GoRail June-July 2012 - Volume 2 No 2

MAY-JULY 2012 VOL:2 ISSUE:2

JENNY HUSTON’S

FAVOURITE TRAIN JOURNEY KEVIN BARRY

IRELAND S HOTTEST NEW WRITER THE PLEASURES OF

IRISH WHISKEY

SUMMER’S

COMING WE PREVIEW THE BIG GIGS

PLUS INTERVIEWS: BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN SNOW PATROL FLORENCE & THE MACHINE AVENG ER S AS SEMBLE: TH E B LOC K B U ST E R OF T H E Y E A R

A cosmopolitan

experience without the

hangover facebook.com /stephensgreensc

The Shopping Centre of Dublin

CONTENTS MAY-JULY 2012 VOLUME: 2 ISSUE: 2

BEST GIGS

SUMMER

S U M M E R G I G G U I D E P20 6 GO FOR IT A rundown of what’s hot and happening throughout the country.

15 GO NEWS Up-to-date train news from Iarnród Éireann.

19 ATTRACTIONS A handy guide of interesting places to see at your next stop.

20 IT'S SHOWTIME! This summer brings with it a whole host of exciting musical performances. Go Rail chats to DEATH IN VEGAS, FLORENCE WELSH, BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN and GARY LIGHTBODY ahead of their respective Irish shows, and also looks forward to MADONNA's Dublin stop-off.

30 HOLDING OUT FOR A HERO THE AVENGERS looks set to be this summer's blockbuster movie. ROE McDERMOTT meets the cast, who reveal what it was like on the set of this superhero extravaganza!

32 THE WRITE STUFF Author KEVIN BARRY talks about his latest collection of short stories.

48 HUSTON STATION RTÉ 2fm DJ Jenny Huston shares her favourite train journey with Go Rail.

34 GO SPORT CRAIG FITZSIMONS weighs up Ireland's chances in this summer's EURO 2012.

49 PUT A CORK IN IT Located on the lovely Lee, there's plenty to see and do in Cork.

38 GO BUSINESS GERRY FORDE of Dublin music store X Music on the challenges his business faces in these tough economic times.

52 LIFE BEGINS AT 50 JACKIE HAYDEN previews the annual Bealtaine Festival, which aims to promote creativity in older people.

40 GO FOOD Author MARISA MACKLE joins Go Rail for a bite to eat at Dublin's newest restaurant, Bite.

56 GO FASHION Our summer fashion tips will help you feel cool while looking hot!

43 EAT TO THE BEAT We preview the various foodie festivals taking place around the country this summer.

60 GO HEALTH Keeping fit can be a challenge. ANNE SEXTON offers some helpful ways to feel your best this summer.

44 A SIP OF THE STRONG STUFF! There's lots to learn about whiskey. ANNE SEXTON takes one for the team and samples the many delights of our national beverage!

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

CREDITS MAY - JULY 2012 VOLUME: 2 ISSUE: 2 MANAGING EDITOR

Máirín Sheehy

COMMISSIONING EDITOR

Roisin Dwyer

CONTRIBUTORS

Stuart Clark Craig Fitzpatrick David Hanratty Jackie Hayden Maeve Heslin Roe McDermott Anne Sexton Olaf Tyaransen

DESIGN & PRODUCTION

Hot Press 13 Trinity Street Dublin 2

DESIGN

David Keane Andrew Duffy

PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Maeve Heslin

STUDIO MANAGER

Graham Keogh

PRINTED BY

Boylan’s Print

ADVERTISING

Trish Murphy Suzanne Dwyer

PUBLISHER

Niall Stokes

GO RAIL IS PUBLISHED FOR IARNRÓD ÉIREANN BY: Osnovina Ltd 13 Trinity Street Dublin 2

TELEPHONE

(01) 2411 500

FAX

(01) 2411 538

EMAIL

gorail@hotpress.ie

LETTERS

The Editor, Go Rail Magazine, 13 Trinity St Dublin 2

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

All material © Osnovina 2012. All rights reserved.

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

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HERE COMES THE SUMMER! W

ell, at least the threat of drought has receded! Taking a regular walk by the banks of the Dodder River, which winds its way across South Dublin, over the past few months, the drop in the water levels had been obvious. With the issue of water charges in the air there was something ominous about the evidence that the rivers themselves might be drying up.

But this is Ireland. We probably should not have worried. After an incredibly warm and dry March, in the middle of April the rain returned in bucketfuls.

Last weekend, the river was flowing again in a powerful rush, the water cascading down from the mountains. The sound of it racing along the riverbed was music to the ears. Water is a precious commodity and we should never forget that, even when the skies open at the most inopportune time.

As we enter the month of May, we hope there will be less of that over the coming weeks. The summer is such an important time for towns and villages all over Ireland. We are still an agricultural country. Indeed that is one of our greatest assets: our temperate climate is good for growth and our position on the edge of Europe, beside the wild Atlantic ocean, means we are well-placed to carry the flag for naturally-grown, organic produce and artisan foods. There is more awareness of this now than ever before, and all over Ireland local producers are creating exciting products that deserve to carve out a market, not just here but across Europe. They can be found at farmers’ markets and other food festivals, which are an increasing feature of the summer schedule. We

4

should treasure this abundance and support it.

Summer, of course, is also about tourism, and the local events and festivals which are such an important part of what we have to offer, in terms of culture and hospitality. There is a danger sometimes that we might underestimate the quality of what the people who make these events happen put together, in the music, literature, arts, cultural, food and other fairs and festivals that crop up every weekend. Wherever you live, it is worth looking around and seeing what’s on offer, and entering into the spirit of it. A sense of community is more important than ever.

Meanwhile, the big promoters and event organisers continue to provide us with the best quality entertainment in the world. From Forbidden Fruit in the Royal Hospital, through Madonna in the Aviva Stadium and Westlife in Croke Park to the July series of gigs in the Phoenix Park, with The Stone Roses, Snow Patrol and Florence + The Machine, and on to the ageless Leonard Cohen later in the year, all the big acts out there touring the world are coming to Ireland. Again, it is something that we tend to take for granted but shouldn’t.

With Euro 2012 and the Olympics also coming down the tracks, there is unlikely to be a dull moment around these parts for the next few months at least. Which is good. Summer is a time of plenty. It is an opportunity to jump on the train and get to the furthest ends of the country and soak up all that this island has to offer. It is a time to see Ireland at its best.

Happy travelling.

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TWO DAYS

IN THE LIFE Dublin’s historic Croke Park has hosted many a special occasion in its time, from last-minute match winners to unforgettable gigs from some of the world’s top acts. This summer sees an event as spectacular as it is bittersweet come to the home of Gaelic games, as globe-conquering pop giants Westlife take their final bow. Having announced their split last October after 14 years together, as many number one singles and 44 million album sales, this will be the farewell gig to end them all. Determined to say goodbye in the right way, the band will take to the stage not once, but twice, giving their all for over 80,000 people one last time. Expect speeches, tears, fireworks and everything befitting the biggest send-off of the year on June 22 and 23. Special rail services are available. Visit www. irishrail.ie for details.

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Flaming Decanter GoRail 261 x 85.5mm.pdf

CROKE SPARK

Red Hot Chili Peppers

No strangers to our shores, the Red Hot Chili Peppers seem to have as much love for Ireland as their very own City of Angels.

And why not, given their history of rocking out the likes of Slane, Oxegen and the illustrious Phoenix Park. As usual with the bare-chested funk heroes, the only way is up, and so it is that the Chilis will strut into Croke Park on June 26 and are unlikely

to leave until the entire arena is moving as one. With new guitarist Josh Klinghoffer on board and the impressive I’m With You album in tow, Anthony Kiedis and co have something of a spring in their step, which they’re going to need if they intend to outshine support acts Noel Gallagher (and his High Flying Birds) and The Vaccines on the night. We think they’ll be alright and then some.

Kitty, Daisy & Lewis

Guided Factory Tour, Opulent Retail Store featuring the largest collection of the world’s most coveted name in crystal.

ROOT IT OUT A glorious celebration of Roots/Americana music, the 15th Smithwick’s Kilkenny Roots Festival takes place in over 30 venues thoughout Kilkenny City, boasting an international bill of the best in the business. While Kilkenny will welcome established veterans like Willy Vlautin and Dan Eccles to the city, the festival also provides a showcase for some of the hottest new talent around, with Alabama Shakes (pencilled in for an Electric Picnic appearance in September) and brother/sister trio Kitty, Daisy & Lewis, who turned many heads at last year’s Oxegen festival, set to play between May 4 and 6. Kilkenny Roots also gives punters the chance to explore a city bursting with Irish heritage, from the storied Kilkenny Castle to the historic village of Inistioge. For the full list of acts and activities, go to www.kilkennyroots.com.

House of Waterford Crystal The Mall, Waterford City, Ireland Call: +353 (0)51 317 000 E: houseofwaterfordcrystal@wwrd.com www.waterfordvisitorcentre.com

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1

18/01/2012

10:32

GOFOR IT

HORSLIPS TOP HOLE IN ONE

RORY FESTIVAL

Rory McIlroy

As expected, this year’s Masters Tournament in Augusta made for some truly compelling television, and while Rory McIlroy was unable to completely vanquish his demons from his last trip to Georgia, golf fans were treated to a nail-biting play-off between Louis Oosthuizen and eventual winner Bubba Watson. Exciting, tense and unpredictable, it was everything a great game of golf should be. The Killarney Festival of Golf (May 23-25) is an event that glows with a similar spirit. Now in its third year, this unique event takes place over 54 holes and three separate championship golf courses – Lackabane, Kileens and Mahony’s Point.

Participants are made up of two-person teams and the environment, while pristine, is a competitive one! The event is open to everyone, whether avid golfers or those just looking for a fun midweek break. Check out www. par4golfevents.com for more.

Virtuoso. Wizard. Genius. Whatever label you choose to place on the late, great Rory Gallagher, they all apply. 17 years have passed since Gallagher’s death, and in that time his influence has only grown stronger, with guitar newcomers and icons like Queen’s Brian May all benefitting from the legacy Rory left behind. Such a great figure deserves a fitting celebration, and Ballyshannon’s Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival is just the ticket. The award-winning event has gone from strength to strength since its formation in 2002. Ten years on, the party is bigger and better than ever, with this year’s spectacular in Ballyshannon (May 31–June 3) featuring a wealth of talent eager to pay tribute to Rory, including the Mick Taylor Band, Horslips and the Pat McManus Band. For the full programme of events, check out www.goingtomyhometown.com.

SURFING THE

SOUNDWAVES 08

You can expect many a splash in Donegal this summer as the Sea Sessions Surf Music Festival returns to Bundoran with arguably its most impressive line-up yet. Heading things up are the always lively Kaiser Chiefs who have proven adept at whipping crowds into a frenzy on their previous Irish jaunts. They’ll be joined by Happy Mondays, Ocean Colour Scene, Fujiya & Miyagi and the cream of the Irish crop, with The Coronas (pictured), Delorentos, The Minutes, Ham Sandwich, We Cut Corners and many more ready to rock between June 29 and July 1. As ever, Sea Sessions will be home to exciting non-musical activities and extreme sports such as skate and BMX displays, a Surfer’s Village for those who love to board and a host of Olympic-flavoured fun and games. Check out www.seasessions.com for more.

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GOFOR IT Beirut

A NEW LEE-ASE OF LIFE

TAKE A BITE

Few comedians provoke a reaction quite like Stewart Lee. Blessed with an everyman charm and razor-sharp comic timing, Lee almost seems bemused by his chosen profession, often veering towards indifference in his mannerisms. But make no mistake, the Shropshire funnyman is as astute and acerbic as any of his peers, perhaps even more so. A veteran of the stage, radio and television, Lee is quick to acknowledge Irish comedians for their influence on his career, so you can expect him to be on top of his game when he visits Dublin’s Vicar St. (May 17 and 18), Galway’s Roisin Dubh (19) and the Cork Opera House (21) as part of his hilarious Carpet Remnant Tour.

Now middle-aged, married and bogged down with parental responsibilities, Lee’s caustic observations on life have become that much more essential.

Forbidden Fruit, Dublin’s premier city-based festival, returns following its successful debut last year, bringing an extra day of revelry along with it.

The June Bank Holiday weekend (2-4) will see the grounds of the Royal Hospital Kilmainham transformed into the summer’s biggest party as the likes of New Order, Wilco and Leftfield come to town. Despite being a festival in its infancy, Forbidden Fruit seems determined to group together top international acts with the best in emerging Irish talent. That’s why you’ll find exciting homegrown heroes like The Cast Of Cheers, Toby Kaar and Le Galaxie shining alongside more exotic fare such as The Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, Booka Shade and Beirut. The eclectic line-up is still being assembled, so keep an eye on www.forbiddenfruit.ie for more.

Duke Special

PEDAL TO THE METAL

PASS THE BOOK Listowel’s infamous Writer’s Week is the most popular event on the Irish literary calendar. The festival, which will take place from May 30 – June 3 this year, has been running annually since 1970. Since then, it has become a useful platform for new and established writers who wish to develop their skills, take workshops, and meet new audiences. Some of this year’s exciting workshops include ‘Freelance Journalism’ with Sinéad Gleeson, and ‘Advanced Poetry’ with Paul Perry. You’ll also be able to take in live discussions with prominent Irish writers like Paul Durkan and Orla Tinsley, enter literary competitions, and check out some exciting exhibitions. To top it all off there’ll be live music each night, with popular Irish acts The Dubliners and Duke Special making an appearance.

With the new Formula 1 season well underway and several competitors vying for pole position, what better time to bring the sights, sounds and incredible speed of F1 to the streets of Dublin? Over 100,000 race fans are expected to converge on the city streets when Bavaria City Racing powers through on June 3, bringing two former world champions along for the ride in the form of Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton, chief drivers of the Vodafone McLaren-Mercedes F1 team. An afternoon of high-octane excitement is promised with representatives and demonstrations expected from Formula 1, Formula 2, the World Rally Championship and more. The latest and greatest in supercars and superbikes will also be on display. For a full list of events, visit www.bavariacityracing.ie.

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JUNE

22nd, 23rd, 24th Three days of Latin and African music and dance with bands from Ireland, UK, Germany and France.

2012

Street performance, beer garden gigs, late night club, salsa night, carnival parade and workshops.

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GOING GREEN Since opening in 1988, Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre has welcomed millions of visitors through its doors.

Its spectacular architecture and iconic glass dome houses over 100 different shops ranging from independent boutiques to internationally renowned brands. From fashion and footwear to sport and music, Stephen’s Green takes it all indoors, out of the (occasional) rain. Stephen’s Green is also home to many bars and restaurants, including long-standing traditional pub Sinnott’s, which pre-dates the centre itself, for when you’re all shopped out.

Plus, tucked away in the upper levels you will find art, antiques, quick-working portrait artists, jewellery and more, so you can finish your trip with a relaxed walk along the galleries.

The long-standing symbol of the Olympic Games, that most iconic of images, the Olympic Torch comes to Ireland on its way to this summer’s London spectacular. Ahead of the Games (which kick off on July 27), the famous flame will be lit on May 10 from the sun’s rays at the Temple of Hera in Olympia, Greece before travelling around the world, making its stop-off in Dublin on June 6 where it will come into contact with some of the country’s most inspiring athletes, including gold medalist Sonia O’Sullivan, eighttime All-Ireland winning Kilkenny hurler Henry Shefflin and blind adventure athlete Mark Pollock.

The Torch Relay will pass through many locations on its three-hour journey through our nation’s capital, including Croke Park, Christ Church Cathedral and St. Stephen’s Green.

T E MP L E B A R C ULT UR A L T R US T p re se n ts

outdoor film festival F i L M

F E S T i VA L

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From April 29th, WIN 200 tickets and 5 VIP packages every week.

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SCREEN UNDER THE SKY

BEAT ON THE STREET

A film showcase with a twist, Dublin’s Sunday Times Outdoor Film Festival takes place in – you guessed it – an entirely outdoor setting. In association with the Temple Bar Cultural Trust, six iconic films will screen across six weeks every Thursday at 10.15pm at Meeting House Square, kicking off with family classic The Wizard of Oz on May 10. Keen to highlight the variety of cinema, the festival will showcase a wide range of genres, with Quentin Tarantino’s immortal Pulp Fiction, Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s whimsical French delight Amélie, John Huston’s noir thriller The Maltese Falcon, James Cameron’s bold sci-fi sequel Aliens and Steven Spielberg’s unforgettable introduction to Indiana Jones, Raiders Of The Lost Ark, all set to play before the festival wraps up on June 14. All screenings are free but tickets are required. For details on how to apply, visit www.templebar.ie/event/outdoorfilmfest.

Bringing the sights and sounds of the world’s most rhythmic carnival to the streets, the revered Drogheda Samba Festival is a vibrant celebration of world culture, mixing Brazilian, Latin and African percussion-based music. The three-day spectacular takes over the town between June 22 and 24, uniting a community through the universal language of dance. Now in its 19th year, the festival will see a host of samba groups travel from Germany, France and England to take part in the numerous gigs (both indoor and open air), workshops and demonstrations. As ever, Salsa is expected to prove one of the most popular aspects of the event, while music from a wide range of countries will be showcased at a late night fringe festival. The bash will culminate in a huge carnival parade, where all the groups come together for a raucous farewell. For more information, visit droghedasamba.com.

HERE PIGGY PIGGY Time to start planning your next Great Night Out? Make it a Night at the Dogs!

Whatever your idea of a Great Night, we’ve something to suit everyone for as little as €10.

Of course we have thrilling Greyhound racing action but why not combine with a mouth-watering meal in the restaurant, try our finger food options or simply just relax between races with friends in the bar areas?

Choose from 17 Greyhound Stadia across the country, visit igb.ie for more!

That most beloved of cartoon farmyard animals, Peppa Pig, will scour the length and breadth of the country in search of loot as Peppa Pig’s Treasure Hunt comes to Ireland this May, taking in shows at the INEC, Kerry (May 12 – 13), University Concert Hall, Limerick (16 – 17), Royal Theatre and Event Centre, Mayo (19 – 20) and Dublin’s Olympia Theatre (26 – 27). This brand new show sees Peppa, George and Danny Dog enjoying a day out on Grandad Dog’s boat before being whisked off on a grand adventure in search of buried treasure. Featuring true to life puppets and whimsical singalongs, Peppa’s newest tale is perfect family fun. Tickets are available from www. ticketmaster.ie.\

*Not all stadia feature restaurant facilities

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GOFOR IT

TAKING TO THE STREETS

The best street performers the world has to offer will be arriving in Ireland this June. The Street Performance World Championships take place in Cork on June 9 and 10, and in Dublin (14 – 17). Magicians, contortionists, acrobats, fire-eaters, sword swallowers and comedy acts battle it out for the most coveted title in street performance. Goliath, the ‘World’s Smallest Strongman’, will be returning to fight for his title. Just four foot tall, he can bend solid metal bars and lift (rather terrified) audience members over his head. The hilarious silent comedy act Funny Bones will also be taking to the streets with giant zombie puppets in tow and breakdancing routines at the ready. It’s sure to be lots of fun for audiences too. Last year they attempted to break the world record for the most people dressed as Wally (of Where’s Wally fame!) and 3,657 people showed up in Dublin wearing the famous striped jumper and bobble hat. The previous year, they tried to gather the most people on space hoppers in one place. Whatever recordbreaking attempt they have planned for this year is yet to be announced!

FELINE

FINE! Kilkenny will be brimming with laughter this June bank holiday weekend (May 31 – June 4) as some of the top comedians in the business descend upon the city for the annual Cat Laughs Comedy Festival. Now in its 18th year, the festival is a well-established one, drawing crowds to the lively city for four days of gags and laughter. This year will be no exception, with 40 comedy stars from Ireland and abroad on the line-up including household names Jack Dee, Al Murray, Colin Murphy, Jason Byrne and Des Bishop as well as a host of newcomers and breakthrough acts.

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GONEWS

RAIL VISION 2030 IRELAND’S RAIL NETWORK

HAS KEY ROLE TO PLAY IN FUTURE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

A major report into the future strategy for Ireland’s national rail network has recommended that improvements in speeds and capacity on Intercity lines be prioritised.

T

he AECOM/Goodbody Strategic Rail Investments Needs Review, commissioned

by Iarnród Éireann, also envisages longerterm electrification of key sections of the network on sustainability grounds, and calls for connections for Dublin Airport to be progressed – initially via a major M50 Park and Ride station, with a spur from the existing DART line to the airport to follow. While focused on the national network, the report also endorsed key elements of the Dublin rail strategy, including DART Underground, and the extension of the DART network to Commuter lines in the Greater Dublin area.

As the study was launched, Iarnród Éireann Chief Executive Dick Fearn said the current economic crisis should not prevent planning for national infrastructure. “It would be easy in today’s environment to focus solely on short-term measures needed to ensure financial viability and the protection of existing services. However, public transport in general and rail development in particular must always be considered in the medium and long-term strategic context. The goal for rail development at any time must be ‘to provide safe, accessible and integrated rail services that contribute to sustainable economic and regional development in an efficient manner’.

This is a goal to which we can all subscribe.”

The full report is available to download at www. irishrail.ie.

THE KEY FINDINGS OF THE REPORT INCLUDE: • The national Intercity and commuter network has a key role to play in promoting economic development, • The need to ensure that the maintenance and renewal of the infrastructure on an ongoing basis is safeguarded, to avoid the asset being ‘run down’ over time, • Investment in track to give journey time improvements of up to 30 minutes on key Intercity routes, including Dublin to Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Galway, Mayo and Waterford, resulting in journey times of 2 hours from Dublin/Cork; 1 hour 45 minutes Dublin/Galway, and under 2 hours for other major cities, • Increases in service frequency on selected routes, with additional capacity through doubletracking the line from Portarlington to Athlone, • Development of a Dublin (M50) Parkway Station on the route into Heuston, allowing customers to the west and south of the city to connect to Intercity rail services, and providing an Airport to Dublin Parkway bus shuttle, • Subsequent development of airport rail link from Clongriffin on the Dublin/Belfast and DART line to Dublin Airport, to link the national rail network to the country’s gateway airport, in line with European Union strategic goals, • Longer-term, electrification of key routes including Dublin-Cork and Dublin-Galway, enabling Galway and Cork to Dublin Airport rail services via Dublin city and DART Underground,

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• A number of potential new regional rail lines are evaluated, with only Athenry to Tuam currently envisaged a candidate for further consideration, • Rail freight to continue to operate on a commercial basis, with an Exchequer grant aid facility to enterprises and Iarnród Éireann to support new freight projects with a clear economic return, supported by costbenefit analysis, Reviewing the report, Dick Fearn stated: “It is clear from the outcome of the report that rail must remain a core element of our national transport strategy, and can continue to develop its role. The report highlights the importance of ensuring that, even in the current environment, normal maintenance and renewal of infrastructure must take place, and to that end we welcome the confirmation that this is being maintained within the reduced Exchequer capital programme. The AECOM/Goodbody report charts a course to ensure that rail can play a strong and economically sustainable role in meeting the transport needs of our communities into the future. It sets priorities and challenges for all stakeholders involved in or with an interest in delivering transport solutions in Ireland, and we look forward to working with stakeholders to chart a vision for our future network.”

GONEWS

FAMILY FARES MAKE TRAVEL CHEAPER

T

his weekend, why not take the family away for a day trip?

Iarnród Éireann has great family fares that make for a great day out.

The family tickets which are available from your local booking office cover two adults and up to four kids, and kids under five go free!

These fares are available seven days a week with no restrictions.

• Galway to Dublin €73.50 Day Return • Athlone to Dublin €57.50 Day Return • Limerick to Dublin €82.50 Day Return • Cork to Dublin €100 Day Return • Dundalk to Dublin €41.50 Day Return More family fare information is available online at www.irishrail.ie or at your local station.

STUDENT FARE PROMOTION EXTENDED Iarnród Éireann’s student fares promotion, launched in February, has proven a big hit with the cost of Intercity rail travel for students cut by up to 47%. The offers have now been extended, and are available online at irishrail.ie and in stations until the end of May! THE NEW FARES INCLUDE : ROUTE

OLD FARE

NEW FARE

SAVING

Dublin/Cork

€48

€30

€18 (37.5%)

Dublin/Limerick

€38

€20

€18 (47%)

Dublin/Waterford

€26.50

€20

€6.50 (24.5%)

Dublin/Kerry

€49.50

€30

€19.50 (39%)

Dublin/Galway

€32.30

€20

€19.50 (39%)

Dublin/Westport

€36.40

€30

€6.40 (17.5%)

Dublin/Sligo

€33.40

€20

€13.50 (40%)

Dublin/Rosslare

€25

€20

€5 (20%)

In addition, this special promotion will allow students to use their College ID cards to avail of these discount prices. Previously, students required a Student Travelcard to avail of discounted single and return Intercity fares (this card will also remain valid for discounts, and is still required for all student season tickets and student DART/Commuter fares).

And it’s not just students who will be benefiting from special offers – all customers are advised to keep an eye on irishrail.ie for some incredible offers coming soon...

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COMMUNITY AND VOLUNTARY SECTOR Are you involved in an organisation in the community or voluntary sector, or a local group involved in sport, charity and other notfor-profit activity? If so, watch out for a new initiative from Iarnród Éireann to help people who help our communities. Coming in April – full information will be available at www.irishrail.ie.

GONEWS

RAIL NETWORK ACHIEVES

HIGHEST PUNCTUALITY TO DATE

One of the most important elements of any form of travel is to ensure that you get there on time, and Iarnród Éireann has just recorded the highest ever punctuality on the network for the first quarter of 2012.

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cross the Intercity network, 97.5% of trains in the first three months of the year arrived on time or within ten minutes of time, the measure of punctuality from the National Transport Authority.

Commuter customers are also seeing excellent performance, with punctuality at 98.8% across the major commuting routes into Dublin.

The DART, where punctuality statistics detail trains on time or within five minutes of time, achieved over 91% from January to March.

The record punctuality is a result of the efforts of many staff across all areas in Iarnród Éireann – train operations, track, signalling, other infrastructure and train maintenance. It also reflects the benefits of improvements to the rail service in recent years.

Long may it continue!

SPECIAL SURGE IN COMPANIES PARTICIPATING IN Services for TAXSAVER SCHEME

EUCHARISTIC

CONGRESS O

ne of the biggest events taking place in Ireland this summer is the 50th International Eucharistic Congress which takes place in the RDS, Dublin (five minutes walk from Sandymount Dart Station) between June 10 and 16, and in Croke Park, Dublin (ten minutes walk from Connolly Station) on Sunday June 17.

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In addition to the normal train schedule every day, Iarnród Éireann is operating a number of special trains for the International Eucharistic Congress, with direct services to the nearest stations.

he number of companies participating in the Taxsaver scheme, which allows employees to avail of tax relief for the cost of public transport commuting, has increased to over 2,500 for the first time.

THESE INCLUDE: • Tuesday June 12: Waterford to Sandymount • Wednesday June 13: Midleton/Cork to Sandymount • Sunday June 17: Cobh/Midleton/Cork to Dublin Connolly • Sunday June 17: Limerick to Dublin Connolly • Sunday June 17: Waterford to Dublin Connolly

In 2011, almost 35,000 commuters from over 2,500 companies spent just under €25 million on monthly and annual rail only, rail/bus and rail/Luas commuter tickets.

Full tax relief of up to 52% is available for commuters who participate, with employers saving up to 10.75% on PRSI. The net effect is that public transport commuters who buy monthly and annual tickets in Ireland enjoy some of the lowest commuting costs in Europe.

For example, a commuter travelling from Drogheda to Dublin, a journey of 52 kilometres, has a net cost of as little as €2.11 per journey

Tickets for these special trains are available to book now at www.irishrail.ie and event information is available at www.iec2012.ie.

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with an annual rail Taxsaver ticket.

This compares to a similar journey in the London area (London-Luton, 49 kilometres), which has a per journey cost of €8.87, more than four times the Irish taxsaver commuting cost.

With consumers ever more conscious of reducing their bills, Iarnród Éireann is finding companies are now responding to demands from their employees to participate in the Taxsaver scheme, so they can avail of tax relief on their rail commute. The number of participating companies and Taxsaver tickets sold continues to grow, both in the Greater Dublin commuter belt, and in cities like Cork, Galway and Limerick.

Taxsaver customers can also use their annual ticket as a discount card for Intercity journeys, with up to 30% off Intercity travel for Taxsavers.

Full information on the Taxsaver scheme is available at www.taxsaver.ie or www.irishrail.ie.

GONEWS

RAIL FREIGHT BECOMING MORE COMPETITIVE

Track works to increase capacity of rail freight

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ecent infrastructure work by Iarnród Éireann on the Ballina to Dublin route, and improved end to end journey times, has made rail freight on this route now more competitive with road haulage. This work has also made it feasible now to transport temperature controlled equipment.

Similar work is now planned on the Cork to Dublin route, which will allow the company to

compete for more freight volumes. Iarnród Éireann has also completed renovations of its ‘pocket wagons’ fleet and use of these wagons could facilitate the opening of services elsewhere on the network.

The company is also working with a new interest group in the Cork region, encompassing key business interests including the Cork Chamber of Commerce and Cork Port. As part of this initiative, Cork Chamber of Commerce are researching

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their 1,000 business representatives to further determine the potential for rail freight on the Cork route.

Rail freight was also referenced in the recent AECOM/Goodbody report on the future of Ireland’s rail network. The report recommended exploring the possibility of an Exchequer grant aid facility to Iarnród Éireann and other enterprises, to support new freight projects with a clear economic return, supported by a cost-benefit analysis.

ATTRACTIONS

The House of Waterford Crystal & (right) the National Museum of Ireland.

THINGS TO SEE

AND DO T

here are many exciting stop-offs around the country, each steeped in historical and cultural heritage. Here, Go Rail takes a look at five essential trips, whether you’re after a day visit, a weekend break or an extended holiday.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF IRELAND The home of Irish heritage, the National Museum was founded in 1877 with a view to collect, preserve, promote and exhibit all examples of the country’s history and culture. The museum currently houses collections of almost four million objects and specimens, including material sourced from all over the world.

Natural history plays a big part in the museum’s identity, with specific divisions dedicated to the study of zoology and geology in place. These collections continue to play an important role in the identifications of new species, with some specimens dating back as far as 1792. There is also a wide variety of learning resources and unique activities available, making a trip to the museum both an educational and fun experience.

Phone Contact No: +353 (0) 1 677 7444 Web Address: www.museum.ie OPENING TIMES/DATES: Tuesday – Saturday: 10am – 5pm Closed Mondays, Christmas Day and Good Friday

ARIGNA MINING EXPERIENCE A link between Ireland’s past, present and future, the Mining Experience Centre of Roscommon’s Arigna Valley is much more than just an energy preserve. Offering its visitors a chance to step back in time, the mining centre allows you to experience what it was like to work in some of the narrowest coal seams in the western world. Active from the 1700s until its closure in 1990, the mine has its fair share of stories to tell. A 45-minute tour brings visitors deep into the heart of the action, while lighting and sound effects underscore an altogether immersive experience. The mining experience centre is also home to a unique exhibition detailing the concepts and operation

of renewable energy systems, some of which are on display on nearby wind farms and the centre’s energy playground. In addition, a history tour presents the origins and history of the Arigna coal mines and its impact on the local community.

Phone Contact No: +353 (0) 719646466 Web Address: www.arignaminingexperience.ie OPENING TIMES/DATES: Open seven days a week, 10am to 5pm

KING JOHN’S CASTLE, LIMERICK Located on King’s Island in the heart of Limerick City, King John’s Castle is something of a medieval icon. This 13th century fortress overlooks the majestic River Shannon, offering a magnificent viewpoint of the city.

No mere monument, the castle houses 800 years of history via innovative activities such as excavated pre-Norman houses, siege mines, battlement walks, fortifications and an impressive historical exhibition. Upon the construction of the castle’s visitor centre, the remains of a Viking settlement were discovered, while many traces of centuries-old battles remain to this day. Currently undergoing a huge restoration, the castle is set for something of a facelift, with a new range of technologies and specialist multimedia techniques planned to bring this cultural behemoth into the modern age.

Phone Contact No: +353 (0) 1 613 60788 Web Address: N/A OPENING TIMES/DATES: Open all year round, 10am to 5pm (last admission 4pm)

WESTPORT HOUSE, MAYO One of Ireland’s most picturesque and historic homes, Westport House is quite the national treasure. Boasting over 30 rooms and dungeons, original architecture, stunning gardens, resplendent artwork and antiques and a host of exhibits, there’s something here to delight any culture-vulture. To date, the house has welcomed over four million visitors. Not a bad leap from its first 2,700 guests all the way back in 1960. But it’s not just about cultural heritage, as Westport House is also the home of the

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popular Pirate Adventure Park, an incredible playground for all the family that rivals any theme park. Rides include the Cannonball Run slide, the Pirates Swinging Ship and the Pirates Plunge log flume ride. The lakeside setting also provides the perfect backdrop for a trip on a Swan Pedaloe Boat or a mini-adventure aboard the Westport House Express railway. Other sports on offer include pitch & putt, tennis, table-tennis and fishing.

Phone Contact No: +353 (0) 98 27 766 Web Address: www.westporthouse.ie OPENING TIMES/DATES: May: Open May Bank Holiday weekend (5, 6 and 7) from 11am to 6pm and Sundays for the remainder of the month from 11am to 6pm.

June: Open daily from June 1 (10am – 3pm on weekdays and 11am – 6pm at weekends)

HOUSE OF WATERFORD CRYSTAL Rightly regarded as a world leader in the manufacture of crystal, Waterford Crystal continues to put its city on the map, and with a base of operations as enthralling as the House of Waterford Crystal, it’s easy to see why.

Despite being a mere two years old, the centre has already attracted over a quarter of a million vistors, with people apparently quite keen to see what all the fuss is about. Visitors can avail of a guided factory tour that illustrates the intricate process of crystal creation, taking you through each and every turn, from the beginning mould to the sculting and engraving of the finished product, while an opulent retail store brings you face to face with – what else? – the largest collection of Waterford Crystal in the world.

Phone Contact No: +353 (0) 51 31 7000 Web Address: www.waterfordvisitorcentre.com OPENING TIMES/DATES: April - October Factory Tour: Mon - Sat: 9am to 4.15pm; Sun: 9am - 4:15pm Retail Store: Mon - Sat: 9am to 6.00pm; Sun: 9am - 6pm November/December Factory Tour: Mon - Fri: 9am to 3.15pm Retail Store: Mon - Sat: 9am to 5pm

GOFEATURE

BEST GIGS

SUMMER

HERE COMES

THE SUMMER! Some of the biggest acts on the planet are Ireland-bound in 2012, and to celebrate, GoRail tracked a handful of them down for a pre-show chinwag. We preview some of the biggest gigs of the summer with a little help from SNOW PATROL, BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN, FLORENCE & THE MACHINE and more.

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he Irish festival calendar has come a long way since the turn of the last century, when the Irish music lover’s choice was limited to Slane Castle and precious little else. These days, we’re positively spoiled for choice: from tidy little boutique numbers to sophisticated one-off al fresco gigs, to stadium blow-outs, there’s an outdoor affair to suit every taste, budget and mud tolerance level.

As the elusive Irish sun begins to rear its familiar head, GoRail caught up with some of the superstar musicians who’ll be flying in for shows around the country this summer.

Over the next few pages, Snow Patrol’s Gary Lightbody reminisces about joining U2 on their record-busting 360° tour, the legendary Bruce Springsteen waxes lyrical about his politicallycharged new album Wrecking Ball, and indie’s favourite frontwoman Florence Welch reveals the secret behind her “frightening“ on-stage persona.

Plus, we shoot the breeze with Death In Vegas, who play the highly anticipated Forbidden Fruit Festival in the Royal Hoapital, Kilmainham over the June bank holiday weekend.

MADONNA One of the summer’s hottest tickets is without doubt Madonna, whose world tour touches down in the Aviva Stadium on July 24, with tickets priced from €69.99 still available.

Ms. Ciccone comes armed with a new album, MDNA, which has topped the charts in no fewer than 51 countries – including Ireland! – and reaffirmed her position as the Queen of Pop. The standout track is ‘Give Me All Your Luvin’’,

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which finds Madge sharing a studio with young whippersnappers MIA and Nicki Minaj who also guested with her when she performed during half-time at the Superbowl – a spectacle that was seen by over a billion people in over 200 countries.

While details of her new stage show remain a closely guarded secret, “Madonna’s track record as a world class entertainer and touring artist speaks for itself,” enthuses Arthur Fogel, CEO of Live Nation, who are masterminding her sprint round the globe. “Her artistry, talent and creative productions get bigger and better with each tour and Madonna 2012 will be no exception.

We are thrilled to have her back on the road and know her fans feel the same.”

The American’s last visit to Ireland was for a Slane headliner, which garnered rave reviews all round. She may be somewhat older than your Britneys and Lady Gagas, but her energy levels on stage put many a young pretender to shame!

Along with new MDNA material, expect to hear such chart-conquering classics as ‘Like A Prayer’, ‘Material Girl’, ‘Justify My Love’, ‘Holiday’, ‘Like A Virgin’ and ‘Papa Don’t Preach’. It adds up to an all-singing, all-dancing spectacularly that you simply cannot miss!

LADY GAGA Doing her damndest to wrestle the Queen of Pop title from Madonna is her fellow ItalianAmerican Lady Gaga, who plays the Aviva on September 15. Tickets for the Born This Way Ball stop-off are still available priced from €54.65.

Support is provided by reformed – well, sort of!

– rockers The Darkness and her longtime pal Lady Starlight.

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GOFEATURE

FeAR O

FACT R

AS PSYCH-ROCKERS DEATH IN VEGAS PREPARE TO TAKE ON DUBLIN S FORBIDDEN FRUIT WEEKENDER, GORAIL CATCHES UP WITH MAIN MAN RICHARD FEARLESS TO TALK ALL THINGS FESTIVAL-RELATED.

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oasting a whopping 18 years’ experience in the live music department, festival veteran Richard Fearless has seen many a mucky field in his time, but, he confesses, it’s been a while since he’s been on the other side of the stage.

“I haven’t been to a festival as a punter for about seven years!” he laughs.

“I’m only there if I’m working at them these days!”

The electro pop maverick has appeared on the bill of countless festivals over the years, but surprisingly, he still falls victim to pre-show jitters.

“Last time out at Electric Picnic was one of the first shows of the new set-up and that included a completely new band, so it was a little bit nerve-wracking from our point of view. Festivals are interesting because the set tends to be slightly different from your own headline shows. It’s a different kind of performance really, because you have less time and it’s more about just grabbing the audience and giving them a little shake right from the start.”

It may sound like an unenviable job, but thankfully for the bands concerned, festival crowds generally have high spirits on their side.

“You can be surprised by the audience,” Fearless points out. “We went to Australia this year for a festival and five minutes before we were due to go onstage there was literally nobody there and you’re thinking, ‘Oh no, this is going to be an absolute nightmare’, and then out of nowhere it’s a massive outpour and you’re playing in front of a few thousand people. There is a pressure playing festivals because the line-ups now are so impressive and there is a bit of one-upmanship, definitely. It keeps you

on your toes when you’ve got such brilliant bands playing around you.”

Having delivered a hit-packed set at Electric Picnic 2011, and with their critically-acclaimed fifth album Trans-Love Energies to draw from, Fearless reckons the Death In Vegas live show will be in tip top shape when he stops by Forbidden Fruit at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham in June.

“The set has come a long way since (Electric Picnic), so it’s good to come back and do Forbidden Fruit because we’ve really fine tuned things since. It’s now a full-on sonic assault!

‘At Forbidden Fruit we’re going to play quite a bit of old material but also stuff from the new album and even a couple of brand new tracks.

I’ve been working on new songs the last few months and I think we’ll road test a few of those guys out.”

Death In Vegas will be taking in festivals in France, Spain, Portugal and the UK this Summer, but Fearless insists that the Irish fans will always have a place in his heart.

“Ireland has always been, on a lot of levels, good for Death In Vegas.

Crowd-wise, there’s always been a good, solid following and that’s been evident when we play there. I was DJing in Dublin a few weeks ago and it’s somewhere I always like to come back to and play. My wife and I were over a month ago just staying with my family there, so it’s a very personal place to come.”

Death In Vegas play the Forbidden Fruit festival at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin on June 3.

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BEST GIGS

SUMMER

FORBIDDEN FRUIT MUST-SEES THE BIG FIVE A tough call to choose just a hand ful of highlights playing in the heart of Dublin, but if you only see a smattering over the bank holiday weekend, these are the ones definitely ripe for the picking. Start ing with a homegrown favourite, Le Galax ie will play on Saturday. The electro-lovers have built a formidable reputation as one of the most exciting live acts around. Dance legends Leftfield will bring that day to a blissed-out close. Looking to Sunday, you’ll want to catch Grimes and see what all the hype is about, whilst New Order play their first headliner in the capital since 1986. Elsewhere, Death In Vegas have gone from electronic minimalists to live rock monsters and back again. We’ll be treated to a rare performance from Mazzy Star on Monday, with the group not having played Ireland in over a decade. Wilco, the last act on Monday, are similarly elusive here, but equally brilliant. Beirut’s gorgeous set is likely to wow crowds on the closing day too.

And if you’re in need of some laugh relief, you’ll find the likes of Kevin Gildea, Ardal O’Hanlon and Jarlath Regan in the Comedy Tent.

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FORBIDDEN FRUIT

June 2-4, Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin Line-up: Leftfield, Wilco, New Order, Beirut, James Vincent McMorrow, Death Cab For Cutie , Mazzy Star forbiddenfruit.ie Tickets: ¤49.50 for day, ¤89.50 for two day, ¤115 for weekend

BODY & SOUL

June 22-24, Ballinlough Castle, Westmeath Line-up: Villagers, Spiritualized, M83, St. Vincent, Little Dragon, Lisa Hannigan bodyandsoul.ie Tickets: ¤99 for weekend camping

WESTPORT FESTIVAL OF MUSIC AND PERFORMING ARTS

June 23-34, Westport, Mayo Line-up: Ray Davies, The

Waterboys, Jools Holland, Imeld a May, Nick Lowe, Horslips, The Dubliners, Seasick Steve westportfestival.com Tickets: ¤75 for single day, ¤130 for weekend

INDIEPENDENCE

August 3-5, Mitchelstown, Cork Line-up: 2manydjs, Feeder, Maverick Sabre, Scroobius Pip, Delorentos, Jape, We Cut Corners indiependencefestival.com Tickets: ¤99 for 3 day camping, ¤79 for 3 day non-camping

ELECTRIC PICNIC

August 31 - September 2, Stradbally, Laois Line-up: The Cure, The Killers, Elbow, Sigur Ros, Hot Chip, Patti Smith, Orbital electricpicnic.ie Tickets: ¤99.50 for single day, ¤230 for camping

GOFEATURE

O BEST GIGS

FFL GOING WITH THE

SUMMER

AS INDIE S FAVOURITE FRONTWOMAN, FLORENCE WELCH IISS SURE TO RECEIVE A HEARTY WELCOME WHEN SHE RETURNS TO IRELAND THIS SUMMER FOR TWO WHOPPER SHOWS, ONE IN DUBLIN S PHOENIX PARK AND ONE IN BELFAST S BOUCHER PLAYING FIELDS FOR TENNANT S VITAL. CELINA MURPHY CHATS TO THE SINGER AHEAD OF HER IRISH VISIT.

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lorence Welch promises a highly dramatic and glamorous show when she touches down on our shores over the summer. The only thing she can’t guarantee is the weather.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been to Ireland when it wasn’t freezing!” Welch laughs. “I’ve been to Ireland quite a lot, and it’s always been really cold!”

Sadly, she’s right. In fact, she’s so right that we’re starting to believe that Florence brings bad weather with her wherever she goes. Her Irish debut in 2009 fell on one of the coldest nights of that year, her recent visit to the O2 was met with blistering winds, and don’t get us started on her Oxegen show in 2010, when the rain was so torrential, a positively soaking Flo was forced to perform a reverse rain dance to make it stop.

“I like Ireland, though,” she smiles. “I love Dublin! It’s almost like coming home, back to my Celtic roots.”

Of course, all that battering wind and gushing rain fits remarkably well with the Florence live show. Her March gig was a high-drama affair, complete with roof-raising choral arrangements and an intricate lighting set-up incorporated into a stunning art deco backdrop.

Clad in a ginormous black chiffon cape with beaded epaulettes and matching velvet armored bodysuit, Flo threw herself wildly about the stage, looking every bit like a possessed member of ancient Celtic royalty.

“I’m just trying to frighten people!” she says of her onstage persona, which couldn’t be further away from the overly polite one she dusts off for interviews. “It’s about trying to own it and own your own body and own the song and just to be free, I think.”

Florence’s multi-million selling debut album Lungs and its chart-topping follow-up Ceremonials were both written with this same freedom in mind.

“It’s about just letting your brain take over,” she explains, “letting it go where it wants to. If you’re free with your thoughts, you can come up with loads of stuff you didn’t realise was there.”

Florence has never denied a penchant for all things dark and gothic, but 2011’s Ceremonials showcased a different side to the ghostly diva.

“People have said that they felt this album was more internal, more introverted, and I think maybe I agree with that in a way...” she muses.

“It feels like the battles are more to do with the two sides of myself, rather than to do with raging against a lover. It’s more about trying to

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exorcise something from within myself rather than trying to get at someone else.

“There’s a real tragic heroine theme running through the album, with Virginia Woolf and Joan Of Arc and Frida Kahlo. I think it’s that mix of beauty and tragedy that I’m really drawn to, something that has a kind of morbid undertone.”

That said, it’s far from a gloomy record, with songs like the positively joyous ‘Spectrum’ proving that Florence can just as easily deliver a triumphant love song as a stirring piece of goth pop.

“I wanted to make a song that was kind of open-hearted, with a hopeful message.” she explains. “I was a bit nervous. I was like, ‘Wow, this is really earnest and heartfelt. I’m not hiding.

Where’s the dark metaphor to hide behind?

Aaagh...!’ But I’m really happy that we went with it.

“But I don’t want anything to be too sweet or too nice. You should juxtapose the violence with the euphoria of the music. It’s a kind of a constant to-ing and fro-ing between two worlds.”

Florence + The Machine play the Phoenix Park, Dublin with Snow Patrol on July 8 and Tennent’s Vital, Belfast with the Stone Roses on August 22.

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GOFEATURE

LEGENDS OF THE

F LL LLEN W

hen Snow Patrol stride out onto the Phoenix Park stage on July 8, stagefright won’t be a problem. Having supported U2 on numerous sold-out dates during their record-shattering 360 Tour, the seasoned Scotland-based Irish outfit are well used to big crowds. “The shows with U2 were great fun,” frontman Gary Lightbody says with a smile.

Having been on the road all year, promoting their sixth studio album Fallen Empires, they’ll certainly be match-fit for the Phoenix Park gig. “I think it’s as close to a masterpiece as we’ve made,” says Lightbody of the album. “I couldn’t be more happy or proud of anything I’ve ever done in my life.”

Produced by Garret ‘Jackknife’ Lee, the album was recorded entirely on Californian sand. “We’ve always been obsessed with American music and culture,” he explains. “It’s the place that we, for the first ten years of our career, really wanted to get to and we couldn’t get there. So making a record there felt like we were sticking a Snow Patrol flag in the land that inspired us.”

Having done some preliminary work at Rancho De La Luna Studios in Joshua Tree National Park, Lightbody and his bandmates – guitarist Nathan Connolly, bassist Paul Wilson, drummer Jonny Quinn and keyboardist Tom Simpson – set up a studio at Eagles Watch, a seafront house in Santa Monica with widescreen windows and breathtaking Pacific views.

“It was a very long way from Glasgow,” he laughs.

“It was brilliant because we recorded a record in the sunshine for the first time. We recorded a record in a house for the first time – with windows. An incredibly simple luxury. We were sitting looking out

THEY RE ONE OF THE BIGGEST BANDS IN THE WORLD, BUT SNOW PATROL FRONTMAN GARY LIGHTBODY IS TAKING NOTHING FOR GRANTED. AHEAD OF A PHOENIX PARK HEADLINER, HE SPEAKS TO OLAF TYARANSEN ABOUT LATEST ALBUM FALLEN EMPIRES.

at the Pacific Ocean. It’s probably why it took us so long!”

It wasn’t just the incredibly beautiful views and weather that caused the recording to stretch.

The singer fell victim to an excruciating bout of writer’s block, which lasted almost three months and left him reconsidering his future as a rock star.

Eventually REM’s Michael Stipe came to his aid.

“Michael Stipe is amazing, actually,” he enthuses.

“He came in and listened to the songs that I had, and really loved them. Before the writer’s block came down, I’d written about four songs. We’d done a bunch of music, and I’d written lyrics to four of them, and Michael came in and listened to those four, loved them, loved the words.

“I think he suggested that I change three words in all which was a confidence boost thing in itself for me because I thought he was gonna come in and go, ‘Ah, you’ll have to start again!’ Not that he’d be able to demand such a thing but if his advice had been, ‘I would scrap it’, I probably would have scrapped it. Thankfully, he was very positive.”

Despite the far-flung location, when the songs finally began to flow, Lightbody found he was mostly writing about home. “When I eventually started to write, it was all about home and childhood and the loss of innocence. But some of the people that I’d met in LA kinda connected the dots between where I’ve come from and where I was. I guess other people’s lives certainly made me think maybe about some of the time that I’ve… not wasted exactly, but I could have been writing about something other than my relationship problems for a while (laughs).”

As he tells it, his Santa Monica lifestyle was extremely healthy. “I was learning how to surf and swimming in the sea every day and running along the beach.”

That doesn’t sit very well with the image of you as a tortured artist...

Lightbody guffaws heartily. “No, but I’d still be tortured and surf!”

Snow Patrol play the Phoenix Park on July 8

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BEST GIGS

SUMMER

DUBLIN S LEGENDARY PHO TO SOME OF THE BIGGEST ENIX PARK PLAYS HOST SHOWS THIS SUMMER.

THE STONE ROSES

July 5 from 6pm. €63.65 For many of a certain ag e and hairstyle, th e big one th is season.

At their reun ion press co nference, Ian Brown no ted that: “Afte r Manchester, Ireland is ne xt on our list, always.”

They’re as go od as their word – the re formed Man c heroes will transpo rt Dublin ba ck to the Second Sum mer of Love this July.

Or start a th ird one.

SWEDISH HOUSE M TINIE TEMPAH, CALVAFINIAHA, SNRROOP DOGG, IS, THE ORIGINAL RUDEBOYS

July 7 from 4pm. €59.50 With an Irish band on the rise,

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English rap and electro, a rap icon in attendance and some th umping house to he adline, the Pa rk will be party centra l on the Em erald Isle, nay the wor ld, on July 7.

Let the good times roll...

SNOW PATROL AND + THE MACHINE FLORENCE

July 8 from 3pm. €59.50 Double head liners don’t come much bigger than this. Two ra re acts who combine critical plau dits with a massive au dience, Snow Patrol and Florence are also real forces of nature liv e. Support co mes from Australia’s Te mper Trap, w ho have a host of no ne-too-shab by anthems them selves.

GOFEATURE

BEST GIGS

SUMMER

E V I L S D N E G E L E H T ARTBREAKERS THE HE TOM PETTYe&Ma rquee, Cork

Live At Th Friday June 8 Tickets: €76 d m the heartlan Classic rock fro bel mes to The Re co ca eri Am of with a set crammed County. Expect s. hit of ro tp lle bu

CHRISAtTYThMOeORMaErquee, Cork

Live 23 Saturday June 5 Tickets from €3 rna on the put Lisdoonva The man who energy e liv his of ne map has lost no Declan by d ne joi ’s . He over the years . ht nig Sinnott on the

TERBOYS s, Dublin THE WA Iveagh Garden

The Friday July 20 Tickets: €44 ke e Big Music’, Mi Still hearing ‘Th d he loves so lan e th to ns Scott retur flying are currently in well. His band s of their iew rev g on str form, after latest album.

D COHEN spital, Dublin LEONAR l Kilmainham Ho

Roya 12 & 14 September 11, 5.60 Tickets from €8 air ’ put ‘Grocer of Desp e The self-styled en he played th wh es ey h Iris smiles in ars ago. He’ll do ye ral ve se e same venu September. the same this

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RUCE C

T

he ‘Greatest Rock ‘N’ Roll Show On Earth’ returns to Dublin on July 17 and 18 when Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band pay what has now become their regular visit to the RDS Main Arena.

The chaps – and chapess – will be taking a liberal stroll through a back catalogue that spans almost 40 years, and includes such nailed-on classics as ‘Dancing In The Dark’, ‘The River’, ‘Darkness On The Edge Of Town’, ‘My Hometown’ and the obligatory ‘Born To Run’. Also expect to hear a hefty dollop of material from Wrecking Ball, his new album, which packs a hefty political punch.

“I have spent my life judging the distance between American reality and the American

ALMIGHTY

GO RAIL TRAVELS TO PARIS FOR AN AUDIENCE WITH BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN AHEAD OF HIS DUBLIN SHOWS. dream – how far is that at any given moment?”

The Boss proffered when Go Rail caught up with him in Paris. “There was no real accountability for years and years. ‘Wrecking Ball’ was something that seemed like a metaphor for what had occurred. It’s an image where something is destroyed to build something new, and the flat destruction of some fundamental American values and ideals that occurred over the last 30 years.

“The Wall Street Crisis acted as an enormous fault-line that cracked the American system wide open and its repercussions are just beginning to be felt. There was really no accountability for years. People lost their homes and nobody went to jail. People lost enormous amounts of their net worth.”

Reflecting that “there’s a real patriotism underneath the best of my music, but it’s a critical, questioning and often angry patriotism”, Bruce continues, “A big promise has been broken. You can’t have a United States if you’re telling some folks that they can’t get on the train. There’s a cracking point where a society collapses.”

One of Wrecking Ball’s standouts is ‘The Land Of Hope & Dreams’, the last song that Bruce’s pal Clarence Clemons got to blow up a storm on before passing away in June 2011.

“We had a relationship that was elemental since the very beginning,” he reflects. “It fired my imagination and my own dreams. It made me want to write for those sax sounds. It was like losing the rain or air [when he died]. When the sax comes up on ‘Land Of Hope And Dreams’ it’s a lovely moment for me.”

He may be pushing 63, but Springsteen’s

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passion for making music remains undimmed.

“Our intentions on this album were the same as on Born… or Nebraska. My intention is to do what Bob Dylan did for me, which is to kick open the door to your mind and your body and make you want to move and think and experience and get angry and fall in love and reach for something higher than yourself and grovel around in something lower than yourself.

“That’s your job description, that’s what people are paying you the money for. It’s for something that can’t be bought. That’s the trick and what you’re supposed to deliver. It can only be manifested and shared. That’s when you’re doing a good job.”

Springsteen also remains a self-confessed vinyl junkie, with The Hold Steady, The Clash, Arcade Fire and The Gaslight Anthem all being namechecked during our chat.

“One of the greatest things about being a music fan is if you have another person who’s as fanatic about it as you are,” he reflects. “So that would be Steve [Van Zandt] for me. Steve and I have shared an insane and intense love affair with rock ‘n’ roll music since we were teenagers.

If a guy changed the way he combed his hair, if he changed his outfit… It’s a world of symbolism and you live and die by that sword for better or worse. The most important thing is that you’ve got to have a friend who’s alongside you in your insanity. I remember being on a bus to New York City with Steve and arguing for three hours whether it was Led Zeppelin or the Jeff Beck Group who were supreme. Old Elvis, young Elvis… it goes on forever, it goes on to this day. That’s a great blessing. I wish all of you a good rock ‘n’ roll partner!”

GOFEATURE

HERO

QUEST

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Fanboys assemble! The most highly-anticipated superhero movie of the decade, THE AVENGERS has finally exploded onto our screens.

ROE McDERMOTT caught up with the incredible cast to talk about gun training, evil inspirations and group hugs – the big softies!

T

he most highly anticipated superhero film of the decade is finally here. And it’s hulking incredible. The most formidable superheroes on Earth and in some cases, beyond – Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), the Incredible Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), Natasha Romanofff (Scarlett Johansson) and Captain America (Chris Evans) – finally manage to put their egos and ulterior motives aside just long enough to battle Loki (Tom Hiddleston), Thor’s megalomaniac brother who’s hell-bent on world domination. The result is an exhilarating, hilarious, battle-filled blockbuster that easily lives up to the years-long hype.

And speaking to the cast, it’s clear that it’s not only the fan-boys who are enthusiastic about the experience. While on-screen the cast present themselves as tough guys, whose large biceps and even larger egos lead to dissention in the ranks; off-screen this bickering is nowhere to be found, and all of the actors talk with such warmth about the camaraderie they shared on-set. Not only have the cast admitted that the code-name for the film was ‘Group Hug’ (awww!), but Avengers star Clark Gregg, whose nice-guy bureaucrat and SHIELD agent Phil Coulson has appeared in Thor, Iron Man and Iron Man 2 admits, “We went out together as much as possible, all of us squeezing into these tiny little local bars. You could literally see the barman looking at the dancefloor with this bemused look that read, ‘That can’t be Scarlett Johansson dancing, can it? And is that Jeremy Renner doing lunges?!’”

But despite the amazed reaction of the locals and the cast’s gruelling schedule that involved not only filming but extensive physical training to perfect their super fighting skills, they couldn’t resist their mischief-filled nights out – not when they had Captain America ordering them to party.

“One night, Chris Evans just send around a group text that said ‘ASSEMBLE’”, recounts Gregg. “Who could resist that? It was the best text I’ve ever received in my life!”

But there was work to be done too, and the newest cast members didn’t escape the burn. Cobie Smulders, best known for her role as Robyn in the much-loved award-winning television show How I Met Your Mother, comes to the Avengers as by-the-book SHIELD agent Maria Hill, and admits she threw herself into the role.

“I got a real-life SWAT team leader to come train me, so basically I had this guy turning up on my doorstep with a duffel bag full of guns, it was crazy! But he took me to the driving-range and taught me how to hold guns and how to shoot – even though Maria’s a bureaucrat, I wanted her to be badass. She might not have superpowers, but she can still kick ass if she wants to!”

Though whether she’s tough enough to take on bad-boy Loki is another story, particularly given actor Tom Hiddleston’s inspiration. It draws from the Norse legend of Thor and comic books, but also from the most terrifying and

31

intriguing villain of modern cinema: the fava bean and flesh-eating cannibal Hannibal Lector.

In a scene of terrifying emotional manipulation that’s reminiscent of Clarice Starling’s interviews with the brilliant psychopath, Loki faces down Scarlett Johansson’s enigmatic spy Natasha Romanoff from inside a transparent cell.

“I’m so pleased you noticed that!” the charming English actor enthuses. “I have such a deep admiration for Anthony Hopkins, and I was beyond honoured when he played my father in Thor. And he’s such a darling, literally the nicest man in the world, which makes Hannibal Lector so intriguing. And he says that of all the characters he’s played, Hannibal is the one that people approach him about the most, we have this inherent fascination with evil. It’s a force people are just compelled by. So to play such a complex villain in this piece is brilliant – and to homage Tony in even a tiny way is a bonus!”

But though Loki may have drawn from one of cinema’s greatest villains, it’s clear that the villain is no match for the combined powers of the Avengers. And given the seemingly endless possibilities for sequels, prequels and spin-offs, it appears that the formidable team may prove to possess another superpower: immortality.

“Yeah I did the math!” says Chris Hemsworth, who plays the physically formidable demi-God Thor. “We’re on contract to do a possible six to nine films, and if each film takes about two years to make basically these guys own us for the best part of 20 years! Most television shows don’t go on that long!”

One Marvel character who has been around that long however is the Incredible Hulk, this time played by Oscar-nominated actor Mark Ruffalo. There have been countless interpretations and incarnations of the Hulk over the years – the most notable being Edward Norton, who was originally set to star in The Avengers, but withdrew after negotiations with the studios broke down. Ruffalo’s approach to the role is incredibly complex – aware of and terrified by the threat the Hulk poses to others, Bruce Banner has all but exiled himself from society, and it’s revealed that his inner demons have taken him to a very dark place. But despite the critical acclaim, his performance is rightfully garnering, Ruffalo remains humble and acutely aware of the legacy of great actors who have come before him.

“I definitely understood the love fans have for the actors that have played the Hulk before me, and took my task with great responsibility, trying to bring them something that they haven’t seen.

I’ve always loved the Banner/Hulk mythology, because Banner’s quite a decent, moralistic guy who really cares about people, and he’s just mortified by what the Hulk does. But to know that he has that inside him, that he’s constantly battling that literal inner demon leaves me with some great acting stuff in there. Even my little son, who’s ten, turned to me and said ‘Papa, he’s so misunderstood!’”

But I think the Hulk would have been very clear about one thing: this film is a SMASH. The Avengers is in cinemas now.

GOFEATURE

32

&

SHORT &

BITTERSWEET Fresh from his €36,000 Sunday Times short story prize-win, acclaimed author KEVIN BARRY talks about the struggles of being a jobbing writer, all the acclaim coming his way and why he hopes to finish his next novel sooner rather than later to STUART CLARK. photo GRAHAM KEOGH

J

elly-bellied real ale enthusiasts, lesbian hipsters, OAP kiddie-snatchers, a poetturned-publican and a terrorist Goth.

Those are just some of the people populating Dark Lies The Island, the latest short story collection by Limerick-born, Sligo-domiciled author Kevin Barry who hit the headlines recently when he won the €36,000 Sunday Times EFG Private Bank Award with his yarn about the aforementioned beer nuts.

Presenting him with his bank manager-pleasing cheque was Melvyn Bragg, who praised Beer Trip To Llandudno for “taking a disregarded and often scorned stratum of male pals and finding wit, pathos and great energy there.”

Those sentiments were echoed by the South Bank Show man’s fellow judge Joanna Trollope who proffered, “We were especially impressed by the tiny details and conversational fragments that make this story so much of now.”

Not surprisingly, Barry’s phone hasn’t stopped ringing since.

“Yes, all my friends have been calling up saying, ‘Now you’ve got a few bob in your pocket you can get us back for all the pints we bought you when you were broke!’”

Would it be fair to say he’s been suffering for his art these past few years?

“Erm, it’s been okay since the first book of stories, There Are Little Kingdoms, came out,” the amiable 41-year-old reflects. “I’ve had grants and bursaries from the Film Board and Arts Council and royalties from the books themselves,

but you’re certainly not getting rich. You’d be amazed by how little money even famous authors have. What winning the Sunday Times prize has given me – besides lots of positive publicity – is the means to keep a roof over my head while I write my new novel.”

Will it have the same dark, futuristic, parallel universe feel as its City Of Bohane predecessor?

“It’s different, but again it’s a mad thing. It’s a first-person voice, very intense and I’m doing all my language-y stuff again. There’s a draft there and I’m going to do another draft over the summer. I like to knock them out as quickly as possible. Spending three or four years on something is very hard – not just financially, but because you’re a different person at the end than you were at the start and it’s hard to get a consistent view.”

You start forgetting what it is you wanted to say.

“Exactly,” he laughs. “I’m from the School of Immersive – 10, 12 weeks maximum.”

City Of Bohane fans – Irvine Welsh, Roddy Doyle and Joseph O’Connor among them – could, if things pan out, be going to the cinema next year to see the celluloid version of ... Bohane.

“It’s been optioned by Parallel Productions who did Breakfast On Pluto and Intermission and an awful one the other year with Brendan Gleeson, Perrier’s Bounty. I was asked if I wanted to write the script and I thought, ‘Maybe not’, but then they started mentioning names of people who would write it and I said, ‘No way!’ It’s my baby.

I’ve signed to do two drafts, so we’ll see what

33

happens.”

Bypassing college – “The thing that gets me about those MFAs and masters in writing is that they lead to so few sustainable careers” – the teenage Barry earned his writing spurs in the late ‘80s with first the Limerick Tribune and then the rival Limerick Post.

“Journalism is a great training ground, and it’s the old way,” he reflects. “I spent five years covering Limerick District Court where you got to see all forms of human life, you know? I don’t think there’s any college course which prepares you for someone coming up and saying, “Write anything bad about my brother/sister/wife/ husband in your f-ing paper and I’ll kill you!’

Death threats aside, working as a cub reporter on a weekly newspaper was such fun. It’s kind of sad that that world is fading and dying off.”

A move to London saw Barry temporarily eschewing journalism in favour of… well, I’ll let him explain!

“I was involved in a ring that was recruiting Irish nurses to marry Chinese immigrants,” he confesses. “What was the going rate? About fifteen hundred quid.”

He didn’t volunteer to walk up the aisle and say, “Ngo jyun ji!” – that’s Cantonese for “I do!”

– himself?

“No, you had to be a woman to get married to the Chinese. Luckily, I wasn’t a very good recruiter so I didn’t last long in the job.”

City Of Bohane and Dark Lies The Island are both published here by Vintage Books.

GOSPORT

34

SPRINGING THE

TRAP

Ireland start EURO 2012 as underdogs, but may find it within themselves to claim a few illustrious scalps. CRAIG FITZSIMONS certainly hopes so.

I

t’s that time again. For a few weeks this June, the European Championships will hold us spellbound, as the 16 finest national teams in the continent slug it out for the ultimate prize. OK, the ultimate prize in football is the World Cup, but it has long been unanimously agreed among connoisseurs that the Euros offer a better quality of football: unlike the World Cup, where a few minnows from outposts such as Honduras and North Korea usually make the guest-list, the Euros is a genuinely elite affair with a stunningly high overall standard.

round) was somewhat overshadowed by the deeply unpleasant saga of a vicious bust-up between the team’s manager (Mick McCarthy) and captain (Roy Keane). Forced to compete without the latter, Ireland turned in four fine displays that summer, but the fallout continued to linger, and the decade since then has been a deeply unproductive one, as Brian Kerr and, subsequently, Steve Staunton oversaw an alarming decline in the team’s standing in the global pecking order.

The slide was arrested in 2008 by the appointment of the venerable Giovanni Trapattoni, the most decorated manager in Italian football history, winner of innumerable trophies during a stellar career with such European superpowers as Juventus, Inter Milan and Bayern Munich. Upon his appointment, Trap almost instantly restored solidity, defensive organisation and safety-first savvy to a team which had become something of a soft touch, and the results improved accordingly. Only the notorious Thierry Henry handball incident of late 2009 deprived Ireland of a place at the following summer’s World Cup, and after a none-too-gruelling European qualifying campaign which pitted us against Russia, Slovakia, Andorra, Armenia and Macedonia, Ireland sealed their place at the Euro party six months ago courtesy of a routine 5-1 aggregate play-off win over

For Irish audiences, that glorious adventure of 1988 aside, the Euros have generally been an occasion to sit back and relax and appreciate the football. This time, a multitude of emotions will be involved, but it’s safe to say that relaxation will not be one of them.

Yes, it’s true, after a 24-year absence from the party, the Republic of Ireland have reclaimed their rightful place among the Euro elite, and tournament fever will sweep the land this summertime as pubs from Malin to Mizen will be crammed with bodies eagerly anticipating the adventures that lie in store.

It will be Ireland’s first involvement in a major national tournament since the World Cup of 2002, when a thoroughly creditable showing from the Irish (beaten by Spain on penalties in the second

35

GOSPORT

(Clockwise from top left) Defending champions Spain, Croatia’s Luka Modric, Giovanni Trapattoni and Italy

Estonia.

So, what can we expect? Well, all known form over the last couple of years would indicate that a dose of realism is in order, and it isn’t false modesty to state that Ireland have to be considered one of the ‘weaker’ teams going in. There are a couple of factors which lead to such a conclusion: the overall strength of the playing personnel based on their week-in week-out exploits at club level, and the team’s performances as a collective on international duty over the last couple of years.

Bookies’ odds-compilers, who make a very good living out of getting these things more right than wrong, don’t give Ireland a realistic prayer of winning the tournament (price: 100/1) and reckon we’ll have our work cut out to advance from our first-round group (price: 4/1 against). The group in question contains the dangerous Croatians, perennial superpowers Italy and the planet’s undisputed best team (world and European champions Spain), so it would seem that we are very much up against it. Which, of course, is exactly the circumstances under which Irish teams in the past have prospered most.

Looking at the team’s strengths and weaknesses, there are perfectly valid reasons why the oddsmakers feel the way they do.

During Trapattoni’s four-year tenure, Ireland have become adept at not losing, but have yet to actually beat a recognised footballing heavyweight (unless one stops the counting after 90 minutes of the notorious Paris play-off wherein the Henry incident occurred).

The team is not exactly overflowing with attacking flair, and is particularly limited in the creative midfield department where anchor-men Keith Andrews and Glenn Whelan (and their

likeliest stand-in, Paul Green) are workmanlike, honest professionals who simply don’t have it within their power to split opposing defences with a pin-point pass, embark on mazy dribbles through opposing defences, or do any of the things that one generally expects from elite international midfielders. For a variety of reasons, the few Irish midfielders who have shown such capabilities look extremely unlikely to be involved this summer: Stephen Ireland remains in the wilderness having openly declared his disinterest in international football, while Andy Reid appears to have fallen foul of the manager as a result of a heated dispute during a post-match victory celebration three years ago.

What can be stated with certainty about Andrews and Whelan is that they will sweat every last drop for the cause, and will bring absolute determination and commitment to the party. The Ireland team in their current incarnation are not renowned for flowing football by any stretch of the imagination, but they are also incredibly bloody-minded and difficult to break down, as a record of two defeats in Trapattoni’s 24 competitive matches would suggest, and are capable of making life difficult for anyone.

Visits to Russia, Italy and France have all been survived without defeat, and last September’s excursion to Moscow was notable for a truly magnificent performance from teak-tough centre-back Richard Dunne, who acted almost as a one-man Iron Curtain, repeatedly making heroic clearances, clearing shots off the line and daring to put his head where most players would be hesitant to place their feet.

Behind Dunne, goalkeeper Shay Given has long been recognised as the team’s most valuable player, a superbly accomplished shot-stopper

36

who on countless occasions has enabled Ireland to turn defeats into draws and draws into victories. With Croatia, Spain and Italy providing the opposition this summer, Ireland may have to spend long periods on the back foot, but there is ample evidence that we have what it takes to stay in contention against more technically fluent opponents.

At the other end of the pitch, Ireland’s attacking hopes will be invested primarily in captain Robbie Keane, who has proved a talismanic figure for Ireland on numerous occasions in the past, and particularly whenever he’s been written off.

Now 31, there is a suspicion that Keane’s footballing peak may be behind him, and he has spent the last few months plying his trade for Los Angeles Galaxy in the less-than-elevated environs of American Major League Soccer. But he remains a formidable force on his better days, and will be taken lightly by nobody. Much of the same also applies to flying winger Damien Duff, whose dazzling displays in 2002 were the unquestioned highlight of Ireland’s summer. At age 33, he still cuts an impressive figure at Premier League level for Fulham, and as with Keane, has always shown a propensity to deliver for Ireland when the stakes are at their highest.

In addition, Ireland also have a very healthy range of attacking options in reserve. Opinion is split as to whether Kevin Doyle, Shane Long, Jonathan Walters or Simon Cox will be Keane’s likeliest striking partner this summer: what can be stated with certainty is that none of them will be out of their depth, and all would represent very handy options to spring from the substitutes’ bench.

The team has earned its place in the Finals entirely on merit, and will be respected by all, though feared by nobody. The first

assignment will take place in Poznan on June 10th against Croatia, an undeniably talented but temperamental and inconsistent crew who certainly seem a little more well-serviced with attacking flair and invention than Ireland do at present, but whose mental strength remains a question mark, an accusation which nobody could level at Ireland. The Croats will be substantial (though not overwhelming) favourites for this game, and it may well be that a draw represents a perfectly acceptable start for Ireland. A victory certainly isn’t out of the question, and would surely send the nation into raptures. A defeat would serve to knock the wind out of Ireland’s sails, especially in view of the savagely testing assignment that lies in wait: four days later in Gdansk, against the lavishly talented Spaniards.

Spain won this tournament four years ago in handsome style, and followed up the achievement two years later with victory in the World Cup. With midfielders of the highest class (Xavi, Andrés Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas, Xabi Alonso), lethal strikers in the form of David Villa and Fernando Torres, and arguably the world’s best goalkeeper (Iker Casillas) there are some observers who believe Spain are effectively unbeatable, such is their fluency in possession and the extreme difficulty their opponents encounter in even managing to get the ball off

them.

But a look at the small print shows that Spain actually found goals quite difficult to come by during that World Cup summer, and Ireland are exactly the sort of team that seem well set-up to frustrate them. It may involve a 90-minute rearguard action and Messrs. Dunne and Given turning in the performances of their lives, but it isn’t exactly beyond the bounds of plausibility that Ireland could escape this one with a draw.

In all likelihood, all will boil down to the concluding encounter on June 18 against Trapattoni’s home nation, Italy. It may or may not be an auspicious omen that this game will take place exactly 18 years to the day since Ireland’s finest hour on the international stage, a 1-0 win

over the Italians at World Cup ’94. That Italian vintage was an extremely fine one which went on to reach the final and only lost on penalties to Brazil; by contrast, there is some evidence that this Italian side is far from the strongest to ever wear the shirt.

Though it’s never wise to read too much into ‘friendly’ matches, Ireland did manage to overturn them 2-0 last summer while fielding what can only be described as Trapattoni’s second-choice line-up.

This will be an absolutely massive occasion for Trapattoni personally, for any number of reasons (his stint as Italy’s national team manager from 2000-04 was seen as something of a disappointment) and, depending on how the opening games have panned out, Ireland should be fully aware of exactly what is required from this fixture in order to progress.

By this stage, unless the opening two games have backfired horrendously, the nation will surely have whipped itself into a frenzy dwarfing that of any sporting occasion since those heady summers of ’90 and ’94. No-one knows what lies in store, but you can be certain it won’t be dull. Strap yourselves in, and enjoy the ride...

5 PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR AT EURO 2012 CRISTIANO RONALDO

ROBIN VAN PERSIE

NIKICA JELAVIC

FERNANDO TORRES

JAMES McCLEAN

The preening, egotistical Portuguese phenomenon may never make any shortlists of the world’s most likeable footballers, but it can’t possibly be denied that with the exception of Lionel Messi (who is Argentinian and, therefore, won’t be on display in the Euros) Ronaldo is the most formidable attacking force in world football today. He has been in corruscating form all season long for a Real Madrid side, fresh from dethroning Barcelona as Spanish kingpins, and is a dazzling sight in full flight, capable equally of slalom-ing his way through massed defences or rattling off unstoppable 30-yard thunderbolts.

The Dutch are renowned for producing strikers of the absolute highest quality. It’s a long and distinguished list that features legendary names such as Marco van Basten, Dennis Bergkamp and Ruud van Nistelrooy. Van Persie has been by far the most consistently impressive operator in the English Premier League season just ended, terrorising opposing defences on a weekly basis and spearheading Arsenal’s impressive postChristmas revival. The complete modern forward, if van Persie continues to fire on all cylinders this summer (and there is little evidence that he won’t) the Dutch may well recapture the crown for the first time since their immortal Euro ’88 vintage.

Ireland should be very afraid. This Croatian marksman has gone from strength to strength, banging them in freely for Glasgow Rangers against pedestrian Scottish League defences before the club’s financial woes forced them to sell him to Everton in the January transfer window. Any doubts as to whether he could cut it against far more accomplished rearguards in the Premier League have been spectacularly obliterated: a poacher par excellence who usually only needs one touch to score, Jelavic is already earning comparisons to national icon Davor Suker, the top scorer in the 1998 World Cup. He will need to be watched very, very carefully.

Generally seen as the most lethal striker in the business roughly 18 months ago, the Spanish sharp-shooter has been misfiring consistently since his £50 milion transfer from Liverpool to Chelsea, but burst back into life recently with the breakaway stoppagetime goal that knocked Barcelona out of the Champions League and propelled Chelsea into the final. It isn’t certain that he’ll feature in Spain’s starting line-up, such is the wealth of options they possess up front, but if he does, he’s likely to cause Shay Given and Richard Dunne a few sleepless nights.

All-action wide midfielder whose rise this season has been positively meteoric at Sunderland under the astute guidance of Martin O’Neill. The former Derry City player has yet to start at international level for Ireland, and given that Trapattoni is notoriously loath to place his faith in younger operators with little experience, it’s likely that he’ll have to content himself with a place on the bench. But McClean has demonstrated that he has what it takes to turn a game and create chances, and if Plan A isn’t working as desired when Ireland take on the big guns, he may yet enter the fray. We have a formidable weapon here who may just be about to make Europe sit up and take notice.

(Left to right) Cristiano Ronaldo, Robin Van Persie, Nikica Jelavic & Fernando Torres

37

GOBUSINESS

THE MAN BEHIND

X MUSIC

(clockwise from top) AC/DC's Chris Slade at The X-Music Stand at The Music Show 2012,, Whitesnake Clinic & the store interior

38

For over two decades, GERRY FORDE has been one of the leading lights of the Irish music industry. He explains to JACKIE HAYDEN how his companies, including the music superstore X-Music, are riding out the recession, his displeasure with banks – and his new line in Irish-made guitars.

M

usic is a funny old game. At one end of the spectrum there is glamour, money and adulation. Think Beyoncé, Coldplay, Lady Gaga and U2, and the mega millions they have generated over the past ten years between them. This is the side of the business that most people see – and that a lot of people want to be part of.

Gerry Forde might have ended up thriving in that milieu. He was the keyboard player, guitarist and songwriter with the highly-rated young Irish band Eugene, who were signed to RCA Records back in the early ‘80s. For a time it looked like they might be the next big thing. But, in the way of these things, a combination of bad luck and unfortunate timing meant that it wasn’t to be.

Forde was too good a player and knew too much about the craft to go off and become an accountant. And so instead, he crossed over into the musical instrument and equipment side of the business.

Since then, he has gone from strength to strength. He originally put the retailer Music Maker on the map. From there he progressed to running his own company, taking charge of distribution in Ireland for two premium brands, Roland and Sennheiser. Never one to shirk a challenge, more recently he has got involved in the retail area again, launching Ireland’s first music superstore with X Music. On top of which he has also taken on the prestigious role of Director of Sales and Marketing (Pro and Install) with Sennheiser UK and Ireland.

Oh and there is also the small matter of the Craftine guitar marque, which he launched a couple of years ago, combining high-end musical spec with beautiful Celtic-orientated design.

Does he have enough on his plate to keep him busy? You bet he does!

Gerry is a bundle of energy, juggling the different responsibilities with the occasionally harried aplomb of a master. He spends a lot of time on the road and in the UK at the moment, but his Irish operations are of course crucial to him. These are businesses he built with his own sweat and blood – and of course the money that he and his wife Jacinta invested. He makes no secret of the fact that the instrument and equipment business in Ireland has been affected by the recession. But where many others have given up the ghost, or stripped everything back to the bare minimum, Gerry remains upbeat about the future.

Professional Audio Ltd., which Gerry founded, is the holding company for the highly prestigious Roland and Sennheiser brands in Ireland. At its peak, in 2007, the company’s turnover was ¤12 million – but it is still a very substantial operation with revenues in 2012 likely to exceed six million.

“We used to employ up to 27 staff and now that’s down to ¤15 – about half,” Gerry explains.

“That just about summarises the business right now. It’s about half what it used to be. So we’ve struggled, like just about everyone in Ireland – but it’s not in my nature to give in (laughs).

“I am positive by instinct. I work always on the theory that the glass is half-full, and our survival over the past 12 to 18 months has proven that this attitude is the correct one to adopt.

We’re not out of the woods yet in this country, but things are beginning to lift. You can see it improving in incremental amounts.”

The respect that Forde enjoys in Ireland is echoed in the musical instrument industry abroad. It was a real boost when the call came from senior management in the Sennheiser Corporation – who market state-of-the-art headphones, microphones and other musicrelated products – offering him the role of Director of Sales and Marketing for the UK and Ireland – where turnover is in excess of £40 million. “That sort of offer is a real endorsement of what we do in Ireland so I was very pleased,” he says. “Of course the appointment helped stabilise matters for myself and my family financially. So it was good. And both Professional Audio and X Music are also stable now, but in a lock-down, recession-type mode. The key word these days is survival.”

In a sense, X Music is the jewel in the crown for Forde. It was established in 2008 as the country’s largest musical instrument store, occupying a fabulous 23,000 square foot space on three floors in the Red Cow Retail Centre in Dublin. The potential of the business was – and is – huge. However, there is no doubt that the recession came at exactly the wrong time for what was then a new business.

Recession or no recession, X Music is a great emporium of music that offers anyone who wants to buy an instrument a fantastic range of choices, as well as the opportunity to test and try before they buy in the best possible surroundings.

Located beside the Red Cow Roundabout, it is handy to the M50 and the Cork and Limerick roads. That makes it perfect for musicians and bands to call into on their way to a gig – even one in Belfast! Plus it is a great spot for weekend family browsing, with ample car parking of a type that isn’t available in town.

In a different moment the business would be flying. But there is nothing you can do about the times you live in except make the most of them.

“The recession has impacted on X Music, there is no doubt about it,” Forde says. “We’ve had to make many corrections there in order to survive.

But that is the challenge in business, and we have survived. And we are hopefully in a perfect position to grow and develop as the impact of the recession starts to life.”

His success to date may be a testimony to his tenacity and dynamism – X Music are forecasting growth in the region of 4% this year – but the recession seems to have brought to the fore Forde’s tendency to see problems as opportunities and to face into them, rather than flinching.

“Accountants and banks tell you that logic indicates that we should close this or that company,” he explains. “They might advise myself and my wife Jacinta, who’s helped me run Pro-Audio over the years, to cut the staff to the bone, and do things by stealth. But we can’t work that way. It’s not in our nature, nor in the industry’s nature, to be that cold about our own businesses.

“Music is my life,” he adds, “and although that passion can sometimes make it a little harder to stay totally detached and clinical about business decisions, it also means that you make a deeper commitment than you might, if it was to something that was just a means of making money. Music to me has never been about making money as such, though you have to make

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money in the long run to keep a business going.

But when you hit a recession like the one we’re in now, if you are passionate, that enables you to draw on personal resources somebody less committed might not have.”

Forde’s staff have responded in a similarly positive way.

“I came back from a trip to the USA last year seeing Ireland in a different light,” he says. “I realised that my companies would go to the wall unless I took control. So this is what I did: it was one of the most uplifting decisions I’ve ever made. When you’re as reluctant to give in as we are, you dig in, make the necessary adjustments and make them work.”

What is his view of the way Irish banks have been treating their customers?

“The biggest challenge we faced was with the banks, and the borrowing my companies had, which were very high,” he says. “We’ve always worked in, and retained, our own buildings. But I challenged them with my own stubbornness.

People who are trying to pull money out of a company in that kind of situation are looking at it in the wrong way.

“One of our bankers called one of our companies a ‘toy company’. One of his points was that the company was unlikely to make money for a number of years, so he saw it as a toy or a hobby. He then had to listen to me lecturing him for 15 minutes. I told that the 15 staff we employ don’t see it as either a hobby or a toy. The banks who loaned them their mortgages don’t think it’s a toy or a hobby. There are customers, suppliers and service companies who depend on us – they don’t think it’s a toy company. He tried to stop me a number of times, but I kept going until I told him everything I wanted to say. He got the message loud and clear.”

Forde is not impressed either with the Government’s attitude to the Irish music industry.

“They travel abroad to places like the USA and China,” he says, “and they talk about our wonderful culture, our art, our literature and our music. But back home, they do little or nothing to help the music industry, even though that industry has done enormous good in fostering a positive image of Ireland around the globe.”

While he is openly critical of the agencies, who in their different ways let Irish businesses down, he is no hurler on the ditch. Far from it.

Gerry Forde has a creative ability allied to his entrepreneurial instinct. Spotting an opening for beautifully produced high quality Irish instruments, he has designed and developed his own guitar line.

“It’s something I always wanted to do, and it seemed like the time was right to do it now,” he insists. “We are especially looking towards their export potential. I got the brand name Craftine from Ireland’s mythical legendary musician, who was a harpist. The guitars are a marriage of Celtic music with Celtic art.

“My plan is to extend the range to include maybe mandolins and bodhráns,” he adds. “I suppose this was really my way of rebelling about the recession, my way of saying: ‘Come on, we can build something here that’s Irish and that we can be proud of’.”

Indeed we can. As the saying goes, if you want something done, ask a busy man. They don’t come much busier than Gerry Forde…

GOEAT

40

WRITE THE

STUFF

Bestselling author MARISA MACKLE talks to ANNE SEXTON about her new book Along Came A Stork, her years as a flight attendant and why Angela’s Ashes convinced her to become a writer. PHOTOS RUTH MEDJBER

A

s a busy single mother and best-selling author, Marisa Mackle doesn’t get that many chances to go out at night.

characters are your friends and family – I know that sounds really weird – but they do become your life.

You dream about them and think about them all the time, then you put them up for sale and you don’t own them any more. It’s like having a baby and then putting it on sale for a fiver. Then there is always the possibility that someone will say, ‘That baby is not what I was expecting!’”

“Every time I get an email from someone telling me they love my books, I think, ‘Are they for real?’

That’s how suspicious I am! But I think anyone who is creative should never get overconfident. That way you always push yourself a little bit further. Once you start banging things out, it’s all over.”

As I finish my main course, Marisa looks down at her plate. “I’ve loads of food left. It’s because I’ve been talking so much.”

In fairness, the vegetarian portion is very large – two people would get a decent meal out of it. The dish is delicious, Marisa tells me. I am glad to hear it because I’ve been enjoying my grilled sea bass and have made short work of it.

As her fans know, Marisa spent a number of years working as a flight attendant before turning to fiction.

What may be more surprising is that she is at heart a sales woman.

“I love sales – it’s in my blood. When I was at Aer Lingus I won every sales prize in the whole six years I was there. I earned more from my prizes than from my salary. On the charter flights, my cart would be empty afterwards. Nobody wanted to do the charters, but I offered because I knew I would sell loads. In those days, before the Euro, people on package holidays wouldn’t want to bring home any foreign money.”

“I loved it. I used to work at a funfair, where people weren’t so polite – they’d throw money at your head and abuse you. So it was very nice that people were strapped into their seats and couldn’t get up!” Marisa laughs.

“Usually my working day starts at 10pm,” she laughs.

It is a system that seems to be working because her 13th book, Along Came A Stork, has just been released. Although the book is fiction, her protagonist Diana, and Marisa share a similar story.

Diana has an unexpected pregnancy and her baby daddy has no interest in marriage or in continuing the relationship.

“She finds out she’s pregnant, but it’s not going to be a happily ever after. When I was writing it, Gary was only a couple of months old, and I was quite emotional writing it. I couldn’t write it now. I don’t remember how bad it was. Now I am well able to cope! I love having him and he is great fun. It was such a shock though. I thought having a baby was like having a cat!” she laughs.

Tonight her little bundle of joy is spending time with his granny, so it would be a shame not to put both the food and cocktail menus through their paces.

Both of us are determined to have a full complement of three courses.

“This is great! I’ll have to start the diet tomorrow,” says Marisa as the starters arrive. “I start a diet every week! But every time I go on a diet I put on pounds. I bought a treadmill but Gary is using in as a climbing frame at the moment. It drives me mad, all those celebrities back into size zero within weeks of having a baby. Trying to show the rest of us women up!”

Despite having sold over a million copies of her books, which have been translated into several languages, Marisa still gets nervous submitting a final manuscript for publication.

“Whenever I sign something off for the last time I am overcome with a horrible sense of fear. It’s your private baby for months, just you and your book. The

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GOEAT

A MATTER OF TASTE STUART CLARK brings you the latest foodie news

“Because I come from that background, for me just writing books and not selling them would be no good. But I sell them to loads of countries all around the world. It did that myself. I’ve never had an agent. I just thought why would I give someone 20%? I am well able to do it myself.”

Mains done, we decide we have room for dessert and a final cocktail. Luckily Marisa is happy to share, so she lets me sample her lemon meringue, which is light and tart, while she tucks into my warm brownie.

After her first novel got published, Marisa tells me she had unrealistic ideas of an author’s life.

“I was like, ‘Oh yeah, I am going to go on a cruise and go into Brown Thomas and buy lots of clothes.’ I though you write one book and that’s it! You spend the rest of your life on a cruise.”

Writing was not her first career choice, being an air hostess was.

Marisa explains how this career change came about.

“At the time Frank McCourt was really taking off in America and I used to see loads of passengers reading his book. I was reading in the papers that he was a millionaire, and I thought to myself, ‘I’ll write a book and be a millionaire!’ I just thought that’s what happens. I wrote a really dreadful book about alcohol and violence and growing up in poverty. It was just rubbish! It never saw the light of day. I was so shocked when I got my first rejection. I was sure it was going to be a film and everything!”

THE DAMAGE Marisa is a lifelong vegetarian and started with the deep fried mozzarella balls with sweet chilli

jam (¤5.95). This dish is also available as a main course. I had the pil pil prawns (¤6.95) cooked in a spicy garlic sauce.

For her main course, Marisa chose the vegetarian dish of roasted couscous, sweet potato wedges, crumbled feta and sweet pepper vinaigrette (¤8.95). This was a more than generous serving but the staff was happy to give Marisa the remainder to take home. I opted for the sea bass (¤11.95). All fish can be ordered in three different ways: fried in a vodka and beer batter, coated in breadcrumbs or grilled. The fish comes with chips, but these can be upgraded to duck fat fries for an extra ¤1.99 or truffle and parmesan fries for ¤2.99. Sides can be had for ¤3.95 each or two for ¤7.50. We added ruby grapefruit slaw and a rocket salad to our mains.

Desserts are a very reasonable ¤4.95. Marisa ordered the lemon meringue tart while I had the warm chocolate brownie with ice-cream.

Bite has a small but cleverly selected wine list. However, their speciality is cocktails. Between us, Marisa and I sampled the Patron Grapefruit (¤9.95), the Stephen’s Green (¤7.95), a Bellini (¤7.95) and a Tom Collins (¤6.95).

Bite is a very welcome addition to the Dublin restaurant scene. The prices are incredibly reasonable – around the same that you’d pay for a takeaway – but the restaurant is stylishly decorated and the service is efficient without being intrusive. Think lemonade prices in a champagne setting.

BITE, SOUTH FREDERICK STREET, DUBLIN 2 BOOKINGS@BITEDUBLIN.COM

THE SPAIN ATTRACTION Spanish food fans should make a beeline for Black Pig, a wonderful new deli residing at 95B Morehampton Road, Donnybrook, Dublin 4 (Tel. 01 667 4828. www. blackpig.ie). Set up by former Dail Éireann worker Paul Walsh – how’s that for a career u-turn?

– its goodies include free-range Iberian Pata Negra, boutique small vineyard wines, Asturian cider, 15 types of olive oil, manchego cheese, and the best Morcilla this side of Gallicia. We cannot recommend it too highly!

EAT TO THE BEAT There’s music as well as food on the menu at The Olive Grove, a fabulous Athlone eatery whose Custume Pier premises overlook the Shannon (Tel. 090 647 6946. www.theolivegrove. ie). Set up in 1997 by Gael Bradbury and Garry Hughes, their monthy gig + dinner combos have recently featured such habitual hit-makers as Jerry Fish and Declan O’Rourke.

Using artisan Irish ingredients wherever possible, their signature dishes include Bannon May mussels steamed in tarragon, garlic & Pernod cream; duo of cider, honey & truffle glazed Silver Hill duck and a homemade pavlova that fair brought a tear to the eye – and an extra inch to our waistlines!

Check online to see who’s rocking the gaff next!

Also mixing music with superb fare is Glebe Café, the Perry sisters’ Baltimore, Co. Cork restaurant, which uses produce from its own organic garden (Tel. 028 202 32. www.glebegardens.com). The menu changes weekly, but always features locally caught fish that started the day splashing around in the Atlantic. On a recent visit,

42

Go Rail was particularly partial to the pan-fried plaice with caper & lemon butter and the elderflower panacotta. The adjoining venue has played host in the past to Hothouse Flowers, Mick Flannery and local heroes Fred.

RECIPES FOR SUCCESS Food blogger Sheila Kilely has been tickling our tastebuds with Gimme The Recipe (Mercier Press), her new family-oriented book which answers the question: “What’s for dinner Mum?” After a thorough testing, we can recommend the quesadillas and spaghetti with pesto, bacon & broccoli… Talking of bloggers, kurlykale.blogspot.com features the culinary musings of a 16-year-old lady whose smokey roast tomato, parsley & almond pesto is a thing of beauty… Finally, let us recommend the insanely snackable range of O’Donnells Authentic Hand Cooked Tipperary Crisps. It’s a tough call, but our faves are the Mount Callan Cheese & Red Onion.

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(Clockwise from left) Donal Skehan is bound for the Burren Slow Food Festival, Jamie Oliver opens this year's Taste Of Dublin and the Taste Of Carlingford event

SIMPLY THE FEST

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One of the best things about summer is the proliferation of foodie events all over Ireland. Ones catching the Go Rail eye include the Burren Slow Food Festival, which runs in Lisdoonvarna from May 18 to 20. The numerous attractions include an artisan Farmers’ Market; a foraging expedition for seaweed; cookery demonstrations by top local chefs including RTÉ’s Donal Skehan; tea at Father Ted’s house; a Sustainable Food: Sustainable Tourism Foodcamp chaired by John and Sally McKenna, and a Burren Brewery beer tasting. If you’ve yet to make the acquaintance of their Black Stout, Red Ale and Gold Lager you’re in for a treat!

The main programme is being held at the Pavilion Theatre, with daily admission ¤5 for adults and free for under-18s. www.slowfoodclare.com has all the details.

It’s back north then for May 26 and 27’s Taste Of Carlingford, a celebration of the medieval village’s marvelous array of bars, restaurants and cafés.

There will also be numerous food stalls; a Festival Tent offering fine wines, strawberries and mouthwatering Carlingford Oysters; live music; heritage walks; children’s cookery school demonstrations; and crab fishing and kayaking. Find out more at www.carlingford.ie.

Finally, Jamie Oliver will open this year’s Taste Of Dublin, which runs in the Iveagh Gardens from June 14 to 17, and will also be welcoming fellow celebrity chefs Kevin Thornton, Valentine Warner, Jean Christophe Novelli, Neven Maguire, Derry Clarke, Darina Allen and Kevin Dundon.

With dozens of restaurants – Il Primo, Chapter One and Gordon Ramsay at Powerscourt are just a few of the confirmed names – and artisan suppliers and producers in attendance too, it promises to be a scrumptious four days!

See www.tasteofdublin.ie for the full programme.

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Coopering taking place at the Kilbeggan Distillery

GO RAIL WHISKEY SPECIAL FEATURE

THE DRAM S ALL HERE It’s our national drink. And now a special festival is being held in Dublin to acknowledge the importance of whiskey to our culture, and to educate curious palates. WORDS ANNE SEXTON

I

f we were to name Ireland’s national drink, what do you think it would be? There are several delicious stouts with a good claim to the title and there is no doubt that we are fond of a good cup of tea. But however worthy these contenders may be, the answer has got to be whiskey.

The Irish have been drinking whiskey for around 900 years. That’s at least 500 years longer than either tea or stout – both of these are, comparatively speaking, blow-ins in Irish culture since we’re only had them for between three and four hundred years each.

Whiskey, on the other hand, has been distilled here since the 12th century. What’s more, it is an Irish invention although we can’t claim the distillation process as our own (it is believed to have been brought back to Ireland by monks who had travelled to Mesopotamia).

The art of making a good whiskey is as complex as making a good wine. Blended whiskeys tend to be more consistent – that’s why they are ‘blended’. Mixing a variety of whiskeys ensures that a product has a particular taste. However, single malts, like any other artisan product, can change as a number of different elements influence the final taste. These include obvious ones, such as the type and quality of the grain used in the mash, the provenance of wooden casks used to mature the whiskey and the length of the maturation process.

However, some surprising factors affect the taste too, such as severe fluctuations in the weather over the years the whiskey is maturing, or the geographic position of the distillery. For

example, connoisseurs can taste a slight saltiness in whiskey distilled near the ocean.

Our temperate weather is one of the reasons Irish whiskey is renowned around the world. The small temperature range is perfect for maturing whiskey and ensuring the final drink has its much-loved mellow taste.

There are hundreds of whiskeys distilled around the world and getting to grips with the variety of styles and tastes can seem difficult to outsiders.

That’s where Whiskey Live comes in. If you’re interested in learning about whiskey — and whiskey tasting! — the festival should not be missed.

This year’s Whiskey Live takes place on Saturday, May 26 at the Mansion House in Dublin.

In its second year, the tasting festival proved a great success with aficionados and novices alike in 2011. It offers a chance to learn about whiskey production and both popular and rare whiskeys are available to taste.

The tasting hall has whiskeys from around the world, with an emphasis on Irish whiskey.

There are master-classes from experts including a tasting master class from Cooley Distillery and a chance to learn about Green Spot, one of Ireland’s most celebrated whiskeys.

Of course, since Ireland is a bit of a whiskeylover’s paradise, there are plenty of places to learn about whiskey. For one thing, there is no shortage of whiskey bars across Ireland with knowledgeable and passionate staff.

Go Rail wanted a bit more information before Whiskey Live, so we headed in to Brooks Hotel on Drury St. in Dublin for a lesson. Brooks whiskey bar has over 100 varieties from around

45

the world, including India, Wales and Sweden, and was the first Irish recipient of the “Great Whisky Bars of the World” award.

Barmen Tom and Jacek are both whiskey enthusiasts. To give me a good variety they suggest a single malt, a pot still, a peated whiskey and one matured in port casks. All whiskey is served in a proper tasting glass and the barmen encourage me to breathe in the smell to prepare my palate.

Tom suggests first sampling the whiskey as is, but says that a drop of water can be added to most whiskeys to bring out the flavour. The trick, he warns, is not to drown the whiskey – a few drops of water is enough. However, certain whiskeys, such as peated whiskey or those matured in special casks may be better straight, and like many things in life, whiskey depends on personal preference.

To learn more about the whiskey-making process, visitors to the capital don’t have to go very far. One of Dublin’s most popular attractions, the Old Jameson Distillery is the site of the originally distillery founded by John Jameson.

Here you’ll learn about the history of whiskey making, Jameson itself and have a chance of comparing whiskeys. The Distillery also holds ‘Shindig Nights’ of traditional Irish music, song and dance.

A little further afield is Locke’s Distillery Museum in Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath. Locke’s is both a museum and a working distillery. It’s here that Kilbeggan Whiskey is made. Your tour includes the workings of the distillery, and some of the equipment, including a copper still, dates back to the 19th century.

GOFEATURE

Whether you’re a passionate fan or a casual drinker, learning about whiskey – whether tasting or getting to grips with distillation process – is really learning about Irish history, cultural and heritage. It’s like school – just a whole lot more fun!

THE HISTORY OF IRISH COFFEE Have you ever wondered who invented Irish coffee? The first Irish coffee was made with Powers whiskey, and the story dates back to a dark and stormy night in the winter of 1943. After several hours battling bad weather, the captain of a flying boat en route from Foynes to Newfoundland decided to turn back and wait for better weather.

The head chef at Foynes, Joseph Sheridan, thought the passengers would need something to warm them. The Irish often added a drop of whiskey to tea, but as the passengers were American, Sheridan

The old Kilbeggan distillery, Powers, Jameson Distillery & Powers' new Special Reserve blend.

brewed coffee instead. He added a mix of Powers whiskey and sugar to taste and topped off each cup with freshly whipped cream. As the passengers sipped their drinks, an American tourist quipped, “Hey buddy, is this a Brazilian coffee?” to which Sheridan jokingly replied that it was an Irish coffee.

As you can imagine, the drink proved popular with the passengers and Sheridan spent the next few weeks perfecting the drink. It was Sheridan who decided that his new creation should be served in a stemmed glass for “eye appeal.” Irish coffee is still served this way and the world has been enjoying Sheridan’s creation ever since.

Green Spot Whiskey Green Spot is made from seven and eight-year-old pot still whiskey, a quarter of which is matured in sherry casks giving it a unique taste. This is a very well-regarded whiskey and we keep it to ourselves – it’s almost impossible to find Green Spot outside of Ireland.

Cooley Distilleries Cooley produces some of Ireland’s most popular whiskeys, including Kilbeggan blended whiskey, Tyrconnell single malt, Connemara peated single malt and Greenore single grain whiskey. This distillery

POPULAR IRISH WHISKEYS Powers Powers Gold Label Irish Whiskey is triple-distilled and matured for up to seven years. Powers has won several

VISIT

awards, including gold at the 2009 International Spirits Competition.

Powers 12 Year Old Special Reserve won Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition last year. In 2011 Powers launched the John’s Lane Release, a single pot still whiskey with earthy aromas.

VISIT THE ORIGINAL JAMESON DISTILLERY

• OPEN 7 DAYS • GUIDED TOURS • WHISKEY TASTING The Old Jameson Distillery Dublin, Bow Street, Smithfield, Dublin 7.

E: reservations@ojd.ie, T: +353 (0) 1 807 2355,

Book online to receive a 10% discount on tours

www.tours.jamesonwhiskey.com

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has won over 300 medals including the International Wine And Spirit Competition’s ‘World Distiller of the Year’ in 2008.

Bushmills In 1608, James I granted the Bushmills distillery its licence.

Bushmills Original is a blend of triple-distilled malt and grain whiskey. At the 2010 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the distillery was awarded the double gold award for their Black Bush and 1608 blends.

Jameson Jameson & Sons have been distilling whiskey since 1780. Made using both malted and unmalted barley, Jameson’s is known for its smooth taste, making it a popular everyday whiskey. Jameson’s 12 Year Old won the gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2007 and 2009.

FANCY A TIPPLE?

The Power & the glory: Michael Canty's bar

Call into any of these great whiskey bars, which are not too far from a train station…

O’NEILL’S Suffolk St., Dublin 2 A 300-year-old Dublin institution with its own dedicated whiskey bar, O’Neills is equally famous for its alcoves, snugs, and delicious pub grub.

THE BRIAN BORU 5 Prospect Road, Glasnevin, Dublin 9 A large, friendly pub on the city’s northside, The Brian Boru boasts a historical association with the Powers Distillery, even creating a Powers Whiskey Snug in the drink’s honour.

L. MULLIGAN GROCER 18 Stoneybatter, Dublin 7 A firm favourite with Dublin foodies, this self-touted eating and drinking emporium has more than 100 different whiskeys and beers on its menu.

THE DYLAN WHISKEY BAR 6 John Street, Kilkenny Old-world ambience, an open fire and very friendly staff make

The Dylan Whisky Bar a muchloved watering ground among the whiskey lovers of Kilkenny.

MICHAEL CANTY’S Connolly St., Midleton, Cork Ten minutes’ walk from the Midleton Distillery, East Cork’s famed working man’s pub Michael Canty’s has kept its oak-panelled Victorian interior.

SOUTH COUNTY BAR West Village, Douglas, Cork Co-owned by whiskey connoisseur Tom O’Connor, The South County Bar’s crowning glory is its dedicated Whiskey Corner featuring treasured casks, cases and memorabilia.

FREENEY’S 19 High St., The Docks, Galway A traditional pub, whiskey shop and fishing tackle store all under the one roof, Freeney’s has long been a Galway landmark and currently stocks over 50 different Irish whiskeys.

COURTNEY’S

MALONE’S GALTEE INN

Plunkett Street, Killarney, Kerry Specialising in craft beers, whiskeys and live music sessions, Courtney’s is one of Killarney’s oldest pubs, priding itself on its old world teach tairbhne atmosphere.

The Square, Cahir, Tipperary A stunning Victorian pub with its very own Whiskey, Malone’s of Cahir is also known for its whiskeyinspired hot food menu, featuring such delicacies as steak with whiskey cream and Guinness and Powers stew.

Distilled Distilled

HISTORY

for you to DISCOVER OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK FROM 10AM - 4PM (October - March) DISCOVER

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK. For group tour bookings contact Ursula on +353 57 93 32 134 or email Ursula@kilbeggandistillery.com. Kilbeggan Distillery, Co. Westmeath, Ireland.

Visit www.kilbeggandistillery.com for more information.

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GO DESTINATION: KILKENNY

(TRAIN) TRACKS

She spends her working day immersed in music. So there’s nothing JENNY HUSTON enjoys more than a quiet train journey. Especially if her mom is waiting at the other end.

R

TÉ 2fm radio presenter and taste-maker Jenny Huston is from the west coast of Canada where both her Irish parents had emigrated in the late ‘60s. Huston herself moved to Ireland in 1996. She’s travelled all over by train from her home, conveniently located in the Docklands area of Dublin close by the Luas line. She especially likes the trip to Galway, but her favourite journey is to visit her mother who now lives in Kilkenny, having moved there from Canada around 1993 and set up a jewellery manufacturing course in the city.

As Huston explains, “The terrific advantage of the Kilkenny train journey is that is takes you right smack into the middle of the city at the top of John St. For me it’s so easy. I nearly always take the train. It’s a ten-minute walk to where my mom lives. It’s even handy for her to pick me up if the weather’s bad! Another great reason for me to visit Kilkenny is because there’s a terrific restaurant called Campagne in The Arches. It’s really only about three to five minutes from the train station and it’s a lovely spot run by lovely people who use a lot of produce from local farmers.”

“For travelling home to Mom, I like to get the train armed with a nice fresh cup of coffee and a chocolate which I buy in Heuston Station from Butlers café. I settle down either for a snooze or with a book. I usually look forward to it! I love the way you can really switch off on a train, no worries about traffic or getting lost or any of that bother. At home I’m usually staring at a stack of new CDs that make me feel guilty because I haven’t listened to them. To get on the train with my book is a real novelty and often the only chance I get to catch up on my reading.”

As for her choice of reading, that varies.

“Sometimes it will be a magazine or a newspaper.

Last time I was on a train I read Go Rail from cover to cover. It’s usually fiction that I go for. The last novel I remember reading was A Visit From The Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan. It’s full of mad characters and some of them are from the music industry! It won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction last year.”

Huston has attracted queries as to whether she’s related to Sean Heuston, the man after whom the railway station is named. “There’s a difference in the spelling of the two names. I’ve never found any trace of a connection. There seems to be some link to the film director John Huston. We’re only starting to map that out and see if there really is a connection.”

She also takes the train for work purposes as well as pleasure. “If I’m DJing around the country, maybe in Cork or Tralee, I have to be prepared for a late night. So it’s comforting to know that I can get the train back to Dublin next morning and not have to worry about car-parking or a four-hour drive. I can get on board and sleep! That was kind of new to me at first. In Canada we don’t have commuter trains to the same extent we have here, and I didn’t grow up using trains. Most Canadians prefer to travel by car and it’s mainly tourists who use the trains to get out and see some of the

impressive Canadian landscape like the Rocky Mountains. Actually, I’d like to do it myself some day.”

Being a committed music fan, the 2fm DJ sometimes uses a train journey to fill in gaps in her listening. “My work as a DJ on 2fm means I’m quite often focusing on single tracks. That’s the nature of the programmes I do. So a train trip gives me the chance to use my iPod to listen all the way through to an album by Radiohead or PJ Harvey or The National without having to ask myself if this or that track might fit the programmes. It can also be an opportunity to check out an album I haven’t had time to listen to but have heard maybe the single from it and

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liked. For example, I really enjoyed the single ‘Oblivion’ by Grimes – the train gave me the chance to catch up on the Visions album it’s on.

It’s a gentler album than I expected too. But I hardly ever do any work on the train. Now that some trains have Wi-Fi, I’ve seen journalists with their computers working away on their iPads or maybe students with their laptops. I never do. I can appreciate the benefit of it, but it’s not for me. The only time I brought my laptop was when I was travelling to Dingle for the Other Voices TV series.”

Jenny Huston broadcasts on RTÉ 2fm from 9 pm to 11 pm, Monday to Thursday.

GOPLACES

CORK

ALL RAILROADS LEAD TO

It’s often self-mockingly and humorously referred to as the selfproclaimed People’s Republic of CORK. But the country’s secondlargest city is much more than that.

C

ork is a modern, cultural and vibrant city boasting many of Ireland’s best bars, restaurants and arts venues. So it surprised nobody when it was voted one of the top ten “best cities to visit” by the Lonely Planet Guide. And it’s a gateway to scenic West Cork.

Foodies in particular, will find there are many reasons for hopping on the train to Kent Station.

While traditional Cork dishes such as tripe, drisheen and crubeens (pigs’ trotters) have their fans, Cork can boast some of the country’s finest seafood, fresh off the trawler from West Cork, as well as a range of artisan cheeses and yoghurts from around the county.

On the restaurant front, Café Paradiso on Western Road is acknowledged to be one of Ireland’s finest vegetarian restaurants. If you prefer a decent brunch, try any of the hip eateries along French Church St. Or, for a jaunt out of town, visit the acclaimed restaurants in neighbouring Kinsale – Jim Edwards’ is a favourite of international singer Tori Amos who keeps a house locally. Heading east, you might consider a trip to Youghal, where Aherne’s seafood restaurant has a well-deserved international reputation. On the way, why not stop for a pint at the famous Batt Murphy’s in Midleton?

Leeside is, of course, renowned for its rich pub culture. Beamish and Murphy’s are the two indigenous brands of stout. Both have their advocates, with some opting for Beamish’s creamy, bitter finish and others heading for Murphy’s sweeter tang. There is, furthermore, a thriving craft brew scene with Blarney Blonde, Rebel Red and other beers widely available.

The Franciscan Well brew pub at the North Mall

stocks all these, and many more, but microbrews are also widely available throughout the centre of town. Off the beaten track, the Abbot Ale house on Coburg street boasts a fantastic upstairs brew-pub and downstairs off-licence.

Cork is no slouch when it comes to nightlife either. A local institution is the huge Reardens pub/club complex at the bottom of Washington St., while cool kids will seek out the historic Freakscene indie night, now 15 years on the go. For something a bit funkier The Pavilion, at Carey’s Lane just off Patrick St., hosts house and electro nights and live performances in its impressive first floor venue.

On the bar front, Cork has much to choose from. Current favourites include the Mutton Lane Inn, again off Patrick St., and Crane Lane, around the corner from the General Post Office on Oliver Plunkett St. A well-kept secret is Bradley’s, a beautifully restored ‘aul fellas’ pub on Barrack St. For something different, make your way to the Cork Cricket Club at the Mardyke, where you can chug a Murphs and watch men in all-white yell arcane terminology at one another, all in the shadow of some of the Northside’s most stunning architecture.

If you are planning on exploring surrounding counties you’ll probably use Cork as a base for visits to Blarney Castle and tours of West Cork. In the city itself, Cork City Gaol offers an insight into the history of the city, while Cork Butter Museum whisks you back to the age when Leeside was Europe’s largest butter market. A visit to Fitzgerald’s Park and St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral will also probably be on the cards, though if you see the golden angel blowing his trumpet at the top of the latter, you better head for the train – it means the world is about to end!

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Arguably Ireland’s most successful sporting county, Cork is home to the 2010 All-Ireland football champions. In addition to hurling and football, many of Munster’s best-known players choose to make their home in the city. And, despite languishing in lower reaches of the League of Ireland Premier Division Cork City FC is one of the country’s best supported soccer sides. They play at Turner’s Cross stadium, a 15minute walk from downtown. If you are attending a game on Friday night, be sure to pop into Turner’s Cross Tavern, the Evergreen or the Mountain to enjoy the pre-game atmosphere.

Cork county, meanwhile, is home to one of the country’s most appealing tourist attractions. Fota Wildlife Park is the most visited family attraction in Cork. This most impressive park is set on 70 acres on the scenic Fota Island in the middle of Cork Harbour and only 15 minutes from the city.

The park is not like an ordinary zoo, as you can actually come face-to-face with free-roaming animals and birds from all over the planet. You might see a kangaroo hopping in front of you, or spot a ring-tailed lemur as it jumps down from a tree. Fota Wildlife Park is of special appeal for families attractions and has sufficient attractions to all ages from babes-in-arms to grandparents.

Particularly popular are the childrens’ play areas with slides, climbing walls, swings, rockers and monkey bars. The Jeep Safari and the HB Fun Train will provide heaps of fun too. There are sheltered huts, an entertainment marquee, cafés, stores and rest areas. Whatever your priorities are, Fota Wildlife Park is one of those places that demands repeat visits, as each trip is sure to bring its own fantastic memories. Put it on your list for your next time you visit Cork.

CONTINUED OVER

GOPLACES

Bantry, Co. Cork. Sunday 8 – Saturday 14 July readings / workshops / seminars / children’s events / music

Tel: 027 52788/9

e.mail: info@westcorkliteraryfestival.ie

Online booking: www.westcorkliteraryfestival.ie

LIBRARY & ARTS SERVICES

13 Glengarriff Road, Bantry, Co Cork [t] 027 52788 LoCall 1850 788 789 CCF_GO_RAIL_ADVERT_2012.ai 1 13/04/2012 11:04

Online Booking

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www.westcorkmusic.ie

MARCO BORGGREVE

(clockwise from top left) Blackrock Castle, City Hall, Patrick’s Bridge, author Anita Shreve, appearing at the West Cork Literary Festival, The Kings Singers and The English Market

A FEAST OF FESTIVALS The countdown is already underway for Ireland’s largest rowing race and maritime festival, Ocean To City (June 1 – 9). The festival is organised annually by Meitheal Mara, the Cork-based traditional boat builders, with the support of Cork City and County Councils and Fáilte Ireland and celebrates Cork’s maritime history. Members of the public can traverse the city by kayak, and board a sea safari trip around Cork Harbour.

The highlight, An Rás Mór, takes place on Saturday June 2 with boats of all sizes rowing over 15 nautical miles from Crosshaven to Lapps Quay. An expected 400 Irish and International rowers will compete in a diverse range of vessels from currachs, to Chinese Dragon Boats. Spectators can also enjoy fun activities at key viewing points at Cobh, Monkstown and Blackrock Castle. On-street entertainment and food markets will reverberate from the Lapps Quay finish all day. Festival manager, Siubhán McCarthy of Meitheal Mara says, “An Rás Mór gives us a real link to our Maritime history. The best way to honour our boating traditions is to involve the public and make it a real cultural celebration which is what the Ocean to City Maritime Festival has become.” For further details go to www.oceantocity.com Cork International Choral Festival runs from May 2 – 6 and will present exhilarating programme of vocal culture from around the

world. The festival is a magical blend of the finest international choirs, world-renowned artists, diverse vocal traditions and cultures, a five-day melting pot of gala concerts, and exciting citywide events. 2012’s festival will get off to a powerful start with a gala production of Mozart’s masterpiece Requiem. The King’s Singers, Ireland’s National Chamber Choir and the celebrated Czech ensemble The Gentlemen Singers are also key parts of this line-up of superb gala evenings.

As some of the world’s leading vocal artists entertain, inspire and surprise choral fans, the free Choral Trail will see choirs pop up in bars, galleries and libraries throughout the city. The Festival Fringe presents a series of engaging concerts showcasing many genres and cultures, many of which are free. Cork International Choral Festival attracts over 70 choirs from around Ireland to compete in a range of national competitions, and the Fleischmann International Trophy Competition has top choirs from as far away as The Philippines and Singapore competing for one of the most prestigious prizes in European choral music. See www.corkchoral.ie.

With a rich heritage that includes Frank O’Connor, Sean O Faolain, Daniel Corkery and David Marcus, Cork punches well above its weight in the literary division. So its no wonder

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that the 2012 West Cork Literary Festival is attracting such heavyweights as Anita Shreve, Paul Muldoon, Gerald Dawe, Kevin Barry, Dermot Healy, Glenn Patterson, Lorna Siggins and Anita Desai. The Festival takes place in Bantry, West Cork, (July 8 – 14) and this year will celebrate our maritime heritage with a series of readings and talks based on matters nautical. Writers In Peril honours those who risk their lives to write and report for our benefit and enlightenment.

Find out more on www.westcorkliteraryfestival.ie.

The West Cork Chamber Music Festival (June 29 – July 7) offers a breathtaking line-up of worldclass musicians playing an exciting programme of glorious music in the spectacular setting of Bantry, overlooking Bantry Bay. No wonder Musical America said, “This extraordinary festival has become a glittering jewel in Ireland’s cultural crown.” Each festival day begins with sparkling music from the Baroque featuring music by Vivaldi, Handel, Purcell, Monteverdi with Boccherini’s Stabat Mater as the highlight.

Copland’s song-cycle Twelve Poems by Emily Dickinson will be sung by soprano Ruby Hughes, and there’s also Schubert’s Winterreise, Fauré’s C minor Piano Quartet, Monteverdi’s Lettera Amorosa and Mozart’s quintet for piano and winds. There’s more info at www.westcorkmusic.ie.

GOPLACES

50 LIFE BEGINS

AT

The over-50s are finding new ways of staying creative and getting out and about, and the annual BEALTAINE FESTIVAL offers no shortage of stimulating experiences, as JACKIE HAYDEN discovers.

T

hough many of us have a tendency to fixate on the drawbacks of ageing, the truth is that hitting fifty can open up a huge range of possibilities.

For a variety of reasons, we don’t always have time to pause for breath during our twenties, thirties and forties – there always seems to be too much to do, the kids need to be collected from school, the boss needs us to call in on a Saturday, etc etc. And so, as the immediate responsibilities of rearing young kids start to fall away, it is possible, often for the first time, in our fifties, to fully appreciate the idea of leisure, and to set about making the most of every day.

One of the delights of turning 50 is that, in general, free time becomes considerably more plentiful, affording far greater scope to wake up, smell the coffee and enjoy life.

New opportunities open up to ramble around Ireland, to take that golfing break you’ve wanted for ages but never quite got round to booking, to get on the train and travel wherever the mood takes you.

By way of celebration, the Bealtaine Festival runs throughout May. Among the multitude of exciting events in this year’s festival, is a conference titled ‘Creating A New Old In Dublin’ from May 8 to 10.

This unprecedented gathering of world experts in a wide variety of fields will discuss key issues concerning ageing, reflecting the increased determination in society to help people not just to maintain their quality of life and enjoy independent living through their later years but to explore the huge potential for creative activity that is opened up as one nears retirement age.

As President Michael D. Higgins has pointed out, “In its celebration of creativity through communities across Ireland, over its 17-year history, Bealtaine is changing perceptions and challenging misconceptions and stereotypes of, and around, what it is to be ‘old’ in Ireland. The participants and communities involved in Bealtaine are actively creating ‘The New Old’.”

It is an inspiring concept.

Last year’s festival was a roaring success, featuring over 3,000 theatrical, cinematic, craft, photographic, choral, dance and other events nationwide. That works out at a stunning figure of over 100 events each day, with about 125,000 people participating.

This year, the festival is posing two pertinent questions: “What kind of old do you want to be?” and “What kind of world do you want to grow older in?” An extremely broad

and inventive calendar of events has been lined up. For example, Azure is a visual arts initiative for people with dementia and their carers at Kilkenny’s Butler Gallery; Ink, an exhibition of photographs of older people with tattoos, which gloriously challenges assumptions, can be visited at Axis: Ballymun and the Old Markethouse Arts Centre, Dungarvan; meanwhile, Wandering Methods, at Rathfarnham Castle, Dublin, will have artists join with older people to produce work inspired by the castle and by the lives of the surrounding community.

These are just examples of the many-faceted activities which will run throughout the month. There is so much more too.

The Bealtaine theatre tour will include Kin, about how relationships between adult children and their ageing parents change, while the multi-award-winning Translunar Paradise examines how a husband deals with the loss of his wife, who attempts to help him from beyond the grave. Dawn Chorus will have waterfronts around the country animated by music on the last Sunday in May. Active retirement groups will link with choirs for some magical performances.

One of the most important aspects of the Bealtaine Festival is that it encourages communication

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and friendship.

Having made its debut last year, Cultural Companions will again create local networks of people interested in arts and culture who will accompany one another to events. It aims to provide fresh opportunities for older people to meet new people as they engage with our vibrant cultural and arts scene.

There’s also a timely musical tour

by Down-based singer Fil Campbell.

She’ll be bringing her show Just A Song At Twilight, promoted by Age And Opportunity, to various parts of the country. She’ll be at the Town Hall Theatre in Kiltimagh in Co. Mayo on Thursday, May 10. On Tuesday, May 22, she visits the Civic Theatre in Tallaght for two shows and then on Thursday, May 31, she’ll be at the Draoícht Theatre in Blanchardstown Shopping Centre.

Of course, those of you travelling, whether to Bealtaine or for other events, will need somewhere to rest your heads after a tiring day’s activity. Thankfully, there’s no shortage out there of fantastic hotels with irresistible offers that will especially appeal to the over-50s.

The 4-star Hodson Bay Hotel & Spa is stunningly situated in Westmeath on the tranquil shores of

The film My House In Umbria; and (below) the Dawn Chorus sings joyfully

Modern Maturity Ad 85x124

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60 is the new 40!

Lough Ree in the heart of Ireland’s Lake District. Its unique and hugely attractive location allows you both to enjoy the scenic Irish countryside and to take in events in Athlone town, a mere five minutes away.

The Hodson Bay Hotel mixes traditional charm with modern luxury and has a fine array of facilities and services. Its 181 bedrooms are designed with luxury and comfort in mind, and the picturesque views of Lough Ree and Athlone Golf Course can be enjoyed from its impressive bedrooms. Its range of special offers includes one night’s B&B from only €99 and for two sharing. And you get a €30 restaurant voucher.

Meanwhile, keen golfers should take note of a wonderful special offer aimed at them and costing as little as €149 pps. You can enjoy two nights’ accommodation with full Irish breakfast each morning, plus a Table d’Hote dinner on one evening in their award-winning L’Escale Restaurant, as well as one round of golf per adult at Athlone Golf Club. The value, in other words, is excellent.

The Hodson Bay – and its sister hotel, the equally lovely Galway Bay Hotel – also offer family breaks and special spa packages, as well as offers linked to music events. In

addition, they offer opportunities for wine tasting, dancing, aqua aerobics, scenic walks, boat trips and more: special package deals are available for two, three, four or five nights. You can evaluate them all at www.hodsonbayhotel.com and www.galwaybayhotel.com.

One of the upsides of life in Ireland at the moment is that there are fine hotels offering great bargains all over the country. Among those setting the trend in this respect is the Dalata Hotel Group, which includes the Maldron Hotels. They offer a fantastic combination of facilities and services in such attractive locations as Athlone, Cavan, Clare, Cork, Dublin, Galway, Laois, Limerick, Mayo, Portlaoise, Sligo and Wexford. The hotels are all well-appointed, and have stateof-the-art gyms, swimming pools, fitness classes, beauty and massage treatments and child-friendly leisure facilities. In short, every need is catered for!

They all offer terrific value through special offers, some of which are aimed at the young at heart! I found an offer for the excellent Maldron Hotel in Cork, for example, which comes in at €179 pps for three bed and breakfasts and three dinners, and that price also includes free transfer from Cork bus and train

3 Nights Bed and Breakfast and 3 Evening Meals

from

149

*

€

pps

Packages include a little something to suit everyone from reduced green fees, to mini-massages and no single supplements.

*Rates and inclusions vary per hotel and are quoted per person sharing.

Subject to availability.

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Hotels

Lo-Call 1850

885 885

Visit www.maldronhotels.com/Young_at_Heart_Breaks

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GOPLACES The acclaimed theatre show Kin

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The Mount Juliet Hotel in Kilkenny is one of Ireland’s prestige destinations. This magnificent hotel, set in wonderful surroundings, offers golf, a variety of equestrian events, clay-pigeon shooting, archery and fishing aong other leisure pursuits. They offer a full range of spa treatments and special offer packages as well. For example, there’s an irresistible golf package that enables the true golf aficionado to play a course designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus and to stay overnight from €115 per person sharing. They also have family breaks and weekend breaks,

which will whet your appetite for a spell in one of Ireland’s leading hotels – two-night packages are available for only €82.50 per night, or three nights for €75 per night.

Their award-winning Lady Helen restaurant is also an experience not to be missed. For the full range of activities and special offers go to www.mountjuliet.ie.

So, no matter where you want to go in Ireland, there are lots of activities to suit the over-50s – and no shortage of wonderful hotels to enjoy them from.

To get involved in Bealtaine 2012, or for more information, go to www. bealtaine.com or email them at: Bealtaine@ageandopportunity.ie.

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Over 50’s Breaks At Galway Bay & Hodson Bay Hotels

IVITIES

T C A E E R F

2BB 2D from €139pps 3, 4 & 5 Night Packages Also Available

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Golf

Wine Tasting, Thermal Spa, Dancing, Aqua Aerobics, Scenic Walks & More

091 518343

Galwaybayhotel.com

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090 6442004

Hodsonbayhotel.com

T&C apply.

COMPLIMENTARY HOTEL ACTIVITIES

PLOUGHING AHEAD

TO WEXFORD

With its great beaches, numerous events and busy cultural life, Wexford is a bustling destination every summer, but it doesn’t ease off as we move towards autumn, and this year will be no exception.

The National Ploughing Championships are a major event in the Irish calendar, and following its three-year stint in Athy, the Championships come to Wexford this autumn for the country’s biggest showcase of food, farming and culture. Last year’s event saw an amazing 189,000 visitors and 1,100 exhibitors roll into Kildare, confirming the Championships’ status as a true national treasure.

This year’s extravaganza takes place at Heathpark, New Ross, Co. Wexford (September 25 – 27, so early hotel booking is advised!) and boasts an incredible range of activities for people of all ages. There are craft displays, a plethora of shopping opportunities and a wonderful food fair that will serve as a valuable reminder of the mouth-watering range of food items we produce here in Ireland. You get loads of live music, fashion shows, hunt chases, vintage machinery demonstrations, sheep-shearing, cookery, and, of course, the most competitive ploughing clashes in all the land. Not only have they traditionally had a serious competitive edge, but they provide opportunities to observe the skills that true artisans bring to the craft of ploughing.

The three-day bash is also home to the ‘Most Appropriately Dressed’ competition, a battle that tends to be as heated as the ploughing contests! Although the championships are superb annual showcases for the agriculture and rural communities, they also attract people from towns and cities who enjoy the mix of fun, entertainment and serious business that the event is renowned for all over western Europe. The National Ploughing Championships celebrate all that is positive about our most indigenous industry.

Check out www.npa.ie for more information.

The Wexford Opera Festival is now an established attraction for music fans both in Ireland and abroad. While opera is still at the core of the festivities, and the new Wexford Opera House is one of the country’s musical gems, there’s plenty happening around the Fringe events to satisfy all musical tastes.

And still on a musical note, the 17th Blackstairs Blues Festival takes place in and around Enniscorthy from September 14 – 16. So put Wexford on your to-go-to list this year!

Amber Springs Hotel

Ashdown Park Hotel, Conference & Leisure Centre,

& Health Spa

Coach Road,

Wexford Road, Gorey, Co. Wexford

Gorey, Co. Wexford

www.amberspringshotel.ie

www.ashdownparkhotel.com reservations@ashdownparkhotel.com

reservations@amberspringshotel.ie

2012 National Ploughing Championships, New Ross, Co Wexford.

Looking for the fastest, most direct route less than 50mins from site?

25th – 27th September 2012 DBB from €60pps (Based on 3pax per room)

Breakfast served from 5am Restaurant last orders at 9.30pm Bar Food last orders 11.00pm Our Location is ideal for the Site. Avoid any narrow Bridges or Bottlenecks Family Hotels run by a Hotel Family

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GOFASHION

HOT TO

TROT

From silk skirts to formal shorts and tribal prints, ROE McDERMOTT has the skinny on all the summer fashion, and how to keep you feeling cool and looking hot!

SILK AND SILHOUETTES Let’s face it, summer in Ireland does not always a summer wardrobe accommodate.

Luckily, this season there’s a gorgeous way of embracing floaty, flirty, feminine fashion – while covering you up just enough to avoid catching pneumonia! The key to this look is teaming pieces in silk and chiffon with heavier materials like woollen jumpers (don’t pretend you won’t need them) to create a modern, sophisticated look. Key pieces include long, flirty skirts and stunning jumpers to further soften the silhouette. Or if you’re looking for a more formal look, choose draped maxi dresses in flattering fabrics. And though Louboutin knows we love a bit of biker chic, we think this look works best when kept soft and sensuous in pastel colours and very textile fabrics. It’ll make you irresistible to the look and touch!

DARK BLOOMS Though florals bloom on the catwalk every spring, this season they’ve come up with some thorns! No longer the meek and mild wallflowers we’ve seen for so many seasons, this sharper, edgier look is just the right combination of sweet and sexy. Combining dark ebony

tones with bright prints gives these blooms a sophisticated edge that can bring you from the office to the bar with a quick change into some killer heels! Or if you just can’t do without your light and bright prints, look for body-con styles and black accents to take your look from sweet to sexy and show that you fashionista flowers are all grown up!

HACIENDA HONEYS We know it’s only spring, but we think it’s never too early to enjoy a Mexican summer.

Later this year South-American inspired prints, jewellery and accessories will be huge, but for now it’s the simpler, more sophisticated take on this trend that has us swooning. Loose-fitting dresses in chocolate browns with turquoise and sorbet-coloured highlights are catching our eye, while simple skirts are being spiced up with some subtle Aztec prints and flourishes.

Team with some chunky bangles, big statement earrings and a turquoise tote and all you’re all set for your spring as a hacienda honey!

AHOY, SAILOR! The sea might be too cold to swim in, but luckily you can rock the boat with this adorable

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nautical look on dry land. The white, red and blue palette suits everyone, and gives you a great opportunity to mix and match irresistible separates. Look out for pretty pussy-bow blouses, cute cardigans and swishing skirts. Or, if you want a sophisticated sailor look, slip on a red pencil skirt for an ensemble that’ll attract both officers and gentlemen! And while your captain may demand deck-shoes aboard his fine vessel, while on dry land we feel that summery polka-dots and sassy stripes will play up your sea-worthy ensemble perfectly.

WORKING THE LOOK We know office wear in the summer can be tricky – how can you balance keeping your cool and feeling hot while the weather’s warm – especially if there’s a dress code involved?

Luckily, lace is in, and this time, it’s as suitable for lunchtime meetings as it is for lovely afterwork drinks! Neutrals and pastels keep shift dresses pretty, while perfectly workplaceappropriate. Formal shorts will also be huge this summer, so team with a light blazer for a look that’s professional, pretty and spot on trend.

Highlight with enamel jewellery and promote yourself up the fashion ladder!

02.

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GOFASHION

01.

DETAILS 1.

Stepped Hem Skirt ¤45, Stripe Lurex Jumper ¤35, both Awear.

2. Ombre Scoop Neck ¤35, Pleated Maxi Skirt ¤40, both Awear.

3. Martinique Top, ¤70, Monsoon 4. Preen/Edition Floral Printed Dress ¤109, Debanhams 5. Panchovilla Dress ¤99, Monsoon 6. Button Detail Skirt ¤35, Stripe Blazer ¤55, Peter Pan Top ¤40, All Awear 7. Belma Shoes ¤114, Dune 8. Bangles from ¤3, Pennys 9. Wicket Fence wedges £70/¤100 Office

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06.

05.

04.

08.

07.

03.

09.

STOCKISTS A-WEAR 26 Grafton St., Dublin 2 Henry St., Dublin 1 Edward Square, Barrack Lane, Co. Galway 110 St. Patrick St., Co. Cork 69-71 William St., Co. Limerick DEBENHAMS Henry St., Dublin 1 Blanchardstown Shopping Centre, Dublin 15 Mahon Point Shopping Centre, Co.Cork 4 Eyre St., The Docks, Co.Galway

DUNE Dundrum Shopping Centre, Dublin 16 Debanhams Henry St., Dublin 1 MONSOON 64 Grafton St., Dublin 2 10/12 Williamsgate St., Co. Galway Unit 30 Mahon Point Shopping Centre, Co. Cork 29 Cruises St., Co. Limerick

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PENNEYS 35-39 Lower O’Connell St., Dublin 1 47 Mary St., Dublin 1 Galway Shopping Centre, Headford Road, Co. Galway Saint Patrick’s St., Munster Arcade, Co. Cork WAREHOUSE Clery’s, Lower O’Connell St., Dublin 1 Arnotts, Henry St., Dublin 1 Debenhams, 12 St. Patrick’s St, Co. Cork

GOHEALTH

GET IN SHAPE

FOR SUMMER With holiday season almost upon us, it’s the perfect time to tone up and shed some pounds. Don’t fret – achieving a beach-friendly physique isn’t as painful as you might imagine. ANNE SEXTON has some tips.

L

et’s say you’ve been snuggling under layers of clothes all winter and comfort eating to stave off the cold – all very well until you realise with a mixture of delight and dread that summer is almost upon us. Summer would be great, if it weren’t for the fact that summer clothes are less forgiving of physical imperfections. In particular beach-wear leaves you nowhere to hide your extra pounds.

In the run up to summer, many people – and men almost as often as women – try and repair several months of unhealthy habits in one foul swoop. The internet, magazines and book stores are full of advice offering to help you drop pounds, or even stones, in record time.

Do fad diets work? Sometimes they do, but you need to be prepared for consequences. Fad or starvation diets are unhealthy and they make you fatter – not a great long-term result. Crash

dieting slows down your body’s metabolism making it more difficult to lose weight and keep it off in the future. Not only will you regain the weight you’ve lost, you’ll pile on some extra pounds too.

As tempting as a quick fix may be, in the long run you’ll be healthier and slimmer if you lose weight in a sensible way. Losing more than two pounds a week is considered unhealthy. To lose a pound a week, you need to reduce your calorie intake by 3,500 calories over seven days. You can do this by reducing the amount of calories you eat, but it is more successful if you combine dieting with exercise.

We all need to do a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate exercise five times a week, preferably a mixture of cardio and strength training. Gym staff will be able to advise you on exercises to target your problem areas and recommend a workout for your age, shape and level of fitness.

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In addition to a regular workout, you should try to incorporate more exercise into your daily life. That means simple changes, such as walking or cycling instead of taking the car or bus, and using the stairs instead of the elevator.

Cycling can burn between 500 and 1,000 calories per hour, depending on how fast you go. A brisk walk can burn over 300 calories per hour and is great cardio workout that helps tone your legs, stomach and hips. Dancing is excellent exercise as it is a complete body workout that burns a surprising 600 to 800 calories per hour.

Even working around the house and the garden can help you lose weight. Weeding, raking and planting can burn around 300 calories per hour, while cleaning knocks off up to 200 calories an hour if you do it vigorously.

If you have existing health problems, you’ll need to consult your doctor before dieting.

Some simple changes to your diet can make a world of difference in the long-term; and it if you are cooking for a family, a balanced healthy diet means there is no need to prepare special dishes for yourself, making it more likely you will stick to a sensible eating plan.

Make sure your diet includes plenty of fibre – that means fruit, vegetables and wholegrain foods. A diet high in fibre helps you lose weight.

Choose lean meat, fish and chicken. Remember that meat shouldn’t be the major part of your meal. Avoid frying and opt to grill, bake or boil instead. Cut out oil where possible. Replace creamy sauces with vegetable-based ones. Drink water instead of sweetened drinks.

There are a couple of tricks you can try. One of the easiest is eating slowly. If you wolf down food, you’ll eat more of it, but if you take around half and hour to eat your meal you’ll not only eat less, but feel fuller. There are some indications that spicy foods can help speed up metabolism, so if you’re fond of hot food, put it on the menu often.

HOOPNOTIC Despite our best intentions, fitting in exercise around a hectic lifestyle can be tough. Gym membership doesn’t come cheap, and high-energy aerobic classes tend to leave the uninitiated in a world of pain the next day!

Though it may be many moons since you hula hooped – didn’t we all give it a go as fun-loving six-year-olds?! – this is a hobby that’s making a comeback in a big way. Not only is it a lot of fun, but hula hooping provides a fantastic workout, toning abs, thighs and arms, as well as improving balance and co-ordination.

The sport has traditionally been associated with circus troupes – hula hoopers’ performances take place alongside jugglers, clowns and fire-throwers. But recently, hula hooping has become a more mainstream hobby, with lessons happening in Dublin for the first time in the past year. Indeed, the first Irish hula hoop convention recently took place in Rathmines, with visiting UK hoopers showcasing their impressive tricks to over 50 eager participants!

The beauty of hula hooping is that you can work at your own pace.

Basic hooping (around the waist) looks easier than you think! But once you’ve cracked it, it’s a great calorie-burner. From here, there are literally thousands of tricks to be learned, which require practice and skill, but mean you’ll have a fantastic party-piece at the ready!

Keep an eye out for hoopers at various festivals over the summer, or check online for the next set of hoop lessons happening near you.

You won’t look back!

A third trick might not be very popular, but it is very effective – nix the alcohol. Alcohol is very high in calories so avoiding it will make a significant difference to your weight. If you do drink, keep it to a sensible level – that’s 14 standard drinks a week for women and 21 for men. A standard drink is one measure of spirits, a small glass of wine or a half pint of beer.

FAKE IT UNTIL YOU MAKE IT Losing weight slowly is the sensible and healthy way to shape up, but of course the big downside is that it takes time. So if you’ve left it too late to reach your goal weight before the summer there are a few ways you can make your flaws less noticeable.

Good grooming and flattering clothes that fit properly go a long way to hiding imperfections.

If you draw the focus towards your good points, people are less likely to notice your bad ones.

Tanned bodies look healthier and slimmer than pasty white ones. Paradoxically tanning itself is bad for you, so self-tan is the wisest bet. To be really effective, self-tan shouldn’t look fake.

Less is more – orange skin is not a good look.

Exfoliate before you begin and apply carefully, blending well in a circular pattern. Exfoliating is a good idea anyway as removing dead skin cells will make your skin glow.

Stand up straight. Yes your mother was right all along about the importance of posture. Standing straight with your shoulder blades towards your spine can make your spare tyre look an inch or more smaller.

Sugar alcohols such as sorbitol, mannitol and lactitol can cause your belly to look bloated.

These are common in mints and protein bars.

Check the ingredients before you buy.

And finally, remember that no matter how selfconscious you feel in your summer clothes or bathing suit, the beach – and the world – is full of people that feel exactly the same way!

FEELING FRESH!

W

e’re constantly inundated with products that claim to improve the quality of our skin, and with so many options on offer, it can be difficult to know which ones will really benefit our complexions in the long-run.

Biofresh Skincare’s luxurious range of products has just arrived in Ireland, and as well as not breaking the bank (important in these tough economic times!) they contain no artificial fragrances, colours, preservatives (paragons), and are cruelty-free. These products are also non-toxic, non-irritating, non-carcinogenic, and suitable for all skin types.

Biofresh’s secret lies in the quality of their formulations, which contain all natural, precious, potent and bioactive ingredients that boost skin cell regeneration. As well as that, the proteins used keep skin looking young and firm. What makes their skincare so unique is their use of 100% pure Bulgarian Rose Oil – the most precious essential oil available in nature – which is renowned for its healing and antiaging properties.

The range’s ‘Anti-Age Serum Botox Effect’ cream has been given the thumbs up by TV3’s Xposé, who ranked it amongst their top five best skincare products on the market. As well as that, Rosanna Davison has described the product as “the most potent anti-ageing potion”. Well, if it’s good enough for Miss World..!

Most women are actually not aware that many of their favourite synthetic skincare brands are actually skin-harming, skin-aging and health-harmful because of their toxic ingredients. Ironically, it’s usually the more

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expensive brands that are the most harmful and ineffective. What you apply on your skin is absorbed into your bloodstream, and many ingredients used in mainstream cosmetics are toxic to living cells. Biofresh Skincare is chemical-free, and only uses ingredients that are safe for your body. Many breakouts and allergies are also caused by these chemicals, which don’t occur with natural ingredients.

We say – You shouldn’t have to sacrifice your health or risk disease for the sake of looking and feeling good!

The Biofresh range is not only for your face, but for hair and body too, and is also suitable for men. The skincare is dermatologically and clinically-tested and can also provide relief for acne, eczema, psoriasis and rosacea. Biofresh’s special introductory pack is great value – it includes a high-quality day, night and eyecream for ¤55, and can be purchased in their store, or online through www.biofreshskincare. ie. Their Drogheda store is open every day except Sunday, and a new Dublin store is set to open this summer too.

GO

REVIEW A L B U M S .

JACK WHITE

M O V I E S .

B O O K S

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GOLISTEN.

GOWATCH.

We run the rule over new album releases from legendary pop icon MADONNA (still as daring as ever at age 53), scuzzpunk-blues-soul genius JACK WHITE and stalwart Irish rockers ASLAN, who still put acts half their age to shame with new release Nudie Books And Frenchies....

There’s no shortage of cinema paradiso for the discerning Go Rail reader to feast the eyes upon this summer, as we forensically inspect the mertis and de-merits of GOON, silentmovie Oscar sensation THE ARTIST, animated charmer PUSS IN BOOTS and science-fiction gem ANOTHER EARTH...

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GOREAD. Three absolute beauties lined up here for your delectation, as we plow through the pages of Glenn Paterson’s THE MILL FOR GRINDING OLD PEOPLE YOUNG, his compatriot David Park’s beautifully touching THE LIGHT OF AMSTERDAM, and Elliott Perlman’s THE STREET SWEEPER. Read on...

GOLISTEN. MADGE FOR IT

JACKIE HAYDEN LENDS ALL HIS EARS TO THE RECENT ALBUMS BY MADONNA, JACK WHITE AND OUR VERY OWN ASLAN.

MDNA is Madonna’s 12th studio album and her first since 2008’s Hard Candy. This is Madonna’s divorce album, although comparisons with Bob Dylan’s Blood On The Tracks should be treated with suspicion. When you ignore the hype and listen to the music, you get a decent pop album with high production values, mostly supplied by the legendary William Orbit. And of course there are lots and lots of Madonna-brand hooks.

You can also have endless fun finding lyrics that just might relate to former Mr. Madonna, Guy Ritchie, and his new love.

On the club-friendly ‘Girl Gone Wild’ Madonna tells us, ‘Girls they just wanna have some fun’, as if we didn’t know, while the paindrenched ‘Gang Bang’ marries dubstep with sound effects and a seductive spoken-passage. The lyrics on ‘Superstar’ are rather trite, and ‘I’m a Sinner’ reels off a list of saints as if she’s angling for a sponsorship deal with the Vatican.

‘Love Spent’ is perked up with a banjo, and there’s something appealingly decadent about ‘Masterpiece’ with its late ’80s feel. The impressive ballad ‘Falling Free’ has a convincing honesty about it, maybe because it’s less cluttered than it might have been.

She teams with the Benassi Bros on the souped-up ‘I’m Addicted’, competing with the raucous drums and winning. MIA and Nicki Minaj fit well on the feisty ‘Give Me All Your Luvin’ too, but ‘B-Day Song’ is awful, a kiddies’ tune about birthday parties with juvenile double meanings.

So MDNA is hardly her best work ever, but given that she has divorce issues, kids and several businesses to manage, we can’t expect too much. She’s still refusing to grow old gracefully, and we wouldn’t want her any other way, would we?

He’s split with his wife, and his White Stripes band is also allegedly over forever (although personally I wouldn’t bet on it). So there are double grounds for also regarding

Blunderbuss as Jack White’s divorce album. With other side projects also parked for the time being, this is White’s first solo record, although White Stripes fans can be reassured that there are numerous traces of that part of White’s musical adventuring evident throughout. For instance, ‘Sixteen Saltines’ will evoke the mood of ‘Hardest Button To Button’.

‘Take Me With You When You Go’ harks further back to slightly frenzied ‘70s prog rock and ‘Hip (Eponymous) Poor Boy’ has a barrelhouse vibe about it as well as evoking The Kinks. White had been down to the crossroads even before White Stripes, thus both ‘Missing Pieces’ and his cover of Little Willie John’s ‘I’m Shakin’’ have an overtly blues edge, although I could have lived without White’s affected accent on the latter. The title track is a wistfully beautiful song spiced with a hint of country. The duet with Ruby Amanfu on ‘Love Interruption’ is a revelation, and on ‘Hypocritical Kiss’ he sings passionately about betrayal. ‘Freedom At 21’ has a sturdy, Zeppelin-style riff, a gutsy guitar solo, and impressively crisp drumming.

If you’ve not caught White before, expect an album that merges raw blues with bits of country, folk, pop,

prog rock and soul music. There’s a sense of loss running through the album, although whether he misses the missus or the band more is hard to decide. Indeed the former Mrs. White sings on three tracks, so they can at least still sing to each other. Drummer Carla Azar from Autolux and guitarist Olivia Dee make some valuable contributions too. Blunderbuss is a rewarding experience, and augurs well for White’s solo future chances.

In a fickle music industry, an artist must have serious appeal to last more than a few years. But Dublin rockers Aslan are now celebrating 30 years as a band, during which time they’ve been over, under and through the mill and stubbornly survived. Their new album is called Nudie Books And Frenchies, and it shows a band back at the top of their game with their first album for five years.

There’s a general air of introspection about most of it, as if they know they can deliver and that they’ve got the songs to do it with. The album drives off with ‘Frank’s Van’, an epic number that has echoes in part of Pink Floyd’s ‘Wish You Were Here’. It mixes ‘60s sounds with touches of Bowie and comes with a classy guitar solo to boot. ‘Once Upon A Time The End’

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is a smouldering ballad, Christy Dignam’s vocal setting the scene over an evocative piano before the band kicks in and kicks ass. ‘We Did’ sounds like it’s gearing up to be a big crowd-pleaser, and ‘We Will Rise’ shows the band at their most tightly knit, with Dignam’s voice sounding fresher than ever. They veer off at a tangent with the blueeyed soul of ‘That’s Just The Way It Is’, while there’s a subtlety to ‘Fall Down’ that blends touches of early psychedelia with a contemporary production approach.

With a film documentary called Please Don’t Stop on the loose, and some 30th anniversary concerts filling up their 2012 diary, this has to be the year the northside Dubliners storm back to the top. With their combination of grade A talent, 110% commitment and a determination to transcend all obstacles, they are a hard act to beat and we should be proud of them.

GOWATCH. THIS MONTH’S DVDS TO SAVOUR

WITH SUMMER FAST APPROACHING, THE CINEMAS ARE SOON TO BE FILLED WITH BLOCKBUSTERS AND COMEDIES AND EXPLOSIONS! BUT IF YOU WANT TO STAY AWAY FROM THE CROWDS AND SETTLE IN WITH A NICE DVD, ROE McDERMOTT HAS GOT YOU COVERED.

With all the summer action flicks and blockbusters coming out this summer, the unique little film ANOTHER EARTH is science fiction for those who don’t like science fiction. Revolving around a newlydiscovered planet, a mirror of our own, the sci-fi conceit hints at big existential questions. But Mike Cahill’s debut proves a much more intimate affair. Rhoda (co-writer Brit Marling) has just emerged from jail after causing a car crash that killed a woman and child and left a man comatose. Though a shadow of her former self, she’s determined to help the man whose life she destroyed, and an unconventional relationship is formed, as the two characters fumble to restart their lives.

Cahill’s documentary background is evident and there is an assured, still beauty to his lingering shots, gorgeously rendered views of Earth 2 and elegantly eerie and melancholic soundtrack. Meanwhile, Marling proves an irresistible muse, as her quietly expressive performance explores every facet of longing and regret. However, it’s also riddled with plot holes. Maybe an alternative version of the film would elevate this often lovely and ruminative exploration of loneliness, regret and redemption to the level of Moon or Journey To The Far Side Of The Sun. As it stands, Another Earth inhabits a much more tentative orbit, but its subtle, thoughtful atmosphere is a nice one to float in.

However, perhaps you prefer your movies less sci-fi and more… silent?

In a world where we tweet, text and tell every random thought, it took silent film THE ARTIST to remind us of the pure joy to be found in music, body language and shutting up.

As silent star of

the times, George Valentine (Jean Dujardin, superb) oozes a charisma that’s a blend of Cary Grant and George Clooney, with the nimble toes of Fred Astaire. But when talking movies are introduced, he’s usurped by the aptly-named Peppy Miller (Bérénice Bejo, infectious), an irresistible young actress who woos cinemagoers with the twinkle in her eye and beauty spot on her lip. Wonderfully self-aware, Michael Hazanavicus’ The Artist is brilliant not only in that it explores the history of silent films while, well, being a silent film; but his archetypal characters and classic love story are a beguiling, nostalgic nod to the favoured themes of a bygone era. Hazanavicus also blends the humour and drama perfectly, knowing just when to leave the Keystone Cops, dance routines and scene-stealing stunt puppies behind in favour of evocative, heart-felt emotion. Perfect for the whole family and refreshingly free of cynicism, The Artist proves a genuine, joyous, jazzy and infectious exploration of love, fame and the endless appeal of the Charleston. Sceptics, prepare to bite your tongue.

And now for something a little less sophisticated – and a little less suitable for the kids!

It’s GOON, the big, brash and utterly hilarious ice-hockey comedy. In an utterly endearing performance, Seann William Scott (aka Stifler from American Pie) plays Doug, a good-hearted and dim-witted Forrest Gump character who doesn’t like fighting – but just happens to be very good at it. So much so that an ice-hockey scout recruits him to be the Halifax Highlander’s enforcer – a checking machine who protects their star player from attack and exterminates the competition. Gloves hit ice, pucks knock out teeth and blades meet flesh as the fight culture of ice-hockey is revealed in all its ridiculous glory. While commentators narrate punches as nonchalantly as passes, Liev Schreiber proves a comic talent as Doug’s rival enforcer. But like its lead character, underneath Goon’s rough and ready exterior is a soft centre, as director Dowse

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ensures that Doug’s simple nature is never the butt of the joke. When Doug wishes a fellow goon good luck before a rumble and leaves him proclaiming, “What a nice guy!”, you smile with him, rather than laughing at him. Though Goon’s brief running time renders its ending slightly too abrupt, leaving a comedy wanting more is a very rare and nice complaint to have.

It’s not purring but growling!

Easily the best thing about the last two Shrek films, Antonio Banderas’ beheeled bad kitty is back, ready to claw and charm his way back into your good boots. PUSS IN BOOTS might not be as jam-packed with jokes as Shrek, but you can’t say it’s short on adventure. Flashbacks reveal how a young Puss bonded with the mischievous Humpty Dumpty (Zach Galifianakis) as they grew up in an orphanage, and now he’s become roped into Humpty’s moneymaking scheme to capture a gold-laying goose.

Banderas is hilarious in the leading role, bringing the laughs with his Latino lover one-liners and self-assured swagger. But the lacklustre supporting characters fare less well. Puss’ feline flirtations with criminal mastermind Kitty Softpaws (Selma Hayek) feel rather tame, while Galifianakis’ nondescript vocals bring nothing to Humpty Dumpty – whose face is a creepy mix of Matthew Broderick and the Bride of Chucky. Wonderfully animated and featuring a steady stream of (slightly clichéd) jokes about Fight Club and Goosezilla, Puss In Boots is a fun, adventure-filled frolic that will keep the kids laughing – if a little headspun from the convoluted plot. But compared to the first two brilliantly funny Shrek films, the jokes lack a bit of bite. I prefer my kitty with claws.

Also out this season is the heart-breaking comedy 50/50, Steven Spielberg’s old-fashioned Sunday matinee movie WAR HORSE and David Fincher’s thriller THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO. With something for everyone, never tell us that you’ve nothing to watch! Happy

GOREAD. THE NORTH’S AWAKE

FORGET YOUR AIRPORT THRILLERS. FOR REAL SUMMER READING, ANNE SEXTON SELECTS THREE GREAT NEW NOVELS.

For some reason, several booksellers seem to be convinced that in the warmer months, people like nothing better to read than brightly-coloured books with stereotypical narratives and twodimensional characters.

But here at Go Rail, we believe that if you’re going to lie out in the sun for hours reading, then you’re better off with a gripping story featuring compelling characters. In this issue we are featuring novels from two of northern Ireland’s most respected authors and the new book by award-winning Australian author, Eliott Perlman.

Northerner Glenn Patterson is known for books that examine the past in order to shed light on the present. His latest novel, The Mill For Grinding Old People Young, is no exception. The narrative opens in 1897 as the modern city of Belfast is taking shape in terms of its landmark architecture as well as social, political and sectarian divisions.

Patterson’s protagonist is Gilbert Rice, an elderly and wealthy Presbyterian manufacturer. As Gilbert thinks back on his past, the narrative switches to 1831, when as a young man of 17 he fell in love with Maria, a beautiful young Polish woman who has escaped political retribution by fleeing to Ireland. In 1831 Belfast is a relatively peaceful city, but one tightly controlled by a small

faction of vested interests and inherited privilege.

Gilbert is not interested in politics initially and certainly no revolutionary, but as the corruption inherent in the city’s politics becomes ever more evident to the young man, he embarks on a dangerous course hoping to punish the corrupt and win the admiration of the woman he loves.

Our second Irish novelist is the highly accomplished David Park. Park attracted rave reviews for his previous novel The Truth Commissioner. His latest The Light Of Amsterdam occupies very different narrative terrain, but fans of Park’s elegant prose will not be disappointed.

Park follows three very different people as they spend a weekend in Amsterdam. Alan, a divorced father, is looking forward to seeing Bob Dylan perform in concert when unexpected circumstances force him to take his sulky teenage son Jack along on his weekend; Karen, a single mother, is travelling abroad for the first time for her daughter Shannon’s hen weekend; and Marion is on a weekend break with her husband. Despite their different circumstances, all three of Park’s characters are suffering from emotional distress and an inability to connect with their loved ones.

Over the course of the weekend, relationships will be strained and changed and Park offers a

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compelling narrative of human vulnerability and the importance of love.

Eliott Perlman’s The Street Sweeper has been attracting well-deserved plaudits from readers and critics around the world. Perlman follows two very different New York lives: Lamont Williams, a recently release African-American ex-con, jailed for a crime he didn’t commit, and Adam Zignelik, a historian at Columbia University who is experiencing a midlife crisis, career stagnation and personal indecision. However this is just his starting point, and as we learn about Lamont and Adam, Perlman takes us through some of the most important historical events of the 20th century, namely the Holocaust and the late ‘60s civil rights movement. Perlman explores the connections between anti-Semitism and racism, personal and political history.

This is a story about the power of narratives, the importance of memory, history and truth.

In the novel disparate lives intersect, connect and influence events big and small. At times the connections may strain credibility and the contemporary story is less engaging than the historical narratives, but that hardly matters.

Whatever its minor flaws, The Street Sweeper is a compelling book.

G O F I G U R E

GO RAILS BRAIN TEASERS

QUIZ (A)

(B)

(C)

THE TALLEST BUILDINGS IN THE WORLD ARE:

THE BIGGEST PARKS IN THE WORLD ARE:

THE COLDEST PLACES IN THE WORLD ARE:

1. Burj Khalifa, Dubai 2. Tokyo Sky Tree 3. Tower of Abraj Al Bait, Saudi Arabia 4. Canton Tower, China 5. CN Tower, Canada

1. Northeast Greenland National Park 2. Central Park, New York 3. South Mountain Park, Arizona 4. Chapultepec Park, Mexico City 5. Metropolitan Park, Santiago

1. Vostok, Antarctica 2. Plateau Station, Antarctica 3. Oymyakon, Russia 4. Verkhoyansk, Russia 5. North Ice, Greenland

Where is the sixth?

In what city is the sixth?

In what country is the sixth?

IARNRÓD ÉIREANN ARE OFFERING 5 LUCKY QUIZ WINNERS 5 PAIRS OF INTERCITY TICKETS! PLEASE EMAIL YOUR ANSWERS TO GORAIL@HOTPRESS.IE

CROSSWORD ACROSS

1 5 9 10 11 13 14 17

18 20 23 24 25 26

DOWN

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

12 15 16 19 21 22

Change track (6) Length of time (8) Two-headed and snared (4,4) Land crushed? (6) Race story concurs strangely (5-7) Italian evening (4) Compelling (8) Californian wildflowers sound like neat gratuities (8) Likewise (4) Verify (12) Let pop fall about (6) Dvorák’s ninth symphony (3,5) Alienate, like strange sergeant (8) Cake e.g. Black Forest (6)

Low dam (4) Church-state (9) Fright (6) Now known as Home Economics (8,7) Organises anew (8) No rose without one (5) Confused sinner rose to reveal contrariness (10) Fastidious (10) Confused or drugged (6-3) Party with 14 seats in Dail Eireann (4,4) Eavesdropping insect? (6) Overexcited publicist? (5) Bassist Michael Balzary (4)

CROSSWORD SOLUTION DOWN: 2 Weir, 3 Theocracy, 4 Horror, 5 Domestic science, 6 Regroups, 7 Thorn, 8 Orneriness, 12 Meticulous, 15 Spaced-out, 16 Sinn Féin, 19 Earwig, 21 Hyper, 22 Flea.

ACROSS: 1 Switch, 5 Duration, 9 Side drum, 10 Ground, 11 Cross-country, 13 Sera, 14 Imposing, 17 Tidytips, 18 Also, 20 Authenticate, 23 Topple, 24 New World, 25 Estrange, 26 Gateau.

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