Go Rail 8-4: Featuring Gavin James

Aidan Gillen

2019 • VOL:08 ISSUE:04

Bohemian Rhapsody and beyond

Liz Nugent’s

Favourite Train Journey Celebrity Table with Simon

Delaney

PLUS 2019: WHAT A YEAR THAT’LL TURN OUT TO BE FOR IRISH SPORT

Gavin James

Ticket to the Top F I R E U P T H E E NG I N E S

DI V I N E I N S P I R AT ION

B L AC K ’47 S TA R

Hugo Weaving

Saint Sister

Sarah Greene

CONTENTS

2 01 8

Volume 08 // Issue 04

miguel ruiz

SAINT SISTER

44

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

06 / Go For It A look at some of the biggest events happening up and down the country.

34 / Sports Preview

16 / Train News

Paul Nolan looks ahead to what 2019 has in store in GAA, rugby and soccer.

All the latest happenings in the world of the Irish Rail Network.

40 / Go Eat

20 / Gavin James

We share a meal with acclaimed Irish writer and director Simon Delaney.

The Irish singer talks international stardom, celebrity fans and Bruce Springsteen’s incredible Broadway show.

44 / Saint Sister

24 / Sarah Greene

Peter McGoran meets the Irish folk-pop stars to discuss their remarkable 12 months.

The star of Irish hits Black '47 and Dublin Oldschool talks about establishing herself as one of the country’s top acting talents.

50 / Go Travel

26 / Aidan Gillen

An in-depth look at the stunning French destination Tours.

The Irish screen icon talks about appearing in blockbuster Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, and taking on the role of legendary Irish comic Dave Allen.

53 / My Favourite Train Journey Author Liz Nugent on her childhood fondness for the Dublin-toCork route.

30 / Hugo Weaving

54 / Reviews

The Hollywood star discusses his dazzling new sci-fi adventure, Mortal Engines.

We round up the best new movie, book and album releases.

03

Credits

Editor's Letter

2018

Volume 08 // Issue 04

MANAGING EDITOR

Máirin Sheehy

COMMISSIONING EDITOR

Roisin Dwyer

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Paul Nolan

CONTRIBUTORS

Stuart Clark Peter McNally Peter McGoran Aoife Bradshaw Roe McDermott Stephen Keegan Jack Byrne Colm Connolly

DESIGN & PRODUCTION

DESIGN

Hot Press 100 Capel Street Dublin 1 Eimear O'Connor Lili Ferreira Karen Kelleher

ADVERTISING MANAGER

Tom Corcoran

GROUP ADVERTISING MANAGER

Catherine Madden

CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Miguel Ruiz

PUBLISHER

Niall Stokes

PRINTED BY

Boylan’s Print

GO RAIL IS PUBLISHED FOR IARNRÓD ÉIREANN BY:

Osnovina Ltd 100 Capel Street Dublin 1

Contact TELEPHONE FAX EMAIL

(01) 2411 500 (01) 2411 538 gorail@hotpress.ie

LETTERS

The Editor, Go Rail Magazine, 100 Capel Street Dublin 1

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 2018.

All rights reserved.

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

THE NEW YEAR IS A TIME FOR HOPE As thoughts turn to 2019, Ireland’s sporting success continues to be a huge source of inspiration.

2

018 had its ups an downs. Most years do.

But the reality is that the threat of a hard Brexit hung over everyone in Ireland, like a very dark cloud. It may still happen. This is not the place to talk politics. But what we can say is that it is a curious position for Irish people to be in: watching the collapse of any kind of consensus, in politics in the UK.

The vast majority of us wish the British people nothing but well. We all have close friends and family there. We want to see them thriving and happy, living in a society that is forward-looking and strong. There is a terrible fear right now that this might prove to be an illusory ideal. And, to some extent, if things go spectacularly awry in relation to Britain’s planned withdrawal from the EU, then Ireland too will suffer a degree of collateral damage.

But let us not assume that our chickens are doomed before they even get the chance to cross the road.

Or, indeed, to decide that such an adventure is unwarranted, given the risks attendant on running prematurely out in front of a convoy of 48-wheelers.

We have our own problems, of course. It would be strange if we didn’t. They are more acute in relation to health and to housing than might have been the case ten years ago. As with climate change, in a certain sense these issues must be addressed by everyone together. Which do were choose: short-term personal gain or long-term collective well-being?

But it is worth bearing in mind as well that, for the vast majority of its citizens, Ireland ranks among the best places in the world to live right now. We are approaching full employment. We have made much progress in relation to social issues. Economically, we have enjoyed a significant growth rate that looks set to continue, albeit that it will be at a much reduced rate if there is a hard Brexit.

Those big indicators are an expression of something that we see in all sorts of smaller ways in the arts and in sport. Our musicians continue to make waves across the world with breakthrough artists like Picture This, Kodaline, Reggie Snow, Saint Sister. Stephanie Rainey and Versatile joining the big names like U2, Snow Patrol, Glen Hansard, Lisa Hannigan and Imelda May at the highest level of the industry internationally.

The same is true in movies. The recognition afforded independent Irish films like Dublin Old

4

School – voted the Hot Press Film of the Year – and The Young Offenders would have been inconceivable 20 years ago. But that is just one aspect of a business in which Irish talent continues to rise to the top, with producers, directors, actors – female and male – all claiming their places at the top table globally.

The performances of the Irish football team were a blip In this regard, but overall sport has provided a similar series of fillips for Irish people. So many have the feel good stories been that it is hard to choose the stand-out ones. Was it the Irish rugby team’s Grand Slam, followed by their defeat of the AllBlacks, copper-fastening Ireland’s ranking as No.2 in the world? Was it the astonishing performance of the Irish women’s hockey team getting to the World Cup Final, and securing silver medals?

Was it Katie Taylor’s rise to the top of the professional boxing game, winning a world title?

Was it Thomas Barr’s magnificent bronze medal in the 400 Metres hurdles, in the European Athletics Championships? Was it the extraordinary victory of a local village team, Mullinalaghta, from the border of Longford and Cavan, in the Leinster Club Football Championships? Was it the medalwinning performances of Ireland’s rowers, including gold medal winner Sanita Puspure – at the World Championships?

All of these achievements, as they spun out, were a source of high entertainment across the country – but also of inspiration. We can hope. We can dream.

And in 2019, we can dream big. Might Ireland win the Rugby World Cup for the first time? We have worked extraordinarily hard, over the past decade, to bring ourselves into the frame. Perhaps, after all, our time might have come. Will Mick McCarthy revive the fortunes of the Irish football team and lead us back into the running for Euro 2020 qualification? He very well might.

So why not dream bigger? What we can learn from out sporting heroes is that hard work, commitment and dedication to the collective pays dividends. If we can bring that mentality into every other aspect of Irish life, then there really is hope.

As we look ahead into the new year, that is the message. Dream big. Work hard. And anything is possible. See you on the other side...

Máirín Sheehy - Editor

Irish Rail Magazine Ad.indd 1

MICHAEL COLLINS HOUSE CLOICH NA COILLTE No. 7 EMMET SQUARE, CLONAKILTY, CO. CORK, IRELAND.

05/12/2018 14:13

Contact Details Tel: 023 8858676 Opening Times

Summers Opening Times (May to September) Tues-Sat: 10am to 5pm Sunday: 12pm to 5pm (last admission 4pm)

Active Retired Midweek GOLD SPECIAL OFFER

Winter Opening Times Wed - Sat: 10am to 5pm (October to April)

Admission Prices Adult €5 Family €12 Senior Citizens €3 Students €3 Children (U14) €2

2 nights with full Irish Breakfast · 4 Course Dinner on both evenings · · · 10% Discount Card for Rathwood · 20% Discount on Round of Golf Garden & Lifestyle Centre complete with Indoor Beach (on treatments over €80) · 20% Discount on Spa Treatments · Complimentary Morning Paper

Michael Collins House,

a new museum dedicated to Michael Collins and the history of Irish independence, suitable for all the family.

· Midweek For Just €139.00 Per Person

Interactive and audio visual displays suitable for all ages

A beautiful Resort complete with an award Winning Spa & Championship Golf Course

www.michaelcollinshouse.ie

Tel: 059 91 80100 • www.mountwolseley.ie

5

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 Peter McNally

SCRUMMING ATTRACTIONS After a bumper 2018 for Irish rugby – which included a Six Nations Grand Slam, as well as a thrilling home victory over New Zealand and a European Rugby Champions Cup/ Guinness PRO14 double for Leinster – Ireland will be looking for another strong Six Nations showing, as they build towards the World Cup in Japan

later in the year.

Additional motivation for their February 2 showdown with England comes from the fact that 2019 marks manager Joe Schmidt's final Six Nations campaign, before Andy Farrell takes over.

It should all make for an incredible atmosphere at the Aviva.

Need to Know...

WHEN:

February 2 WHERE: Aviva Stadium, Dublin

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

6

GO

RAI L

//

G O

F OR

I T

THAT '75 SHOW The Matt Healy-fronted group hit Dublin as part of the tour for their latest LP, A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships, another stellar collection of indie-pop gems. The record has seen The 1975 ascend to a new level in the pop firmament, as it secured the band their third consecutive UK number one, and earned rave critical notices across the board.

Joining The 1975 on the bill are rising stars Pale Waves and No Rome; the former are protegés of Healy and one of the most exciting young groups around, while the latter is a hugely talented indie maverick. It will all make for a memorable evening of singalong-friendly arena anthems.

Need to Know...

WHEN:

January 10 WHERE: 3Arena, Dublin

Explore the life and works of one of Ireland’s best loved writers

A free National Library of Ireland exhibition at the Bank of Ireland Cultural & Heritage Centre, Westmoreland St, Dublin 2 Monday to Saturday 10am – 4pm (last admission 3.30pm) Christmas Closures Monday 24 December to Thursday 27 December Sunday 30 December; Tuesday 1 January

Seamus Heaney A5 Landscape.indd 1

07/11/2018 17:19

7

G O

RAI L

//

G O

SUPER MARIO

F OR

I T

SYNTH YOU’VE BEEN GONE

The man of a hundred faces is embarking on a nationwide tour with his hugely successful one-man show, In Your Face. Bigger and bolder than ever, Mario’s new show is sure to feature a host of favourite characters, including José Mourinho, Keano, Ronan Keating, Bertie Ahern and more. In addition to his dates at the the Olympia, Dublin (January 25 & 26), the Gift Grub star will visit Wexford Opera House (February 22); Royal Theatre, Castlebar (23); Leisureland, Galway (March 1); Lyrath Hotel, Kilkenny (2); Cork Opera House (March 6 & 7); South Court Hotel, Limerick (8); and the INEC, Killarney (9).

Glaswegian synth-pop trio Chvrches enjoyed further acclaim for their most recent album, Love Is Dead, which featured a notable guest appearance from The National’s Matt Berninger. Singer Lauren Mayberry is one of the most charismatic vocalists around and the band's irresistible electro grooves always make for a terrific evening.

Catch them at the the Olympia Theatre, Dublin on February 21.

THE WILD WEST WING

THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN

He appeared to have said his goodbyes last year, but soundtrack maestro Ennio Morricone is returning to Dublin’s 3Arena for one final show on February 15, with Portuguese fado legend Dulce Pontes among the guest vocalists. Morricone is responsible for some of the most iconic soundtracks of the past half-century, and forged an especially close relationship with spaghetti western auteur Sergio Leone. For his ’60 Years Of Music’ world tour, he will lead a 100-piece orchestra through famous pieces from The Good, The Bad and the Ugly, The Untouchables, The Mission and other classic movies.

After more than two decades together, Boyzone say goodbye with their new album Thank You & Goodnight. On the farewell tour, which hits Dublin's 3Arena on January 24, the group are expected to play new song ‘I Can Dream’, the studio version of which includes a lead vocal from late member Stephen Gately. In addition, of course, the band will be performing their biggest hits at this eagerly awaited hometown show, including ‘Love Me For A Reason’ and ‘Father And Son’.

8

GO

RAI L

//

G O

F OR

I T

MIGUEL RUIZ

WH xx WH xx

Nea Heu

3 WILL ROCK YOU Irish star Gavin James (left) has been confirmed as the headline turn on December 31 when 3Countdown Concert returns to Custom House Square. Also helping to usher in 2019 as part of the Dublin New Year Festival are Hudson Taylor, Wild Youth (above) and Inhaler. Harry and

Alfie H-T are fresh back from touring in the States with Hozier; Wild Youth have been running round Europe with Kodaline; and Inhaler, who include Bono's son Eli Hewson in their ranks, have recently supported Picturehouse and kindred spirits The Academic.

“NO FLY”

CRUISE.COM

CRUISING

Holidays from Dublin & Cobh

Licensed & Bonded

Tour Operators No. 214

www.jmgcruise.com Date

From

Destination

Duration

10-July 2019

Dublin

Iceland & Faroes

11 nights

21-July 2019

Dublin

Summer Gardens & River Seine Experience

7 nights

28-July 2019

Dublin

Grand Fjordland Splendour

12 nights

9-August 2019

Dublin

Spain, Portugal & Gibraltar

10 nights

19-August 2019

Dublin

Summertime Fjordland

11 nights

30-August 2019

Dublin

British Isles Discovery

12 nights

11-September 2019

Ringaskiddy Iceland’s Land of Ice & Fire

12 nights

23-September 2019

Cobh

Baltic Cities & St Petersburg

16 nights

12-October 2019

Dublin

Iceland, Faroes & Land of the Northern Lights

13 nights

25-October 2019

Dublin

River Seine Experience

7 nights

20-December 2019

Cobh

Christmas & New Year Canaries & Madeira (Marco Polo) 16 nights

5-January 2020

Cobh

Grand Africa & Indian Ocean Voyage (Marco Polo)

105083 JMG Cruise Irish Rail 180x133.indd 1

78 nights

After another successful 2018 Programme we are delighted to announce that “Magellan” is back HomePorting in Ireland for 2019.

For a brochure call 074-9135960 JMG Travel, Gortahork, Co. Donegal

Tel: 074 91 35201 Email: jmgtravel@eircom.net 19/09/2018 16:42

9

GO

RAI L

//

G O

F OR

I T

SOUL LOTTA LOVE

WHEEL-GOOD FACTOR Paddywagon Tours celebrated 20 years in business in 2018 by winning the coveted Coach Operator Of The Year award.

Renowned for the quality of their vehicles, guides, range of routes and the fact that they operate 52 weeks out of the year, Paddywagon offer daily day tours, as well as tours from two– nine days in duration, that take in all of the fantastic natural and heritage attractions the island has to offer. When you want to explore staggering natural phenomena like the Cliffs Of Moher, the Giant’s Causeway, Connemara and Glendalough, Paddywagon Tours will get you there in comfort and informed.

Apply the code “gorail” at the online checkout for a 10% discount.

Filled with the sensational soul music that poured out of Detroit in the '60s and '70s, Motown: The Musical tells the story of the man behind it all. With an $800 loan from his parents, Berry Gordy went on to found the legendary Motown Records, a label which gave the world such iconic talents as Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye. The Tony-nominated musical features classic songs like ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’, ‘I’ll Be There’, ‘Stop In The Name Of Love’ and ‘I Heard It Through The Grapevine’. Uncovering the true story of the legendary label that changed music history, Motown The Musical runs at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre, Dublin from February 5-23.

TALK ON THE

WILD SIDE

With his Under The Influence DVD sure to be filling stockings nationwide come Christmas, Navan wild-man Tommy Tiernan is already back on the road with a brand new show. Paddy Crazy Horse boasts Tiernan’s trademark brand of comic rebellion, and finds him at his anarchic best. The tour will take him the length and breadth of the country between December and May, and includes an incredible 17-night run at Dublin’s Vicar Street. Elsewhere, the comedian recently lit up the small screen with a role in the smash-hit Channel 4 comedy, Derry Girls. See tommedian.com for the full list of tour dates.

10

GO

RAI L

//

G O

F OR

I T

INPHO/TOMMY DICKSON

Delorentos

ON THE RIGHT TRACK Dublin Racing Festival boasts a stellar line-up over two days, with a DJ set from Doireann Garrihy, and Delorentos headlining following Saturday's sporting action. There will also be cooking demonstrations by Chef Adrian, street perfomances from the Chancy Brothers, and Irish music royalty Kila closing out the festival on Sunday after racing.

Dublin Racing Festival is a weekend jam-packed with entertainment, including tipster panels; DJ sets; world class national hunt racing; and a live screening of Ireland’s Six Nations clash with England on February 2.

Tickets can be purchased from leopardstown. com

Need to Know...

WHEN: February 2 & 3 WHERE: Leopardstown Racecourse, Dublin NEAREST STATION: Heuston / Connolly

SAVE €20

OFF 1000 LITRES OF HOME HEATING OIL Simply call 1800 200 308 or order online at www.top.ie and use the promotional code Rail20 T&C’s Apply. Offer Valid until 31st March 2019. Not Valid with any other offer.

COD/Online orders. Max discount €20.00

www.top.ie

TCW298 Top Oil banner ad 180x130mm.indd 1

18/12/2018 14:10

11

GO

RAI L

//

G O

F OR

I T

CHINA IN YOUR HAND Now one of the biggest celebrations of its kind in Europe, the Dublin Chinese New Year Festival returns from February 1-17 for the Year of the Pig, completing a full zodiac cycle.

Aiming to develop and showcase the best of Sino-Hibernian culture in Ireland, the jampacked programme boasts talks, visual arts, film, music and family friendly events. World-renowned guitarist Xuefei Yang will perform at Dublin’s Freemason’s Hall on Sunday February 17 at 3pm, and the Spring Festival Gala Ireland 2019 will take place on Saturday February 16 from 7.30pm–9pm at the Convention Centre. Also returning for DCNYF 2019 will be the ever-popular Spring Festival Fair, two days of family fun inspired by traditional Chinese Temple fairs.

Our Top Smoothies under 250 calories Available nationwide

Burn Baby Burn 248Kcal

Blueberry Burst 229Kcal

Blueberries, Strawberries, Orange Juice, Cranberry Juice, Natural Frozen Yogurt, Weight Burn Boost

Blueberries, Cranberry Juice, Orange Juice, Natural Frozen Yogurt

Raspberry Rush 228Kcal Raspberries, Cranberry Juice, Orange Juice, Natural Frozen Yogurt

Cacao Calling

217Kcal

Cacao, Peanut Butter, Almond Water, Maple Syrup, Banana

MOORE THE MERRIER One of the most iconic acts in Irish music, Kildare troubadour Christy Moore is hitting the road in February and March for an Irish tour.

During his enviable career, which spans five decades, Christy was a founding member of Celtic rock band Moving Hearts and iconic folk outfit Planxty, before launching his internationally celebrated solo career. His most recent album, On The Road, marked the first time his greatest hits had been packaged together on one release. Dates on his upcoming tour include Killashee Hotel, Naas on February 8 & 9; Mullingar Park Hotel (15 & 16); City North Hotel, Gormanston (22 & 23); Town Hall Theatre, Westport (March 5 & 6); and INEC, Killarney (March 16).

Calories based on regular sized smoothies

www.jumpjuicebar.com

12

GO

RAI L

//

G O

F OR

I T

W AT C H T H E T H R O N E Ahead of the start of the eighth season of Game of Thrones - which will be out in April 2019 - the Titanic Exhibition Centre in Belfast is set to open GAME OF THRONES: The Touring Exhibition, to coincidence with the release.

Featuring a unique mix of immersive environments and multimedia content, visitors will "experience the mythical lands of Westeros and Essos and relive the trials and tribulations of the series’ nobles and common folk alike who struggle for survival in the shadow of the Iron Throne."

Game of Thrones: The Touring Exhibition will be open daily from 11th April - 1st September 2019.

The Exhibition is one of the many attractions worth visiting in Northern Ireland heading into the New Year.

With The British Open scheduled to be hosted in Portrush this summer, the Titanic Museum consistently ranked as one World's Leading Visitor's Attractions, and with the Causeway Coastal Route being ranked as one of the Top Five Road Trips in the world, now's the time to discover - or rediscover! - the North.

See discovernorthernireland. com for more details.

C H A N G E L I V E S F O R G O O D W I T H OX FA M Shopping for that perfect gift can be difficult, so this year why not give a gift that will last a lifetime?

From quirky stocking fillers and ethically sourced crafts, to fab Fair Trade food, unique decorations and the Unwrapped alternative gift card range – Oxfam’s life-changing and often life-saving gifts are that something special you need to keep your family, friends or loved ones happy. What’s more, these gifts are never returned or unwanted because they help people and communities around the word to build a happier, brighter future.

Oxfam Unwrapped gifts help to beat poverty for good by raising vital funds for Oxfam’s work across the world – from development projects that change lives in Rwanda, Tanzania and beyond to saving lives in places like Yemen where millions of people face hunger and disease.

Oxfam Unwrapped is available online and in Oxfam shops across the country – these beautiful printed or electronic cards start at just €10/£7 and

support a wide range of life-changing projects.

Every gift in the Unwrapped range helps to create a brighter, happier future for people living in severe poverty – from supporting people who depend on animals for their livelihoods, to helping people get the education and training they need to thrive and ensuring that people caught up in emergencies have essentials like clean water. To see Oxfam’s full range of Unwrapped gifts, visit oxfamireland.org/ unwrapped.

You can buy an Oxfam Unwrapped gift all year round and for any occasion. These amazing lifechanging gifts make the perfect present for the future!

And remember, if you receive any unwanted gifts or have any pre-loved clothes or items you no longer need, drop them into any Oxfam shop and

13

we’ll give them a new lease of life while raising vital funds.

Find your local shop at www.oxfamireland. org/shops About Oxfam Ireland Oxfam is a global movement of people who won’t live with the injustice of poverty. We work worldwide to find practical, innovative ways for people to lift themselves out of poverty and thrive. Together we save lives and rebuild communities when disaster strikes. We also speak out on the issues that keep people poor, like inequality and discrimination against women.

Supported by people across Ireland for more than six decades, we are an independent, secular and not-for-profit organisation. We have 48 shops across the island, offices in Belfast and Dublin, and more than 1,200 volunteers supporting our fight against poverty and inequality.

G O

RAI L

//

G O

F OR

I T

LEE WILL ROCK YOU Cork Opera House always come up trumps for their New Year's Eve gig, and it’s no different this time around, with Irish rock legends Hothouse Flowers on hand to see in 2019.

For good measure, there will be support on the evening from Gerald Aherne and Claire Sands, and a DJ set afterwards from Red FM’s Colm O’Sullivan in the Opera House Bar. Another January highlight there is the performance on the 31st from much-loved local comedy troupe, CCCahoots, who have earned huge acclaim both for their uproarious live shows and their RTÉ sitcom, The School.

MARCO BORGGREVE

MAGIC HOUR Having made numerous US primetime appearances on the likes of The Ellen Degeneres Show and The Jimmy Kimmel Show, Irish mentalist Keith Barry is taking his new production out on the road for an Irish tour (December 28–March 14).

Billed as a ‘magician, hypnotist, mentalist, escapologist and biometric hacker’, Barry’s

WEST IN SHOW

show, Deception, explores mind control, brainwashing, subliminal messaging, cults, and every form of deception imaginable. Prepare to have your mind blown with original feats of mind-reading and magic, coupled with hilarious hypnotic demonstrations that will leave your sides aching with laughter.

Compositions written towards the end of a composer’s life are the focus of Music for Galway’s Midwinter Festival – Swansong. Taking place at the Town Hall Theatre in Galway from January 18-20, this popular event brings people together every year to enjoy great music in a welcoming and comfortable setting. Some programme highlights this year include pieces from Bach, Strauss, Brahms and more, as performed by some fantastic Irish musicians. See musicforgalway.ie for full details.

14

Ghostbus Tour

Discover Dublin’s Dark Side...

Relive the tales and meet the characters that terrorised Dublin Adult: €28 Enter Promo code GoRail and Save €5 Times: Mon - Thurs 8pm, Fri & Sat 7pm & 9.30pm Departs: Dublin Bus Head Office, 59 Upper O’Connell Street ghostbustourdublin

ghostbus.ie

T R A I N news Iarnród Éireann marked International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3rd last by lighting up Heuston and Connolly in purple (the colour of disability). Every year thousands of persons with mobility and sensory impairments travel on board train services.

As part of the company’s ongoing commitment to persons with disabilities, a new rail transport accessibility pilot project is currently being created to improve the rail experience for those with mobility and sensory impairments. It is funded by the National Transport Authority. The creation of this app is a direct response from feedback from the Iarnród Éireann users Accessibility Group. It is a follow on from the successful DART Accessibility programme, which was introduced last January.

The programme was designed to provide assistance to customers requiring it through the establishment of station zones, which involved full-time staffing of thirteen hub stations for each zone across the DART network, each with a dedicated assistance phone line. Staff at each zone respond to assistance requests for the hub station and between one and three other adjacent stations. The introduction of the app will offer customers the opportunity to book their assistance through the app, rather than phoning for assistance.

On Intercity services, Iarnród Éireann plans in 2018 to rollout new Customer Service Officer roles across trains on the national network, meaning assistance would be available at all times on Intercity trains as the new roles are deployed.

A spokesperson for Iarnród Éireann said, “World Day for persons with Disabilities is a fitting day to announce the DART Accessibility App Pilot. We would appeal to as many regular customers who travel with us who require assistance to get involved as possible. Through testing we can make this app even better.”

IARNRÓD ÉIREANN LIGHTS UP PURPLE TO MARK INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

JELLICLE CATS COME OUT TONIGHT….

MEET THE CATS OF IARNRÓD ÉIREANN

BALLYPAWNIS OF BALLYHAUNIS Have you heard about the station cat of Ballyhaunis? No one really knows who owns this cat and so she has no name. However, we’ve think BallyPAWnis would make a fitting title for this train loving feline. She has been hanging around the station for the last three years; she is a friendly cat and interacts well with all the passengers, especially the kids who all love her. She seems to know the timetable inside out, as she turns up on time for the arrival of each train, where she sits on the windowsill or on the bench to greet the passengers. On hot days she likes to curl up in one of our disused window boxes to sun herself.

She is a personal favourite of one of our regular travellers, local man Tom Lyons, who brings her in pouches of cat food almost on a daily basis.

She is loved by all staff and passengers alike and hopefully she frequents the station for many years to come.

TRALEE’S SAGA OF THE KIDNAPPED CAT Tralee’s station cat became a celebrity when he was rather bizarrely abducted from the station by a, presumably, well-intentioned but misguided lady.

The young cat wandered into the station one day last year, decided he liked the location, and stayed. He was adopted by the station staff who fed him daily and ensured he got the necessary medication to keep him fit and healthy. They christened him Costa. He created a bed for himself

16

in a discarded child’s buggy in the old goods store.

As cats do, he became a pet while maintaining his independence and taking ownership of the station. As customers sit waiting for trains, he ‘works the crowd’ and is often seen sitting contently on someone’s lap being stroked and petted; or wandering along the queue at the barrier winding his way between customers and luggage. He made a bed for himself one day on a gent’s rucksack while awaiting the arrival of the train, much to the amusement of the customer. He is there to meet the driver of the last train every night – and, if he is lucky, get some treats or leftovers.

But one day Costa disappeared. He had not been seen for three weeks when a lady returned him, and the poor feline was in very poor condition. Depot person Chris O’Sullivan took charge of his recovery, keeping in contact with Tralee Animal Help Net, and also speaking with the lady who had taken Costa. While he was recovering, a notice was put in the station advising people of Costa’s established position in the station and the care given to him. Costa’s disappearance made the local newspaper when one of the reporters, while waiting for a train one day, read the notice.

Costa settled back into his home and slowly recovered his silky black coat and put on a little weight. He has been busy keeping the station mouse free, having produced a few trophies lately to prove he is earning his keep.

T R A I N news IARNRÓD ÉIREANN WELCOMES CLIMATE ACTION FUND ANNOUNCEMENT OF UP TO Ð15M FOR HYBRID TECHNOLOGY FOR INTERCITY TRAINS • Plan to convert entire Intercity railcar fleet pending successful trials • Fuel savings of up to 33% • Greenest mode of transport to reduce emissions further

The Government has announced that its plan to pioneer the use of hybrid technology on the Iarnród Éireann train fleet is to be supported by up to Ð15 million under the Climate Action Fund.

The company has partnered with Rolls Royce in a project which will initially see the design, supply, installation and commissioning of an initial nine Hybrid PowerPacks for Intercity Railcar trains – the backbone of the national Intercity rail service.

Subject to the success of the trials, Iarnród Éireann would plan to convert its entire Intercity Railcar fleet of 234 carriages, which operate on all Intercity routes, to the hybrid technology. Simulations have demonstrated that the Hybrid PowerPack can, depending on route and timetable, produce fuel and emission savings of up to 33%.

Jim Meade, Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann, said: “We’re delighted that this project has been supported in the first phase of funding under the Climate Action Fund. Rail transport is the greenest mode of land transport, and in bringing a new and eco-friendly kind of rail drive technology to Ireland, it will be greener still.

We have already reduced emissions by 36% over the past decade, and this will make our services greener and more cost effective again. As well as environmental and cost benefits, our passengers will greatly appreciate the journey on an even quieter train. This is a strong endorsement of our plans for our fleet.”

The Hybrid PowerPack is an eco-friendly drive system which combines the advantages of diesel and batterypowered rail traction. It incorporates a diesel engine plus an electric machine, which can be used either as an electric motor or generator, and an EnergyPack battery system which stores the energy recovered during braking. This enables significant decreases in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions – in the case of Iarnród Éireann, a drop in fuel consumption of up to 33% is predicted.

Iarnród Eireann’s fleet strategy already envisages a future which moves away from diesel power for new trains, so there will be further environmental and cost benefits from conversion of existing fleet. Under the National Development Plan, the rail fleet is to be increased by 300 vehicles – almost 50% - with electric and hybrid options being ordered. This will also facilitate the DART Expansion programme, which will see the electrification of routes to Drogheda, Maynooth/M3 Parkway and Hazelhatch over the lifetime of the NDP.

EXPANDED TIMETABLE ADDS MORE THAN 280 NEW TRAIN SERVICES Iarnród Éireann has added more than 280 services each week in its new timetable that came into operation on 9th December last.

There are up to 44 new train services each weekday, primarily across Maynooth, Drogheda and Phoenix Park Tunnel Commuter routes, as well as an extra daily service each way between Dublin and Sligo.

In addition, over 60 new weekend services are now operating across Saturday and Sunday with Commuter frequency on the Maynooth and Drogheda lines being boosted.

Key elements of the new timetables are: • More off-peak and weekend services between Maynooth/ Drogheda and Connolly, including extended morning and evening operating hours between Maynooth and Connolly on Sundays • Expansion of Phoenix Park Tunnel services from a current peak only service to include Monday to Friday off-peak services between Hazelhatch and Grand Canal Dock • An additional Monday to Friday service each way between Sligo and • Time alterations on Rosslare Europort/Dublin Connolly services

17

• More even intervals on DART services on Saturdays In addition, to address feedback from customers arising from the changed schedules in September, the following further alterations will be made: • A number of morning Northern Commuter services will additionally serve Portmarnock, Clongriffin and Howth Junction; and one evening Northern Commuter service will additionally serve Clongriffin and Portmarnock, to balance capacity • Additional early morning 06.52hrs Connolly to Malahide DART service to provide connection to northbound Northern Commuter service for DART customers at intermediate stations • Revised timings on Sligo/ Dublin Connolly route services to improve punctuality • A number of other minor schedule alterations to improve punctuality

A company spokesperson said,“Our timetable changes have given much greater flexibility and options to customers travelling on Commuter routes throughout the day, including more weekend and later evening services in response to customer demand."

REVISED FARES FROM 1ST DECEMBER 2018

Following a determination by the National Transport Authority (NTA), revised fares came into operation from 1st December last.

The main changes include: • Dublin ShortHop Zone (SHZ) Monthly and Annual fare reduced by 5.8 percent • Fare for multi-operator monthly and annual tickets for bus in Dublin, rail in the SHZ and Luas reduced by 6 percent while other multi-operator fares did not change • Adjustments to SHZ fares in preparation for a short distance fare and a 90 minute fare across Dublin area public transport • Zone 1 in the SHZ divided to ensure short trips of about 4 km or less are charged at a short fare rate, while trips over 4 km are included in the 90-minute fare • Current SHZ zone 1 Origins and Destinations split into zone 1 and new zone 2: zone 1 fares to drop by up to 6 percent while new zone 2 fares to increase by up to 17 percent, which affects a small number of commuters • SHZ fares in zone 3 and zone 4 to drop by up to 7.9 percent while zone 5 and zone 6 to increase by between 2.0 percent and 3.3 percent • Schoolchild Leap to remain at 80 cent and schoolchild cash to remain at €1.25 • No increase in SHZ family fares

monthly and annual Intercity season fares, with other monthlies and annuals increasing by a maximum of 1.7 percent • New Dublin urban annual add-on fare of €600 for commuters who already have an annual ticket on Iarnród Éireann Intercity services to allow travel on Dublin City bus or Luas services (ticket to be introduced in 2019)

INTERCITY SEASON TICKETS • No increase applied to the most common

More details are available at www. nationaltransport.ie

INTERCITY SINGLE AND RETURN TICKETS • Most Intercity express single fares down by 5 percent for the second year in a row making these fares cheaper than they were in 2012 • Intercity economy 1 and economy 2 single and day returns to merge with an average increase of 2.6 percent • Increase of up to 13.6 percent on student Intercity ticket office fares in an effort to encourage students to purchase on-line fares at lower prices to allow better management of train operations CORK COMMUTER • Cork commuter Leap fares to increase by between 0 percent and 1.8 percent, cash fares to increase by up to 4.8 percent but this can be avoided by switching to Leap • No increase in Cork commuter Family fares

WE’RE HIRING!!

Now is your chance to become part of a great team.

Iarnród Éireann currently has a broad range of career opportunities across the organisation. Our mission is to provide transport services that continually meet customers’ requirements and help drive Ireland’s economic growth and development.

In 2017, a staff body of 3,800 employees with an enviable safety record, delivered 45.5million passenger journeys across 1,700km of railway, moved 100m tonnes of freight and managed Rosslare Europort. Last year, the business generated revenues of €265million, and increasing modal shift has seen average growth of 6% in passenger numbers since 2015.

We are currently recruiting in the following areas: Occupational health Procurement Engineering roles In 2019, as part of the National Development Plan’s capital investment programme, we will be recruiting engineers and other construction professionals. For more information on these and other great career opportunities, please visit irishrail.ie/ about-us/career-opportunities-atiarnrod-eireann

18

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.

Modern French Irish Cuisine Serving Lunch/Diner 7 days from 12 Noon Vegetarian and Gluten free options Private Dining room available.

3 course set dinner menu €29.95 Available every evening.

Our city centre location, only a short stroll to the Abbey, Gate, Bord Gais theatre and 3 Arena.

www.celticlodge.ie 81-82 Talbot Street, Dublin 1 Tel: 01 878 8810 Email: info@celticlodge.ie

www.leboncrubeen.Ie 81 - 82 Talbot street, Dublin 2 | Tel: 01 704 0126 Email: info@leboncrubeen.ie

Summertime in Cork City!

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

Choice of 4 great locations

Discover the Great Western Greenway!!

GREAT LOCATION, VALUE & FACILITIES

G GR E

ORIG &

INAL

T

BES

E

(Available Mid-May to September)

IN NN

WAY EN

⊲ Fantastic Value on Weekly and Nightly Rates.

Book Now for Summer 2019!!

ARD-W AW I

⊲ Quality Accommodation in Excellent Locations. ⊲ 3, 4 & 5 Bed Fully Equipped Apartments From €40.00 (pppn)

EX

Email: Beds@ucc.ie Tel: 021 481 8400 www.ucccampusaccommodation.com

19

PERIE

N

C

20

GAVIN JAMES

Just the

Ticket Having enjoyed another major hit with his second album Only Ticket Home, Irish singer Gavin James talks international stardom, celebrity fans and attending Bruce Springsteen’s incredible Broadway show.

T

Interview: Stuart Clark / Portrait: Miguel Ruiz

here was a time interviewing Gavin James when you were fortunate to get a chipped mug of tea and a stale digestive, but not this afternoon in the Westbury where bone china cups of Darjeeling, triangular smoked salmon and crab sandwiches with the crusts cut off and a dinnerjacketed man tickling away on the ivories provide the accompaniment to our chinwag about his muchlauded Only Ticket Home album.

In its week of release, Only Ticket Home was the highest debuting Irish album in more ways than, with Gav’s people coming up with the wizard wheeze of attaching a copy to a high altitude balloon that orbited 1,000 kms above the earth.

“We’re sending it into space because it’s out of the world,” he joked as he let go of the guy-ropes.

Cheesy asides, er, aside, it’s an all killer, absolutely no filler collection of songs that moves Gavin another step closer to the stadiums you feel he’s destined to fill.

“There’s one sad song, ‘Always’, and ‘Put You Together’ which says, ‘Life can be crap but we’ll pull through’, but otherwise it’s a lot happier than Bitter Pill whose title gave it away. I did a bit in London and the rest in Windmill Lane – all the really good ones were recorded here!”

The stunning cover image of Gav, battered suitcase appropriately in hand, was supplied by Dublin artist Barry ‘Jazz’ Finnegan who wields a mean piece of charcoal.

“It’s insane, isn’t it? The original’s ten-foot tall.

I’ve had people on Instagram going, ‘You look a bit Photoshopped’ and I’m like, ‘It’s a charcoal drawing!’

Barry used to work in Bruxelles and still runs the Zodiac Sessions there. When I was doing pub gigs, I’d finish at ten and run up to Bruxelles for the session, which would go on until four in the morning. He was good when he started, but now he’s world class. He did an amazing portrait of Robert De Niro, which Niro’s son bought off him for his dad. I want to make sure everybody knows his name because he’s sick.”

Which, I gather, is young people’s parlance for being simultaneously cool and awesome. Like his hero Bob Dylan – more of whom anon – James has been on a seemingly never-ending tour these past few years,

with enough air miles accrued to be on the first manned mission to Mars. The numerous stop-offs have included Rio and Sao Paolo where riotous gigs were played and unlikely TV appearances made.

“You never think, ‘Brazil’s going to go mad for this!’ when you’re writing a song but that’s what happened last year with ‘Nervous’,” Gavin notes. “I was wondering why all these people were suddenly talking Portuguese on my timeline, and then I heard that every time there was a sad scene on this telenovela called Pega Pega – it’s like a Brazilian EastEnders with a hundred million people watching – they’d play it. I got to do a cameo on the show and it was gas ‘cause yer’ man tried to make me speak Portuguese in it.

“I was meant to say, ‘Her name is Maria’ but after ten takes of not getting it right, he was like, ‘Say it how you want to say it!’ The actress playing Maria walks out of the hotel into the swimming pool area to meet a man, and I just happen to be standing there in front of a microphone with a guitar and serenade them with ‘Nervous’. It was totally surreal.”

And available for your viewing pleasure on his Facebook. Asked whether the mental image Pega Pega viewers had formed of this romantic balladeer corresponded with what they saw on their screens, Gavin laughs again and says, “There were lots of tweets about me being on Pega Pega with block caps and multiple exclamation marks, which made me think I was better off not translating them.

I look more like a rugby player than I do a singer. I tried to play rugby but I wasn’t very good. I’m quite tall for such a high voice. All the falsetto stuff doesn’t correspond with the size of my head.”

I think it’s a lovely head.

“You don’t have to lie!”

I have to admit to being royally annoyed during last February’s snowstorms when Gavin tweeted a picture of himself singing a song on the Copacabana.

“I made the mistake in Rio of not wearing my sunglasses and went home looking like a lobster.

Otherwise, I had a savage time and can’t wait to go back to Brazil, which is a massive market. You could spend your while life touring and only get to half the places where they’re listening to you online.”

Further proof of his global appeal is provided by Gavin currently being one of the most Shazam-ed artists in the Philippines; Spotify Signapore going

“I look more like a rugby player than I do a singer.”

21

(From top) Gavin James playing Electric Picnic; Only Ticket Home going literally stratospheric; the creation of the album cover; and rocking in Rio.

crazy for recent single ‘Glow’; and his household name status in Holland, fuelled in part by him appearing on the Nederlandse version of The Voice.

“You put it out there and never know what’s going to come back,” he muses. “We’re going to Brazil again in March. I’d love to do Peru and Colombia as well while we’re in South America. There are gigs planned for South Korea – I’ll have to brush up on my K-Pop – and the Philippines and anywhere else we can sensibly get to. The buzz of touring definitely hasn’t worn off yet.”

Are the love songs he writes testament to Gavin’s own blissful contentment or a plaintive call for Cupid to aim his bow at him?

“I’ve been in the same relationship for three years,” he divulges. “She’s from London and didn’t know anything about me playing music for three months. I brought her to Bruce Springsteen in Croke Park and she was like, ‘Why’s everybody coming up and saying ‘hello’ and buying you drinks?’ I was off at Christmas and in January and February, but otherwise time together this year has had to be grabbed. She’s very understanding. I’m going back and forth at the moment between my parents’ house in Dublin and my missus’ in Hackney. I know the rents are astronomical, but I’d like to get us a detached place here where I can build a little studio and make as much racket as I want.”

H

aving gone viral earlier in the year with his gorgeous interpretation of Ariana Grande’s ‘No Tears Left To Cry’, Gav has done it again with a cover of the Cranberries’ ‘Linger’ that Noel Hogan told me to tell him he loves.

“That’s good to hear,” he says looking mightily relieved. “I did it outdoors at the open air concert in Collins Barracks and was bricking it because ‘Linger’ is such an iconic song. I was freezing, thinking, ‘God, how many people are listening to this on live radio?’ I always associate ‘Linger’ with being the saddest part of the movie Click when Adam Sandler’s character is dying on the street and the rain’s coming down. I’d sung it loads of times before but not with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra and as a tribute to Dolores O’Riordan. It was one of the first songs she wrote aged just seventeen, which is staggering. Hopefully we did her justice.”

They did. Who else has been on his Spotify ‘most played’ list this year?

“Sigrid is awesome,” Gav shoots back. “I listen to a lot of Anderson.Paak. Lyrically, musically and looks wise – he’s got that Peaky Blinders thing going – David Keenan is really special. For some reason the Guardians Of The Galaxy soundtrack is my airplane record. Two ‘60s classics I keep coming back to are The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan and Sgt. Pepper’s. And I love Jeff Buckley’s Grace. “‘She is the tear that hangs inside my soul forever’ from ‘Lover, You Should’ve Come Over’ is one of the greatest lines of all-time.

One of my few genuine regrets in life is that I was too young to have seen him in Whelan’s. Can you imagine? A favourite song

“I was wondering why all these people were suddenly talking Portuguese on my timeline.”

22

I can’t listen to any more ‘cause it soundtracks a break-up is Fleet Foxes’ ‘White Winter Hymnal.’”

Gavin isn’t the only musical talent in the family, with his sister Emma continually wowing with the tunes she puts up on her @ redzerwiggles – great name! – account.

“She’s seven years older than me and totally amazing. I heard all the early Cranberries stuff via-her and my brother who’s ten years older, and had to put up with me sharing his room. They guided me in my musical taste.

Before moving to London Emma was in the Dublin Gospel Choir – she toured as part of the Sister Act stage show – and does a lot of session work. I had this rehearsal room in the shed and she taught me how not to have a weird quiver when I sang. That and five years gigging in pubs got rid of it.”

Meanwhile, Gavin’s celebrity fan club includes Michael Ball, the Phantom Of The Opera and Les Mis star who invited him onto his primetime BBC TV show.

“We had a battle of the falsettos where we kept going up and up and up until one of our voices broke. Who won? I’d rather not say… He also had me on his radio show recently, which blew my sister’s mind ‘cause like me she’s a massive West End musical fan. We went to Harry Potter And The Cursed Child in The Palace two weeks ago, which was very magical, and I saw Jersey Boys for, no word of a lie, the seventh time.”

Another industry A-Lister who’s gone in to bat for Gavin is James Corden.

“After being brought over by him to do the Late Late Show in 2015, I was back in LA the following year for Halloween and rang James, who’s a really nice guy, to see if he wanted to come out for a pint. He was like, ‘No, I’m with family but what are you doing tomorrow?’ I go, ‘Nothing’ and he says, ‘Do you want to come on the show?’ Like Ed Sheeran, he’s just a normal lad.”

I don’t know if he qualifies as ‘a normal lad’, but Gav got to meet Conor McGregor when he sang at his sister Aoife’s wedding last Christmas.

“I got a call the week before asking if I’d do it and because she’s from down the road I was like, ‘Yeah, cool.’ Conor walks into the church, sees me and goes, ‘Alreeeeeeet!?’

Crushed my hand when he shook it. I did my song and left because my sister was having a party that night in London, but he seemed a decent guy.”

The most important flight Gavin’s taken this year is the one to New York to see the aforementioned Boss on Broadway.

“I’ve never experienced anything like that before at a gig,” he says with a look of wonderment. “When he came to Croke Park last, I went two nights running and was blown away, but this was… religious! He talks about his dad and being depressed and everything else that’s had an effect on his life and his music. He said a particularly amazing thing at the start of the show: ‘I’ve been writing songs about the American worker, the 9 to 5-ers like my daddy, but I’ve been lying to you guys ‘cause I never worked a day in my life.’ The flights over cost considerably less than the tickets, which I had to get from StubHub – but it was worth every cent.”

CODE: GORAIL IRELAND’S LEADING TOURS DEPARTING DUBLIN, BELFAST, CORK, LIMERICK & KILLARNEY

The

Greene Party

Having starred in some of the biggest Irish movies of recent times, including Black ’47 and Dublin Oldschool, Sarah Greene has established herself as one of the country’s top acting talents.

Interview: Stuart Clark

“H

ave I been to the cinema to see a film other than one I’m in?

God, I can’t remember.

This year has been an insanely busy blur. Not that I’m complaining.

When you’ve spent as much time ‘resting between jobs’ as I have you welcome the craziness!”

Sarah Greene is reflecting on what by any standards has been a highly productive 2018, with starring turns in three much heralded films, a triumphant return to London theatreland and, to cap it off, a meaty TV role that currently finds the Cork actor in Newcastle, County Down.

“I’ve literally today finished a new series for the BBC called The Dublin Murders, which is based on the psychological crime novels

by Tana French,” Sarah reveals. “Sara Phelps, whose mind is dark and wonderful and weird, is the writer and the cast includes Tom Vaughan-Lawlor, who’s such a powerful actor.

There are eight one-hour episodes, which as far as I know will be going out here and in the UK next autumn.”

Our first cinematic sighting of Sarah this year was in Dublin Oldschool, the rave era yarn co-authored by her pal Emmet Kirwan, who admitted to Hot Press that he strong-armed her into coming home to play Lisa in it.

“He didn’t have to do any strong-arming,” she laughs. “I saw the original play and adored Emmet and Ian Lloyd Anderson in it. It was a new approach to theatre and struck a chord with me. We were both in London; I was rehearsing Woyzeck in the Old Vic and Emmet was doing some writing in the National Theatre. I was signed up to do an American show, Ransom, but the dates kept being pushed back, so I just said to my agents, ‘I’m doing Emmet’s film.’ It was brilliant being back in Dublin shooting it. It’s a great piece of filmmaking.”

Underlining the manic nature of her schedule,

24

SARAH GREENE

Sarah finished Woyzeck one day and flew to Dublin to film Dublin Oldschool the next. After a week of shooting here, she spent a day in London doing prep on a play (more of which anon) and then flew to Budapest for an eightweek shoot.

“I told you I’ve been busy!” she grins.

Asked whether she was a glow stick and baggy trouser merchant herself, Sarah sighs and says, “No, Sir Henry’s in Cork closed the year I started going clubbing, so I missed out on this legendary scene. I was at Burning Man a few years ago, which is the most special weekend I’ve ever had. It’s like being in a 360-degree painting. You’re surrounded by all these mountains, and the colours in the sky go from bright pink to orange.”

A very different sort of Irish story was spectacularly told this year by Black ‘47, the famine revenge drama, which required Sarah to drop a couple of dress sizes.

“I can see why they’ve never made it before because it’s the biggest call for nationalism,” she reflects. “Being set during The Famine, I had to a lose a good stone and a half – over Christmas, I might add! – before we did three months of shooting in Canada. It was great doing scenes with Barry Keoghan who’s just incredible.

“Actually, a film I do remember watching was one of his previous ones, The Killing Of A Sacred Deer. I’m obsessed with the director, Yorgos Lanthimos. It’s a dream of mine to work with him.”

Over to you, Yorgos.

“We did some pick-ups for Black ’47 in Connemara,” Sarah resumes, “which required me to walk in bare feet through the bog. The glamour of the job! When I told my dad I was in the film, he was delighted and said, ‘Your grandparents would be very proud.’ It’s an extremely powerful piece of cinema.”

Lets dance: Sarah Greene in Dublin Oldschool

C

a roof over your head that night, is heartbreaking. Just constant anxiety, and nothing is changing. I was looking the other day at rents and it’s just greed and greed and greed. Homelessness is an obscenity that we all need to be angry about.”

As if all that wasn’t enough to be getting on with, Sarah spent the first five months of the year starring in Ferryman, the Jez Butterworth play about a young widow caught up in the Northern Irish Troubles, which enjoyed an extended London West End run.

“I took over the part of Caitlin Carney from another friend of mine, Laura Donnelly, who left me a care package – hand cream because they get wrecked from peeling all the spuds, Manuka honey for the shouting and Berocca to keep up my energy levels because it’s such a physically demanding play.”

Finally, as the clock strikes twelve on New Year’s Eve, how will Sarah, cheeky glass of Bolly in hand, reflect on 2018?

“I’ll think, ‘How lucky am I to have been part of all these amazing projects, working with great friends and great stories, bringing them to life?’”

We’ll drink to that too!

ementing Sarah’s Irish Actress of the Year status was her remarkable turn in Rosie, Roddy Doyle’s exploration of Ireland’s homelessness crisis, which should be mandatory viewing for the Irish government.

“I finished up in Budapest, and started straight away on Rosie, which is why I look so convincingly wrecked in it,” she says. “An actor was telling me that his neighbour went to see it and had to leave halfway through because he felt so angry and ashamed that this is happening in our country. It does light a fire in your belly that we’re letting this become the norm for thousands of people. I was on the way to get my hair and makeup done for Dublin Oldschool when I first read the script, and was like, ‘Oh my God, Roddy Doyle has nailed it!’

“I had tears streaming down my face the entire time – unlike Rosie who as a matter of pride and defiance won’t let people see her cry. She’s much stronger than you or I are. There are so many great lines, but the one that really gets me is: ‘We’re not homeless, we’re just lost.’ The uncertainty of every day, not knowing whether you’ll have

“It was great doing scenes with Barry Keoghan who’s just incredible.”

25

26

AIDAN GILLEN

Gillen Able &

I

shouldn’t be encouraging you to risk your hard-earned cash, but if any bookie’s taking bets already on next year’s Irish Film & Television Awards, I’d strongly recommend sticking a ton on Aidan Gillen to win Best Actor for his small-screen portrayal of Dave Allen, the Dubliner who was an alternative comedian before the phrase was even coined.

“He inspired all the new wave Brit comics like Ben Elton and Rik Mayall, but whereas they now look dated, Dave Allen’s monologues and sketches are still as funny and relevant as they were in the ‘70s when he became one of the BBC’s biggest stars,” Aidan reflects over a cuppa in his Mum’s Drumcondra home. “Even today, you’ve got people like Dylan Moran who’s very like Dave Allen in his stage persona.”

In March’s Dave Allen At Peace TV movie, Gillen doesn’t so much play as inhabit his hero. Aidan reckons that it could have been even better, though.

“It would’ve been great to have had another hour, and access to the actual material, which we didn’t get,” he explains. “We couldn’t replicate things exactly, which meant it wasn’t as dark and sophisticated as it might have been. I’m not being picky here. I just loved playing him so much that I wish we’d had a slightly bigger canvas.”

While Dave Allen At Peace might have flown under your radar, there’s been no missing Bohemian Rhapsody, the Freddie Mercury biopic in which Aidan plays Queen manager John Reid.

“The project had been in gestation for a number of years, but when it happened it happened fast,” Aidan reveals. “I knew Rami Malek was playing Freddie, and he does an outstanding job. The producers of this film wanted it to have a wide audience. There could have been a darker film about Freddie Mercury, but this isn’t it.

“You either do it straight with a great performance like Rami in Bohemian Rhapsody, Kurt Russell in Elvis or Joaquin Phoenix in Walk The Line or go completely leftfield like the Bob Dylan film with Cate Blanchett, which I loved. But, anyway, they said, ‘Do you want to come along and play John Reid?’ The role isn’t massive, but it’s part of the machinery and I had fun. I met John and he gave me his seal of approval, which was good because he is picky.

Irish screen star Aidan Gillen reflects on another remarkable year, which found him appearing in blockbuster Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, and taking on the role of legendary Irish comic Dave Allen.

Interview Stuart Clark

I saw him again a few weeks ago and he goes: ‘Did you know that Richard Madden is playing me in the Elton John film, Rocket Man – John managed Elton for 25 years – and I think he’s enjoying it.’”

Actually, while you’re on to Paddy Power, stick another hundred on Rami Malek to win an Oscar.

“By his own admission he’s not a method actor, but anytime I saw Rami on set he was talking and walking and being like Freddie,” Aidan divulges. “It’s a difficult accent to pull off for someone who’s American With a first fortnight take of over $110 million, the producers and director Bryan Singer have certainly got the wide audience they wanted. What are Aidan’s favourite music films?

“The Kids Are Alright, the Kurt Russell Elvis movie I just mentioned, The Filth And The Fury, Stop Making Sense, The Last Waltz, The Song Remains The Same and Gimme Shelter,” comes his rapid-fire response.

“The Stones at Croke Park was also one of my gigs of the year. You can’t go wrong when your first three songs are ‘Sympathy For The Devil’, ‘Tumbling Dice’ and ‘Paint It Black’! It was nice and sloppy - but in a good way. I had a regular pitch ticket but somebody got me into the pit twenty feet away from Ronnie Wood. I never appreciated how much he does in the band. He was the star of the day. It was a tremendous gig and there was a lot of love on the stage.”

Aidan spent the first half of 2018 in Vancouver shooting Project Blue Book, a “sci-facts” drama, which premieres on January 8 on the History channel. With Watchmen and The Man In The High Castle’s Laura Mennell and Michael Malarkey of Vampire Diaries fame co-starring, there’s a definite whiff of smash hit about it.

“Project Blue Book is set in the 1950s and centres around the emergence of the UFO phenomenon,” he reveals. “Concerned about this phenomenon and the hysteria it was creating, the US Air Force and the government set up an agency to take reports and follow them up. I’m playing Allen Hynek, the guy they hire to front it who starts out a thoughtful sceptic and becomes one of the leading proponents of the UFO movement or ‘UFOlogists’ as they were known.

“One of his books, The UFO Experience, inspired Spielberg to make Close Encounters Of The Third Kind.

“I knew Rami Malek was playing Freddie, and he does an outstanding job.”

27

(From top) Aidan Gillen in Project Blue Book and Maze Runner: The Death Cure.

“I try to balance out big things like Game Of Thrones with a smaller film or indie project.”

Allen Hynek was the technical advisor and appeared in it.

“The guy who made Back To The Future, Contact, Roger Rabbit and Forrest Gump, Robert Zemeckis, is behind it. It’s popular entertainment but not saccharine. A lot of good directors and actors, and an interesting period to be dealing with. Post-World War II, people in America were looking forwards, backwards and upwards. They were optimistic but also, in the wake of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, in dread of what could be coming out of the sky at them next.”

Arriving back in Dublin after wrapping Project Blue Book, Aidan went straight from the airport to a garage at the back of Herbert Street, where young actor-director Laoisa Sexton was shooting her debut “un-romantic comedy” short, I Didn’t... I Wasn’t... I Amn’t.

“She’s a good actor, great with dialogue and deserves a break,” Aidan says benevolently. “A few of the things I’ve done in recent years like this and You’re Ugly Too have been with friends of my brother, JP Murphy. He wrote a play, which she acted in in New York. It’s something smaller and it’s with friends, which is always fun.”

Currently enjoying a break from filming Series 5 of Peaky Blinders – talking to us about what Tommy Shelby, Alfie Solomons, Luca Changretta, Aberama Gold et al will be getting up to in the New Year is strictly verboten – Aidan added to his air miles this year with a trip to Cape Town to reprise the role of Janson in Maze Runner: The Death Cure.

“Every now and then somebody says, ‘Do you want to come to Albuquerque for four weeks and play a villainous type in a teen dystopian fantasy?’ And you go, ‘Yes, sure.’

Then the sequel comes up and it’s, ‘Do you want to go to South Africa for six weeks?’ Again, ‘Yes, sure.’ Cape Town is worryingly not what you expect. My mind was blown by how divided the wealth still is. I didn’t see anyone apart from white people on the beaches. It was astounding actually that the shadow of apartheid is still there.”

Having managed to locate the fifth week in the month and the thirteenth month in the year, Aidan joins Declan Conlon, Gavin Drea, Catriona Ennis, Paul Reid and Seána Kerslake in We Ourselves, the Paul Mercier film about a group of youngish Irish people reflecting on the choices – good, bad and sometimes very bad – they’ve made in life.

“It’s dense and intricate with seven or eight people offering different recollections of something that happened twenty years ago,” he explains. “The first plays I saw during the ‘80s in the SFX were Paul Mercier ones like Drowning, Studs and Spacers. I was only 15, so it was the acting equivalent of a punk rock moment. Like Roddy Doyle who was also coming through at the time, Paul had been a teacher at Greendale Community School and was on a mission to contemporise Irish theatre. He succeeded.”

Does Aidan actively seek out diverse parts or is it just the way the casting cookie crumbles?

“Is there method to the madness? There’s no masterplan, but I’ll maybe try to do something a little different to what’s come before. I try to balance out big things like Game Of Thrones with a smaller film or indie project. I did another short this year in Dublin with a friend of mine called Rose Plays Julie. It’s a kind of an identity revenge thriller.”

And with the hotly anticipated final season of Game Of Thrones also on the way, 2019 is shaping up to be Aidan’s biggest year yet.

28

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Adventure

of a Lifetime

Renowned for his performances in The Matrix and Lord Of The Rings trilogies, Hollywood star Hugo Weaving discusses his new sci-fi adventure Mortal Engines, and his role in hit Irish film Black ’47.

Interview: Roe McDermott

It

seems like whenever a world is being created or destroyed, Hugo Weaving is there. Having starred in The Matrix, V For Vendetta and the Lord Of The Rings trilogy, Weaving is no stranger to exploring fantastical worlds or dystopias – and in Mortal Engines, the new YA adventure produced by Peter Jackson, he gets a touch of both.

Weaving plays Valentine, the political leader of a very different, futuristic London.

Hundreds of years after civilisation was destroyed by a cataclysmic event, London is now a giant steampunk predator city on wheels. Under Valentine’s rule, it devours the remnants of other cities, separating asylum seekers from their children and disseminating false information about the government’s intentions.

Philip Reeve’s source novels were written in 2001, yet so much of the original material feels incredibly relevant, including the damning question asked by one of the characters early in the film: “How can a society so advanced be so stupid?”

“That question feels particularly extraordinary now,” muses Weaving, sitting in a hotel room

30

in London. “History is cyclical – if you’re a student of history, you know that that’s what history is. Things repeating themselves. But it does feel like there are some things the world is going through now that are more extreme. The notion of what the truth is, and how the truth is disseminated or perverted, is something that is particularly scary right now, in a way it hasn’t been before. There have always been ways that kings or politicians or leaders lie to their people, but it’s certainly easier now to discredit journalists and endorse other agencies that are far less credible, in order to sow fear and uncertainty. It’s giving yourself the power to question what is truth and what are lies, so you can get away with lying. It’s technically quite a brilliant thing to do, but thanks to the internet and mass media, it’s affecting the world to an extent never seen before.”

One of the film’s most subtly emotional storylines involves Valentine’s daughter, Katherine (Leila George), realising her father is not the benevolent and admirable leader she believed him to be. This relationship feels very relevant to a generation of young people who, in a politically divisive time, may find themselves ideologically at odds with their

HUGO WEAVING

Full steampunk ahead: scenes from Mortal Engines

own parents.

“It’s one of the main subjects of this story,” agrees Weaving. “You have all of the young people, but particularly Katherine and Tom [played by Robert Sheehan], who are both Londoners who believe in their world. They’ve ingested the propaganda and the history of that world, and their journey is the unveiling of the truth. The world isn’t as simple as this, and for Katherine, it’s learning that your Dad is not as simple as this or as noble – in fact, he’s driving your world into the abyss. He believes he’s doing the right thing, but for the characters and the audience, it’s about realising the sins of the parents and authority figures, and how they’ve failed. That’s what I like most about this film: young people realising their right and need to question those in power.”

Weaving was recently involved in the telling of one of Ireland’s most important stories, as he played a key role in Lance Daly’s Famineset revenge western Black ‘47, and he’s delighted to hear that it was the highestgrossing Irish film of the year.

“I’m really pleased,” he says. “I think people outside of Ireland don’t really understand the extent to which the Famine is still part of who

Irish people are. And the fact that it hadn’t been represented in cinema before – the weight of that was on Lance’s shoulders, and we felt that.”

“It’s giving yourself the power to question what is truth and what are lies, so you can get away with lying.”

The idea of historical fantasy revenge films intrigues Weaving, and the Australian actor is delighted to see Indigenous Australian filmmakers embrace the genre.

“I’m interested in the idea of historical fantasy revenge. It somehow shines a light on history in a novel way, and you can send up painful details and realities in a new way – but you also get something back. The revenge plays out as fantasy onscreen, and that can be very empowering for people who have been destroyed or downtrodden or oppressed.

There have been a few fantasy revenge films

31

that have come out from Indigenous and Aboriginal filmmakers recently, and I think they’re really interesting.”

Given Weaving’s extensive filmography, it’s impossible to pick one stand-out film, but he is immensely proud of 1994’s Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert; a movie that tackled gender subversion long before RuPaul’s Drag Race hit the mainstream. He sees links between the political undertones of drag, and the social messages of Mortal Engines.

“I knew of RuPaul because he was a singer, and it’s wonderful to know that drag and the humour and clowning of drag has been so embraced around the world,” enthuses Weaving. “It was a great joy to go into that world for the first time and to understand the political element of drag. The best drag artists I met were really smart, artistic, sharply political people. Drag artists are like court jesters; they’re the wisest people in the kingdom, because they’re the ones allowed to mock the king. There’s a great glamour and wit about it, but the theatricality is so extreme that it’s beautiful and extraordinary and unreal.

And as unreal creatures, they can say things which are unspoken.”

Welcome to

JetlineCruise

We have been in the business of selling cruises for over 17 years and have booked cruise holidays for over 250,000 holidaymakers. We are destination experts and offer exciting and exclusive cruise and stay packages all over the world that can be tailor-made to match your perfect dream holiday. Our aim is to exceed your expectations and you can trust that our valued guests are at the forefront of our mind in all that we do.

SIGN UP to our weekly emails to receive regular updates and exclusive cruise offers only available at Jetline Cruise.

FOLLOW US on social media on Facebook and Twitter. Please call one of our cruise experts today to find out more on 01 695 0733 or visit our website at www.jetlinecruise.ie

U.S. Rockies Rail Journey & Alaskan Cruise FROM

Departs May to September 2019

2149PP*

€

Included: • Return flights from Dublin • One night’s 3* hotel stay in Seattle • Seven nights’ full-board cruise • Two nights’ full-board U.S. Rockies Journey in a Private Sleeper Roomette • Two nights’ 4* hotel stay in Chicago

13 Nights

Ruby Princess

Cruise itinerary: Seattle – Juneau – Skagway – Glacier Bay National Park (scenic cruising) – Ketchikan – Victoria (British Columbia) – Seattle *Based on 6th September 2019.

Mount Fuji Bullet Train & Japan Cruise Departs April 2019 to February 2020 Includes: • Return flights from Dublin • All transfers • Three nights’ 4* B&B hotel stay in Tokyo • Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi Bullet train tour, with lunch • Eight-nine nights’ full-board cruise

FROM

2349PP*

€

13-14 Nights

Diamond Princess

Cruise itinerary: Yokohama (Tokyo) – Nagoya, Japan – Kobe, Japan – Okinawa, Japan – Keelung (Taipei), Taiwan – Yokohama (Tokyo) (itinerary varies) *Based on 24th February 2020.

The Canadian Rockies & Alaskan Eclipse FROM

3199PP*

€

13 Nights

Departs May to September 2019 Includes: • Return flights from Dublin • All transfers • Two nights’ 4* hotel stay in Banff • Two day, all-daylight journey onboard Rocky Mountaineer in SilverLeaf Service from Jasper to Vancouver; which includes two breakfasts, two lunches, complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and snacks • Overnight moderate hotel stay in Kamloops • Two nights’ 4* hotel stay in Vancouver • Seven nights’ 5* full-board cruise onboard Celebrity Eclipse • GoldLeaf Service Rail upgrades from €459pp Cruise itinerary: Vancouver – Inside passage (scenic cruising) – Sitka – Hubbard Glacier (scenic cruising) – Juneau – Ketchikan – Inside *Based on 21st May 2019.

Passage (scenic cruising) – Vancouver (itinerary varies)

JetlineCruise

jetlinecruiseireland

JetlineCruiseIR

jetlinecruise

www.jetlinecruise.ie

Terms & Conditions: Prices are person based on 2 sharing. Prices are from and are subject to change and availability. Onboard service charges may apply. Unless otherwise stated excursions and selected personal activities onboard ship are extra. Jetline Cruise & the cruise lines’ terms and conditions apply. Deposit due at time of booking, balance or full payment due 14 weeks before departure. No charge for direct debit card or credit card payments. Jetline Cruise is fully licensed and bonded by the Commission for Aviation Regulation IATA T-0727.

es’

FROM

3649PP*

€

26-33 Nights

USA Grand Circle Adventure NEW YORK - NEW ORLEANS - LOS ANGELES - CHICAGO

April 2019 to October 2020 Includes: • Direct return flights between Dublin and Southampton • 7 nights’ west-bound Cunard Queen Mary 2 voyage from Southampton to New York • Port Transfers • Overnight train journey on the Amtrak Crescent from New York to New Orleans • 1-3 nights’ four-star hotel stay in the French Quarter of New Orleans • 2 nights’ Amtrak Sunset train from New Orleans to Los Angeles • 2 nights’ four-star hotel stay in Beverly Hills (Los Angeles) • 2 nights’ Amtrak Southwest Chief train from Los Angeles to Chicago • 2 nights’ five-star hotel stay in Chicago next to the Magnificent Mile • Overnight train journey on the Amtrak Lakeshore service from Chicago to New York • All four train journeys include full board and private sleeper roomette accommodation • 1-4 nights’ four-star hotel stay in Manhattan • 7 nights’ east-bound Cunard Queen Mary 2 voyage from New York to Southampton

Single Cruisers: This offer makes an ideal holiday for single cruisers too. Prices are based on sole occupancy of all hotel rooms and roomettes on board all four trains. On board Cunard Queen Mary 2, choose from sole occupancy of a twin interior stateroom or perhaps opt for one of the brand new bespoke single ocean-view staterooms on deck 2 or 3.

*Based on 15 Dec 2019 – 26 nights.

The following 4 train Journeys are Included: Amtrak Crescent: New York to New Orleans Depart New York Penn Station at 1415 / Arrive New Orleans at 1932 the following day Amtrak Sunset Limited: New Orleans to Los Angeles Depart New Orleans at 0900 / Arrive Los Angeles Union station at 0535 2 days later Amtrak Southwest Chief: Los Angeles to Chicago Depart Los Angeles Union station at 1810 / Arrive Chicago Grand Central station at 1515 2 days later Amtrak Lakeshore Limited: Chicago to New York Depart Chicago Grand Central station at 2130 / Arrive New York Penn station at 1823 the following day

Chicago, New York & Bermuda Cruise May to September 2019

FROM

1829

€

Included: • Flight from Dublin to Chicago Carnival Sunrise • 2 nights four-star hotel in Chicago • Overnight Amtrak train from Chicago to New York NEW REFURBISHED SHIP (Full Board/Private Roomette) • 2 nights four-star hotel in New York • 4 nights full board cruise aboard the Carnival Sunrise • Overnight flight from New York to Dublin • Free upgrade to Ocean View Stateroom on selected dates

PP*

10 Nights

Cruise itinerary: Chicago - New York - Bermuda - New York *Based on 7 Sep 2019.

Lake Garda, Venice, Albania & Greece

COMBINE THREE IMPRESSIVE WORLD-CLASS DESTINATIONS IN ONE HOLIDAY

ALL INCLUSIVE DRINKS May to October 2019 Includes: • Return flights from Dublin MSC Musica • Return Lake Garda transfers • 3 nights’ bed-and-breakfast four-star hotel stay in Sirmione – Lake Garda • First class train journey to Venice • 1 nights B&B 4* hotel stay in a central 14th century Venetian Palazzo • 7 nights’ Full Board cruise • All Inclusive drinks package on-board • Venice Port to airport transfer Cruise itinerary: Venice – Bari – Katakolon (Ancient Olympia) – Mykonos – Piraeus (Athens) – Sarande (Albania) – Dubrovnik – Venice

Call today on

FROM

1559PP*

€

11 Nights

*Based on 1 Oct 2019.

01 695 0733

Open 7 days a week 9am – 9pm

Book with confidence Your money is 100% safe 17 Years Cruise Experience

Licensed and bonded by the Commission for Aviation Regulation

T-0727

SPORT

Fields of

Gold With all manner of intrigue in the offing in rugby, GAA and soccer, there’s another mouthwatering year of Irish sport on the way in 2019. By Paul Nolan

A

34

“Ireland’s campaign is bookended by a mouthwatering opening day clash against England in the Aviva Stadium on February 2, and a climatic St. Patrick’s weekend encounter with Wales in Cardiff.” bonanza for Irish rugby. In a brace of eagerly awaited Guinness PRO14 encounters, Connacht will be taking on Ulster in the Galway Sportsgrounds, while Munster host Leinster in Thomond Park.

Meanwhile, as the GAA season gets underway in the new year, the main question in football remains much the same as it has been for the past few years: can

Brian Fenton / Rugby photo: Brendan Moran

fter a bumper 12 months – which included a Six Nations Grand Slam and a historic home victory over New Zealand, as well as a remarkable European Champions Cup/Guinness PRO14 double for Leinster – Irish rugby fans will be looking forward to another special year in 2019.

Of course, the six million dollar question is whether the players can finally replicate their Six Nations and provincial form on the biggest stage of all, as the Rugby World Cup in Japan comes into view. The Irish side commence their Pool A campaign on September 22 against Scotland in Yokohama, in a group which also includes the host nation, Russia and Samoa.

After such an outstanding 12 months, Ireland are currently second favourites for the tournament behind New Zealand, and even allowing for previous disappointing campaigns, we’ve scarcely ever began a World Cup year in such rude health. Before all that, of course, there’s the small matter of the Six Nations in the spring. Ireland’s campaign is bookended by a mouthwatering opening day clash against England in the Aviva Stadium on February 2, and a climatic St. Patrick’s weekend encounter with Wales in Cardiff.

As if it were needed, additional spice to the 2019

action comes from the fact that it will be head coach Joe Schmidt’s final year in charge of the team, before Andy Farrell takes over. Overall, it’s shaping up to be a monumental 12 months for the national side.

Elsewhere, things are similarly healthy on the provincial front, with all four sides in the hunt in the Guinness PRO14, and Leinster, Munster and Ulster in pursuit of the Heineken Champions Cup. There will be plenty of action in both competitions over the Christmas and New Year period, with a highlight being Leinster’s top of the table clash with Toulouse in the RDS Arena on January 12.

And December 28, in particular, marks a festive

SPORT SPORT PREVIEW

Cup photo: Seb Daly, Hurling photo: Ramsey Cardy, Mick McCarthy, Joe Canning photo: Stephen McCarthy

anyone halt Dublin’s onward march? Jim Gavin’s charges are going for an unprecedented five All Irelands in a row this year, and while Kerry’s fivein-a-row bid famously came a cropper against Offaly in 1982, at the outset of 2019 the Dubs look as formidable as ever.

Footballer of the Year Brian Fenton and co. kick off their Allianz National League campaign with a tasty-looking January 27 trip to Clones to take on Monaghan – the only side to defeat the Dubs in 2018. Another early highlight is the champions’ February 9 journey to Tralee to play Kerry, with the Kingdom now under the management of minor All-Ireland winning coach Peter Keane, following the departure of Eamonn Fitzmaurice.

It will also be intriguing to see how Mayo fare in 2019, with the managerial hot-seat once again occupied by James Horan, the man who kickstarted the county’s revival back in 2011.

Mayo commence their league campaign against Roscommon in Castlebar on January 26, before travelling to Omagh to take on last year’s beaten All Ireland finalists Tyrone on February 3. Equally fascinating will the fate of Division 2 sides Kildare and Donegal, who will be looking to build on solid 2018 campaigns, when both counties reached the Super 8s.

While Dublin dominate the football landscape, in hurling it’s far more competitive, with six or seven teams feeling they can claim Liam MacCarthy in 2019. Defending All Ireland champions Limerick commence their league campaign away to Wexford on January 27,

just one of a plethora of great games on offer over the opening weekends, including Tipperary against Clare on January 26; Kilkenny v Cork (27); and Limerick v Tipp (February 2).

Each of the Division 1A sides will fancy their All Ireland chances this year, and it’s similarly competitive in Division 1B, where Waterford and Dublin (both under new management) will be looking to make further progress, and 2017 All Ireland champions Galway are intent on bouncing back.

Finally, after a turbulent 2018, which saw relegation to Division 3 of the Nations League and the departure of the management team of Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane, there is a muchneeded note of positivity back in Irish soccer with the iconic Mick McCarthy back at the helm.

McCarthy’s first home game in the Euro 2020 qualifiers comes against Georgia in the Aviva on March 26, while there will also be crunch Dublin showdowns with Switzerland on September 5 and Denmark on November 18. With Dublin hosting a couple of games at Euro 2020, McCarthy will be going all-out to ensure Ireland qualify before he hands over the managerial reigns to Stephen Kenny after the tournament.

Whatever events take your fancy in 2019, there is guaranteed to be the usual quotient of thrills, spills and unforgettable moments in the Irish sporting year. Enjoy to the full!

35

Clockwise from left: Dublin football star Brian Fenton; Tadhg Furlong in action against New Zealand; Galways Joe Canning, Nickie Quaid and Cian Lynch celebrate Limerick’s All Ireland win; and new Ireland soccer boss Mick McCarthy.

EAT

PROUD PRESENTER OF

HOW�WILL�YOU�SHOW�YOUR�STRIPES?

U2 SONGS & EXPERIENCE AVAILABLE NOW AT

THIS SPORTING LIFE

SHOP.HOTPRESS.COM

A dynamic representative body, the Federation of Irish Sport continues to do an excellent job promoting the value of sport in Ireland.

T

he Federation of Irish Sport is the representative organisation for over 100 of the National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) and Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) in Ireland.

Their vision is to provide a dynamic and effective voice for Irish sport, promoting the value of sport to Ireland.

They firmly believe #SportMatters, and over the last 12 months, they have staged some incredible sporting moments and initiatives across the island of Ireland.

They have have worked tirelessly on behalf of their members to be their sporting voice in both public and political spheres. In 2018, the Federation of Irish Sport played host to Minister Brendan Griffin at Sport HQ, their annual conference, which saw knowledge sharing from Sport New Zealand on the topic of ‘Grassroots to Greats’.

They also held the Irish Sport Industry Awards, among many other highlights.

For 2019, the Federation of Irish Sport plans to continue to advocate for their members in the areas of funding and promotion, as well as providing suppor and knowledge sharing for all NGBs and LSPs.

PERSONAL DEDICATION You can request your own personal dedication, which will be handwritten

by Niall Stokes. Please include your dedication in the notes section when checking out..

Price: €29.95 plus P&P available now from

Watch out for exciting updates and events, including the Irish Sport Industry Awards, the Volunteer in Sport Awards, and the National Conference coming in 2019.

shop.hotpress.com 37

BUSINESS

M

Powerscourt A New Adventure in Irish Whiskey

Situated against the backdrop of the majestic Sugarloaf Mountain, and nestling in the beautiful grounds of the world-famous Powerscourt Estate, the brand new Powerscourt Distillery is making powerful waves on the Irish Whiskey scene. By Peter McNally

AKE NO MISTAKE, Powerscourt Distillery has something special to offer. What immediately sets it apart from the many new distilleries opening on the island is the influence of Noel Sweeney.

He is, after all, one of only two Irishmen ever to have been inducted into the World Whiskey Hall Of Fame.

Before joining Powerscourt, Noel spent nearly 30 years as the master blender and chief distiller at the Cooley Distillery. There, he helped to spearhead the global revival of Irish whiskey, overseeing such successes as the award-winning Kilbeggan 15 Year Old, The Connemara Peated Single Malt and the Greenore 15 Year Old. “It’s always nice to get recognition, that’s for sure,” Noel says of his induction into the Hall of Fame. “However, having built a reputation, now I have to stand by it!”

And right now, that involves working flat out to make the Powerscourt Whiskey dream come true. After a number of years of hard work by the Powerscourt Distillery team, the plant was comissioned and distilling began in June of this year. The new distillery is set in the faithfully restored Old Mill House, which dates back to the 1730s.

“It’s an absolutely gorgeous place to work,” Noel says. “When I turn off the M50 in the morning I’m greeted by this beautiful tree lined avenue, then you see the wide open estate and the golf course extending into the distance as you come past the house to the distillery. Amazing.”

In addition to being a picturesque place to ply one’s trade, the estate offers all of the natural resources necessary for the production of whiskey.

“We’re very fortunate to have a great supply of natural spring water from an aquifer lake under the Powerscourt estate which emanates from the Powerscourt waterfall,” Noel marvels. “We’re also growing our own barley, so in a matter of years we’ll be largely

38

BUSINESS (From the top) The gorgeous amber liquid; Irish grain is the best; Powerscourt… among the fields of barley, (opposite page) Noel Sweeney tests the bouquet;

“Our location is unique - that is an inspiration in itself.” self-contained.”

There is a constant buzz of activity around the distillery now, as work continues on the brand new visitor centre, scheduled to open early next year.

“Our location is unique,” Alex Peirce, Chief Executive of the Powerscourt Distillery observes. “That is an inspiration in itself.

The local history, heritage and natural beauty of Powerscourt are all important elements in providing the perfect platform for Noel’s work. And they will also make the visitor’s centre very special.”

Noel says that the beauty of the place will lead to further brand expressions.

“I’d love to create a brand inspired by the gardens,” he ruminates. “We have everything from renaissance art, statues and fountains, to plants and trees, on the estate. It is extraordinary.”

Perfectly Balanced Meanwhile, the master distiller has been successfully proving his mettle in the three fantastic new whiskey lines.

• First up was their Fercullen Premium Blend Irish Whiskey.

‘Fercullen’ is the Gaelic name given to the ancient lands surrounding Powerscourt Estate. Literally translated it means ‘Men of Cuala’ or ‘Men of the Wicklow Hills’. Of the Premium Blend, Noel says, “We were fortunate to acquire some mature whiskey that I had a hand in making. Standard blends would be 3-4 years of age, but ours is a minimum of six years.” Adding to its premium status, the whiskey contains malt that has been aged for over ten years.

• Next is the Fercullen 10-Year Old Single Grain. “Compared with other grain available from Scotland and around the world, ours stacks up very well,” Noel says. “It’s smooth and light, and because it’s made from corn, there is sweetness to it.” The 10Year Old has also been aged in bourbon barrels, which adds a vanilla sweetness, resulting in what Noel characterises as “a very smooth and easy to drink whiskey. It’s a very good introduction to what our whiskey is all about.”

• The distillery’s flagship product is Fercullen 14-Year Old Single Malt. “You have a lot of distilleries bringing out whiskeys that have various types of cask finishes,” Noel observes, “I like to go back to basics: this is our premium single-malt and it’s as good as you can get with a single-malt whiskey.” Having been matured in fresh bourbon casks for over 14-years, the result is a gorgeous, smooth, perfectly balanced whiskey, marrying oak and bourbon tones with a fruity, clean, malty spirit.

Powerscourt also do a super-special 16-Year Old Single Malt, exclusively available to patrons of the Powerscourt Distillery Cask Membership Programme. This programme offers a premier level of participation in the distillery’s progress. Inspired by the height of the Powerscourt waterfall, which at 397 feet is the highest in Ireland, 397 casks have been made for customers to own.

Together with cask ownership, private visits and annual samplings, members also enjoy a carefully crafted set of supplemental programme benefits at the distillery and on the estate.

Now that sounds like a very good idea indeed... powerscourtdistillery.com

39

Celebrity table

A kind of

Magic

Currently directing the panto Polly And The Magic Lamp at Dublin’s Olympia, Simon Delaney discusses his fascinating acting career over a delicious meal at Koh. Interview: Aoife Bradshaw Photography: Miguel Ruiz

N

estled on the millennium boardwalk, Koh oozes style. With long tables and private booths, it’s an ideal spot for group get-togethers and intimate catchups. So it comes as no surprise that it’s rapidly becoming one of the top spots in Dublin. From the minute you step into the restaurant, you get a sense of effortless sophistication.

This makes it a fitting place for a rendezvous with actor and presenter Simon Delaney. Currently presenting Weekend AM and appearing in everything from the latest Conjuring instalment to the sold-out run of The Snapper at the Gate, Delaney has built up an impressive list of credits.

“I kind of fell into it like most people do,” the actor reflects. “I didn’t have any formal training, I didn’t go to university to study it. I was a working Joe, I did everything – very badly. But I joined an amateur musical society and that’s where I got my introduction.

Then my first film role came about because my cousin had seen me in plays and asked if I wanted a role in a short movie her partner was making. I took a week off work and never went back. Three months later, I ended up doing a movie for Hallmark and thought, this is easy. Of course, then it was six months before I got my next job, and I realised it’s not as easy as people think.”

In his downtime, Simon juggles presenting Weekend AM on Virgin Media with writing, podcasting, and running his production company, but one of his biggest passions has always been food. “At home I cook breakfast, lunch and dinner,” he beams. “I’m the head chef and absolutely love it – it’s my thing. For some people, the thought of standing and chopping vegetables for an hour mortifies them. But it’s actually the prep that gets me excited.”

Speaking of food, I’ve had my eye on the fresh Vietnamese rolls with nuoc cham since stepping inside Koh. Not normally one for

40

EAT spicy foods, Simon goes for the Tom Kha Gai with chicken, mushroom, and tomato in a mild coconut broth, while we split a platter of their speciality squid, crisped to perfection.

Though Thai food may be one of Simon’s new favourites after trying the delights at Koh, American cuisine has always been his forte. Indeed, it provided the inspiration for his cookbook, Simply Simon, which was born out of his experiences in the States. One of Simon’s American adventures even led him to trace his roots back to St Louis on RTÉ’s Who Do You Think You Are? series in 2009, during which he discovered he had over 30 cousins he had never met.

“The whole journey was like shaking hands with ghosts,” he says. “When I walked into that room at the end and looked around, there were basically 30 versions of me with American accents who I never even knew existed.”

His experience acting in America was a similarly wild ride.

Delaney knows well how ridiculous the world of acting can be, yet this is kept in check by his genuine passion for the craft.

“I’ll never forget my debut in the West End for a play called Stones In His Pockets,” he recalls. “With ten minutes to go, I was so nervous that I wanted to go home. Eight years previously, I’d been driving a van for a living, now I’m standing on the West End in a two-man show. I remember thinking, ‘What the hell am I doing here?’ But 15 minutes later you walk on the stage and Dr. Theatre takes over”.

"Eight years previously, I’d been driving a van for a living, now I’m standing on the West End in a two-man show."

Playing Jimmy Rabbitte in The Snapper’s unprecedented sold-out run at the Gate was another of Simon’s favourite roles.

Handpicked for the part by Roddy Doyle himself, he felt a degree of anxiety taking on the part.

“I remember seeing a post on Facebook when the show was announced and someone wrote a comment about me saying, ‘Jaysus Roddy, he’ll be brilliant’. And Roddy just wrote, ‘He better be’”.

Of course, Simon didn’t disappoint, receiving a card from Doyle on the play’s opening night that read: ‘Dear Simon, thanks for the acting and that’.

Similarly living up to expectations are the main dishes served up in Koh this evening. The massaman curry with tender chunks of lamb, potato and cashew nuts is superb, as is my yellow curry full of aubergines, greens and silken curry sauce.

Afterwards, we treat ourselves to authentic Thai-style banana fritters, gorgeously complemented with vanilla ice cream, and banoffi pie topped with delicious caramel.

With a range of vegan and vegetarian dishes as well as delights for the carnivorous, this is a great spot, catering for all tastes and preferences. For good measure, it also boasts an impressive selection of mocktails.

Currently however, Simon admits he hasn’t had much time for nights out, with his hands full directing the star-studded cast of Polly And The Magic Lamp – his fourth year directing the Olympia Theatre panto.

“I love directing,” Simon enthuses. “I’ve been doing it for quite a while now. I think that comes back to me being a Virgo, and that need for organisation. I’m not a control freak, but I do like the fact that every decision needs to be signed off by you...”

Polly And The Magic Lamp runs at the Olympia, Dublin from December 21 – January 6.

Koh Restaurant / Bar 6/7 Jervis Street, Millennium Walkway, Dublin 1 Tel: +353 1 814 6777 / +353 1 814 6212 www.koh.ie

The Damage Crispy Peppered Squid: €9.50, Tom Kha Gai: €7 Vietnamese Rolls: €9.50, Yellow Curry: €22 Connemara Hill Massaman Lamb: €19.50 Banoffi Pie: €5.95, Thai Style Banana Fritter: €5.95

41

EAT

Shelbourne To Run Stuart Clark Brings You The Latest Foodie News

(clockwise from left): D4 delights, Limerick goes Green & roll out the barrel

T

here’s great excitement out in D4 with Dylan McGrath opening Shelbourne Social, a seriously glitzy new restaurant and cocktail bar that’s part of the equally impressive Number One, Ballsbridge development.

There’s already talk of Michelin stars thanks to dishes like Thin Slices of Wagyu on Crispy Potatoes with Sesame, Garlic, Hot Sauce & Crème Fraíche and Crispy Rice Pot with Prawns, Soft Shell Crab, Fried Corn, Mole Cream and Corn Stock – yum! – which reflect Dylan’s global range of culinary influences. Avoca will also be taking up residence early in the New Year at Number One, Ballsbridge with their latest food hall and casual dining café. shelbournesocial.com

creams, which won’t do much for your waistline but are seriously delicious.

YOUR VERY GOOD ELF! The surest sign that Santa is on his way is the release by O’Hara’s of the latest edition of their Barrel Aged Series: Leann Folláin, a rich-bodied stout made for sipping.

Other winter seasonals to keep your taste buds peeled for are O’Hara’s Winter Star Spiced Rye Pale Ale; Eight Degrees’ Tresspass Dark Farmhouse Ale with Blackberries; Black Donkey’s Sergeant Jimmy Barrel Aged Saison; Rascals’ Barrel Aged Irish Coffee Stout; Mescan’s Beoir Na Nollaig Dark Strong Ale; Western Herd’s Night Pod Vanilla Porter; White Hag’s Yule Ale; and Boyne Brewhouse’s Belgian Dubbel. Slainté!

EVERYTHING’S GONE GREEN DEEP & CRISPS & EVEN The Go Eat jury is somewhat split over the Christmas Tree Flavour Salted Crisps made from pine needle oil extract that are available this year from Iceland – the supermarket, not the country!

Some of us found them too, well, tree-y while others took their sample packets off into the corner and refused to share.

Not to be outdone in the festive nom-nom-nom department, Aldi have a range of Mince Pie & Brandy Butter, Espresso and Gingerbread Latte ice

“Eat like you care” is the clarion call of Copia Green, Limerick’s first zero waste restaurant, which is great for both breakfast (power up with the Fig, Baked Banana & Coconut Activated Oat Porridge) and lunch (the Asian-Spiced Slow-Roasted Irish Lamb Burger with Rosemary & Spinach Polenta Chips fair melts in the mouth).

Located just an organic egg’s throw from UL in Castletroy, they’re committed wherever possible to using unprocessed Irish produce. copiagreen.ie.

42

MAD HATTER 2018

CHECK OUT THE

HOT PRESS SHOP

SHOP.HOTPRESS.COM

N I A L L STO K E S FOUNDER & EDITOR

EXCLUSIVE MUSIC BOOKS • COLLECTOR’S ITEMS • BACK ISSUES • Pick an A3 print of your favourite Hot Press cover, with almost 1,000 to choose from

• Philip Lynott: Still In Love With You is one of the most beautiful music book ever published

• Hundreds of exclusive, beautiful large format A2 cover prints, signed by the artists

• U2: Songs + Experience will be signed by author Niall Stokes (personal dedications an option)

• Covered In Glory: The Hot Press Covers Book comes in two formats, including a gorgeous large format collectors limited edition

A musical treasure trove.

009 HP.AN.19

Silence is

Golden

Having supported the likes of Hozier and Lisa Hannigan, Northern Irish folkpop duo Saint Sister are now basking in the acclaim for their stunning debut, Shape Of Silence.

Interview: Peter McGoran Photography: Miguel Ruiz

W

hen Go Rail meets Saint Sister, they’re fresh from supporting Hozier at an intimate show in London’s Koko two nights previous.

On the promotional trail for their magnificent debut, Shape Of Silence, they’ll also be visiting the US, Australia, Europe and the UK. Though they’re currently on the crest of a wave, for Saint Sister – comprised of Gemma Doherty and Morgan MacIntyre – it wasn’t always apparent where the group would take them.

Conceived back in 2014, the collaboration came about when the pair left Trinity College and found themselves without any immediate career direction.

“When we first met, we were relative strangers,” says Morgan. “Our first time playing together, I don’t think we knew whether it was going to be a band, or whether it was just me asking Gemma to accompany me at a gig. We didn’t have a conversation about it, we just naturally came together – then held onto each other for

44

dear life! A lot of it came down to just thinking, ‘Right, I’ve got someone here who’s willing to sit in a room with me, and someone who I can play songs with – so I’m just going to keep doing that.’ That felt like the only purpose at the time.’”

Did they imagine the tours? A Saint Sister album one day?

“We had those dreams and aspirations,” nods Gemma. “I’ve been playing music my whole life, but I knew nothing about the music industry or what it takes to actually be a musician, especially when you’re doing it yourself. I hadn’t released music like that before.”

Gemma had a trad background, while Morgan had found success as a solo artist in Belfast and Dublin. When they began Saint Sister, their individual careers seemed to fade out.

“I knew of Morgan as a successful solo artist,” says Gemma. “I was trying to study music in college and sing in choirs, and I was spreading myself very thinly without focusing on anything.

I’d been hoping to move into the composition world, but that was intimidating, because I didn’t

SAINT SISTER

“Neither of us would ever shy away from emotional vulnerability.”

and me’ and more ‘you vs me’ or ‘me vs everyone’. They’re much more lonely.”

Fans will be familiar with previous tracks like ‘Tin Man’, ‘Madrid’ and the sublime new releases ‘Twin Peaks’ and ‘You Never Call’. But these songs slide comfortably into the album’s theme. The inside jokes and spritely nods and winks of ‘Twin Peaks’ (“See you later alligator / I am cold-blooded and shy”) give way to suspicion, isolation and the impossibility of knowing someone on later song ‘Madrid’ (“I’m glad I don’t know / Where You Go / Where You Go / When you’re lonely”).

The final track, ‘The Mater’, relates a gloomy, final separation over a sparse arrangement.

“That last song is one of my favourites,” says Morgan. “Neither of us would ever shy away from emotional vulnerability in our general lives.

I’m quite an emotional person. I love to cry. That feeds into what we write about. We don’t intend to write sad songs, but I feel like I’m more creative when that’s how I’m writing. I remember sitting on a bank of grass and all the lyrics for ‘The Mater’ just came out.

I feel like with the last song I’m articulating everything that I’ve been trying to articulate throughout the album. That’s when I thought, ‘That’s what I’m getting at. All those notions, they’ve been reaching a head with this.’”

really know anything about it. When we started playing together, I stopped everything else, every choir I was in, because it just made sense. I took all those influences with me and put it into our music. I said ‘Let’s put all this energy in one place.’”

The result of their efforts has seen Saint Sister emerge as one of the most acclaimed acts in modern Irish music.

Their 2015 Madrid EP was alive with possibilities, giving us a proper introduction to their unique atmosfolk sound – encompassing subtle, heart-on-sleeve lyrics, traditional Irish sounds, sparse, haunting electronica and Gemma’s harpplaying.

Flash forward a year and they were being called ‘Best Irish Band’ by the readers of The Irish Times. From there, they were propelled towards a supporting slot with Lisa Hannigan, which saw them tour the length and breadth of Ireland; a place on the bill with The National at Sounds From A Safe Harbour in Cork; various industry events at Eurosonic and SXSW; and major festival appearances in Ireland and beyond.

With all the acclaim came the need to release a full body of work. Shape Of Silence was recorded in Kerry, with their long-term co-producer Alex Ryan (of Hozier’s live band) at the helm. Morgan stresses that the “trust” element was crucial with Alex, especially for an album which shows the duo at their most experimental musically, and their most exposed lyrically.

“The arc of the album is that of a relationship breaking down, with the songs becoming more fragmented in the latter half,” says Morgan. “The first song on the album, ‘The Beginning’, is that feeling of when you first meet someone.

You’re light-headed. You’re conspiratorial. You’re talking to them all night and filling in all the blanks getting to know them. And I think that interested us, especially working as a duo, because we were examining what it means to define yourself in relation to someone else. Then that gets broken down as the album goes on, and the ideas become less ‘you

nterestingly, the duo also talk about “yearning for an intangible sense of Irishness” with this album.

Both Gemma and Morgan stress that growing up in Northern Ireland – no matter what your background – and moving to Dublin, meant having to confront ideas about identity, culturally and musically.

“It’s something that we didn’t really talk about with each other for a long time,” says Gemma. “Then we talked with a friend recently about how we both came from this other place. We grew up with different backgrounds, but there’s something shared there. When I first moved to Dublin, I played a lot of classical music, but I also played a lot of traditional music. That was defining my relationship with music.

I’d be doing the trad sessions and the folk sessions and I had this romanticised vision of what Dublin would be. That was a big part of my life for a while. Even when I go home, there’s still that internal struggle of wanting to feel Irish and wanting to feel like something that you’re not. In the North, there’s a different feeling about Irishness.”

“That idea of longing to be Irish and expecting to come to Dublin and it be full of ceilis,” says Morgan. “I had that too.

And I felt like if you’re in the North and you’re from a certain background you wear your Irishness on your sleeve. And I felt like I’d be lacking because I didn’t play GAA growing up or anything like that. So I had to make up for time lost. But it wasn’t the case. I had to learn that Irishness isn’t this uniform thing.”

The release of Shape Of Silence is an obvious career highlight for the Saint Sister. Are there are any other moments they look back on particularly fondly?

“Touring with Lisa Hannigan,” says Morgan. “We learnt so much from her and she was generous with her time and advice. It was a baptism of fire. We’d never done a month on the road before, especially with someone we really admired, but she made it all so easy.”

45

I

FASHION

The Temple Wolf Thetemplewolf.com, @thetemplewolf

All The

W

ith Christmas fast approaching, the season comes with a blend of emotions – the desire to spoil your nearest and dearest, and to contribute as much good to the world as possible. But why not do both? The Temple Wolf is an Irish online jewellery and gift store filled with irresistible pieces that range from boho chic to gothic glamour – and it’s got a great big beautiful conscience to go with it, as a proportion of every sale goes to charity. “I describe The Temple Wolf as ‘a store for boho dreamers’ so I try to appeal to the bohemian girl,” explains The Temple Wolf founder and designer Emma Laing. “Think tassels, crystals, coin jewellery, dreamcatchers etc. I choose and/or design the pieces based on things I always wanted but either wasn’t able to afford, or couldn’t source in Ireland. I have always had a fascination for skulls, pentagrams and so on, and you’ll always find a sprinkle of that in the shop. My favourites at the moment are the turbans, chunky amethyst rings and ‘Feminist’ necklaces.”

The Temple Wolf also have some gorgeous homeware accessories, such as artwork, lamps, décor, and our favourite reusable water bottles with gorgeous crystals inside, so you can be environmentally conscious while looking just a little bit magic.

Emma herself has also designed some pieces expressing her love of Ireland. The Eire collection features beautifully delicate jewellery such as necklaces and rings, featuring the silhouette of Ireland, with a tiny heart shape cut into the piece. It’s a gorgeous collection that would make the perfect Christmas present for friends and family who now live abroad.

Trimmings Roe McDermott looks at a selection of the top accessory designers and retailers around the country.

46

FASHION

Glitz n’ Pieces glitznpieces.ie, @glitznpieces Arnotts, Dublin 1.

Black and Beech blackandbeech.com, @blackandbeech

R

un by Limerick native Stacey GrantCanham, independent lifestyle brand Black & Beech offer jewellery, clothes, gifts and accessories that all come with a healthy dose of wit, thoughtfulness, feminism – and of course, impeccable style.

Among their stand-out items are t-shirts and vest tops emblazoned with ‘Deeds Not Words’; gorgeous silver and gold necklaces with slogans like ‘Nevertheless She Persisted’; and Mumfriendly accessories like silicone jewellery, specifically designed to be safe to wear around young and teething babies. The teething necklaces are incredibly striking, modern designs, but are baby-safe when worn by a parent, so baby can play, fiddle and chew to their heart’s content, keeping Mum stylish and baby entertained.

“The business started with teething jewellery about 18 months ago when I was on maternity leave with my son Clement,” reflects Stacey. “I noticed my friends wearing these silicone beaded necklaces their babies could fiddle with. I loved the concept but hated the

aesthetic and set about designing my own much cooler version.” Stacey is determined to use her platform and designs to shed light on more serious political issues, too – after all, the personal is political. “In 2017 with Brexit, Trump and the growing conversation around Repeal, new motherhood found me more and more politicised,” she explains. “Enter my designs featuring the slogan ‘A Mothers Place is in the Resistance.’ This evolution really brought me huge joy, as I feel the brand is very much ‘me’. The response to that has been incredible and my Repeal posts are my most engaged with.”

Stacey isn’t just raising awareness with her designs – she also donates a percentage of Black & Beech’s profits to causes and charities that she supports, making her pieces not just fashion statements, but small acts of activism and resistance. Stacey’s feminist philosophy also extends to how her products are made. “We use all organic cotton and ethically supplied garments for this reason too,” she reveals. “It costs more, but it would be so wrong to have feminist messaging without considering all the women in the supply chain who made those products.”

47

L

ooking for the perfect present for the fashionista in your life, but don’t have time to go trawling around town? Look no further than Glitz N’Pieces, the amazing online accessories site run by two Dublin women who understand just how much you need your fashion fix. Founded

by Grace O’Sullivan and Ellen Weber, Glitz N’Pieces has a stunning collection of on-trend accessories, all the most fashionable jewellery and bags, and gorgeous lifestyle products. Glitz N’Pieces have also launched their own personal range of handbags and accessories called the Millbrook Collection, which is a sophisticated collection of classy, on-trend accessories – many of which can be personalised with monograms.

The shop has amassed a huge array of fans, with influencers like Pippa O’Connor, Carol Byrne, Sinead Kavanagh, Michelle Regazzoli and Amber Turner constantly spotted in accessories from Glitz N’Pieces. And while their online store is irresistible, if you’re in town, drop by their pop-up shop in Arnotts where you’ll find some of their fab handbags.

With free worldwide shipping and a constant stream of new on-trend products, Glitz N’Pieces is the perfect online store to spoil friends and family who live near and far over Christmas – or just yourself. We won’t tell.

FASHION

BrickBear Clothing brickbear.co

S

hopping for effortlessly cool people is always a pressure-filled situation, but if they’re fashion lovers, look no further than BrickBear Clothing. The brainchild of Bryan Phelan, Johnny Corcoran and Jordan Barry Browne, Brickbear state that, “Our aim is to provide our customers with art in the guise of clothing” – and who could resist that? The eponymous bear is a waistcoat-clad polar bear smoking a wooden pipe and wearing a bowler hat, and he appears on all of the t-shirts and hoodies – unless you want to get in on some customised art action. BrickBear features unique, witty and beautifully drawn artwork that draws from comic book styles, graffiti and psychedelic art.

The art and graphics make each piece of BrickBear Clothing utterly unique – get ready to tell a lot of people where you’ve been shopping, because these statement pieces will have them asking. The appeal of unique graphics and patterns also extend to BrickBear’s selection of vintage Mambo Loud shirts. Launched in 1984 by Mambo legend Dare Jennings, the brightly patterned, shortsleeved shirts are one of Australia’s most iconic post-fashion articles, and are perfect for fashion lovers who like putting a modern spin on vintage pieces.

48

Music Industry Xplained.

Get Ahead in the Music Industry.

The MIX Course (Music Industry Xplained) is for those seeking careers in the music industry or music media.

Brought to you by Hot Press, the course is aimed at those who want to succeed in music, management, media, publicity, promotion, publishing, record labels and lots more.

Perhaps you’re a musician who wants to maximise your income? Want to manage a band? Want to work in PR or the media? Or do you simply want to find out more about the business? If so, read on...

MIX is a 13-week, lecture based course (one each week) by top professional exponents of the Irish and international music industry.

Lectures On Previous MIX Courses: Jackie Hayden (Journalist) Steve Lindsey (Publisher) Greg Fry (Digital & Social Media Consultant) Donal Scannell (Born Optimistic) Ian Wilson (RTÉ Radio) Niall McCormack (Designer)

Edison Waters (Music Manager) Steve Averill (AMP Visual) Nick Seymour (Crowded House) Linda Coogan Byrne (Good Seed PR) Gretta Quinn & Sarah O'Connell (Mazars) Gavin Glass (Radio Nova)

Key Areas Covered Include:

Limited Places Available Call Now To Secure Yours!

Record Companies/Music Marketing/ Publicity/Image Development/The Independent Route/Record Production/ Songwriting/Music Publishing/Music Online/Radio/Working With The Media/ Management/Finance/Touring & Distribution/Publishing

For More Info or to Secure Your Place: Contact:

(01) 241 1500

louise@hotpress.ie

mix@hotpress.ie declan@hotpress.ie

www.hotpress.com/mix

DESTINATION

Centre of Excellence

A

Musée des Beaux-Arts

With a stunning range of cultural and historical attractions, Tours is a true gem in the centre of France.

By Aoife Bradshaw.

s a university town, Tours is well suited to students, but it also contains an impressive array of history, culture, nightlife and amusements of interest to all travellers. The perfect destination to escape from the stress of urban life, it’s steeped in art, beauty and incredibly preserved historical areas that feel like stepping back in time. As getaways go, Tours – located in the heart of the Loire Valley – is rare because it’s in no way remote or isolated. Full of character and energy, with bustling nightlife, delectable food (and wine) and plenty of places to explore, this is a perfect city to experience French culture in all its glory.

Often cited as a romantic getaway, above all Tours is a place for art lovers.

Stop by the Musee des Beaux Arts (18 Place François Sicard, 37000 Tours) near the town centre to peruse its rich and varied collection. Another great spot for inspiration is le Café Contemporain (Jardin François Premier, 37000 Tours).

Half-contemporary art gallery, halfrestaurant, this is the perfect place to discover more innovative works while munching on a delicious avocado on toast. Be sure to check out their website in advance to plan your visit to coincide with one of their events.

50

There are also plenty of opportunities for shopping nearby. You can find top brand names like Gucci and Dior on the main streets, or let yourself be led astray down the winding paths to discover vintage shops tucked away under oldstyle street signs. Also keep an eye out for the impromptu book stands set up around the town streets. They have some real finds, and who knows, you could even return home with a first edition for a few euro.

In the centre of the Loire Valley, Tours is the perfect base to visit one of the many castles that dominate the nearby villages. One of the most impressive by far is Château de Chenonceau (37150 Chenonceaux), a short train ride away.

Dating from the 14th century, this castle boasts associations with many prominent historical figures such as Catherine De Medici and Henry VIII. Standing on the tower balcony looking down over your subjects (aka fellow visitors) is the ultimate power trip. Chateau de Clos (2 Rue du Clos Lucé, 37400 Amboise) is another good pick. Not only is it where Leonardo da Vinci once lived, you can also explore the neighbouring Chateau de Amboise (Montée de l’Emir Abd el Kader, 37400 Amboise).

In a city like Tours, it’s both easy and affordable to stay near the centre of town. These days you’re most likely to

DESTINATION

“When in France it is your solemn duty to sample as many croissants, pain au chocolats and crusty loafs as you can.” find the best deals on Airbnb. Look for places near Rue L’Ermitage for charming apartments up rustic cobblestone streets. Or, for those seeking more traditional accommodation, Hotel Val de Loire (33 Boulevard Heurteloup, 37000 Tours, France) awaits under an unassuming red awning, lying right around the corner from the main train station and bus stops.

One of the most hit and miss aspects of travel can be transportation. Luckily, Tours has a tram service that operates an extensive line throughout the city, and buses connect with provinces further afield.

The best part? The tram and buses are run by the same network and one ticket covers both for up to 90 minutes. On a normal day, transport in Tours is cheap, easy to navigate and reliable. What you do need to bear in mind are the strikes – although, under normal circumstances, there is advance warning on social media channels. Usually it’s a case of easy come, easy go, and services resume within a couple of hours. Bike trails are also a great way to get around the city and explore the sights.

The tourism site for the city is a treasure trove for rentals, treks and more (touraineloirevalley.co.uk).

As for nightlife, Place Plumerau (or Place Plum as locals call it) is at the centre of activity.

A repurposed medieval corner, here you’ll find intoxicatingly inexpensive merlots and heartwarming vin chauds (a must during the colder months). Caféchaud (33 Rue Briçonnet, 37000 Tours) is a favourite clubbing spot and hands down

the best place for cocktails in Tours. If you’re looking for an Irish bar, The Pale (18 Place Foire le Roi, 37000 Tours) has you covered. Once inside you’ll be greeted by the friendliest staff and uncover a wealth of Irish memorabilia, just in case you find yourself homesick. It also has the best soundtrack for dancing, whether sober or fuelled by liquid courage.

When in France it is your solemn duty to sample as many croissants, pain au chocolats and crusty loafs as you can. My top tip is to seek out your nearest bakery early on (this won’t be difficult).

Pâtisserie Léger (59 Place du Grand Marché, 37000 Tours) in particular crafts a great selection of freshly baked breads and cakes that will have you coming back every day.

If you have a more adventurous palette, all you have to do is travel down Rue Colbert and let your nose be your guide to a great selection of international cuisine. Stand-out gems include El Cafecito (43 Rue du Grand Marché, 37000 Tours), a colourful Guatemalan cafe; Karamara (151 rue Colbert, 37000 Tours), the go-to for Ethiopian food; and Restaurant la Bekaa (80 rue Colbert, 37000, Tours), which offers up Lebanese delights. For the health conscious, don’t despair. France may be famed for its treats, but recently more and more places are offering up nutritious, filling fare – my favourite is Smaak Natural Food (35 Rue du Grand Marché, 37000 Tours). They boast filling salads, hearty soups and the option to have both in one bowl (trust me, it’s delicious).

51

Tours de force: Chateau de Chenonceau and (inset) delicious croissants. (Main pic opposite) Chateau d’Ambroise.

DESTINATION

TRAVEL NEWS

Sea-ing is Believing From luxury cruises to Canadian jaunts, STUART CLARK has all holiday bases covered.

SHIP OF DREAMS One of the UK’s leading travel agents, Jetline Travel’s dedicated Cruise division offers a stunning range of combination cruise and rail journey adventures.

These include the Mount Fuji Bullet Train & Japan Cruise, which over 13-14 thrill a minute days takes you to Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Kobe, Okinawa, Keelung and Taiwan, as well as to sacred Mont Fuji and and Lake Ashi beneath it, which commands stunning views of this active volcano. We also like the look of their U.S. Rockies Rail Journey & Alaskan Cruise and The Canadian Rockies & Alaskan Eclipse, details of which can be found on page 32 and include all flights, transfers and accommodation.

“Jetline Cruise is able to offer cruise and tour holidays with a real difference allowing customers to benefit from inspirational holiday destinations that combine a land stay or land tour with a cruise holiday, giving the perfect opportunity to deliver new and exciting holidays that are truly immersive,” they tell us. “Each destination has been chosen to offer incredible experiences of a lifetime. We are specialists in the Mediterranean, Far East, Japan, Canada and USA.” Book with confidence knowing that your money is 100% safe; Jetline Cruise has over 17 years experience in selling holidays, and is licensed and bonded by the Commission for Aviation Regulation. Jetlinecruise.ie

THE UKRAINE EVENT Ryanair commences a twice-weekly Dublin-Kiev service at the start of April, which will make travelling to the Ukrainian capital a whole lot cheaper. The south of the country may be a virtual no-go area as a result of worsening tensions with neighbouring Russia, but Kiev is perfectly safe if you stick to its more touristy areas, with Saint Sophia’s Cathedral and the Pechersk Lavra monastery and caves among its historical must-sees. visitkyiv.com.ua/en/ indexSEA.

WOW FACTOR WOW Air has announced the June 6, 2019 launch of its Dublin-Reykjavik-Vancouver service, with introductory one-way fares of €129.99. wowair.ie.

While the four-hour stopover is too short to head into town, time can be deliciously killed with a traditional Icelandic feed in Nord restaurant, which does a wicked Arctic Char with Rye Bread.

Routinely topping North American ‘Quality of Life’ polls, Vancouver is famed for its ethnic diversity with large Chinese, Filipino, Indian and Iranian communities all making their mark on the harbour city. Look out for the Persian street food joints specialising in Torsh (chunks of tenderloin marinaded in walnuts, pomegranate, olive oil and herbs), served with a stack of fluffy Sangak sesame bread.

MARITIME OF YOUR LIFE Starting in July 2019 and continuing into 2020, Ireland’s JMG Travel and UK cruise company Cruise & Maritime Voyages will be launching sixteen departures from Dublin and Cobh ports. Complimentary coach transfers are available from most major towns.

Here are some of their cruising picks from the summer 2019 schedule: 19th Aug ’19 for 11 nights - Summer Fjordland 30th Aug ’19 for 12 nights - British Isle Discovery 23rd Sep ’19 for 16 nights – Baltic Cities & St Petersburg The price for each cruise includes en-suite accommodation, all meals on board, entertainment, port taxes and coach transfers to and from the ship. Check jmgcruise.com or call 074-9135201 for a brochure.

GO ON, WE SCARE YOU! Discover Dublin’s darker side with the Ghostbus, a two-hour bus tour that takes you to the city’s most haunted spots.

As you cruise around the streets, your guide will regale you with tales of ghostly legends, body snatching, grave robbing and other spine-chilling occurrences.

Don’t be surprised if the supernatural occurs as you delve inside the crypt at Dublin Castle, the scene of dastardly medieval torture.

Departing from Dublin Bus Head Office at 58 Upper O’Connell Street, tours take place Monday-Thursday at 8pm and at 7pm and 9.30pm on Friday and Saturday.

Tickets are available from ghostbus. ie where by entering GoRail as the Promo Code you can save €5.

52

(From top) Jetline Cruise's Canadian Rockies & Alaskan Eclipse; Saint Sophia's Cathedral, Kiev; Dublin Ghost Bus; JMG Cruises' Magellan cruise liner

GO DESTINATION:

Dublin-Cork

CORK THIS WAY Irish novelist Liz Nugent talks childhood memories of taking the Dublin-to-Cork train, winning two An Post Irish Book Awards, and her hopes to one day travel on the fabled Trans-Siberian Railway. Interview: Michael Kealy

L

iz Nugent has had quite the year. In November, she enjoyed double win at the An Post Irish Book Awards, claiming both the Ryan Tubridy Show Listeners’ Choice Award and Crime Fiction Book of the Year for Skin Deep, her third bestseller.

“My professional highlight this year was winning two book awards at the An Post Irish Book Awards,” she reflects. “To finally get an office of my own was a personal highpoint.

Now, I’ve a place to work instead of writing at the kitchen table, meaning I can write more, better, faster.”

With such a hectic schedule, Nugent no longer gets an opportunity to travel regularly by rail: “My husband and I live such hectic lives. He’s a shift worker at RTÉ and I’ve been away so much this year book touring.”

But many of Nugent’s fondest memories come from time she spent traveling on the Dublin-Cork train.

“Looking out the train window getting to see the west of Ireland was tremendous.

We didn’t get to see sheep or cows in Dublin.”

“I don’t take the train very much these days,” she says, “but some of my favourite childhood memories were on the train to Cork. When I was a kid, my brother and I would be sent to our granny’s for a few weeks in the summer. We would be put on the train and sat beside a nun, invariably.

They were more trustworthy. Somehow my mom knew not to sit us beside a priest, it was always a nun. I always remember the poor nun was forced to share her sandwiches with us somewhere near Mallow.

“The journey itself was exciting for us. We weren’t inner city kids, but we were Dublin suburban kids. Looking out the train window getting to see the rest of Ireland was tremendous. We didn’t get to see sheep or cows in Dublin. For us, it was a real expedition. It was great. My granny would collect us from the station and it would be another hour-and-a-half drive to her house. It was a very long journey, the whole day.”

And Nugent hopes to one day travel on the perception-shifting Trans-Siberian railway. The journey takes 143 hours to complete and crosses 16 notable rivers.

“I’d love to take it,” she says. “There’s something about old Russia as described in Anna Karenina, War And Peace and Doctor Zhivago that I find appealing. It’s probably not the same at all anymore, just an idealised version I have in my head – but it seems like the most romantic trip in the world to me.”

53

GO

REVIEW Albums. Movies. Books

MIGUEL RUIZ

DAMIEN DEMPSEY

pg55

GOLISTEN.

GOWATCH.

GOREAD.

Van Morrison, Damien Dempsey are among the highlights in our round-up of the best new albums.

We pick out the best streaming options for comfortable couch consumption this winter, including acclaimed sci-fi flick Arrival.

We pick out the highlights from the latest book releases, including Roddy Doyle’s Charlie Savage and Annie Griffin’s When All Is Said.

54

LISTEN

GOLISTEN. P R O P H E T

F O R

O U R

T I M E S

MIGUEL RUIZ

Our album round-up features the excellent latest LP from the iconic Van Morrison; an inspired collaborative effort from folk artist Damien Dempsey; and an intriguing release from pop heroes The 1975.

I

t’s safe to say that Van Morrison is in generous form these days, with a prolific run that included two albums in 2017, as well as last April’s You’re Driving Me Crazy. And now, jazz hounds get yet another release, as Morrison bestows upon us his 40th LP, The Prophet Speaks. This collection takes the standard latterday Van route, comprising several original Morrison cuts, amongst covers of jazz and R&B greats, including Sam Cooke, Willie Dixon and John Lee Hooker.

When the opening bars of the first track – an interpretation of Eddie Vinson’s 1947 number ‘Gonna Send You Back To Where I Got You From’ – kicks in, we’re invited into the comforting environs of vintage jazz.

Indeed, the tune is nicely evocative of the earlier periods of the genre, which the album pays loving tribute to. The Prophet Speaks is rife with this kind of faithfully adapted performance.

The lesser numbers sound like perfect blues bar background music, exquisitely produced and performed. The tones and arrangements are consistent, and you know what to expect from track to track: dexterous double bass runs, high organ stabs, frenetic jazz guitar, intense harmonica interludes, and so on. When Van at one point yells “Whoa...

Alriiiiight!” in response to an electrifying piano riff, he’s not alone in his appreciation – there is some truly amazing musicianship here.

Elsewhere on the new releases front, Damien Dempsey has delighted us with collaborations and re-imagined classics from

his back catalogue. Reimagining 14 gems from Dempsey’s back catalogue, Union features a motley crew of collaborators who are far more varied than you might expect, showcasing the various sides of Dempsey’s musical talents.

There’s the traditional balladry of the lovely, lilting ‘Singing Bird’, with Finbar Furey; a gorgeous take on The Pogues’ bruised and tender ‘A Rainy Night In Soho’ with The Dubliners (John Sheehan’s delicate fiddleplaying is beautifully understated); and the tender rumination of ‘Gaelic Ireland’, where Damo and Dingle-born chanteuse Pauline Scanlon ponder the fate of our nation’s Celtic soul. The tune comes across like a more hopeful update of Yeats’ ‘September 1913’, even referencing the 2015 same-sex marriage referendum.

Dempsey and Lisa O’Neill could be musical soulmates, so it’s no surprise to hear the Cavan songstress on ‘The Keepers Of The Flame’, as these two uncompromising voices wrap around each other magnificently.

The singer’s love of reggae is showcased on the Caribbean rhythms and languid basslines of ‘A Child Is An Open Book’, where performance poet Kate Tempest’s dramatic Cockney delivery – half-spoken word, halfsung – perfectly complements Dempsey’s own vocals. Maverick Sabre contributes some surprisingly sweet vocals to the sinuous ‘You’re Like The Water’, while Dublin rapper Paul Alwright adds a touch of menace to ‘Human’.

Some of Ireland’s finest female artists are

55

here as well. Dempsey’s longtime supporter, Sinéad O’Connor, provides some sensual vocals on the outsider rap, ‘Celtic Tiger’.

Elsewhere, Imelda May adds some sunshine to the soulful ‘Big Big Love’, while Clannad’s Moya Brennan gives ‘Maasai’ some extra magic and mystery.

The highlight, however, is the glorious, smile-inducing ‘Soulsun’, on which Damo is joined by the magnificent John Grant, for a soaring piano ballad that’s guaranteed to have you singing along by the first chorus.

2018 gave us plenty of outrageous moments. However, many of them pale in comparison when it comes to the latest offering from The 1975. A record that fans and critics will be dissecting for years to come, much like modern life itself, their third album is an absolute hot mess. Restless, confused and contradictory (perhaps by design), these musical magpies have actually managed to pull off the unthinkable: making mainstream indie interesting again.

While not without its duds (specifically the overblown ‘Sincerity Is Scary’), this quasiconcept album boasts a handful of huge moments. Chief among them are the Joy Division-like ‘Give Yourself A Try’; the UK garage-indebted ‘How To Draw/Petrichor’; and the Britpop-steeped ‘I Always Wanna Die (Sometimes)’ (which they really should have dubbed ‘The Disaster-plan’). Ambitious and absurd, singer Matt Healy – who’s growing more Ric Flair-like by the day – asserts himself as indie-pop’s most magnetic frontman throughout.

WATCH

GOWATCH. S P A C E

O D Y S S E Y

Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi epic Arrival leads the way in our look at the best new movies on Netflix, with other highlights including the excellent dramas Fences and 20th Century Women.

beautifully symmetrical, Kubrick-like visuals also emphasise our selfmade barriers to connection. From screens and hazmat suits, to faces trying to conceal their emotions, we all hide from one another. Adams’ acting is masterful; strong and raw and vulnerable, a beating heart in the bloody mess of humanity’s fear.

It’s a powerhouse performance in a stunning film that transcends genre to become art, likewise encouraging us to transcend our limitations and become better.

FENCES An unstoppable force with powerhouse performances, you don’t just watch Fences. You experience it. The movie meets your eye with a stare so penetrating that you’ll drop your gaze first; it beats and bleeds and aches like a distressed heart. It reaches through the screen, grabs you by your shirt, pulls you too close and yells at you. Those statements also apply to Fences’ leading man and director, Denzel Washington, Arrival adapting August Wilson’s 1983 play.

Set in the 1950s, Troy (Washington) ARRIVAL is a family man and trash collector living in An intelligent and soulful exploration Pittsburgh A former baseball player whose potential for stardom was destroyed by of communication and tolerance, Denis Villeneuve’s film wastes no time thrusting us racism within the Major Leagues, he now drinks too much, his charm underscored by into a panicked world. Multiple spacecrafts an explosive anger. But it doesn’t make him have landed around the globe, and the intentions of the extra-terrestrial beings easy to deal with, and his desire to toughen up his son Cory (Jovan Adepo) visibly are unknown. With China and Russia ready hurts the young man. As Troy’s intelligent, to launch military attacks, world leaders endlessly patient wife Rose, Viola Davis and citizens alike are at their most portrays the pressures placed on black fearful, aggressive and unsure. Linguist women and wives. When a great hurt is expert Amy Adams is thrust into this mess, inflicted, Rose’s lifetime of unappreciated recruited by the American government sacrifice rises like a tsunami that quickly to try to understand the aliens’ language. returns to a façade of stillness, though the Recovering from a deep personal loss, she’s devastation has already been caused. A film initially unwilling. But as she clearly explains the complexities of communication, and the of transcendent performances. nuance of expressing empathy, purpose, and motivation, it’s clear that she is the only 20TH CENTURY WOMEN one who can help. The brilliant screenplay The grandiose title of Mike Mills’ dramedy illustrates how language and communication is dual-purpose. It pokes fun at the is used often by characters to exert control, intimacy of its portrait of a pseudo family, rather than to communicate. Villeneuve’s while acknowledging the specificity of

56

its portrayal of women. Set in 1979, when second wave feminism was becoming mainstream, three women of different ages are grappling with gender, power and connection. Annette Bening is sensational as Dorothea, a fifty-something single mother whose parenting philosophy is overprotective in a way unique to the bohemian bourgeoisie. Resistant to discipline but paranoid about the lack of a father figure in her teen son Jamie’s life, Dorothea entreats her tenants – sensitive twenty-something photographer Abbie (Greta Gerwig), womanising woodworking hippie William (Billy Crudup), and Jamie’s precocious best friend Julie (Elle Fanning) – to spiritually guide him through male adolescence. The misguided tactic is only accidentally successful. The three women are beautifully situated in time, and references to ’70s psychology litter witty conversations defined by disaffection. A witty dramedy.

THE LODGERS When you’ve had enough Christmas goodwill and cheer, it’s time to embrace another genre that works perfectly during the dark and cold months: horror. And The Lodgers is a great new gothic horror set and made in Ireland. Directed by Brian O’Malley, this ambitious and atmospheric effort is sure to delight fans of the oldschool scares found in The Woman In Black and the haunted house vibes of The Others. Charlotte Vega and Bill Milner star as orphaned twins who live in a majestic but dank mansion (itself played

by Loftus Hall) in rural Ireland. The locals treat the twins with justified suspicion – they’re odd and off-putting, but they have their reasons. Dark forces are literally bubbling up under their house, and have given twins restrictive rules to live by. The punishments for infractions are severe, and the twins’ parents and grandparents have already met a watery grave. When Rachel starts up a romance, this draws the ire of not only the house’s spirits but Edward’s dependent and twisted mind. O’Malley’s luscious, gloomy visuals belie the modest budget, and the dark bewitchment he creates should be the envy of many famous horror directors.

READ

GOREAD. T H E

S AVA G E

E Y E

Roddy Doyle’s wryly funny look at the modern age, Charlie Savage, is among the highlights as we round up the best new books.

RODDY DOYLE

JAN CARSON

ANNE GRIFFIN

Charlie Savage

The Fire Starters (Doubleday)

When All Is Said (Hodder & Stoughton)

One of the most inventive writers currently working in Belfast, Jan Carson’s second novel is an eerie, compelling examination of a city and a population in stasis. The plot revolves around two fathers living in modern day East Belfast who fear the powerful – and destructive – potential of their children. With elements of magic realism, social realism and a mystery novel, Carson examines how nihilistic and destructive instincts can prove overwhelming, especially in a fragile, postconflict city where violence is constantly simmering under the surface. The Fire Starters is the latest in a run of brilliantly original stories written about Belfast city in the past 12 months. It absolutely deserves your attention.

The winner of the John McGahern Award for Literature, Anne Griffin’s debut novel tells the story of Maurice Hannigan, a rich 84-year-old man who goes to drown his sorrows in the Rainsford House Hotel in County Meath. Over the course of five toasts, and five anecdotes – each related to an important person in his life – Maurice weighs up his own character against that of the people he’s loved, trusted, slighted or abandoned. Told in stark, unadorned detail, Griffin’s story is one of sins and the possibility of forgiveness. It’s a sweeping tale, vividly recounted, with real emotional punch. Always gripping and boasting an exceptional level of insight into its superbly realised characters, this is a wonderful read.

(Penguin)

The newest book from Roddy Doyle compiles a year’s worth of exploits from Charlie Savage, a Dublin husband and father who tries to navigate the bewildering modern age. These stories first appeared in weekly installments for the Irish Independent, where they were warmly received for their documentation of a middle-aged man confronted with new technology, a fast-moving world, frightening geopolitics, and his own mortality. At approximately four pages per story, they’re light, humourous things, always ending with a wry observation or the titular character stumbling on a universal truth. They’ll not win Doyle his second Booker Prize, but they can be consumed over a cup of tea and a biscuit, and leave you feeling all the better for having read them.

57

GOWIN. GO RAIL COMPETITION

Win a romantic weekend away in the one and only

SCREEBE HOUSE Plus a three-course dinner in their award-winning restaurant

One of Ireland’s finest Victorian estates, Screebe House is a luxury hotel overlooking the magnificent Camus Bay in Connemara, Co. Galway. With landscaped gardens, spa facilities and award winning food, Screebe House focuses on relaxing breaks in beautiful surroundings. Sample the full culinary experience from head chef Pascal Marinot, indulge in spa facilities including a pool, sauna and gym, and then unwind in the tranquil, elegant surroundings steeped in history. Each room is elegantly decorated with antique furniture with breathtaking views of Camus Bay and the manicured lawns. Special Valentine's packages run from February 14th to St. Patrick’s Day, making Screebe House the ideal choice for a relaxing getaway in 2019.

THE ONE & ONLY

The Prize: One lucky winner will get to treat their loved one to two nights bed and breakfast in a deluxe room with a sea or garden view, along with a three course dinner from the two-time AA Rosettes Award-winning restaurant. This includes free Wi-Fi, full use of spa facilities including pool and sauna, and spa treatments available with booking prior to arrival.

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

THE QUESTIONS: 1. Aidan Gillen stars in Bohemian Rhapsody, a biopic of which band?

2. Which county won the 2018 All Ireland hurling championship?

3. Sarah Greene starred in which hit Irish movie?

- U2 - Queen - The Rolling Stones

- Limerick - Waterford - Galway

- Back In Black - Back To The Future - Black 47

Terms & Conditions: The prizes are subject to availability. No cash alternatives will be offered. Entrants must be aged 18+. Go Rail may contact competition entrants 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.

58

2 & 3 FEBRUARY MORE THAN RACING, MORE THAN A FESTIVAL

SAT BHP INSURANCE IRISH CHAMPION HURDLE DELORENTOS DOIREANN GARRIHY LIVE RUGBY

SUN UNIBET IRISH GOLD CUP KILA

THE CHANCY BROTHERS CHEF ADRIAN

TICKETS: LEOPARDSTOWN.COM

PRESENTS

1 2 -1 5 M A R C H

28652 Cheltenham Festival Bulmers Go Rail Magazine A4 Advert.indd 1

07/12/2018 11:31