Go Rail Oct-Dec 2012. Vol. 02 Issue 04

OCT - DEC 2012 VOL:02 ISSUE:04

A SUIR THING

Christmas in Waterford

KEIREN WESTWOOD

Ireland s new no.1 on life after Shay

JOHN BISHOP

Meet comedy s hottest ticket

MUMFORD&SONS HOW ROCK’S NICE BOYS CONQUERED THE WORLD

THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE: ACTIVE OVER 55 S SPECIAL

FRESHLY MADE EACH MORNING

Enjoy Our

Catering Service Onboard

Fresh & tasty handmade sandwiches and pastries

CONTENTS OCT-DEC 2012 VOLUME: 2 ISSUE: 4 graham keogh

D A M I E N D E M P S E Y P22 6 GO FOR IT A rundown of what’s hot and happening throughout the country.

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

18 MUM'S THE WORD With second album Babel dominating the Irish chart, Mumford & Sons' MARCUS MUMFORD opens up to Go Rail about the band's meteoric rise to the top.

20 FIT FOR A BISHOP Liverpool funnyman JOHN BISHOP chats about his love of the Irish, staying true to his Merseyside roots, and the Triathlon .

22 DEMPSEY'S DEN As latest album – the excellent Almighty Love – hits shelves, Dublin troubadour DAMIEN DEMPSEY talks about writer's block, touring, and meeting his heroes.

26 JONATHAN STRANGE One of the world’s most successful non-fiction authors, JON RONSON opens up avout his latest collection of short stories, Lost At Sea. 28 HE'S A KEEPER Ireland goalkeeper KEIREN WESTWOOD talks to STUART CLARK about life on the pitch.

30 O MY WORD Dublin singer RÓISÍN Ó shares her favourite train journey with us.

31 DOWN SOUTH There's plenty to see and do in the south-eastern city of WATERFORD. We give you the lowdown on where to go and what to see in this beatiful and historic Irish destination.

36 GOING DOWN TO CHINATOWN China is a country steeped in culture. Niall Stokes attends a recent Chinese culinary art performance in Dublin.

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38 NO SHOW LIKE A JOE SHOW We join Meath comedian JOE ROONEY for a bite to eat at Dublin's Wine Rooms.

51 SPENDING HER DOUGH SOPHIE MORRIS of KOOKY DOUGH explains how she set up this (very delicious) business!

46 OLDER & WISER It's important for all of us to stay healthy – but even more so as we age. Here, we offer the over 55s some pointers on how to feel their best.

58 GO FASHION Winter is well and truly here, but fear not! ROE McDERMOTT has the lowdown on how to look fabulous – and toasty! – this festive season.

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

CREDITS OCT - DEC 2012 VOLUME: 2 ISSUE: 4 MANAGING EDITOR

Máirín Sheehy

COMMISSIONING EDITOR

Roisin Dwyer

CONTRIBUTORS

Emily Adams Stuart Clark Craig Fitzpatrick Maeve Heslin Roe McDermott Caoilfhionn McNamara Celina Murphy Colm O'Hare Máire Rowland Nadene Ryan Anne Sexton

DESIGN & PRODUCTION

Hot Press 13 Trinity Street Dublin 2

DESIGN

Trevor Nolan David Keane

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Maeve Heslin

STUDIO MANAGER

Graham Keogh

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Boylan’s Print

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Suzanne Dwyer

PUBLISHER

Niall Stokes

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

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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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DAYS OF RED AND GOLD We’re well into autumn now, a unique season with unique charms – and lots of stunning natural vistas, if we take the time to look

A

utumn is a season rich in its own unique pleasures. It isn’t just the wonderful colours in nature as the leaves turn varying shade of green, brown, red and yellow, creating a riot of the senses which is different every time, depending on what part of the country you’re in. It is the feeling that the poet John Keats evoked in ‘To Autumn’, in the timeless opening line: “Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness.”

We think of those great dark fruits that capture the shift towards the sombre days of winter. Plums, blackberries, elderberries and sloes are all there to be picked and turned into jams, compotes and, if we’re feeling especially indulgent, crumbles and tarts.

And with Hallowe’en in mind, there are apples and pumpkins to be harvested and sold, before the ghoulish opportunity is lost. Keats talked of how autumn conspired with the maturing sun to “swell the gourd and plump the hazel shells with a sweet kernel.” Looking at the poem afresh, you get the sense that he might just have known what he was talking about.

Pumpkins are a better food-stuff than people in Ireland, with our over-reliance on potatoes, may traditionally have realised. As their orange colour suggests, they are high in beta carotene and they are also an excellent source of potassium – which is good for the heart and for lowering blood pressure.

Plus they are low on calories and, while sweet, are not a problem in relation to raising your blood sugar levels. In short, they’re good for you. And the tastiest

4

way to eat them is diced and roasted in olive oil, with thyme, garlic and a sprinkle of sea salt and black pepper! Grab one next time you’re shopping and try it...

In addition, the seeds – whether dried or roasted – are a great source of antioxidants, fibre, vitamins and minerals, including zinc.

The Virginia Pumpkin Festival has just taken place over the Hallowe’en weekend in the small Cavan town, providing Irish people with the opportunity to encounter a far wider variety of pumpkins than we are used to seeing in the vegetable shops and supermarkets here. The chairman of the festival Phelim McCabe described a pumpkin which was transported to Ireland for the event – and which was as heavy as a Mini Cooper! Not that it was the biggest ever specimen of its type! According to Guinness World Records, the heaviest pumpkin ever originated in Stillwater, Minnesota in 2010, and weighed an incredible 1,810lbs. I’m sure it made a lot of pumpkin pies!

Nature, of course, is full of astonishing things. The train, rolling through what is frequently otherwise uncharted territory, is a great vantage point from which to view the changes in the trees, shrubs and bushes as they happen. But there is a different quality of light too, as the angle of the sun changes and the evenings shorten. Suddenly the thought flashes through your mind: now it is past Samhain; in no time at all, it will be Christmas!

Then, in deepest December, the trees will likely be bare and we will be into the final pre-Christmas push.

And as we know, there is nothing quite like Christmas in Ireland. But that is a subject that we’ll come back to!

In the meantime, to keep you entertained, there’s lots of great reading in this issue of Go Rail. Enjoy your journey...

GREAT

RADIO on the move

more is easy www.rte.ie/radioplayer Download the free App

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A R U N D O W N O F W H AT ’ S H O T & H A P P E N I N G B Y CAOLFHIONN McNAMARA & EMILY ADAMS

FOR BEST VALUE FARES ON ALL INTERCITY SERVICES CHECK OUT IRISHRAIL.IE

ICE TO MEET YOU

Bill Frisell

Disney On Ice presents Passport To Adventure in the RDS from November 8 – 11. The characters are touring Ireland and the UK and will take the audience on an exciting and imaginative tour to four magical destinations. Mickey and Minnie

will be bringing you to Disney’s world of the Little Mermaid, the Lion King, Lilo and Stitch, and Peter Pan. You will also get the chance to visit Ariel and Sebastian at their underwater kingdom. Simba will even take you on a trip to

the pride lands.

It truly is a fun-filled family event, and well worth a visit. Tickets are on sale at Ticketmasters nationwide. Price ranges from €17.50 to €37.50.

SPIRITED AWAY

Nanu Nanu

As the days get colder, we look for ways to keep our hearts warm and our spirits up. The Spirit Of Voice Festival is a great weekend away for friends. The festival will take place in Galway from November 9 – 11 with a variety of acts under the same roof. The weekend will be MC’d by Helen Gregg and Debbie Wright. Friday welcomes Wild Flowers, Fia Rua, Peneleapai and Orlaith Ní Mheachair. Daytime workshops will be available throughout Saturday followed by night performances

by Nanu Nanu, Orlagh De Bhaldraithe, and Good Vibe Society. On Sunday, the festival will wrap up with Little John Nee, Miriam Donohue, and Tom Portman. Tickets can be purchased in advance at a discounted price for each night, or bought at the venue.

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KEEPING THE SPIRITS UP

A WELL OILED

MACHINE

Did you know that Co. Meath is the birthplace of the Samhain Festival? The Spirits Of Meath Hallowe’en Festival takes place once again this year, with a series of events running into November.

This ancient festival traditionally marked the end of the old Celtic year, and the beginning of a new one. It was also considered the night where our world and the spirit world were closest. Embrace all things spooky and take a torchlit procession to the hill of Tiachtga (where Hallowe’en began), visit the eerie graveyards, peruse the stalls at the Hallowe’en night market, take creepy cooking workshops and look out for all the weird, wonderful and downright terrifying costumes. For extra shock-value, see the Crawan-Kells Scarecrows.

There’ll be one standing tall on each of the roads into Kells, warding off any winged invaders that might want to join the celebrations! This jam-packed fortnight of events runs until November 5.

Florence & The Machine have announced another exciting gig in the O2 for the 12th of December this year. Billed the ‘Farewell to Fancy Dress Party’, Florence expects the audience to be in their best costumes!

The band released their second album Ceremonials last year. It has been a huge success, selling over 1.7 million copies around the world.

In 2012 Florence & The Machine have won copious amounts of awards. Her shows always live up to expectations and getting to hear that superb voice live is not something you want to miss!

Tickets are priced from €39.50, and can be bought from Ticketmaster.

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GOFOR IT

THE INCREDIBLE TULC

SAY

The tenth Tulca Festival of Visual Art 2012 takes over Galway city and county once again this winter. Running from November 9 – 23, this year’s talent will feature 41 local, national and international artists in venues throughout the county. The exhibits will range from photography to video art and everything in between, including paintings and performances. The events kick off on November 9 at 8pm in the Tulca Festival Gallery. This year’s festival theme is ‘What Became Of The People We Used To Be?’ and will focus on landscape, change, progression and regression. Some of the key exhibits include Siobhan McGibbon’s Neoplasm, Kelly Richardson’s HD video installation, Leviathan, and Colin Darke’s painting Petroleuses. Curator Gregory McCartney discussed the theme further, saying “Whether it is arrogance, over-confidence or simply complacency, we tend to take our personal landscapes for granted – until there is a seismic shift and we are left wondering what went wrong and who exactly is to blame.”

For a full programme of events, visit www.tulca.ie or find them on Facebook.com/tulcafestival.

GOODBYE The 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic has been marked throughout 2012. Cobh, Co Cork, was the last port of call of the doomed liner before she struck an iceberg. On December 15, the town hosts one last ceremony. The theme will be “remembering bygone times and people past”. It promises to be a celebration not to be missed, and a fitting way to bring the curtain down on a year of commemorative activity.

Brian Kennedy

KILLARNEY CHRISTMAS As Christmas sets in, Killarney is second to none for festivities. With concerts, performances, craft and food fairs, restaurant nights and open-air markets, there’s something in the County Kerry town for all ages this time of year. For kids who can’t get enough holiday cheer this year, Santa’s Secret Christmas Village opens on December 2, the same night as the Children’s Christmas Parade where all the lights will be turned on.

Entertainment will include bouncy castles, face painting and more. For the more mature audience, Killarney is a great place for you too. This year they have a production of Romeo & Juliet on December 6, Brian Kennedy singing season’s classics (7) and comedian Kevin Bridges (8). Log on to ChristmasInKillarney.com to see more events, enter to win free accommodations in Killarney, and you can even send Santa an email! With Killarney in your sights, it’s sure to be a happy holiday season.

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WALKING IN

A WINTER WONDERLAND

The Winter Wonderland Children’s Festival will take place this year at Westport House every weekend from November 24 – December 24. The festival has been extremely successful in previous years and is now one of the most popular Christmas experiences in the west of Ireland.

Children will be taken on a special visit to Santa’s grotto where they will meet the man himself and receive a Christmas gift. Mrs. Claus will also be there to read some festive tales. Children can even visit Santa’s magical workshop and see where he makes all of his toys. Afterwards, they can ride the Westport House Express train and get their faces painted.

It’s a fun-filled family day out with complimentary drinks for all. Opening hours are 10am – 6pm.

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GOFOR IT Alice Taylor

ALL WHITE

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ON THE NIGHT

READ ALL ABOUT IT Dublin Book Festival returns to Temple Bar’s Smock Alley Theatre from November 14 – 18. It is a fitting location. Temple Bar was the home to publishers and printers throughout the 18th century.

No matter what age you are, or where your interests lie, you will be in for a treat. There is a promising programme, with many free events. There will be debates, book readings and interviews, with a

ON DELIVERY

After releasing his debut solo album Blunderbuss this year, Jack White has announced his first Irish solo gig at The 02, Dublin, October 31. A must for fans of The White Stripes and The Raconteurs.

Tickets are priced at €39.05.

David McWilliams

Gothic Horror Dinner Theatre: Poe Show at Cashel Arts Festival

LAUGHTER'S THE BEST MEDICINE

Cashel Arts Festival returns from November 9 – 18. Celebrating its tenth year of music, dance, theatre, comedy, visual art, workshops and much more, it features something for everyone. There’s even something for the kids, with children’s events and workshops throughout the festival.

Highlights this year include The National Ballet Of Ireland’s presentation of The Nutcracker Suite, a discussion in hat etiquette

by Kate Middleton’s hatmaker, Dillon Wallwork and a theatrical celebration of the work of EdgarAllen Poe which takes place on November 16.

Each year a voluntary committee works hard to make this a spectacular event. Their motto: ‘Art For All’.

For more details see www.cashelartsfestival.com

Kilkenny hosts its third Kilkenomics festival this November 1 – 4. It is an economics and comedy festival which hosts various well-known commentators, economists, journalists and comedians. In 2011, attendees included David McWilliams, Fintan O’Toole, Des Bishop, Neil Delamere and Barry Murphy.

Moderated by comedians, Europe’s first economics festival expects guest speakers to talk through important issues like the property bubble, currency fluctuation, the debt crisis, taxation and more, without all that confusing language of economics.

It is a serious event with many elements of humour as the comedians invite a broader audience to attend. So come along this year and take part in laughing at the recession.

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GRAHAM KEOGH

CASHEL

diverse mixture of genres represented. “The aim of the festival is to create a community atmosphere in which to show the diversity, vitality and talent of Irish publishers and writers,” according to the organisers.

There is also a children’s area. Dublin Book Festival is one of Ireland’s most exciting and established literary events. It’s worth the trip to Temple Bar!

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PUT A CORK IN IT Join the masses for the 57th Corona Cork Film Festival this November. The festival has something for everyone, from low budget documentaries and independent shorts to big budget features. It all kicks off Friday November 11th with “The Great Flood” (Bill Morrison/Bill Frisell) at Cork Opera House.

The piece, commissioned by Carnegie Hall, tells the story of the 1927 flooding of the Mississippi River. The festival runs until the 18th. www.CorkFilmFest.org.

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Muse

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HAVE I GOT

MUSE

FOR YOU

After much confusion as to whether or not Muse had in fact announced a date in Ireland, we now know for certain that they are playing a gig in the 02 on November 3, 2012. The concert marks the release of their new album The 2nd Law. Tickets went on sale on September 28 at €60.40, including booking fee.

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GOFOR IT

PUT A TENOR ON IT

Brian O'Driscoll

SCRUM TO ME

Andrea Bocelli comes to the Dublin 02 this year on November 6. The last time he was here, in 2009, he performed to two sold-out crowds with both orchestra and choir.

His latest album Opera was released this year. He has recorded 13 solo studio LPs, selling over 70 million copies worldwide. He is both the most popular classical and Italian singer in the world and was honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2012 for his contribution to live theatre.

Tickets can be bought at Ticketmaster outlets nationwide, and range from €55 – €155.

FOOD

The Guinness Rugby Series presents two games at Aviva Stadium in November. The first, Ireland vs. South Africa, is on Saturday, November 10 (5.50pm start), the second, Ireland vs. Argentina, will be played Saturday, November 24 (2pm start). For the South Africa game, tickets are priced between €10 (school children) and €65 (Category 1), and for the Argentina game they are €15 – €65. Tickets for both matches can be purchased from Ticketmaster outlets or directly from www.IrishRugby.ie.

FOR THOUGHT

Listowel Food Festival runs October 31 – November 4. Events include seminars, tastings and cooking demonstrations. You might even see a familiar face. In the past, chefs such as Darina Allen, Nevin Maguire, Kevin Dundun and Catherine Fulvio have graced the event.

There is something for everyone, with wild food walks, information about growing herbs, keeping hens in your own back garden, literary and food taste trails and much more! Plus, there are prizes for Irish food book of the year, national farmhouse cheese, home baker of the year and best emerging food products.

It is an exciting time for both the chefs and the tasters and a great way to spend a day out.

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RETURN OF THE MC

OSCAR WINNER

Winner of the 2012 British Comedy award, Michael McIntyre is now on his third and biggest UK Arena tour. He will be in Dublin’s 02 for two extra added dates, November 17 – 19.

Michael has had an incredible two years. He has written an autobiography, Life & Laughing, which sold over 360,000 copies as the Christmas No. 1 and one of the best selling non-fiction books of the year.

His other achievements include ‘Best Comedy Entertainment Programme’ for his Comedy Roadshow series which was also nominated for a BAFTA award. He has released two best selling DVDs, Live and Laughing; the latter still holds top spot in the UK as the biggest selling stand-up DVD. This is definitely a show not to be missed. Tickets are on sale from Ticketmaster outlets nationwide, and are priced at €44.50.

The Abbey Theatre presents Oscar Wilde’s classic fable, The Picture Of Dorian Gray, which tells the tale of a young, beautiful man who falls into a life of degrading debauchery, yet remains mysteriously beautiful.

The Picture Of Dorian Gray was written in 1881 and helped establish Wilde’s reputation. Neil Bartless, one of Britain’s most well-known and recognised theatre producers, is said to have brought “literature’s antihero to contemporary theatrical life” with his trademark flamboyant style.

The play will be showing at the Peacock stage of the Abbey theatre from November 3 – 17. Ticket prices range from €18 – €40.

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GONEWS

RAIL BREAKS

STUMP THE PETROL PUMP

Value 2 night breaks with rail travel from just ¤149pps.

F

ed up with the ever increasing cost of filling up the car at the petrol pumps, the cost of tolls, and the hassle of traffic?

If you want to get away, Iarnród Éireann and Railtours Ireland have the perfect solution! By popular demand, Rail Breaks are back!

Rail Breaks are now available to a range of great locations and include train travel to and from the destination, as well as two nights’ bed And breakfast and one evening meal at a range of luxury hotels, with prices starting from just €149 per person sharing.

Explore the rugged West in Clifden, marvel at the beauty of Clew Bay in Westport, sink a creamy pint in Sligo, visit Medieval Waterford, check out the world famous Blennerville Windmill in Tralee or relax in Wexford. Take the stress out of taking a short break in Ireland with Rail Breaks.

RAIL BREAK DESTINATION: Whytes Hotel, Wexford Talbot Hotel, Wexford Fitzwilton Hotel, Waterford Tower Hotel, Waterford Brandon Hotel, Tralee Station House, Hotel, Clifden

COST: €149pps €149pps €149pps €149pps €169pps €169pps

(bus transfer from Galway Station)

Foyle’s Hotel, Clifden

€169pps

(bus transfer from Galway Station)

Abbeyglen Castle, Clifden

€169pps

(bus transfer from Galway Station)

Westport Plaza Hotel Castlecourt Hotel, Westport Glasshouse Hotel, Sligo Clarion Hotel, Sligo

€169pps €169pps €169pps €169pps

For further information and to book, please go to www.railtoursireland.com.

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WE ARE FAMILY!

HUGE GROWTH IN FAMILY TRIPS BY RAIL NEW IARNRÓD ÉIREANN

CEO ANNOUNCED

I

arnród Éireann has announced that sales of family tickets soared in summer 2012 as days out, and short and long stay family staycations gained in popularity.

During July and August, family ticket sales across Intercity, DART and Commuter were up 44% on the same period in 2011. A total of almost 46,000 family tickets were sold, generating over 500,000 journeys. This continues a trend in recent years of increased family rail travel, which is up 82% since 2010.

As well as a consistent increase throughout the summer, family rail ticket sales were also boosted by major events such as the Volvo Ocean Race and the Dublin Tall Ships Festival. Family rail tickets are available for 2 adults and up to 4 children, and are heavily discounted.

A spokesperson for Iarnród Éireann said:

David Franks will take on the role early next year.

I

arnród Éireann has announced that David Franks is to succeed Dick Fearn as Chief Executive of the rail company when the latter retires in February 2013 at the end of his seven-year contract.

David Franks, aged 55, has spent his full career in the railway industry, with extensive railway management experience both in the UK and elsewhere in Europe.

David will join Iarnród Éireann from Keolis UK Ltd, the UK division of the French National Railways, SNCF, where he is UK Rail Director.

David has worked at Chief Executive level with a number of organisations including National Express Group in Britain and Stockholm Metro.

He is a member of the British Transport Police Authority, and Chair of the Institute of Railway Operators.

The company looks forward to welcoming David to Iarnród Éireann and Ireland in the New Year to lead the delivery of service to rail customers and the management of the national network.

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“The increase in family rail ticket sales is good news for us, and good news for the economy and domestic tourism. We actively promoted not only our family tickets but the major events and attractions around the country this summer and customers have responded to that. We look forward to working with all stakeholders, and particularly The Gathering, to continue growing this type of rail travel for the rest of the year and into 2013.”

“Our family ticket promotions are one of a range of value ticket options we have been promoting to our customers which is generating increased business on our trains.

Our student sales, Taxsaver commuter tickets and discounted online fares are ensuring that we have more opportunities for value in travelling by rail than ever before, with standard rail fares in Ireland already below European averages.”

GONEWS

SECURE BIKE LOCKERS

NOW AVAILABLE FOR COMMUTERS

F

resh from his London 2012 adventure, Irish Olympic Cyclist Martyn Irvine helped Iarnród Éireann to launch Bikelocker.ie – a new facility that allows commuters to rent a secure locker for their bike at 13 stations across the DART & Commuter network.

The charge to rent a locker for a year is €75, plus a €25 security deposit which is refunded at the end of the year. These new lockers provide a secure location for commuters to stow their bikes before taking the train to work, school or college.

Bike owners can relax in the knowledge that their bikes are locked away in a secure location that

also benefits from CCTV. BIKE LOCKERS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS: LOCATION: QUANTITY: Booterstown 10 Dalkey 10 Dún Laoghaire 6 Sutton 10 Howth Junction 10 Leixlip/Convey 5 Leixlip/Louisa Bridge 10 Maynooth 15 Castleknock 12

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Coolmine Dunboyne M3 Parkway Connolly

12 12 12 10

Speaking at the launch, Irish cyclist Martyn Irvine said: “I am delighted that Iarnród Éireann have teamed up with Bikelocker.ie to provide this service to cyclists. It means that cyclists who commute to stations can be confident that their bikes will be dry, secure and out of harm’s way.”

For more information on how to obtain a locker please log onto www.bikerlocker.ie or www. irishrail.ie.

HELP US TO HELP YOU

Iarnród Éireann wants at all times to make travelling by train a comfortable and stress-free experience.

N

ew, comfortable trains, WiFi, online fares, and on-board catering all serve to help.

We also need the help of customers on board – so we ask everyone travelling to think of others. Please be considerate towards your fellow passengers by doing the following: 1. Give up your seat to a pregnant lady, an elderly person or someone that needs it more than you, 2. Keep your music at a level that only you can enjoy, 3. Keep your feet off seats that other passengers will sit on, 4. Don’t leave your litter behind you on trains, 5. Don’t scream/shout while talking on your mobile or to friends on board.

By thinking of others, the journey for everyone is much easier. Thanks for helping us to help you!

THE GREAT RACE Three journalists, three ways of travelling, who won??!

In October, the Irish Examiner sent three journalists from Cork City to The Spire in Dublin’s O’Connell Street.

Each took a different mode of transport: train, bus and car. The challenge was to see who got there fastest, and to see the value they found in their journey.

The result? The train was fastest! That’s not all: the overall train experience was a winner for the reporter Noelle McCarthy. The train was considerably cheaper than car, as Noelle had booked online three days in advance. And, as Noelle says: “Of the three travellers, I was the first to arrive, and I knew I would be. I also knew, even before I left, I’d have the nicest journey. Journeys by car and bus are a commute, train journeys are a pleasure. Ireland may not be one of the great railroad destinations of the world, like Russia or America, but in terms of comfort, ease and atmosphere in general, Iarnród Éireann is a hard act to follow.

Consider the carriages; clean, well-upholstered and with sensible lighting. We are a long way away from the days of blinking fluorescents, greige walls and moulded plastic. Sure, the bilingual reminders not to sit in the pre-booked seats may be annoying, but isn’t it nice the way they write your name above your seat when you do book it, as though you are someone special?

No traffic jams, no snarl-ups, no cruising around praying for parking, no waiting whatsoever.”

We couldn’t have said it better ourselves Noelle!

BEST BUSINESS

BLOG Have you visited our Railway Lines blog on our website yet?

Just type in irishrail.ie/blog for all the info. With blog posts ranging from days out ideas to why leaves on the line affect trains (they do, really!

See our blog post below!), there’s loads of useful information. You can also leave your comments, and give us ideas on new blog posts.

And the Railway Lines bloggers are delighted: at the recent Blog Awards Ireland, Railway Lines won Best Corporate Blog!

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GOFEATURE

18

MUMFORD’S THE WORD With second album Babel set to match, and possibly surpass, the massive success of Sigh No More, Marcus of MUMFORD & SONS talks to CELINA MURPHY about dealing with tabloid gossip, writing songs that will last and his love for Ireland.

I

t’s the eve of Babel’s release and Wimbledon songwriter Marcus Mumford is a little anxious about how his new musical baby will get on in the wider world. “There’s a bit of nervous energy,” he admits. “It’s quite a weird time, actually.” He needn’t be too concerned.

Public anticipation for the biblically-titled record is already at fever pitch and the news thereafter is all good for the London folkies.

Babel debuts at No. 1 on the UK Album Chart and US Billboard 200, becoming the fastest-selling album of the year in Britain and the fastestselling debut of the year in the States.

Couple that with a marriage to English actress Carey Mulligan (Shame, Drive) and the 25-yearold mainman now seems like perfect tabloid fodder. While his latest effort covers a lot of emotional ground lyrically, Mumford also knows that everything he writes from this point on will be poured over by the press. You don’t have much privacy when you’re a pop star.

“It’s weird isn’t it?” he muses. “Songs are such private things, really. You write them in your most intimately private moments and then you broadcast them to the world and publish them and want people to listen to them, so you’re doing the most public thing you could do with a private moment. So yeah, there’s definitely a bit of vulnerability in there and you don’t want to give too much more of yourself away than you already have in your songs. But then, we’ve always written like that, that’s the cost of what we do as a band. We just write quite honestly and we’re quite forthright in our lyrics because we write about things that we care about or we think about or we feel. It kind of has to be like that, but there’s certainly a cost to it.”

Aside from relationship references, the album is deeply informed by religious imagery and mythology. The title refers to the Old Testament tale of the Tower Of Babel, which tells of God scattering a unified race to the four corners of the earth and removing their universal language.

“I think it’s a really versatile story,” Mumford explains. “It can make you think about communication or community or breakdown in

community. It can also make you think about hubris and arrogance and things being torn down in your life. ‘Babel’ was a really versatile word that means a lot of things to a lot of different people and, in fact, to each of us in the band, it means something slightly different.”

Just don’t call it a concept album.

“It was all about the songs,” he says. “The only concept really for the album was the concept that it’s gotta be the best songs that we have.”

Record sales be damned, the most important thing for Marcus and his three bandmates was to reach a consensus on the songs. He says that, this time around, they were more vocal in their opinions and openly discussed each other’s work to end up with the finest results possible.

“I think we were more honest with each other about our writing this time ‘round and we tiptoed around each other less,” he says. “It’s quite a sensitive thing when you write a song and you present it to, not only your band mates but probably your best friends. You want them to like it, obviously. Like, the lads said to me a couple of times, ‘I think you’re being a bit too obscure with your lyrics’. We kind of wrote intentionally and deliberately and were more vulnerable to each other than we have been before.

“We’re all quite polite with each other and yeah, we don’t want to piss each other off. We always said, though, that the main battles we want to have as a band have gotta be our songs. Those are the battles that you wanna have and we also want to make it a competition between songs and not between writers.”

And after the songs eventually come, there are the inevitable videos. ‘I Will Wait’ is the lead single and has been given an appropriately grand promo, filmed at the fabled Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado. It is, however, generally a process that doesn’t appeal to the singer.

“I hate music videos!” he laughs. “I just think it’s the weirdest medium ‘cos a lot of the time it’s like pantomime… People want you to be in them, and they want to see you as a band, which you can understand, so we figured that was the best way for us to be in one of our music videos!

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“The crowd was unbelievable, the venue was all it was cracked up to be. It was quite a difficult venue to play, because there was a lot of bounce back from the walls because you’re surrounded by these huge rocks which obviously reflect all the sound, but yeah it was really memorable and I’m really glad we captured it.”

Thankfully, despite the thousands of fans gathered in the video, there’s not a phone in sight to obscure the view of the band. It isn’t always that way in the live arena.

“That does happen a lot,” Mumford nods, “but it happens at every gig now, you can’t avoid it.

At the same time, at those big jumping-up-anddown moments, I think people either drop their phones or forget about them for a minute, which we’re grateful for. Also, I think people who come to Red Rocks are really coming to see music, it’s known for being a really musical venue, so when people come to that venue in particular they’re probably more present because they know the legacy of the venue that there might not be at a standard arena.”

Place is clearly important to the band, who have been on the road practically non-stop since the release of their Sigh No More debut two years ago. Colorado’s great, Marcus says, but they’ve a real soft spot for Ireland. The boys played the last Arthur’s Day and, last June, they even brought their own mini-festival to Galway.

“It was really fun, really fun,” Mumford recalls.

“It was hard because the Huddersfield and Galway stopovers were like our experiments.

We hadn’t done it before, so there are definitely things that we would now go back and try and change.

‘We’d probably try not to make it on the day of a big football final! [well, a Connacht semi-final at Pearse Stadium] But Galway was very kind to us and we’re really glad we went there for it.

Ireland’s just really important to us. The Arthur’s Day thing fell at the right time for us, just as we release the record. We liked the idea of going to Ireland and having a day there and spending some time there, because we really do love it.”

Babel is out on now on Island Records.

GOFEATURE

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IT COULDN’T HAPPEN TO

He’s funnyman of the moment with a top rating TV show and a successful stand-up career. JOHN BISHOP talks overnight success and the pressures of fame with CRAIG FITZPATRICK PHOTO Graham Keogh

I

n early March, John Bishop finished a 290mile trip that took him from the Eiffel Tower to Trafalgar Square, cycling, rowing, and running for Sport Relief. So as I sit across from him in Dublin’s Merrion Hotel, I have to ask – did the funnyman row over from England this morning? “Haha, no!” he laughs. “I’ll never row anywhere ever again as long as I live.” Which suggests, though the 45-year-old Scouse comic is in finer physical fettle than most of his contemporaries, that there was a moment midChannel where he didn’t think he’d make it.

“I thought that ten minutes into it! I thought, ‘Jesus this is going to be a long week!’ You’ve just got to put your head down and get on with it haven’t you?”

And put his head down he did, going on to raise close to three and a half million pounds for Sport Relief, a new record.

“For a single event, yeah,” he nods matter-offactly. “Apparently so, I didn’t know that until I did the Graham Norton Show. But look, at the end of the day it doesn’t matter what I did, what matters is that people got off their arse and got on the phone. It started as a conversation with James Corden about doing something for Sport Relief. They came up with this idea and we put the wheels in motion, then James couldn’t do it. At which point, they’d already got the sponsorship in place, they were looking to put the money towards vaccines [for Africa]. They said, ‘look, we’re hoping it could save a few hundred thousand lives... James can’t do it, do you still want to?’ Which kind of put the onus on me!”

Are the two still on speaking terms after Corden left him somewhat in the lurch?

“To be fair, James couldn’t do it because he went abroad with Sport Relief and obviously that’s a great excuse! So I said we might as well crack on and do it. And I’ll be honest, I just underestimated it. Oh! It killed me, it properly killed me!

“To be honest, part of the problem was age.

Just age. And the fact that I’d never run a marathon before, never rode a bike that far before, never rowed before. So yeah, you can be relatively fit, you can go to the gym a couple of times a week and do a session for 40 minutes, but this was all day. By the end of it I was training twice a day, training six hours a day. That just takes its toll.”

Somehow the Liverpool star survived. Hey, he has plenty to live for. Coming late to the business, it is a decade since he was voted Best Newcomer

by BBC Radio Merseyside and a mere three years since his big break came on Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow. Since then, he has been an ever-present on some of Britain’s biggest panel shows and has recently earned the only slightly tongue-in-cheek title of ‘Mr. Saturday Night’ due to his BBC One show John Bishop’s Britain, where his easy, straight-to-camera style has garnered comparisons to the late Dublin comedian Dave Allen.

“That’s a massive compliment. I used to think he was brilliant, Dave Allen. Look, I’m happy to be ‘Mr. Anything’, to be honest! If it happens to be popular, that’s great, if it stops being popular, there’s nothing I can do about it. Is this the happiest I’ve ever been? Well as I say I’m an optimist. I think I’ll be happier tomorrow. That’s the way to look at life. If you say you’re at your happiest then this is it! This is the best you’re going to get! “ Back on Irish shores for a run of shows in Belfast and Dublin early in November, Bishop is keen to talk up his grá not only for Dave Allen, but the Emerald Isle in general.

“I love the Irish. My style of stand-up comedy is story-telling. When I came over and started doing the Kilkenny festival and the Iveagh Gardens festival, getting involved in the Irish comedy scene, it was just lovely. The audiences are receptive and enthusiastic. I think the Irish have such a good relationship with the Scouse mentality. We’re both born optimists. Everything

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can be crap, but Jesus we can have a laugh.

There’s always that little bit of ‘something’ll turn up’ and I think that comes across in your comedy audiences. People turn up thinking, ‘we’re here for a laugh’ – they’re halfway to laughing because they came there. Where you do a gig in London and the attitude is, ‘well, I’ve arrived. Now perform for me’.”

It’s far from entitled southern attitudes Bishop was reared, of course. Growing up in a tough area of Merseyside, his formative years still colour his outlook and stand-up. Is the ‘Scouse’ thing a big part of his comedic make-up?

“It is and it isn’t. It’s because of the accent – which I didn’t realise was as strong as it is until I left the estate and went to college. Everyone spoke like me. I grew up outside of Liverpool.

I was born in Liverpool and we lived in one of the slum areas that got knocked down, so we were moved to council estates outside. In many respects the accent was bred into me as a form of identity. It’s like an Irish-American. Third generation Irish-Americans feels more “Irish” than Michael Flatley, y’know?”

Flatley himself hails from Chicago – maybe that somehow proves his point.

“It’s something that I can’t ignore, I have to make reference to it. But it’s not the definition of what I am. It’s like Billy Connolly being from Glasgow. It’s part of who he is, but it’s not just who he is. “ So while his roots aren’t entirely responsible for his strong sense of humour, his mates certainly make him raise his game. In fact, he reckons they’re funnier than he is. “Absolutely, yeah! I went on a stag do a couple of weeks ago actually, one of my mates is getting married for the second time. It was brilliant. There was seven of us out, all having known each other for 20-plus years, and if someone had been monitoring us to figure out who was the comedian in that group, I might have made the top five! Maybe. And that was only because the other two were completely hammered!”

GOFEATURE

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The

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After a ‘dark depression’ and time with the Aboriginals, DAMIEN DEMPSEY returns with Almighty Love. The Dublin singer talks to CRAIG FITZPATRICK about writing, strong Irish women and why he still loves his country. PHOTOS Graham Keogh

T

here have been some dark days for Damien Dempsey over the past few years.

Four years on from his last album release, he has finally re-entered the musical fray with a new sense of purpose and hope but, the way the Donaghmede troubadour tells it, it took him a while to get on that path.

“I was going in the wrong direction for a while, y’know?” he nods, sitting contemplatively in Dublin’s Gibson Hotel. He’s hit a rich vein of form on Almighty Love but he concedes that, for a long time, he couldn’t see light at the end of the tunnel.

“I was just writing garbage. For about a year, maybe two, it was shite, everything I was doing was terrible. I went down into a dark depression.

I thought the only thing I was ever good at was gone, y’know?”

For a period, he was even trying to pen upbeat party songs tailor-made for festival crowds. He had lost sight of what made him unique.

“I wanted to make an album that people were going to jump around to. I wanted to make a party album. It wasn’t working. My producer John Reynolds sat me down and said, ‘Listen bro, people like you for your lyrics. That’s what it’s about for people, that’s why they love you’. I realised that if people wanted a festival album, wanted festival songs, songs to jump around to, they have a thousand bands at the touch of a button.”

Thus began the long journey back to what

he did best.

“I’d write 20 songs, go to London, give them to John. We’d stick it on record and get them all down. Then we’d listen back to them the next day and they just weren’t... anything. I’d go back home, write another 20 songs, go back over – ‘Anything?’ And the response would be ‘No’. Do it again! I think on the fourth time around, John went, ‘Oh yeah, that’s good, now we’re talking’.”

It was a song of escape, ‘Bustin’ Outta Here’, that simultaneously opened the floodgates and put his mind at ease.

“That was the first one. John said, ‘That’s a future Damo classic’. Jesus man, thanks, I can sprint another mile now!”

Dempsey clearly holds Reynolds’ opinion in high esteem. They’ve grown closer creatively on each of the five albums they’ve now collaborated on.

“He trusts us. And if I’m not happy with something, he’ll just change it. No hassle or whatever, if I tell him I don’t like something, he just goes, ‘I know’! He knows why my fans get me, because he’s a fan as well.”

The pair met by chance at a party in London around the turn of the century. Reynolds expressed an interest in producing Dempsey, so the singer returned for a session that would become Seize The Day some months later. Little did he know it would prove to be a careerchanging, life-changing experience.

“I’d left him to work on it and went back home.

Then he sent me a CD. With strings on the songs,

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beautiful strings. Caroline Dale, the great cellist, playing on ‘Apple Of My Eye’. I just started crying, y’know? Then the next song, Sinéad O’Connor singing on it... I’d never known John had been married to Sinéad or even met Sinéad. I’d never really heard of him. Then on the next song he had Brian Eno playing on it! I was just going, ‘What the hell is this?’. I knew then that things were going to be a lot better.”

The album also sparked a friendship between Dempsey and O’Connor, who sings on his new album, the first time she’s featured on his work since Seize The Day. “She asked if I wanted go on a tour of Europe with her. Since then, I’ve just been buddies with her. We’ve gone to America together, toured Australia... She’s a warrior woman. She’s a modern day Gráinne Ní Mháille, y’know? She’s Boudicea. Highly intelligent, I mean, I’d feel thick next to her! They’re few and far between, people like Sinéad. Warriors. We could do with more like Sinéad.”

A former boxer himself, he sees a similar strength of mind and character in our recent Olympic Champion, Katie Taylor.

“She’s brilliant, just brilliant. She has a great vibe off her. A great spirit. She is a great spirit.

An incredible boxer and really gave the country a lift, gave us that warm feeling inside. It had that magic. John Joe Nevin and the other lads were great as well. Sport and music, y’know? We’ve a lot of things we punch above our weight in, we just don’t give ourselves much credit. We’d

rather put ourselves down than give ourselves a compliment. That’s something we have to address. And it’s not being big-headed.”

Taylor’s victory was undoubtedly a moment that united the nation and instilled us with a sense of pride. Those moments have been few and far between in recent times. Dempsey himself decided to up sticks for a period and see the world.

“I travelled a bit. After I did the ballad album [2008’s The Rocky Road], I went to Australia and spent about six months there. Then I was travelling around Thailand. I’ve lived in England for a year or so and, back here, I moved out of Donaghmede and lived on Patrick St. to be nearer town for a few years. So I suppose I’ve just been out of my comfort zone, been to different places. It was eye-opening, you meet very different people. I met the Aboriginals in Australia. A friend of mine is a half-Irish, halfAboriginal fella, so I was with him. It was a

great summer, I have to admit. I noticed they say ‘deadly’ the way we say ‘deadly’. White Australians don’t say ‘deadly’ for ‘good’, but the Aboriginals do, just like the Irish. They even have Irish surnames and all sorts. They might have got it off us but I don’t know. I think maybe we got it off them!”

Did he ever consider not returning home?

“Nah, I’d never leave this place, the old soil!

For all its faults, I still love it. It’s a beautiful country and it has some beautiful, great people.

We’ve just been led astray. We’re like the Native Americans when they got the whiskey. That’s what the Irish became when they got the money.

There’s this in-built thing where we always have to own something. Because for so long, we weren’t allowed to own anything. With the Penal Laws, we couldn’t own our own land. Remember the movie The Field? It’s that mentality. You have to own your own house, whereas other countries have no problem renting – I think the moneymen

24

kicked in on that. ‘We can make a few bob here, these lads want to own their own place!’”

These days, Damien Dempsey is looking for the positives in everything. Economic crashes can bring us back to our true selves, he reckons.

“Ireland is only coming back now. I remember seeing Irish being rude to staff in airports and various places. Unbelievable, horrible. It wasn’t nice to see that. That sense of entitlement, a sense of superiority for something you’re not.

You see in these really poor places, the only reason they’re not all half-dead is because they look after each other, y’know? The very little that’s to be had they share with each other.

That’s the way it used to be in Ireland. That’s something that’s very important to get back to, that community spirit we lost during the Celtic Tiger.”

Almighty Love is out now.

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GOFEATURE

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J O N A T H A N S T R A N G E One of the world’s most successful non-fiction authors, JON RONSON has written about psychics, cultists, and random odd-balls of varying stripes. As his latest collection is released, he reflects on his fascination with those on the margins of normality.

B

ritish journalist Jon Ronson is probably best known as the author of The Men Who Stare At Goats, the book which inspired the George Clooney comic war film of the same name. This screen smash did indeed bring him to a wider audience but since the early ‘90s his star has been steadily in the ascent, his byline frequenting the pages of the Guardian and GQ amongst other titles and his bespectacled face gracing the small screen helming one of his many award-winning documentaries.

Over the past 20 years, Ronson has been a tireless crusader in the world of the weird and the wonderful. It all began with the publication of The Clubbed Class in 1994, which saw him finagle his way into the jetset lifestyle. Since then, titles such as Them: Adventures With Extremists and last year’s compelling The Psychopath Test have secured his position as chronicler-in-chief of the misunderstood outsider.

His latest work, Lost At Sea, is a collection of published articles which includes his coverage of the infamous coughing trial of the Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? contestants, hanging out with Noel Edmonds and the Deal Or No Deal participants and the titular article, dealing with the disturbingly large number of disappearances from cruise ships. How did Ronson decide on the featured items and structure the tome?

“This is a terrible answer but it wasn’t me,” he says somewhat sheepishly. “An editor at Picador called Chris Doyle did an absolutely brilliant job of doing it – he noticed all the common themes, that something I mention in one piece comes to fruition in another piece. A fresh eye is always a good thing. Other people when asked that question would probably lie and say they did it! (laughs)” One of the most fascinating sections in the book is the time spent in Stanley Kubrick’s abode examining the contents of the approximately 1,000 boxes the director collected throughout his lifetime.

“He was sort of creating the internet in his home with all this knowledge and all this information stored in different parts of this giant house,” reflects Jon. “Kubrick anticipated a lot of things; for instance, different colour post-it notes. (He was a stationery freak). Once he also sent his nephew out to Commercial Road to photograph it in its entirety and then sellotape all the photos together to form a perfect panorama, a bit like Google Streetview before Google Streetview!”

Another absorbing article is his account of time spent with Robbie Williams. The pair attended a UFO convention in the Nevada desert together.

“I think he is a very good-hearted man and I like him,” muses Jon. “I haven’t heard from him for a while. I think his downside is that he loves you for the short-term then he has enough of you and then he moves on to other people. But I have very happy memories, he is very nice. It shows what a lousy journalist I can be though because I was staying at his house the days before he went into rehab and I thought he was fine! He couldn’t believe it, he said, ‘What about all those hours and hours I vanished away?’ I just thought he wanted some quiet time! I totally missed the fact that Robbie was spiralling out of control and was about to be taken into rehab by his management!”

A less pleasant music-related tale was Jon’s time spent with Jonathan King during the latter’s trial for child sex offences.

“He contacted me yesterday actually,” says Jon. “I was interested to know whether he knew all about Jimmy Savile but he just wanted to defend himself. Any of his victims who say they were emotionally damaged by him or can’t hold a child or has terrible depression – he just dismisses all of those people with a wave of his hand. He dismisses all of the victims and says they’re all money-grabbers and that they’re looking for sympathy. Whether that is a narcissistic disorder or his way of being able to sleep at night, I don’t know.”

On a lighter note, Jon has just finished co-

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writing the script for the new Lenny Abrahamson film Frank, the story of an eccentric musician played by Michael Fassbender.

“I have to say I’m extremely pleased and gratified by the way it is unfolding with Domhnall Gleeson and Michael Fassbender and Lenny,” he says. “It goes without saying that all three of them have extraordinary talent. I know Lenny really well, he has been massively involved in the writing of the screenplay as well, he was great to work with. The film will begin shooting in Ireland soon.”

There had been rumours the character was based on Frank Sidebottom, whose band Jon played keyboards with in the ‘80s.

“The character never was Frank Sidebottom, he was always going to be fictional,” clarifies Jon. “I was in his band, I replaced Mark Radcliffe on keyboards, but he did come back to play accordion. I have massively fond memories of the time except that the guitarist Richard has a totally irrational, out of the blue hatred of me!”

Jon’s involvement in the music industry also included a brief foray into band management.

“Yes, I managed a band called The Man From Delmonte,” he says. “I was very remorseful as they were very talented and under my management failed to flourish. James took us under their wing and we toured with them a lot. We thought in the same way The Smiths made James big, that might happen to us. But then the whole Madchester thing happened and bands who had been supporting us like Inspiral Carpets became huge.

I think the band were perceived as middle-class and all those bands were working-class.”

Over the years of documentary-making and writing, Jon has spent time with a diverse selection of people from around the globe who have beliefs that some would find shocking. How has this affected him personally?

“I think it has probably made me more empathetic. As you grow up, you tend to think that eccentric people or people with mental disorders are different and that gives you a sense of superiority. But through the years of spending time with all these different people, it has made me realise that we are all just people trying to get through life. You shouldn’t judge them or consider yourself above them in a hierarchy, we are all damaged goods really. That’s why I wanted to call the collection Lost At Sea because I think we are all lost at sea. I don’t judge people any more unless it is absolutely impossible not to, like Jonathan King.”

GOSPORT

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HE S A

KEEPER! With Shay Given retiring from international football, the Ireland No. 1 jersey has gone to KEIREN WESTWOOD who talks to STUART CLARK about life in the Premiership with Sunderland, his talented teammates and tattoos!

D

espite the ignominy of losing 6-1 at home to Germany – Go Rail is still hoping it’s a bad dream from which we’ll awake – the six points we’ve garnered from our two other World Cup qualifiers mean that the Green Army can still dream of a trip to Brazil in 2014. It may only have been three points, but for the amazing saves Keiren Westwood made in Kazakhstan prior to the Robbie Keane and Kevin Doyle late show that overturned our hosts’ 1-0 lead.

Also in fine form against the Faroes, the 27year-old Mancunian looks to have made the Ireland No. 1 jersey his own – something he’s yet to do at Sunderland.

“I’m on the bench at the moment, which isn’t an ideal situation,” he admits. “If anyone tells you they’re happy being a substitute they’re in the wrong profession and picking up money for no reason. I want to play football, that’s why I’m here. I like the buzz of a Saturday; there’s nothing like it when you know you’ve performed well.”

Westwood let Trap know he was ready to take over from Shay Given – a lot of people think it should have happened before the Euros, not after – last November when he made a magnificent double save to deny Wayne Rooney and Patrice Evra in Sunderland’s home game against Manchester United. All was going swimmingly until he missed the New Year’s Day clash with Man City through illness. Simon Mignolet came in and played so well that he’s held on to his place.

“I often think I’d have been better off as a striker,” he sighs. “You had a situation a couple of seasons ago when probably the two best keepers in the Premier League – Petr Cech and Carlo Cudicini – were both at Chelsea together. It’s one of the few positions where you can be bang in form and not get a game.”

No-one wants to see a player injured but does Keiren ever think, “I wish Simon would get a bad dose of the ‘flu”?

“No,” he laughs, “I’m not one of them players. A cold maybe… No, I’m just going to train as hard as I can and see what happens. I’m a big believer in fate, so what will be will be. It’s brilliant to be starting at the moment for Ireland, although I’m not taking my place for granted.”

Sunderland’s season turned around almost the moment Martin O’Neill took over from Mark Hughes in the dugout. What do you get from him that’s special?

“Every manager brings different qualities. When the gaffer came in he got the lads motivated.

He knows what he’s doing – if you need an arm around you he’ll give you an arm; if you need a bollicking he’ll give you a bollicking – and then some! We had a good middle of the season and then got beaten 2-0 in the FA Cup Quarter-Final replay by Everton who were just stronger that night. I won’t say it killed the season, but the lads were deflated and never quite recaptured that form.”

One of Martin O’Neill’s first moves upon arriving at the Stadium of Light was to promote James McClean to the first-team.

“He’s got no fear,” Westwood says of his talented teammate. “He’s 23 and plays like he’s a young lad on the pitch with his pals. He likes to get the ball down and take shots. Some of the stuff he tries in training is outrageous! He’s still learning his trade but, yeah, James is a special talent.”

You can’t see all of them under his goalkeeper’s jersey, but Kieren’s got some seriously impressive tattoos.

“I’ve a way to go before rivalling Daniel Agger – he’s had his whole body done, I think – but I’m working on it! There’s a place in Manchester I go to, which is really good. I started a couple of years ago and imagine I’ll be adding bits and pieces for a while to come. It’s addictive!”

Westwood watched Ireland’s Euro 2012 games from the bench, which must have been even more frustrating than being on the pitch.

“It was disappointing how things finished because we’d worked so hard and done so well to qualify. But then you go away and have a think about it and watch the final – Spain and Italy – and they were both in our group.”

Westwood’s career has been a topsy-turvy one that started out at Manchester City and then found him dropping down to the Conference with Carlisle before working his way back up through the divisions.

“The low-point was getting a ‘No, thanks’ from

29

Accrington Stanley after going on trial there,” he recalls. “I seriously thought about giving the game up, but stuck with it and am now playing international football. The gulf between the Conference and the Premier League really isn’t as big as you think it is. A lot of it’s down to luck and taking your chances when they come along.”

Does he dream of one day going back to Man City?

“Maybe. I spoke to them before I signed with Sunderland. I had a few options and I chose Sunderland and I’m happy with my decision.

Obviously thing don’t always work out the way you’d planned, but the atmosphere around the club is brilliant.”

Tony Cascarino said in one of his Hot Press columns that foreign players are reluctant to move to the likes of Sunderland and Newcastle because the cities aren’t glamorous enough for their WAGs. “You go where the money is, don’t you? The manager’s a big thing as well. Steve Bruce enticed me to Sunderland and I’ve no complaints about the place.”

Is Joe Hart the best keeper in the Premier League?

“I’d say so. I like Joe. I played against him when he was at Shrewsbury and I was at Carlisle. I could see he was really good then. About a year later he got his move to Man City.”

As a goalkeeper you can be blemish-free all season, then make one high-profile mistake… “… and the whole world collapses!” he says finishing my sentence. “It’s not fair at times, but that’s the world goalkeepers live in. In the blink of an eye you go from hero to villain, and you’ve the ‘dodgy ‘keeper’ thing to contend with for the rest of your career. Just look at Robert Green after that World Cup game against the United States; two years later and he’s still getting stick over it.

That said, I couldn’t think of anything I’d rather be doing. Football has its ups and downs, but it’s better than a real job.”

The new Three sponsored Ireland jersey is on sale now from outlets and nationwide and www. faishop.com. Keiren’s suit is courtesy of Paul Costelloe at Arnotts.

GO DESTINATION: KERRY

STATION TO STATION From backpacking across Europe to family holidays in Kerry, singer-songwriter RÓISÍN Ó has many fond memories of travelling by train.

D

ublin-born Róisín Ó is one of the most promising new artists to emerge from the competitive Irish music scene in recent

times.

At the tender age of 23, she has already received wide acclaim for her musical endeavours, while her song ‘Drifting’ appeared on the Woman’s Heart: Then & Now album alongside established Irish female artists Lisa Hannigan, Wallis Bird, Heathers and Julie Feeney. Born into a musical family (her mother is Mary Black and brother Danny fronts The Coronas), the popularity of her Electric Picnic-inspired debut single ‘Here We Go’ has now placed her firmly on the map as a talented artist in her own right. A born adventurer to boot, she tells us of some of her favourite travel experiences.

“I’ve been on lots of train journeys around Ireland. My parents have a house in Dingle. Kerry’s my favourite part of the country. Sometimes I drive down but I find when I get the train I really enjoy the journey. I go from Heuston to Tralee and the views when you hit Kerry are just lovely.

I like how you can just sit back and take it all in.

I remember me and my friends would go down there every summer when we were in school, we had a ball! We used to get a train to Mallow, swap over and get the train to Tralee, and then get a bus down to Dingle. I think at that age 15 or 16, we loved the feeling of freedom that went with taking off by ourselves. We thought that getting the train on our own was so much better than going in the car with our parents! We got to sit in real comfy seats and the car journey was so long it was nearly as quick to get the train.

“To pass the time we’d play games. We brought board games and we used to play cards a lot. I remember this two-player game called Spit, it was great fun. We got really into that for a while.”

Later, when Róisín’s college life began, her train experiences moved outside the country.

“My friends and I went Inter-Railing around Europe,” the singer explains. “That was absolutely amazing! We still talk about it now. There were about 20 of us. We started off in Amsterdam and we went over to Berlin and Poland. We went to the Slovenian Alps and I can remember the train journeys quite well. The scenery was unbelievable!

A lot of the trips, particularly around Poland, used to be about 16 hours long. I remember them being really good fun as well. We were at that age where we didn’t mind ‘roughin’ it’, having a couple of drinks on the train and a singsong. It was great.

“You really notice how much the scenery changes as you go through different countries on the train. It was during the summer and I remember thinking Poland looked really like Ireland. It was very green; there were lots of fields but it was a bit more mountainous. Then we got down to Slovenia and the Alps were absolutely stunning. Croatia was really dry – like a desert. It was an fantastic trip!”

Róisín Ó’s debut album The Secret Life Of Blue is out now.

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November 30th - December 23rd www.winterval.ie

CHRISTMAS CITY The 1,159-year-old Viking settlement better known as WATERFORD CITY is well worth a visit at any time of year, but thanks to an exciting programme of colourful Yuletide treats, it’s well on its way to becoming Ireland’s Christmas capital. As the holiday season kicks into full gear, CELINA MURPHY and EMILY ADAMS take a trip around the city where old meets new.

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GOPLACES

Discover the Wonder

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ever ones to let the absence of reindeer and snow-capped mountains hold them back, the good people of Waterford have created a jam-packed calendar of events for the festive season, which will see the city transformed into a Winter wonderland come November 30.

While Lapland and New York’s Rockefeller Centre top most vacationers’ lists for a magical Christmas getaway, a Yuletide staycation is by far the most frugal option, and you know what they say – there’s no place like home for the holidays.

So, what’s your idea of a perfect Christmas?

Carol singing and hot chocolate? A gig and a glass of local stout? Browsing the markets for handmade gifts? From the traditional to the quirky, Ireland’s oldest city has it all.

B

eginning November 30, the Winterval Christmas festival turns Waterford into a place of festive enchantment for four bustling weeks, featuring seasonal events and activities set in unique heritage sites around the city.

A hit with the young and the young at heart alike, Winterval takes its inspiration from the world-famous Christmas markets throughout Europe, bringing the sights, sounds and smells of

the season to Ireland’s not-so-sunny south-east.

The heart of Winterval lies in John Roberts Square, where little ones are be invited to post their all-important letters to Santa, before taking a spin on the Christmas carousel. It’s also the home of the annual Rotary Memorial Ribbon Tree, a fundraising stalwart which has raised over €1 million for local charities to date. Here’s how it works; when you make a donation, a bow is placed on the Christmas tree in thanks and remembrance.

The Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, also designed by John Roberts, cuts a magnificent figure in the square; throughout the month of December, a nativity crib will be displayed outside the Cathedral, complete with life-size figures and animals.

Waterford’s historic Viking Triangle typically marks the 10th-century Viking settlement, but during the festive season, it becomes so much more. As the site of the festival’s openair Christmas Markets, the Viking Triangle will be filled with vendors selling everything from delicious crépes and hot chocolate to crafts and gifts, ensuring you don’t go hungry while trying to find the perfect present for a loved one. A foolproof way to bring out the child in you, it’s open weekends only until December 2, Thursdays to Sundays until December 9 and

Waterford Winterval Festival

Our online community

www.ardkeen.com

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November 30th - December 23rd

www.winterval.ie

Reginald’s Tower, Waterford

Ice Skating at Merchant’s Quay

Bishop’s Palace Museum

seven days a week until December 23.

And what would Christmas be without a visit from Old St. Nic? Choirster’s Hall plays home to Santa’s Grotto this year, where the man himself, accompanied by a troop of friendly elves, will be posing for pictures and hearing what’s on your little one’s list!

And speaking of family fun, the Hasbro Toy Museum in the Large Room of Waterford’s City Hall is a must-see for holidayers of all ages, displaying a huge collection of toys that boys and girls around the world have been playing with since the ‘50s.

Meanwhile, Dancing On Ice fans get a chance to practice their Biellmann spin at Merchant Quay’s sensational ice rink, and homegrown AV wizards Avtek light up the city with their

stunning 3D Sol Luminaire Lighting Show.

But even in the midst of all this holiday cheer, the rich and vibrant history of Waterford shouldn’t be overlooked. The Bishop’s Palace will be open through the season for guided tours and a look at how the Georgians celebrated the holidays. Be sure to stop at the Bishop’s Palace Café for authentic Georgian food, a special addition to the menu for Winterval.

Across town, Reginald’s Tower, an iconic Waterford landmark, becomes home to one of Winterval’s key events. Inside the tower, stories from children all around the country will be brought to life by professional storytellers.

And, of course Waterford’s Theatre Royal will be in full holiday swing for Winterval. In the week leading up to the festival, the venue

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welcomes two timeless festive classics; The Nutcracker, presented by Monica Loughman ballet, and the Royal Shakespeare Company’s A Christmas Carol starring acclaimed British actor Clive Francis as the misanthropic Ebenezer Scrooge. Dancing queens can look forward to ABBA Forever on November 30, while December brings an acoustic performance from BellX1 and a rousing set from folk heroes The High Kings.

And because Christmas simply wouldn’t be Christmas without a panto (Oh, yes it would! Oh, no it wouldn’t etc.), the Waterford Pantomime Society’s production of Cinderella starts on December 7 and runs until December 30. Also getting theatre fans in the festive spirit is violin virtuoso Vladimir Jablokov, who performs Yuletide favourites in A Viennese Christmas,

GOPLACES

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ce

November 30th - December 23rd www.winterval.ie

Viking life in Waterford’s Viking Triangle

Enjoy a hot chocolate at the Winterval Festival

while Christmas Crooners presents the hits of Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra, and Elfie the Elf returns to entertain children 8 years and under. A full list of show times and ticket information can be found at www. theatreroyal.ie Plus, there’s loads more to discover at Winterval – the Express Santa Train, the Viking Yuletide village, and a Polish Christmas, to name but three.

While you’re lapping up the Winterval treats, be sure to make time for some shopping, or to stroll around the streets of Ireland’s oldest city and soak up the atmosphere. You’ll be glad you did…

DON’T MISS: WHERE TO EAT, DRINK AND STAY • The former Reginald Nightclub on Baileys New St. will be transformed into a Spiegel hut during the festival where adults and children alike can take shelter and relax with a warm hot chocolate, mulled wine or something stronger.

Classic Christmas kids movies such as Miracle On 34th Street and The Santa Clause will be shown daily up to 9pm, when it’s the grown-ups’ turn to settle down with a tub of buttered popcorn.

Irish Stout, which just scooped a Gold medal at Blas na hÉireann. For the holiday season, the company has got an extra special trick up its sleeve – limited edition Coffee and Oatmeal Stout, a smooth, medium-bodied stout made with roasted barley and chocolate malt that’s perfect for those long winter evenings. Get your taste buds tingling with a visit to www. dungarvanbrewingcompany.com.

• Hungry holiday-makers will also do well to check out the Bodéga Restaurant and Wine bar, which boasts a Mediterranean-inspired menu popular with critics and diners alike. With early bird menus from €19.95, it’s the perfect place for an affordable treat. www.Bodegawaterford. com is the place to find the mouth-watering details. Or, for a taste of France, try La Bohème, a romantic spot in the heart of the city. Special holiday menus start at €35, beginning on December 4.

• Now that you’ve set your heart on a trip to Ireland’s Christmas capital, you’ll need a place to lay your head. The three-star Waterford Marina Hotel is ideally located in the heart of Waterford City and is nestled idyllically on the banks of the River Suir. 81 spacious en-suite guestrooms make it perfect for couples, families or groups, while the hotel’s restaurant, bar and riverside terrace are equally popular with locals and visitors.

Prices start at €59. See waterfordmarinahotel. com for more. Also overlooking the Marina is the Tower Hotel and Leisure Centre, offering 132 guest bedrooms and 3 riverview suites over 3 floors and famous for its Christmas dinner-anda-show packages. See towerhotelwaterford.com for a full list of events.

For more info on where to stay, where to eat and where to party in Waterford, log onto winterval. ie and christmasinwaterford.ie.

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• While we’re on the subject of grub, you won’t find any tastier than the treats on offer at the Artisan Food Experience, brought to the festival

by Waterford’s Ardkeen Quality Food Store.

Celebrating 45 years in business, the experts at Ardkeen will be offering up everything from cheeses to chutneys, beers to bakes and fudge to fowl – you’re bound to find something for the foodie in your life! For a closer look, take your mouse over to www.ardkeen.com. Still stuck for a gift? Mulligans on Barronstrand St., Waterford’s favourite fragrance house, will set you right.

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• While you’re down Waterford way, make sure to try out another local gem, the craft beers produced by Dungarvan Brewing Company.

The brainchild of brothers-in-law Cormac O’Dwyer and Tom Dalton, the brewery has received several awards in the last two years for their signature beers; Copper Coast Red Ale, Helvick Gold Blonde Ale and Black Rock

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GOFEATURE

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The economic and cultural powerhouse that is 21st-century China casts a long shadow. Closer friendship with this arriving superpower is something Ireland could benefit from immensely. Niall Stokes attended a recent Chinese Culinary Art Performance in Dublin, which showed how much the two nations can learn from one another – and what they already have in common.

C

hina is a huge country. And it is one about which we tend to know relatively little.

It is too easy to make assumptions based on stereotype and cliché. The image we have cultivated of this vast landscape is largely based on what has been drip-fed through popular culture.

We think of Confucius, of Buddhism, of martial arts, of the Great Wall, of mysterious music plucked on stringed instruments, of the People’s Republic and communism under Mao Tse Tung, of elderly leaders that are paragons of inscrutability, of a huge population in excess of 1 billion people, of the great cities of Beijing, Shanghai and latterly Hong Kong (actually only China’s eighth largest city, with a population of just over seven million people), of extraordinary acrobatic feats à la Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, of table tennis at the Olympics, of t’ai chi ch’uan – and, of course, of Chinese food: of noodles, dumplings, sweet and sour chicken, soya sauce and the chopsticks with which Chinese people eat them.

But all of this is merely scratching the surface of a culture that has a wonderfully deep and rich history.

ART PERFORMANCE In the autumn of 2012, China is an economic powerhouse, with the second largest economy in the world after the USA. Standards of living there have improved dramatically over the past twenty years. It is now a thriving consumer society, which offers a new market for all sorts of goods and services – and as such is of potentially huge importance to a country like Ireland as we attempt to fight our way out of the iron grip of the current recession.

There are political complexities involved, of course, and no one should want to gloss over these. But right now the most important thing is communication because the more we listen, the more we will understand.

Irish businesses, meanwhile, have been turning with increasing interest to the Chinese market and trying to figure out how to gain a foothold.

For their part, the Chinese too have begun to cultivate links in Europe and particularly in Ireland. There is a substantial expatriate Chinese community here, and students are coming to learn the English language in schools all over the country. And what is the real beauty of this budding relationship? It is that we, in Ireland, have so much to learn and to gain from it.

Food is as good a metaphor for all of this as

we can find. Chinese restaurants are very popular in Ireland. Generally, the emphasis here has been on Cantonese food, the most conservative among the many regional cuisines in China and therefore the most adaptable to European tastes.

But to talk of ‘Chinese food’ is like generalizing about ‘European food’ – and glossing over the huge differences between the culinary histories and styles of France, Italy, Spain, Greece and elsewhere. The French wouldn’t stand for that for an instant! And so it should be with the different regions of China, which also boast very diverse cuisines.

Earlier this month, with the assistance of the Irish Chinese Cultural Society, a team of chefs from the city of Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang province, came to Dublin. Zhejiang is one of the eight great Chinese regional cuisines, alongside Shandong, Sichuan, Canton, Jiangsu, Hunan, Anhui and Fujian. Zhejiang, along with Jiangsu, are described as ‘the beauties of south China’.

The chefs’ mission was to mount what was characterised as a Chinese Culinary Art Performance, in a special event that was held in the eastern fusion Geisha Restaurant in Ashtown Village, along the banks of the Royal Canal.

The setting is a lovely one, a bright room that opens out onto a balcony overlooking the canal.

It was a great environment for what followed – a virtuoso exhibition of the wonderful skills of chefs from the region, exhibited through a tasting menu, which included a dazzling array of dishes of fantastic variety and style.

HOLLOWED ORANGES The atmosphere was celebratory. The chairman of the Irish Chinese Cultural Society, Dr. Katherine Chan Mullen – a well known acupuncturist as well as GP – presided over the evening and enthusiastically introduced the visiting party. The Chinese ambassador Luo Linquan was in attendance and he spoke proudly about the brilliance of the Hangzhou master chefs.

What followed was indeed a virtuoso display, with 18 beautifully presented dishes being rolled out that looked like culinary art and tasted just as good. If food is an expression of the warmth and the generosity of a people, then the Chinese lack nothing in either department!

The highlights included a wonderfully tender braised Dongpo pork, named after the poet and scholar from the Song dynasty, Su Dongpo (aka Su Shi) in which a generous cube of pork belly is slowly braised, over many hours, in Chinese fermented wine, the process of carmelisation giving it a lovely sweet melt-in-the-mouth effect;

(opposite page) Food sculpture being prepared; crabmeat served in hollowed oranges; and making fine thread noodles

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another Hangzhou signature dish, baggar’s chicken, the original recipe for which requires a marinated stuffed chicken, sealed tight with layers of lotus leaf, and wrapped in parchment paper, and then a layer of mud, and baked (I can confirm: this unique cooking technique produces an incredibly tender, juicy and aromatic chicken, positively bursting with intense flavors); and crab meat served in hollowed oranges (the flesh of the orange is mixed with the crab meat as well as flavourings – typically chopped onion, lemon juice and herbs – before being stuffed in the orange skin, baked and served hot – a unique and fantastic taste sensation).

Add in iced glutinous rice flour balls stuffed with cream, hangzhou marinated duck, prawns with gold foil and Lotus root stuffed with glutinous rice among other dishes and you get a sense of the richness and breadth of it all.

The culinary art of the Hangzhou chefs was encapsulated in a display of making fine flour noodles which was truly breath-taking in its skill; and the sense of fun was captured in the revelation of a pork dish with the entire room becoming involved in extending what turned out to be one fantastically long strip of pork – held simultaneously by almost forty people and stretching over nearly as many yards! Afterwards we ate it.

Irish guests at the Chinese Culinary Art Performance were struck by the very strong sense of community and fun, which the Chinese visitors and locals alike revel in: there is a feeling that a cultural bond can be struck between two places where conversation and craic are an intrinsic part of daily life, which will feed into business and economic exchanges that will ultimately benefit Ireland enormously.

That remains to be seen, but why not? There is no doubt, of course, that Ireland has much to offer China not just as a link into Europe but also in cultural and educational terms. But it seems obvious that successfully cultivating a strong working relationship between a vast country of 1.2 billion people, with a phenomenally rich history and culture and a burgeoning economy, and a small island off the coast of Europe which inhabits just over six million people is likely to give far more to the smaller of the two nations.

In which case, let us embark on it – and see where the journey takes us. One thing is certain: as long as there is food as good as this to savour at pit-stops along the way, it should be an immensely enjoyable experience…

Geisha Restaurant is at 73-74 Ashtown Village, Dublin 15, Dublin. Tel: (01) 866 4959.

GOEAT

38

BETTER OFF Ted Over dinner, Father Ted star and funnyman Joe Rooney talks about the legacy of the famous sitcom, his upcoming turn on Celebrity Come Dine With Me and crowdsurfing with The Saw Doctors.

WORDS Roisín Dwyer PHOTOS Ruth Medjber

“I

’d like to eat out more but kids and gigs and all that craic… If I’m gigging in Scotland I’d eat out all the time. There are lots of great Italian places there, there was a big infux of immigrants in the late 19th century. I’ve been in Edinburgh and Glasgow a few times already this year,” says Joe Rooney.

Step Beyond’ with The Aftermath. There was loads of us in my living-room, three guests, there must have been at least five in the band, the cameraman, director, soundman and a researcher. The band were ska dancing too!”

The ghost of Father Ted looms large over the Meath-based comedian, but in the 16 years since his starring role as Fr. Damo in the lauded sitcom, he has carved out a career as one of the best-known standups in the country who is never far from stage or screen. However, he still gets recognised as the rogue cleric who led Fr. Dougal astray.

“Even on my way here I was on the phone and a group of fellas on the boardwalk were shouting over at me,” he laughs. “I don’t really go out that much, but nights out in Dublin can be interesting.”

“I did do the Father Ted festival out in the Aran Islands one year and there was a Lovely Girl competition which was really competitive, there were winners from all around the country. One girl had long knickers made of an Aran, they were amazing!

There was a jumper cake and all!” he adds.

Just then our mains arrive, beautifully presented, boasting an aroma to outdo Pavlov in the salivaproducing stakes. Joe has opted for the roast guinea fowl which comes with asparagus, lardons, broad beans, sun blush tomato and homemade gnocchi which looks divine. My own dish consists of grilled hake and monkfish with beurre blanc, wilted spinach and new potato. Eager to sample as much of the fine cuisine as possible, we share part of our mains, agreeing everything so far has been excellent enough to please the fussiest of palates.

Joe has selected the Grand Vin de Bernadotte 2008 to accompany his meal and my wine of choice has been AOC Touraine Domaine de l’Aumonier 2011.

Both perfectly complement the dishes.

Back to televisual antics, things turn to all things Killinaskully. Rooney played the role of Timmy Higgins for five years in the Pat Shortt sitcom.

“I was touring with Pat after Jon (Kenny – Shortt’s partner in D’Unbelievables) got sick and he needed to go out on the road and he called me to do one gig.

It went really well, so I ended up touring with him for

Tonight, the comedian is on a night off and keen to sample the array of fine cuisine on offer in Dublin’s Wine Rooms, not to mention their extensive selection of vino. Located in the heart of Dublin’s financial district, the restaurant is easily accessible by Luas and boasts an atmospheric cosy interior perfect for a leisurely dining experience. Vintage prints and collages adorn the walls and subdued lighting creates a relaxed ambience.

Following a generous appetiser of bread and paprika ham with olives, our starters of Dingle bay crab and grilled quail arrive. I opt for the crab which is served with sea salad, soy and mirin and Joe’s quail comes with poached pear and chicken liver pate. As we tuck in, he tells me his culinary skills are about to come to the attention of the nation as he will soon feature on TV3’s Celebrity Come Dine With Me. “I missed the one with Brian Kennedy and Paul Martin, we’re not going to top that one, there weren’t any public scraps!” he jokes. “Rosanna Davison, Geraldine from The Apprentice and the photographer Brian McEvoy were the other contestants. It is very stressful, there’s lots of cleaning! I had to buy furniture especially for it too!”

“I cooked a winter vegetable soup, a country bread and rubbed garlic and oil on it, put it quickly in the pan and put the soup on top of it and grated parmesan,” he says. “For a main I did a spinach and lemon risotto with squid and chorizo on a salad of beans and rocket and I made a bitter orange icecream for dessert.”

Well, you’ll have to tune in to see how Joe’s menu fared against his competitors. And as for his entertainment?

“My theme was two-tone so they all had to come in black-and-white,” he says. “Afterwards I sang ‘One

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GOEAT

A MATTER OF TASTE

STUART CLARK brings you the latest foodie news

years, that’s what led to my part. It became quite iconic: the three guys at the bar,” he muses.

Does Joe have any cherished moment from his tenure in the rural enclave?

“I did a Christmas episode once where The Saw Doctors played and I crowdsurfed on my back!” he says. “There was a camera on a crane shooting it, that was amazing. So bodysurfling to the Saw Doctors was my favourite memory!”

Feeling far too full, I have to pass on dessert but finish my meal with a Bailey’s coffee. Unable to resist temptation, Joe chooses the vanilla and buttermilk panna cotta with raspberry coulis which gets several nods of approval.

As our dining experience is coming to an end I query him on upcoming activities?

“I’ll be gigging straight through to the end of the year,” he says. “Next March myself, Ian Coppinger and Brendan Dempsey have a tour in Hong Kong and we are hoping to add to it and go to Australia afterwards, we’ll do stand-up and a bit of improv as well. Should be good!”

Joe Rooney plays The Laughter Lounge, Dublin on November 8, 9, 10, 29, 30 and December 1.

The Damage Starters: Dingle Bay Crab with Sea Salad, Soy and Mirin Dressing (€7.50) Grilled Quail, Poached Pear and Chicken Liver Pate (€7.50) Mains: Grilled Hake and Monkfish with Beurre Blanc, Wilted Spinach and New Potato (€17.50) Roast Guinea Fowl with Asparagus, Lardons, Broad Beans, Sun Blush Tomato and Homemade Gnocchi (€17)

THE BOOK OF LOVE It’s reckoned that as many as 500,000 cookery books will end up in Christmas stockings here this year.

While we’ve nothing against the Nigellas and Jamie Olivers of this world, Go Rail is urging you to buy Irish with three delicious tomes that will have you sprinting to the kitchen faster than Usain Bolt.

First up is Eat Like An Italian: Recipes For The Good Life (Gill & MacMillan. €22.99) by Catherine Fulvio, the Irish proprietor of Ballyknocken House & Cookery School who married a fellow food obsessive from Sicily.

What’s good about an Irish-Italian cookbook is that all the ingredients Catherine uses are readily available here.

For a perfect, not-too-difficult-toassemble feast we’d recommend the Italian Wedding Soup followed by pistachio & fig crusted rack of lamb with chocolate breadcrumb & almond cake to complete your lapse into food coma.

Another beautifully produced book is Let’s Go Disco (www. thecliffhousehotel.com. €45) – needless to say, there’s a story behind the title! – by Martijn Kajuiter, the Michelin-starred Dutchman in the kitchen at the Cliff House in Ardmore, Co. Waterford.

Martijn, who’s previously worked under Michael Roux and Marco Pierre White, talks you through the making of 36 of his signature dishes including a 9 Garden Vegetable Salad that really does look too good to eat. It’s a limited run of 4,900 copies, so get online and order yours now!

On Irish TV screens these days almost as often as the Angelus, Rachel Allen is seriously tickling Go Rail tastebuds with Bake (Collins, €35.75). Time of year that it is, we went straight for the pecan yule log with pecan sauce (naughty) and after that the baked Alaska with hot chocolate sauce (extremely naughty). Incidentally, if you’re watching the pennies – or more accurately, cents! – Ms. Allen’s latest can be ordered online from Eason’s for just €16.99.

Completing our holy triumvirate of Irish cookbooks is Domini At Home: How I Like To Cook (Gill & MacMillan. €22.99), the latest 224pager from Itsa co-founder Domini Kemp who argues that the best things in foodie life are often the simplest.

From sweet potato pizza and Moroccan bean casserole to sesame trout with pea pesto and key lime pie, all of the recipes are as easy to prepare as they are full of flavour.

THE ITALIAN JOB To show that we’re really not biased against our cross-channel culinary friends, let us sing the praises of Jamie’s Italian, which having opened last month in Dundrum Town Centre has immediately become one of Dublin’s hottest tables.

“I should have been Italian,” proffers Mr. Oliver. “There is such diversity in lifestyles, cooking traditions and dialects. This is why as a chef I find this country so exciting and what inspired me to create Jamie’s Italian.”

Starting on November 26, they’re offering a three course, mince pies and glass of Prosecco special, which can be booked at www. jamiesitalian.ie. With bream acqua pazza, super herby gnocchi and Gennaro’s porchetta all on the €39.95 menu, it looks a winner.

UP THE AISLE Forget the Olympics or the American Presidential race, 2012 will go down as the year that artisan food and drink hit supermarket shelves in Ireland.

Go Rail’s life has been considerably enhanced by Pieminister pies making it into Dunne’s and Tesco; the latter also adding the Eight Degrees range of craft brews to their shelves; the Dungarvan Brewing Company getting a similar look in at Supervalu and Cooleeney, a wonderful brie-like cheese made from the freshest of Tipperary milk, turning up in all manner of interesting places. Viva la revolution!

Dessert: Vanilla and Buttermilk Panna Cotta with Raspberry Coulis (€6.50) Wine: Red – Grand Vin de Bernadotte 2008 (Haut-Medoc, Bordeaux) €9.10 a glass, €39 a bottle White – AOC Touraine Domaine de l’Aumonier 2011 (Sauvignon Blanc) €6 a glass, €24 a bottle Lets Go Disco by Martijn Kajuiter and Alex Meehan

40

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GOBUSINESS

42

There are some business ideas that seem so blindly brilliant you wonder why no-one has done them before. One such idea is KOOKY DOUGH, a ready-to-bake biscuit dough and the brainchild of SOPHIE MORRIS and GRAHAM CLARKE.

R

eady-to-bake cookie dough is available in the States, but is almost always highly processed. Graham Clarke had been toying with the idea of doing something similar for a number of years, and when he met cooking fanatic Sophie Morris, Kooky Dough was born.

offered us an investment. We were looking for Ð70,000 for 10% but he wanted 30%. We said no. We were quite far along in terms of where our business was at and we just weren’t willing to give away that much of the company,” says Sophie.

“Around the time of filming in January 2011 we had been contacted by Tesco in the UK. We didn’t mention it because it could have been nothing. But between the show being filmed and it showing in early March, we did manage to secure the contract. It was funny, the timing – we launched in the UK in Tesco’s 280 stores literally a week before the programme was aired.”

Many small companies flounder because they are not able to scale up production to meet the requirements of large retailers.

“It is a huge issue for small companies,” Sophie explains. “Especially when you don’t start with any level of investment. We realised very quickly that we wouldn’t be able to meet the demand and grow the company as fast as we wanted to. We had a mentor at the time that we got through the Enterprise Board and he first suggested the idea of contracting out the manufacturing which would take away the issues of scalability and technical standards that you need when you deal with bigger retailers.

“At first I was like, ‘Oh God, we can’t do that!’

But quite quickly I realised it was the best option for us. We weren’t going to get any investment to build a bigger facility or take on a load of staff.”

Finding the right manufacturer was important.

Sophie and Graham were determined that the standard had to remain high and that all the ingredients used were natural.

“I am in there all the time overseeing

“When we were thinking about the product for Ireland, we knew it had to be natural with good quality ingredients,” says Sophie. “We knew that the product could seem like a gimmick, so it was important that the taste be really good.”

Now available all across Ireland and further afield, Kooky Dough had small beginnings, explains Sophie.

“We started selling in farmers’ markets at the end of 2009. We were making it in my kitchen. By March 2010 we started in high-end independent stores around Dublin. The first was Nolan’s of Clontarf and around the same time we launched into Donnybrook Food Market and Avoca, places like that.”

A year later Sophie and Graham took part on Dragon’s Den, which they believe was crucial in advertising their product.

“We really wanted the exposure. If we got a good deal, great, but we really wanted the exposure. I think over 300,000 people tuned in that night. For a company our size to get that kind of brand exposure, you couldn’t pay for it.

We got such a phenomenal reaction from it, so it was a real turning point.”

While Dragon’s Den offers a great chance to advertise a new product, it is not necessarily an easy option.

“It was mental! We were in there for hours.

It’s very tough. We got to the end and although the other Dragons bowed out, Gavin Duffy

43

GOBUSINESS BUSINESS

Business people in Ireland are brilliant for offering help...

Bord Bia call it ‘co-opetition’

production and we made sure the standards were as high as we had done. The other thing is that it was a unique new product, but for food products like that, it is very easy for people to enter the market. We wanted to grow fast enough that we would have the first mover advantage.”

Another crucial aspect to their success was the mentoring services offered through the Enterprise Board. Sophie believes that accessing the help and expertise that is available can make a real difference to small businesses and start-ups.

“Myself and Graham come from a finance and economic background. As much as I was passionate about food, I didn’t have a clue about the food retail industry. You sign up with your local Enterprise Board and you get nine hours of mentoring with a relevant person for your industry. In an hour he answered so many questions – it would have taken us months to work them all out. He got us ready for our buyer meetings. It was really important.

“Business people in Ireland are brilliant for

44

offering help. When we first got the deal with Tesco in the UK, we got great help from Bewleys.

It was amazing how they wanted to help us and there was nothing in it for them. Bord Bia call it ‘co-opetition’ – where you all help each other out. It is a huge thing that has come of the recessionary times.”

Plans for the future include new home baking products such as muffin and cake dough.

As well as Tesco, Kooky Dough products are available in Superquinn, Dunnes, Supervalu and independent food stores. The company has also spread beyond the local market and they export to Waitrose in the UK, Monoprix in France, and Spinneys in the United Arab Emirates.

“I still remember being in a farmer’s market in Ranelagh and looking at the Superquinn that was beside us and going, ‘Imagine if we had our products in there!’ Who was to know that in two years time we would be exporting to supermarkets around the world? It has been an incredible journey.”

The Lake Hotel

CHARLIE CHAPLIN’S

FAVOURITE IRISH GETAWAY TURNS 100 Butler Arms Hotel

A great Irish tourism success story is being celebrated this year as Ireland’s first family-run hotel group celebrates 100 years in business.

T

he Lake Hotel in Killarney and Butler Arms Hotel in Waterville have continued the Huggard hospitality tradition since the family first started in 1912, when Martin Huggard married Mary Doyle and they opened their first hotel in Waterville, Co. Kerry.

Right: Paula and Louise Huggard who now run Butler Arms Hotel

They quickly developed an international reputation for excellence and attracted many high-profile guests including bigscreen icons Walt Disney and Charlie Chaplin.

Chaplin and his family spent many summers as guests of the Butler Arms Hotel during the ’60s and ’70s. It was a favourite holiday destination of the Hollywood legend who used to enjoy fishing and yachting on Reenroe beach, and taking leisurely strolls along the Coast Road with his wife, Oona O’Neill. Chaplin felt a great connection to Ireland, particularly to Waterville, and remained friends with the Huggards throughout his life.

In 2011 the people of Waterville, with the support of Josephine Chaplin along with many other benefactors, friends and the local business community, held the very first annual Charlie Chaplin Comedy Film Festival in memory of his courage and pioneering spirit.

Mary and Martin acquired and ran many other hotels in Ireland over several decades, including The Caragh Lake Hotel outside

Below: Mick O’Dwyer (whose mother was Head Cook in Butler Arms Hotel for many years) celebrates the Huggard centenary with a future generation of the Huggard family at Lake Hotel

45

Killorglin and The Royal Hotel in Valentia, and along with their son Noel they transformed Ashford Castle in Cong, Co Mayo, into a dazzling five-star hotel. This was the location where the film The Quiet Man starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara was filmed.

In 1940 the family purchased the flagship Lake Hotel, on the shores of the world-famous Lakes of Killarney, which boasts a spectacular location and breathtaking views of Killarney’s world famous scenery.

The Lake Hotel, which has been carefully developed to become one of the finest establishments in the country, is now run by Tony, Colman, Niall and Joe Huggard, and has enjoyed remarkable success, including the receipt of several national quality awards for cuisine, quality, service and hospitality.

The secret to success that has served them so well down through the generations is the emphasis placed on first-rate customer service, a warm welcome and a determination that all visitors to the hotels become friends as well as guests.

Meanwhile, the Butler Arms Hotel now boasts a fourth generation of Huggards ownership, and long may it continue.

For more information contact: (064) 663 1035 or email info@Lakehotel.com.

ACTIVE OVER 55

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26/10/2012 10:09

Page 1

THE TIME

OF YOUR LIFE I

t may be a cliché, but a healthy mind and a healthy body are interconnected. That’s true at any stage of life. However, it may be even more so as we age.

Over the last ten years scientific research has found that keeping active and socially engaged are key to physical and mental wellbeing in our later years. While it used to be thought that the brain deteriorated as we aged, we now know this is not the case. The adult brain, even in people of very advanced years, generates new neurons in response to physical activity and new experiences.

It seems that another cliché is also a fact – ‘use it or lose it’. However, if you haven’t been physically, mentally or socially active for the last few years, it is never to late to begin.

Your first port of call should be your local Active Retirement group. Active Retirement Ireland is the largest community-based association for older people in Ireland with a network of over five hundred local and community based voluntary organisations.

It is important to strike a healthy balance between physical and mental activity. In this issue we highlight some of the resources available for older people.

sport – an estimated 40,000 people in Ireland are involved in Go For Life or related activities every week.

Go For Life holds sessions to improve balance, coordination, posture and strength. There is even a dance module, which is a fun and sociable way to keep fit. If you are worried about not being able to keep up, don’t – these are adapted depending on your group’s capability.

This June the first Go For Life Games were held and brought together more than eighty competitors from seven counties. Like any competitive sports, county rivalry was part of the spirit, but friendliness won out. Des Byrne on Team Dublin City explains: “There was great sociability. I felt that I could mix in with any team.

The camaraderie was terrific.”

Of course, competition between older competitors can still be fierce!

Biddy, now in her 90s, recently competed in the third annual Active Retirement Ireland National Bowls Competition. A keen sportswoman, with impressive 36 bowls trophies to her name, Biddy received the Killarney Crystal runners-up prize this year.

“I loved every minute of it, the time away with friends, the nights out and the bowls, of course! I can’t wait for next year’s competition,” she said.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES FOR OLDER PEOPLE Go For Life is the national programme for sport and physical activity for older people and is run

by Age & Opportunity.

There is plenty of social interaction as well as

ARTS & CULTURAL ACTIVITIES Age is no barrier to creativity, and if you haven’t had the chance in your younger years to pursue your creative instincts, now is the time.

Every May the Bealtaine festival takes place.

47

Clockwise from above: Biddy Geany and her teammates compete in the ARI Bowls Final; Former President Mary McAleese launches the Third Age national Knitting Bus Project involving older people teaching knitting to primary school pupils; Failte Isteach volunteer Marcella Sheridan with students

Bealtaine celebrates the creativity of older people and with over 115,000 participants, it is the largest collaborative arts festival in Ireland. Coordinated by Age & Opportunity, it has 675 partner organisations running events, performances, activities and workshops. All through May each year, Bealtaine engages older people as performers, audience and critics. It covers areas like music, poetry, theatre, visual arts, film, crafts and more.

The activities are far ranging – these include an orchestra that sold out the National Concert Hall, photography exhibitions and a theatre show, Silver Stars, which toured to New York, Paris, Finland and New Zealand.

If you prefer the arts as a spectator, Age & Opportunity’s Cultural Companions may be the answer for you. Cultural Companions brings together people who would like company to attend an event or exhibition. Running pilots in Dublin and Cork, with a view to extending the scheme across the country, over two hundred people take part and attend concerts, plays, films, exhibitions on a regular basis.

VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES While there is no doubt that physical, creative and social outlets are good for us all, some of us feel the need to give something back to the community.

Through their life experience, older people have much to offer, and if they are retired, they may have the time to make a difference.

Third Age is a national voluntary organisation

using the skills of older people in local communities. With over 1,200 participants, Third Age volunteers work as tutors, listeners, advocates, peer nutritionists and more.

There are three national programmes currently running, Fáilte Isteach, the Senior Help Line and the Advocacy Programme.

Fáilte Isteach volunteers teach migrants conversational English from 55 branches across Ireland. Every week over 500 volunteers tutor more than 1,600 migrant students from 62 different countries.

The Senior Help Line is a national confidential listening service for older people provided by trained older volunteers. The LoCall number is 1850 440 444 and the Senior Help Line is open 365 days a year from 10am to 10pm. Senior Help Line will receive around 15,000 calls in 2012, supporting people through crises and in day-today living.

The Advocacy Programme trains advocates to work with residents in nursing homes. Family, friends, carers and professionals can also access the service. Around 275 volunteers have been trained to work in nursing homes throughout Ireland.

As well as these national programmes, Third Age has a number of local projects staffed by older volunteers. These include teaching knitting to children, a nutrition project for older people and activities such as choir singing, drama, IT and yoga. In addition, services such as laundry, library, transport, outreach, advocacy and more are available.

48

USEFUL CONTACTS ACTIVE RETIREMENT IRELAND Tel: (01) 873 3836 www.activeirl.ie

AGE & OPPORTUNITY Tel: (01) 805 7709 www.ageandopportunity.ie BEALTAINE (01) 805 7709 www.bealtaine.com GO FOR LIFE Tel: (01) 805 7733 ww.ageandopportunity.ie/go-life

FITLINE Ring 1800 303 545 to register. After that, you will get a phone call from Go for Life every fortnight with advice and encouragement tailored to your needs.

THIRD AGE Tel: (046) 955 7766 www.thirdageireland.ie

THE OIL THAT KEEPS ON GIVING When consumed correctly, omega-3 oils can be hugely beneficial.

But quantity is important as well as quality and not all products boasting omega-3 oils are really all that good for you.

T

he last decade has witnessed an unprecedented growth in the public consumption of natural nutritional foods and supplements, and chief amongst these is undoubtedly the remarkable fish oil, commonly labelled as omega-3.

While the numerous health benefits of omega3 marine oils have been well established, it is only recently that health providers have acknowledged the indisputable benefits for the heart, brain, bones and joints, skin and immune system.

As a consequence, food and supplement manufacturers have recognised the economic value of adding “omega-3” to their product labels, and the aggressive promotion of this product has exploded, to the extent that virtually every consumable product boasts an “omega-3” content, even though in most cases, with such minimal amounts, health benefits are unlikely!

Misinformed consumers may be led believe food, milk, yogurts and eggs supposedly “enriched” with omega-3, will deliver the desired health benefits, as suggested in the scientific literature.

they are inadequate for optimal health.

The key ingredients are EPA and DHA, the fatty oils that protect the vital organs upon which health and longevity depend.

While certain natural products, like hemp, walnuts, chia, pumpkin seed and flax, contain omega-3 oils, their conversion to the active EPA/ DHA is so inefficient (about 3 per cent to 10 per cent) very large quantities have to be consumed daily for brain and body health requirements.

Only EPA and DHA, in sufficient amounts, and of good quality, can provide the desired benefits.

This can only be achieved by eating oily fish, such as purified mackerel, herring, trout, salmon, and sardines. The alternative is to consume on a daily basis quality EPA/DHA supplements, with a proven track record for purification and potency.

Inferior products are plentiful on the shelves of supermarkets and pharmacies, and their EPA/DHA levels so low that many capsules have to be consumed daily to achieve the desired levels of between 500mg and 2,000mg of EPA (depending on individual requirements). Quality products with high concentrations of EPA and DHA include MorEPA Smart Fats and MorEPA Platinum.

DON’T BE FOOLED BY THE ADVERTS! Most omega-3 products on the market have insufficient levels of the key ingredients that actively delivers health benefits, and as such,

CHOOSE WITH CARE! For the best health benefits choose carefully, and select a product which can demonstrate a track record of purity, potency, and profitability.

Dr. Nevile Wilson

Whatever else, don’t waste money on inferior or low dose products of unproven quality!

Products that contain omega-6 and omega9 are unlikely to confer additional benefits, considering that we consume more omega-6 in our diets than is required, and, by so doing, run the risk of ingesting excessive oils that promote inflammation, and worsen the very conditions we may be trying to alleviate!

An excess of omega-6 may promote inflammation in the heart, joints, brain and elsewhere, while omega-3, in the form of EPA, as in MorEPA Smart Fats or MorEPA Platinum will reduce such inflammation, and restore healthy organ function.

I have taken EPA/DHA as a health supplement for almost 20 years and can testify to its unique health giving, protective, and rejuvenating properties, and routinely prescribe this product for all my patients, young and old!

Dr. Neville Wilson, Family Physician/ Sports Nutritionist, The Leinster Clinic, Maynooth.

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049

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ACTIVE OVER 55

Waterford Marina Hotel ´´´

In the Heart of Galway

3 Mins Walk to Eyre Sq. & Train Station

The Waterford Marina Hotel is situated in the heart of Waterford City on a well maintained cobbled road, overlooking the banks of the River Suir. A perfect location for your City Break – we are beside the newly developed Viking Triangle and just a short walk to all the shopping and nightlife you will need to enjoy your break away.

�

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Golden Year Getaways Stay where hospitality meets comfort in the heart of Galway City, where you can be assured of a warm welcome.

Our Waterfront Restaurant and Bar overlooking the River Suir both offer a wide and varied selection of menus to suit everyone’s tastes.

We are sure you will enjoy our warm and comfortable hotel with great food, great service and friendly welcoming staff. We also have complimentary on-site parking and WIFI throughout the hotel.

�

�

�

3 Nights Bed & Breakfast with 2 Dinners, Tea & Scones on Arrival, Day Tour to Connemara, incl. 2 x Tickets to Kylemore Abbey from

€169pps*

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Travelling with Iarnród Éireann you will arrive into Plunkett Train Station, we are located on Canada Street so you may want to avail of the many taxis at the station for the 5 minute drive.

“We are here for you…”

W: www.waterfordmarinahotel.com E: info@waterfordmarinahotel.com

Harbour Hotel, New Dock Rd, Galway T: +353 91 894800 E: stay@harbour.ie W: www.harbour.ie

T: 051 856600 F: 051 856605

*All offers are subject to availability

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• Large Reception & Lobby area for your comfort & relaxation; • Leisure Centre with 20m Pool; • Less than 5 minutes’ walk to centre of Kenmare town, via a pathway

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Fantastic mid-week value for the Active Retired From just €179 pps for 3 nights B&B + 2 Dinners, available March – October

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T: 064 66 41300 • E: info@kenmarebayhotel.com W: www.kenmarebayhotel.com Kenmare, Co Kerry.

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50

TRAVEL & TOURISM OPPORTUNITIES HOLIDAYS ABROAD

HOLIDAYS AT HOME

2013 National Cruise JMG Travel and Fred Olsen Cruise Lines are offering a ten-night cruise to Portugal, Spain and Gibraltar in September 2013. This cruise is perfect for older travellers and has the support of Active Retirement Ireland. The cruise departs from Dublin and calls in at Lisbon and Portimão in Portugal; Cadiz in Spain; Gibraltar; and Vigo, a Spanish port in Galicia. Onboard entertainment includes music, comedy and cabaret, as well as lectures and activities.

The cruise is accessible for guests from all over Ireland, with pick-ups by McGinley Coach Travel from most major towns and additional pick-ups from any town with 15 or more guests.

Prices start from €1,184 per person, and includes en-suite accommodation, all meals on board, entertainment, port taxes, gratuities and the coach transfer to and from Dublin. Find out by visiting www.jmgcruise.com or by calling on (074) 913 5201.

The Royal Marine Hotel, Dublin The Royal Marine Hotel, Dún Laoghaire is an historic hotel situated on four acres of beautifully landscaped gardens overlooking Dublin Bay. Over the years the hotel has played host to famous guests including Frank Sinatra, Charlie Chaplin and Queen Victoria. Michael Collins and Kitty Kieran are believed to stayed in room 210.

There is plenty to do in Dún Laoghaire itself including hiking, horse riding and water sports, as well as a number of pubs and restaurants. The Royal Marine is putting on a special Showtime Christmas Cabaret between December 4 and 7, and they have a number of Christmas options as well as two special package for guests over 55 – the Golden Years and Older and Wiser packages, starting from just €120.

Royal Marine Hotel, Dún Laoghaire

Over 50s Holidays Limerick Travel has a dedicated service for senior travellers. Over 50s Holidays has offered thousands of Irish people the chance to spend the winter in warmer climes such as Spain, Portugal, Malta, Madeira and Canary Islands at special low rates. Prices start from as little as €299 and includes flights, transfers, hotel and a holiday representative. See www.over50stravel. com for more information.

The Harbour Hotel, Galway Situated on the waterfront in the heart of bustling Galway city, the Harbour Hotel is just three minutes from Eyre Square and five minutes from the train station. The Golden Year package is great value for a short break. From just from €169 per person sharing you receive three nights bed and breakfast, dinner on two evenings, tea and scones on arrival and a day trip to Connemara and Kylemore Abbey, including entrance tickets into Kylemore Abbey.

The Kenmare Bay Hotel & Resort, Kerry Kerry is one of the most beautiful parts of Ireland and Kenmare, located between the Ring

Gibraltar

Travel

13th Sept� 2013 in conjunction with Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines 10 Nights

2013 Sunny Iberia & Gibraltar Cruise No Flying, direct departure from Dublin Port PACKAGE INCLUDES: • Regional coach transfers to/from your Ship • All onboard entertainment, including well known Irish Bands

For bookings or more information contact JMG Travel. Telephone: 074-9135201 Email: info@jmgcruise.com Web: www.jmgcruise.com

51

Group Modern Maturity Ad

ACTIVE OVER 55

10/15/12

12:13 PM

��������������������������� 3 Nights Dinner B&B (No Single Occupancy Supplement) Available Sunday -- Thursday, excludes festival dates October 2012 - February 2013 from €149pp

3 Nights B&B + 3 Dinners

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Town Centre Location Leisure Centre Tranquillity Spa Close to Wexford Train Station

PPS

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

www.maldronhotels.com/young-at-heart-breaks

Lo-call 1850 885 885

Whites of Wexford, Abbey Street, Wexford Ph: 05391 22311 www.whitesofwexford.ie

hites Of Wexford GoR2-4.indd 1

149

from

5 Nights Dinner, B&B with Full Activity Programme Available Sunday 10th March - Friday 15th March 2013 €295pp Sunday 1st September - Friday 6th September 2013 €325pp (No Single Occupancy Supplement)

Athlone • Cavan • Cork • Dublin • Galway • Limerick Mayo • Portlaoise • Sligo • Wexford • Cardiff, Wales

26/10/2012 17:05:29

�´������� ������� ���������� ��������

AUTUMN BREAKS

3 NIGHT MIDWEEK ROOM ONLY €90 TOTAL

3 DAY CHRISTMAS PACKAGE FROM €299 PER PERSON SHARING CLAREMORRIS IS SERVED BY DAILY TRAINS FROM DUBLIN

TRANSFERS FROM THE STATION ARRANGED • IDEAL FAMILY HOTEL WITH BIZZIE BEES KIDS CLUB • ENJOY A 2 NIGHT BREAK WITH 1 EVENING MEAL FROM €99PPS McWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris, Co. Mayo Phone 094 9378000 For special offers visit www.mcwilliampark.ie

52

Page 1

Tower Hotel Waterford

of Kerry and the Beara Peninsula, is one of the most popular spots in the county. Kemare has a number of award-winning restaurants, pubs and cafes and is known as the ‘gourmet capital of Ireland.’ If that wasn’t enough, there are plenty of activities golf, fishing, horse riding and sea safaris. The Kenmare Bay Hotel & Resort are offering a two night Golden Years Break including evening meals from just €139 per person sharing.

The Tower Hotel, Waterford Waterford is known for its stunning coastline, and as the oldest city in Ireland, it has plenty of historic charm. Waterford is a popular holiday spot with plenty of activities making it the ideal spot for horse riding, fishing, hiking, water sports and cycling holidays. The Tower Hotel Waterford is offering three nights accommodation with full Irish breakfast and table d’hote dinner each evening from only €149 per person sharing.

The Waterford Marina Hotel In addition to all its scenic attraction, Waterford boasts a vibrant cultural scene. If you fancy a short break and catching a show, the Waterford Marina Hotel is ideal – situated in the heart of the city on the banks of the River Suir with rooms from just €59. Upcoming shows in

Dunboyne Castle Hotel

Waterford’s Theatre Royal include The Nutcracker on November 22, A Christmas Carol on 24 November and Christmas Crooners on December 16. Waterford’s Winterval festival takes place between November 30 and December 23, and is popular with both young and old.

Whites of Wexford Wexford is a great choice for a short break.

During the summer, it boasts Ireland’s sunniest weather, but even in the depths of winter, there is always something to do in this bustling, historic town. Situated in the heart of town and with easy access to Rosslare Europort and the Wexford train and bus station, Whites of Wexford is a perfect choice for a short break. The hotel is offering a Golden Years breaks with accommodation, dinner, breakfast and complimentary use of the Wexford Club swimming pool, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi from €59 for one night or from €149 for three.

Dunboyne Castle, Meath Dunboyne Castle Hotel and Spa is situated in an idyllic setting in Meath, but just 11 miles from Dublin city centre, making this a great choice for a holiday combining relaxation with all the delights of the city has to offer. Dunboyne Castle

53

has a special offer for over 60s. The Golden Years package includes a deluxe room, early bird dinner and full Irish breakfast for just €60 per person – excellent value indeed.

Maldron Hotels, Various Locations For excellent value midweek and weekend breaks for the retired and over-55s, consider one of the luxurious Maldron Hotels. Enjoy a special offer package of three nights’ bed and breakfast with three dinners from €149 per person sharing. With hotels in Dublin, Galway, Cork, Limerick and many more locations around the country, you can take your pick and find the perfect holiday for you.

Don’t delay, visit www.maldronhotels.com/youngat-heart-breaks to take advantage of this special offer.

Lake Hotel, Kerry As Killarney’s Lake Hotel celebrates 100 years of Huggard family hospitality, they’ve announced a special autumn deal including a 10% discount for the over-55s. Enjoy a retreat on Lough Lein with its magnificent views of the islands, mountains, woodlands, and the 12th century McCarthy Mór castle ruins. Known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, you’ll truly get away from it all at Co. Kerry’s fabulous four star hotel.

GRAHAM KEOGH

ACTIVE OVER 55

There are over 290 million diabetics in the world. Among the better known is singer songwriter Neil Young (above).

A HOME FROM HOME At some point during your later years, a retirement home might be a more practical option than living in your own home. Choosing the right one is important. The Middletown Retirement Village is an exclusive development of twenty one- and two-bedroom houses located in Gorey, Co. Wexford. This gives residents an independent lifestyle, as well as a chance to be part of a community in a secure environment. The houses are built to a high standard with all modern amenities and safety features including 24 hour CCTV monitoring, smoke detection and an on-call nurse service. Community activities include yoga, arts and crafts and a regular programme of social activities.

DEALING WITH DIABETES Diabetics can live a full and rich life, but they do have to take special care of themselves. Testing your blood sugar regularly is important.

A single blood sugar test at the clinic is usually of little value. Ideally you should test your blood sugar regularly during the course of the day, keep track of the readings and adjust your treatment accordingly.

That sounds like a lot of work, but with thee TRUEresult twist it’s easy. TRUEresult twist offers advanced technology, accurate test results and on-the-go convenience to fit into even the most active of lifestyles. With results in just four seconds, looking after your blood sugar levels has never been simpler.

Winter Offer 2 nights Bed & Breakfast plus Dinner on one evening.

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â‚Ź

.00 PPS

Subject to Availability. Terms and Conditions Apply.

Complimentary Parking, WIFI and Leisure Centre.

City Centre location adjacent to Waterford Crystal, Bishops Palace Museum, Viking Triangle, Shopping and Nightlife.

CELEBRATING

YEARS

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T +353 (0)51 862300 E reservations@thw.ie www.TowerHotelWaterford.com

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ACTIVE 55s OVER 55

BORNEO CALLING A TASTE OF THE EXOTIC D

o you long for adventure? Would you like to visit paradise on earth? Got some time on your hands? Borneo is the answer.

One of the great bonuses of being retired is time to travel. Those working full-time have their options severely restricted, and parents of young children are beholden to school schedules. None of that leaves a whole lot of time for adventurous holidays.

Borneo is relatively unspoilt – the product of strict planning laws and a cap on bars and clubs.

Conservation and eco-tourism are important watchwords here, and although there are bustling cities, the interior, landscapes, jungles and the forests are much like they have been for thousands of years.

While most of the world is mapped out, Borneo is relatively undiscovered, at least by Western standards. This means you’ll get to experience what early European explorers must have felt like when they travelled to lands unknown. Its animal kingdom includes 44 different mammals that aren’t found anywhere else in the world and is so rich that new species are being found all the time – an incredible 127 being discovered since 2007!

Of course Borneo has more to offer than just incredible wildlife, including a lush tropical rainforest, beautiful white sandy beaches, the sacred slopes of Mount Kinabalu, busy cities and diverse and ancient indigenous cultures.

To get the most out of a visit to Borneo you’ll need guides and a chance to meet the locals.

Intrepid Travel has a 22-night package, which allows you to discover this incredible country in all its myriad forms, with small groups of like-

minded people. We have a look at some of the highlights here.

A great place to begin your Borneo adventure is Kuching, the largest city in Borneo’s Eastern Malaysian state of Sarawak with a population of around one million people. It’s a wonderful mix of traditional, colonial and modern architecture, with the 19th century Fort Margherita and considerably older Tua Pek Kong among its landmark buildings. You can watch tambang ferries glide on the river, visit the Sarawak Museum or head to the Main Bazaar, where you’ll find antiques and handcrafts.

Close to Kuching are opportunities to hike and go animal spotting. Bako National Park is where you’ll find proboscis monkeys who live in the treetops. The Semenggoh Orangutan Sanctuary is nearby as well. Yes, you will fall in love with the orangutans, but no, you can’t take one home!

No visit to Borneo would be complete without a visit to the Iban. The Iban are a branch of the Dayak tribe, the indigenous people of Borneo.

The Iban had a fearsome reputation as warriors and headhunters in ancient times and enjoy a rich cultural history. Traditionally they were Animist, although these days most of them have converted to Christianity. Many continue to observe both traditions, especially for important events such as weddings or festivals.

The town of Sibu is located where the Rajan and Igan Rivers meet. Sibu has a large Chinese population, which is reflected in the architecture.

Sibu boasts a beautiful seven-storey pagoda, which offers fantastic views over the town.A mix of old and new, in the last few years the town has had been developed and is home to the tallest

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building in Sarawak, the Sanyan Tower, and the largest town square in Malaysia.

On the opposite end of the coast you’ll find the Mulu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its caves, including the Deer Cave, the underground Wind Cave and the Clearwater Cave, which contains Asia’s longest underground river.

Travelling further up the coast you come to Kota Kinabalu, capital of the Sabah state. This city is famous for its beaches and is a perfect spot if you enjoy snorkelling, swimming or just relaxing in the sun.

Kota Kinabalu is an ethnically diverse city with sizeable Malaysian, Chinese, Bajau, Kadazandusan and Filipino communities who all happily mix.

The markets are a must-see – you’ll be hard pressed to find anything costing more than €10 so it’s a perfect spot to shop for presents. The neighbouring streets are packed with vendors serving traditional dishes at excellent prices.

These are so popular that many visitors never bother sampling Kota Kinabalu’s restaurants.

Specialities include Bak Kuk (pork ribs in soy sauce and ginger); Coto Makasar (meat broth with rice cakes); Hokkien Mee (noodles fried with pork, prawn and vegetables) and Pisang Murtabak (banana pancake). Also keep an eye out for Malaysia’s famous – and very potent – rice wine, which every household has a recipe for.

Westerners may be an object of curiousity but, unlike some other Asian countries, you’re left to your own devices with locals content to greet you with a cheery “Selamat datang” (welcome) or “Apa khabar?” (how are you?) Learn to say “Khabar Baik” (I’m fine) and “Terima kasih” (thank

you) back and you’ll have a friend for life!

Of course you can’t spend your time in Borneo just sunning yourself and eating good food! Mount Kinabalu and its surroundings are regarded as one of the most important conservation sites in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Mount Kinabalu is central to the lives of the Dusun people, who have spiritual, economic and social ties with the mountain.

Climbing Kinabalu is fairly challenging, but the remarkable flora and fauna make it worth the effort.

After a trek up the mountain you’ll probably want a chance to recover and a visit to the Poring Hot Springs will do just that. They’re believed to have healing properties for the skin, and a hot soak is sure to relieve tired muscles.

Tourism in Borneo is highly focused on conservation and maintaining the ecological diversity of the island. A visit to the steamy rainforest of Kinabatangan will give you the chance to see locals at work on conservation projects. You’ll be able to visit the jungle by boat and spend the night in a jungle hut. The accommodations may not be exactly five-star, but orangutans, hornbills and macaques outside your door make up for the rough-and-ready living.

Maintaining the ecology is not just important in terms of tourism. Borneo’s rich biodiversity means an enormous amount of medicinal plants grow there. The local people have used some of these since time immemorial, but the jungles have yielded up plants that are used by modern medicine too. It’s a magical place that never fails to amazer – did you know, for instance, that

during the rainy season bamboo grows up to 7” a day?

Sandakan, a bustling city on the north-east coast is the perfect spot to end your adventure.

It has historic Chinese temples, an island-studded bay and is the gateway to Turtle Island where giant green turtles come ashore to lay their eggs.

Close by to Sandakan is the Sepilok Orangutan Reserve, the Rainforest Discovery Centre and a proboscis monkey sanctuary in Labuk Bay – all worth seeing.

Over 22 days, Intrepid Travel visits all these cities, villages, forests, parks and jungles as well as more so your visit will certainly be packed!

Tour plus flights start at ¤3950. Please call (01) 524 0071 or email islington@ myadventure store.co.uk for more

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information or visit www.intrepidtravel.com/ TMSXC. Malaysia TourismBoard Dublin(01) 237 6243 or email isabel@tourism-malaysiadublin.com

GOFASHION

We are very excited that the Christmas party season is fast approaching. From fabulous florals to glamorous gothic to the must-have party frocks, ROE MCDERMOTT has all your flirty fashion needs covered. This Christmas, treat yourself!

THE ROARING TWENTIES With Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby set to hit the big screen later this year, we’re looking to Zelda Fitzgerald and Coco Chanel as our style icons. Keep silhouettes straight and simple with elegant flapper dresses. Just remember, simple doesn’t mean boring! Stunning shades, sequins and sparkles bring a flirty flair to classic low-waisted ensembles, and will add a ‘20s underground European nightclub decadence to your dresses. If you prefer to cover up, look for flattering high-waist, wide leg trousers and make a statement with art deco-inspired jewellery. Remember, flapper fashion is all about rebellion.

WINTER FLORALS There’s nowhere to run and nowhere to hide: florals are here to stay! Having lasted for several seasons now, the stubborn summer flower-power theme has become somewhat exhausted. But there’s good news – this season, floral has been given a dark twist, and we’re loving it. Winter florals are all about embracing mossy, muddy and dark colours and morphing the dark and ordinary into something of extraordinary beauty. Look for bold prints with fully-bloomed roses and peonies in deep, rich shades, heavy applique and dramatic brocade. To bring a razor-sharp edge to this look, team with dark and studded gladiator-style heels. Careful boys – this rose has thorns!

GOTHIC GLAMOUR It’s not just the skies that are getting darker – this season, gothic romance ruled the catwalks.

Sheer, embellished materials and lace garments imbue the trend with a tantalising sexiness, hinting at what lies beneath. Meanwhile, tough but beautiful accessories like lace or deco-inspired heels and glamorously gothic jewellery such as

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diamanté crucifixes add some biker girl chic to the look. For more formal occasions, you can even embrace two trends at once by looking for dark lace flapper dresses, which combine the flirty silhouette of the ‘20s with the dark romance of Victorian fashion for a trendsetting modern look.

PARTY PERFECT The party season can also be the pressure season, what with extraneous demands on both your social calendar and your wardrobe! But we’ve picked out some of our favourite trends to make sure that you become your soiree’s showstopper! Red has long been the colour of passion, power and seduction, and deep scarlets, romantic crimsons and rich oxblood shades are everywhere at the moment. For full-on festive glamour, you can’t beat a Jessica Rabbit-inspired gown with a thigh-high slit. Or if you prefer to go for a modern twist on the Grecian Goddess look, try full-length column dresses with sexy cut-out panels to subtly flash some flesh. Finally, if you’re brave enough to get your pins out in the Baltic winter weather, go for a flirty ‘50s dress in a modern metallic fabric. Get ready to shine!

ALL ABOUT ACCESSORIES Now that you’re nearly ready to face the festive season, it’s time for some finishing touches! As ever, sexy leather jackets and well-tailored coats are a must to wrap up in, while coloured scarves can instantly add a pop of colour to a dark winter wardrobe. Faux fur can also lend some serious, old-fashioned glamour to any ensemble.

Finally, even the ice can’t keep us away from our stilettos, and some sequined high heels will brighten up those frosty walks.

Red drape dress â‚Ź358 House of Fraser

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GOFASHION 1

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1.

Guinevere dress €85 Monsoon

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1920s style dress €201 River Island

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Cut-out wine maxi €70 A|Wear

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Sequin embellished top €87 River Island

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Cross earrings €6.90 Accessorize

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Paul Costello fur neck warmer €15 Dunnes Stores

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Regal Tassel earrings €15.90 Accesssorize

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Deco Kimono knit €111.00, Black wide leg trousers €163.00, Skinny glitter belt €55.37 All House of Fraser

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Peonie shift dress €135 Monsoon

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10. Flapper dress €246 House of Fraser 11.

Sequin shoes €20 Penneys

12. Opulent gold dress €65 A|Wear

STOCKISTS ACCESSORIZE 23D Jervis Shopping Centre, Mary St., Dublin 1 10-12 Williamsgate St., Co. Galway Unit 30, Mahon Point Shopping Centre, Co. Cork Unit 26 Garryowen Mall, Crescent Shopping Centre, Dooradoyle, Co. Limerick

St. Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre, Grafton St., Dublin 2 William St., Co. Galway North Main St., Co. Cork Parkway Shopping Centre, Dublin Road, Co. Limerick

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

HOUSE OF FRASER Dundrum Town Centre, Dublin 16

DUNNES STORES

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 Unit 225 Eyre Square Shopping Centre, Co. Galway O’Connell St., Co. Limerick St. Patrick St., Co. Cork RIVER ISLAND 102-103 Grafton St., Dublin 2 Unit C1-C7, Ilac Shopping Centre, Henry St., Dublin 1 14-15 Shop St., Co. Galway 39 Patrick St., Co. Cork 9 Cruise’s St., Co. Limerick

GO

REVIEW A L B U M S .

WOODY ALLEN

M O V I E S .

B O O K S

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GOLISTEN.

GOWATCH.

TWO OF IRELAND’S OUTSTANDING NATIONAL MUSICAL TREASURES, THE LEGENDARY VAN MORRISON AND NORTHSIDE DUBLIN BARD DAMIEN DEMPSEY, HAVE CRACKING NEW ALBUMS ON THE SHELVES, AS DO THE MUCH-LOVED MUMFORD & SONS....

ROE McDERRMOTT CASTS A FORENSIC EYE OVER A FISTFUL OF THIS SEASON’S DVD RELEASES INCLUDING NEW PIXAR FLICK BRAVE, WALL STREET DRAMA MARGIN CALL AND AN INTRIGUING DOCUMENTARY ABOUT THE LIFE AND TIMES OF WOODY ALLEN

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GOREAD. THERE’S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE IN OUR BATCH OF FESTIVE STOCKINGFILLERS, WITH JK ROWLING’S NEW TOME CASUAL VACANCY, KEN FOLLETT’S WORLD WAR II EPIC DRAMA WINTER OF THE WORLD AND ZADIE SMITH’S NW ALL WELL WORTH LEAFING THROUGH...

GOLISTEN. MUSIC TO SET THE MOOD FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON

WITH THE ZILLION-SELLING NEW MUMFORD & SONS DISC AND FRESH RELEASES FROM TWO OF IRELAND’S GREATS — THE EVERGREEN VAN MORRISON AND DONAGHMEDE TROUBADOUR DAMIEN DEMPSEY — THERE’S PLENTY TO GET STUCK INTO THIS WINTER

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t’s already the fastest-selling album in both the UK and the US (having also smashed the Spotify record for streaming albums, attracting eight million “listens” in its first seven days.) But Mumford & Sons’ second album, Babel, takes few chances with the formula, offering fans exactly what they might have expected from a band so universally adored. While it’s hard not to be moved by familiar-sounding and eminently rousing anthems such as ‘I Will Wait’, ‘Broken Crown and ‘Hopeless Wanderer”, the freshness and raw excitement of their huge-selling debut Sigh No More is slightly diminished here. On the plus side, the hip London indie-folksters at least haven’t gone all post-modern and experimental in the face of commercial success like so many others before them. The banjos, fiddle, guitars and stomping beats are all present and correct, while Marcus Mumford sings like his life (or indeed his tweed waistcoat) depended on it.

There’s a lovely harmony sequence on the midtempo ‘Ghosts That We Knew’ while in contrast, the more subdued tracks, especially the lovely and bare-boned two-minute ballad ‘Reminder’, the Springsteen-esque ‘Lover’s Eyes’ and the gently-strummed ‘Not With Haste’ redeem the sometimes over-bearing stridency of the full-on tracks.

Proud North Dubliner, Damien Dempsey is another performer in the folk arena for whom passionate performances and dogged determination come as second nature. His latest album Almighty Love, his seventh to date (which features a fantastic cover-shot of Damo rising Christ-like out of the waters of Dublin Bay) is less polemical and more reflective than some of his previous outings and is arguably all the better

for it. Produced by long-term collaborator John Reynolds, with guests including Sinéad O’Connor (one of his many celebrated fans, Morrissey being another) it should please his loyal legion of fans and add some more gems to his live set. Of the songs, the title track and ‘Canadian Geese’ are immediate highlights, the latter featuring him singing in a near falsetto, while an angry cover of Scottish singer-songwriter Andy Stewart’s, ‘Fire In The Glen’ a story of crofters’

Damien Dempsey

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homes being burned by landlords, could well serve as a metaphor for evictions closer to home. ‘Moneyman’ not surprisingly broaches the subject of bankers and loan-sharks, the up-tempo reggae-flavoured ‘Born Without Hate’ features a rap by London street poet Kate Tempest while more personal fare such as the poignant ‘Chris & Stevie’ showcase his tender side.

On Astral Weeks he sang about taking the train from Dublin to Belfast and on Born To Sing: No Plan B – his 35th studio album and first in four years — Van Morrison harks back to his ‘70s heyday when he was arguably at his artistic peak. The opening track, ‘Open The Door To Your Heart’ is classic Van – all stabbing brass, shimmering organ, jangling guitars, and that voice, which sounds as transcendent, mystical and powerful as ever. ‘Down To Monte Carlo’ recalls his mantra-like ‘The Days Before Rock & Roll’ while ‘Close Enough For Jazz’, not surprisingly the jazziest track here, isn’t a million miles away from ‘Moondance’ with its creeping rhythm. Elsewhere, ‘Mystic Of The East’ revisits a theme he has often explored in the past while ‘Pagan Heart’ is his own take on John Lee Hooker-style blues. He takes more than one swipe at the current state of world affairs, for example on the oddly-titled ‘Educating Archie’, which finds him firing off at those ‘controlled by the media who took away your constitution,’ while on the sublime ‘End Of The Rainbow’ he muses that ‘every penny has got to be earned, everybody’s got to be at the coalface’. With superb accompaniment from a stellar band, the performances and arrangements are close to perfection, making this arguably his best album since 1995’s Days Like This.

GOWATCH. MOVIES TO CURL UP IN FRONT OF THE FIRE TO

WITH THE FROSTY WINTER APPROACHING, WHAT BETTER WAY TO SPEND AN EVENING THAN COZIED UP IN FRONT OF THE FIRE WITH A GOOD DVD? WORDS ROE MCDERMOTT

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his month sees the release of Richard Weide’s Woody Allen: A Documentary, a film that does exactly what it says on the tin. From Allen’s beginnings as a jokewriting teenager, to his transformation into a “non-performing” stand-up, to his coveted position upon – and then many tumbles from – his critics’ darling pedestal; his journey to filmmaking maturation is a delight to watch. As muses, lovers, actors and friends such as Diane Keaton, John Cusack and Martin Scorsese wax lyrical about the easy-going eccentric, Allen himself provides plenty of laughs, both through interviews and footage of his stand-up acts, early film work and talk-show appearances. There’s also a great overview of Allen’s prolific body of work, briskly running through most of Allen’s films. Allen’s relationship with death is a frequent conversation topic (“It remains the same – I’m against it!”), while his artistic and romantic relationship with Annie Hall star Diane Keaton is analysed through both the increasingly serious and sentimental tone of their work. However, a throwaway line from Keaton perhaps gives the greatest insight into Allen’s relationship with his many female muses; “He didn’t quite fall in love with me. But I was around a lot.” A Documentary is consistently entertaining, allowing fans to bathe in nicely presented nostalgia while inspiring neophytes to go on an Allen-centric Netflix spree.

For a late October date night, look no further than the lovely character-driven drama You Sister’s Sister, that’s light on plot and heavy on both dialogue and charm. Set on the beautifully shot, misty greens of an off-Seattle island, Your Sister’s Sister sees Jack (Mark Duplass) retreat to friend Iris’ (Emily Blunt) holiday home in order to mourn his brother and clear his head. But when he arrives, Iris’ lesbian sister Hannah (Rosemarie DeWitt) is there. Tequila is drunk, sob stories are shared, sex is had, Iris arrives and true feelings are realised – but has the damage been done?

Bearing an intriguingly simplistic premise, this tale of an almost-love triangle unfolds into something quietly, comically beautiful. The naturalistic ebb and flow of conversation is heightened by one-liners delivered slightly offbeat, seemingly irrelevant tangents and jokes so off-the-cuff you can see the actors genuinely crying with laughter – or heartbreak. Grand gestures and dramatic moments are punctuated by moments of believable awkwardness and insecurity, so that grieving brothers lash out, giving eulogies that are uncomfortably honest and laden with mixed emotions. It’s these

moments of vulnerability that allow both Lynne Shelton’s direction and the cast’s talent to truly shine, and together they masterfully handle the delicate themes of sexuality, loneliness, loss, family, and the almost-incestuous taboo of loving the sibling of a lover. Irresistibly sweet.

In November, Disney and Pixar’s latest offering Brave is available on DVD, perfect for some festive family viewing. Though not quite as wonderful as Toy Story or Up, the lovely, family-friendly and visually stunning tale Brave has sublime animation, funny characters, a great voice cast and a warm, emotional familyfriendly message. Kelly MacDonald voices the feisty and headstrong Princess Merida, who’s constantly butting heads with her loving but strict mother (Emma Thompson), who wants her daughter to marry well. Add a quirky witch, some misunderstood magic and you’ve a gorgeous little concoction of traditional myths and universal themes. It goes without saying that technically Brave is stunning. With an emphasis on place and authenticity, the directors’ Scottish roots are evident in their adoring, almost photographic views of green vales, lush forests, shimmering waterfalls and glorious mountaintops. The traditional score swells and gallops, as Julie Fowlis’ lilting

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Gaelic songs send hearts soaring and a Birdy and Mumford & Sons collaboration perfectly embodies the inspiring theme of freedom and family. But as a whole, the film never reaches the level of humour, innovation, deeper metaphor or incredible originality of Pixar’s usual offerings.

The traditional rebellion tale could be The Little Mermaid, or Mulan, or Freaky Friday – a nicely wrapped tale of maturation, and family relationships, with some very cute moments, some slapdash humour and a triumphantly tearjerking conclusion. Delightful, but not quite a classic.

A slightly more enraging November offering, the superb Wall Street drama Margin Call is a taut, tense, character-driven fictionalisation of the collapse of the Lehman Brothers, destined to leave you railing against the corrupt banking culture. As dark offices are lit by Manhattan’s skyline and the neon glow of countless computer screens, JC Chandor’s theatrical sets are the perfect backdrop for the series of shady deals and self-serving decisions that allowed one firm to bring the economy to its knees, putting not only faces but (believe it or not) souls to those individuals whose actions reverberated around the globe. As a cocky trader who annually claims $75,000 worth of hookers, drugs and booze as “entertainment expenses”, but is still disgusted by the actions of his superiors, Paul Bettany shines as a realistic blend of morals and materialism, while Kevin Spacey gives his best turn in years as the conflicted department head who becomes aware of both the firm’s problems and the inevitable and unforgiveable escape plan far, far too late. But though Chandor humanises the traders, he doesn’t romanticise them, and a brilliant sequence lets us hear Bettany masterfully turning on his Cockney charm to knowingly shift millions of worthless stock onto unwitting buyers. It’s a credit to the actors that you despise their actions while not demonising their characters. Excellent.

Also worth a look is the fun and sweet romcom The Five Year Engagement, starring Emily Blunt and Jason Segal; the excellent rags-to riches-to-rags documentary Queen Of Versailles and the slight end-of-world comedy Seeking a Friend At The End Of The World, starring Keira Knightley and Steve Carrell.

But do be sure to avoid the awful, cliché-ridden Men In Black III, uninspiring Tim Burton and Johnny Depp vanity project Dark Shadows, and the irredeemable “comedy” Keith Lemon The Film – you’d be better off staying out and risking frostbite!

GOREAD. BOOKS TO SET THE PULSE RACING

NO SHORTAGE OF LITERARY TREATS TO DEVOUR THIS ISSUE, WITH FINE NEW TOMES FROM JK ROWLING, KEN FOLLETT AND ZADIE SMITH ON OFFER

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hen the wind is howling there is something deliciously self-indulgent about curling up on the sofa with a mug of tea, biscuits and a wonderful book. But which book, or better still, books? That’s the question.

Autumn sees the release of JK Rowling’s much-discussed first adult novel. The Casual Vacancy is a very different proposition to the Harry Potter series, but adult Rowling fans will realise that the many of the characters are not a million miles away from Harry’s small-minded guardians, Petunia and Vernon Dursley. When a popular parish counsellor, Barry Fairbrother, drops dead, the citizens of the fictional town of Pagford manoeuvre to fill his place. Local politics are divisive, particularly over the issue of a sink estate known as the Fields. Rowling explores the rivalries, petty jealousies and domestic troubles of her characters. The smug self-importance of the middle class is nicely skewered, but the social ills that affect the poor are not shied away from either. The Casual Vacancy is certainly dark – there’s drug addiction, rape, domestic violence and mental illness amongst the various storylines – but the novel has a rich vein of black comedy

too. There are writers who tell a thumping good tale and others for whom the crafting of language takes precedence over plot. Rowling is the first kind, and there is very little wrong with that.

Another writer who is more of a storyteller than a prose stylist is Ken Follett, and if you enjoy an epic read then his new novel, Winter Of The World, may be the book for you. This is the second book in his Century trilogy and covers the build-up to and aftermath of the Second World War. Follett certainly knows his history but as a storyteller, he is more concerned with the effect of world events on the lives of his characters.

Follett has long been interested in politics and is a lifelong supporter of the Labour party, which has clearly influenced the novel. In some ways, Winter Of The World is a love song to social democracy – various ideologies are explored but democracy, with generous helpings of both socialism and capitalism, is seen as the only possible route to a prosperous and egalitarian society. Don’t let that dissuade you – Winter Of The World is hugely enjoyable. You don’t have to have read the first book in the series to enjoy this novel because all the relevant details are

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included, but once you’ve finished Winter Of The World, chances are you’ll want to.

On the other end of the scale is Zadie Smith.

Ever since the release of her debut, White Teeth, Smith has been seen as literary with a capital L. This has served her well in the past – White Teeth and her critically acclaimed third novel, On Beauty, were both skilfully written and engaging stories. In comparison Smith’s new novel NW is something of a disappointment, at least initially.

Set in northwest London, the book follows four people, Leah, Natalie, Felix and Nathan from Caldwell, a Willesden council estate. NW examines how race, sex and class influence our choices and our lives. The first section drags by being somewhat ‘try hard’ – Smith peppers the text with literary flourishes, which show off her skill but add very little to the novel. Once you get past this however, NW comes together beautifully. Smith can certainly write and once she stops worrying about being ‘writerly’, her prose begins to soar. NW is certainly not a bad novel – in parts it is a gloriously good read – but not her best. Still, Zadie Smith in less than peak form is still a force to be reckoned with.

G O F I G U R E

GO RAILS BRAIN TEASERS

QUIZ (A)

(B)

(C)

THE NATURAL WONDERS OF THE WORLD ARE:

THE LARGETS LAKES IN IRELAND ARE:

ACCORDING TO LONELY PLANET, THE BEST CITIES IN THE WORLD TO VISIT ARE:

1. Grand Canyon 2. Great Barrier Reef 3. Harbour of Rio de Janeiro 4. Mount Everest 5. Parícutin Volcano 6. Victoria Falls

1. Lough Neagh 2. Lough Corrib 3. Lough Derg 4. Lough Erne

1. San Francisco 2. Amsterdam 3. Hyderabad 4. Derry 5. Beijing 6. Christchurch

What’s the seventh?

What’s the fifth?

What’s the seventh?

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

CROSSWORD ACROSS 7 8 9 11 12 13 14 16 18 21 23 26 27 28 29 30

Mint cocktail (5) - The Rainbow (4) Monster (4) Unimportant things (6) Strainer (8) End unruly loved sis (8) Palindromic bread (4) Volatile title is exclusivist (7) Elephantine (7) Bridges or Brummell (4) ID (8) Elton John’s Love (4-4) UK school examination (1-5) Hammer-wielding god (4) Once - A Time (4) Fill with high spirits (5)

DOWN 1

1 2 3 4 5 6 10 15 17 19 20 22 24 25

Irregular warrior (9) Stocky (8) Turfed out (7) Formerly Ceylon (3,5) Front of the eye (6) Where the Turfman is from (5) The north Dublin village (4) Small carved figure (9) Plausible but false (8) Maternal (8) Maigret creator Georges (7) Dining place (6) Jacob’s twin brother (4) Sail boat (5)

CROSSWORD SOLUTION Down: 1 Guerrilla, 2 Heavyset, 3 Evicted, 4 Sri Lanka, 5 Cornea, 6 Ardee, 10 Naul, 15 Statuette, 17 Spurious, 19 Motherly, 20 Simenon, 22 Eatery, 24 Esau, 25 Yacht.

Across: 7 Julep, 8 Over, 9 Ogre, 11 Trivia, 12 Colander, 13 Dissolve, 14 Naan, 16 Elitist, 18 Mammoth, 21 Beau, 23 Identity, 26 Part-time, 27 A-level, 28 Thor, 29 Upon, 30 Elate.

66

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