Dublin Voice 24-10-2019

dublinvoice October 24-November 7, 2019 t: 01 901 5565, e: info@dublinvoice.ie

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dublinvoice.ie October 24 - November 7, 2019

dublinvoice October 24 - November 7, 2019 t: 01 901 5565, e: info@dublinvoice.ie

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Brendan honoured Lord Mayor’s award for legendary comic Grace THE legendary Brendan Grace and climate change activist Greta Thunberg have been honoured at the annual Lord Mayor’s Awards at a reception in the Mansion House to honour people who have made a contribution to Irish society.

Other recipients included Panti Bliss, Colin Bell, the Dublin Bus Travel Assistance Scheme, the Dublin City Liffey Swim and Joe Hughes and Karen Phoenix.

Irish youth involved in the climate change marches in Dublin collected the award on Greta Thunberg’s behalf.

Lord Mayor Paul Mc Auliffe said: “One of the great things about being Lord Mayor is the opportunity it presents to confer awards on people who have made a major contribution to this city.

“The Lord Mayor’s Awards are all about saying ‘thank you’ not only on my own behalf but on behalf of all the people of Dublin, to citizens who, through their ordinary everyday lives, enrich this city

in an extraordinary way.”

An annual event since 1989, the award ceremony is an opportunity for the Lord Mayor to highlight and acknowledge achievements of both individuals and groups.

Previous winners of the Award include Jim Gavin, Imelda May, Maeve Binchy, Brian O’Driscoll, Jimmy Magee and Commander Chris Hadfield.

Meanwhile, Brendan Grace will have his life’s dream

fulfilled after friends and family have decided to continue with his most ambitious venture following the Dubliner’s death.

They plan to get the legendary showman’s ambitious project – a film entitled The Spirit Of Saint Patrick – into production and on to the big screen.

Brendan first started working on the script 20 years ago and he finished it, with director Damian O’Callaghan and Luke Corcoran, two days before he died.

His daughter Melanie said: “We are moving heaven and earth to fulfil his dying wishes.”

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Eve Cave (14) at the Irish Girl Guides’ National Guide Awards ceremony in Croke Park where she was among the 135 members of Irish Girl Guides to receive the Trail Blazer gold pin, Guiding’s highest award. Pic: Robbie Reynolds Photography. Lots more pics inside

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dublinvoice.ie October 24 - November 7, 2019

New domestic violence unit set to open A REFUGE for victims of domestic violence is to open in Dublin by the end of the year, it has been confirmed.

The women’s refuge in Rathcoole will provide additional accommodation for domestic violence victims.

It will include five units of emergency refuge family accommodation, which can house up to five adults and 15 children.

The refurbishment of the building in south Dublin is expected to be completed by the end of October.

The recruitment of staff for the refuge is under way and services are expected to be available by the end of the year.

The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Katherine Zappone TD, announced the

progress in domestic, sexual and gender based violence services following a 1.5 million euro increase last year.

These include an increase in funding to sexual violence services and recruitment of additional domestic violence outreach workers.

Healing programmes for children who have witnessed domestic violence were also introduced in seven Tusla areas.

The children’s programmes is being hosted by Barnardos.

Planning is under way to deliver children’s programmes in the remaining 10 Tusla areas by the end of the year while data will be collected to gather evidence on the effectiveness of programmes.

Ms Zappone said that waiting

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lists for counselling for victims of sexual violence are being reduced.

“As Minister I have seen at first hand the invaluable work of frontline agencies supporting women and children targeted by domestic, sexual and genderbased violence,” she said.

“Since I became Minister, I have secured year-on-year increases in funding for domestic, sexual and gender based violence (DSGBV) services.

“The additional investment in these services this year facilitates better access and the provision of enhanced supports and services to victims.”

The once-off funding is enhancing services in alignment with its obligations under the Istanbul Convention.

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Molly Haughton, Abby Wheeler and Kelly McEvoy of St. Mary’s Secondary School, Baldoyle with their Junior Certificate results

Transplant champs on way

DUBLIN is to host the European Transplant and Dialysis Sports Championships in 2020, when the Irish Kidney Association will do the honours in August.

Competitors from more than 20 countries will participate in 13 different sports, with more than 500 participants. Every single athlete will have had a transplant – heart, lung, kidney, liver, pancreas or bone marrow – or be receiving dialysis for kidney failure.

Ages range from 18 to 80

plus – in Team Ireland the oldest athlete is 81!

Transplant sport brings everyone together in celebration of a second chance at life, and gives dialysis patients motivation to be healthy.

National Projects Manager for the Irish Kidney Association, Colin White, said the championships showed the importance of organ donation. “It’s going to be a celebration of life through sport.”

“There are 13 different sports and through the

medium of the event we are looking to engage the wider population, be it through volunteering, sponsorship, any kind of activity that will promote the whole concept of organ donation.

Professor Jim Egan, Director, Organ Donation & Transplantation Ireland (ODTI), said: “The championships are an excellent example of the value of organ donation and the enhanced lives organ recipients go on to live following transplant surgery.”

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dublinvoice.ie October 24 - November, 2019

We could be big Sorry, no ID, in Japan with new direct flights no entry says pub

A DIRECT flight from Dublin Airport to Japan may be on the cards as talks took place last week with Japanese officials about the possibility of such.

The long, long-haul flight, which would be almost 10,000km (6,214 miles) could become a reality in the “medium future” as officials met last week to discuss the possibility.

Transport Minister Shane Ross, who attended Ireland’s Rugby World Cup loss to New Zealand recently, met with Japanese Minsiter Kazuyoshi Akaba to discuss the plan on the previous Friday.

A post from the Irish Embassy read: “In Tokyo, Ireland and Japan Transport Ministers Ross and Akaba oversee senior signing of bilateral, facilitative document pointing to direct, Japan/ Ireland air services in medium term.”

The ambitious route would be by far the longest direct flight in operation from Dublin.

Currently the farthest location you can get to direct is the 8,300km (5,157 miles) to Los Angeles with Aer Lingus.

On Friday last, Australian

Airline Qantas test-ran the longest direct flight in the world.

Project Sunrise, which aims to connect Sydney to London and New York directly, operated a flight with 40 crew on board.

The flight took off from JFK Airport in New York on Friday night and took 20 hours to land in Sydney The 15-hour time-difference meant it landed in Australia on the Sunday morning.

With demand for air travel rapidly growing and aircraft performance improving, carriers are increasingly looking into ultra-long-haul travel.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) expects the worldwide number of annual passengers to grow from 4.6 billion this year to 8.2b. by 2037.

At this point in time, no commercial aircraft could complete the New York-toSydney marathon with a full load. To give the plane the needed range, the Qantas flight took off with maximum fuel, only a few passengers, restricted baggage and no cargo. The aim was to gather data on such.

RTE presenter Evanne Ni Chuilinn was “disappointed” after a popular Dublin pub refused her entry because she had no ID. Bouncers at Dicey’s Garden told the Kilkenny-born journalist she would not be allowed into the pub because she couldn’t produce any identification.

The presenter, who is in her late 30s, later wrote on social media asking the Harcourt Street venue if requesting ID was “a new policy”, according to Dublin Live.

But, while she may have been turned away from her first choice of watering hole, former Dublin GAA star Eamon Fennell was quick to spot an opportunity.

The ex-DJ opened Camden Street bar Huck’s with former teammates Michael Darragh MacAuley and Ross McConnell late last year and he invited Ms Ni Chuilinn to pop around the corner for a drink or two.

06 | newsinbrief Still waiting on that bus to arrive ...

Transport operator Go-Ahead has apologised for buses in Dublin either not arriving or turning up late. However, the company says the latest figures will show complaints have halved.

For April and May this year it was revealed that grievances had more than doubled on most routes since the new company took over some of the city’s routes last year.

dublinvoice.ie October 24 - November 7, 2019

Uncle Gaybo is ‘unlikely’ to return to TV or radio Moya Doherty with Kathleen Watkins at The launch of Kathleen Watkins new book The Ordinary Woman and Other Poems I Love at The Museum of Literature. Pic: Brian McEvoy

Another Taste of Dublin in town Taste of Dublin: Festive Edition inspired by Tesco Finest* is coming to the RDS this November 28th to December 1st and is gearing up to be Ireland’s ultimate winter food festival.

This festive event is brought to you by the team behind the popular Taste of Dublin summer festival that has taken place in the city for the past 14 years!

To find out more and book your ticket please visit www. tasteofdublin.ie

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GAY BYRNE is unlikely to return tto radio and TV and radio and he is still “up and down” from his prostate cancer treatment, according to his wife Kathleen Watkins.

She said the legendary broadcaster still had his sense of humour, despite the fact that his battle with cancer had “taken its toll”.

Meantime, she revealed that Gardai once called to the door of Gay Byrne to inform him his life was in

danger, according to his wife Kathleen who said the guards turned up at their Dublin home as Gaybo regularly got threats from people claiming to be in the IRA. Gay has previously spoken about getting letters threatening “we’ll blow you asunder” after refusing on the Late, Late Show to shake Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adam’s hand after the IRA ceasefire in 1994.

The former Late Late Show

host’s wife told the Irish Sun that Gardai called to their Howth home and said they heard “something was going to happen”.

“They asked to come in and see around the house and make sure we were okay and that no one was holding us against our will.

Gay previously said he never took the threats seriously as “people who are going to kill you don’t write to you beforehand, they just do it.”

Penneys to close store

PENNEYS in Rathfarnham is set to close, prompting concerns over the impact the closure will have on the local area.

The store, located in Rathfarnham Shopping Centre and covering 875 metres square, will close in February 2020 after 28 years in business.

Staff at the store have been offered the opportunity to relocate to other Dublin stores.

The first Penneys opened on Dublin’s Mary Street in 1969 – since then it has become an iconic Irish and international brand under the Primark label.

A spokesperson for Penneys confirmed the closure and said the decision had been made due to the “close proximity” of other stores in Nutgrove and Dundrum.

As well as the fact that “the lease is due to expire in Rathfarnham”.

“In recent years, Penneys has invested in enhancing its customer offering and experience in six of its Dublin stores,” the spokesperson said.

Local Fianna Fáil TD John Lahart called the decision to close the Rathfarnham store “very unfortunate”.

Back of the nett: Euro2020 to bring in €160m

WITH Dublin having been chosen to host four games in Euro 2020, the move be worth around €106m to the city, according to an economic impact for Dublin City Council.

Lansdowne Road will play host to three group games and one Round of 16 game in June 2020, in what will be the biggest sporting event be held in this country.

Up to 96,000 extra tourists are expected to visit Ireland during the two-week period between June 15th and June 30th, with the average stay estimated to be around six nights.

Half of these will be spent outside of Dublin and “foster balanced regional development,” according to a statement announcing the independent economic impact study carried out by EY-DKM for the council.

“UEFA Euro 2020 will also result in the creation of 2,780 full-time jobs before and during the tournament as a result of additional tourism and organisation spending,” it said.

The study suggested that for every €1 spent, the tournament would generate €4 of additional revenue for the Exchequer.

It also looked at the impact to the economy of host-

ing the qualifying draw at the Convention Centre Dublin, in December last year, finding that this event generated €2m for the Irish economy.

Up to 600 overseas visitors attended during the off-peak tourism season for that event.

“With an expected global audience of five billion, Dublin’s hosting of UEFA Euro 2020 will represent a unique opportunity to showcase the city and country to the world,” the statement said.

Lord Mayor of Dublin Paul McAuliffe said excitement was “quite rightly” building across Dublin and Ireland for the football tournament. “Dublin is world-renowned for being a welcoming destination for tourists.” adding that excitement was “quite rightly” building across Ireland for the tournament.

“Dublin is world-renowned for being a welcoming destination for tourists,” he said.

“We are extremely proud that we will be hosting UEFA Euro 2020 and sharing our wonderful city with visitors from all over Europe.”

The anticipated cultural and economic impact of the tournament will leave a long-lasting legacy on our city and beyond.”

Former hurler facing €13k robbery charge A FORMER Dublin senior county hurler and heroin addict who allegedly stole more than €13,000 during a robbery from a post office in Co Longford last week has been remanded in custody.

Alan Coyne (44) of Ballinaree Cottage, Edgeworthstown, Co Longford was brought before Mullingar District Court charged with the theft of €13,278 from Ardagh Post Office, Co Longford on October16th.

He was also charged with the unauthorised taking of a

blue Mazda car from Ardagh Demesne, Ardagh, Co Longford on the same date.

Detective Garda Padraig Fahy gave evidence of arresting the Dublin native shortly before midnight last night at Granard Garda Station, where he was later charged. Mr Coyne replied “no” after caution when both charges were put to him.

No directions were, as of yet, available from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) with the case likely to go forward for trial on indictment.

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dublinvoice.ie October 24 - November 7, 2019

We’ve two of the best Chinese in Europe

700 struck by mumps as vaccine falls

Sienna Castro Darcy (7), Eric Moore (7), Fiadh Mae Walsh (7) and Nathan McCabe (9) at the launch of the Bram Stoker Festival. Pic: Julien Behal

DUBLIN has its fair share of amazing Chinese restaurants.

And according to a new list of 50 best Chinese restaurants in Europe, these two are pretty damn good.

China Sichuan in Sandyford made it to No. 14 on the list, while Hang Dai on Camden Street made it to No. 32.

The list was published by the Dubai-based travel company Big 7 Travel, with a restaurant in the UK taking the top spot.

Describing Camden Street’s Hang Dai, the publication writes: “There’s a lot to say about the truly unique atmosphere and dining experience to be had at Hang Dai in Dublin.

“But, we’re here to talk about the food. First-class, top-notch, ultra-delicious. Whatever you want to call it, it’s definitely some of the best Chinese food in Ireland.”

Finally, Welsh artists David Gray has announced a third and final concert in Dublin next year.

The multi-platinum singer has added another date to his Irish tour after demand for the first two gigs sold out and will perform one final night in the capital on Saturday, April 4th at Dublin’s 3Arena.

He will play the SSE Arena in Belfast on March 31.

MORE tthan 700 Dubliners have been struck down with mumps so far this year.

Like measles, mumps is a very serious disease which can have dramatic outcomes such as encephalitis and meningitis along with infertility for men.

New figures from the HSE show the majority of cases are aged between 15 and 24-years-old.

The viral infection causes fever, headaches, swollen glands and just a general feeling of discomfort and is passed from person to person.

So far this year, there have been 1,793 cases reported across Ireland. It can be prevented by the routine MMR vaccine given to children.

Adults can avail of the free vaccine with the only charge being their GP administration charge.

According to the HSE’s assistant national director for public health, Dr Kevin Kelleher, immunisation rates in Ireland have dropped to 91%, and are as low as 80% in some parts

of the country. While vaccination rates are down, control of both mumps and measles is very good, he added.

Both are very serious diseases which can have dramatic outcomes such as encephalitis and meningitis along with infertility for men.

It is worrying that between 6,000 and 7,000 children every year are not vaccinated, said Dr Kelleher.

Not alone are they putting others at risk, but they are also suppressing their own immune systems.

“These are the most infectious diseases, one infected person can infect 10 to 20 people in a room. On a bus they could infect 15 people.”

If Ireland could get its vaccination rate up to 95% both diseases would be a feature of the past, he said.

Mumps causes swollen neck glands and a fever.

Anyone with such symptoms is advised by the HSE to stay at home so they do not infect other people.

A COHORT of Dublin’s great heroes have been presented with National Bravery Awards.

The civilians and Gardai were honoured at the ceremony at Farmleigh House in the Phoenix Park for acts including falling from a bridge while attempting to save someone’s life and fighting off a burglar who assaulted a man as he arrived home.

Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl presented the 20 recipients with their Certificates of Bravery.

There were also six Bronze Medals for Bravery awarded, while another six recipients received Silver Medals for Bravery.

The annual honours are awarded by Comhairle na Míre Gaile – the Deeds of Bravery Council – which was founded in 1947 to recognise exceptional Acts of Bravery.

The council is chaired by the Ceann Comhairle and includes the Cathaoirleach of an Seanad, the Lord Mayors of Dublin and Cork, the Garda Commissioner, the President of the Association of City and County Councils, and the Chairman of the Irish Red Cross.

The Ceann Comhairle said: “The National Bravery Awards give us an opportunity to celebrate the courage of our emergency services and people who risk their own safety to protect their fellow citizens.

“It is important to recognise the sacrifices made by people whose selflessness can serve to remind us of our duty of care to one another.

“It is an honour to present these 20 Bravery Awards, including the posthumous award, and I thank all for their courage.”

The Dublin recipients were:

*Retired Garda Desmond Brennan Certificate of Bravery *Aonghus O’Briain Certificate of Bravery * Michael Hempenstall Certificate of Bravery *Garda Donal Tully Certificate of Bravery and Bronze Medal *Garda David Currivan Certificate of Bravery and Bronze Medal *Garda Cathal McGeoghan Certificate of Bravery and Bronze Medal *Garda Seán Breheny Certificate of Bravery and Silver Medal *Garda Darren Blackwell Certificate of Bravery and Silver Medal *Sergeant Gavin Coleman Certificate of Bravery and Silver Medal * Garda M.J. Carroll Certificate of Bravery and Silver Medal * Garda Jason Walsh Certificate

Nick Cave, Gabrielle and David Gray for big gigs FOLLOWING the release of the much-acclaimed album Ghosteen, Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds have been announced to play 3Arena Dublin on, May 8 next as part of their European tour.

Tickets go on sale on Friday, October 25 at 10am.

Meantime, one of the UK’s most successful singer-songwriters, Gabrielle will bring her Rise Again Tour 2020

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ISB

to The Olympia Theatre on November 27.

Tickets, on sale now, start at €36.

Gabrielle returned to the top of her game with her 2018 album Under My Skin, which debuted at No 7 on the Official Album Chart and represented her highestcharting studio set since Rise spent three weeks at No 1 some 18 years earlier.

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Local heroes honoured for brave deeds

dublinvoice.ie October 24 - November 7, 2019

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dublinvoice.ie October 24 - November 7, 2019

dublininpictures Advertorial

Aoife Walsh, Fionnghuala O’Reilly, Lynn Kelly and Roz Lipsett at the Urban Decay Naked Honey Palette launch at Everleigh Garden. Pic Brian McEvoy Photography

Phil Coulter at the launch of his memoir, Bruised, Never Broken, which was launched by Eamon Dunphy at the Cliff Townhouse. Pic Brian McEvoy

Paddy Sweetman (4) at the launch of the Jack & Jill Foundation’s drive for LEGO donations Ailish Macmillan and Sarah Keville at the launch of Bernard O Shea’s new book My Wife is Married to a Feckin’ Eejit at the Laughter Lounge. Pic Brian McEvoy

Ashley Kehoe and Laura Mullett, and right, Rosanna Davidson,at the Yves Saint Laurent Christmas preview at the Ivy Restaurant. Pic Brian McEvoy

dublinvoice.ie October 24 - November 7, 2019

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12 | WILDLIFE

with Justin Ivory

Rutting your stuff!

Monarch of the Glen (Photo Justin Ivory) The isolated and seemingly empty valley is a rich kaleidoscope of auburns, russets and burnished gold – the rich tapestry of autumn.

There is not a breath of wind on this crisp October morning as the sun breaks through and basks the eerily silent mountainsides in a gorgeous golden light.

A deep, throaty bellow is carried on the air across the valley and cuts through the silence. It is answered by a cross between a whistle and a moan.

Soon the previously mute landscape is alive with a cacophony of bellows, grunts, whistles and roars – as visceral and primeval a soundtrack as you are likely to encounter in the Irish countryside.

This is the scene that confronted me at the weekend as I made my way along the Upper Lake at Glendalough and up the zig-zags to the Glenealo Valley in the Wicklow Mountains to witness the annual deer rut.

So what is the rut?

In September and October testosterone fuelled stags with freshly grown antlers will compete for the right to maintain and mate with a harem of hinds.

In most cases the quality of a stag’s roar and his physical appearance will be enough to discourage most would be usurpers.

In some cases this is not enough to intimidate a serious challenger and the two heavyweights will approach each other and commence parallel walking until they decide to lock antlers and fight for dominance.

The deer herds in the Wicklow Mountains are a strange mix of the native Red Deer and the introduced Sika Deer.

If you wish to witness the rut of our other main deer species, the Fallow Deer, then an early morning visit to the Phoenix Park won’t disappoint.

What are you rutting at?

(Photo Justin Ivory)

dublinvoice.ie October 24 - November 7, 2019

topten book of the week

HOROSCOPES

tv show of the week

film of the week

Margaret Atwood

the testaments

OAP B&B Virgin Media 1, Sunday October 27 @ 11pm

judy Released 4th October 2019

When the van door slammed on Offred’s future at the end of The Handmaid’s Tale, readers had no way of telling what lay ahead for her – freedom, prison or death. With The Testaments, the wait is over. Margaret Atwood’s sequel picks up the story 15 years after Offred stepped into the unknown, with the explosive testaments of three female narrators from Gilead. ‘Dear Readers: Everything you’ve ever asked me about Gilead and its inner workings is the inspiration for this book. Well, almost everything! The other inspiration is the world we’ve been living in.’ - Margaret Atwood

New series: In episode one of this new series on Virgin Media 1 we watch as elderly homeowners are paired up with young renters for two weeks, giving each a chance to experience life from a different perspective. The homeowners, previously living alone, get some company, while the young tenants get the chance to live rent free in exchange for work around the house.

Time will tell if this is an arrangement that is workable for both, alleviating lonliness for the OAPs and providing affordable accommodation for tenants.

2019 biographical drama film about American singer and actress Judy Garland, following her as she arrives in London in 1969 for a run of sell-out concerts at the Talk of the Town. The film stars Renée Zellweger as Garland, with Jessie Buckley, Finn Wittrock, Rufus Sewell, and Michael Gambon in supporting roles.

Thirty years after starring in “The Wizard of Oz,” beloved actress and singer Judy Garland arrives in London to perform sold-out shows at the Talk of the Town nightclub. While there, she reminisces with friends and fans and begins a whirlwind romance with musician Mickey Deans, her soon-to-be fifth husband.

gig of the week

convention of the week festival of the week

AriesNegotiate favorable terms on an investment. Keep stashing funds for a rainy day. Reduce debt where possible.

TaurusEverything seems possible.

Make sure you know what’s required before committing.

Consider options and wait for developments.

GeminiTeamwork gets you farther, faster. Learn more quickly with an experienced coach.

Follow rules carefully. Pool talents and resources.

CancerYour professional attention is in demand. Focus on producing excellent results.

Consider details carefully.

Weigh pros and cons.

LeoMonitor traffic for the best timing and route. Allow time for scenic detours and roadside attractions. Learn new views.

sinead o’connor Vicar Street, Sunday 27th - Monday 28th October Time: 8.30pm. Price:€45. www.vicarstreet.com

DUBLIN TATTOO CONVENTION RDS, Main Hall Complex (Halls 1-4 & 6), Friday 1st - Sunday 3rd November

Bram Stoker Festival Friday 25th - Monday 28th October, Various locations Dublin bramstokerfestival.com

Sinead O’Connor has sold out her Vicar St date.

Due to phenomenal demand an extra date has been added for October 28th. This year marks the return of Sinead O’Connor and a new beginning that will see her bring out new music and tour the world once again as one of the true and original living greats of our time. From the early new wave explosion of Mandinka to the multi–platinum soul of Prince’s Nothing Compares to You, Sinead had left an indelible mark with her unique image and vocal style. An artist beyond comparison – unique, uncompromising, a pioneer, a visionary are just some of the descriptions of Sinead O’Connor.

You will have the opportunity to meet and hang out with thousands of other people interested in tattoos! The tattoo culture itself is amazing and full of open-minded people.

Great opportunity to get out and actually meet people. Also a chance to network and exchange information on the latest techniques and trends. There are, booths with products and services, competitions and contests, giveaways, art exhibitions and workshops related to the tattoo industry issues. There’s food, drink and entertainment.

Keep an eye on their Facebook page for more details.

The Bram Stoker Festival playfully celebrates the Gothic, the mysterious, the after-dark and the supernatural, and delves into the legacy of one of Ireland’s most treasured authors.

The packed programme of events devilishly mixes family-friendly adventures with latenight antics for mates, dates and everything in between. From unforgettable spectacles on water, to séances in complete darkness, dress-up screenings in the dead of night to daring theatre in evocative churches, popup Victorian fun parks to foodie tours with a devilish twist, there’s intimate performances in unusual spaces.

show of the week

run of the week

event of the week

ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW The Sugar Club, Leeson Street Lower 8pm - 2am Saturday 26th October. Price:€22.50

Expect the CRAZIEST, WILDEST and most OUTRAGEOUS show yet! With prizes for best dressed, custom cakes, encourage audience participation, free props, feisty phantoms, complimentary hot chocolate, and new scenes performed live and unabashed for your pleasure! And what would a Rocky Horror be without the fabulous Miss Dotty Potts, to wet your whistle before the main event!!! Its gonna be one hell of a party!!! Now where else would you rather be? “HALLOWEEN BABY”

KBC Dublin Marathon Sunday 27th October, 8.45am - 5pm Price:€70 | €80 | €90. Fitzwilliam Street Upper.

WILD LIGHTS AT DUBLIN ZOO Friday 1st November - Sunday 5th January 5 - 9pm. Price:€12 - €20

The 40th edition is a single lap, starting and finishing close to the City Centre. Conditions for marathon running are ideal. Each participant of the KBC Dublin Marathon will receive their race bag during registration in the main hall of the RDS on Friday 25th from 12 – 7pm, and Saturday 26th from 9am – 7pm.

There are 4 wave starts: You will be assigned a wave based on your previous marathon time or an estimated time if you are a first time marathoner when the entries close.

The spectacular night-time experience is back and it’s like nothing you’ve seen before!

Showcasing a brand new theme – Stories, Myths and Legends. With magical scenes from well-known stories like – The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Peter Pan and The Jungle Book… to best-loved nursery rhymes and characters from Irish Mythology – all brought to life by dazzling, giant colourful silk lanterns! See over a thousand breath-taking, illuminated lanterns transform Dublin Zoo.

VirgoYou’re getting stronger and more attractive. Leave self-doubt behind for a while. Take on practices that inspire and motivate you.

LibraMake an agreement with your partner and punctuate it with optimism. Determine what another wants.

Consider shared goals.

ScorpioResist impulsive moves that could land you in hot water.

Maintain routine practices and pour energy into work to meet increasing demand.

Sagittarius-

Someone attractive catches your eye. Open the door to romance when it comes knocking. Practice your arts, talents and charms. Work your magic.

CapricornClean and clear domestic clutter. Discover forgotten treasures and hidden beauty.

Share nostalgic reflections while practicing a favorite family tradition.

AquariusResearch and write your story. Listen to diverse views. Make a strong case and line up supporting data.

Document your source material.

PiscesMaintain a steady tempo to keep cash flow constant.

Find safe places to stash your treasure. Guard against technical issues.

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dublinvoice.ie October 24 - November 7, 2019

opinion&comment

Bring down curtain on panto politics

S

amuel Johnson said of a dog, trained to walk on its hind legs, that “it is not done well; but you are surprised to find it done at all”.

The same might be said of our Government. When Enda Kenny put together this coalition back in 2016 I doubted if it would last a year. A weakened Fine Gael, a disparate bunch of independents, relying for survival on the support of Fianna Fáil: like Johnson’s dog, this administration did not seem capable of standing on its own two feet.

Like the dog, it moves in strange ways - but it has kept the country steady and delivered four Budgets. For that, at least, Leo Varadkar and Micheál Martin deserve a pat on their heads.

We have now seen the last Budget under the FG-FF nonaggression pact. Although it was as unimpressive as the three others, I have to concede that the confidence and supply agreement has worked.

Michael Wolsey

I hope it’s not the end of such deals, even if the next general election does not throw up a Dáil where one is absolutely necessary.

There is a high level of consensus in Irish politics - and not just between the two big parties.

With the exception of the small groupings on the far Left, all our elected representatives are capable of working together and, indeed, they have often done so on specific constituency issues or where the national interest arises.

A lot of the argument we see

Bank of Ireland Youth Ambassador James Patrice at the launch of the Bank of Ireland Money Smarts Challenge, with students Katie Farmer (15) and Colin Eiffe (13). Pic: Julien Behal

across the floor in Leinster house is a phony war. We inherited this confrontational system from the British who love a bit of parliamentary theatricality, with heroes and villains, hissing and booing and a few characters in fancy dress.

It’s pantomime politics. And has it served them well? Oh no it hasn’t!

Westminster has been very entertaining for the past couple of years. But entertainment is not the purpose for which parliaments are elected and Britain’s showboating parliamentarians have failed that country badly.

The dull old Dáil has served us better, steering a steady course through the Brexit storms.

I am not sure how much credit our politicians deserve for this adult approach.

The last election left them with no choice but to hang together or head back to the polls where they might well have hanged separately. And, as Dr Johnson (the smuggest man in 18th century England) also said, the prospect of a

hanging concentrates the mind wonderfully.

But whatever the motivation, TDs have set an example of cooperation which should not be disregarded .

There is no good reason why politicians from different parties should not sit around a table and thrash out issues before they reach the floor of the house. A bit of intelligent discussion may help improve a Bill and a little sensible tweaking may smooth its passage onto the statute books.

I am not suggesting a national government, far from it: ministers need to be held to account and parliaments work better when there is a bit of confrontation. But I would be happy to see an end to this nonsense where the government says ‘white’ and the opposition unthinkingly roars ‘no, black is better’.

Parliaments, like families, will always have their divisions.

But, again like families, they function best when they can work through the differences, agree to differ and put those differences behind them.

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dublinvoice.ie October 24 - November 7, 2019