aside from a dancer or two who came in at random points, it was just him onstage. And it was unclear to me whether there was a live band. I don’t think so; it didn’t sound like it.

“But I wasn’t, you know, bummed about it. And there was no one in the crowd going, ‘Wait a minute – where’s the gospel chops drummer?’ I was thinking a lot about, ‘What do you want when you go see a show? What are you hoping to see?’”

As Annie has alluded to, the first half of her current show is comprised of a mini-greatest hits set, of which her zeitgeist defining single ‘Digital Witness’ (“What’s the point in even sleeping/If I can’t show it?”) remains a huge highlight. Showing her grasp of the art of live performance, a curtain is gradually drawn back to reveal a big screen at the back of the stage, which shows a trippy array of cool visuals during the second half – which consists of Masseduction played it in its entirety.

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Live and kicking: St.Vincent performing at the Olympia in Dublin

“Well, LA’s a great place and that’s obviously not all of LA. But yeah, it’s a bit of a sad satire on a certain aspect of the entertainment industry in Los Angeles, which is the Peter Pan, Never Never Land element. Nobody grows old, waves never break, seasons never change – that kind of sentiment.”

Let’s rewind a few years. At the outset of 2014, St. Vincent was a cult performer with a string of acclaimed records to her name, including a fine 2012 collaboration with Talking Heads legend David Byrne, Love This Giant. However, the ensuing 12 months were to prove Annie Clark’s annus mirabilis.

First, in February, she released her stunning, eponymously titled fourth album, which duly cracked the Billboard Top 20 in the States. Next, on April 10, Clark had what will always be one of the most significant evenings of her career; she was one of four women – along with Lorde, Kim Gordon and Joan Jett – handpicked by the surviving members of Nirvana to front the group for their induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.

Among those in the crowd was Saturday Night Live head honcho Lorne Michaels, who immediately booked St. Vincent to appear on the show. Collectively, these events propelled Clark into the cultural stratosphere, but Clark has also said it was a stressful time too.

“I mean, fronting the most seminal punk band of all time?” asks Annie rhetorically. “It’s a little stressful. I would also just say that along with the incredible honour it was to be asked, it’s also so deeply sad. Because everybody, myself included, just wishes that Kurt was there doing that. So it’s

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PHOTOS THIS PAGE : COLM KELLY

Why has she chosen to play the whole album?

“It’s my live Lemonade,” says Clark. “It’s early on, the record’s only been out a week. Some people haven’t even heard it; maybe they’ve only heard a couple of songs, maybe they haven’t heard anything. Why not have their introduction to the record be this bonkers multi-media experience?”

During the gig, St. Vincent also talked warmly about her roots in Ireland, saying that perhaps for the first time, it really made her feel like she belonged somewhere (needless to say, we all cheered raucously). Apparently, a recent DNA test revealed the singer to be of 80 percent Irish stock.

“It’s the truth,” she beams. “I got the results a few months ago and I was so excited. I was hoping for a little bit of sub-Saharan Africa, but no luck! Just Jewish and Irish, that’s what I am. In terms of whereabouts in Ireland, they didn’t get that far into it – I think you have to pay extra for that!”

Later in the show, St. Vincent also talked about the importance of communal events such as gigs in these fraught times. While successive generations have felt an apocalyptic tenor to the period they lived through, there’s no doubt that the presence of Donald Trump in the White House has led to a stark mood internationally.

“Yeah, I guess every generation in human history has been like, ‘The end is near’, of course. I don’t think the end is actually coming, but I feel like we’re living through such an overgrowth imbalance of ego. Human ego has reached a toxic tipping point.”

Going back to Masseduction, the song ‘Los Ageless’ seems to explore LA’s obsession with eternal youth.

Head over heels: St. Vincent

hard to be gleeful exactly.”

Turning to other iconic artists, she is also a massive David Bowie fan. (“I mean, who isn’t?” she notes). Is it true that she listens to one song of his a day?

“At a certain time, yeah,” affirms Annie. “I remember there was a certain period when for whatever reason, I was going back and forth to Berlin a lot. I was doing promo and press and so on, and I was listening to the second half of Low pretty much every day. It was November, Berlin, side two of that album… It was a kind of a dark time, frankly. It would have been around 2014, 2015. But I remember flying back from doing promo or something in Berlin, and I hadn’t taken a sleeping pill or anything – I was just asleep.

“I’d fallen asleep and not moved the entire flight, ’cos I was so tired. (Laughs) The stewardesses thought I was dead! But it was Berlin to New York, with Low in my ear on a loop – I might as well have been!”

Around about that time, St. Vincent also had perhaps the most unlikely detour in her career to date – her relationship with supermodel Cara Delevingne saw her become a fixture in the tabloids for a brief period. There was more of the same when the singer started hanging out with Kristen Stewart, with Clark finding herself smack bang in the middle of the celebrity industrial complex.

For a performer like St. Vincent, who is clearly an artist to her fingertips and lives for the next creative challenge, the effects of finding herself in such a bizarre environment can only be guessed at. Certainly, the history of rock is filled with characters who chafed at finding themselves in the maelstrom of the gossip sheets and scandal rags.

Hearteningly, Clark’s latest album and tour show that her creative powers have not dimmed one iota; in fact, they’re stronger than ever. And with top ten placings for Masseduction in the US and UK, and a top five slot in Ireland – its highest international placing – her commercial appeal continues to grow.

Still, it’s hard not to wonder what she made of the whole experience. So what does appearing in the tabloids do to your psyche?

“I mean, that world is so foreign to me,” considers Clark. “I didn’t fully understand it, which sounds sort of naïve. But then I wrapped my head around what it was – it’s a machinery that purports to keep people entertained, but really makes them feel bad about their own lives. And it aims to treat certain people as commodities, and make those commodities profitable. They could be selling people, or Coca-Cola, or weapons of mass destruction. It’s kind of all the same machinery.

“But, you know, I’m just glad that I didn’t have more pictures of me wolfing down burgers!”

I’m just glad that I didn’t have more pictures of me wolfing down burgers!”

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OPPOSITE PAGE PHOTO: MATTIEU CHARDON

2

Sebastian Barry

The write stuff: Sebastian Barry

WRITING TO REACH YOU Celebrated Irish author Sebastian Barry on making literary history with his latest novel Days Without End, his artistic family background, and his future creative ambitions.

Interview Jason O’Toole

In

OPPOSITE PAGE PHOTO: MATTIEU CHARDON

2017, Dubliner Sebastian Barry made literary history by becoming the first author to twice win the Costa Book Award. This time around, Barry picked up the prize for his tour-de-force novel Days Without End. It came as a particular surprise to Barry, with the writer having been forewarned that no one is ever bestowed with the prestigious award for a second time.

“It was nearly the first instance of a posthumous winner – I got such a fright!” he jokes to Go Rail, as he sits in the back garden of his home in County Wicklow. “It’s like not only an award for your book, but a little reward for being alive. Writing books is probably not in the scheme of the universe a very important thing to do. But in that moment, it seems like the loveliest, brightest, most bedecked circus you could ever be in. The bearded lady is kissing you, the strongman is lifting you up – it’s lovely.”

Apart from of making history with the award, Days Without End was always going to be an extra special project for Sebastian; he was inspired to write about a gay protagonist after his teenage son Toby came out.

The author confesses that he knew absolutely nothing about what being gay meant at the time.

“I made it my business to try to understand as a stupid straight man what this could be,” he reflects.

“I studied as much as I could. He told me everything he could. We sat and watched RuPaul. It was a

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PhD in being gay and the professor was my son. I was just about to start the book when all this was happening. I didn’t put it in the book – the book drew it into itself in a magical way. I wrote that book with an almost unlikely happiness. It was one of the experiences of my life really. It all comes from him, so I dedicated it to him.”

It’s exactly 40 years since a young Sebastian first started seriously bashing away at the keyboard of his battered old typewriter with dreams of becoming a famous writer. The 62-year-old author hails from a creative clan, and could’ve easily ended up going down a number of different artistic avenues. He first toyed with the idea of becoming a painter, when his grandfather took him under his wing as a young boy and taught him about watercolours and acrylics.

Sebastian might also have followed in his famous mother’s footsteps and trodden the boards of the Abbey Theatre. In later years, before her death in 2007, his mother Joan O’Hara was best known to younger viewers for her role as the busybody neighbour, Eunice Dunston, in Fair City. In later life, she also starred in her son’s stage plays.

Recalling his mother’s death, Barry says now: “It was a relief for me to feel that she’d been just let go, because her body was closing down and she was in those awful chains of illness. I thought she’d gone away, like Billy the Kid. Pat Garrett hadn’t got her.

She’d got down into Mexico and she’s free. I had a sense of her scooting around the galaxies and having

PHOTO: COLM HENRY

Charlie Haughey: inspired Barry’s play Hinterland

a lovely time.”

Sebastian was always passionate about music too, and equally could’ve followed his aunt Mary O’Hara into showbiz. The soprano and harpist had the world at her feet, performing at the likes of Carnegie Hall in New York, before retiring in 1994.

“She was so gifted that at 17 – at 17 now – she had her own BBC series,” recalls Barry. “She became incredibly famous. She had this most amazing voice and an incredible gift. When she sings Archie Cooan (Ardaí Chuain) in The Quiet Land O’Erin she holds a note for about, well, it sounds like a minute-and-a-half. I remember her doing that in concert and smiling right through the note. Very, very beautiful. She stopped because she hated performing. She said, ‘My voice is still good – I’m going to stop now.’“ Eventually, Sebastian decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and try to become a writer.

He started out as a poet, moving on to short stories and plays – before eventually establishing himself as one of Ireland’s leading contemporary novelists.

“There was that glory of getting up in the morning and starting a short story,” he says, “and by evening you’d have seven or eight pages of a story. I mean, such excitement and pleasure.”

Sebastian laughs at the recollection of being “permanently broke”, as he struggled in his formative years as a starving artist. He jokingly recalls how he only met his future wife by sheer chance, Their meeting came about because Sebastian had phoned a friend to borrow a fiver to go drinking.

His mate didn’t have two pennies to rub together either, but he said that one of his friends, Alison, was in the flat with him at the time. A brazen Sebastian – who had never met her – half-jokingly asked his mate to check if she might have a bit of spare cash.

“And he said, ‘Ah, okay. Alison, do you have a fiver?’ And I could hear her distantly on the other side of the room: ‘Yeah!’ Like really dubious: ‘What the hell is this?!’ Because she was just coming to meet him for work and she’s getting this weird request. And he said, ‘It’s Sebastian Barry – do you know who that is?’ And she said quite crossly, ‘No!’ Anyway, we arranged to meet in Bewley’s and she would give me this fiver. I think I was two hours late!

She was very angry about that.

“She thought she had fallen in with two lunatics. She possibly did in my case! I hope I said I was sorry. Anyway, she gave me the fiver. And then I can’t remember how it happened – this is ancient history – but we arranged to meet again.”

And that lovely little story is exactly how Barry met his future wife Alison Deegan, who would go on herself to become a very successful actress, and later an accomplished writer too. She is perhaps best known for her screenplay for the movie A Little Chaos, which starred Kate Winslet and the late Alan Rickman, who also directed the film.

“My whole happiness is actually based on this moment of levity, you know?” says Barry. “I never directly paid her back. I hope I have in some form or other given her good interest on her fiver. A life out of that moment of daftness really: ‘Well, ask her?’ It was kind of a joke (laughs).”

Thankfully, the bestselling author isn’t short of a few bob these days. A man of many talents – he has even written for stage before, with his credits incuding Hinterland, a play inspired by Charlie Haughey – Sebastian is between projects at the moment. He says it will be the middle of 2018 before he stares at a blank page again.

“I’ll read for a year now,” he explains. “Hopefully, in another year, I’ll get going on something that’s as structured as I can make it. I’m sure it’ll be a novel of some sort – if I’ve ever written a proper one!”

“She thought she had fallen in with two lunatics. She possibly did in my case!”

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Grade 1 meets

Delicious treats Dublin beats

Celebrate the best of our proud and famous city, in one famous city venue.

Two days of exhilarating racing, including the BHP Insurance Irish Champion Hurdle and the Unibet Irish Gold Cup, €1.5 million in prize money, performances from Damien Dempsey and Stockton’s Wing and Dublin’s finest food, all for only €30 each day.

February 3rd & 4th. Book now at leopardstown.com

Maynooth

Carton House

A THRIVING 21ST CENTURY TOWN A scenic town with a wonderful array of cultural, retail and sporting attractions – and located within a convenient distance of Dublin – Maynooth is a brilliantly dynamic destination.

BY DAVID LYNCH

A

picturesque town in north Kildare, Maynooth has a cosy feel while also offering the convenience of easy access to nearby Dublin, courtesy of bus and intercity and commuter rail services. Of course, the town is also home to Maynooth University, this year celebrating its 20th anniversary.

With close to 14,000 students, Maynooth is a world-renowned educational institution offering courses in arts, science, business, engineering and more. Attracting students from home and abroad, it is Ireland’s smallest yet fastest growing university. Maynooth is also home to the adjoining St. Patrick’s, a Pontifical University and Ireland’s main Catholic seminary.

The sense of a dynamic 21st century town is added to by the thriving local businesses, shops, bars and restaurants. As well as a sizable commuting population – Maynooth railway station is one of the busiest in the Kildare/Dublin region – the town also has plenty of people working locally, with two of the biggest nearby businesses being Intel and Hewlett Packard.

Elsewhere, as a major retail centre for North Kildare, the town also has branches of SuperValu, Tesco, Aldi and Lidl, as well as two superb shopping centres in Manor Mills and Carton Retail Park. The latter is named after nearby Carton House, a historic estate that is now home to an internationally renowned spa hotel in addition to two golf courses, one of which was designed by renowned golfer Colin Montgomerie.

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Boasting two full size soccer pitches, two full size rugby pitches and a GAA pitch of equal dimensions to Croke Park, Carton House has become particularly well-known as a training base for the Irish international rugby team. A number of high-profile soccer sides have also utilised the facilities, among them Real Madrid (including global superstar Cristiano Ronaldo), Chelsea and Newcastle, in addition to the Dublin footballers.

For good measure, Carton House has also been utilised as a filming location, with Stanley Kubrick’s Barry Lyndon, Amy Adams’ rom-com Leap Year, and Irish TV sensation Love/Hate among the productions to have visited. At the other end of the main street to Carton House is the historic attraction Maynooth Castle, which in combination with the town’s location on the Royal Canal, really adds to its scenic beauty.

On the sporting front, meanwhile, Maynooth GAA is a focal point for the local community, with the club supplying several players to successful Kildare football teams in recent years. Also popular are the local soccer team, Maynooth Town FC, and rugby club North Kildare RFC. Furthermore, the town is home to the thoroughbred racing and breeding operation, Moyglare Stud Farm.

A thriving town with an impressive array of cultural and sporting attractions, Maynooth continues to go from strength to strength, and is a wonderful place to live, work and visit.

THE MAYNOOTH ESSENTIALS RESTAURANTS

of tapas, paellas, fajitas, burritos and grills, all of which are complemented by traditional wines, sherries and beers. You won’t be disappointed by their eclectic tapas platters, and we’d also recommend their chargrilled Argentinian steaks, which pair nicely with Picaderos’ chosen Malbec wine.

Picaderos Main St, Maynooth, Co. Kildare Tel: (01) 629 2806 picaderos.ie A delightful restaurant located in Maynooth’s town centre, Picaderos is devoted exclusively to Spanish & Latin American dishes. It’s received plaudits from locals and tourists alike, but Picaderos Picaderos attracted international attention earlier this year, when it catered for none other than pop sensation Justin Bieber. The superstar singer dined there three times back in June, and assured the owners that he’d be returning just as soon as he was back in Ireland.

It’s easy to see why Bieber fell in love with Picaderos: the menu features a delicious range

Avenue Café Main Street, Maynooth, Co.Kildare Tel: (01) 628 5003 avenuecafe.ie The winner of multiple RAI Awards, Avenue Café is situated in the heart of Maynooth and has been consistently lauded by locals and food experts alike. The café boasts that it takes a ‘local and honest’ approach to its business; in Avenue, home-grown food takes precedent, so you’ll find dairies and cheeses from local pastures, Kildare beef, lamb and pork all raised within a few miles, and free range chicken from local farms.

They’ve also developed a reputation for having some of the best chicken wings in the country. With fresh food prepared daily, and with some fantastic cocktails in their newly opened bar, Avenue Café is one you won’t want to miss when you visit Maynooth.

Shoda Market Café Mediterranean restaurant which caters for a wide range of tastes, but specialises in mouthwatering seafood. Chief amongst their dishes is the Seafood Risotto, a filling combination of mussels, squid and prawns simmered slowly in a white wine sauce. The restaurant’s ‘Butcher’s Block’, featuring dishes such as Pollo Imperial, Surf & Turf, or your standard Prime Irish Fillet Steak, is also a highlight. Bistro 53 is a great location for groups and for kids, and also features an extensive list of wines and cocktails.

Bistro 53 Main St, Maynooth, Co. Kildare Tel: (01) 628 9001 A beautiful, cosy little eatery which opens right out onto Maynooth’s Main Street, Bistro 53 is a

"Across from the gates into Carton House, Robert & Bronagh Kennedy’s smart restaurant has earned a well deserved following."

All Day Sund ay

Georgina Campbell

2 courses €19.95 3 courses €24.95

Opening Hours MON - SAT 12pm till late (last orders 9.30pm)

BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY open 12.30pm (last orders 8.30pm)

SUNDAY 1pm - 10pm

EARLY BIRD MON - SAT till 6.45pm

RAI WINNER 2014 BEST CASUAL DINING LEINSTER

avenue.ie | info@avenue.ie | 01 628 5003 | Main Street, Maynooth, Kildare

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Shoda Market Café Glenroyal Hotel, Straffan Rd, Co. Kildare Tel: (01) 629 0909 shoda.ie

Maynooth

Maynooth University and (inset) a dish from Avenue

adults, as well as small group and private lessons), and horse livery and pony camps. From beginners to competition riders, Blackberry Stables Riding School offers something for everyone, with qualified instructors boasting years of experience in eventing, dressage and show-jumping.

Maynooth University Collegeland, Maynooth, Co. Kildare Tel: (01) 708 6000 Terming itself a ‘lifestyle café’, Shoda was conceived by two graduates of Shannon College of Hotel Managemtent, who took the experience they gained from working around the world in hospitality to establish a market café which was fresh, healthy and attentive to customer needs.

Situated inside the Glen Royal Hotel, Shoda is a convenient place to stop off before venturing into Maynooth town. Food-wise, there’s a selection of tasty lunch bites on offer, but you’ll really be won over by their ‘Chef Specialities’ and ‘From The Hatch’ menus, which feature new dishes every day – including the likes of the steak sandwich and vegan curry.

HOTELS Carton House Hotel Carton Demesne, Maynooth, Co. Kildare Tel: (01) 505 2000 cartonhouse.com A beautifully restored historic mansion, Carton House has been discreetly converted into a modern luxury resort – the first of its kind in Ireland. Located just 20 minutes from Dublin, the 1,100acre private parkland estate is an all-encompassing playground for families, group parties and corporate guests alike. Across this extensive estate, the hotel features include: two Championship Golf Courses; a leisure centre with pool, spa, training pitches and

tennis courts; a purpose built events centre; and state of the art conference facilities. While glass walkways, curving corridors, vibrant canvasses and fashionable upholstery have been sensitively incorporated into the design and layout of the bright interior, Carton House retains its stunning historical character.

Glen Royal Hotel & Leisure Club Straffan Rd, Maynooth, Co. Kildare Tel: (01) 629 0909 glenroyal.ie Situated a few minutes’ walk from Maynooth Town centre, just off the M4, the Glen Royal offers brilliant value, with a variety of booking options. It boasts a full leisure centre with 2 x 20 metre heated swimming pools, the Glen Royal Beauty treatment rooms, and great bars and restaurants. For good measure, there’s ample free parking, wireless internet, and a hugely welcoming and professional team.

THINGS TO DO Blackberry Stables Laragh House, Laragh Demesne, Co. Kildare Tel: (01) 628 6232 blackberrystables.ie If you’re passionate about horses, Blackberry Stables Riding School will give you the opportunity to experience a wide range of horse and pony activities. These include riding lessons (for children and

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maynoothuniversity.ie While tourists may be attracted to Maynooth’s booming social scene, it’s also worth checking out the university itself, which is steeped in history and beauty.

With any number of beautiful Georgian, Victorian and Gothic Revival buildings, as well as the Hogwarts-like refectory and the National Science Museum – not to mention Ireland’s oldest tree! – Maynooth University is a superb place to visit.

GO DESTINATION:

Dublin-Tralee

THE BEAUTIFUL SOUTH The host of The Rose of Tralee and one of Ireland’s most recognisable faces, Dáithí Ó Sé tells Peter McGoran why he’s always up for taking the train from Tralee to Dublin.

H

KIERAN HARNETT

e’s a jack of all trades, a TV stalwart, and he has one of the most wellknown voices in Ireland (not to mention one of the loveliest), so when Go Rail picks up the phone to interview Dáithí Ó Sé about his favourite train journey – we’re happy enough to let him do all the talking!

“My favourite train journey is from Tralee to Dublin,” he says. “I remember the first time going up to Dublin on the train I was 14 years of age – safe to say that was a long way back now! – and I was heading up with my mother. I remember my fascination with all the different towns and stops on the way. You know, I would’ve seen all these towns on paper, on the map, but I’d never gotten to see what they actually looked like in the flesh.”

Indeed, the chance to see Ireland first-hand was one of the

of those big American trains I’d be intrigued by the size of them.

There was one occasion when we were filming out in the Mojave Desert, in 115 degree heat, and this big container train came past us, and we had to wait until it had gotten out of the shot before we continued filming. But the thing was that long that I’d swear we were several shades of tan darker before we finally got back to it!”

Would Dáithí get the train much these days?

“Nowadays, I only get to Tralee twice a year – for the Rose of Tralee – and every time I go, it just reminds me of those journeys I would’ve taken when I was young. Nobody really drove in those days, because the roads weren’t the best and it would’ve taken so long. The train was long too I suppose, but it was very different because you could relax – you could sit opposite someone and have a chat, and get yourself a bite to eat. Now I

“When I’m in Tralee for the Rose, there’s always a fantastic atmosphere.” main attractions for Dáithí.

“I was fascinated with the geography of it all,” he says.

“You had Farranfore, Killarney, Rathmore. After that, it was on to the midlands, then Kildare and eventually Dublin. I’d still take heed of these places when I’d hop on the train nowadays. I’d spend the entire journey looking out the window at the country around me. But the wonder of it all goes back to that first journey up to Dublin.

“I’ve always had a bit of a fascination when it comes to trains. I remember when we did the Dáithí Ar Route 66 show with TG4, every time I saw one

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wasn’t a huge fan of the tea on the trains, but I love the chicken and stuffing sandwiches!

“When I’m in Tralee for the Rose, there’s always a fantastic atmosphere. But even all through the year, it’s a great place to go. We would’ve done all our shopping down in Tralee when we were younger. If you go into the middle of the town, there’s all the shops on either side of the street. Our family would have spent hours shopping there.”

Dáithí Ó Sé hosts RTÉ One’s The Today Show and The Rose Of Tralee.

DESTINATION

BAROQUE AND ROLL One of the jewels of Eastern Europe, Dubrovnik boasts stunning natural beauty and brilliant cultural attractions – and is also one of the filming locations for smash hit fantasy series Game Of Thrones. By Stephanie Costello

T

he Croatian city of Dubrovnik, nestled away on the dazzling Dalmatian coast, is something to behold. In light of its neverending sandy shores, crystalline waters, Mediterranean cuisine and breathtaking Baroque architecture, it is commonly referred to as the pearl of the Adriatic. However, Dubrovnik is far more than just a pretty face – several centuries worth of destruction and successive invasions have added manifold rich layers of history.

Dubrovnik is a real multitasker of a city; there’s truly something for everyone.

Whether you’re a metropolitan couple seeking beach-filled days, high-end shopping and swanky club nights, or a history and pop culture nerd, looking to absorb the ancient surrounds of a UNESCO world heritage site – and maybe take in a Game Of Thrones tour or two (or three) – you’re in for a treat.

GETTING THERE Flights to and from Dubrovnik are relatively cheap and incredibly stress free. Flying direct with Aer Lingus, the journey lasts around 3 hours and 15 minutes, then it’s just a short hop and jump on a shuttle bus (atlascroatia. com) to the main centre.

Although Croatia gained accession to the European Union in 2013, Croats decided to retain their own currency, the Kuna, so don’t embarrass yourself by waving euros in a perplexed shopkeeper’s face. Admittedly, adjusting to the denominations can take some time – there are six different notes, all graced by famous bearded Croatian men

(the longer the beard, the greater the value of the note – or so we’re told!).

Dubrovnik owes its hot and humid summer to its geographical positioning in the Mediterranean. With temperatures soaring over the 30 degree mark, the pastier among us would do well to stock up on the factor 50 beforehand. Luckily, it’s only three metres above sea level, so there’s usually a nice breeze as well.

HISTORY If history is your thing, then you’ve most definitely come to the right place. Dubrovnik, once known as the Republic of Ragusa, dates back as far as the 7th century, when habitants began to flee the onslaught of the gruesome Barbarians.

The city quickly rose to prominence due to its proximity with Italian ports such as Venice, Pisa and Genoa, and expanded its sphere of influence with business savvy and innovative thinking. Among other things, Dubrovnik was home to one of the first modern sewage system (still in use today), the first ever quarantine, and was a pioneer in the realm of maritime law.

Also worth mentioning is the influence of this former city state in matters of human rights. A relatively little known fact is that Dubrovnik was the first city in Europe to abolish slavery in 1416. As a result, the city’s motto is ‘Freedom is not sold for all the gold in the world’.

ARCHITECTURE Walking towards the city walls and through

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Pile Gate is akin to stepping into a time portal; fresh faced guards in traditional garments flank each side as loot players gently pluck what sounds like the medieval number ‘Greensleeves’. After this it’s on to Stradun, the 300-metre long, marble-lined main street, marked at both ends by fresh water fountains and punctuated with a stunning bell tower in the plaza.

The walls of the city go back as far as the 13th century and are pristinely conserved, despite more recent attempts at destruction in the early ’90s during the Yugoslav wars.

A walking tour of the walls will set you back around €11 and is absolutely worth it for that perfect panorama shot.

It’s worth bearing in mind though, that the city we see today has endured many upheavals since its birth. A natural earthquake in the late 15th century destroyed most of the original architecture and left thousands dead. Following the devastating Yugoslav war in the early ’90s, Dubrovnik found itself having to rebuild again. The Croatian War Of Independence Museum (Fort Imperial, Mount Srd) comes highly recommended for an introduction to the city’s past turmoil

KAYAKING EXCURSIONS If you’re in an adventurous mood, there are day trips to Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina, while kayaking options are available for those looking to stay a little closer to home. The latter last approximately three hours and can be easily booked in advance in the city centre (Adventure Dubrovnik, Sv. Kriza 3). Departing from

DESTINATION

View sensation: an overview of Dubrovnik.

(Inset) The city’s rooftops and an old stone restaurant. the foot of Lovrijenac Fortress, just beside the city walls, participants are treated to stunning views available only by sea, as well as access to a serene cave with lunch provided. No prior kayaking experience is necessary, and helpful local instructors are always on hand to offer tips.

GAME OF THRONES Possibly the most popular attraction in recent years is the Game Of Thrones walking tour. Most viewers will already know that the smash hit HBO series is filmed in part in Dubrovnik’s old town and surrounds. Diehard fans will recognise such familiar landmarks as Blackwater Bay, by the footsteps of Fort Lovrijenac; or the iconic stretch between the Jesuit Stairs on Gundulić Square to St. Ignatius Church – the site of Cersei’s notorious ‘Walk Of Shame’. Incidentally, when it came time to film the climactic nude scene of season five, the application was actually rejected by the Croatian Catholic Church, who took a hardline stance against public indecency.

In the end, after strenuous negotiations, the shoot went ahead and cost a whopping €170,000 in total.

The crew of GOT have built up a good reputation with the locals over the years by recruiting many of them as extras, and contributing handsomely to the local economy.

Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the stars if you hit the town of an evening – apparently Peter Dinklage and co. are regulars in various clubs and pubs around the city. Meanwhile, the holy grail of all Game Of Thrones sites requires a 15-minute ferry ride to the beguiling and verdant island of Lokrum. The official Iron Throne is located in a small museum close to the port.

ISLAND OF LOKRUM Lokrum also offers the best secluded swimming and snorkelling opportunities to be had anywhere in Dubrovnik. Visitors can relax and drink coffee or wine in the one restaurant on the island however it is advisable to bring some cash, as there are no ATM facilities available. The ferry departs from the Old City’s main port quite frequently, but punctuality is key as the ferry is known to leave promptly.

LOCAL CUISINE Dubrovnik specialises in upmarket cuisine with a Mediterranean bent. Expect fresh fish, crisp salads and handsomely sized steaks. For those looking for a gastronomical feast, Restaurant 360° is a Michelin star restaurant within the city’s ancient walls, serving dishes that look almost too good to eat, complemented by a panoramic view of the town’s old port (Svetog Dominika BB).

If white linen tablecloths and multiple forks aren’t really your thing, there are a whole host of other options, ranging from American-style hamburgers (Burger Tiger, Vetranićeva ul.4), pizza joints (Oliva Pizzeria, Lučarica ul.5) and Mexican Food (Mex Cantina Bona Fide, ubranovićeva ul. 8). Don’t expect to see multinationals like McDonald’s, KFC or Starbucks for the duration of the trip; the city is fiercely proud of its indigenous food culture, and tends to shirk the big American

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corporations.

No trip to Dubrovnik would be complete without a shot of the fragrant Croatian fruit brandy, Rakija. With an alcoholic content of 40%, the brandy was initially used as a secret weapon against the common cold – these days it’s best served as an aperitif with cheese and prosciutto.

Although widely available in most pubs and clubs, one of the best spots to enjoy it is in Buza Bar (Crijevićeva ul. 9), a hole in the wall style bar, with a blink and you’ll miss it facade. Easily one of the most beautiful bars in Dubrovnik, Buza Bar hangs atop a cliff face right on the Adriatic.

To make the most of your trip to Dubrovnik, steer clear of the peak months of July and August, when tens of thousands of tourists descend, making it difficult to get around. The city is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace, as you stand in awe of your stunning surroundings.

FASHION

TOP GEAR Chart sensations The Chainsmokers talk about their superb new collaboration with Tommy Hilfiger, as part of the iconic brand’s innovative Headliners campaign.

By Roe McDermott

A

s the winter months begin to wane, there’s still a chill in the air, but don’t worry – it’s never been easier to keep warm and look cool. This season, Tommy Hilfiger has collaborated with some of music’s hottest acts for the Headliners campaign. Celebrating individuality and Tommy Hilfiger’s love of music, the campaign features The Chainsmokers, Chanyeol, THEY, and Jarreau Vandal, styled in Tommy Hilfiger designs.

This collection features classic Tommy Hilfiger sweaters and t-shirts, with that instantly recognisable logo and those all-American colours – but this season Tommy has a little bit of an urban, eclectic edge. The collection celebrates the Hilfiger brand’s strong music heritage, and its love of rock-androll. But it’s also about diversity and modernity, as the collaboration features music talent from America, Europe and Asia Pacific, all celebrating their individuality by incorporating Hilfiger pieces into their own unique style.

The internationally renowned American producers, The Chainsmokers, are now the global brand ambassadors for Tommy Hilfiger men’s.

The duo, Andrew Taggart and Alex Pall, were more than happy to talk about their collaboration with Tommy Hilfiger, and how they embrace the brand’s love of remixing classic themes. Andrew brought his love of street fashion and graphics to his outfit, sporting an oversized Tommy Hilfiger sweater with a bold, graphic version of Tommy’s blue, red and white logo.

He says that he respects artists

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and designers who follow their own vision – a trait that unites both The Chainsmokers and Tommy Hilfiger.

“Outsiders are the people who come up with the best art,” says Andrew.

“They see things their own way. They’re not always well received, but at the end of the day, they’re the ones who influence culture, and the world needs those people.”

As The Chainsmokers know, finding your own unique style and artistry isn’t always a straight path.

“We started working together because we were both working on our own music in different capacities, separately, and it was pretty unsuccessful!” laughs Alex.

“So we thought why not?”

And their collaboration has been an international success, as the EDM pop duo have now won two American Music Awards, and a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording. Meanwhile, their songs ‘#Selfie’ and ‘Closer’ have become international sensations. Working with Justin Bieber, Coldplay and Halsey, the duo recognise the importance of collaborating with others, and how it can push your individual boundaries.

“When we met, Alex was a DJ and I was just a producer,” says Andrew, and we’ve kind of traded skills since then.

EDM was blowing up when we first met, and we were into it before anyone else was. But even before that, we went through the same musical phases. We had a similar musical history.”

But it was their determination to push EDM and blend it with pop, rock and other music genres that made The Chainsmokers so successful.

“You should go out and experience

FASHION

everything,” says Alex. “Variety is such a vital part of life and music is no different. It gives us a lot of inspiration.”

“Our sound has changed multiple times,” adds Andrew. “We will probably continue to do that until the end of our career. Us and other producers in our genre have a responsibility to push the boundaries and make new sounds that make people think about music in a way that they hadn’t before. Keeping that mentality will always keep things fresh and interesting.”

This appreciation of collaboration and the desire to evolve is what drew The Chainsmokers to become global brand ambassadors for Tommy Hilfiger’s Headliners collection.

“We’re both ’90s kids,” notes Andrew. “Tommy was such a big part of our childhood! That whole fashion identity with the big colours and big name logos – it’s so cool that it’s all coming back now.”

In his own ensemble, Alex brings a bit of James Deanstyle edge to his cuffed white Tommy Hilfiger t-shirt and skinny jeans. He says that becoming successful musicians has caused the duo to think about their style more, and how to best express their personalities through fashion.

“We kind of push each other and I feel like we learned a lot about fashion this year. Especially onstage, it’s fun to get up there and become a character.”

The Chainsmokers have been proudly donning their Tommy Hilfiger ensembles for concerts and gigs, showing how versatile, comfortable and edgy the collection can be. Andrew loves rocking oversized sweaters and hoodies for a ’90s vibe, while Alex keeps it classic with t-shirts and jeans. The duo stay simple yet stylish – after all, they need to be ready for anything, “Going onstage, you never know what it’s going to be like,” says Andrew. “It doesn’t matter if we’re ready for the show – as long as the audience want to have a good time, you’re going to have a really unique, authentic experience with them.”

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FASHION

“WE’RE BOTH ’90S KIDS, TOMMY WAS SUCH A BIG PART OF OUR CHILDHOOD”

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GO

REVIEW Albums. Movies. Books

ALEX LAKE

THE CORRS

pg 63

GOLISTEN.

GOWATCH.

GOREAD.

We sift through the best new album releases, including the latest efforts from US art-rock icon St. Vincent and Irish folkpop legends The Corrs.

Roe McDermott selects the best new DVD releases, including World War 2 epic Dunkirk and smash hit Conor McGregor documentary Notorious.

We run the rule over the latest book releases, including David Lagercrantz’s thriller The Girl Who Takes An Eye For An Eye.

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LISTEN

GOLISTEN. L O U T H

A N D

C L E A R KATHRIN BAUMBACH

COLM KELLY

KATHRIN BAUMBACH

Dundalk’s finest, folk-pop icons The Corrs, lead the way in our round-up of the best new album releases, which also features cracking records from St. Vincent and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds.

F

irst up in our review of the latest album releases is Jupiter Calling, the latest offering from folk-pop favourites The Corrs. We’ve been trying to work out whether the band have a family portrait hidden away somewhere in a dusty Dundalk attic. Judging from the album’s eye-pleasing cover, the four siblings obviously do. While they’ve slightly aged, Andrea, Sharon, Caroline and Jim genuinely look almost as freshfaced and wholesome as they did when they first arrived onto the international music scene in the mid-’90s with Forgiven, Not Forgotten.

That debut was released 27 years ago, but it was their 1997 sophomore release, Talk On Corners, that really propelled them to international stardom. Since then, they’ve sold in excess of 40 million albums, toured the globe several times over, and graced countless magazine covers.

Twenty years later, they’ve released album number seven. Jupiter Calling has all the usual elements that have made them such a runaway success in the past; that moneymaking combination of soft rock, infectious pop, and Irish folk, all topped off by Andrea’s sultry vocals.

However, there’s a newfound maturity in both the music and the lyrics. Unusually for a Corrs album, proceedings kick off on quite a sombre note. ‘Son Of Solomon’ is a wistful traditional number featuring a truly mesmerising vocal performance from Andrea.

And while the album features its share of love songs, there’s also a bit of a twist, in that some

of them are more about love in a time of terror, displacement, demonisation and fake news. The Corrs have never been a particularly political band, but it’s hard for anyone to avoid the harsh realities of the world today.

Of course, it’s not all so heavy. There’s plenty here that will appeal to their more traditional fanbase. The jaunty, trad-based ‘Dear Life’ could have been an outtake from any of the last six records, as could the poppy ‘A Love Divine’ (not a complaint). Meanwhile, a song such as ‘No Go Baby’ sounds like it could have been taken from a feelgood 1960s musical.

Elsewhere, US art-pop star Annie Clark, aka St. Vincent, is back after a three-year hiatus. The stresses and strains brought on by the success of her eponymously titled 2014 album sees her return both shaken and stirred on Masseduction.

Indeed, it’s not so much a confessional as an open diary. The soundtrack is spiky new wave disco, featuring special guests Thomas Bartlett on piano, Kamasi Washington on saxophone, Jenny Lewis on vocals, and beat production from Sounwave.

Culled from snippets of song ideas jotted down between extracurricular activities, the album documents Clark’s life, love, friends and personal struggles. On ‘Pills’, the jaunty advertising-jingle chorus suggests there is a medication to meet every need, while the title track boasts some blistering guitar work.

The late David Bowie is a significant influence on the album, with the track ‘New York’ in part influenced by his death last year. From

63

the clattering nervous energy of ‘Fear The Future’ to the poignant anguish of ‘Slow Disco’, Masseduction is a fiercely personal record.

Finally, in an age of bland talent show pop stars, it’s a relief to have Mayo’s favourite (grand) son, ex-Oasis man Noel Gallagher, back in business. Who Built The Moon? is a different bag of meat than we’ve come to expect from Gallagher, which may be down to the fact that Belfast dance maestro David Holmes was in the producer’s chair. The duo spent months hanging out and dipping into Holmes’ vast and eclectic music collection, with Holmes insisted that Gallagher try harder when anything sounded too close to either Oasis or the High Flying Birds.

A good example of this new approach is opening number ‘Fort Knox’, where Gallagher apparently expressed an appreciation for Kayne West, with Holmes encouraging him to pretend they were recording a track for the man himself.

Other highlights, amongst many, include the slithery, circular guitar riff of ‘Black And White World’; the “surely that’s Clem Burke?” Blondiestyle drums on ‘She Taught Me How To Fly’; and the ‘Come Together’ update of ‘Be Careful What You Wish For’. Johnny Marr props up the breezy pop of ‘If Love Is The Law’, although much more interesting are ‘Interlude’ and ‘End Credits’, which have echoes of ambient masters like Air and Zero 7.

Still not convinced? Have an listen to lead single ‘Holy Mountain’, a terrific glam stomper.

Overall, another impressive effort from one of British rock’s foremost talents.

WATCH

GOWATCH. K N O C K - O U T

V I E W I N G

Smash hit Conor McGregor documentary Notorious leads the way in Roe McDermott’s round-up of the best new DVD releases.

Notorious From emotional punches to literal ones, we’re sure someone you love would deeply appreciate getting Conor McGregor: Notorious in their Christmas stocking – even if that someone is you! Conor McGregor is both one of the best fighters and the biggest personalities in the world, which makes his origin story all the more impressive. The fighter was still a debtladen wannabe living in his mother’s house when he decided to document his career on film. Shot between 2012 and 2016, director Gavin Fitzgerald captures McGregor’s rise from a regional scrapper to a two-weight UFC champion.

Eschewing interviews and talking heads for a fly-on-the-wall approach, Fitzgerald submerges the viewer in McGregor’s ambition. Whether

training (sometimes through serious injuries), hanging out in opulent Las Vegas suites or causing a stir at combative press conferences, McGregor’s focus is unwavering. He is always thinking of how to be better, willing to starve himself, train relentlessly and put on a show, so he can never be ignored.

Elsewhere in winter DVD releases, The Big Sick is one of the warmest, smartest and most original rom-coms we’ve seen in years.

Comedian and actor Kumail Nanjiani finally finds a worthy leading role by telling a story from his own life. Kumail plays a struggling comedian in love with the bright and funny Emily (Zoe Kazan). But they break-up when Kumail refuses to be honest about their relationship with his parents, who insist he marry a Pakistani Muslim girl.

When Emily falls seriously ill, Kumail meets her parents (Ray Romano and Holly Hunter) in the hospital, and the trio awkwardly get to know each other. The Big Sick is fantastically messy and complex, exuding a deeply-felt empathy for all its charming characters. The dynamics between comedians, lovers, and families are all examined with humour and

Maze

Dunkirk

The Big Sick

drama Dunkirk. The director’s exploration of a British army stuck on a French beach in the early days of the war uses a non-linear narrative to explore the battlefields of land, sea and air. Indeed, one of Nolan’s extraordinary feats in Dunkirk is planting the audience in the action. The film is epic whilst remaining imitate, with incredibly immersive visuals. This isn’t a film about leaders, heroes or ideology – it’s about the realities of war and survival. And it’s devastatingly powerful.

intimacy, while Kumail’s experience of being Pakistani and Muslim in America provides cutting cultural insight. This is a charmingly geeky, whip-smart and emotionally revealing effort.

Another December DVD highlight is Christopher Nolan’s acclaimed World War 2

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In January, meanwhile, comes Stephen Burke’s Maze, a tense thriller about the notorious 1983 prison break, which saw 38 IRA prisoners escape from the HMP Maze near Belfast. Tom Vaughan-Lawlor stars as Larry Marley, who left the Dirty Protests after watching several of his friends and comrades die in the hunger strikes.

Survivor’s guilt is written all over his face, but visits from his relieved wife and son illustrate the deep loyalties he has to life itself.

This impossible choice between family and political conviction is one shared by Prison Warden Gordon (Barry Ward), whose wife moves away with their daughter after the family is attacked by the IRA. Earning Gordon’s trust is a key part of Larry’s escape plan, but moments of real respect emerge – when the two men are momentarily allowed to forget where they are. Vaughan-Lawlor is as incredible as ever, his ability to switch from intimidating criminality to wide-eyed vulnerability utterly compelling. As an intriguing character study, Maze proves a worthy retelling of a vital slice of Irish history.

READ

GOREAD. R O C K

S T A R

We round-up the best new literary releases, including Paul Howard’s hilarious new Ross O’Carroll-Kelly book, and David Lagercrantz’s latest in the Millennium series.

Paul Howard

David Lagercrantz

Eoin C. Macken

Twenty years since he started writing Ross O’Carroll-Kelly, Paul Howard’s latest satirical offering sparkles throughout. The 17th book in the ROCK series, Operation Trumpsformation, finds Ross’s mother, Fionnuala, imprisoned and accused of the murder of her second husband.

Adding to the horror, Ross’s kids have developed an interest in soccer, while his father has taken a leaf out of Donald Trump’s book and is looking to build a wall around Cork. As sharp and witty as ever, Howard remains one of Ireland’s preeminent satirists.

Elsewhere, The Girl Who Takes an Eye for an Eye is the second posthumous release in Stieg Larsson’s Millennium series. The authorial mantle is again taken up by Larsson’s fellow Swede David Lagercrantz, whose CV includes

ghostwriting duties on Zlatan Ibrahimovich’s autobiography.

However, there are assuredly no football allusions in this fifth chapter, with the focus again on the celebrated odd couple of hacker Lisbeth Salander and investigative journalist Mikael Blomkvist. With Lisbeth behind bars for taking the law into her own hands in order to save a young boy’s life, Blomkvist makes the weekly trek to visit her – and, as is the order of such things, soon finds himself investigating a new crime that ultimately leads back to Lisbeth’s long lost twin.

While Lisbeth in particular remains a brilliant and compelling character, the densely plotted The Girl Who Takes… is confusing in parts, while Lagercranz’s prose is of the no-frills

variety. Still, despite the occasional clunky section, the book is a compelling read, and could well be another major commercial success.

Finally, we take a bus ride from New Mexico to Los Angeles with Eoin C. Macken in his second novel, . Best known for his turns on BBC’s Merlin and RTE’s Fair City, Macken is a writer with an incredibly lucid vision. His first book, Kingdom Of Scars, resonated with a generation of young adults crying out for a good Irish coming-of-age story.

Hunter And The Grape offers up a similar tale, following the lives of a group of young wanderers trying to realise their dreams.

Although it’s familiar set-up, the characters are relatable, their stories are involving, and the book remains hugely enjoyable throughout.

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GOWIN. GO RAIL COMPETITION

WIN TWO NIGHTS B&B IN CORK’S FINEST BOUTIQUE HOTEL

HOTEL ISAACS WITH A MAGNIFICENT DINNER IN THE MULTI-AWARD WINNING GREENES RESTAURANT

Hotel Isaacs is located just 5 minutes from Kent Station, Cork. In the heart of the buzzing Victorian Quarter, it is also just 5 minutes from Cork’s prestigious main shopping area, Patrick Street, and within easy walking distance of the legendary English Market.

This gorgeous Boutique Hotel offers three superb, complementary, experiences, making it one of the very finest hotel experiences in the city by The Lee.

• Cask Bar is a multi award-winning cocktail bar, offering exceptional cocktails in a lively, convivial space. It features a covered, heated courtyard at the base of a 40 foot waterfall. Cask’s cocktail menu changes four times a year to reflect the season's tastes, moods and flavours. www.caskcork.com • The acclaimed Greenes Restaurant offers unique and wonderfully innovative modern cuisine, influenced

by Japanese food styles. All products are sourced locally. The restaurant’s award-winning Executive Chef, Bryan

McCarthy, prides himself on working closely with craft producers, with many ingredients foraged by the members of the team. www.GreenesRestaurant.com • Hotel Isaacs was carefully and lovingly refurbished last year to reflect the building’s Victorian architecture and its history as a warehouse. It boasts walk-in showers, slipper baths and truly excellent beds, where sleeping is a real pleasure. This is a unique, boutique experience, in the heart of Cork city. www.hotelisaacscork.com

THE PRIZE: There will be one winner of this fabulous prize – so best to get your thinking caps on now!

• Enjoy two nights Bed & Breakfast in the luxury of a gorgeous Junior Suite in Hotel Isaacs • On one of the nights you have a beautiful, romantic dinner for two in Greenes Restaurant • And you will also be treated to 2 cocktails in Cask Bar for two people.

To enter, simply email your answers gorail@hotpress.ie. Please include your full contact details, and be sure to let us know on which train route, or at which station, you picked up your copy of Go Rail.

THE QUESTIONS: 1.In Which county is Fota Wildlife park located

2. Which word goes before ‘ ….

Market’ and can be found in Cork

3. What is the name of Sebastian Barry’s new novel?

-Cork -Carlow -Kilkenny

-French -English -Irish

-Days Without End -Weeks Without End -Months Without End

Terms & Conditions: The prizes are valid until the 30th of September 2018, subject to availability and not applicable to bank holidays, July or August. No cash alternatives will be offered. Entrants must be aged 18+. Go Rail may contact competition winners with details of future special offers. Your details won’t be passed on to any third party. Please specify in your email if you would like to opt out of this.

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