Go Rail Summer 2014 Imelda May

JULY - SEPTEMBER 2014 VOL:04 ISSUE:02

MICHAEL FASSBENDER The X Factor

DES SMYTH

Ryder Cup, here we come!

Introducing the

WILD ATLANTIC WAY My Favourite Train Journey

JOHN CREEDON

Celebrity Table

MARIO ROSENSTOCK LAND E R I F PRIDE O

IMELDA • MY DUBLIN: ROSANNA DAVISON’S GUIDE TO THE CITY •

Hotel

|

Bar

|

Restaurant

|

Venue

Located in the heart

of Dublin City beside Temple Bar

One of Ireland’s biggest

late night bars Live music daily Finest Irish food & drink

For enquiries email sales@mercantilegroup.ie

28 Dame Street, Dublin 2. www.mercantile.ie

Opium offers an experience unique to Dublin, combining world-class mixology with modern Thai/Vietnamese cuisine.

Lunch

Monday - Friday • 12 - 5pm Saturday - Sunday • 2pm - 5pm 2 Courses €14.00 • 3 Courses €16.00

Dublin’s Original Live Music Venue

Dinner

Monday - Sunday • 5pm - Late

MiD Week SpeciaL’S

(Available Sunday - Wednesday) 3 Courses €25.00 Cocktail & Main Course €20.00

OpiuM TaSTing Menu

€32.00 • Available Monday - Sunday

LaTe nighT Dining

Friday & Saturday • 11pm - 1am

2014 marks 25 years of Ireland’s most famous live music venue 25 WexFORD STReeT, DuBLIn 2 whelanslive

@whelanslive

www.whelanslive.com

Scan for gig liStingS

26 Wexford Street, Dublin 2 Ph: (01) 526 7711 Email enquiries@opium.ie www.opium.ie

CONTENTS GO

JULY - SEPTEMBER 2014

VOLUME: 04 ISSUE: 02

I M E L D A M A Y P22 6 GO FOR IT A rundown of what's hot and happening throughout the country.

international success and famous fans.

interviewed about the company's remarkable success.

35 JACK REYNOR The new kid on the Hollywood block on swapping low-budget Irish cinema for the glamour of Transformers.

48 GO EAT We join top impressionist Mario Rosenstock for dinner and a chat.

38 GO SPORT Ahead of the Ryder Cup, champion golfer Des Smyth talks about the allure of the competition.

52 WILD ATLANTIC WAY A new way to take in some of Ireland's great beauty spots

26 MICHAEL FASSBENDER Our heartthrob-in-chief speaks exclusively.

40 EMMA DONOGHUE Booker-winning author Donoghue explains why she took the plunge into historical fiction.

58 GO FASHION The looks to be seen in this season

30 ROSANNA DAVISON The leading model talks marriage, health and why Ireland will always be high in her affections.

41 MY FAVOURITE TRAIN JOURNEY RTÉ's John Creedon on his love for the CorkDublin train line.

32 HARLAN COBEN The best-selling crime novelist discusses

44 GO BUSINESS Tom Keogh of luxury crisp brand Keogh's is

18 TRAIN NEWS All your up-to-date train news from Iarnrod Eireann Irish Rail.

22 IMELDA MAY Ireland's national treasure on music, family and Barack Obama.

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62 GO REVIEW Our team of reviewers cast their eye over the latest albums, books and DVDs.

Kathrin Baumbach

CREDITS JULY - SEPT 2014 VOLUME: 04 ISSUE: 02 MANAGING EDITOR

Máirín Sheehy

COMMISSIONING EDITOR

Roisin Dwyer

CONTRIBUTORS

Stuart Clark Craig Fitzpatrick Paul Trainer Colm O' Regan Dean Ruxton Dave Hanratty Roe McDermott Anne Sexton Ed Power

DESIGN & PRODUCTION

Hot Press 13 Trinity Street Dublin 2

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DESIGN & PRODUCTION

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PUBLISHER

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GO RAIL IS PUBLISHED FOR IARNRÓD ÉIREANN BY: Osnovina Ltd 13 Trinity Street

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One Direction in Croke Park

Dublin 2

TELEPHONE

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FAX

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EMAIL

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LETTERS

The Editor, Go Rail Magazine, 13 Trinity St Dublin

While every effort has been made to ensure the information in this magazine is correct, the publishers cannot accept any responsibilities for

W H Y I T ' S B ET TER

– AND SAFER - TO TAKE THE TRAIN Y

ou are sitting on a train. It is just about the most comfortable and comforting place you could possibly be right now, watching the world go by the window and relaxing into a pleasant journey, nourished by a bit of light reading.

errors. The views contained in this magazine are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Iarnród Eireann.

All material © Osnovina 2014. All rights reserved.

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

For regular passengers, the benefits of rail travel don’t need to be hyped. It is just about as good as it gets. Which is why it is gratifying to see that the number of people travelling by train has increased by 2.7% in the first six months of 2014. A remarkable 18.3 million train journeys were completed over that period, compared to 17.8 million in the same period in 2013. Trains remain at the centre of Irish life – and a good thing it is too.

A number of factors contributed to the rise. The economic mood is far more positive than a year previously. Businesses are fighting their way back to profitability. There has been growth in the Irish economy, which has helped, as people make more business trips. There have been special promotions too, which have encouraged people to choose the train ahead of other modes of transport. And finally, special events like the three One Direction concerts in Croke Park also created a higher intensity of usage. In particular the Dublin-Cork route has been flourishing, with an increase of over 7% in passenger

04

journeys.

One of the great advantages of rail travel is its enviable safety record here. There are hundreds of casualties every year on the roads in Ireland. Often individual drivers are directly responsible, as they take unnecessary and irresponsible risks that lead to fatalities. But very frequently, innocent drivers and their passengers also become victims as a result of someone else’s error; or indeed because of a blowout, a heart attack that someone has while driving or other unavoidable events.

In contrast, on a purely day to day level, travelling by train is, literally, a comfort zone. You roll up, get on board and relax for the duration of the journey, free of the stress and anxiety that afflict drivers as they get stuck in traffic or try to make up for lost time, the spectre of penalty points hanging over them.

Here you can read, listen to music, open the laptop and use the in-service wifi to carry on a bit of business – or even fall asleep for a short while. So relax. You’ll be at your destination in no time at all...

Enjoy the Waterford Crystal Factory Experience.

Book your tour online today.

NOW JUICING IN HEUSTON STATION ENJOY OUR DELICIOUS RANGE OF MADE TO ORDER FRESH JUICES AND SMOOTHIES, NUTS AND OTHER HEALTHY SNACKS.

To book your factory tour visit waterfordvisitorcentre.com the largest collection of Waterford Crystal in the world or phone +353 (0)51 317000

www.waterfordvisitorcentre.com

follow us on

www.jumpjuicebar.com

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!

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20/06/2014 12:57

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EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS

BIRMINGHAM MAIL

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TUE 8 - SAT 26 JULY

bordgaisenergytheatre.ie www.dirtydancingontour.com

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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 CO L M O ' R E G A N & D E A N R U X TO N EMILIA KRYSZTOFIAK

GO FOR IT

ELECTRIC

DREAMS

For over a decade, Electric Picnic has brought the summer to a close with a bang. One of the biggest and brightest festivals around returns to Stradbally, between Laois August 29 – 31 with a truly mouth-watering bill. Where to start? How about with a freshly-reunited, iconic hip hop duo? Outkast are back, with a small number of festival-only dates on their radar, the Picnic among them. Then there’s a reinvigorated Pet Shop Boys, a top-of-her-game St. Vincent and the classic power pop of Debbie Harry’s Blondie. All that and the likes of Portishead, Beck, The Horrors, Chic and much, much more. Elsewhere, if you amble over to the Body And Soul area, you're likely to wind up spending an entire night among its soothing distractions. We say every year that this should be the best one yet, because it usually is...

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KING OF THE CASTLE

Funeral Suits

Set in the grounds of Tullamore’s Charleville Castle, Castlepalooza is one of Ireland’s most notable boutique festivals. This year’s bash boasts an impressive line-up featuring numerous top Irish bands, such as Funeral Suits, VANN Music, Blades Club and O Emperor. The likes of Summer Camp and Gruff Rhys are on hand to add a slightly more international feel to proceedings. That most elusive of festival luxuries – hot showers – are available on-site and whether you’re staying in campsites 'eenie', 'meenie' or 'miney', this festival is eclectic enough that you’ll never run out of things to do. Catch the festivities in Offaly’s finest castle grounds from August 1 – 3.

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GOFOR IT

WEST INTENTIONS Hosting events in venues both intimate and king-sized, this year’s Galway Arts Festival takes over the City Of The Tribes from July 14 - 27.

Catch Brooklyn indie rockers and regular welcome visitors The National or Irish superstars like Imelda May and The Coronas in the festival’s phenomenal Big Top, or pop along to panel discussions covering diverse topics such as how cities can function as a landscape for art, and exploring whether urban living can truly make us happy. The festival also plays host to a number of exciting plays and art exhibitions, with musicians such as Cathy Davey and Declan O’Rourke gracing the renowned Roisin Dubh.

Imelda May

DANCE THE

NIGHT AWAY The smash hit Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage returns to the Bord Gais Energy Theatre for two weeks this summer (July 8 – 26) as part of its Ireland and UK tour. Seen by over five million people (and counting!) worldwide, this stage adaptation of the classic Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey '80s film has taken on a life of its own. Penned by the original writer and producer of the film, the spectacular production features dialogue from the original with a few additional twists. The iconic soundtrack is brought to life with phenomenally choreographed dance routines that make for an extremely enjoyable live experience.

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A ROSE

BY ANY

OTHER

NAME

It really wouldn't be an Irish summer without The Rose of Tralee. Celebrating 55 years in 2014, the Kerry event is one of the longest running events in the country and regularly draws a large, enthusiastic crowd as young women of Irish descent from across the globe gather in Kerry to vie for the title of Rose. Last year’s event even had an onstage proposal, so who knows what will happen this time out!

It all goes down between August 15 – 19 so get involved and don’t miss an exciting mix of street performances, live music, theatre and markets.

A PASSION

FOR FASHION Style and elegance will be on colourful display from September 5 – 7 as the annual Dublin Fashion Festival hits the capital. With over 200 retailers lining up to showcase their wares, DFF offers an exciting blend of street and designer fashion events across the city centre.

With runway shows during the day and night and lots of with in-store activities throughout the festival, there is something for everybody.

Championing Irish retailers, the festival will feature apparel from popular stores such as Brown Thomas, Cleary’s, Stephens Green, Jervis and BT2.

There will also be designs from the Creative Quarter, while celebrated Irish designers will look to leave their mark on this chic and savvy event. Watch out for some famous faces throughout the festival, as the cream of Ireland’s fashionistas are set to appear. Last year saw Darren Kennedy, Brendan Courtney and Sonya Lennon all participate.

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GOFOR IT Dara O Briain

THEIR NEIGH

H A S CO M E The Dublin Horse Show is a highlight of the city’s sporting and social calendars. First held in 1864, it is a Dublin institution and among the largest events held in the country, as tens of thousands (from home and abroad) flock to this pinnacle of equestrian sport. There’s so much going on at the prestigious RDS event, which runs August 6 – 10. The Horse Show brings together live music, art, fashion and gourmet food. However, there is a serious element to the sporting action – top national and international show jumpers fight it out for around a million euro worth of prize money over the five days. Ladies’ Day, with prizes for the best dressed, is always a highlight, whilst the centrepiece is the hotly-contested FEI Nations Cup, which sees Ireland and seven other nations vying for the prestigious Aga Khan trophy.

MARK NIXON

EVERYONE'S A COMEDIAN

The Vodafone Comedy Festival (July 24 - 27) is back in the Iveagh Gardens for its fourth outing this summer. This year’s stellar line-up promises to build on the festival’s already impressive reputation.

Irish favourites Dara O Briain, Maeve Higgins and David O’Doherty will all be there, and there’s also a strong international feel to this year’s programme with the likes of Russell Howard, Jason Manford, Al Murray and South Africa’s Trevor Noah coming to town. Although the festival is still relatively young, it has quickly become a staple of summer time in the city. The event, which has a capacity of 20,000, takes place in four fully-seated tents in Dublin’s scenic Iveagh Gardens. We’re looking forward to checking out Rhys ‘The Manager from Flight of the Concords’ Darby and the co-creator of Chapelle’s Show, Neal Brennan.

PENN MIGHTIER THAN

THE SWORD?

The Nittany Lions of Penn State and the Knights of the University of Central Florida will compete in the Croke Park Classic on August 30. It is the first time that the either team have played outside of the United States, and the first time that American Football has been played in GAA HQ since 1996.

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UCF enjoyed an outstanding year in 2013, while Penn State is one of the most decorated schools in the college game. Of course, the game is only part of the experience; pep rallies, a tailgate party in Temple Bar and all the glitz and glamour of the gridiron means this will ensure weekend full of excitement.

GOLDEN T E R RA The Terracotta Warriors exhibition at The Ambassador, Dublin, is a chance to journey into the vast and fascinating tombs of the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang. After his death, he was sealed into his final resting place with over 8,000 lifelike, full-size clay bodyguards. Running from now until October 5, the Dublin venue is housing a display of over 150 perfect replicas of the famous terracotta statues. This world-renowned reconstruction is a unique opportunity to explore one of the most astonishing and important archaeological discoveries of all time.

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

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GOFOR IT

CELTIC TIGER

The Tiger Dublin Fringe festival – a showcase for new and emerging talent in the arts from all corners of the globe – comes to Dublin from September 5 – 20. For 16 days, the capital will be taken over as every nook and cranny of the city is filled with the best in theatre, music, street spectacle, dance, comedy and just about anything else that flourishes and inspires. Jape and a Fringe-exclusive AV show by DJ Kormac are just a couple of the highlights. The shows take place in various venues and ticket prices for events vary.

DJ Kormac

MURPHY S LAW

Enda Walsh and Cillian Murphy reunite for a two-week run of Ballyturk at Dublin’s Olympia Theatre. One of the year’s most anticipated theatrical events, the play is Walsh’s first new production in four years.

Starring alongside Murphy will be Walsh’s long-time collaborator

Mikel Murfi, as well as the inimitable Stephen Rea. Described as “gutwrenchingly funny and achingly sad”, the play, running August 7 – 23, is an opportunity to see some of Ireland’s finest acting talents up close and in the flesh. Make sure to bring a few tissues though, just in case...

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HORSING AROUND

Bulmers Live at Leopardstown Racecourse combines two of Ireland’s passions – horse racing and music – in one awesome night out. On Thursday nights throughout the summer, top action on the track is combined with shows from a range of artists, both from Ireland and further afield.

Highlights of this year’s programme include guitar legend Johnny Marr on August 7 and 'baggy' icons The Charlatans, August 14. Some racing, top tunes, and a few cold ciders to wash it all down – can a summer’s evening get any better?

Johnny Marr

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GOFOR IT

Events don’t get more scenic than the Cape Clear Island International Storytelling Festival. Now in its 20th year, the festival – which this year runs September 5-7 – has gained a reputation as being one of the world’s finest celebrations of the art of storytelling, and draws both performers and spectators from the UK, USA and Europe every year. Situated eight miles off the Cork coast, the picturesque island is the perfect location to enjoy a programme that includes a free Heritage Walk, children’s workshops and dances, as well as the main attraction of some of the greatest storytellers from both Ireland and abroad performing through the weekend, including Kevin Kling and Feargal Lynn. For more information visit capeclearstorytelling.com

BLAST FROM THE PAST

If you want to explore Ireland’s past and experience history the fun way, the Athenry Heritage Centre is the perfect starting point to discover the best preserved medieval town in the country. Located in St. Mary’s Church, the centre’s ‘Medieval Experience' provides visitors both young and old the opportunity to get dressed up in medieval costume, engage with exhibits of armour and weapons, visit the Market Square and see the dark side of life in the dungeon of horror. Discover your inner Robin Hood and test your skills with the centre's Have-A-GoArchery activity! It’s certainly worth a shot…For further details visit athenryheritagecentre.com

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WHAT'S

THE STORY?

AATTRACTION SPARKLING

Waterford Crystal is a world-renowned institution, and you can create memories every bit as precious as its glassware with a tour of their factory! In the heart of Waterford city, the House of Waterford Crystal gives you the chance to see this centuries-old craft for yourself. From the heat of the furnace to the extraordinary skill of the hand marking and cutting departments, the process that creates these wonderful examples of Irish art will blow you away. After the tour, you’ll also have the chance to treat someone special – or, indeed, yourself – in the retail store, which houses the largest collection of Waterford Crystal in the world. Tours can be booked at waterfordvisitorcentre.com

KNOCK HOUSE HOTEL

TIPPER ARY HOUSE DUBLIN

A warm welcome always awaits you at Knock House Hotel, we treat all our guests as friends and our attention to your every need will ensure you will have a really relaxing and enjoyable break. Knock House Hotel is superbly located in the tranquil village of Knock, Co Mayo, just minutes from Knock Shrine, this Hotel is in the heart of the unspoilt countryside, beside 100 acres of picturesque Shrine grounds.

OVER 55’S MARCH SPECIAL OFFER • 2 Nights Accommodation • Full Irish Breakfast each morning • 2 Four Course Evening Meals in our Four Seasons Restaurant

BUDGET ACCOMODATION 7 PAR KGATE STREET, DUBLIN 8, PH: 01 6795317 WWW.TIPPER ARYHOUSEDUBLIN.COM

ALL FOR € 116. (Offer only available in March 2014)

OVER 55’S APRIL SPECIAL OFFER • 2 Nights Accommodation • Full Irish Breakfast each morning • 2 Four Course Evening Meals in our Four Seasons Restaurant

HEUSTON STATION RECOMMEND US AS THEIR PREFER RED LUGGAGE STOR AGE PROVIDERS, JUST 2 MINUTES WALK AWAY WE PROVIDED LUGGAGE STOR AGE FROM 8AM-8PM

ALL FOR €159. (Offer only available in April 2014) Call Karen on 094 9388088 to avail of these special offers.

KNOCK HOUSE HOTEL, KNOCK, CO MAYO Email: info@knockhousehotel.ie / Web: www.knockhousehotel.ie Telephone : 00353 (0)94 9388088

AGE TOR E S G A G LUG

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BREAK THE CYCLE A SMOOTH JOURNEY Now in its eighth year, The Sean Kelly Tour Of Waterford cycling extravaganza invites both amateur and experienced cyclists to get stuck in. Taking place at the tail end of summer from August 23 – 24, participants will have the opportunity to take in the stunning landscape of the Déise while working up a sweat! Originally a celebration of Carrick-on-Suir cyclist Sean Kelly’s success in the sport, the tour has grown with each passing year and guarantees enjoyment for both casual and dedicated cyclists. The 12k ‘Kelly Spin’ caters for all ages and offers fun for the whole family, with Dungarvan the perfect picturesque backdrop.

Passengers travelling through Heuston have a new way to get some pep in their step, as Jump juice bars have recently opened a new store in the station. The Waterford company, founded 11 years ago, has 19 locations across the country and employs in the region of 100 people. With made to order fresh juices, smoothies, boosted smoothies and other healthy treats, it’s a perfect way to start a day or give yourself a little pick-me-up; either way, it’ll certainly make your journey even more enjoyable. What are you waiting for? Go ahead and Jump!

SEVENTH HEAVEN Thomond Park is the venue for the inaugural Limerick World Club 7s Festival, August 9 – 10. Featuring a star-studded line up of teams from both hemispheres, the home of Munster rugby will welcome 12 sides battling it out to be crowned champions. These events, however, are as notable for the action in the stands as the action on the field, and this time will be no different. The theme for the weekend is ‘Superheroes’, so get your underpants outside your trousers and have some fun! There is even a dedicated ‘Family Zone’ to entertain the little ones, so there’s no excuse not to head Shannonside and join in the party.

MASTERS OF

THEIR CRAFT

For those tired of the usual fare, the Irish Craft Beer & Cider Festival 2014 (September 4 – 7, RDS) presents a perfect chance to expand the palate. Featuring over 100 beers and ciders from across the land, the event also includes artisan food stalls, so it won’t just be a liquid lunch.

You’ll be able to learn the tricks of the trade in masterclasses and interview sessions with the experts, and the brewers will be on hand to discuss the art behind your favourite tipples. Over 10,000 attendees are expected, so it will make a change from the “quiet few down the pub”!

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SPRAOI

RIDE

IMMA BELIEVER Running from July 18 – 26, IMMA’s Summer Rising Festival on their beautiful Kilmainham grounds promises to be a top-notch celebration of all things art, music, performance and food. Summer Rising should keep both adults and kids enthralled, with the 10-day event boasting a delightfully mixed bag of shows. Some top picks include the Brazilian artist Hélio Oiticica’s major exhibition ‘Propositions,’ and sets by Gang Colours, Donal Dineen and David Kitt, with other live music to be announced. All daytime activities are free and tickets for the night time events start at ¤15

Waterford is set to host its annual Spraoi Festival, an international showcase of street arts, between August 1 – 3. “Spraoi” is the Irish word for “fun” and this festival aims to live up to its name. With over 200 street theatre and music performances on the ticket, it’s set to attract over 30,000 visitors of all ages. Celebrations will go out with a bang on the third day as the Spraoi Parade takes off; a melange of fancy dress, exotic floats and performance that promises to wash Ireland’s oldest city in a sea of colour.

If you haven’t been to Donabate Beach, North County Dublin, you’re missing out on a beautiful site of stunning coastline washed by the dramatic waters of the Irish Sea. B&B rates from 65 Euro pps per night in one of our amazing seaview rooms.

PUCK OF THE IRISH

Our Golf & Dinner Package is priced at 59 Euro pp and includes a round of golf at the famous Corballis Links Golf Course and a 4 course Table d’Hote Dinner at the Award Winning Samphire Restaurant

With more than 400 years of history behind it, this annual festival in the heart of Kerry is sure to leave a rich, cultural impression. Running from August 10 - 12, the Puck Fair is definitely one of Ireland’s more unique festivals. Various different stories abound detailing how the fair came to be, but one thing that’s certain is that there will be a cattle fair. Every year a local school girl is deemed Queen Puck, chosen by a short essay written about the fair. An unsuspecting mountain goat is plucked from the wilds of Kerry and selected as King Puck, with King and Queen later paraded around the town. There are also market stalls offering fine jewellery and Puck memorabilia. Meanwhile, the pubs stay open until 3am during festival hours so everyone gets the chance to raise a pint to King Puck. You’ll never see anything else like it!

TO BOOK please contact the Waterside House Hotel at 01 8436153 or www.watersidehousehotel.ie Quote: GoRail at time of booking

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GONEWS

OVER ONE MILLION CONVERSATIONS STARTED BY GREEN RIBBON CAMPAIGN 1,656,654 conversations started on mental health during Green Ribbon 2014

Waterford rockfall

Barry Kenny, Manager, Corporate Communications, Iarnród Éireann and Sorcha Lowry, SeeChange Ireland pictured at the launch of this year’s Green Ribbon Campaign.

I

n May 2014, See Change rolled out the second annual Green Ribbon campaign to get Ireland talking about mental health. 300,000 green ribbons were distributed nationwide and free of charge in conjunction with partner organisations including Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail. This social movement to encourage a national conversation about mental health was led by 90 See Change partner organisations, various workplaces and community groups, hundreds of supporters and volunteers and an unprecedented 50 campaign ambassadors with real-life experience of mental health problems, ready to share their own stories and help others end stigma Look what you and one simple ribbon achieved: • 1,201,783 was the potential reach of national media pieces alone (of a total of 149 media pieces including 75 ambassador stories) • 116,484 conversations started by volunteers

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• •

• •

•

• •

and supporters (who organised 282 community events and initiatives) 1 12,951 Green Ribbon promo materials distributed nationwide 1 03,484 conversations started by See Change partner organisations (who organised 116 Green Ribbon events and initiatives) 58,083 online conversations 3 1,380 conversations started in workplaces (where 107 Green Ribbon events and initiatives took place) 9 84 gifted outdoor advertising spots by distribution partners Iarnród Éireann, Citizens Information as well as Dublin Bus and Frangos Dundrum.

5 05 Green Ribbon events and initiatives in May 2014 How did we measure this? 1 interaction, attendee or green ribbon = 1 conversation

Funeral Suits play Castelpalooza

Rose Of Tralee Festival Galway Races

Royal Deluxe will take part in the Limerick, City Of Cuture celebrations

ON TRACK TO SUMMER WITH IARNRÓD ÉIREANN I

arnród Éireann Irish Rail will be bringing thousands to concerts, matches and festivals through the summer months. Here is a sample of events that are easily accessible by rail.

The Galway Arts festival runs until July 27, with a myriad of cultural events taking place throughout the city. Music lovers will be treated to a performance by Cathy Davey at the Roisin Dubh on the final day of the festival, a Sunday (meanwhile cult songwriter Mark Geary plays Monroes on the Friday night, July 25). You can also catch the first ever run of the new Enda Walsh play Ballyturk, starring Cork actor Cillian Murphy. There's lots of comedy too, including surreal comic Milton Jones, again at the Roisin Dubh Friday July 25.

Get your heart racing at the Galway racing festival from 30th July to 3rd August. Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail will be running extra services throughout the festival. Enjoy the chilled vibes

at Castlepalooza festival which takes place in Tullamore from 1st and 2nd August. The Rock n’ Roll Dublin Half marathon take place on Bank Holiday Monday 4th August, a great fun event, which raises much needed funds for sick children.

The Dublin Horse Show will take place in the RDS from 6 to 10 August. The thrills of the Aga Khan Trophy and the puissance are not to be missed. The show grounds are just a few minutes’ walk from Sandymount Station. The Kilkenny Arts Festival kicks off from 8th to 17th August and has a comprehensive programme of events that will be of interest to many including a performance of William Shakespeare's Much Ado about Nothing by the Globe Theatre company.

The Rose of Tralee International Festival kicks off August 15. The veteran festival sees thousands of people attending from all over the world. The boutique Electric Picnic Festival will take place from 29tht to 31st August at Stradbally Hall in Laois. The site

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is easily accessible from both Portlaoise and Portarlington Stations. The signature event of Limerick, City of Culture will take place from 5th to 8th September. World Theatre sensation Royal De Lux is bringing its Giant Saga spectacular to Ireland for the first time ever. Limerick will be transformed as the massive giant rambles through the streets, transfixing audiences for 72 hours of free entertainment. The Giant will arrive by train on the morning of 5th September.

Mountains to Sea DLR Book Festival takes place 12th to 14th of September in venues throughout Dún Laoghaire. Mountains to Sea DLR Book Festival hosts acclaimed writers from all over the world alongside Irish literary talent reading from work. There will be over 70 events over the course of six days.

Together with the GAA championship season the summer promises to be varied and exciting and what better way to see the sights than by train.

ruth medjber

Cathy Davey plays the Roisin Dubh

Garth Brooks

xxxxx

GONEWS

THE JOURNEY’S ON US!

Iarnród Éireann To Offer Free Trips For Community, Voluntary & Charity Groups In 2014

Pupils from Scoil Iosaef Naofa, Cobh, along with RTE Radio 1’s Derek Mooney and Ray Foley, station manager, Kent Station, Cork at the launch of the ‘Journey’s On Us’ campaign.

“T

he Journey’s On Us” will provide 100 groups with a free travel return journey for up to 50 people per group during 2014, meaning 5,000 free journeys are on offer across the company’s services. The travel facilities are ideal, in particular, for organisations bringing a group to a special event, or as part of a specific support to the members of the group which requires travel.

Iarnród Éireann Chief Executive David Franks explains “Voluntary organisations are the life blood of communities across the country.

However, like everyone, their budgets have been cut. We know there are youth, sports,

music, voluntary, charity and other groups in the community who would benefit greatly from being able to undertake initiatives which involve a travel cost, but have had to scale back. We in Iarnród Éireann, through The Journey’s On Us, want to do what we can to help such groups achieve their goals, and say thank you to the organisations which play such a vital role in the daily lives of communities. The initiative is now in its third year with the interest and amount of groups applying has grown significantly each year, which we are absolutely delighted with.”

Last year, over 750 groups applied for the scheme, and organisations ranging from Men’s Sheds to choirs, Special Olympics to Girl Guides,

and groups representing youth and elderly, benefited from ‘The Journey’s On Us’. Last year we offered for the first time a special prize for the winning group that submitted the most interesting and inspirational account of their day travelling with us. The winner of the prize was Special Hands Activity Group from Kells, Co. Meath.

The initiative is being supported nationally

by RTÉ Radio 1’s Mooney Show. This year’s competition was launched by Brenda Donohue at Ceannt Railway Station, Galway on June 12th last. Brenda was joined by Galway Community Circus, a winner of one of the trips last year. The Mooney Show will also feature successful groups throughout the year.

SHIP AHOY! Some Rosslare Line Services Departure And Arrival Times Have Changed To Provide Greater Ferry Connectivity For The Summer Season

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arnród Éireann Irish Rail has amended service times on the Rosslare line from 3rd June 2014 until 31st August 2014 to provide greater connectivity for those returning to Ireland by ferry through Rosslare Europort over the summer months. • The 17:55 Rosslare Europort to Connolly is now deferred until 18:35 Monday to Saturday.

• The 17:36 Connolly to Wexford service now departs at usual time but there will be an extended journey time between Gorey and

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Wexford with an arrival time of 20:27 into Wexford Monday to Friday.

• On Sundays the 17.40 Rosslare Europort to Connolly is deferred to 18:35.

Customers are advised to check times before travelling at www.irishrail.ie Given the greater connectivity now is your chance to take a trip to many of the great destinations from Rosslare Europort. For great value sail rail ticket options please contact us at 1850 366 222 or info@ irishrail.ie

GET ON BOARD THE DUBLIN BAY HOPPER – THE WORLD’S FIRST EXCLUSIVE HOP-ON HOP-OFF TOUR TRAIN!

Blackrock Park

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ailtours Ireland First Class and Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail have launched the world’s first ever hop-on-hop-off train tour. This branded two-car DART tour train, complete with full commentary by renowned Railtours Ireland hosts, travels from the city centre and explores the spectacular south Dublin coastline as far as Bray, Co. Wicklow.

The Dublin Bay Hopper departs from Dublin Connolly Station every two hours and calls at specially selected stops allowing visitors to experience the many and varied attractions to be found near each station. Tourists and locals alike can visit pretty coastal villages, local markets, towers and castles, enjoy stunning cliff and

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harbour walks, experience fabulous seafood bars and restaurants – only a short walk from the train stations.

Dublin Bay Hopper adult tickets are available at only €19.00 and are valid on the Dublin Bay Hopper and include unlimited travel on the entire DART network for two consecutive days, including first day of issue. Hopper stops include Connolly, Tara St., Pearse St., Grand Canal Dock, Lansdowne Road, Sandymount, Blackrock, Dun Laoghaire, Dalkey, Killiney & Bray. Tickets are available from any hotel concierge, DART Stations, dublinbayhopper.com or at Railtours House, 16 Amiens Street, Dublin 1, Ireland (opposite Connolly Station). For more details see dublinbayhopper.com or call +353 18560045.

KATHRIN BAUMBACH

Dalkey Castle

GOFEATURE

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SHE’S DUETED WITH BONO, SANG FOR BARACK OBAMA AND FILLED DUBLIN’S O2 SEVERAL TIMES OVER. IMELDA MAY TALKS TO GO RAIL ABOUT MOTHERHOOD, MUSIC AND HOW DUBLIN MADE HER THE MUSICIAN SHE IS TODAY.

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he pride of Dublin, Imelda May will soon be bound for Las Vegas but before she heads for the US, she’s got “mammy” duties to take care of, packing to do and journalists to talk to – yours truly included.

daunting one, but the singer is pragmatic – though she readily admits she doesn’t have enough hours in the day at present.

“The last time we had an album coming out it was much the same,” she says. “Of course, it’s different now with the baby. She’s great though, she’s no problem. I have great fun with her. It’s just mad for any campaign around an album. Luckily, it doesn’t feel like I’ve jumped straight in because I had the normal process of writing the album and then recording, mixing it, mastering it, going through all the artwork and everything. This is the bit that’s just crazy though.

I wish I could clone meself for this next little bit of time. I just had my accountant ring up and say ‘are you sure there is not one day that you can meet me until next month?’. I was looking at my calendar and there was not one single day. It’s nuts but good nuts.”

This artist thrives on the action and chaos.

“I’d rather this than sitting around with tumbleweed,” she nods. “One of my biggest hates in life is boredom.

I hate being bored more than anything.”

Having started performing at the tender age of 16, the young Imelda immersed herself in her beloved rockabilly and finally dragged that swinging sound and brilliantly bequiffed culture back into the mainstream – and, let’s be honest, it doesn’t get much more mainstream than Credit Union ads.

That side of things achieved, she didn’t expect to proceed to take on something akin to an ambassadorial role for the country. She’s quickly become our go-to person if we need to, say, impress the Queen Of England.

May burst out laughing at the thought.

“Oh God, I’d never thought about it like that before!

Amidst bags of clothes and frantic cooking, the tired but content singer exclaims: “I’m like a mad woman today!”

It’s been four years since May’s breakthrough record, Mayhem. Much has changed, both professionally and personally.

There have been US and UK TV appearances, collaborations with a galaxy of stars – including Bono, Elvis Costello and the late Lou Reed – and a consensus seems to have formed that May has more or less ascended to national treasure status.

On a personal level, there’s also the small matter of the now 20-month old for whom she’s currently cooking. Violet Kathleen Higham, the daughter of May and her husband and guitarist Darrel, arrived into the world in August 2012. This will be their first separation.

“I’ve never left her before. I’m emotional,” she says in that familiar sing-song voice of hers. “We were bringing her with us, had a flight booked and everything. We were planning on staying on for a few extra days and I wouldn’t leave her that long. But now it’s a three day trip, it might not be good for her physically. An 11 hour flight, a gig, and an 11 hour flight back? I don’t think that would be fair.”

Imelda May is re-entering the fray with her fourth album Tribal. You suspect the prospect of promotion work and mammoth touring with a baby on board is a

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GOFEATURE

“IT’S DIFFERENT NOW

WITH THE BABY.” That’s quite scary when you put it like that! I just go with the flow. I’ve no ambitions to be an ambassador for Ireland but I’m very happy to represent normal people and fly the flag. Put on a nice frock, scrub myself up, say ‘hi’.”

Does she find herself bumping into familiar famous faces on the “national treasure” circuit – a ‘ah look, there’s Daniel Day-Lewis again’ kind of thing?

“A few of those, yeah! The Irish gang are great abroad. I’ve got to do a lot of these mad things.

Performing for the royal family in Monaco, Prince Albert and Princess Caroline, for example. Mental things! You see the way people act around all these sorts of events and – rightly so – they get impressed and nervous. But us Irish, while obviously delighted to be there, never take ourselves too seriously. We always end up having a laugh. There’s a bit of banter backstage as well, which you have to have.”

Having played for the US President at his College Green gathering, can she say who is the bigger charmer – Michael D Higgins or Barack Obama?

“Oh Michael D!” she says without missing a beat. “He’s a big supporter of the arts, you see,

so I love him for that. And I have to say, he gives a rousing speech, doesn’t he? Every time he speaks you just want to jump to your seat and say ‘yeah! I agree!’”

Once in possession of a “wish list” of artists she’d like to work with, for now she’s focused mainly on her own band. Just as well. There can’t be too many legendary names left out there to cross off that list.

In 2010, she re-recorded Mayhem’s ‘Kentish Town Waltz’ with the late, great Lou Reed.

“I’d been a big fan of his for years,” May says.

“That was just one of my favourite days on Earth. I flew over to work with him and Tony Visconti, who I’m a fan of too. It actually came about through Tony. He heard the song, played it to Lou and he wanted to do a cover of it. It was a bizarre thing because it wasn’t a record company set-up or a sales pitch. There were no other forces putting it together. I like these things to happen naturally, to just bump into somebody and have something happen. That’s how I think it’s supposed to go and it makes it flow better. I didn’t even put it as an extra track on my album or anything because the album was already out. So it was just bizarre and wonderful.

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Perfect for me!”

Often considered to be gruff and unapproachable, did Reed’s public persona dovetail with the reality?

“When Lou came in, I think he was just in from Germany and he was a bit jet-lagged. So we were going through what needed to happen and he was a bit funny with me at first. I was all dolled up. I’d fixed myself up, put a little lippy on.

He kinda kept looking at me as if to say ‘who’s this dolly bird I’ve got to sing with?’. I was in the room and he said to Tony, ‘I love this song, who wrote it?’. I said that I did. He just looked up, immediately changed in a split second and said ‘Oh!?’. From then on we got on really well for the rest of the day.

“He had me laughing my head off. He’s got this real New York accent and every time we did a duet together he’d turn to me and say: ‘man, you’re such great singer!’ Thanks, you’re not so bad yourself Louie! “ This summer, May takes that voice on the road once more.

“Multitasking like every other working mother in the world,” she notes. “Nothing different. But I’m lucky that I can bring my baby with me. I’m aware of that. I’ve lots to do, and like I said I hate being bored. I like being busy. I love my job, love touring the world, love being with my band. So it’s all good. Once I get a night’s sleep then I’m laughing!”

Tribal is out now. Imelda May plays The O2, Dublin on December 19 & 20

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GOFEATURE

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FRANKLY SPEAKING MICHAEL FASSBENDER TELLS ROE McDERMOTT ABOUT BEING AN ADRENALIN JUNKIE, INHABITING DARK AND COMPLEX CHARACTERS, AND WHY SOMETIMES IT TAKES PUTTING ON A MASK TO BE YOURSELF. P H O T O

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K AT H R I N

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reland’s most successful export since Guinness, Michael Fassbender has emerged from humble beginnings to become one of the world’s most exciting and acclaimed actors. First appearing on screens in just 2007, no-one could have guessed that Fassbender’s small role in the (somewhat ridiculous) action fantasy film 300 marked the beginning of a journey towards international recognition, emotionally probing roles and an Oscar nomination.

The 37-year-old’s remarkable filmography has seen him plumb the depths of history and human experience, indicating a desire to seek out difficult truths and complex emotions. From playing hunger striker Bobby Sands in Hunger, to a Lieutenant in Quentin Tarantino’s Inglorious Basterds, Edward Rochester in Jane Eyre, a sex addict in Shame and a slave owner in 12 Years A Slave, Fassbender has repeatedly revealed himself one of the best actors of his generation, proving an utterly magnetic force on screen.

But of course the question remains: how good an actor would he be if you hid that emotive visage under a giant bobble head?

It was a question asked by director Lenny

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B A U M B A C H

Abrahamson, who cast Fassbender in his quirky comedy Frank. Loosely based on writer Jon Ronson’s memories of Frank Sidebottom, the weird and wonderful tale of fame, excess and eccentricity sees Fassbender play the titular Frank; the enigmatic leader of an experimental band, who constantly hides in a giant papier mache head. When young Domhnall Gleeson joins the band, he sees the extremes of Frank’s creativity and also his anxieties, and realises that for some, wearing a mask may be the best way of being themselves.

“The script was just amazing,” smiles Fassbender, “it was so different and really made me laugh out loud. The character is brilliant too, I liked the whole concept of a guy who keeps this head on for these personal reasons, which I thought would be an interesting challenge for me. For whatever anxiety reasons or issues that he has, he feels more comfortable being behind a mask.”

Is that too easy a metaphor for Fassbender’s career as an actor?

“There is something to that, yeah. Even when I was in drama school and studying commeida dell’arte which explores masked characters, or

GOFEATURE

Michael Fassbender in X-Men: Days Of Future Past

"IT CAN BE A BIT DEPRESSING WHEN YOU COME OFF A JOB, BECAUSE THE NATURE OF THE WORK IS SO INTENSE. YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT EXACTLY TO DO WITH YOURSELF DURING THE DAY"

even if you’ve been to a masked ball or out on Hallowe’en, you have a greater sense of freedom when you’re hidden. In a lot of circumstances, you can have a lot of great actors who are, in ‘real’ life, naturally quite introverted, but they find when they’re playing other characters and are free from being ‘themselves’, they can express themselves in a very extrovert way. So this character is a deeper, more extreme version of that, where there are these deep-rooted issues that require him to do that and hide himself constantly.”

The role marks a huge departure from Fassbender’s last role; his Oscar-nominated turn as the vicious, sadistic slave owner Edwin Epps in 12 Years A Slave. Though Fassbender admits he tries to focus on the technical aspects of his work so he doesn’t get too bogged down in his characters’ dark emotional states, he readily concedes that filming the harrowing slavery tale took a lot out of him.

“I think there’s always going to be some residue that comes back with you. It’d probably be best to ask the people around me, but I’m probably grumpier than usual, in a slightly darker headspace. Shame was probably the worst; that character took a while to shake off.”

His explosive performances in both 12 Years A Slave and Shame were incredible in both their complexity and their intensity; two things Fassbender seems to crave. He admits that after

spending months exploring dark truths and extreme characters, real life can sometimes feel quite numb in comparison.

“Sometimes it can feel like an anti-climax; it can be a bit depressing when you come off a job, just because the nature of the work is so intense. And not just because of the characters, but because on set you get to meet and work with people who you become very close with over two or three months. A lot of the time they’re strangers when you meet them, but you have to connect with them immediately and very deeply and intensely. So that experience alone, when you leave it there can be a sag; you don’t know what exactly to do with yourself during the day.”

Not that his career and daredevil hobbies leave him that much free time. A self-confessed adrenalin junkie, Fassbender has just finished a five-thousand-mile motorbike trip around America with his father, and admits he is somewhat addicted to sky-diving.

“I like to do things that scare me, I like to try things that scare me. I like speed, I like to go fast, so I do enjoy that.”

In work as in life, it seems. This year also sees Fassbender return to Bryan Singer’s X-Men franchise, where he plays the villainous mutant Magneto. Bryan Singer’s film adaptations of the comic franchise have become known for their exciting pace, and also their intelligence.

The director himself has said that he uses the

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tale of the X-Men mutants as metaphor for the empowerment of disenfranchised groups, particularly the LGBT community. What with the combination of fantastic action, biting humour and a deep sense of social consciousness, Fassbender was eager to be involved, and says the upcoming X-Men: Days Of Future Past is set to be an exciting epic.

“This instalment is a lot bigger in scope than the last one,” he reveals, “as it spans from the past scenario to future – they run parallel so it’s big in concept and scope. And I enjoy the X-Men stories because of this idea of representing people who feel ostracised from society. Whether they’re on the fringes or misrepresented or ‘misfits’ , I think it’s a universal theme. I’ll be in somewhere like South America and they’ll still be changing ‘Magneto!’, because these stories ring true to people around the world. That’s what I like about it. And at the centre of that we have two characters, Eric and Charles, who have two different views of the conflict between mutants and humans. And if you take that theme and look at it as a metaphor for outsiders, whether that be because of someone’s sexual orientation or religion or ethnic background, it makes it different and a bit more interesting and unique than all the other comic book films out there.”

Interesting and unique, eh? Fassbender could well be describing himself.

IT’S IT’S IT’S SHOWTIME! SHOWTIME! SHOWTIME!

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Rose I N B LO O M A

She's one of Ireland's best-known celebrities. But, behind the glamorous exterior, what is model ROSANNA DAVISON really like?

She speaks exclusively to PAUL TRAINER PHOTO KI P C A R R O LL

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osanna Davison has spent 10 years as Ireland’s top model. This summer she embarked on a new stage in her life as she married Wesley Quirke and began looking towards a new career encouraging Irish people to live healthy lifestyles. The daughter of singer Chris De Burgh, Rosanna is a former Playboy cover star and one of the capital’s most recognisable personalities. The former Miss World spoke to Go Rail about her favourite parts of the city and plans for the future.

You work internationally: is there a positive response when you meet people and they find out you live in Ireland?

Most of the people I meet abroad have heard wonderful things. Many haven’t visited yet. I’m always urging foreigners to come to Dublin!

I always receive a positive response when I say I’m Irish. People abroad most definitely associate it with fun and friendliness.

What are the things you enjoy about Ireland, that make you glad to live here when you come home?

I love the size of the city, and how easy it is to walk from one place to another. I love the buzzy atmosphere - especially on a sunny summer’s day - and the great variety of restaurants, bars, cafes and shops. There’s always something to do and see. Plus, you’re guaranteed to bump into people you know when out and about.

You returned to college in Dublin recently and completed a nutrition qualification in February.

What motivated you to go back to the books?

I’m really passionate about nutrition and the impact that food has on your health and quality of life. I love being able to help my clients, family and friends to lead a life with improved energy, sleep, immunity and better protection from degenerative diseases. It’s incredibly rewarding to turn people’s lives around and encourage them to take responsibility for their own health rather than leave it in the hands of their pharmacist or GP. I’m also a big advocate of the importance of education. No matter what age you are, you can always learn something new.

You often post pictures of fruit smoothies

on your Instagram account and these seem very popular. What’s your favourite current combination and can you share some useful places to pick up healthy ingredients in Dublin?

I’m a big fan of green smoothies. I try to drink one daily for breakfast. I usually blend baby spinach with celery, parsley, pineapple, banana, ginger, lime, ice and sometimes a sliver of avocado to give it a creamy texture. I like to shop in the organic section of supermarkets plus farmer’s markets and health food shops like Nourish are great for more specialist ingredients. It’s so easy to eat a plant-based diet in Dublin and there are more options and alternatives than ever before.

People often say they don’t have time to cook healthy meals. What advice would you give readers?

Preparing healthy meals can be so easy and quick. Throwing a big salad together takes no time! Accompany that with a baked sweet potato and a blob of hummus and you have a really nourishing and easy meal. It’s just about putting a bit of thought into how to prepare the ingredients, but generally the more simple and unprocessed the better. I eat a lot of food raw so that cuts out the cooking time!

If you are eating out in Dublin, are there restaurants that you love?

I adore Rasam in Glasthule, a world-class Indian restaurant with a fantastic vegan and vegetarian section to the menu. The Rustic Stone is a favourite for its unique menu and fresh food and it caters for everyone. I also really like Yamamori as I’m a big fan of Japanese food.

How do you like to stay active?

I do a combination of running, weight training with Amanda Kelly in BodyByrne Fitness and pilates with Mags Clark-Smith in her Kilmacanogue studio. I try to work out six days a week.

Did healthy eating and exercise impact on your confidence to do things like catwalk shows in Germany or the Playboy shoot in Mauritius?

Yes, it’s absolutely integral to the job and you almost have to treat your body as carefully as an athlete would. So I’m extremely disciplined on the lead-up to big shoots and shows. I

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always allow myself to relax and enjoy a treat afterwards. It’s about balance!

You were recently hailed as Ireland’s most stylish lady at the VIP Style Awards. In terms of Irish boutiques or beauty professionals, who would you recommend?

Dublin has a really buoyant and exciting fashion scene with plenty of established and up-andcoming designers. One of my best friends is Dawn Fitzgerald, who runs her own shop in the Powerscourt Centre, called Dawn Fitzgerald Atelier. She creates stunning bespoke red-carpet and bridal gowns, and I often go to her when I have a big event to attend. I also borrow lots of party dresses from Starla Dresses on South William Street and I love Coco Boutique for its gorgeous girly jewellery, bags and dresses. I’m also a fan of Carter Beauty in Blackrock and Up To My Eyes in Greystones for all my beauty bits.

You just got married, congratulations! How did the day go?

We had our official wedding ceremony in Dublin, a really lovely intimate celebration with close family and friends, but we celebrate abroad with a larger group next month. We had a humanist ceremony in the Merrion Hotel – such a lovely way to get married and very personal. This year so far has been such an exciting whirlwind!

What are your plans and hopes for 2014 and beyond? Will nutrition be something that becomes part of your career?

I will definitely be focusing on my career in nutrition and health once I have the time after our honeymoon. I’m excited to launch the next step later in the year!

And finally, we noticed you have two gorgeous pet dogs. Where would you recommend for pet grooming and care?

I always bring our Pomeranians, Leo and Ted, to the Doggy Pet Spa at the DSPCA when they need a good wash, groom and a bit of a pamper. They love it, come home gorgeous and fluffy This article is from the 2014 edition of Best of Dublin. Pick up the magazine for great interviews with Nadia Forde, Amy Huberman, Joseph O'Connor and more

GOFEATURE

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AWAY WITH MURDER HE’S SOLD 70 MILLION BOOKS AND INCLUDES BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN, BILL CLINTON, DAN BROWN AND STEPHEN KING AMONG HIS CELEBRITY ADMIRERS. STUART CLARK MEETS KING OF THE CRIME NOVEL, HARLAN COBEN PHOTOS KATHRIN BAUMBACH

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orget ear to ear, American author Harlan Corben has perfected the art of the 360° smile.

That Kingly Twitter approval was being heaped on Missing You, Coben’s latest unputdownable crime romp, which has returned him to the top of US bestsellers list and is also lodged in the top 10 here. The intricately-plotted 345-pager goes against the genre grain by having a woman, NYPD Detective Kat Donovan, as its central character.

My girlfriend, who normally reckons cop thrillers to be macho tosh, loved how wellobserved she is.

“That’s really good to hear,” says Coben looking genuinely pleased. “When you’re a male embarking on writing a female lead you’re asking for trouble. I’ve always had problems with how women are portrayed – even by other women – in thrillers. Women in jeopardy, naive to the point of brain trauma, always doing something really stupid, getting in dumb situations… You’ve read it a million and one times. It wasn’t something I consciously thought about though, Kat’s just one of my lead characters the way the guys are.”

Does he have sisters to borrow character traits from?

“No, I was one of three boys. Very strong mother figure though; one of those early radical feminists marching in New York City with Gloria Steinam. She had these t-shirts made when I was a kid that said, ‘A woman’s place is in the house… and Senate!’ She also had a bumper sticker on the car proclaiming, ‘Women who seek to be equal to men lack ambition.’ My grandmother and aunts were the same, so I grew up surrounded by strong

The reason for his extreme chuffment is the tweet that was brought to his attention a few hours ago as he was checking into Dublin’s Merrion Hotel.

“Tell Stuart who the sender is !” urges his Irish PR person.

“Er, Stephen King…” the 52-year-old says somewhat bashfully.

“Read it to him!”

“Um, ‘The new Harlan Coben is twisty and terrific. The stuff about the cops’ wives is especially good. Beautiful observation. I’m jealous.’ Stephen King my tweet fan… I’m still in a state of shock!”

The fan club it turns out is entirely a mutual one.

“I’ve never met Stephen personally, but a few months ago he tweeted, ‘Happy Birthday!’ to me. So I started an email thanking him and realised I’ve probably read more of his pages than any other author. During my college days I devoured The Stand, The Shining, Dead Zone and Firestarter one after the other. Every so often you get a new honeymoon moment with him like Dr. Sleep. Although Philip Roth is my all-time favourite, King is probably my biggest influence because I’ve spent so much time with him. If you’re trying to think, ‘Who’s the Dickens of our era’ it’s probably Stephen King; a guy that’s popular but also doing some good stuff.”

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GOFEATURE

(Clockwise from left) Harlan Coben, Bruce Springsteen & The Sopranos

“AS SOON I GET BACK HOME I’M GOING TO SEE HOW MUCH SPACE 70 BOOKS TAKES UP AND THEN MULTIPLY BY A MILLION.” women. And my Dad who was my hero of heroes.”

One of the first people to get a copy of Missing You outside of Coben’s publishers was Bruce’s trusty E Street Band lieutenant Nils Lofgren.

“I actually got to know them because of Dublin,” he reveals. “The band were passing through town in 1999 as part of their reunion tour. Nils, who’s a massive thriller fan, spotted this tiny shop on Dawson Street, Murder Ink, which I’d also been delighted to discover because they were the only people in Ireland at the time to had my books on import. The owner, a guy called Michael who I think might have passed now, says, ‘I’ve got this guy from America called Harlan Coben that you ought to read.’ So Nils checks one of them out, falls head over heels in love with it and passes it around to the other E Street guys. A couple of months later I get a call at home saying, ‘Is this Harlan Coben?’ I say, ‘Yes, who is it? and he says, ‘Nils Lofgren. We’re back playing in New Jersey, do you want to come one of the shows? We’ll give you a seat upfront, bring you backstage and you can meet everybody.’

I was freaking out ‘cause I’d grown up with

Springsteen. Little did I know it would lead to really close friendships with Nils, Max Weinberg and Bruce’s manager John Landau. If it wasn’t for Michael, God bless, in Murder Ink in Dublin it probably wouldn’t have happened.”

Of all American states, New Jersey – or I should say, ‘Noo Joisy!’– is arguably No. 1 when it comes to self-mythologising.

“It’s certainly one of the most all-over-the-place states,” he laughs. “If you enter via-the New Jersey Turnpike or the Garden State Parkway it looks like a Terminator nightmare vision of the future, but I live in this old Victorian house built in 1865 with trees all around. It’s the suburbs of New York on one side and the suburbs of Philadelphia on the other with lots of farmland and stuff inbetween. It’s that weird identity which makes it so much fun to write about.”

There’s that great stat about the crime rate in New York and New Jersey going down 60% whenever The Sopranos was on.

“It was filmed in my area,” Coben says proudly.

“When my UK publishers came out years ago with a bunch of sales reps, I gave them a Sopranos tour. We went to the Bada Bing, which

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is actually the Satin Dolls – don’t ask me how I know that! – and Ramsey Outdoors, which is the shop Tony wins off his friend at the end of Season Two playing cards. The Mercedes dealership where his mistress worked and all that other stuff is within three or four miles of my house.

“What I’ve found is that the more I make my stuff ‘Everytown USA’ the deader I am. People want a sense of place, which I’m happy to give them because there are countless New Jersey stories to be told.”

Coben went to Boston’s Amherst College where one of Psi Upsilon fratmates was that other seller of preposterously large numbers of books, Dan Brown.

“We were friendly at college but we didn’t hang out together or anything because Dan was two years younger than me. We’ve become close since because we share fairly rarefied air that not too many people understand. The funny thing is that neither of us were really writing at Amherst. Dan had his heart set then on becoming a musician and indeed released a few albums.

Somebody else I went to college with who did have serious literary ambitions was David Foster Wallace. I lived next-door to him as a freshman.

Great guy whose death (Wallace hung himself in 2008) was beyond tragic.”

A daft question but has Harlan ever tried to visualise the space needed to put 70 million books in?

“It’s actually a great question!” he beams. “Are we talking hardcover or paperback? Some of them are obviously e-books… You know what? As soon as I get back home I’m going to see how much space 70 books takes up and then multiply by a million. I’ll let you know when I’ve done the math!”

Missing You is out now

JACK

GOFEATURE

THE NICE

Irish actor Jack Reynor is one of the hottest newcomers in Hollywood. As his blockbuster new movie, Transformers: Age of Extinction, hits cinemas the 24-year-old tells ROE McDERMOTT about the long road to ‘overnight’ success.

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GOFEATURE

W

alking into the Merrion Hotel, in Dublin I spot Jack Reynor lounging in an armchair, cool in a pair of expensive sunglasses. Has the famously good-natured star of What Richard Did transformed (pardon the pun) into a too-coolfor-school celebrity?

Reynor spots me, whips off the glasses to reveal a cut above his eye, and offers a bear hug. “I was so happy to be home I literally fell to my knees to kiss the ground – but my bag was pretty heavy and whacked the back of my head so I essentially curbed myself!”

That’s our boy.

The past year has been a whirlwind that could have easily turned a less mature man’s head – but the Dublin actor is still the grounded lad who starred in Kirsten Sheridan’s Dollhouse and Lenny Abrahamson’s What Richard Did. Clearly, Reynor is under no illusion about just how fortunate he is. After doing the festival circuit with What Richard Did in 2012, he took a chance and stayed in LA. With no money, and an endless stream of meetings that weren’t yielding results, he was down to his last $60 when offers finally started rolling in. Having landed a part in the Vince Vaughan comedy The Delivery Man and garnered stellar reviews for What Richard Did, Reynor admits that, he felt pretty confident when he was approached to audition for Michael Bay’s Transformers: Age of Extinction alongside Mark

Wahlberg, Stanley Tucci and Kelsey Grammer.

“I had a bit a of traction after Richard... and Delivery Man, and people were kind of curious as to who this kid was who had just come over and landed a part in a Dreamworks film out of the blue. So I was confident that would help me in the Transformers race. I had a couple of meetings with Michael Bay which went well, did a couple of auditions and then he rang me – to tell me I hadn’t got the part. Then he left me to sweat it for 10 seconds before going ‘No, just [messing] with you, you’ve got it!’”

It’s a telling anecdote about the director, who is known for whiplashing between jokey playfulness, aggressive intensity and debilitating anxiety.

In January, a clip of Bay went viral after his teleprompter malfunctioned at a Samsung event.

Bay, who was promoting a new high-definition television, froze, stammered and walked off-stage, apparently unable to cope with this rare loss of control.

Reynor acknowledges that Bay is “intense” to work with: the director’s energy carries everyone through his giant productions.

“As a filmmaker, he’s not in any way jaded. Far from it. He loves it, lives for it. He’s responsible for a budget of $165 million, 200 people’s jobs on set, another 4,000 people who actually make the film – I’d be pretty crazy too if I was in that position.”

Bay clearly recognised Reynor’s talent early on, even rewriting his character, Shane, so that Reynor could bring some of his Irish charm to the flick.

“

“Yeah, Shane was meant to be an American character, but through my conversations with Michael we decided that it would diversify the film a little bit. And,” he continues with a grin, “it made it so that when there’s a back-and-forth between Mark Wahlberg and me, and he’s slamming me and I’m being... cheeky back to him. I can get away with it, more than if I had been American – then I’d just have been a punk! But over there, being Irish, you get away with anything!”

Playing the drag-racing boyfriend of Mark Wahlberg’s daughter, Reynor and Wahlberg do indeed go head-to-head in many scenes, with Wahlberg bringing his usual combination of amiably gruff machismo – a persona not that far away from his real personality – to the screen.

Still, Wahlberg wasn’t doling out any life wisdom on set.

“He’s not the kind of guy who will sit down and have deep and meaningful chats with you,” Reynor laughs. “He just does his thing. He doesn’t need to philosophise. To be fair, it’s five and a half months of a shoot, 14 hour days on set – I’m hardly going to go back to his hotel room all the time!”

Wahlberg and himself did share some manly bonding time in the gym – and some convalescing time after a few on-set accidents.

“We did about 80 to 90 percent of our own stunts, trained for about three months and I did some drift training for the driving scenes. There were accidents: I dislocated two ribs and wrecked my back. I was in the middle of a shot where

“

I WAS SO HAPPY TO BE HOME I LITERALLY FELL TO MY KNEES TO KISS THE GROUND – BUT MY BAG WAS PRETTY HEAVY AND WHACKED THE BACK OF MY HEAD.

Roisin Murphy and Jack Reynor in What Richard Did

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Jack Reynor, Mark Wahlberg and Nicola Peltz in Transformers Age Of Extinction

a mortar was about to go off beside me and I had to jump and land on a wall. When I jumped I twisted my back a weird way and hit my ribs against the wall and they dislocated so I couldn’t breathe. So a chiropractor came along, twisted my body one way and my neck another, cracked me in half, manually transformed me into a fully functional actor again and it was back to work!

Then Mark took a full mortar to the face: that was bad. They put cork and manure in them – it always smells like shit after the explosions go off!

They set off two mortars a beat too early, so it all hit Mark right in the face. You’re definitely kept on your toes!”

While Jack signed on for a possible three Transformers films, he’s uncertain as yet whether the next two are going ahead – though given Age of Extinction’s huge box office, it seems likely.

He’s pleased with the prospect of becoming a franchise star, but the smaller, independent work he’s done also means a lot to him.

“I’m proud of the fact that I have the ability – and have had the opportunity – to work on films that say things about society and are very close to my heart. And at the same time I’m very proud to be in a film like Transformers that allows people to transcend what they’re going through in their lives for two and a half hours, and just experience a spectacle. That’s something that enables people to relax, which everyone needs these days.”

In this, Reynor is following in the footsteps of some of the most influential young stars in the industry. Actors like Jennifer Lawrence and

Shailene Woodley have fronted big moneymaking franchises, while also making interesting independent movies. Reynor, has just set up his own production company and is eager to promote both independent and Irish film.

“In order to be able to finance the smaller, more independent, genre-specific films, you need to show that you can carry, or at least support well, in a really big film. I think a franchise is a really important thing for a young actor to do; it’s basically where you cut your teeth in a lot of ways. Outside of that, you’re afforded the opportunity to make whatever kind of films you want.”

Reynor seems to be balancing his projects carefully. He’s currently working with Casey Affleck to portray Texas Ranger outfielder Josh Hamilton and his lifelong battle with addiction, while the upcoming Glassland sees Reynor return to home soil – a big bonus for a young man who’s spent the best part of two years away from his family.

“It’s hard being away from home,” he says, “so I’m doing my best both to come back as much as I can and to make Irish films. I’ve done Glassland with Gerard Barret [Pilgrim Hill] which is very much an Irish story and I’ve a few others in the pipeline. I’ve just started my own production company and I want to make a few films here before going abroad with that. It’s important to me, because it can be difficult to be away from home; you can feel quite isolated and disjointed – that’s the price you pay for all these amazing

37

experiences.”

Despite his sudden propulsion to worldwide fame, Reynor seems admirably dismissive of celebrity culture, and is determined to keep his private life just so. He’s revealing nothing about his recent engagement to Irish model Madeline Mulqueen, and expresses a wariness about the sycophancy that can often seduce young stars.

“The fame and profile stuff doesn’t interest me,” he states. “I don’t engage with it. I’m still the same person – I cook in my apartment and play video games, like I’ve always done.”

He’s also good friends with Michael Fassbender, and has just finished working with the 12 Years a Slave actor on Justin Kurzels’ adaptation of Macbeth – not that he’s uttering the name of the Shakespearian tragedy.

“We called it ‘The Scottish Play’ at the top of our call sheets,” he laughs. “It’s just one of those things you have to be superstitious about! It was one of the best filmmaking experiences of my life.

The cast is incredible. Michael Fassbender is the best dude.”

The young actor also acknowledges you can’t please everyone – the trick is to not let the haters get in his way.

“I have an incredible amount of support from Ireland... and a great group of people who are happy that I’m flying the flag for our film industry.

If I can continue to do that, then great.”

Transformers: Age of Extinction is in cinemas now.

GOFEATURE

38

RUB OF

THE GREEN AN IRISH GOLFING INSTITUTION, DES SMYTH WILL PLAY VICE-CAPTAIN TO PAUL McGINLEY THIS SEPTEMBER AS THEY ATTEMPT TO LEAD EUROPE TO RYDER CUP GLORY ONCE MORE. BEFORE THE TEAMS TEE OFF, HE TALKS ABOUT THE COMPETITION AND THE MAGIC OF THE CUP.

“I

often tell my friends that if you really want to understand the Ryder Cup, get to the first tee a half-hour before they tee off in the morning. There, you’ll be able to touch the atmosphere. It’s that tense. The players feel it too, big time. They’re happy to get down that first fairway!”

If you wanted to ask someone with experience to describe the feelings the Ryder Cup conjures up, Des Smyth would be the man. A seasoned pro with an enviable career, the 61-year-old Drogheda man has been down that fairway a few times before. As a player, he represented Europe in 1979 and ‘81 – losing out to the US twice. Victory for Smyth would eventually come when he was offering guidance rather than marching across the greens himself. As Ian Woosnam’s vice captain in 2006, he was involved in a famous victory for the Europeans that was integral to their dominance in the competition over the last decade.

That’s not to say it is Smyth’s abiding memory of the competition. “No, I enjoyed all the experiences. I wasn’t on a winning team [as a player] but the excitement and the tension and the pressure and the camaraderie of a Ryder Cup is always the same. That’s what the players enjoy. Now it’s a much bigger event than when I started; it’s grown exponentially since. It’s probably the biggest golfing event in the world every two years. If you look at the viewing figures, they’re a bit astonishing for a golf event. You think, ‘How the hell did that

get in there?’! But I think if you watch the way that it’s conducted, it is fierce competition and the integrity of the sport is kept paramount.

If casual fans and people who wouldn’t know a wood from a 7-iron get hooked, you can imagine how the people competing feel about the competition.”

“I think for every European professional,” reflects the 61-year-old Drogheda man, “it’s something you feel is a must on your CV if you want to stand up there with your chest out. It’s really that special.”

This September, Smyth adds another vicecaptaincy to his own CV. He joins Sam Torrance in flanking European captain and fellow Irishman Paul McGinley on the PGA Centenary Course in Perthshire, Scotland. McGinley will be looking to draw on the pair’s experience in the competition to steer the home side to victory once more after 2012’s famous Miracle At Medinah. Though they were officially named as vice-captains in March, Smyth says McGinley came to him late last year: “He mentioned to me that he wanted me as part of the team. I was delighted naturally enough. I didn’t have to think too long about accepting! Really, it’s the captain that does all the work. That’s the truth. Like on any team, I follow instructions, I help, I advise, I give my opinions, but at the end of the day it’s the captain’s call.”

McGinley has said Smyth will be the “voice of reason” in the camp.

“I probably would be but a lot of my friends

39

might not think so!” he laughs. “I would appear to be, in the golfing sense.”

How does he feel his personality contrasts with Scotland’s Sam Torrance?

“It’s hard to put my finger on that one but I’d be slow to react. Put it like that. That would be my style. I’d rather sit and think for a while before I start jumping in. That considered approach is invariably valuable at this stage of preparation. As the build-up begins, the selection process for the team is well underway.

The players are focused on trying to get results for themselves and move up different orders of merit. To win tournaments, or try to do well in the majors if not win. I think at the back of a lot of their minds is the fact that they want to make this team.”

Some players just seem to ‘click’ with the Ryder Cup, Smyth says: “I’m inclined to focus on form... I’d rather stick with the guy coming into form than the guy going out of form, you know!”

Looking to the opposition, the vice-captain still feels Tiger Woods poses a threat, despite the fact he has only just returned after a fourmonth layoff through injury. “He’s probably the best player I’ve seen when he’s in the mood.

I can’t think of anyone that you would back against him. Maybe the Ryder Cup has never been his strong suit? Still, you’d want to be on your game when you’re going out against him.”

The 40th Ryder Cup will take place from September 26-28 at Glenagles, Scotland

GOFEATURE getty images Paul McGinley (centre), European Ryder Cup captain with vice-captains Des Smyth (left) and Sam Torrance (right)

SWING THE LINE OF FIRE I

n September of this year, the golfing elite from America and Europe will descend on Gleneagles in Scotland to compete for the sport’s biggest prize. There, the first Irishman to captain a Ryder Cup team, Paul McGinley, will face a resurgent American squad headed by the legendary US golfing great Tom Watson.

McGinley, who has played in Ryder Cup teams in the past, will be hoping he can lead his team to a famous victory, continuing the dominance established by Europe in recent years in the competition. With many Irish golfers in the mix for places and Tiger Woods threatening to hit form, there are plenty of talking point. Go Rail sat down with Paul to talk about his GAA past and close relationship with Rory McIlroy.

Your first sport was GAA. Is there any crossover between it and golf?

I still hold GAA very close to my heart. Very much so. I’m hoping to catch the hurling final

this year before the Ryder Cup begins. There is a big synergy between Gaelic football and the European team and the Ryder Cup. If you look at the “parochial” nature of the GAA, where everyone is from a certain town, and you take that on to a European team, there is a parochialness in the Ryder Cup. It’s just on a much bigger scale. So there are similar feelings and ideas that you can get from the GAA. What do you think it is about Ireland, in that – disproportionate to our size – we produce so many world class golfers, including Padraig, Rory, Graeme, Darren and yourself?

There is one reason and one reason only: investment from the golfing union of Ireland into junior golf. It started back in the 1980s. They were the first European country to appoint a full-time professional coach. It has evolved since then. As a result young kids who are showing an interest get fed into the system and receive really strong coaching, and support, throughout their career. It is a very “professional” amateur body if you know

40

what I mean.

Let me bring you back to Abu Dhabi when your name was called out as Ryder Cup Captain. What went through your head?

A great sense of pride, and of humbleness too – because in Europe it is your peers who choose.

They are the people who vote as to who the captain will be. That your peers think so highly of you that they decided I should represent them in such a big position as Ryder Cup captain is amazing.

Rory McIlroy was especially vocal – do you have a close relationship with him?

Yes he was very vocal and backed me up.

Of course, I thanked him afterwards. One of the things we have in Europe is a mini Ryder Cup, which is called the Seve Trophy, Britain and Ireland against Europe. Four or five years ago now I was the captain of the Britain and Ireland team. Rory was a young kid coming on.

I managed him in that Britain and Ireland team – and obviously he liked the way I went about things.

Is Tiger Woods past his best or still a threat to your Ryder Cup ambitions?

Tiger Woods is always a threat. Tiger is a fantastic player. He could go on to be the greatest player of all time.

It’s fair to say the Europeans have dominated the Americans in recent Ryder Cups. Do you see that continuing?

I hope so (laughs). We have won seven of the last nine Ryder Cups, and will be trying our best to continue that run. We’re going through a purple patch: we’ve been very fortunate with having some great players available to us over the years and playing well in Ryder Cups. We’ve had great captaincies, players holing big putts at opportune times and so on – so, hopefully, that will continue for at least a few more.

GO DESTINATION: CORK

TOTAL LEE DEVOTED

Popular broadcaster and proud Cork native John Creedon reveals his personal connection to the Irish transport system and picks out a few key routes that helped make him the man he is today

I

actually have quite a personal connection to Irish travel. My Dad worked for CIE, who, when it was one company, ran the buses and the trains and every damn thing in Ireland; road, freight, trains, you name it. My father was a bus driver in Cork and, as a CIE man, that made us first cousins to the railway people. They had similar employers and trade unions. My father drove in the city and, in later life, on the expressway, but we always had that connection with the railway men.

I grew up down the street from Kent Station, the old railway station, and there’d be guys in similar uniforms to my Dad calling in for their packets of cigarettes and their newspaper on the way to work. They all knew each other. One of the perks of having a father who worked for CIE was that you could avail of a family discount. Now, I’m one of 12 kids. I have three brothers and eight sisters.

A big family. So, any of us could use that at any time, as students and so forth. But we were also entitled to one free family ticket on the railway every year. However, what they didn’t bargain on was my Dad having one wife and 12 kids!

I remember my father telling me about the old station master down in Kent Station. “Jesus,” he said. “I remember going down to get the family pass every year and I’d knock on the frosted glass of the station master’s door and I’d hear, ‘Come in!’, and as soon as I’d put my head round the door, he wouldn’t say anything. He’d just pick up the phone on his desk and say, ‘Hello, is that the yard? Add a carriage on the Dublin train, the Creedons are going to the zoo!’.”

So we used to go en masse, once a year, on the

Cork - Dublin run. That was a very special one for me. But there are other routes that mean a great deal to me, too. When I was in boarding school, I’d take the Cork - Killarney route quite a bit, and for Munster football finals as well, of course. It’s actually a lovely journey. The Cork - Dublin line is special though, not just for family reasons. I closely associate it with sport, having used it often for football, hurling and soccer matches; there’s always a bit of craic when you’re on there with similar-minded fans. The train is linked with cup finals in Dalymount Park and other places.

But there’s a lifetime of memories attached, those times of being a small child on the train with my father and mother.

There’s a professional aspect to that Cork Dublin route, too. I spent 13 years working in Dublin. When I got a job in RTE in 1987 through a public competition, I was up and down on the train doing my auditions and my interviews and training courses until, eventually, I got the job. So for the next few months, my kids were home in Cork as I was up and down on the train.

I’ll always think fondly of Friday nights, trying to grab the earliest possible train and steal an extra hour back home. The train also affords great thinking time, because you’re not driving, so there’s lots of looking-out-the-window time. I have friends whose families worked on railways or on buses and there’s a great kinship there.

I quite enjoy the announcements of the different stops. John Kenny is great at impersonating them. I just think it’s funny that you look at somewhere like Portarlington and it’s a town that millions of people have passed through but very few have actually stepped

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KATIE STENSON

FAILTE IRELAND

Cork City

out and experienced. I suppose most people think of it as just a train station and not a place, despite having been there thousands of times. Limerick Junction would also fit that particular bill. Everyone in the country has been to Portarlington, I guarantee it! But could they describe it? Well, I doubt that! That’s one of the unique things about train travel, becoming familiar with places without ever really getting to know them.

I think there’s a romantic thing about travelling on the train, as well. I think all Cork people will relate to - and Dubs will, too - this; there’s an energy that takes over the entire train as you get to the end of your destination. The station is getting closer and you start to see those places you know and there comes a point when the energy just snaps and the first person gets up and grabs their suitcase or whatever and then everybody is up! For Cork people, once you leave Mallow, you know the next stop is home.

There’s a buzz of excitement. You get your first glimpse of the city before it comes into view and it’s palpable. And then you scurry out with everyone else into a tunnel. I’d be over-dramatic if I said it was like being whooshed back into my mother’s womb but there is a certain homecoming feel about it! Then you emerge; plonk, BANG! in the middle of the city. That tunnel coming into Cork… it’s groovy. A groovy way to arrive home.

The John Creedon Show airs Monday to Friday from 8 - 10pm on RTE Radio 1. Look out for John’s three-part documentary on Irish weather, set to screen on RTE One this August.

GOFEATURE

WHO LET THE FROGS OUT? Coming off the success of her chilling bestseller Room, EMMA DONOGHUE has dipped a toe into the murder-mystery genre with the fascinating, San Francisco-set Frog Music. She talks ROE McDERMOTT through it...

PHOTO: MONIKA KARALIUNAITE

E

mma Donoghue is in an excellent mood. It may be a wet day in Dublin, but the author has plenty of reasons to be happy. For one thing, she’s had a chance to catch up with friends and family - “It’s such a treat to be here,” she says, and for another, her latest novel Frog Music has recently been released.

Frog Music is a very different book to Donoghue’s previous one — the multi-million selling and critically acclaimed Room, which was inspired by the Fritzl kidnapping case. But as anyone who has read Donoghue’s earlier books will know, changing the style and theme of her work from novel to novel is par for the course.

“I always do something different. Few of my novels seem like they are by the same author at all.

People often come up to me and say, ‘I realise now I’ve read three of your novels but I didn’t know they were you!’” laughs Donoghue.

Frog Music is based on a long forgotten 1876 San Francisco murder case. It is Donoghue’s first attempt at a whodunnit, and a sophisticated take on the genre. Her protagonist is Blanche, originally a circus performer from France, and now an exotic dancer and high-class call girl. As the city stifles under a heatwave and a smallpox epidemic, Blanche’s friend Jenny Bonnet — a cross-dresser, frog catcher and brawler — is shot dead at an inn outside the city.

Although Blanche is the narrative voice of the novel, it was Jenny Bonnet that first intrigued Donoghue.

“What drew me into it was her character — the cross-dressing, her job catching frogs, the sense that she was clearly a big nature lover, she’d been a shepherd, but yet she was always getting into bar fights and being drunk in the streets. She was a bundle of contradictions.”

Jenny Bonnet is a fascinating character, to both modern readers and to her contemporaries.

Her murder garnered significant press attention because her multiple arrests for cross-dressing had made her into the 19th century San Francisco equivalent of a reality or tabloid celebrity. After her death, Blanche accuses a reporter of trying to turn

42

auctioned from brothels. This was, however, only slightly illegal as the age of consent was ten.

“Aargh!” screams Donoghue. “That’s the most hideous detail in the whole book! It gives me the

willies!”

Donoghue notes that many Irish writers vary between contemporary and historical fiction, including one of her particular favourites, Roddy Doyle.

“I love that he then went into historical fiction with the same kind of raw power he’d shown in his contemporary stuff. The Henry Smart trilogy is fantastic. Quite a few of us do. Joe O’Connor has done really good contemporary and historical, Anne Enright — lots of us. I think Irish writers are very comfortable going where we like in the past and the present. A good story is a good story.”

While a novel like Frog Music requires significant research, Donoghue claims that Room came to her almost fully-formed. Fans of the book have the film version to look forward to, as Donoghue has been working on the script with the award-winning Irish director Lenny Abrahamson.

“Although the film doesn’t follow Jack and Ma any further in their lives, it is a whole fresh angle on the story. With a film you get to see what the mother is going through in a way you don’t in the book."

Fans, however, have been desperate to know what became of Ma and Jack after the end of the novel, but Donoghue has no plans to return to their lives.

“I get readers writing to me asking me to write a sequel to Room and I feel really bad because my answer is always ‘No way! Never!’” she laughs.

“In fact I want to state very loudly and clearly on the record that I will never write a sequel to Room!”

Jenny into a fictional character — which is what Donoghue herself does.

“I often find myself in a scene in the book commenting on the very thing I am worried about. In Room I put in quite a few bits where Jack and Ma are troubled by those who try and turn their story into something cosy and inspiring or something sleazy. In that moment I was probably thinking about how I wanted to turn Jenny into an interesting character but I didn’t want to stereotype her.”

Donoghue’s historical fiction often centres on forgotten characters, and she says these “historical nobodies” often inspire her creativity.

“The one time I found it constraining was my novel Life Mask, which is about quite a few rich and famous people including Horace Walpole.

Not only are there so many biographies of him, but he left thousands of letters which have been published since his death. There is so much material that you are literally wading through it.

I felt I was drowning in sources. Writing about the long forgotten is way easier! So many of the minor characters in Frog Music are there because I found out just enough about them that it was a great stimulus to my imagination.”

Frog Music is a treasure trove of odd historical details, such as the fact that 19th century pimps, such as Blanche’s lover Arthur, were the fashionistas of their day who spent huge amounts of money on fine clothing and jewellery and wandered the streets to be admired. One of the more disturbing details to modern readers is that in 19th century San Francisco, the virgin trade flourished and girls as young as nine were

IN FACT I WANT TO STATE VERY LOUDLY AND CLEARLY ON THE RECORD THAT I WILL NEVER WRITE A SEQUEL TO ROOM! Fans of the book (Room) have the film version to look forward to, as Donoghue has been working on the script with the award-winning Irish director Lenny Abrahamson.

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GOBUSINESS

44

YOU BELIEVE IT?

In 2006, potato farmer Tom Keogh decided he needed to grow his business. From this ambition has sprung one of Irish food’s outstanding recent successes in the form of Keogh’s Crisps. He tells Colm O’ Regan why a commitment to luxury has brought the company to where it is today

I

f there’s one thing the Keogh family know, it’s potatoes. For generations, they have farmed their land in North County Dublin, selling their products all over the country. In recent times their humble spuds have been on sale as gourmet crisps as the business continues to go from strength to strength.

“It’s going well,” says founder Tom Keogh, “I was employing two people when we started; I’m employing 19 today. It’s been a fantastic growth curve, mainly due to the support of the Irish consumer. It’s great to see that if people choose to support an Irish product, they can contribute proper job growth in the country.”

The initial inspiration to enter the crisp market came from a desire to sell potatoes overseas.

“The idea is borne from a decline in potato sales,” says Keogh. “As a young farmer coming into a family potato business, I knew something needed to be done. Export was top of my list.

I thought there was a great market for Irish potatoes in the United States. I sent some samples around. It was then I learned potatoes were banned from entry to the States. A packet of potatoes arrived back at my desk with a note from the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service saying they weren’t allowed.”

There was, however, a way around the pesky regulations that forbade Keogh potatoes being exported. “I was in a conversation with an official in New Jersey – and I’ll never forget it – she said ‘Mr Keogh, why don’t you cook your potatoes?

Because if you do, you don’t have to talk to me.

You can bypass all this red tape.’”

That 2006 conversation began a globe-trotting journey of discovery.

(L to r) Tom, Derek & Ross Keogh

45

“I knew I was going to be serious about producing something on a farm that we could export overseas, and crisps were top of the list. I knew nothing about crisps; I knew I liked eating them, but that was about it. I researched the market a bit, with the help of Bord Bia, and realised that if I was going to enter it successfully, I would have to make an extremely high quality product, very niche and very high end. That then took me pretty much around the world.”

Soon, Keogh found himself far from the farm in Westpalstown as he ventured from New Zealand to Scandanavia, from Germany to a tiny Amish community in Pennsylvania, as he looked to expand his knowledge.

“I knew spuds,” Keogh laughs. “That was a strength, because we knew how to produce the right potato to make a really good crisp. It was the other things we needed to learn; from oils to seasoning to the machinery.”

When he had the information he required, Keogh set about converting an old potato store – built by his grandfather in the ‘60s – into a high calibre, British Retail Certification Grade A food production plant. In late 2011, the crisps first hit the shelves; it didn’t take long for customers to get on board. It wasn’t merely the excellent

GOBUSINESS

(L to r) Tony, Ross Derek, Tom & Peter Keogh

product that drew people in. A truly excellent story plays its part also.

“One of the insights we learned way back in 2008, when we wanted to re-brand our farm, was when one of the companies that we spoke to said: ‘Guys, you are living a story, living a brand.

You don’t even know it, but all you need to do is tell people your story.’ That’s the approach we took. We were one of the first to do that, to put a producer on the back of a bag, to actually put the person who worked to make that product.”

Not that it convinces everyone, of course. “Still, to this day, people don’t believe that it’s us! I still get comments like ‘who are those models you hired for the back of the bag?’ It’s a great compliment, I suppose! It is us, it is the family. We like to stand over what we do.”

Standing over what they do also involves standing with other local producers, including the Dungarvan Brewing Company (which supplies flavour for their Roast Beef and Stout range) and the nearby Llewellyns Orchard, which supplies cider vinegar. These collaborations, says Keogh, are an opportunity for small Irish producers to work together.

“It’s great to be supporting other food

producers, and especially those who have the same outlook on producing quality food as we would.”

The thoughtful approach has seen the brand gain considerable success. Keogh doesn’t necessarily see the major producers as competition. He believes that they can still enjoy a healthy share of the market.

“People who would have bought standard mainstream crisps are now opting to buy higher end instead, because they can taste the quality difference.”

Even as the growth opportunities continue – Keogh’s recently signed a deal for their products to be carried by Tesco in the UK – the focus on quality is still the driving force behind the business.

“We grow about 400 acres of potatoes in north county Dublin; that makes an awful lot of crisps. A very small percentage of the potatoes I grow would actually end up as crisps. In terms of cooking, we have lots more room for expansion.

The key is to maintain the quality. I’m not interested in compromising on that. We’ll only expand if we can maintain as good a crisp as we’re currently producing.”

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TOM KEOGH FACT FILE

LIVES: Westpalstown, Co. Dublin EDUCATION: Gormanston College (Meath), Diploma in Marketing Advertising from Dublin Business School.

CAR: Toyota Land Cruiser FAVOURITE FILM: Forrest Gump MUSIC: Red Hot Chili Peppers SPORT: Gaelic Football

OUT NOW • BARS • RESTAURANTS • FASHION • MUSIC • EVENTS • SPORT • MARKETS •

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The Hot Press Best of Dublin 2014 is available now in Tesco, Dunnes Stores, Easons and all good newsagents for€s3.95 or online at hotpress.com

GOEAT

48

TAKING

Rosenstock MIRIAM O’CALLAGHAN, IAN DEMPSEY, SKY SPORTS AND SUNDRIED TOMATO LINGUINI ARE ALL ON THE MENU AS STUART CLARK GRABS LUNCH WITH SUPERSTAR SATIRIST MARIO ROSENSTOCK. P HOTOS:

KATH RIN

I

t’s supposed to be just myself and Mario Rosenstock having lunch today — but during our very pleasant hour in the Hilton Hotel Kilmainham, we’re variously joined by Miriam O’Callaghan, Gay Byrne, Jose Mourinho, Ronan Keating, Louis Walsh, Ossie Ardiles, Paul Merson, Eamon Dunphy and Michael Lowry TD. These, of course, are all people he impersonates on Today FM’s Gift Grub and RTÉ Two’s Mario Rosenstock Show, where he also gets to dress up as them.

I’m not saying that Mrs. Rosenstock has anything to worry about, but Mario’s enthusiasm for slipping into one of Miriam’s slinky little numbers is perhaps a bit too apparent.

“I love getting dressed up as a woman,” he beams. “Miriam’s about six foot, so physically she’s imposing and has those big expressive eyes. If you can do the eyes and the hair, you’re halfway there. She’s always very feminine and flirts with her interviewees, kind of touching and brushing off them. She’s Mother Ireland and, in a sense, every woman’s envy.

How does she do all the stuff she does in a day? Also, critically, she’s in a position of power. She brings strong, powerful men to account on television at nights.

“I’m not sure where her allegiances lie,” he ventures, “but were Miriam ever to go into politics I honestly think she could end up as the country’s first female Taoiseach. That’s the level of command she respects.”

Tears were shed — by him! — when Mario appeared recently on the Miriam Meets… radio show.

“Even though I’d been warned about it, she got me!” the affable

49

BAUMBAUCH

42-year-old laughs. “I was there lapping up some of her trademark flattery — ‘Mario, you’re so funny, and people love your impression of Joan Burton’ — when Miriam suddenly goes, ‘But your grandmother was one of the most important people in your life, and she died recently?’ Somehow she’d found out that my grandmother was the person who gave me my real love of radio — we’d listen to Alistair Cooke’s Letter From America and Kaleidoscope together — and encouraged me as a kid, and hit me with it live on-air. Miriam said to let the listeners know: ‘I can see you’re emotional’ and she was right. I’ll always have my grandmother in my heart.”

While there’s more formal dining to be had in the Hilton’s Cinnamon

EAT

Poulet Verde Chicken Fillet

The Linguini

Restaurant, we’ve decided to grab a bite today in the hotel’s bright and airy 4 Corners Bar. We skip starters, but soon have food envy when we see the Seafood & Fennel Soup (€7.25) being delivered to the neighbouring table. Next time! Mario’s in the mood for pasta, so orders the Linguini with Sundried Tomatoes, Tomato Ragout, Pine Nuts, Rocket & Parmesan (€11.95) while yours truly immediately spots the Poulet Verde Chicken Fillet with Mozzarella, Avocado Salsa & Beef Tomato (€15.50) which arrives sizzling from the grill and accompanied by some of the chunkiest house cut chips you’ve ever seen.

“The linguini’s nicely al dente and the sauce rich without being overpowering,” Mario enthuses as I devour my equally tasty burger with indecent haste.

The Beef & Guinness Pie (€16.50) and Haddock & Prawn Kedgeree (€13.50) also get rave reviews from the Offaly couple to our left who profess to being massive Gift Grub fans.

Mario having Miriam’s dresses to fit into politely declines dessert but I happily scoff the Chocolate & Hazelnut Brownie with Vanilla Ice Cream (€5.75) that our super-friendly waitress recommends.

With his Gift Grub live shows routinely sellingout — over 3,000 people catch him the following night in Cork — and another series of his RTÉ 2 show already commissioned, life is pretty sweet at the moment for Mario.

“The key,” he proffers, “is that I’m working in two incredibly supportive environments where I’m allowed within reason to do my own thing.

At Today FM, I’ve one of my closest friends, Ian Dempsey, to bounce off and at RTÉ there’s a guy called Eddie Doyle who’s said, ‘You’re the expert, go do your comedy.’ I’ve never had a ‘Don’t do it…’ from him which is rare in television.”

While he has no intention of quitting Ireland, Mario admits he has designs on the UK market.

“I want to do more online stuff, and have been working on characters like Boris Johnson who’d

Stuart Clark & Mario Rosenstock

obviously resonate there more. Boris is wonderful — a very smart man who knowingly plays the buffoon because it gets him out of all sorts of trouble. I’m not sure if any Irish politician’s as astute as he is.”

Mr. R hit the bullseye again recently with his imagining of Sky Sports’ football pundits getting their first glimpse of GAA. “I did that sketch with Ian on the Today FM Breakfast Show and eight hours later Sky confirmed the football and hurling deal, so we scooped everybody! The line people keep repeating back to me is Paul Merson thinking that a GAA player being shown the black card means he’s been sentenced to death. You write these things hoping they strike a chord, but it’s only when somebody yells it at you in the street that you know you’ve succeeded!”

Hilton Hotel Kilmainham, Inchicore Road, Kilmainham, Dublin 8. Tel. (01) 420 1800. hiltondublinkilmainham.com

Al fresco dining at the Hilton Hotel Kilmainham

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A MATTER OF TASTE ST UART C LAR K BRINGS YOU TH E LATE ST FOO D I E NEWS

Gâteau fabulous: choccy dessert at the Shelbourne

Rachel Allen is among the A Taste Of Cavan star attractions

AN ORPENS & SHUT CASE

Orpens picked up a trio of medals at the International Cider Challenge in the UK and another gong at GLINTCAP, the leading US celebration of apply beverages! Add in the fact that Michelin man Heston Blumenthal has added it to the drinks menu in his Hinds Head pub in Bray - sadly that’s the Berkshire Bray, not the Wicklow one - and the artisan 5.3% ABV tipple, which is available in the likes of SuperValu, has well and truly achieved lift-off. While somewhat overshadowed by their beery brethren, the Irish craft cider industry is flourishing with MacIvors, Tempted?, Keeplers, Dan Kelly’s, Armagh, Longueville House, Craigies, Stonewell, Little Island, Double L and Scott’s Irish some other names to keep an eye out for.

CAVAN FEVER

Richard Corrigan, Clodagh McKenna and Rachel Allen and local lad done very good Neven Maguire will all be doing their celebrity cook thing on August 8 & 9 as part of A Taste Of Cavan 2014.

You’ll also be able to sample the finest of Lake County fare with Corleggy Farmhouse Cheese, Bridgefield Ice Cream and Áine Hand-Made Chocolate among the dozens of exhibitors. thisiscavan.ie/fun/article/taste-of-cavan has all the details.

Next up on the culinary calendar is A Taste of Donegal, which takes place in Donegal Town from August 22-24 with Kevin Dundon, Gary O’Hanlon and the aforementioned Mr. Maguire the star-

Duke special: the Lamb Wellington

turns. Local artisan refreshment will be supplied by the Donegal Brewing Company whose Atlantic Amber and seasonal Sea Sessions are both ales of distinction. atasteofdonegal.com has the full programme.

Street, Lower, Dublin 8. From the kufa rice balls and chickpea stew to the shifta meat patties and mixed sharing plates, everything on the menu is good and at around a tenner a head, exceptional value for money.

THE ‘BOURNE IDENTITY

ALL SYSTEMS SLIGO

Currently the subject of a six-part RTÉ One fly on the wall documentary - catch it on Thursday at 8.30pm - Dublin’s Shelbourne Hotel is marking its 190th birthday with a historic 190 Tasting Menu comprising of dishes from its illustrious past.

These include a Lamb Wellington first served in 1925 at a RDS Horse Show celebration; a Lobster Thermidor that also graced an RDS menu in 1949 and two rugby inspired courses - the Omelette Arnold Bennett which accompanied 1956’s Ireland v England international and a perennially popular Chocolate Gâteau that was revived for 2013’s Heineken Cup Final.

And let’s not forget the Chilled Tomato Consommé, a real palette-cleanser dating back to 1927’s Annual Festival Dinner of the Royal Society of St. George.

Cooked with real guile by Executive Chef Garry Hughes and served in the Saddle Room, the 190 Tasting Menu costs from ¤65 per person with the option of also having paired wines. Book at (01) 663 4500 or theshelbourne.ie

KURD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE

Go Eat was more than a little pleased recently when it stumbled across the Kurdish Cafe, a famly-run restaurant to be found at 31 Clanbrassil

51

Go Eat very much enjoyed its maiden voyage the other day to Harrison’s, a family run gastropub to be found on Main Street, Cliffony in County Sligo (Tel. (071) 916 6123. harrisonscliffoney.com).

The recent winner of a Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence, they do great pizzas, steak, burgers, pastas and seafood, are big into their craft beers – make ours a Galway Bay Stormy Port – and are proud promoters of the Wild Atlantic Way. If the super-fresh local Mussel, Crab & Hake Sharing Platter is available, grab it!

CRACKER JACQUES

A mainstay of the Cork fine dining scene for over 30 years, Jacques promises simple, fresh local food, bursting with flavour, and duly delivers courtesy of dishes like Jack McCarthy’s Black Pudding, White Onion, Thyme and Highbank Orchard Syrup and Fresh Hake, Smoked Paprika, Lemon & Confit Garlic with Crispy Capers & Greens.

There’s also a Tapas & Side Plate Menu that numbers Monkfish Stew, Fish Cakes and House Smoked Quail among its star turns and a ¤24 Two Course Dinner that’s in a league of its own value wise (23 Oliver Plunkett Street, Cork. Tel. (021) 427 7387. jacquesrestaurant.ie).

GOPLACES

Where

THE WILD THINGS ARE If you want to experience Ireland from tip to toe and love vivid coastal settings, the Wild Atlantic Way promises an unforgettable journey. Boasting fantastically untamed terrain, stunning views and array of activities make it one of our prized possessions. Go Rail traces the path from the rugged grace of Donegal to the tranquility of Cork. Along the Way, Nick Seymour of Crowded House talks relocating to Sligo and the amazing surf and splendour he found when he headed for the ocean.

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Killybegs

Malin Head

WILD ATLANTIC WAY

Slieve League

Nick Seymour surfing in Easkey

Malin Head

AMANDINE LE SERGENT

Surfing in Bundoran

Deserted Village, Slievemore

Slieve League

S

haped dramatically over aeons by crashing waves and moulded over thousands of years by human habitation, the coastal strip that runs from Ireland’s most northerly point, along its western front, and down to the historic maritime village of Kinsale, encompasses many of the country’s most beautiful landscapes.

Now known as the Wild Atlantic Way and receiving the proper tourist attention it deserves, its 2,750 kilometre distance makes it the longest signed coastal route in the world, leaving California’s Pacific Coast Highway in the shade.

Blessed with panoramic views, a huge number of cultural and historical sites and thousands of diverting activities, it is ready and waiting to be explored.

Countless water activities, from fishing and kayaking to whale watching lie in store, as do 53 Blue Flag beaches, 120 golf courses and top rank eateries and accommodation. The drive from Donegal’s Malin Head to the Old Head Of Kinsale in Cork will likely prove mind-bogglingly bountiful for visitors with a sense of adventure.

To help plan your trip, Go Rail will bring you from the rugged grace of Donegal, through the surfer’s paradises of Sligo and Mayo, to the singular beauty of Galway to the picturesque beaches of Cork and give you a taste of what’s in between. There is so much to see, do and explore, you’re unlikely to drive from north to south in one go. Whether cycling for stretches, stopping off for a spot of snorkelling or wandering through a quaint town, sampling the artisan food, the Wild Atlantic Way should be done your own way, and at your own pace.

We’ll just let you know what you really shouldn’t miss as you go. This year, €10 million has been allocated to promote the Wild Atlantic Way on the world stage. On a practical level, it will mean designated discovery points and chevron signposts along the coast to make the wild side of Ireland as tourist friendly as possible.

NORTH WEST Commencing at the top, Malin Head is the most northerly point of the island. Offering beautiful views of the coast – as well as seabirds such

53

as shearwaters in the autumn – the peak of the Inishowen Peninsula has become famous of late for its aurora borealis displays. For surfers, Donegal is less a hotspot than the likes of Sligo, so if you like your solitude on your board, this could be the place. The Slieve League Peninsula is a breathtaking drive with everything from sandy and safe beaches like Fintra to the more formidable Slieve League Cliffs. On Donegal’s south-west coast, the Cliffs are said to be the highest of their kind in Europe and are certainly the most dramatic.

If you fancy stepping back in time, there are megalithic tombs constructed over 6000 years ago on the southern slope of Slievemore. The deserted village of Slievemore is a sombre reminder of the hardship of the Famine era, as families were forced to leave in the 1840s and never returned.

If you’re looking for human contact, Killybegs is a half hour drive from Slieve League. The fishing port is a picturesque haven where locals take pride in welcoming one and all. You won’t find better hospitality anywhere else – US actor Paul

Tralee Bay Wetlands Centre And the Lakeside Café

Where Nature and Activity Combine

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54

Ben Bulben, Sligo

Aughris Head, Co. Sligo

Surfing in Strandhill

Lough Gill, Co. Leitrim

Mullaghmore, Co. Sligo

Sunset at Glencar Lake, Leitrim

Rudd was only recently raving about his time there on The Late Show with David Letterman.

In terms of grub, Kitty Kelly’s (kittykellys.com) has a homely cottage setting, with excellent, attentive staff and a menu that makes the most of Donegal’s fresh seafood.

Leitrim has a relatively small strip of coastline to call its own. Nevertheless, it boasts a number of natural features worth checking out. The more literary among you will already know Lough Gill, the star of many poems from William Butler Yeats, most notably mentioned in his classic The Lake Isle of Innisfree. The fairytale-like planter era fortification that is Parkes Castle – with its turrets and diamond-shaped chimneys – is located on its shores, while boats can be rented locally and it is a fine fishing ground. Also worth seeing is Glencar Waterfall. Found on the southern side of Ben Bulben, its 50 foot cascade is a remarkable sight and you can drive right up to its pool.

Sligo is arguably the home of surfing in Ireland.

Its waves and way of life is so good, in fact, that surf enthusiast and Crowded House member Nick Seymour decided to relocate to the town of Easky a few years back. The Australian musician reckoned it was the perfect place to raise a family.

“It was about bringing up kids in a country-

based, isolated community where they’d have relative freedom and good fresh air to breath,” he says. “My partner and I had that when we were kids and we wanted that for them.”

So why Sligo?

“It’s got everything that the Ring of Kerry has – but not as dramatic. It has all the surf and lifestyle that West Clare has – but not the infrastructure.

The thing I like about Sligo is that it’s not overrun with people trying to show how much money they have. It’s not particularly bourgeois or quaint, it’s robust and rustic. There is an integrity up here that is quite unique in Ireland because it’s been off the radar for so long.”

Seymour argues Sligo is easily as beautiful and dynamic as the more high-profile likes of Mayo and Galway, and has the most consistent days of the year for surfing because it faces north. “The prevailing wind is southerly – offshore – which makes the waves stand up and creates better conditions for surfers. But at the same time you don’t have all the surf-themed cafes pubs and surf shops. It’s still relatively undiscovered.”

For those looking to discover Sligo, what would Seymour recommend?

“The Seaweed Baths (voyaseaweedbaths.com), because they are so unique. They’re Victorian and an incredible resource. Quite a novelty, offering

55

the unexpected for people thinking of what a contemporary spa would offer. And then there’s specialist things like Stand Up Paddle Boards now being offered in Enniscrone (facebook. com/Harboursupnsail), which is a really great way to see the coast. They push off at the pier and the guy brings you around to the mouth of the Moy River. I’ve really enjoyed that, it’s great core exercise. Then there is the surf school The Seventh Wave (surfsligo.com).

“Easky itself is quite a gothic little settlement that has its main shops with their backs to the ocean. Belleek Castle in Ballina (belleekcastle. com) is a really well run place. Good food, good coffee and the people that run it are really quite welcoming – it’s a proper family business. And then you have The Beach Bar (thebeachbarsligo. com), which has a really unique setting down on Aughris Head. It’s an actual thatched bar/ cottage house right on the edge of the protected side of Aughris Head, overlooking the water. They serve really simple Irish stew chowder, you get a great pint and a lot of the locals go there. You go in and people will say hello.”

In the nearby town of Cliffony, Harrison’s Bar & Grill on the Main Street is another terrific spot for grub. Founded all the way back in 1810, it must be doing everything right if it continues to thrive

Keem Bay, Achill

View of Croagh Patrick

Matchmaker Willie Daly at the Matchmaking Festival Lisdoonvarna.

Kila??? will play the Kila Fleadh Cheoil, Sligo at 5th On Teeling in August

Cliffs Of Moher, Co. Clare

to this day. They were named “Best Customer Service” at the 2014 Irish Restaurant Awards and recently picked up a Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence.

If you’re in Sligo town itself and are looking for some craic agus ceol, 5th On Teeling (5thonfeeling.com) has been a great location for a gig in the North-West since it opened in 2012.

With a late bar and plenty of free shows, it’s a must-visit for any music lover. As Fleadh Cheoil hits the town in August, Kila, The Fureys, and Frankie Gavin and De Dannan are all scheduled to headline; there will be free admission to all other shows Friday August 8 until Monday August 18.

WEST Into the West, as we arrive in Mayo. The standout attraction in this county has to be The Céide Fields: discovered in the ‘30s, it is said to be one of the oldest farms in the world. The modern exhibition centre will tell you everything about the farm’s enthralling 5,700 year history. Croagh Patrick is another iconic landmark, a sacred mountain overlooking Clew Bay (just outside Westport) that draws up to a million pilgrims each year. Ballycroy National Park offers all the usual flora and fauna of an Irish bog, backed by the Nephin Beg mountain range. Returning to the water, the gorgeous, horseshoe-shaped Keem Bay on Achill Island has five heavenly beaches

that are bliss on a sunny day. Brighton Rock writer Graham Greene was particularly inspired during his stay there: maybe you will be too.

Nick Seymour has seen the appeal of The Maritime County firsthand.

“I found myself staying with friends in Newport.

We headed for Achill on the cycleway and it’s just fantastic the way they’ve set that up. I’m really into cycling so it’s great to be able to bring your bike somewhere on the back of a car and go for a fantastic ride that’s completely out of the traffic and purpose built.”

From the Irish-speaking, dramatic wilds of Connemara to the eclectic, bohemian vibes in The City Of The Tribes, Galway has something for everyone. The lure of Galway City will undoubtedly prove strong and drag you off the Wild Atlantic Way. A wander around Eyre Square is a must, as is catching some live music. The Roisin Dubh (roisindubh.net) has a reputation for putting on promising homegrown acts – as well as some of the biggest comedy names around – while Monroe’s Live (monroes.ie) on Dominick Street has been called “the best in the West” when it comes to live shows. Voted the 2013 ‘Live Venue Of The Year’ at the IMRO Awards, it is a major presence in Galway’s West End and its easy charm is incomparable, whilst their regular trad nights come in for particular praise. With Galway International Arts Festival running until

56

July 27, Monroe’s are involved in the arty action, bringing you terrific shows from We Banjo 3 (July 23) and Mark Geary (25).

Beyond the city Connemara is utterly different to anywhere else on earth. This sombre, stoney landscape is both austere and beautiful.

While there, visit Kylemore Abbey, home to a community of Benedictine nuns who arrived after their Belgian abbey was destroyed in the Great War. Ireland’s only fjord, Killary Harbour is also worth a visit.

MID WEST Hurling aside, Clare is all about the Cliffs Of Moher. Overlooking the churning Atlantic from a height of 702 feet, they run for eight kilometres and offer truly awesome views. When the weather’s right, you’ll be able to take in the Dingle Peninsula and Blasket Islands, Galway Bay and the Aran Islands, the Maum Turk mountains and more. O’Brien’s Tower has been a historic vantage point for tourists, while today the Visitors’ Centre is definitely worth stopping by.

Open all year round from 9am daily, it provides a spectacular view and their new interactive Cliff Edge Exhibition has gone down a storm. Booking online via cliffsofmoher.ie will save you 10% on admission.

Adventure Burren (adventureburren.com) is an interesting way to do the karst-landscape region.

Absolute Hotel Limerick

The Walls performing The Walls performing in Monroes, Galway in Monroes, Galway

Rock climbing in “The Great Rock”? Makes sense for those so inclined. Loop Head is an enjoyably peaceful peninsula, while Lahinch is another stronghold for surfers. The legendary spa town of Lisdoonvarna receives plenty of visitors, particularly as autumn arrives and the 150-yearold Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival kicks off.

A vibrant programme of music, dancing and that famous Lisdoonvarna craic won’t let you down.

Steeped in history, it’s also moving with the times. New to the festival is the Gay Weekend.

Dubbed ‘The Outing’ and hosted by the one and only Panti Bliss, the weekend will feature matchmaking events, concerts and more. It all takes place August 29 – October 5. For further information, log on to matchmakerireland.com.

Limerick City, with its vibrant atmosphere and indelible character, is an option if you need a Munster base. Located in the Medieval Quarter overlooking the Abbey River, The Absolute Hotel (absolutehotel.com) provides all the luxury, comfort and amenities you’d expect of a four star establishment. Overseen by chef Martin Crownan, the Absolute Bar & Grill is one of the best restaurants in town, while the Escape Beauty & Day Spa will ensure you’re properly pampered.

Hopefully that won’t stop you venturing out into the city, as The Absolute is located in close proximity to Thomond Park and the Milk Market.

SOUTH WEST Kerry is a tourist’s dream, a true kingdom overflowing with so many natural riches and captivating scenery that we could spend the rest of Go Rail discussing it. We’ll skip the gushing about swimming with dolphins, the terrific seafood restaurants and the dramatic Ring Of Kerry – those lakes alone, wow – and cherry-pick other musts. Nestled against the heart of the Dingle Peninsula, Tralee Bay boasts clear waters, golden beaches and plenty of opportunities for power boating and kayaking.

Pay a visit to the new Tralee Bay Wetlands Centre (traleebaywetlands.org), located off the N86 on the Wild Atlantic Way. A stone’s throw from the town centre, it has two areas for visitors, appealing to a variety of interests and age groups. Within the Nature Zone, visitors can experience an interactive wildlife exhibition, go on a guided nature boat tour, climb (or take the elevator) to the top of the 20 metre tower that boasts the best view in town and explore

Tralee Bay Wetlands

the nature board walk and bird hides. Adrenalin junkies will enjoy the light Watersports and Activity lake, offering pedalo Boats, rowing boats and water walker zorbs. After all that, grab a much-deserved bite and break at the Lakeside Café.

Our journey concludes in Cork. A vast county with plenty to offer, a lot of the real delights of Cork’s stretch on the Wild Atlantic Way can actually be found off the mainland. Garinish Island has some wonderful gardens bursting with sub-tropical vegetation, Cape Island is one for the bird watchers, while Sherkin Island is noted for its idyllic beaches. Back off the ferry, each of Cork’s peninsulas has a draw of some kind. Mizen Head may be the best known, and the bridge walk to its famous light house won’t be forgotten in a hurry. If you just want to lie on the warm sand – and have the weather for it – Clonakilty and Barleycove are both good. Cork is also renowned for good eats, particularly in Kenmare and Kinsale, which bookend geographically the county’s Wild Atlantic Way contribution.

For more, go to discoverireland.ie/Wild-AtlanticWay

Daniel Browne Weekend

29th/30th/31st August 2014

Matchmaking Pony & Horse Racing Weekend

Hydro Hotel - 5th/6th/7th Sept. 2014 Friday to Sunday

Friday to Sunday

12th/13th/14th Sept.

19th/20th/21st Sept.

26th/27th/28th Sept.

Traditiona Matchmak l Festival D ing ance Weekends Matchmaking Lisdoonvarna “The Outing” Gay & Lesbian

12th/13th/14th Sept.

19th/20th/21st Sept.

26th/27th/28th Sept.

Weekend 3rd/4th/5th Oct. 2014 | www.theouting.ie Buck Taylor from Kentucky the ultimatesoul singer playing every Saturday in the Hydro Followed by a disco with DJ Anil Top Bands and music in the hotels and clubs www.matchmakerireland.com Phone: +353 65 7074005 The Hydro Hotel, Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare

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GOFASHION

STYLE COUNSEL From festival fashion to the best of menswear, Roe McDermott has the low-down on all of this summer’s sartorial trends.

FESTIVAL FASHION

Summer days xx and festival weekends are fast approaching, and along with the warm weather and fevered anticipation comes the other annual inevitable: boho fashion.

This season, kimonos and fringe are back with a bang, and can just as easily be toned down as crazed out.

For festivals, teaming elaborately patterned and embellished kimono tops with shorts is almost a requirement, but these effortlessly chic tops also look fantastic when teamed with basic black skinnies and killer heels. Though crop tops can strike fear into the heart of many, they needn’t be one incy wincy, teenie weenie part of a skimpy summer outfit. Bracelets and crop tops can be teamed with high-waisted jeans or maxi skirts so that you’re only showing a subtle and sexy sliver of skin. Though lace and crochet can easily veer into sickly sweet territory, these hippiechic fabrics can be edged out with leather trousers. When it comes to accessories, chunky silver and turquoise bangles and medallions evoke this trend’s Native American influences while feathered earrings and floppy hats are both pretty and playful.

SWEET SIXTIES

Spreading faster than a Beatles song across the airwaves, ’60s fashion is making a rapid return to sartorial heights this season. This trend is incredibly easy to work into your wardrobe, and if you want to fully commit, it provides an adorable alternative to the ’70s hippie chic that tends to dominate the summer festivals. Mini skirts and dresses are obviously a must, so look for box-shaped dresses or Peter Pan collars if you want to capture that “I moonlight as a Wes Anderson character” vibe. Palette and printwise, graphic black and white effortlessly evokes the classic mod look, but search out sleek patterns rather than huge, boxy designs in order to update this style. With a monochrome base, don’t be afraid to go for bold blocks of colour with your accessories. Bright yellows, oranges and reds are the perfect pop-art colours for accessories and prints, making you look like you’re a heroine in a Roy Lichtenstein comic strip. Add some platform boots and Perspex accessories and you’re ready to go-go!

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TRIBAL REVIVAL

From Aztec prints, exotic jewels and Amazonian armour, the dark and daring jungle of tribal fashion can be intimidating, but it’s actually easy to navigate. This tribal trend has had many incarnations over the past few seasons, as its defining features can be reworked and remixed through your wardrobe throughout the year. Glamorous maxi dresses, bold jewellery and striking prints all feature heavily, but this season it’s all about elevating the exotic into something daring and unique.

Team extreme, colourful prints with figure-hugging monochrome pieces to both add some edge and show off your curves. Maxi dresses can be a subtle and summerappropriate way of evoking a tribal look while maintaining a simple and sophisticated silhouette, but fashion favours the formidable when it comes to piling on the accessories. Don’t be afraid to play with eccentric touches like metallic harnesses, dramatic hair-pieces and striking collars, while eye-catching earrings and mounds of clanging bangles and thick cuffs are a must for any warrior princess.

PERFECTLY GROOMED

We know you lads like donning your glad rags too, and there’s no better time to show off your fashion credentials than at a summer wedding. Luckily, there are a few simple rules for achieving that perfectly groomed ensemble, guaranteeing that whether you’re a groomsman or guest, you’ll be the sharpest dresser there. The key look of the season is one of sartorial elegance with such perfectly chosen statement pieces that there are minimal extra styling details to be wrestled with. The tuxedo and shawl collar suit are becoming more mainstream with the three-piece suit the number one choice, so look out for fitted waistcoats to bring a touch of old-world class to your suit. Woven check fabrics can add an extra dimension to an otherwise plain suit. Statement blazers can be used again and again, and can be paired with coloured trousers for those willing to be bold. Or classic dark suit jackets can ground a brightly patterned shirt, or even bright and bold shoes. If you prefer the classic neutrally coloured summer suit, patterned scarves in paisley and print lend a debonair elegance, while dickie bows and pocket squares look fantastic and current when teamed with a blazer and skinny jeans.

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GOFASHION

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STOCKISTS

Main Pic: Coming soon to River Island 1. Jessica knitted polka dot shift dress 造32.49, Missguided 2. Black Fringed Kimono 造15, Penneys 3. Oversized sunglasses, coming soon to River Island 4. Fringed saddle bag, coming soon to River Island 5. Tribal bralet coming soon to River Island 6. Embellished crop top, coming soon to Topshop 7. Aztec earrings coming soon to River Island 8. Medallion necklace, coming soon to River Island 9. Paisley print clutch 造130, Biba at House of Fraser

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GO

REVIEW M O V I E S .

B O O K S

KATHRIN BAUMBACH

A L B U M S .

PAUL NOONAN

PG 63

GOLISTEN.

GOWATCH.

SUMMER IS UPON US AND IT'S TIME TO WELCOME NEW RELEASES FROM STADIUM ROCKERS COLDPLAY, SWEDISH SENSATIONS LITTLE DRAGON AND A NEW PROJECT FROM BELL X1 LEADER PAUL NOONAN. GO RAIL DELIVERS ITS VERDICT...

MOVIE CRITIC ROE McDERMOTT GIVES US CHAPTER AND VERSE ON THE COEN BROTHERS' BLEAK AND ABSORBING INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS, THE OSCAR-WINNING DALLAS BUYERS' CLUB, THE HAUNTING HER, AND THE MADCAP LEGO MOVIE AMONG MANY OTHERS...

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GOREAD. WHY EIMEAR MCBRIDE'S A GIRL IS A HALF FORMED THING IS A MUST-READ FOR ANYONE WITH A LOVE OF IRISH LITERATURE. ALSO REVIEWED AND RATED THIS ISSUE: BETTY PURCELL'S MEMOIR INSIDE RTÉ AND LAURA BATES' EVERYDAY SEXISM

KATHRIN BAUMBACH

GOLISTEN. SOUND AFFECTS

AS THE HUNT FOR A SOUNDTRACK TO THE SUMMER GETS UNDERWAY, WE HAVE ONE OF THE WORLD’S MEGABANDS MAKING AN EMOTIONAL RETURN, SWEDISH INDIE ACT LITTLE DRAGON GOING FOR THE ELECTROPOP JUGULAR AND A BELL X1 STAR FLYING SOLO…

Summer’s here, which generally means the album release schedule slows down slightly as artists put their full attention into those big festival gigs. There’s still plenty of brand new music to savour, however, as the Go Rail Team road-test a trio of big releases.

Up first, Coldplay. One of the world’s most successful purveyors of emotive AOR rock, Chris Martin and co return three years after Mylo Xyloto and there is plenty to emote about, not least the end of Martin’s marriage to Gwyneth Paltrow. Ghost Stories is a break-up record, but a very Coldplay break-up record. Written and recorded over the last two years, the title was apparently inspired by the singer’s worries that the “ghosts” of his past would harm his future.

As for the future of his band’s sound, well, this time they’ve turned up the ambience and experimentation while still employing plenty of the polite-angst-with-universal-uplift that has made their name. dance artist Jon Hopkins is behind the production, most notably on the vocoder and echo-heavy ‘Midnight’. With Martin singing in a style that recalls Bon Iver, it is a laudable step outside their comfort zone, if not too memorable a trip.

That is the biggest experimentation, though the sub-Edge stadium guitars have been put down as piano and synth dominate. While the band seem slightly relegated as Martin works through his issues, they have brought songs to the table for the first time. The quite lovely ‘Magic’ was built on a Guy Berryman bassline and the rhythm section excel in a deceptive, effective way on it, as they do elsewhere.

Martin’s melodies are simple and circular, as he employs repetitive verses and fluid shifts rather than the singalong choruses of before.

The nine-track album climaxes with the Avicii-

produced ‘A Sky Full Of Stars’, as Coldplay shake off the sadness and finally deliver a sky-scraping chorus. Its electro-influence (think ‘Paradise’) and retreat into their usual songwriting pattern is problematic, as it almost negates what’s gone before and feels like a radio hit for the average fan. Closer ‘O’ becomes merely an elegant regression. All in all, Ghost Stories is an agreeable, inoffensive experience. Fans might learn to love it.

Next, we turn our attentions to a surprise Scandinavian package. A going electro-rock concern since 1996, Little Dragon finally found their big break when Ritual Union became a hit in 2011. While that album was not flawless, meandering in places and tonally inconsistent, it was a high spirited effort, showcasing front woman Yukimi Nagona’s charismatic character and strong voice and suggesting the best was yet to come. Three years on, the Gothenburg trio give us Nabuma Rubberband, which manages to combine that playful spirit with sturdy musical foundations. A mash-up of euro beats, woozy funk and quirky pop, it is also home to their finest songs. ‘Paris’ is Lady Gaga pop without the arty trappings, while ‘Klap Klap’ and ‘Pretty Girls’ are perfect, primary-coloured tunes for the summer.

As before the driving force is Nagona, whose force of nature qualities are deftly captured. Best known for collaborations with Damon Albarn and OutKast’s Big Boi, Nagona is in command here and demonstrates why she may soon be famous in her own right.

Finally, an Irish record assembled with sundry international artists in various locations (Montreal and New York among them) over the last few years. The self-titled first offering from Printer Clips is a new project from Bell X1 singer Paul Noonan. An album of duets written and co-

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performed by Noonan, he’s chosen his female counterparts wisely for these nine tracks of folk-pop. Lisa Hannigan, Cathy Davey, Maria Doyle Kennedy, Gemma Hayes and Danielle Harrison represent the Irish contingent, with Martha Wainwright, Joan As Policewoman, Julia Stone and Amy Millan flying the international flag. Acoustic guitar, piano and violin all figure in this 35-minute piece of slow-burning, mournful folk-pop. The beautiful opener ‘Apparatchik’ (with Hannigan) sets the mood and draws you in. Highlights include rewordings of songs from Noonan’s back catalogue – Joan As Policewoman reinvents ‘Vapour Trail’, while Julia Stone is superb on ‘Some Surprise’. A couple of these songs will already be familiar to Noonan fans, though not in these guises. ‘Vapour Trail’ previously appeared on The Cake Sale album, but Joan As Policewoman’s plaintive vocals give it a new twist. As do Julia Stone’s on the superb version of ‘Some Surprise’. A highly praiseworthy diversion from one of Ireland’s most talented songwriters.

Little Dragon

GOWATCH. GO WATCH

THIS SUMMER SEES MANY CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED, AWARD-WINNING FILMS GET A DVD RELEASE. FROM TECHNOLOGY-FUELLED ROMANCES TO MEDITATIVE MUSICAL ODYSSEYS, ROE McDERMOTT PICKS OUT SOME OF THE BEST FOR YOU TO ENJOY.

Inside Llewyn Davis

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his summer sees the DVD release of one of 2014’s most acclaimed films. The Coen Brothers' Inside Llewyn Davis is a stunning, melancholic and philosophical offering. This cinematic love ballad about lost characters and dashed dreams seems to embody Bob Dylan’s quote that “there’s no success like failure. And failure’s no success at all.” A playful, evocative and wholly subjective chronicling of the folk scene during a bleak 1960s New York winter, Oscar Isaac is a revelation as the titular Llewyn; a character based on balladeer and mainstay of the folk revival Dave Van Ronk. Self-absorbed, casually cruel and increasingly bitter about his lack of success, Llewyn exists in a void; though he wants to succeed, he doesn’t know how to go about it. His listless, commitmentphobic, couch-surfing existence renders him almost unlikeable – but his music reveals an angelic voice and soulfulness that drags you back onside. You feel his pain; this music should be heard. But just as his record turns, so does his journey run in a circle, with his Joycean meander through auditions, doomed dalliances and brushes with Beat poets and cynical jazzers leading him right back to where he started. From the beautiful wintry cinematography to T-Bone Burnett’s exquisite soundtrack, Inside Llewyn Davis evokes a deeply meditative air. An elegant and quietly devastating tale of a life played out in a minor key.

The summer also sees the release of many Oscar winners, including the award-

winning Dallas Buyers Club to DVD. Matthew McConaughey’s almost unbelievable career transformation continues in Jean-Marc Vallee’s intriguing true story that tackles AIDS, homophobia, and the Hollywood-catnip arc of one man tackling a corrupt system. Set in the late ’80s, McConaughey undergoes a striking transformation to play Ron Woodroof, a foulmouthed AIDS-ridden bigot who takes on both the FDA and American pharmaceutical companies when he finds that the latest promoted drug, AZT, is actually worsening his condition. (Admittedly, a diet of cocaine and alcohol doesn’t help.) Devising a drug smuggling-and-dealing scam, Woodroof becomes a twisted Robin Hood, selling drug cocktails to other AIDS patients also hoping to buy precious time. Though a typical underdog plot, Vallee and McConaughey’s achievement lies in painting an intriguing yet uncompromising portrait of a mostly reprehensible character. Physically gaunt with a Freddie Mercury moustache and without his trademark winking charm, McConaughey loses himself to this foul-mouthed homophobic character, driven entirely by selfishness and rage. McConaghuey’s foil lies in Jared Leto, putting in a stunning performance as Rayon, a sensitive transsexual drug addict also suffering from the disease. Vallee wisely doesn’t pit the pair as fast friends but gradual allies, ironically brought together by the homophobia-induced isolation that Woodruff once supported. A striking journey into the darkness of life’s mess.

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It’s time to update our relationship status to ‘It’s complicated.’ Her, Spike Jonze’s inventive, sweetly melancholic and unnerving romance between a man and his computer operating system, demonstrates the quirky director’s ability to combine offbeat humour, deeply felt characters and a subject that’s entirely of the zeitgeist. Set in the not too distant future, Joaquin Phoenix plays the lonely and awkward Theodore Twombley. An insecure divorcee, his work as a love letter writer reveals a deep sensitivity, but his stilted social interactions betray a fear of intimacy. His instructions to his smart phone to play a “melancholy song” highlight this contradiction – the reliance on technology to express unspoken emotion. When Theodore falls for his Sirilike operating system Samantha (voiced by Scarlet Johansson), these issues of intimacy, technology and projection are brought to the fore. Phoenix’s almost-one-man-show is stunning, while the unseen Johansson has ironically never been better. Like a musician fully in control of her instrument, her vivid vocal performance exudes excitement, sensuality and vulnerability. The odd couple’s loving conversations and deepening connection are relateable in content but deeply thought-provoking when you step back and think about them. The nature of intimacy and physicality is questioned – does Theodore’s emotions flow more easily because his partner isn’t present? Meanwhile, Samantha questions the nature of self – and together, these characters explore the nature of love.

July also shows us unique relationships, as Ritesh Batra’s sweet, tasteful film The Lunchbox is a comforting slice of emotional nourishment. Starring the sublime Irrfan Khan (Life of Pi, HBO’s In Treatment) and Nimrat Kaur, this epistolary romance manages to gently explore loneliness, marriage, friendship, ageing, class systems and the isolation of modern society: all while remaining genuinely moving and frequently hilarious. When neglected housewife Ila (Kaur) attempts to kickstart her marriage by preparing delectable lunches for her husband, one of Mumbai’s 5,000 lunch couriers mistakenly delivers it to Saajan (Khan); a cantankerous office worker on the verge of retirement. Hilarity ensues.

Also out this summer is very funny family film The Lego Movie, Martin Scorsese’s wild and wonderful The Wolf of Wall Street, and Wes Anderson’s beautiful and quirky comedy The Grand Budapest Hotel. Happy watching!

GOREAD. NOVEL MANOEUVRES

A SELECTION OF RECOMMENDED BOOKS FOR THE SUMMER

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or some strange reason it is believed that come the summer months, readers forgo their usual bookish habits and load up on airport best-sellers and trashy novels. Not so!

Granted, if you are going on holiday, it is fun to have a big thick novel to read, particularly if you’re planning on lying on the beach for hours.

However, summer reads don’t have to be all lightness and froth. In this issue, we have three very different books for you to choose from — and not a pink cover in sight!

Eimear McBride’s debut novel, A Girl Is A Half Formed Thing, has been attracting rave reviews. Winner of the first Goldsmiths Award and shortlisted for both the Folio Prize and the Bailey’s Women’s Prize for Fiction, this is a startlingly beautiful book. Written as a stream of consciousness novel from the perspective of a young girl growing up in the shadow of her older brother’s brain tumour, A Girl Is A Half Formed Thing explores the tensions of family life and intimacy. From the opening pages, when the protagonist is a young toddler trying to make sense of the world around her, McBride’s poetic prose draws you in. The book is in the second person, addressed to the narrator’s brother. The

love she has for him is the one bright spot in a family consisting of an angry Catholic mother, a disappearing father and a perverted uncle. A Girl Is A Half Formed Thing is a challenging read, but one that will haunt you.

Ever wondered what goes on behind closed doors at Montrose? Inside RTÉ is Betty Purcell’s account of her 33 years working in both television and radio and gives us a look at the personalities and politics that have shaped our national broadcaster. A committed and passionate advocate for progressive politics, Purcell joined RTÉ hoping to effect change from within the establishment. For all her successes, and Purcell has had many, including her involvement with the ground breaking Women Today radio programme, she writes with a clear eye about the possibilities and failures of broadcast journalism. Inside RTÉ looks at the effects of the Section 31 broadcast ban which barred any and all members of Sinn Féin from speaking on radio or television; the conservative forces that tried to restrict topics of discussion; the wily ways of politicians hoping to use RTÉ as a government mouthpiece; and gives us insight into the makings of popular programmes

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such as Questions & Answers and The Late Late Show. Purcell is an excellent guide through Irish broadcast history and this is a fascinating and enjoyable read.

Have you ever been groped by a stranger in a pub? Or been on the receiving end of lewd comments as you walked down the street? If you are a woman, the chances are statistically pretty high that you have. In Everyday Sexism, journalist and activist Laura Bates has collected tales from tens of thousands of women who use her blog and Twitter account to detail their experiences of sexual harassment, from minor incidents such as cat-calling through to sexual assault and rape. Bates paints a bleak picture but Everyday Sexism is not just a catalogue of horrors. Instead, it’s a call to action. The book focuses on the UK, and thus a number of the statistics and studies she quotes are not relevant to Ireland. However, the behaviour she details will be all to familiar too many women, and will be an eye-opener for many men. Everyday Sexism is not an easy read, but Bates has shone a light on an important part of women’s lives that is all too often brushed aside as trivial.

G O

W I N

GO RAIL COMPETITION

WIN A TWO NIGHT B&B BREAK + ONE DINNER AT THE LAKE HOTEL KILLARNEY The four star, family owned and run Lake Hotel enjoys a unique location on the lake shore, just 2 km from Killarney town and adjacent to Killarney National Park. With 131 bedrooms, the elegant Castlelough Restaurant, the Devil's Punch Bowl Bar and numerous lounges offering magnificent lake views, The Lake Hotel has much to offer. Operating since 1820, a long tradition of Irish warmth and hospitality awaits you at The Lake Hotel, Killarney.

THE PRIZES: The winner, along with a friend/partner, will spend two nights in this wonderful, family-run hotel, with breakfast each morning, and dinner on one evening.

Getting there is taken care of too, with a pair of Intercity tickets included in the prize!

What’s more, four runners-up will each receive a pair of Intercity tickets.

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. Good luck!

THE QUESTIONS:

(A)

(B)

(C)

WHO WAS THE FIRST COUNTRY TO WIN THE WORLD CUP?

WHICH ACTOR PLAYED THE ROLE OF CAPTAIN JACK SPARROW IN PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN?

WHICH OF THESE BOYBANDS HAS A MEMBER HAILING FROM MULLINGAR?

1. Brazil 2. Argentina 3. Uruguay

1. Brad Pitt 2. Johnny Depp 3. Orlando Bloom

1. One Direction 2. JLS 3. 5 Seconds of Summer

Lake Shore, Muckross Road, Killarney, Co. Kerry, Ireland

Telephone: +353 (0) 64 663 1035

info@

lakehotel.com • www.lakehotel.com

Iarnród Éireann are also offering 5 runners-up, 5 pairs of intercity tickets, please email your answers to gorail@hotpress.Ie Terms & Conditions: The prizes is valid for one year, and 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.

THE ITALIAN JOB

The Pacino's Caprese salad

Win dinner for two with wine in Pacino’s, Dublin 2’s much-loved Italian eatery which can be found at 18 Suffolk Street, close to both Trinity College and Grafton Street.

From pizzas and pastas to polpettine and porchetta, you and your tastebuds are in for a home-cooked treat!

The Chianti wine region is in which country?

(A) Spain

(B) Italy

(C) Portugual

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. Good luck!

Terms & Conditions: The prizes is valid for one year, and 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.

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Get Ready for Summer…

Itcheze cooling gel cools and soothes the uncomfortable itch caused by skin conditions such as: ■ Prickly heat ■ Insect bites and stings ■ Superficially reddened skin ■ Dry itchy skin ■ Can be used on both face & body ■ Can be used on all the family and on babies from 6 months ■ Available in gel and spray gel

Caldesun has a unique formulation that contains UVA, UVB and IR-A (infrared) protection filters ■ Clinically tested ■ Water resistant ■ Available in SPF50 Spray ■ Caldesun protects immediately after application.

■ Suitable for children with neurodermatitis – extremely dry, itchy skin ■ Free of PEG emulsifiers, perfume, artificial colours and preservatives

CaldeKids Travel Pops settle the tummy during travel ■ Contain two natural extracts which have a positive effect on the digestive system.

■ Ginger extract helps settle the tummy during travel.

■ Peppermint extract regulates digestion.

■ To maximise the effect take the lollipop 30 minutes before travelling.

■ Available in box of 3 lollipops.

■ Apple flavoured

Distributed by ClonMedica. Available in Pharmacy. Always read the label. 2014/ADV/GEN/037.

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