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ie August / September 2019 Page 1

FREE
August / September 2019

Web: www.newsfour.ie  Email: newsfour@gmail.com  Local newsdesk phone: 01 667 3317

Serving Sandymount, Irishtown, Ringsend, Pearse Street, Docklands, Ballsbridge & Donnybrook

Cube Homes: The Future of Housing?

A
n Geneva Pattison from the relevant authorities for
s property prices con- each Cube Home, regardless of
tinue to soar in Dublin, its final specification. Whether
the public are constant- you’re looking for a multi-sto-
ly looking for creative solutions rey house, student accommoda-
to get their foot on the housing tion, granny flat, office or stu-
ladder – enter Cube Homes. dio, all options can be explored.
These homes are stylishly- The single cube show house
converted shipping containers in Poolbeg included handmade
fitted to your ordered specifica- fittings and bespoke interior de-
tions, with all mod cons avail- sign elements with a classic feel,
able for inclusion. that touched on the stylish Scan-
This innovative brainchild divanian interior trends. The
of Vincent Byrne was born out interior designer of the show
of the desire to provide afford- home, Rachel, explained that
able and functional housing to working with a smaller space
people who may feel trapped in provided some challenges. She
the cycle of poverty that high explained that a main focus
rent costs seem to create. Other of hers was “making sure that
companies on the continent are there was enough living space
exploring similar ideas and re- quality they’re offering. a Cube, paid over a period of lutely, electrical meters can be in terms of dining and room for
purposing shipping containers On the subject of the struc- time in regular installments. easily installed.” guests if they come over,” with-
but as the company director ture itself, Vincent explained Before purchasing the home, out sacrificing comfort.
said himself, not to the level of some of the aspects a Cube It’s all in the details laying preparatory groundwork Continued on page 2.
home has to offer: “The out- Everything in the 320 square on the site would be necessary
side is all maintenance free… foot single showhouse cost a in most scenarios. The homes
The render on the outside is total of €60,000 to complete. are not made on site, they come
acrylic so it’ll stay like that That included insulation, stor- ready-made, which means there
forever. All you have to do is age facilities, fridge, freezer, will be an extra cost for truck
power wash it. Everything’s hob, oven, dishwasher, wash- transport and to hire a crane to
electric, so no fossil fuels ing machine and fitted bath- lower it into place.
are used, only heaters to heat room facilities. These structures can be made
the water… The roof is very The electric and plumbing into two-storey premises or sev-
strong, so if you wanted to put pipes installation is included eral containers adjacent to one
a roof garden on it you could. too, all you have to do is con- another, whatever layout suits
The world’s your oyster!” nect the drains, water and elec- your purpose and budget.
In keeping with his aim of tric to the relevant sources. Vincent has an independ-
limiting people’s financial bur- Vincent clarified that “there is ent planning consultant who is
dens, he is also hoping to set no issue in supplying electricity available to consult with pro-
up finance payment options for to the cube as long as there is spective owners regarding ob-
those interested in purchasing an electricity source and abso- taining planning permission

In this issue…
Page 10-11: Campaign to save Markievicz Pool Page 16: RTE funding crisis Page 26: Profile. George Noble Plunkett Page 34: Running for Sanctuary
Page 2 www.newsfour.ie August / September 2019

Cube Homes: The Future of Housing?

NewsFour Newspaper Continued from page 1. way for the creation of Keet- recent refusal of planning Forward thinking
is part of a DEASP The use of space was clev- wonen in Amsterdam. permission for over 200 co- Cube Homes may be in its
Community Employment er throughout the property. Keetwonen is the largest living units in Tallaght, it early days, but Vincent is
Programme An entire wall in the living shipping container housing begs the question – would a looking to the future of this
area was occupied with sleek project in the world and when well planned container home emerging business already.

NewsFour floor-to-ceiling shelving,

with room left for a large tel-
it was first launched in 2006,
it was the biggest student
format have been more suc-
cessful? An Bord Pleanála
He hopes to introduce solar
panels as an option to gen-
evision at the centre and add- accommodation ever under- released a quote regarding erate clean energy and simi-
Editor ed space on a lower shelf for taken. Currently, Keetwonen their reasons for refusing larly, a circulating water har-
Eoin Meegan storing a seating pouffe. is being dismantled and 249 the build, stating that the co- vesting system, which would
A similar style of practical of the units have already been living structure would “fail be installed underground near
Online Editor yet elegant shelving was used relocated to the city of Gro- to provide an acceptable liv- the house providing all the
Kathrin Kobus in the bedroom to allow for ningen, where the demand is ing environment,” and that it necessary water for consump-
plenty of floor space around the most dire. had a “notable shortfall in the tion and washing.
Journalists the bed. The main colour The remaining 751 units are provision of sufficient com- Similarly, Cube Homes are
Beibhinn Byrne scheme was a classic char- still up for sale which also munal facilities.” looking to get government
Kathrin Kobus coal and white, with splashes include housing, a shopping Comparing this interpre- backing to ensure this po-
Eoin Meegan of jewel tones and vibrant centre and a cafe. This is a tation of co-living with the tential housing solution suc-
Peter McNamara yellow coming through in the great example of one of the privacy and independence a ceeds. With potential govern-
David Prendeville accessories throughout the perks of container housing. container home could offer, ment backing and investment,
Geneva Pattison house. You can pick it up and move there really is no comparison. Cube Homes may be able to
Dermot Carmody it wherever it’s needed. Similarly, consider the pros- provide people in dire situa-
Container homes on the The implementation of this pects it could offer those in tions some comfort, dignity
Continent container housing, on larger Ireland currently homeless or and interim security while
Contributors
In the Netherlands, they scales, has been a great suc- living in hotels. It is without saving on overall governmen-
Felix O’Regan
have successfully utilised cess abroad. With Minister a doubt an idea that should, tal expenditure.
Gavan Bergin
container housing to try and Eoghan Murphy’s introduc- and hopefully will, be ex- If the idea of living in a
Rodney Devitt
improve their student hous- tion this year of the co-liv- plored by our government in converted shipping container
Susan O’Brien
ing deficit. The Netherlands ing housing model and the the near future. still doesn’t feel very ap-
Joe Kenny
is already the highest popu- pealing to you, after walking
Glenda Cimino lated country in Europe and around the show house my-
Tom Crilly one of the most densely pop- self and seeing what can be
ulated countries in the world, done with limited space on
Crossword with around 488 people per a budget I was blown away.
Gemma Byrne square kilometre. The space on the whole felt
The yearly influx of stu- bright, roomy and full of infi-
Design and Layout dents coming to study from nite possibilities. I can assure
Eugene Carolan abroad started putting a you with every confidence
huge demand on their al- that these are not just houses,
Ad Design ready scarce accommodation. they’re homes.
Dara O Riordain Those coming to college saw
themselves being put up in Cube Homes are based
Photo Pages shared tents with cots in them out of Ringsend, visit htt-
Gary Burke near their respective campus- p s : / / w w w. c u b e h o m e s . i e /
Joseph Martin es. for any inquiries or to view
That was until the govern- their projects online.
Sandymount ment decided to invest in a
Community Services, quick, affordable and effec- House photos by Geneva
13A Fitzwilliam Street, tive solution. This paved the Pattison.
Ringsend, Dublin 4.

Telephone: (01)6673317 were over 10,000 people homeless in Ireland. Many young chil-

E-mail: The Editor’s Corner dren are growing up knowing only hotel rooms as their home.
An unacceptable situation. Our cover story offers one innovative
solution, but the government needs to look at the broader picture

W
newsfour@gmail.com
and treat this malaise with the urgency it demands.
Website: e live in times of great uncertainty. The world seems to With communities breaking down (see pg 32-33) many peo-
www.newsfour.ie be sliding towards a politics of separation, and a hard- ple on the margins are made to feel invisible. That’s why it’s
ness that is slowly becoming the norm. In the present more important than ever to reignite the sense of belonging, of
time along with a growing affluence there is a concomitant sense community, and resilience which Ireland has traditionally been
Opinions expressed in NewsFour
of isolation and individualism. With the ever increasing likeli- known for, and to make sure it extends to everyone, including
do not necessarily represent hood of a no deal Brexit, which according to a recent govern- asylum seekers and refugees (pg 34).
the views of Sandymount ment report could mean a potential €6 billion cost to the Irish Progress and development in our city, so vital and welcome
Community Services. economy, and an estimated increase of 50,000 plus in unemploy- in many ways, must not be allowed to happen at the expense of
ment, that uncertainty got a whole lot worse. the destruction our homes and amenities (pg 10-11). The future
Printed by Yet it is not Brexit, nor the global economy, but homelessness, may be uncertain, but that doesn’t mean we have to meet it with
Webprint, which is undoubtedly the defining issue of 21st century Ireland. fear. We as a human race have an innate need for connection and
Mahon, Co. Cork The provision of affordable public housing must be a priority and community. Now is the time to nurture this, and with compassion
a demand at the next election. As from the end of May 2019 there and strength, make sure everyone shares in our common wealth.
 www.newsfour.ie August / September 2019 EDUCATION Page 3

The UCD Irish Young

Philosopher Awards
T
n David Prendeville President reiterated his support for phi-
he second Irish Young Philoso- losophy in schools, saying: “History
pher Awards Festival (IYPA) tells us that it is the asking of questions
2019 took place earlier this sum- to which there is, yet, no definite, defini-
mer at University College Dublin. The tive answer that leads to new discoveries,
aim behind the IYPA is for primary and new possibilities, the potential to create a
secondary school students to explore phi- better world.”
losophy through a nationwide award pro- The overall winner was Lauren Doyle
gramme and festival. (16) a transition year student at Mount
Students from Third to Sixth Class in Sackville Secondary School, who was identity, reality and perception, gender being one of the 100 people to receive
primary schools and all secondary school awarded the Grand Prize sponsored by representation, animal rights and ethics, an individual reply from a philosopher,
students were invited to participate. Stu- Arthur Cox for her project: “Why is na- fake news and facts and friendship. based on their readings of Murdoch’s
dents created complex projects and were ture beautiful and why do we destroy it?” Staying on the theme of philosophy, philosophy.
judged according to their critical and Speaking at the event, one of the fes- An Post are releasing a commemora- The window for submitting questions
ethical thinking, creativity, collaboration, tival’s organisers Dr. Danielle Pether- tive postcard of Irish-born philosopher is between July and September. One of
philosophical analysis and innovation. bridge, of the UCD School of Philosophy, and novelist Iris Murdoch to celebrate the postcard designs will be that by Ame-
The number of participants doubled said “we would like schools from every her centenary. They are also partnering lia O’Connell, a primary school student
this year, with 350 finalists chosen for county in Ireland taking part – 19 were with In Parenthesis and the UCD Centre who won the Iris Murdoch prize which
Wednesday’s festival. Students submit- represented this year – and also more in- for Ethics in Public Life to launch Phi- was also announced at the Irish Young
ted their philosophy projects using vari- put from Deis schools in disadvantaged losophy by Postcard, a public philosophy Philosopher’s Awards Festival.
ous mediums, including posters, films, areas, where additional supports may be project introducing #slowphilosophy and Further information on Philosophy by
essays, and podcasts. They also visual- required to ensure philosophy is offered celebrating Murdoch. Postcard is available at: https://www.phi-
ized their philosophical thinking in mind- as a subject.” People can send a postcard to the ad- losophybypostcard.com/.
maps or posters. The philosophical topics submitted this dress of Iris Murdoch’s birthplace on
President Michael D Higgins and Sa- year included nature and environmental Blessington Street in Dublin. Posing a Photo of IYPA Winner Lauren Doyle and
bina Higgins attended the awards cer- ethics, artificial intelligence and ethics, question to an esteemed philosopher, President Michael D. Higgins courtesy
emony at UCD’s O’Reilly Hall. The freedom and free speech, happiness, applicants will be in with a chance of of UCD.
 Page 4 COMMUNITY / LOCAL www.newsfour.ie August / September 2019

End of an era at St Brigid’s

N
n Dermot Carmody to its founders the event, Memories of place in the book, providing a
ewsFour attended the Holy Faith Sisters, Saint Brigid’s Pri- window through which bygone
closing ceremony for a school register mary School. eras are viewed. Anna Hul-
Saint Brigid’s Primary representing pu- She described graine, who was a pupil in the
School and launch of a com- pils throughout the the long process of 1940s, remembers the pleasure
memorative book, Memories of school’s history and bringing the book of trekking to Ringsend Tech-
Saint Brigid’s Primary School a collection of books into being from an nical College with ingredients
Haddington Road 1902-2019, representing teach- idea over a cup of for cookery class wrapped in a
which took place in St Mary’s ing and learning at coffee some years white cloth and of bringing the
Church in Haddington Road on the school through- ago to publication. resulting dishes home to an ap-
Wednesday June 26th. out its 117 years of She thanked the preciative family.
There was a large number of existence. A globe many past pupils She also recalls with less hap-
pupils and staff, past and pre- was chosen to repre- and staff who made piness the use of cane and strap
sent, and their families in attend- sent the modern di- contributions to the which could be terrifying to the
ance to celebrate over a hundred versity of the school book and the many children at times. Maureen Staf-
years of St Brigid’s and look community. more whose contri- ford remembers further back
forward to the future when the There was a sense butions couldn’t be to the 1930s, recalling how the
school merges with St. Mary’s of history through- included. nuns would walk to school from
BNS in September in the newly- out the evening, as The book itself is Clyde Road every morning (or
built St Christopher’s Primary when Archbishop very attractively laid take a taxi if the weather was
School. Martin alluded in his out with numerous bad) before they moved to the
Archbishop Diarmuid Martin address to a number photographs of the convent on St Mary’s Road.
presided along with Fr Fachtna of significant his- school and its pupils Patricia Duirnin, who was a
McCarthy and Fr Patrick Claf- torical facts related from throughout its pupil from 1945-1954 remem-
fey from St Mary’s Parish. St to the year of the history, as well as bers the weekly drill exercises,
Brigid’s Principal, Annemarie school’s foundation, artwork from cur- with activities including “figure
Hogan, who has also been ap- and to the very dif- rent pupils. There marching, skipping, swinging
pointed principal of the new St ferent Dublin of the time. ent cultural and social context of are fascinating articles on the clubs and using coloured scarves
Christopher’s, welcomed all The Archbishop went on to present day Dublin, he stressed history of the school and its con- to make designs.” Parents would
those attending, and in particular say that the future is secured in the importance of permanent nection with significant events attend a drill display at the end
former teachers. Pupils from the the fertile ground of our efforts positive values as embodied by such as the 1916 Rising and the of the year.
current fifth and sixth class choir in the present, as with the crea- St Brigid’s. Influenza pandemic of 1918, the Elsewhere, there are articles
sang beautifully throughout. tion by the Holy Faith Sisters Gerardene Harty, who is re- effects of which can be seen in about the vital role of fund rais-
The school was celebrated by of an educational opportunity tiring after thirty eight years the number of children with- ing sales of work in the 80s
a procession of symbols borne for girls in the community that teaching at St Brigid’s, also drawn from the school register and 90s. Esther Butler, whose
by current pupils. Among these had not previously existed at the spoke. She was instrumental in through illness around the time. children attended the school,
were the school crest, repre- beginning of the last century. instigating the project to publish But it is the memories of for- recounts how a delegation was
senting the school’s connection Remarking on the very differ- the book being launched at the mer pupils that take pride of formed and met with Garret
Fitzgerald to plead the case for
extra staff at St Brigid’s in the
face of severe cutbacks in edu-
cation at the time. Ashling Lani-
gann, a pupil in the 90s, recalls
the excitement of being among
those from the school chosen to
sing with Michael Jackson in his
concert at Lansdowne Road.
The book concludes with a
snapshot of life in present-day
St Brigid’s and looks forward fi-
nally to the beginning of a new
chapter in September with the
move to St Christopher’s Pri-
mary School.
Overall, Memories of Saint
Brigid’s Primary School is a
treasure trove of memories for
those connected with the school
and a fascinating insight into a
unique institution for any reader.

St Brigid’s informed News-

Four that a number of copies
of the book were still available
to purchase. Anyone wishing
to do so should contact the
school directly at stbrigidspri-
mary@gmail.com
 www.newsfour.ie August / September 2019 WORLDCON DUBLIN 2019 Page 5

F
n Kathrin Kobus
or five days this August, the Con-
vention Centre at Spencer Dock
Beam me up, ming of the con. “In 2017 she found-
ed  Planet Zebunar, a STEM (Science,
Technology, Engineering and Maths)

Spencer Dock
will be the focal point for science education company focused on space
fiction fans from all over the World. stories. Her children’s book Shoot-
Irish sci-fi fans started planning with ing for the Stars is forthcoming from
the idea “Why don’t we?” seven or eight O’Brien Press in September. She won
years ago, 2011 or 2012 before Dublin the 2018 PoSSUM Science Educator
was officially announced as the location The Hugo Award final ballot and choose the winners. award.
at the Helsinki Con/Finland in 2015. The Hugos are the most prestigious The 1944 Retro Hugo Awards will be Dr Patten will be our first Special
James Bacon, chairman for the Dub- award in the science fiction genre, hon- presented on Thursday, August 15, the Guest and will attend the convention on
lin event says: “More than 800 people ouring literature and media as well as opening night of Dublin 2019, and the Saturday and Monday. It’s wonderful
will be attending Worldcon for the first fan activities. The awards were first 2019 Hugo Awards, and the Lodestar that we are going to hear about cutting-
time. It’s especially important because presented in 1953. The one-off event and Campbell Awards, will be present- edge developments in space research
a Worldcon coming to town is often a quickly became a tradition that will, ed on Sunday, August 18.” from a scientist of Norah’s calibre.”
member’s first experience with fandom. of course, continue in Dublin. Those The 2019 Hugo will get the Irish There are over 700 programme
Diversity in areas such as background, signed up for the convention could touch, as the base for it has been de- events, from readings, panel discus-
experience, race, country of origin, nominate up to five suggestions for the signed by Dublin-based Jim Fitzpat- sions, meets with fans, Pokemon hunt-
socio-economic status, language, and ballot box that they believed worth a rick, famous not least for THE Che ing, video gaming, theatre plays, kara-
religion leads to a deeper and more en- Hugo. Guevara poster. oke parties and of course CosPlay, the
riching convention experience for all of “The six most popular nominees in Among invited guests is Irish astro- masquerade ball on Saturday night.
our members.” each category will appear on the fi- naut in training Dr. Norah Patten, who Online sales for the Con are closed
Opinions differ about what is to be nal voting ballot. Only Dublin 2019 will lead a space flight workshop as now, but there will tickets available at
regarded as the first piece of science members will be able to vote on the part of the children-specific program- the Convention Centre. The 77th World
fiction literature. Even Shakespeare’s Con will run over five days from 15th
The Tempest gets mentioned. But sci- till 19th of August at the Spencer Dock.
ence fiction really took off a little over a
century ago. Works by Jules Verne, HG For details, check out @dublin-
Wells (only examples, there are oth- 2019Facebook,  @dublin 2019  Twit-
ers of course), featured journeys to the ter and  @dublin2019worldcon  In-
moon and other planets, other worlds. stagram accounts up until the
Sci-fi and dime novels went hand-in- convention. More information is
hand by the time the first WorldCon was available on the  Dublin 2019 pro-
held in 1939. gramme pages.
 Page 6 COMMUNITY www.newsfour.ie August / September 2019

Golden applause at RDRD Annual Event

T
n Beibhinn Byrne necessary schemes is really an in-
he teenage years are noto- dictment of its priorities.
rious for trouble. A highly- How much of this dissonance
charged and creative time was felt by the legion of politicians
in life that can prove tricky for present, enjoying the commu-
most often requires huge support. nity camaraderie and ingratiating
The many rites of passage at themselves with potential locals’
play – from peer group approval to votes is questionable, as none of
sexual awakening, growing inde- them voiced an opinion, risked a
pendence and freedom, to anxiety response or tackled the issue when
about identity, insecurity, a waver- speechifying later.
ing spectrum of self-worth and the When the correct services and
hostile arrangement of hormones – The project’s goal was, and re- proactive classes in self-esteem friendly community Gardaí Derek supports are in place, it works. In
all are confluent tributaries that can mains: ‘To support young people and reinforcement at these devel- Dempsey and Anthony Kelly. recent years the process found most
become an overwhelming swell. and their families in their strug- opmental stages. A cohort of pre- Many local community activists effective, and now being followed,
Home isn’t always the help or gle to become free of drugs’. Lo- teen youngsters were awarded cer- were there, not only from Ring- is the Iceland model, so named be-
comfort it should be either. Often cated in the Spellman Centre on tificates for their work. send, but from across the city, in- cause in 1998, 42% of Iceland’s 15
times, it can be the original source Irishtown Road, RDRD provides Adult artwork was also on dis- cluding ‘from across the bridge,’ and 16 year-olds reported that they
of discomfort that drives many a wide range of services with the play. The hot weather brought the represented by St Andrew’s Re- had got drunk in the past 30 days.
teenagers to self-harming addic- aim of combating the effects of ad- summer clobber of short shorts source Centre’s Betty Ashe. An- By 2016, though, this figure had
tion. Even when this isn’t the case, diction and drug use and to support and skimpy T-shirts and a room- other long-time Drugs Task Force fallen to just 5% and drug use and
the most nurturing parents can be people on their journey toward re- ful of arms and legs showed off member Dermot Lacey was also smoking had also sharply declined.
at a loss or feel helpless faced with habilitation. some very fine tattoo work to full present and has only just recently The action plan that led to this
the heartache of a family member RDRD works closely with the advantage. And the eye travelled. stepped down from these du- dramatic success – strikingly –
experiencing such suffering. community to create awareness The intricate realism of a coloured ties and of course co-founder of does not focus on tighter policing
There are many reasons why any of drug misuse issues and help the dream catcher that you felt you RDRD at The Spellman Centre, or awareness campaigns to warn
young person may end up harming community respond to the prob- could catch the rope of was one prime mover, Teresa Weafer as children off bad habits. Instead,
with substance abuse, but there is lem. Community is key, and it marvel, another shoulder displayed well as Dublin Port representatives top researchers collaborate closely
only one, true, long-term solu- was out in full force at the annual minutely detailed, winged mythi- and many volunteers and co-ordi- with communities on initiatives
tion and that is to undergo treat- RDRD drug awareness graduation cal creatures, while elsewhere, in- nators. like parental pledges and night-
ment and support and recover. The event. tricate, thunderous old gods and a During the welcoming speech, time patrols after dark, while the
Ringsend and District Response It was a golden moment of menagerie of animals were glow- it was highlighted that recent cuts government invests in recreational
to Drugs (RDRD), located at The achievement on a hot, and sunny ering on calves, shin bones, backs, in budgets and current government facilities.
Spellman Centre in Irishtown, June evening. Ringsend College’s shoulder blades and arms, and policy have made things very dif- Its basic principle stems from
does vital work in the community auditorium was coppered with late were long wrought achievements ficult for drug services resources working with parents and the com-
to help and support young people evening sunlight. Each individual in their own right. all over the city. They are not get- munity ‘to have their backs’ rather
and their families. table was decorated with goldfish It was a celebration and every- ting the financial support they need than ‘be on their backs’. The Spell-
The centre was established in swimming in bowls surrounded by one here was ready to congratu- and it is through the sheer dedica- man centre has also added over the
1995 by its current manager Te- lit candles that reflected the shim- late and acknowledge the hard and tion of the volunteers, workers and last seven years a range of holistic
resa Weafer and the late Fr. Paul mer. brave work from these inspira- community that they are getting services to its programme, includ-
Spellman. Teresa was a commu- Recovered graduates, their fami- tional young people and the depth by. It was stressed that without ing acupuncture, mindfulness
nity youth worker at the time who lies, friends and supporters animat- of the emotional achievement won Dublin Port’s sponsorship, many training and reiki.
saw first-hand the harm addiction edly seated themselves at tables or by them. Whoops and cheers went programmes would simply not go If you, a friend or a family
was doing to young people and milled about greeting one another up every time someone got roll ahead. member have a drug or addic-
their families. Fr. Paul was a parish triumphantly, drinking non-alco- called followed by long applause This conscientious, social en- tion problem and are looking
priest and with the indispensable holic refreshments and checking when each assembled group stood gagement reflects well on Dublin to access support and services
assistance of Betty Bissett they set out the barbeque area outside the awarded. Port, but reflects poorly on the cur- which can help, The Spellman
up the RDRD doors at the far side of the room. Nearly all of the local politicians, rent government’s successive so- Centre, which provides positive
The Ringsend & District Re- The room was packed. both councillors and ministers, at- cial neglect. That it is leaving it up and non judgemental support to-
sponse to Drugs (RDRD) com- A display of children’s pictures tended, there was a very supportive to the generosity of big business to wards rehabilitation, welcomes
prises of statutory, voluntary and and slogans artistically express- presence from the new Garda Supt. help out vital social services, rather you to contact them.
community groups which have ing positivity and the clear bell of of Donnybrook and Irishtown Tim than formulating strong policy and Telephone : 01 667 7666 htt-
come together under the umbrella children’s emotional wisdom and Burke with many of his colleagues, earmarking properly costed budg- ps://rdrdspellman.wixsite.com/
of the centre. insight was a joyful testament to including the well-known and ets for funding such important and rdrd/

M
any thanks to all who at- community groups linked to the phy TD, Jim O’Callaghan TD and We congratulated the IGB Hous- entation to Dr Patricia Comer, our
tended what was a very Drugs Task Force. Senator Kevin Humphreys, and by ing Action for their campaigning local GP who has retired after 40
packed hall for the An- Presentations were made by the Superintendent Tim Burke and Edel work on social and affordable years’ service to the community.
nual Festival Event of RDRD / the Minister for Housing Eoghan Mur- Curry of Dublin Port Company. housing and made a special pres- Many thanks to Betty Ashe from
Spellman Centre that took place in St Andrew’s Resource Centre,
Ringsend College on June 26th. Bernie McDonnell of CAD, Anna
The Spellman Centre provides Quigley, Fr Ivan Tonge, Lord
family and addiction support ser- Mayor Deke Rivers, Beibhinn
vices, and helps to develop aware- Byrne of NewsFour, Cllrs Dermot
ness on mental health, on teenage Lacey, Danny Byrne and Daithí
bullying and on suicide, develop- Doolan for their ongoing support.
ing alternative treatment, as well
as building a strong network of Tom Crilly, Chair, RDRD.
 www.newsfour.ie August / September 2019 Page 7

Triple award-winning Sandymount Hotel is crowned

‘Europe’s Leading Green Hotel’
Europe’s ‘Green’ leader puts Ireland line with our overall guest offerings and
firmly on the international map of sus- experiences.
tainable hotel practices In an age where the environment has

M
truly become an emotive topic, green trav-
adeira, 8th June 2019: Sand- el is on the rise with travellers inspired to
ymount Hotel, Dublin’s largest choose eco-friendly travel options as they
family-run hotel, has yet again think more about conservation and sus-
been awarded ‘Europe’s Leading Green tainability. We are honoured to play our
Hotel’, scooping the award for a third year part in protecting the Earth, whilst also
running at the prestigious World Travel offering an exceptional hospitality experi-
Awards. ence. We would also like to congratulate
Triple award winning Sandymount Ho- our friends at EPIC for their fantastic ‘Eu-
tel, famed for its sustainable hotel prac- rope’s Leading Tourist Attraction’ win. A
tices, beat stiff competition from some of great night for the Irish hospitality and
the world’s most renowned hotels includ- tourism industry as we celebrated our suc-
ing ICE Hotel in Sweden, Vila Vita Parc cess on an international stage.”
in Portugal, Eagles Palace in Greece and In 2013, Sandymount Hotel took an
Angel’s Marmaris, Turkey, to put Ireland eco-friendly and sustainable approach to
firmly on the international map, setting achieve a greener, cleaner hotel by re-
award-winning standards for environmen- In attendance were father and son duo, and year on year, we have progressed our ducing both energy and water consump-
tal friendly hotels worldwide. John and Gerard Loughran, Family Di- sustainable approaches to ensure that we tion. Fast forward to 2019 and the ‘green’
Renowned as the “Oscars” of the travel rectors at Sandymount Hotel, to celebrate are consistently improving and minimis- award winning Sandymount Hotel is the
industry, the World Travel Awards rec- their prestigious win: ing any negative effect our procedures European front-runner.
ognise leaders across all sectors of the “The team at Sandymount Hotel are de- and systems have on the environment. www.sandymounthotel.ie
global travel and tourism industry. A spe- lighted to scoop the award for ‘Europe’s Our dedicated in-house ‘green’ team has Email: info@sandymounthotel.ie
cial World Travel Awards 2019 red-carpet Leading Green Hotel’ for a third year run- been tremendous, researching and in- Telephone: 01 6142000.
event took place at the picturesque Bel- ning. We’ve come a long way since we stilling new measures to offer our best
mond Reid’s Palace in Madeira last night. first became more environmentally aware environmentally-friendly practices, in Pictured: John and Gerard Loughran.
 Page 8 GARDENING www.newsfour.ie August / September 2019

U No garden? No problem
n Geneva Pattison The farming of tomorrow
rban landscapes often The United Nations have pre-
present the issue of hav- dicted that by 2050 the world’s
ing little space for grow- total population will rise to almost
ing at home. With less city houses
with gardens being built and apart-
Let’s talk about hydroponics 10 billion people from our current
population which stands at 7.7 bil-
ment complex living on the rise, lion. With this forecasted increase,
we have to think outside the box. there will be gargantuan pressures
In recent times, people have put on agricultural sectors across the
been turning to hydroponic grow- globe to provide adequate amounts
ing to solve this problem. Hydro- of food per person. Similarly, con-
ponic gardening is the practice sidering the predicted upsurge of
of growing plants or vegetables extreme weather events set to occur,
through a growing medium, usu- a protected hydro-farm seems like
ally clay pellets or moss, with just a far more functional option long-
water and nutrients. term, as opposed to a flooded field
The premise of this method is and ruined crops.
that you’ll be providing a higher Farmers from less arable countries
oxygen content for your plant, with dustier climates like Yemen
with a consistent supply of fer- and Bangladesh have already started
tilised water that is filtered. You to explore the possibilities of hydro-
may have seen hydroponics used ponics. It takes 1,000 years to gener-
in sci-fi movies like Passengers ate the first 3cm of topsoil and with
or 10 Cloverfield Lane, but this the rate of soil degradation occurring
method has been used for thou- right now, we have to start viewing
sands of years. alternative means of growing.
The word hydroponic, is de- Once the feasible and sustainable
rived from the Greek words “hy- methodologies have been put in
dro” meaning water and “ponos”, tions of the lake were shallow and destroying any vegetation. top indoor farm for the students place, hydroculture should be a very
meaning labour. Historically, the marshy, they pushed the rafts to Hydroponics are in essence, of Belvedere College S.J. The real and viable option for keeping
method was first alluded to in re- the centre of the lake, where roots portable growing devices, if the students used a glass-roofed Sci- up with food demands on a global
lation to the Hanging Gardens of could access non-stagnant water growing environment is wrong, ence Laboratory aptly named the level.
Babylon, in a text from the third through breaks in the wood. The pack up and move it . Best of all, GROWlab, to cultivate their own Urban Farm’s website: http://
century BC, which quoted the swampy deposits along the shores there’s no need to worry about fungi, crops and fish for year- www.urbanfarm.ie/
Babylonian monk Berossus. were then harvested and utilised to soil-based diseases like root rot round sustainable produce. United Nations population fore-
It is believed that the hanging nourish the plants. and you never have to pull weeds One of Urban Farm’s aims was cast graph: https://population.
gardens used a system of irri- again. to educate the students on the tech- un.org/wpp/Graphs/Probabilistic/
gated channels on top of ziggurat Benefits of hydroponic gar- nology associated with hydropon- POP/TOT/900
structures of varying heights. The dening Potential difficulties with ics and alternative farming meth- Scholarly article on Hydropon-
ancient people devised a system One of the major benefits of hydroculture ods, as quoted on the website: ics: https://www.researchgate.net/
of chains and pulleys to get wa- hydroponic gardening is overall There are some aspects to keep “Using smart technologies like publication/330080392_Hydropon-
ter from the nearby Euphrates water conservation. Hydropon- in mind when choosing hydro- interactive displays, students ics_as_an_advanced_technique_
river, directing it towards the city. ics use less water than traditional ponic growing. For example, in monitor and record variables in for_vegetable_production_An_
Eventually, it was dropped on the growing methods, as the water is traditional cultivation the soil is humidity, temperature, PH, EC, overview
landing of the hanging gardens, re-circulated or stored in a reser- used as a buffer for stabilising the DO and the environment inside History of Hydroponics: https://
trickling down to lower levels. voir for later use. environment’s PH level. Hydro- and outside the GROWlab help- www.greenandvibrant.com/history-
Babylon, now modern Iraq, has Another positive aspect of hy- ponics leaves little room for error ing to educate in biology, phys- of-hydroponics
a very dry climate with little rain. droponic growing is that your with regards to PH changes – if ics, earth sciences, the living en- Information on Hydroponics:
Thus, the hydroponic theory made plant’s growth rate will speed up too many nutrients are added to vironment and helping to provide https://www.fullbloomhydroponics.
perfect sense. by around 25% with it’s produce the growing solution, the entire tomorrow’s decision-makers with net/hydroponic-systems-101/
Hydroculture methods were yield improving by 30%, as op- crop could fail. an elevated set of skills, a broader
even used by the Aztecs. Around posed to traditional cultivation in You really need to know your perspective, and a lasting sense Images, clockwise from top:
the 10th and 11th century AD the soil. By eliminating the element of plants well and be acutely aware of commitment to lead the global Map printed in 1524 AD of
island city of Tenochtitlan, which soil, you’re also promoting a high- of their specific nutri tional needs. community in an environmentally Tenochtitlan; vertical farm;
lay on lake Texcoco, devised a er oxygen intake for your plants as In the same vein, the steady avail- efficient way”. Hanging Gardens of Babylon.
series of floating man-made is- soil can often block the oxygen ability of water promotes a more Urban Farm has also success- (Images: Wiki Commons,
lands to grow crops. Because sec- uptake for the root systems, mak- humid environment, which could fully created an indoor allotment pixabay)
ing it difficult for plants lead to mildew or fungi develop- project called LOST THE PLOT
to truly flourish. ing on your plants. Simply put, in Dublin, it’s main aim being to
Similarly, in tradi- until you get the hang of hydro- reduce our reliance on imported
tional farming, plants ponics watch your plants. goods and reduce food waste. The
only absorb a fraction project hopes to create a space for
of the water you give Impact in Ireland people to utilise for growing crops
them when in soil. When Urban Farm is an initiative cre- and shared learning, while also
you choose to grow us- ated by Andrew Douglas. The pro- playing host to cultural events
ing hydroponics, you’re ject enables communities to work such as talks, poetry readings and
much more in control of together on sustainable horticul- community get togethers. LOST
your growing environ- ture projects specialising in aqua- THE PLOT also has the benefit of
ment. Usually the sys- culture and hydroponic growing. being assisted by knowledgeable
tems are raised high off One of the many innovative hydroponic gardeners, so begin-
the ground, so insects projects Urban Farm has been ners can learn as they go along,
will have a harder time involved in was creating a roof- with no pressure.
www.newsfour.ie August / September 2019 Page 9
 Page 10 LOCAL / COMMUNITY www.newsfour.ie August / September 2019

Campaign to save Markievicz

Pool from Metrolink
O
n Peter McNamara nearby Hawkins House, or for the employee, who was drilling in the
n Thursday June 16th construction at Luke Street to be area.
members of the “Save done underground, to preserve the Campaigners also claim that
Markievicz Pool” cam- buildings that currently stand at the Public Consultation was very
paign group convened a public street level. poorly advertised. De Burca had
meeting at St Andrews Resource While giving an overview of the invited officials to attend the pub-
Centre, on Pearse Street. At is- situation, De Burca was quick to lic meeting, but received refusals
sue was the National Transport emphasise that although the cam- all around. “That’s not accept-
Authority’s (NTA) proposal to paigners were against the NTA able,” he said. “We live here. We
demolish the newly-refurbished plans, they were strongly in fa- are stakeholders in this project.
Markievicz Pool and Gym com- vour of the project in general. They should appear in public and
plex on Luke Street, the attached “We need a Metrolink,” De Bur- properly engage.”
College Gate apartments, and ca told the crowd, “but not at the
eight townhouses, to build a expense of the local community.” Hawkins House or an As part of his slideshow presen- During the questions and com-
Metrolink Station in their place. Given the current housing crisis, A ll - u nde r g r o u nd tation, he showed an impressive ments part of the meeting, another
Given the extensive impact of and the fact that the NTA intends Build rendering of an underground pe- attendee said that the leisure cen-
the NTA proposals, it’s not sur- to pull down 70 high-quality city Nicola Brait, an owner-occupi- destrian tunnel, complete with tre “saved my life.” “The staff,”
prising that the June 16th meeting centre apartments, and eight town- er at College Gate, gave a more shops, cafés, and travellators. he added, “are like a family in
was well attended. houses with elderly residents, he detailed analysis of the official The Hawkins House alterna- there. They’re like social workers.
John Dean, a key campaign or- went on to describe the official plans, and offered the campaign- tive would also reduce the journey They’re wonderful.” His words
ganiser, opened proceedings. Ac- plans as “shameful and incompre- er’s alternatives. time on the Metrolink, as a station won a round of applause.
cording to him the reason for the hensible.” One of the NTA’s key reasons at that site would create a gentler An elderly woman living in one
meeting was threefold: to outline To what extent Dublin City for building a Metro Station on curve along the Metrolink line, of the targeted townhouses said,
what’s been going on with the Council is involved remains un- Luke Street is its proximity to when compared with one on Luke “I love my house, I love my lit-
Metrolink plans; to discuss how clear. Officially, they have no role. the existing DART station at Tara Street. Also, this more straightfor- tle garden. They’re talking about
the community campaign has However, local residents and cam- Street. The Hawkins House site ward route would require 125m replacing the housing, but when?
been going; and to lay out what is paign organisers claim to have is further from the DART station less tunnelling. And where will be it? Out in the
needed to be done next to save the seen Council staff taking an active than the Luke Street location – Brait went on to outline the middle of nowhere?”
threatened buildings. part in preparations. According to it’s 150m from Tara Street. The possibilities and advantages of Her concerns have validity.
Seán de Burca, another affected campaign organisers, this lack of NTA has deemed this distance to completing most of the proposed Pledges have been made to com-
local, took the stage to highlight clarity is indicative of the careless be too great for passengers mak- build at Luke Street underground. pensate renters and owners in the
the concerns of local residents approach being taken by the NTA, ing Metrolink and DART connec- Instead of knocking the Markiev- affected apartments and town-
amid questionable official behav- the TII, and DCC, when it comes tions. icz Pool and Gym, and the apart- houses, but there is nothing set
iour. Finally, College Gate owner- to the planning and execution of However, each of the proposed ments and townhouses, a station in stone. And, given the pressure
occupier Nicola Brait scrutinised the Metrolink project, and com- Metrolink Stations for Dublin could be built underground – such for space in Dublin city centre,
the NTA’s proposals in detail, and munication with residents. Airport are roughly 230m and a built had been completed suc- and the low supply of housing, it
offered alternatives. Many of the residents who will 250m from the airport terminals. cessfully in Bilbao. would be challenging to provide
be evicted as result of these pro- In that light, argued Brait, 150m While a viable option, he noted adequate compensatory accom-
Lack of Official Com- posals received no direct com- shouldn’t be seen as an unaccepta- that this approach poses greater modation – and that’s assuming
munication munication or information about ble distance to walk from one train risks for construction workers, the Metrolink planners made a
Metrolink, announced in March the scheme from the NTA. At the connection to another, and should and emphasised that of the two genuine effort to do so.
2018, is a plan to run an under- public meeting, one woman spoke make Hawkins House a perfectly proposals, the Save Markievicz In the absence of a binding
ground train from Dublin Airport about how she chanced upon an acceptable site. Pool campaign was primarily in agreement such compensation
to Sandyford in the south of the article in a newspaper, and thereby What’s more, Brait suggested favour of relocating the Metrolink might not come at all. The town-
city. The project is being conduct- discovered that her home was to building an underground pedes- station to Hawkins House. houses were built only 16 years
ed by a number of official bodies. be demolished. Another affected trian tunnel to connect the two sta- ago. And, like the College Gate
The National Transport Authority resident only learned of the plans tions. Such a tunnel has proved an A Fight for Inner City apartments, they are of a high
is the administrative wing of the when he queried a City Council effective solution in Rotterdam. Communities quality, and would be difficult to
plan, with Transport Infrastruc- At the public meeting on June match.
ture Ireland (TII) acting as the en- 16th, one thing was abundantly Séan deBurca, when giving his
gineering wing of operations. clear: users of the Markievicz concluding remarks in his speech,
As part of the Metrolink Plan, a Pool and Gym treasure having speculated on the possible ulterior
station is to be built in the Luke such a centre in their locality. De motives of the NTA, the TII, and
Street area to connect with the Burca described it as a place “for Dublin City Council, given their
DART station at Tara Street, and health, connection, and social ex- persistent lack of engagement, and
thereby link these transport routes. periences.” the un-advertised public consulta-
With their thorough and pro- “I use the pool and the gym,” he tion. He wondered if there was a
fessional presentation, the cam- said. “I’ve been living on Pearse push to knock the housing and the
paigners made a robust case for Street for the last four years, rent- leisure centre, so as to end up with
reconsidering the NTA’s choice ing here. It’s not a private enter- not only the Metrolink station,
of locating a Metrolink Station at prise. It’s a public celebration. It’s but also some additional empty
Luke Street. Instead of knocking not just about health and fitness, sites in that valuable area of Dub-
the housing and the leisure centre, it’s a real social centre. Those lin 2. He speculated – emphasis-
they argued either for a station kinds of opportunities are quite ing it was only a hunch, and not
to be built instead on the site of limited.” founded in evidence – that such
 www.newsfour.ie August / September 2019 Page 11

valuable vacant sites might be used for ad- Campaigns to revise the Metrolink plans comes the medium of her art and is a per-
ditional office blocks or hotels. have been effective in other parts of the city. fectly provocative fusion of the desire for
When disruptive building was announced aesthetic and artistic perfection with the in-
Getting Involved near the Charlemont Luas stop in Ranelagh, nately imperfect nature and fragility of the
If the issues raised here concern you and locals successfully had the Metrolink plans human form.
you’d like to get involved, there are a num- changed. While this success may be related The idea of perfection in relation to the
human body is also explored in Graham – a

T
ber of things you can do to help the Save to the affluence of this area, it nonetheless
n David Prendeville body designed to withstand the impact of a
Markievicz Pool campaign. If you have shows that the NTA can be made to recon-
he new exhibition Perfection is run- car crash. The body certainly doesn’t fit with
experience or qualifications in the construc- sider.
ning from now until October 6th at traditional notions of aesthetic beauty, but is
tion industry that might be most useful of Changes were also forced when the Na the Trinity College Science Gallery perfect in an altogether more practical way.
all: what campaigners really need is an ad- Fianna Gaelic club in Glasnevin realised on Pearse Street. The exhibition explores the The idea of a perfect partner is explored in
vising engineer. it was set to be affected by the Metrolink notion of perfection and how people strive for Symbiotic Ones by Jane Sverdrupsen. This
Money is also an issue. The Freedom of construction. In this instance, An Taoiseach it in various different forms throughout life. piece examines the idea that couples look
Information requests campaigners have to Leo Varadkar personally stepped in to re- It explores both the positive and negative similar to each other and that over time, cou-
see official plans/activity which costs €30 verse the NTA’s decision. It’s perhaps note- aspects of this rather abstract notion that is ples who live together begin to look more
at a time. Added to this is the cost of posters worthy that the Minister for Finance Pascal consistently present in some aspects of our alike. Data from a survey of twelve couples
and leaflets, which are used to inform those Donoghue is TD for Glasnevin. lives. Whether someone is striving for the in which they answered questions about their
concerned and the general public about the Although the Save Markievicz Pool cam- perfect job, wants to do their job perfectly, similarity to each other is used to determine
situation on Luke Street. Donations can be paigners don’t have the same clout as those stives for the perfect partner or to create a the width of the mid-section where their pho-
made via gofundme.com, which is linked in Ranelagh or Glasnevin, they are not de- perfect piece of art, the idea of perfection is tographed faces merge into each other.
from their Facebook page. terred. De Burca exhorted the crowd at the something that we almost innately cannot get The theme of a perfect partner is raised
Likewise, the campaigners welcome any- public meeting to “believe in your rights, away from. also in the presentation of Harmony, one of
one who might be able to spare some time be confident.” “It’s a bad plan,” he said, “it This exhibition is, as always with the Sci- the world’s most romantic companions. As
now and then, to distribute flyers and post- can be changed, it’s been done so before. ence Gallery, a fusion of art and science. It is things advance, would a robot make a perfect
ers. Sending letters and emails to the media, Spread the word, stay connected, and keep a highly stimulating and thought-provoking partner? The deceptive element of perfection
and to local councillors and TDs is another each other informed.” show. One of the highlights includes French is examined in Morphoteque #15 by Dres-
artist Orlan’s Omnipresence. This was her sens and Verstappen. Here it is highlighted
way to influence the situation. You might
seventh medical performance in which she how crops are manipulated to look ‘regular’,
simply add your name to the online petition If you’d like to get involved with the
altered her appearance to reflect the beauty whereas in reality the appearance of these
at my.uplift.ie/petitions/save-markievicz- campaign, or to get more information
ideals of Western Art. Some of the surgeries fruits and vegetables is much more diverse.
pool-gym. about it, contact savemarkieviczpool@ she undertook included forehead implants to This is a fascinating exhibition that lingers
According to campaigners, the plans gmail.com. Check in on the ‘Save reflect Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa’s permanent long in the memory. Highly recommended.
are already over-budget, and appear to be Markievicz Pool’ Facebook page, to do- brow and plumped lips to imitate Moreau’s
rushed and sloppy. They insist that with the nate to the campaign and connect with Europa. Image: thebluediamondgallery.com (stock
right public pressure, they can be unraveled. those involved. With these surgeries, the artist’s body be- photo).
 Page 12 BOOK REVIEW / LANDSCAPE www.newsfour.ie August / September 2019

Irish Cinema in the 21st Century

trauma, Northern Cinema, by using The Lobster highly fecund area of short still restricts women to roles
Ireland, rural and as an example. That film was film-making in Ireland, with- as wives, mothers, etc, giv-
small-town Ire- shot in Ireland, produced by out having to go into the level ing them little agency of their
land and images Mespil Road-based company of depth that might require an- own. She also highlights how
of the city. Element Pictures and had other book altogether. people from ethnic minorities
It gives a fasci- some Irish actors and crew. The book is extensive in are either ignored or repre-
nating insight into However it isn’t explicitly set the breadth of feature films it sented problematically. She
how Irish cinema in Ireland and its director, Yor- covers, from low-budget idig- also points to the fact that gay
has both evolved gos Lanthimos, is Greek enous Irish films such as Once people have also been very
and stayed the She explores in the book the to the aforementioned The under-represented until re-
same over the myriad ways that these mod- Lobster. cently, with films such as A
years. In her con- ern films – some co-produc- The relationship between Date for Mad Mary and Hand-
clusion Barton tions – deal with notions of modern Irish cinema and cul- some Devil.
says that her rea- Irishness in their own ways. ture, and the past is fascinat- This is a rich, insightful
son for writing Barton starts each chapter of ingly illustrated in a chapter book. It is intellectually rig-
the book was to the book with a textual analy- in which Barton explores how orous but also written in an
affirm the idea of sis of a short film. Included Irish films in the 21st century accessible, clear and concise
a national identity amongst these are Foxes, di- tend to grapple with Ireland’s manner, and is essential for

T
n David Prendeville still had relevance in modern rected by Lorcan Finnegan, history in an altogether differ- those with an interest in Irish
he latest book from Irish cinema. The idea that who recently enjoyed success ent manner than in earlier pe- cinema. It will likely stand
Professor Ruth Barton, the advent of co-productions at Critic’s Week in Cannes riods. alongside Barton’s earlier
of Trinity College, is an would put paid to such an idea, with Vivarium, and Martin Barton also focusses heav- works as a touchstone of Irish
extensive look at Irish cinema she finds, to be unfounded. McDonagh’s Oscar-winning ily on the marginalized and film studies.
in the 21st century. It’s broken In her introduction she il- Six Shooter. under-represented in Irish
down into eight chapters and lustrates the complexity of It is an interesting and suc- cinema. She highlights how, Published by Manchester
covers Irish animation, hor- how co-productions impact on cessful tactic by Barton, as it despite modernization in lots University Press, 2019, paper-
ror, documentary, history and notions of an Irish National allows her to engage with the of ways, modern Irish cinema back, RRP: €22.

A 21st Century treescape

W
n Susan O’Brien Above ground, there is an un- Up to date research findings
hile walking along the comfortable microclimate, reflec- clearly identify the economic, so-
neighbourhood streets tive glare, wind exposure, and cial and environmental gains that
in recent sunny days, damage from needless vandalism. include air pollution control, rain
I found myself actively seeking Without a doubt, tree failure and water management, noise abate-
out the tree-lined side of the road. premature decline has a negative ment, reduced crime, traffic calm-
In an endeavour to keep cool my impact on the look, feel and sense ing, economic potential and over-
route was notably influenced by of place for any neighbourhood. all quality of place.
the welcome cooling effect from Over the past 25 years astound- Together, collaborative fore-
the leaf canopy above. ing progress has been made by thought and integration bring
Whenever possible I choose companies such as Greenleaf. wider returns. Successful case
to walk. Unaccompanied, my They have researched these prob- studies abroad in London, Man-
awareness of the surrounding en- lems to provide practical solutions chester, Birmingham, Bristol and
vironment and sense of place is that stimulate integrated thinking, Sheffield, demonstrate how grey
heightened. When my route takes and allow two unlikely compo- and green infrastructure is com-
me in a treeless direction there nents to fit together throughout bined to deliver this 21st century
is a clear lack of spatial rhythm the life of a tree. vision that looks, feels and works very challenging, varied and valu- Japanese maples. They bring such
ahead, no play of light or shadow, Of course, there has to be a two- better for everyone. able role with lots of opportunity a defined character and flow to a
and limited colour, apart from fold alignment in order to prevent Closer to home, a finished ex- to travel! Plant knowledge is key. space, with a subliminal sense of
grey. If I plug in my earphones, the likelihood of any conflict. ample of a state of the art, tree pit As late autumn and early winter seasonal movement. All it takes
I do so reluctantly and above the Above all, the objective is to cre- design solution can be seen at the is synonymous with tree planting, is a little planning, patience and
advised sound level. I long for a ate a place where tree species can newly-planted site on Shelbourne now is the time to consider a suit- time.
turn onto a leafier lined path. thrive and deliver their full range road. At ground level the protec- able species. If you’re looking to
In principle, the urban land- of benefits, without causing harm- tive load-bearing grille has a built select a tree for your space, there If readers are looking for any
scape is a manmade, constructed ful nuisance to people or proper- in irrigation/ventilation inlet and is plenty of local inspiration to be guidance and tips with regard
environment with no place for ty. This requires a collaborative a removable inner section that found amongst our neighbouring to composting, soil cultivation,
components from a natural wood- appreciation of context, from a allows for tree girth expansion. front gardens. indoor and outdoor, plant selec-
land setting. Indeed, it is a pretty broad spectrum of stakeholders Even the biodegradable hessian Here, you will clearly see an tion or plant care, please email
hostile place for a tree with mul- that include councillors, planners, tree tie reduces maintenance time established tree in context. There your query to me at garden-
tiple challenges and constraints. developers, engineers, insurers, and cost. It gives adequate sup- are some beautiful specimens newsfour@gmail.com I will
Below ground, there is limited utilities, designers, nurseries, ar- port, without damaging or stran- thriving throughout the locality. happily answer your questions
root space and competition with borists, businesses and residents. gling the tree. In particular, I adore the multi- here in this column.
utilities, poor quality, compacted It may seem like an oxymoron, For anyone considering a future stemmed trees, such as magno- Susan O’ Brien Dip. Hort (Kew)
soils and fortuitous root mutila- but trees matter for 21st century career in horticulture and land- lia, lilac, myrtle, kousa dogwood,
tion. living in built-up communities. scape design, this area presents a river birch and the larger-leaved Above: Acer japonicum.
 www.newsfour.ie August / September 2019 GARDEN Page 13

Slugs and snails begone!

DIY repellents
A
n Geneva Pattison playing a part in the decline ends? Well, save up those
s the sad but inevita- of certain animal and friendly leftover coffee grounds. Ap-
ble end of the Summer insect species. So how can we parently, coffee grounds are a
holidays approaches, stop these pests from destroy- major deterrent to snails and
so will the dreary weather. ing all our hard work in the slugs. If you don’t have the
Snails and slugs can wreak garden without damaging any- coffee grounds to hand, cof-
havoc on even the most acute- thing else? fee shops are great for giving
ly tended-to gardens during them away. Just ask!
rainy periods and it can feel DIY pest repellents are gain-
impossible to prevent. ing in popularity on a large 2: Slug Repellent Plants
There is a growing public scale. As with most DIY repel- Many people swear by the add a teaspoon of mild dish 4: Natural predators
concern about the over-use of lent methods, what works for old method of planting slug soap. Mix two tablespoons of Encouraging birds and
well-known pesticides which one gardener may not work and snail repellent plants in this mixture into an average- hedgehogs to come into your
have been linked to damag- for another gardener so ex- their garden. Some of the most sized spray bottle and fill garden can be an effective and
ing human health, along with perimentation is key. Here are popular choices to send the with water. Spray it liberally hassle-free solution to keeping
some homemade nasty critters running the oth- around the affected plants. your garden looking great and
and eco-friendly er way are chives and garlic pest-free. Leave out some un-
recipes you can plants. These plants’ pungent 3: Egg shells salted nuts and seeds around
concoct and trial odours are toxic to molluscs As molluscs have sensitive your garden for the birds, and
run at home. and will often kill them. If you membrane bodies, they have for hedgehogs leave out some
don’t want to plant anything an aversion to abrasive sur- pieces of fruit. Be sure not to
1: Coffee Grounds new, you could make a garlic faces. Crushed egg shells scat- over feed them or they won’t
Do you ever spray solution. Mash or blend tered around your plants will go for any snails or slugs.
make yourself a two bulbs (yes, bulbs!) of gar- send the slugs packing. If you
nice French press lic. Allow to sit for 24 hours, live near the seaside try using Images: Snail and hedgehog –
coffee on the week- strain the puree into a jar and crushed seashells instead Wikimedia Commons.
 Page 14 HISTORY / POLITICS www.newsfour.ie August / September 2019

Mrs Carter’s eventful Irish visit

I
n Dermot Carmody her eyes before she left.
n 1977 ‘Miss Lillian’ Carter, And apparently she left more
mother of the then recent- than a tree in Herbert Park be-
ly-elected President of the hind her as a legacy of the trip.
USA, Jimmy Carter, made an Bórd Fáilte subsequently attrib-
eight-day visit to Dublin as part uted a 14% rise in tourism to
of a Friendship Force visit by Ireland from North America in
a group of around 250 people 1977 to the substantial publicity
from Des Moines, Iowa. that Lillian Carter’s visit had re-
Friendship Force had been start- ceived while here.
ed by Jimmy Carter and Pres-
byterian Minister Wayne Smith Clockwise from top:
a few years previously when President Jimmy Carter and his
Carter was Governor of Georgia. mother Lillian pictured at the
The President’s mother remained White House in 1977.
honorary chairperson of Friend- (Photo: Wiki Commons)
ship Force until 2002. The or- Maple tree planted by Lillian
ganisation promotes intercultur- Carter in Herbert Park, Balls-
al relations through “homestays” bridge in 1977.
such as the one Lillian Carter (Photo: Dermot Carmody)
was making to Dublin, where Plaque marking tree planted by
ordinary people travel and stay Lillian Carter in Herbert Park.
with their counterparts in an- “hoax” incident. ed crowd assembled made the Mrs. Carter planted a maple tree, (Photo: Dermot Carmody)
other country. In Carter’s case, Brendan O’Keefe, the propri- most of it by having a great party which is still growing strong af-
her hosts were Tim and Noelle etor of the Five Counties Hotel anyway, and when word of the ter 42 years, and where she and
Ryan’s family in Foxrock. in New Ross had received a call hoax got back to Mrs. Carter’s her companions marked the of-
With the Des Moines group purportedly from a representa- representatives they got in touch ficial end of the visit at a dinner
having such a notable person- tive of Bórd Fáilte, saying the with the disappointed hotelier in Thomas Prior House.
age among its number as Lillian Mrs. Carter planned to visit New and arranged for him to meet her The group nearly didn’t make
Carter, the visit excited media Ross to see the ancestral home while she was on a scheduled it out of Ireland however, with
interest on both sides of the At- of John F. Kennedy later that day and genuine visit to Kilkenny. the ITGWU blocking the flight
lantic. Mrs. Carter had quickly and would call to the hotel for Most of Mrs. Carter’s visit meant to take them home in
become popular with the US tea. O’Keefe got the call around was centred in Dublin. She was sympathy with American unions
press with her charming South- 11 am and quickly mobilised to treated to lunches in the Dáil and who were involved in strike ac-
ern manner and down to earth organise the hotel and the sur- at the Mansion House, and was tion with Trans-International
wit. Accordingly, The New York rounding community for a suit- entertained at the famous Jury’s Airways, the charter company
Times covered her visit to Ire- able “hooley”. Irish Cabaret in the Ballsbridge running the flight.
land in a number of articles, in- Suspicions were aroused when hotel. She also visited UCD and The Irish Times reported that
cluding one about the New Ross a call later in the day to Bórd was a big hit on The Late Late it took a day of “frantic resched-
Fáilte received a bemused re- Show, with the Irish Times tel- uling” to work around the union
sponse, but it was only when the evision reviewer noting that de- action. Eventually, the group
Garda Sergeant in New Ross got spite his concern at having the flew to the UK and joined up
on the blower to Dublin Castle already over-exposed celebrity with a TIA charter flight there.
that the call was definitely estab- on the show, he was quickly won Apparently, this did not sour the
lished to have been a hoax. over by her “outspoken charm” visit for Mrs. Carter, who report-
The New York Times reported and sense of humour. edly bade a fond and emotional
that O’Keefe and the disappoint- Ballsbridge was also where farewell to Ireland with tears in

Big Grill returns to

Herbert Park

T
he Big Grill which prides itself on being founder Andy Noonan, has a distinct international
Europe’s largest BBQ festival returns street food vibe with New York, London, Buenos
for its sixth year to Herbert Park in mid- Aires and Birmingham all represented.”
August. Festival organisers promise an excit- The festival will run from Thursday August
ing line-up: 15th until Sunday 18th. Hopefully, the sun man-
“Over 20 restaurants will join in for the week- ages to stay with us and make it a real sizzler.
end, with the only rule being they must cook with To avail of tickets go to tickets www.biggrillfes-
live fire using natural charcoal and wood only. No tival.com/tickets
gas or electricity allowed! This year’s fire-filled
line-up, curated by pitmaster and festival co- Images courtesy of Big Grill.
 www.newsfour.ie August / September 2019 HISTORY / POLITICS Page 15

Shakespeare in the Dail? McCartan Opticians

The Holinshed Chronicles and other treasures
moving to new building

M
n David Prendeville

T
n Geneva Pattison bard cleverly employed dramatic cCartan
his year, the Oireachtas Li- suspense and literary devices to O p t i -
brary displayed the oldest engage the crowds of the time. cians,
book in its collection The This in turn has given the world which has been
Holinshed Chronicles, for the en- a clearer view on the anthropo- in Ringsend since
tirety of May. Originally housed logical societal tendencies of the 1987 and Baggot
in the library of the Chief Secre- people during the English Renais- Street before that,
tary of Dublin Castle, The Holin- sance. These are entertainment since 1935, is moving to 2 Thorncastle Street on the corner, beside
shed Chronicles of England, Scot- trends we still gravitate towards Ferrari’s chip shop. The building they’re moving into was formerly
land and Ireland was a project today. Who doesn’t love a hard- the old post-office, and has also been a wine shop, butchers and
conceived by a man named Regi- hitting drama with a gripping barbers in the more recent past.
nald Wolfe in 1548. He intended plot? Jason McNerney, who has worked there since 2004 is going to
to compile an all-encompassing take over the business from Paddy McCartan, who is retiring from
history of the three nations, but The Dail at 100 optics. Jason tells me how much of an advantage it is that the new
died before finishing the full com- The Oireachtas has been mak- location is a ground-floor premises: “It’s great in that it facilitates
pendium. ing many historical documents in mobility-impaired patients. It’s also good for us from the point of
Raphael Holinshed succeeded its collection available online for view of visibility. We have been hidden away upstairs for the last
Wolfe in 1573 and expanded the public viewing to celebrate the thirty-odd years.”
project to include more writers, centenary of the Dail’s first for- Jason is looking forward to an exciting journey ahead, hoping to
information and original woodcut mation. Guest curators were in- see the familiar faces of his old clientele as well as making some
illustrations. vited to explore the historical col- new friends along the way.
The copy belonging to the Oi- lections in the Oireachtas Library edge, Mr. Parnell has managed to Cllr McCartan will remain on Dublin City Council and wishes to
reachtas happens to be a second and choose their favourites of the elevate reiteration and persistence extend his deepest thanks to his clients “for their loyalty over the
edition of the book from 1587. selection on topics that most ap- into a fine art” and “English by years.”
Second editions may not sound pealed to them. family, American by inclination Pat Ann Dodd, the chiropodist, will also be moving to the new
particularly enthralling, but this The guest curators comprised and Irish by interest” illustrate the premises. She will have a room upstairs.
reprint holds a special place in lit- of Seán Ó Fearghaíl, Ceann Com- dual nature of opinions on a man Here at NewsFour we would like to extend our best wishes to all
erary history. It’s widely believed hairle of the 32nd Dáil, Mar- now generally deemed to be an those involved on the move and to Jason and Paddy on their pas-
by scholars that Shakespeare used tyn Turner, political cartoonist Irish political hero. tures new.
this version of the historical an- for The Irish Times, Dr. Aoife The visual depictions are rela-
thology as a source of reference Whelan, lecturer at the School tively scathing in most cases and
for many of his plays, including of Irish, Celtic Studies and Folk- the accompanying abstract on
Macbeth and King Lear. lore at UCD and John Lonergan, each of the men are on occasion,
While there are certain paral- former Governor of Mountjoy even more so. However, it makes
lels between the wordsmith’s Prison. for a highly interesting look into
plays and the depictions in Ho- The exhibit available to view our shared past.
linshed, one in particular comes via the Oireachtas website is Visit https://www.dail100.ie/
to the fore. The Three Witches called Treasures of the Dail and en/oireachtas-library to view the
from Shakespeare’s Macbeth are includes items of national inter- Treasures of the Oireachtas online
depicted as dark, ugly creatures est from a parliamentarian per- exhibit.
and are largely nefarious in na- spective. It includes political car- To view what’s currently in the
ture. However, when examining toons as far back as the 1880’s, an Dail’s display case and to read
the Holinshed Chronicles they are original copy of Arthur Griffith’s more about the Holinshed Chron-
referred to as “Creatures of the publication To Rebuild the Na- icles, visit this website:
Elderwood… nymphs or fairies.’’ tion and also pamphlets from the https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/
By comparing Shakespeare’s early 20th century that document visit-and-learn/history-and-build-
works to the 16th century book, the repeated push to preserve the ings/historical-documents/in-the-
academics have been able to de- Irish language in Ireland. display-case/
termine to what extent the famous There’s a particularly interest- A fully digitised page-by-page
ing document in the Parliament copy of the Holinshed Chronicles
for Ireland section of the exhibit is available from the link below:
of Vanity Fair caricatures of Irish https://archive.org/details/ho-
political figures. One dates from linshedschroni01holi/page/740
as far back as 1873 and depicts
a very well dressed, red faced Images: Parnell caricature
leader of the Home Rule League, courtesy of the Dáil press office.
Isacc Butt. Holinshed chronicles title page
Charles Stewart Parnell, is de- and Macbeth and Banquo meet-
picted in the selection with what ing the witches courtesy Wiki
I would say is a very complimen- Commons.
tary likeness. However reading
the accompanying outline of his
rise to prominence, he did not en-
tirely escape the shrewd magnify-
ing glass of the journalists of the
time. Comments such as “With-
out eloquence, humour or knowl-
 Page 16 CULTURE / MEDIA www.newsfour.ie August / September 2019

New funding model needed for RTÉ?

R
n David Prendeville To justify bringing in a uni- been reflected in a statement ued governmental mandate anomaly exists that, while all
TÉ have released versal media charge, then, in which the Screen Direc- that views cinema as pure in- European broadcasters have
their annual report quite simply means that tors Guild of Ireland, which dustry, as opposed to an art- funds to invest in both film in
for 2018 and it paints higher standards must be set includes the likes of Neil Jor- form such as the theatre or addition to drama, RTÉ has
quite a bleak picture. Last across all aspects of the sta- dan, Lenny Abrahamson and literature. This attitude pos- no budget to invest in film
year saw the launch of RTÉ’s tion’s output. The fact that the Dearbhla Walsh, amongst sibly stems somewhat from and this is adversely impact-
five-year strategy from 2018 report boasts of RTÉ’s factu- others, have called for both old Catholic Ireland’s deep ing industry growth and any
to 2022. al shows such as At Your Ser- an increase of the €30 mil- suspicion of the subversive hope for a vibrant future.”
This plan reflected the need vice, Operation Transforma- lion cited in the 2018-2022 potential of cinema. With a more fecund drama
for RTÉ to evolve in an age tion, Daniel and Majella’s B plan and backed by the BAI, However, a well-run RTÉ output, RTÉ could act as a
of changing technologies & B Roadtrip, Don’t Tell the and the creation of a separate can also help reverse the tide training ground for emerging
and the changing means of
consumption of televisual
content. This strategy was
backed by the Broadcasting
Authority of Ireland, which
recommended that RTÉ re-
ceive an increase of at least
30 million per annum moving
forward.
The Director-General of
RTÉ, Dee Forbes, in her re-
view in the 2018 report, em-
phasises that against this
backdrop RTÉ recorded a
loss of €13 million in 2018.
This is despite cutting costs
once more. Forbes goes on to
suggest a need to reform the
licence fee as one method of
averting what is currently an
unsustainable situation.
The perceived problem
of the licence fee is further
elaborated on in the finan-
cial report section. Here,
the evasion figures of 14%
and higher collection costs
than the UK are highlighted.
Naturally, another concern
to which attention is drawn
in the financial report, is the
fact that many households
are now consuming home
entertainment in new ways, Bride and Say Yes to Dress drama fund to produce qual- on this. It can share the bur- talent. An institution that is
beyond the television. This tells its own sad story about ity home-grown work. den with Screen Ireland (for- looking for increased finance
figure now stands at 10.6%. what RTÉ considers quality, One need only look to Den- merly the Irish Film Board) in cannot brag about their con-
This leads on to their argu- ‘factual’ programming. mark, a similar-sized country funding films more frequent- tinued commitment to Mrs.
ment that, as per some other The question for RTÉ is re- to Ireland, and the amount ly. This is also addressed in Brown’s Boys when discuss-
countries, the model of li- ally one of trust and reform. of Danish dramas that have the SDGI statement, with one ing their dedication to high
cense fee should be changed I have written extensively been exported far and wide as of their four key recommen- quality drama, as they do in
and should move beyond be- on the issues facing the FAI a model Irish drama should dations being: “the fragmen- the 2018 report.
ing device dependent. recently and really it’s hard aspire to. Denmark does tation of RTÉ engagement This is the only sensible
This is obviously a very not to think the same issues have a far richer heritage between the Department of way forward. RTÉ is cur-
contentious issue for mem- apply to RTÉ. I believe the of the moving image, sadly, Communications, Climate rently unsustainable. Efforts
bers of the public. It’s un- vast majority of people, even than Ireland does. From Carl Action and Environment and have to be made to ensure
derstandably frustrating that those who do not own a tel- Theodor Dreyer to Lars von the Department of Culture, that there is a sustained fo-
somebody who watches all evision, would have no prob- Trier, Denmark has a rich Heritage and the Gaeltacht cus on creating a breeding-
their shows on Netflix or lem paying a media fee if the cinematic history. is not productive. We recom- ground for high-quality
some other streaming plat- standard of programming on Ireland’s lack of a cinemat- mend that communications culture. That, in turn, can
forms, and has no reliance RTÉ was higher. The area of ic heritage is a deeper prob- and culture should operate sustain the interests of view-
on RTÉ, should be charged to home-grown drama is partic- lem and stems from a contin- in the same department and ers, regardless of what device
keep the station afloat. How- ularly contentious. to build on synergies on the they are using.
ever, on the other hand it is If one thinks back on the investment in film.”
absolutely imperative that we last decade, only Love/Hate Chairperson Maurice Above: Danish drama Borgen
have a national broadcaster could be considered a bona Sweeney elaborated on this versus Mrs Brown’s Boys: Is
for obvious democratic and fide success. That simply further, as reported in the more quality output needed?
cultural reasons. isn’t good enough. This has Irish Times, saying: “An Images courtesy of wikipedia.
 www.newsfour.ie August / September 2019 Page 17

Top Tips on Back-to-School Dental Health

A
s part of the busy back- ule your child’s back-to-school opt for a small child’s size bottle ing in organised team sports, PE
to-school transition this check-up when the summer re- of water if possible or a small car- classes or extra-curricular activi-
year, have you consid- ports arrive. ton of milk. ties, a mouth guard should be part
ered reviewing your family’s den- Similarly, it is a great idea to Replace sugary snacks such as of every child’s sports kit.
tal health routine? plan all orthodontic visits at the chocolate and granola bars with A dentist can custom fit your
According to Dr Jennifer Col- start of the school year to restrict alternatives like celery sticks, child’s mouthguard to ensure
lins, lead general dentist at North- interruption to teaching time, par- baby carrots and cubes of cheddar that it is accurately adapted to the
umberland Dental Care in Dublin ticularly in the case of students cheese. mouth and stays in place securely.
4: “Dental pain or disease can preparing for State examinations. As the child’s teeth develop and
lead to difficulty for children in The transition from primary to 4. Birthday Party Prep change, it is important to check
eating, playing and even learning, secondary school, known as the With a busy birthday party sea- each year that their mouthguard
not to mention hours of missed mixed dentition stage, is an ideal ing school, parents will still need son and Halloween on the horizon, still fits.
school. The best way to prevent time to see an orthodontist. to provide assistance with brush- try to limit treats to mealtimes and
dental worries is a regular den- ing, whilst at the same time en- avoid grazing on them throughout 6. Emergency Contacts
tal examination, and a thorough 2. Regular Tooth Brushing couraging them to manage their the day. Our saliva production in- The new school year is an op-
cleaning routine.” In the rush to update school own brushing routine. creases during meals, which helps portunity to update your emer-
shoes, uniforms and stationery rinse away sugary food particles gency contact list, which should
Six Tips on Back-to- for the new school year, be sure 3. Tooth Friendly Lunch Boxes and can reduce the risk of cavi- include details for your dentist.
School Dental Care: to consider replacing the family’s Most schools have a healthy ties. It is also worth checking if your
1. Schedule Dental Appointments toothbrushes too. It is important lunch box policy, which goes Avoid treats that tend to lin- school has access to a dentist on
A dental examination should be to replace your child’s toothbrush hand-in-hand with maintaining ger in the mouth, such as hard call, in case of playground or
an integral part of back-to-school at least every three months, or af- good dental health, and should or sticky sweets. Drinking water sports mishaps.
preparations. Prevention is better ter an illness. include a balance of grains, milk, will help to dilute any acid attacks
than cure, and regular check-ups To keep their mouths healthy, cheese, raw vegetables, yoghurt caused by sugary snacks. Northumberland Dental Care
are the best way to avoid unneces- regular brushing with a pea-sized or fruit. is offering a free back-to-school
sary pain and minimise impact on amount of fluoride toothpaste is Try to avoid too many fruit 5. Mouth Guard Fitting child’s check-up, with all adult
important study time during the key. Children should also floss drinks and smoothies that can ap- A properly fitted mouth guard examinations booked during
school year. once a day, preferably after din- pear to be healthy but often tend is an essential safety feature for August. For further informa-
It may seem a long way off, but ner. to be high in sugar and therefore children ahead of the winter tion, contact the practice on 01
a good rule of thumb is to sched- For younger children just start- impact on dental decay. Instead, sports season. Whether participat- 668 8441 or visit www.nidm.ie
 Page 18 music profile www.newsfour.ie August / September 2019

Percy French: Sandymount’s adopted son

P
n Eoin Meegan mytage Moore, a Cavan na-
ercy French is known far and tive, who was to become his
wide as the writer of timeless wife. The couple married on
classics such as ‘The Mountains the 28th June 1890 at St Ste-
of Mourne’, ‘Phil The Fluter’s Ball’, phen’s Church, Dublin. After
and ‘Slattery’s Mounted Fut’. What is their honeymoon at Castle
less well-known is that the composer, Howard, Avoca, they moved
who was born in 1884 in Roscommon, to Victoria Lodge, at number 3
and not Cavan as is sometimes be- St John’s Road, Sandymount.
lieved, was also a landscape painter of By all accounts the couple
some distinction. spent many happy days here,
What fewer still will know is that, for according to the local rec-
for a short time, he was a resident of tor’s wife, he and his new
Sandymount. In fact, his time in Sand- bride were always known to
ymount could be said to have been be laughing and singing. He
the happiest of his life, until it ended loved the area, doing many
abruptly with the tragic death of his sketches of Sandymount
first wife and child. Strand. Sadly the idyllic time
Coming from a wealthy background, was to be all too short, when
Percy was able to attend Trinity Col- exactly a year and a day from
lege, and although academically gifted their wedding, following the
he preferred artistic pursuits. When he birth of their first daughter, both Ettie a libel action against him. It’s reported also a seat dedicated to him on the Ca-
first moved there, he promptly bought and the baby died. that French deliberately turned up in nal very near Paddy Kavanagh’s.
himself a banjo and starting attend- Ettie’s loss inspired French to write the courthouse in Clare nearly an hour Percy French died in Liverpool after
ing operas at the newly-opened Gaiety Gortnamona, a haunting tribute to her. late and when questioned by the judge, contracted pneumonia in 1920. He was
Theatre. It is believed the double tragedy great- replied (no doubt to peals of laughter) 65. It’s regrettable that his final resting
ly affected him mentally that it was due to him travelling by place is not in Ireland, but in Formby,
and he disappeared to the the West Clare Railway. The libel was Merseyside where he died. Ettie is bur-
country for several months, thrown out! ied in St Jerome’s.
ceasing all activity. Percy was to marry again, and once Percy French will always be re-
French had a keen eye more live in Dublin, this time at 35 membered for his witty, occasionally
and a sensitive soul. It is Mespil Road, not far from his former profound, and sometimes subversive
said when he came upon Sandymount home. His second wife songs.
a scene of outstanding al- was Helen Sheldon, who was a chorus
lure he would stop trans- girl, and the pair had three children, all Left: The Percy French Memorial in
fixed, almost intoxicated girls, the first he named after Ettie. Ap- the town square of Ballyjamesduff, Co
by its beauty. He produced parently known for his wit, he used to Cavan.
hundreds of watercolours, casually inform acquaintances, “We are Above: Mayo Mermaids painted by
making a steady income living by the canal, do drop in.” I’m not Percy French.
from this as well as from sure if the pun was intended. There is (Images courtesy of Wiki Commons)
his music.
He toured London during
the theatre season, and fol-
lowed this by a tour of the
seaside resorts in Ireland.
He also did tours of Amer-
ica and Europe; in 1914
helping to raise money for
children displaced due to
the war.
He excelled at music, tennis, and His life was a hectic round of shows
painting, and was a somewhat reluctant and engagements, but he always in-
attendee at lectures. He was, by all ac- sisted on taking a month off every year
counts, a gifted tennis player and had when he would repair to the West of
a low cutting net shot that might even Ireland to rest, soak up the scenery, and
give one Roger Federer some trouble, of course paint.
had the pair been able to meet. In 1897, he was travelling to do a
French graduated from Trinity with concert in Moore’s hotel, Kilkee, Co
a degree in civil engineering and took Clare when the train broke down at
up a job inspecting drains in County Miltown Malbay, leaving the passen-
Cavan with the Board of Works, hence gers stranded for five hours. So put out This photo is from a performance of Songs Across the Sea on July 5th at St John’s
his association with that county. He was he that as well as suing the West Church, Sandymount, led by distinguished conductor and great grand nephew of
lived there for many years and fell in Clare Railway Company for loss of Percy French, John Daly Goodwin.
love with the beauty of the place, in- earnings, he got the perfect revenge The concert featured the A Viva Voce Festival Chorus of New York, and included
spiring songs such as the Mountains of by penning the satirical song ‘Are you some of Percy French’s most memorable tunes. The night was a great success.
Mourne, and Come Back Paddy Reilly right there Michael’.
to Ballyjamesduff. Later, due to the embarrassment the Photo courtesy of Patrick Hugh Lynch.
He also fell in love with Ettie Ar- song caused them, the Company took
 www.newsfour.ie August / September 2019 CULTURE / MUSIC Page 19

T
n Dermot Carmody
he Dublin Fringe Festival cel-
ebrates its 25th birthday this year
with shows in more than 30 loca-
Dublin Fringe Festival A teen band, a brass band, a community
choir and ageing rockers from Dublin join
Joseph O’Farrell’s drums and Sam Halm-
arack’s guitar to mark and protest its de-
tions around the city running from Sep-
tember 7-29. The festival draws over
25th Birthday Feast mise, leading audiences through a strange
ceremony and heartfelt celebration of how
30,000 spectators each year to a range of one of a twin-production project on the patrons to a dinner party to sit down, shut music shapes the lives of the people who
innovative and often subversive events themes of civilization and nature up and overhear the conversations of four play it.
across a range of art forms. As part of the festival’s international pro- proud working-class Irish folk as they dis- Dublin Fringe Festival runs from Sep-
Among the highlights promised this gramme Fringe presents Things We’ve Al- cuss the middle classes, privilege and the tember 7-22 at over 30 venues in Dublin
year is Gym Swim Party at the O’Reilly ways Wanted To Tell You at Project Cube. bright lights of Lidl. It’s a show for any of For more information and booking visit
Theatre. The show is co-created by Dan- The show is directed by UK-based writer us who think Ireland doesn’t have a class http://www.fringefest.com/
ielle Galligan and Gavin Kostick and di- and actor Scottee, and made and performed system and for those of us who are aware
rected by Louise Lowe and tells the epic in collaboration with spoken word artist and enough to know better. Below, from left: Scottee, Director Thing’s
tale of a turf war between rival gym dy- poet Felispeaks, aerialist Jade O’Connor of The Ringside Bar at the National Sta- We’ve Always Wanted To Tell You (Photo:
nasties through an exhilarating triptych of Femme Bizarre, photographer Brian Teel- dium, Dublin is transformed into a music Holly Revell); Gym Swim Party actress
movement, dance and story. ing, and actor and writer from the North venue on the brink of closure for We Are Danielle Galligan (Photo: Ste Murray);
Project Arts Centre and Dublin Fringe inner-city Thommas Kane Byrne. Lightening, a show about gentrification and Natalie Palamides as Nate (Photo: Nick
Festival bring a co-presentation series This world premiere production invites the resulting loss of music and club venues. Rasmussen).
bringing international artists who are mak-
ing waves around the world to an Irish au-
dience. This includes Natalie Palamides’s
Nate at The Project. The award-winning
American comedian and erstwhile Power
Puff Girl plays Nate in male drag in a
cross-dressing comedy show for the #Me-
Too era that workshops, with audience
participation, the idea of consent.
Project Arts Centre also hosts aerialist
Emily Aoibheann’s Sorry Gold, a ground-
breaking live art piece, where sculpture
and body merge to create the ultimate
moving artwork. If aerial is the dance of
industrial technology, what will the dance
of biotechnology be? Sorry Gold is part

S Kevin Morrow at McCloskey’s

n Dermot Carmody he’s adding bass, keyboards, slide guitar,
inger and songwriter Kevin Mor- loads of vocal harmonies as well. I’m re-
row has been playing on Thursday ally, really pleased with it.”
nights in McCloskey’s pub in Don- than some of his other regular perfor- Kevin’s face lights up talking about
nybrook for the last five years. mances, he gets requests not just for the the project and he whips out his phone to
McCloskey’s is an old-school shop songs of other well-known artists, but for play me some snippets of recent record-
where a body can expect the type of ef- his own songs. ings, including his haunting ballad, Oc-
ficient service that comes wrapped in a Perched on a high stool, straw trilby tober Moon, which will be a track on the
convivial deadpan expression and only atop his head, Kevin is charming and af- EP he’s planning to release this autumn.
requires the correct angling of an empty fable between songs, clearly comfortable When I ask him how he intends to
pint glass to set the wheels in motion. in his performer’s skin. It’s not surprising promote the recording, his faith in his
No dusty books, sewing machines or really – he’s been at it a while. own work comes through: “I reckon if
faux antiques adorn its shelves. It’s just a He formed the rock band Renegade in the songs are really good, they’ll speak
big old comfortable local where you and 1981 in Belfast and they became well on their own without having to push too
the twenty members of your bell-ringing known there, supporting Wishbone Ash hard.”
club can be accommodated and still leave and Mama’s Boys. After a four-year stint As our conversation ends and Kevin
plenty of space for the book readers, field in London in the 80s, where life revolved prepare to start the gig, an elderly pa-
enthusiasts or solo philosophers to have more around building sites than guitars, tron grabs him on his way out the door to
their piece of peace. he moved back to Belfast, playing with apologise for not staying. “She told me
Kevin’s poster suggests a human juke- local band The Attic and then to Dublin not to tarry,” he laments. “Ah, for God’s
box. It lists about twenty artists whose in 1990. sake,” says Kevin sympathetically, “I’ve
material he performs in his solo gigs He played with a number of Dublin the Green Glens Of Antrim all set for
ranging from Bob Dylan to Eric Clap- bands, notably Parchman Farm, who you…” And off he goes to play another
ton via David Bowie and Joni Mitchell. were resident at the legendary JJ Smyths thirty requests instead.
Kevin’s mental songbook must contain in Aungier Street for many years, and Kevin Morrow plays at McCloskey’s
hundreds, if not thousands, of songs in Brian Downey’s Blues Up Front in 2001. in Donnybrook every Thursday night. No
dozens of genres. County Down could pull off Kate Bush’s In 2004 he formed Hollywood Slim And cover charge.
However, it would be wrong to see Wuthering Heights. In fact, there’s only the Fat Cats who played a residency in Kevin also plays O’Reilly’s in Sand-
him as a hack covers artist. His beautiful one, and he really enjoys the Thursday the Burlington Supper Club until 2009, ymount on Saturdays, The Old Mill, Tal-
guitar playing and excellent harmonica night gig in McCloskeys. when he went solo. laght on Fridays and Birchall’s in Crum-
combine with a soulful vocal range and “I do really like this gig,” says Kevin. Now he’s keen to promote his own lin on Sundays.
lovely overall musicianship to mark him “People are kind of chilled it’s not like songwriting talent. “I’m recording with a
out as someone capable of interpreting a a mad weekend with people letting off fellow called Bill Shanley,” he explains. Left: Kevin Morrow blows a mean har-
song faithfully while very much making steam.” He feels more people are listen- “He’s Ray Davies’ guitar player and monica on Thursday nights at McClos-
it his own. ing here on a Thursday night, as demon- he works with Paul Brady. I’m record- key’s pub.
Not many men from Hollywood, strated by the fact that, in this gig more ing the voice, guitar and harmonica and (Photo Dermot Carmody)
 Page 20 PHOTO DIARY www.newsfour.ie August / September 2019

The Amerigo Vespucci, a sail training vessel for Italian Navy cadets seen moored at Dermot Lacey and his wife Jill took a final boat trip around the port before
and later departing from Dublin Port. Images by Gary Burke. he officially resigned as chairman from the Rinn Voyager programme.

Lorcan Tucker (wearing yellow bib) at Lords. Pembroke Foxes on tour at Lords.
Image by Sean Smith, Pembroke Foxes. Image by Sean Smith, Pembroke Foxes.

Craig Senior, Kieran Vulker, Greg McNamara, Tammy Grinager, Caroline Andy Balbirnie scoring his 50th innings at Lords.
Lynch and Amanda Dunlop supporting the Irish cricket team at Lords. Image by Sean Smith, Pembroke Foxes.
Image by Sean Smith, Pembroke Foxes.
www.newsfour.ie August / September 2019 PHOTO DIARY Page 21
 Page 22 POETRY www.newsfour.ie August / September 2019

THE POETRY PLACE

Talking to The Trees

By Glenda Cimino, (written in Herbert Park)

I went to the park one summer morning

Stood looking at the tall old trees
And imagined that I was an alien
Just landed on earth
From a faraway planet
And these were the earthlings
I was meeting for the very first time.

Bloomsday on the double I greeted the natives, who were standing

with great dignity, in twos and threes. Somehow

S
n Rodney Devitt they understood my thoughts, and I theirs.
ixty-five years ago, a photograph, which was to become They told me of their long lives,
a cultural icon, was published in the Irish Times. Five Of the many things they had seen
literary gentlemen, John Ryan, Anthony Cronin, Flann How they produced oxygen for other earthlings,
O’Brien, Patrick Kavanagh, and Tom Joyce, a cousin of James Let some earthlings nest in their branches, provided shade
Joyce, decided to visit, as far as was possible, the various fa- From the planet’s sun, and shelter from the winds.
mous scenes throughout Dublin depicted in James Joyce’s great But there was another species on this planet,
novel Ulysses. Humans, who thought they were superior to the trees –
On the morning of the 16th of June, 1954, the fiftieth anniver- in fact, in their ignorance,
sary of the date the novel was set, they commenced their odys- they imagined themselves to be
sey, thus inadvertently creating the first “Bloomsday”.
Superior to all the other earthlings.
Many stops for refreshments were made along the way, and
These self-centred beings mostly
their full itinerary was never completed. While still reasonably
steady on their feet, their picture was snapped in front of Sand- did not understand any tree languages,
ymount Tower, more or less on the spot where Stephen Dedalus but chopped them down
asked himself the question: “Am I walking into eternity along as if they were objects, turning their skin and flesh into
Sandymount Strand?” houses or furniture or paper or firewood. And those who were left
Sixty-five years later, with Bloomsday now an international in- grieved for the ones who were taken.
stitution, that celebrated picture is recreated in the same location I admired these sturdy creatures, who seemed to be
by five members of the Sweny’s Pharmacy Joycean Museum: mistreated, and perhaps even a little endangered.
Paddy O’Dwyer, Joe Kenny, Val O’Donnell, Rodney Devitt, and I told them that on my planet they would be honoured
Gerry O’Reilly, in homage to their illustrious predecessors. for their wisdom, strength, and giving nature.
The original photographer is now unknown. His modern suc- They warned me to be wary of the humans,
cessor is Philip White.
The most dangerous species on earth.
They might choose to kill or capture me,
FIRST BLOOMSDAY PHOTOGRAPH Use me for unnatural experiments.
First Bloomsday, fifty years beyond a date, I wondered what these strange beings were like.
A famous date, fictitious and yet true, They are not rooted, like us, the trees said.
That somehow never happened and yet did. Instead of branches and trunks they have
Strange pantomime of laughing gods and men, Odd-looking arms and legs and move
A toast to Bella Cohen and a glass, restlessly around the planet. They rarely thank us,
A tipple here, a tipple there and soon though they can speak, they can’t hear our whispers in the wind.
Half-arsed with drink on Sandymount they stand They are like sleepwalkers; if they do not awaken,
O’Brien, Cronin, Kavanagh and Ryan
They will destroy all of the rest of us, and
In June day celebration of a man
Themselves as well. We try to warn them,
Whose dentist cousin stands now in his place.
First June day writers’ celebration of but they just won’t listen.
A book and of a man who’s in his grave Suddenly I am brought back to reality,
And Homer smiles as dead Joyce shouts a laugh My own humanness seems a shameful thing.
– Stand straight you eejits for the photograph. I look at the peaceful trees, now silent,
And wonder if they really believed
Copyright © 2018 by Joe Kenny For a moment as I did; that I was an alien
Who saw them as they saw themselves.
 www.newsfour.ie August / September 2019 Page 23

News from the Old Dublin Society

Launch of ‘Dublin Histori- ness is not a modern issue and Book Reviews and No-
cal Record – Spring/Sum- as in the middle of the 19th tices. Over the counter cop-
mer 2019’, Editor Dr. Séa- century it was a major one in ies of this journal can be ob-
mas Ó Maitiú, published by Dublin and Ireland. If mod- tained from Book Upstairs,
the Old Dublin Society. ern Dublin owes a huge debt Westmoreland Street, Dub-

R
to Fr. Peter McVerry and lin, Hodges Figgis, Dawson
ecently Dr. Mary his co-workers for provid- Street, Dublin 2, or directly
Clarke, Dublin City ing a night shelter for those from the Old Dublin Society
Archivist, launched without a roof over the via www.olddublinsociety.ie
the latest issue of the Dub- heads, then it owes a huge or by email: olddublinsoci-
lin Historical Record at a debt to his 19th predecessor ety@gmail.com.
reception in Kevin Street Fr. James Spatt whose work Correspondence: Wren’s
Library, Dublin, attended by has been largely overlooked Rest, 19 Hazelwood,
members and friends of the but now recalled by Fergus Shankill, Co. Dublin D18
Society, and also presented A. D’Arcy in ‘From Weav- ND79.
John Fitzgerald with the Old ers to Waifs – From Tenter James Scannell, Hon.PRO.
Dublin Society Medal for his House to Asylum: The Cork Cumann Le Seandacht Átha
paper ‘The Life and Times of Street Night Refuge for Cliath (The Old Dublin Soci-
Lundy Foot & Co., Tobacco Homeless Women and Chil- ety).
Manufacturers’, the most dren, 1818 – 2001.’
outstanding paper published • In ‘Countess Markievicz, Directors: Bernardine
in the Dublin Historical Re- a cottage in Sandyford and Ruddy, Anthony P. Behan,
cord during 2018. her neighbour Mary Mulli- Barry Farrell, James Scan-
This issue of the Dublin gan’, Peader Curran provides nell, Bryan MacMahon.
Historical Society has as the an insight into this retreat Sheila Fleming.
front cover an oil painting used by the Countess to get Company No.15059 CHY
purporting to be ‘Passengers away from the hustle and No. 5327 Registered in Ire-
boarding a train probably at bustle of life. land. Registered Address:
Westland Row Station. Dub- Other items in this pub- 1-2 Marino Mart, Fairview,
lin’ and relates to one of the lication are Society News Dublin 3.
articles in this issue

Articles featured in this is-

sue of the Dublin Historical
Record, which has the wider
world of Dublin’s Industrial, • The Ballinteer Local His- way: History, Art and Real-
business, economic, and so- tory Group in ‘The Round ity’ Kurt Kullmann provides
cial life as a common theme, House Stackstown, Co. Dub- new insights into this railway
include: lin – A query’ seek informa- and some masterful insights
• ‘In Around the Town’ Dr. tion on this building, in par- and comments on some of the
Séamas Ó Maitiú reflects on ticular the design and use of illustrations published when
various events that have tak- this cottage, which now lies the line opened in 1834.
en place in the city includ- in ruins above Stackstown • Medical matters are cov-
ing the return of the Liffey Golf Club. ered in ‘St. Ultan’s Hospital,
Ferry and the demolition of • In ‘The Medlar’s Gotcha! Charlemont Street – Back-
the Tivoli Theatre in Fran- – The Story of Dublin fam- ground and Achievement’ by
cis Street, Dublin, which is ily’, Pól Ó Duibhir writes Margaret Bradley, who pro-
the subject of a poem ‘They about P.J. Medlar, (1885- vides a fascinating history of
knocked down the Tivvo to- 1849), undertaken, alderman this Dublin infant’s hospital,
day’ penned by Leo Magee, and city councillor, and his established in 1919 which
one of the Library Assistants family, whose origins are in closed in 1984 when its ser-
based in Dublin City Library Paulstown, Co. Kilkenny, vices were transferred to the
& Archive. with the emphasis of that part National Children’s Hospital
• Seán Magee in ‘Grand of the family which settled in in Harcourt Street, Dublin,
Jury and other records of Dublin. which in 1998 was absorbed
St. Thomas’s Parish, Dub- • Ireland’s first railway, The into Tallaght Hospital.
lin City’ provides a picture Dublin & Kingstown Rail- • Irish Whiskey distilling
of this body of men who did way, has been the subject of is currently enjoying a re-
their best for the wretched of numerous books but in ‘The markable resurgence and in
their area within the limits of Dublin & Kingstown Rail- ‘The Roe Family and Roe’s
their resources. Distillery’ Sean J. Murphy
• Bríd Nolan in ‘Newtown tells the story of what was
on the Strand – an elusive Dublin’s largest producer of
townland’ traces the evolu- whiskey until closure in the
tion, peoples, houses and his- 1920s and currently the Roe
tory of this part of south Dub- brand of whiskey has been
lin which became submerged re-launched by Diageo.
into modern day Blackrock. • The issue of homeless-
 Page 24 MUSIC REVIEW www.newsfour.ie August / September 2019

Hot 8 Brass Band at the

Button Factory
T
n Dermot Carmody Don’t Rise (2010). They’ve re- humongous sousaphone.
he Hot 8 Brass Band leased a number of albums includ- The result is a soulful, dance-
brought the second line pa- ing 2017’s On The Spot and the inducing house party. The voices
rades of their native New Grammy-nominated The Life & of the horns soar above the rhythm
Orleans to a heaving, happy and Times Of… The Hot 8 Brass Band section of the bass and snare drum-
hopping July night at The Button in 2015. mers and the bass lines from the
Factory in Temple Bar. Apart from Katrina, the band has depths of the Mississippi mud
The band was formed from the suffered personal tragedy, losing channeled through Benni Pete’s
fusion of two high school brass four members over the years, three sousaphone.
bands by sousaphone player and of them to gun violence. In 1996, Early on in the Button Factory
bandleader Benni Pete in 1996. 17 year old trumpeter Jacob John- the band had the audience enthu-
Like the communities its members son was shot dead in his home. siastically committed to call and
come from, the Hot 8 Brass band Then in 2004 trombonist Joseph response singing and waving its
was dispersed in the process of “Shotgun Joe” Johnson was shot arms in the air like it just don’t
evacuation and resettlement that dead by police officers in disputed care. Their eclectic repertoire of
tore New Orleans apart in the wake circumstances when they stopped Hot 8 “remixes” create a number
of the massive damage done to the his truck. Two years later snare of highlights.
city by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. drummer Dinerral Shavers was From a thorough de-electron-
The band reformed and played shot dead while driving with his ification of Joy Division in Love
to the re-located New Orelans peo- family. Additionally, the band lost Will Tear Us Apart, through epic there in the opening bars of solo power of their music to bring peo-
ple around the US. They began to 28 year old trombonist Demond versions of Marvin Gaye’s Sexual trumpet quoting Chopin’s funeral ple together in a healing and joy-
play abroad as well and opened for Dorsey to a heart attack. Healing and Al Green’s Let’s Stay march into the wonderful dirge ously life-affirming way.
R&B singer Lauryn Hill’s tour. The band’s music builds on a Together the Hot 8 work the room with dizzyingly beautiful patterns For more about The Hot 8
The Hot 8 Brass Band also fea- bedrock of traditional New Orleans until it becomes practically physi- of the horn lines woven around Brass Band visit http://www.hot-
tured prominently in two HBO marching jazz to incorporate R&B, ologically impossible not to dance. the stomping lament of the rhythm 8brassband.com
documentaries about New Orleans rap and hip hop influences. There Possibly the most affecting section.
post-Katrina directed by Spike can be up to 10 in the ensemble, highlight of the night is their ver- Despite the tragedy in their back Pictured: The Hot 8 Brass Band
Lee: When the Levees Broke: A but on this night there were eight: sion of the American jazz clas- story, or perhaps because of how playing at The Button Factory in
Requiem in Four Acts (2016) and saxophone, two trombones, two sic St. James Infirmary Blues. they have come through it all, The Temple Bar on July 17th 2019.
If God Is Willing and da Creek trumpets, snare, bass drum and the The spirit of Louis Armstrong is Hot 8 Brass Band embodies the Photo by Dermot Carmody.

ACROSS:
Solutions for
The NewsFour Crossword 1) Human embodiment (15)
8) Extremely unpleasant (6) the June / July 2019
Compiled by Gemma Byrne 9) Spring onion (8) Crossword
10) Threw/kicked in a high arc (6)
11) Stop (6) Across:
12) Comic book sound effect (3) 1) Hypochondriac; 7) Prospectus;
13) Covert (11) 9) Mac; 10) Gaga; 12) Earliest;
15) Romantic Elvis Costello hit (3) 13) Doff; 14) Deli; 15) Oboe; 16)
16) Precipitation (4) Levi, 17) Sir; 18) Null; 19) Near;
18) Corridors (11) 20) Ooze; 22) Nape; 24) Ore; 26)
21) Hilarious fossil fuel? (7, 3) Land; 27) Eros; 28) Exactly; 29)
25) Predicament (6) Sip; 31) Inconsistencies
27) Picking it up wrong (15)
Down:
DOWN: 1) Happenstance; 2) Progress;
1) One who gets on easily with others (6, 6) 3) Capricorn; 4) Occasionally;
2) A proud spectrum of colours? (7) 5) Drug; 6) Armadillo; 8) Safe-
3) Luxury (8) guards; 11) Officers Mess; 21)
4) Ralph Lauren or Coco Chanel (7, 8) Oar; 23) Plaice; 24) On; 25) Stink;
5) This silent family game is a complete sham (8) 27) Epoch; 30) ETA; 31) In
6) Put up with (8)
7) Even so (11) Prize of €25 book token. Post
14) Espadrille or brogue (4) entries to NewsFour, 13A Fit-
17) Ain’t (4) zwilliam Street, Ringsend, Dub-
18) Each (3) lin 4 by 27th September 2019.
19) Cigarette (informal) (6)
Name:…………………………… Telephone:………………… 20) Open mouthed in suspense (4) The winner of our June/July
22) Opposed to (4) crossword competition is Mar-
23) Unattractive citrus fruit? (4) garet Battle, North Circular
Address:………………………………………………………… 24) To help like this is criminal (4) Road, Dublin 1.
26) Chasing or rugby? (3)
 www.newsfour.ie August / September 2019 DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL NOTES Page 25

DCC Notes
Cllr Conroy in reply said, “nobody
would want anyone’s private business to
be affected, but this is an entirely differ-
for SEAC meeting, July 2019 ent thing, it is an outdoor event open to
the public… in the open square children
Compiled by Eoin Meegan can be brought in with their parents, and

F
dogs can be brought it, so there’s things
resh from the May elections like that that can never be brought into a
the South East Area Committee studio. The yoga teachers themselves are
(SEAC) got proceedings under- being paid, it’s five euros per person, so
way on July 8th with Cllr Dermot Lacey it’s very affordable.
(LAB) taking up his new role as Area Cllr Flynn (Ind) thought the park facili-
Committee Chairperson. ty was a very good thing, but they should
The meeting began with a presentation try to include the studio owners too. He
by Elaine Sullivan, one of the area plan- proposed they ask the OPW why Ste-
ners for the Dublin 4 area, outlining the phen’s Green and the Iveagh Gardens are
planning application for the development not being used for this facility as well.
of the Poolbeg peninsula, notably the The motion was agreed which would al-
SDZ zone on the former Irish Glass Bot- low the yoga to continue.
tle site, and the adjoining Fabrizia lands.
This was followed by a presentation implement a real time text alert to facili- The selection process will still be fo- Wildflowers and Biodiversity
by Kevin Rossiter on the Dublin bike tate the public. cused on areas where schools are located Cllr Chris Andrews (SF) proposed that
scheme arising from a motion earlier Cllr Manix Flynn (Ind) however, was and areas that have previously had sig- this area committee agrees and requests
this year calling for the scheme to be ex- in no doubt as to where the blame lay: nificant engineering interventions intro- that DCC sow wildflowers as proposed
tended to Ballsbridge and the surround- “Whatever about everything else in duced. It will also be a priority to ensure by Donnybrook Tidy Towns on the me-
ing area. terms of real time monitoring the point of that there is a flow from one 30 km/h dian strip from Donnybrook Church up
The Poolbeg development was gener- the matter is that the system that’s there zone to another rather than a stop-start to RTÉ entrance as it would help pollina-
ally welcomed by the members, while the in Ringsend is openly dumping sewage approach; this is to ensure that road users tors and also reduce maintenance costs.
timeline for any future expansion of the into the water and will continue to do that are travelling at constant speeds where The council replied: “Park Services
Just Eat Dublin bike scheme, and what until we have the proper facility.” possible and also not to add any confu- welcomes the planting of wildflowers
form that would take, is still unclear and He went on to say that it’s not a leak sion and/or a proliferation of signage in and flowering species which increases
awaits an evaluation of the market and or an accident but a deliberate situation. the areas.” biodiversity in the city.
the direction the scheme will go. “In my opinion, you just have to tell the If a representative of Donnybrook Tidy
public not to go in there and swim at Yoga in the Park Towns contacts the undersigned [Mary
Nowhere to bathe all, because I wouldn’t trust the kind of Yoga and fitness classes have become Taylor, Executive Manager, South City,
The arbitrary closure of beaches to information that’s coming ou… if you a common sight in our public parks tel.: 222 5112, email: mary.taylor@dub-
bathers which dogged the city last year bear in mind that Irish Water didn’t even throughout the summer time in recent lincity.ie] we will be very happy to assist
was back on the agenda following a bother to inform the public or Dublin years, organised by Happenings.ie in as- them in their endeavours and also in se-
number of “no bathing” water notices City Council, it took a member of the sociation with DCC. lecting suitable locations.”
popping up over the summer. Apart from public and their own drone to do so… It’s Cllr Deirdre Conroy (FF) called for And on a similar theme Cllr Hazel Chu
the general inconvenience to the public, an outrageous situation to happen here, the reinstatement of the outdoor yoga (GP) proposed that this local area com-
the specific problem of overflows at the and that’s the crux of the matter, you can class on Saturday mornings in Dart- mittee would sow wildflowers on grass
Ringsend Wastewater plant was raised by have all the real time [testing] you like mouth Square, which apparently had verges without mowing throughout the
Cllr Claire Byrne (GP). The issue of real but if a State company is going to dump ceased. “This is something that the local year to both save cost and support pol-
time testing and the reasons for the clo- that kind of effluent into the water, well residents and people in general really ap- linators and increase biodiversity.
sures became the subject of some debate. then we’re in deep trouble.” The motion preciate so I don’t know why it’s been The reply was: “Park Services supports
Cllr James Geoghegan FG) began: was accepted by the committee. banned,” she said. the planting of wildflowers and other
“Because we don’t have real time testing Cllr Byrne (GP) who had this down as flowering species which increases biodi-
[the beaches] remains closed to bathers, Reducing Speed into Ringsend a motion previously, said the problem versity in the city. However, such plant-
and there would be a period in which Cllr Kevin Donoghue (LAB) proposed wasn’t confined to Dartmouth Square ing is labour intensive at certain times of
we could get back in the water if there that the speed limit on the main road but affected other parks too. She called the year and therefore safe access is es-
was real time monitoring, which I under- through Ringsend into Irishtown be re- for someone in the Parks Department to sential during these times.
stand is an inexpensive thing to deliver… duced to 30 km/h. provide the committee with an update Therefore, other means of increasing
We know that it’s not just the Ringsend The reply was: “Ringsend area has on what’s happening “as we’re nearly pollinator planting and enhancing biodi-
Wastewater treatment plant that’s con- been included in the fourth phase of the half-way through the summer and it’s a versity e.g. seasonal bulb planting, may
tributing to the water being unswimma- 30 km/h speed limit introduction. This hugely important facility for the citizens be more appropriate and will be consid-
ble, it’s also the Ailesbury pump station, proposal will be going for public con- of the city in order to have affordable, ac- ered for grass verges.”
it’s the Elm Park stream, there’s a whole sultation during summer 2019. Follow- cessible yoga classes for the health and An emergency motion put down by
heap of factors that are contributing to ing the adoption, and sealing of the new mental health of our citizens.” Cllr Dermot Lacey (LAB) called for traf-
the poor bathing water qualities.” bye-laws in the autumn 2019, works will However, Cllr Mary Freehill (LAB) fic officials to immediately engage with
He called for the council to be updat- commence to erect the relevant signage argued that the subject was more com- residents of Seafort Avenue regarding
ed as to which phases of the Ringsend in the new areas in summer 2020. plex, and raised the issue of permanent two proposed new pedestrian crossings,
Wastewater treatment plant are likely The main road through Ringsend into studios who paid their taxes and, one and the removal of the already limited
to precipitate closure. Cllr Hazel Chu Irishtown is an approved arterial route. in particular she mentioned, found their parking for residents. The council re-
(GP) while agreeing, took Cllr Geoghe- Dublin City Council will be reviewing customer numbers had fallen to zero. “It plied that it was willing to discuss these
gan to task on one point: “We talk about the speed limits on the arterial and other is a bit like people who are selling stuff matters with the Dept of Education, and
real time testing and it actually is avail- routes and based on the findings from the along the canal, and the local shops who with local residents, and also to try and
able, and the current testing time is three review will make a decision if changes are paying their rates then can’t sell any- provide parking permits for residents of
days… but what we need to bring in is are required. This will take place after thing at lunch time.” She pointed out that Seafort avenue on surrounding roads.
on the day turnaround.” Which, given implementation of 30 km/h is fully com- while not against the park facilities there
proper investment she argued is highly pleted. It is planned to do so by the end was a need for balance and fairness to be Above: Among the ‘wildflowers’.
possible. She also expressed the need to of 2020. exercised in this matter. Photo: Eugene Carolan.
 Page 26 HISTORY www.newsfour.ie August / September 2019

George Noble Plunkett ary 1922 and led the anti-treaty

Cumann na Poblachta, which lost
the June General Election.
Plunkett abstained from the Dáil

A
n Dermot Carmody as well as with literary figures like in the Civil War and was interned
hundred years ago, Count Bram Stoker, the poet Katherine until December 1923. In the 1923
George Noble Plunkett Tynan and Oscar Wilde. election he topped the poll in
led the TDs into the first Plunkett’s primary ambition County Roscommon. He would
Dáil in the Mansion House. He was to be a journalist. While still not take his seat in the treatyite
had won the election in Roscom- at school he contributed to The Dáil and as a result lost his deposit
mon largely because of his son, Shamrock and The Nation. In in the June 1927 general election.
Joseph Mary Plunkett (Joe), a sig- 1882, he started and edited the He ran again in 1935 for Cumman
natory of the 1916 Proclamation monthly review magazine Hi- Poblachta na hÉireann in the Co.
who had been executed as a leader bernia, which was notable for its Galway by-election but again lost
of the Rising. But there was more inclusion of women poets, espe- his deposit.
to Plunkett than that, both politi- cially his friend Katherine Tynan. In later life, Count Plunkett con-
cally and as a significant figure in In 1884, Pope Leo XIII made tinued to lecture in art history as
culture and art in Ireland. Plunkett a count, Knight Com- long as his health allowed him to
He was born in Aungier Street mander of the Holy Sepulchre do so. He also founded The Acad-
on December 3rd 1851. His par- in recognition of his donation of emy of Christian Art, which oper-
ents were Patrick Joseph Plunkett, funds and a villa in Rome to a ated out of 42 Upper Mount Street.
a builder and urban councillor and nursing order, the Little Company The family moved to Bally-
Elizabeth (Bess) nee Noble, who of Mary. He didn’t like using the ti- Plunkett also ran twice for elec- the German government, and to mascanlon in Louth for a time
owned a successful shop selling tle but the Vatican asked him to use tion in St Stephen’s Green, reduc- plead with the Pope not to con- and ultimately Plunkett and his
French and Italian leather. it for political reasons. Italy was in ing the Unionist majority in the demn the Rising. wife moved back to Dublin. “His
The stamp of Nationalism was the process of unification and there seat to 137. Eventually in 1900, After the Rising, Joe was exe- children and his grandchildren
made early in Plunkett’s life, when was concern that the Vatican states the Irish Parliamentary Party won cuted and his brothers George and were all mad about him,” Honor
he was visited aged six months might be absorbed and even that the seat, but the party leader John Jack imprisoned. Count Plunkett says. “They all spoke of him with
by two men saying they were such titles might be banned, as had Redmond would not allow Plun- and his wife were also imprisoned huge love and affection, all the
the drummers who had fought at happened in France. kett to run. in Richmond Barracks and then ones that met him.” Speaking this
Vinegar Hill in 1798. Plunkett’s Another in Plunkett’s life who That election marked the start deported to Oxford. He returned year at a symposium in The Man-
great granddaughter, writer and favoured his use of his title was of a hiatus in Plunkett’s po- without permission to fight and sion House organised buy Honor,
musician Honor O’Brolchain, Josephine Mary Cranny, whom litical career, perhaps, as Honor win the North Roscommon by- Seoirse Plunkett, his grandson, re-
admits the folklore could be im- he married in 1884. She disliked O’Brolchain observes, because of election which he won, largely on membered him as being “a dote”.
precise. “Of course nobody could it when he received invites ad- a difference between his politics account of being Joe’s father. He died at home in Upper Mount
find drummers,” says Honor, “but dressed merely to “George Plun- and those of Redmond. He held a meeting in the Man- Street on 12 March 1948, four
that could be anything in the Irish kett”. Plunkett’s more radical views, sion House to form an abstention- years after the death of his wife
army. They could have said ‘well, The couple represented a un- for example his belief that there ist alliance with his own Liberty and is buried in Glasnevin Cem-
you two are the drummers now’. ion of two great Catholic builders should be tariffs on trade with League, Sinn Féin, Cumann na etery.
But it was two men from ‘98 and of Dublin, the Plunketts and the Britain, were at odds with the Irish mBan, the IRB, the IPP and others. You can read more on Honor
everybody regarded that as a tre- Crannys. Their wedding settle- Parliamentary Party’s links with In October, the alliance became a O’Brolchain website www.hon-
mendous thing.” ment included a number of houses the British Liberal Party. “The party using the name Sinn Féin. orobrolchain.ie and watch a video
Plunkett was educated at prima- in Rathmines, which Patrick Plun- oddity about Count Plunkett is that Griffith, Plunkett and de Valera, of Seoirse Plunkett speaking about
ry school in Nice for three years kett had built, as well as a Cran- he was so out of politics in that 16 who was still in prison, were nom- his memories of his grandfather
and at the Oblate Fathers school in ny-built terrace on Marlborough years between 1900 and 1916 – inated as president of Sinn Féin, Count Plunkett at The Mansion
Upper Mount Street. From 1867- Road, several houses on Elgin because of Redmond really. If he but Griffith stood aside in favour House earlier this year on YouTube
69 he attended Clongowes Wood Road and 26 Fitzwilliam Street was going to be anywhere that’s of de Valera and Plunkett followed https://youtu.be/WvaMfARmCsA
College, Kildare, where Honor Upper, where the family lived for where he would have been, in the suit.
suspects his political formation a number of years. Irish Parliamentary Party.” Plunkett was interned again in Clockwise from bottom left:
continued as “there were these ter- The Plunketts had seven chil- Plunkett returned to his other 1918, but was released after Sinn George Noble Plunkett (Par-
rific debating societies, I think that dren, Philomena Mary Josephine, interests, publishing his Botticelli Féin’s electoral triumph, in which isienne print dated July 1875 on
they had only recently started, so Joseph Mary, Mary Josephine Pa- biography and other books on art he was again elected. He presided reverse).
there was a lot of Nationalist dis- tricia, Geraldine Mary Germaine, and architecture. He was director at a planning meeting for Dáil Wedding group photograph in
cussion and things going on.” George Oliver Michael, Josephine of the Cork International Exhibi- Éireann on January 21st 1919, and front of Muckross in Marlbor-
After travelling for a time, main- Mary Jane and John Patrick. tion in 1903 and was appointed led TDs into the first Dáil session ough Road, June 1884.
ly studying painting in Italy, Plun- In later years, they also lived director of the National Museum in the Mansion House. He was ap- Count Plunkett in Papal regalia
kett entered Dublin University in in 40 Elgin Road, a large house of Ireland in 1907, where visits pointed Minister for Foreign Af- on the steps of 40 Elgin Road.
1872. There, he became friends where meetings of the “Second increased from 100 to 3,000 in his fairs. Images: All courtesy of Honor
with Isaac Butt and Douglas Hyde, Dail”, composed of those like first year. With de Valera and Griffith, he O’Brolchain.
Plunkett who didn’t recognise the In the run-up to the 1916 Ris- travelled to Paris in an unsuccess-
Republican legitimacy of the trea- ing, Larkfield in Kimmage, where ful attempt to secure a place at
tyite Dáil, were held. the Plunketts were living at the the post-war treaty talks. He also
In 1892, Count Plunkett ran for time, was a training centre for the travelled with de Valera to nego-
election as a Parnellite in Mid Ty- “Liverpool Lambs”, young men tiations in London after the War of
rone. He ran because he could af- from Irish organisations in Brit- Independence in 1921, but, believ-
ford to lose his deposit and in the ain who came to train for rebel- ing they were merely being offered
end he withdrew in order not to lion and to escape conscription. Home Rule he took no further part
split the Nationalist vote between In April 1916, Plunkett’s son Joe in negotiations.
himself and Matthew Joseph Ken- swore him into the IRB. He went De Valera removed him from
ny, who was on the anti-Parnell to Europe to confirm the date of Foreign Affairs to a portfolio out-
side of the Irish Parliamentary the Rising with Roger Casement, side cabinet for Arts. Opposing
Party. who was trying to buy arms from the treaty, he left office in Janu-
 www.newsfour.ie August / September 2019 Page 27

Surgeons, Starlets and Suffragettes at Ringsend Library

perhaps emblematic of the mascu- mous for her designs,
line prism through which history typically using traditional
is too often viewed. Irish fabrics such as lin-
As well as tending the wound- en, tweed and lace. Her
ed during the Rising, O’Farrell clothes were worn by Jul-
and others acted as despatchers ie Andrews and Elizabeth
through the perilous streets and it Taylor and most famous-
was she who approached the Brit- ly by Jacqueline Kennedy
ish from the GPO under a white when the President’s wife
flag seeking to surrender. sat for an official White
Maeve Casserly’s tour of nota- House portrait.
ble women from Southeast Dublin Surgeons, Starlets and
was not confined to rebels and so- Suffragettes provided an
cial reformers, however. Women interesting starting point

N
n Dermot Carmody ated with St. Ultan’s. She lived in the arts were also celebrated in- from where one could
ewsFour attended a talk with her husband in FitzWilliam cluding Maureen O’Hara, born in delve deeper into the sto-
given on Wednesday place and in later years at 8 Her- Beechwood Avenue in Ranelagh ries of these women and
July 3rd by Maeve Cas- bert Park. They moved there after and perhaps most famous for her others which time and
serly, Historian In Residence for Dorothy suffered a stroke and the role alongside John Wayne in The history excluded. Maeve
Southeast Dublin, about notable grand house in FitzWilliam place Quiet Man. Casserly returns to Ringsend Li- For further information or
women associated with the area became unmanageable. O’Hara is very much a figure of brary in August for a further talk, to book a place for this event
from mainly 20th century history. She pioneered the use of tuber- local folklore in Ranelagh and as this time focussing on domestic contact Ringsend Library Tel-
Maeve’s talk was entitled Sur- culin testing for TB in Ireland, recently as 2010 she was pictured life in Dublin during the First ephone: +353 1 6680063 Email:
geons, Starlets and Suffragettes, a along with the use of the BCG opening the Ranelagh Arts Fes- World War. ringsendlibrary@dublincity.ie
title reflecting the diversity of the vaccine to immunise children. tival that year, her neck proudly Maeve Casserly, Historian In
women in question. In 1937, a BCG vaccination pro- adorned with a Shamrock Rov- Residence for Southeast Dub- Clockwise from top left:
The talk mentioned many wom- gramme was run from St. Ultan’s ers scarf. Her father had bought lin will give her talk Food Fuel Kathleen Lynn with Madeleine
en associated with Rathmines and and in 1949, Price became the first a stake in Rovers when she was a And Making Do in Ringsend ffrench-Mullen; the actress Mau-
environs, including the several chairperson of the Irish National child and she remained a lifelong Library on Wednesday August reen O’Hara; Elizabeth O’Farrell
residents of Belgrave Road, or BCG Committee. supporter of the club. 14th at 6.30pm. and Dorothy Stopford Price.
Rebel Road as it became known, Another Rathmines revolution- Another Ranelagh native who
so prominent were its insurgent ary was Constance Gore Booth became famous in the USA was
residents. (Countess Markievicz). She was Maeve Brennan. Moving to New
Dr. Kathleen Lynn ran her gen- a close associate of James Con- York in the 1940s, Brennan was
eral practice in 9 Belgrave Road, nolly and joined his Irish Citizen’s a writer at Harper’s Bazaar and
where she lived with her partner Army, formed during the 1913 then at The New Yorker. Her witty
Madeleine ffrench-Mullen. Both Lock Out. prose was much admired. Sadly,
were members of the Irish Citi- Connolly lodged with her at she grew ill in the 1970s and by
zens Army and Dr. Lynn was the Surrey House in Leinster Road the 1980s was destitute until she
ICA’s chief medical officer during and published The Spark and The died in a nursing home in 1993.
the 1916 Rising. Worker’s Republic from her print- Painting and fashion design
Both were imprisoned in Kil- ing press there. Constance fought were represented in the talk by
mainham for their part in the Ris- mainly at St. Stephen’s Green in Sarah Purser and Sybill Con-
ing and Dr. Lynn was deported to the Rising and was subsequently nolly. Purser lived in 19 Wel-
England for a time, but returned jailed. She was elected a member lington Road and had a studio at
then to re-establish her Belgrave of the first Dail and served as Min- the Grand Canal end of Harcourt
Road practice. ister for Labour. Terrace. A notable portrait paint-
She was vice-president of Sinn One of Countess Markievicz’s er, her portrait of Constance and
Féin and was elected TD for neighbours in Leinster Road was Eva Gore Booth sold for an unex-
Dublin County in 1923. Lynn co- Anna Haslam. Anna and her hus- pectedly high €200,000 in 2018.
founded St. Ultan’s Children’s band Thomas were from a differ- Purser was also instrumental in
Hospital, which was entirely run ent reforming tradition, regarding the setting up of the Hugh Lane
by women, in Charlemont in 1919. themselves as suffragists rather Gallery.
Dorothy Stopford Price was than the more radical activism Sybill Connolly, who lived in
another important woman associ- of the suffragettes. Anna cam- 71 Merrion Square, became fa-
paigned for social and political
reform from the mid 19th century,
and was celebrated by all shades
of political activism when at al-
most 90 she went to vote for the
first time in the 1918 general elec-
tion.
Worth mentioning too is Eliza-
beth O’Farrell, nurse and rebel,
who was literally airbrushed out
of a photograph of Padraig Pearse
surrendering at the end of the
1916 Rising and who is therefore
 Page 28 ARTS www.newsfour.ie August / September 2019

Locals win at Film Fleadh

premiered at the festival. Never nection in what was one of the un- that played was the cinema debut
Grow Old, a western starring John doubted highlights of the festival of Barry O’ Connor and Grace
Cusack and Emile Hirsch and di- for this writer, Joanna Hogg’s su- Dyas (both known for their thea-
rected by the supremely talented, perb The Souvenir. This painterly, tre work), Aftermath, a harrowing,
eccentric Irish film-maker Ivan highly intelligent films charts a extremely powerful depiction of
Kavanagh. Kavanagh’s previous doomed romance between a young grief.
work includes the micro-budget film student and a complicated Also impressive was Brute, a
Eraserhead-esque Tin Can Man older man. genre piece, directed by Brian
and the post-modern, ornate horror Based on a chapter in Hogg’s Folan and starring Elva Trill. Mi-
The Canal. Irish viewers can check own life, the film works as a seri- cael Smiley, the veteran character
out his latest when it is released ous philosophical consideration of actor and star of such films as Kill
here on August 23rd. what cinema is and the role of the List, was also in town for the pre-
Wildcard will also oversee the film-maker. miere of his directorial debut, the
release of Jihad Jane, Ciaran Cas- While that film was a UK/US co- short Le Petite Mort. Film fans
sidy’s debut feature documentary, production, Element Pictures are should keep their eyes peeled for
which received its world premiere co-producing The Souvenir Part those at upcoming festivals.
at the festival. While that hasn’t yet 2, which is currently filming. Tilda It was another strong and eclec-

L
n David Prendeville production with Dublin’s Blinder been set a release date, people can Swinton and her daughter Honor tic line-up at this year’s festival,
ocal company Wildcard Films co-producing with Umedia, expect to see it in cinemas before Swinton-Byrne star in both parts. now in its 31st year. The sun was
Distribution scored another with funding from Screen Ireland, the end of the year. Part 1 is released here on August shining and there was a great at-
big hit at this year’s Gal- Umedia and Inevitable Pictures. Mespil Road-based Element 30th, while we can look forward to mosphere in the Rowing Club and
way Film Fleadh, which ran from The film had previously played Pictures were the other big winners Part 2 some time in 2020. the Galmont after the screenings,
the 9th to the 14th of July. Their su- to a great reception at the prestig- at this year’s Fleadh. Their film There was another vast array of workshops and events that took
pernatural comedy Extra Ordinary ious SXSW festival in Austin ear- A Bump Along the Way starring shorts on show at this year’s festi- place.
took home the prize for Best Irish lier this year. American comedian Bronagh Gallagher won Best First val, the most high-profile of which Will Fitzgearld must be con-
Film. and co-star of the film, Forte, was Irish Film. The drama, directed was Bainne, the directorial debut gratulated on another highly suc-
The film stars Maeve Higgins, also one of the big name guests by Shelly Lowe, follows a boozy of Jack Reynor, fresh from his turn cessful, stimulating year, only his
Barry Ward and Will Forte, and present at this year’s festival, pro- 44-year old played by Gallagher in Ari Aster’s Midsommar. second in charge. We are already
was directed by debutants Mike viding an acting masterclass. who becomes pregnant, much to The film, which stars Reynor’s looking forward to next year’s
Aherne and Enda Loughman. It Other notable guests at the fes- the chagrin of her teenage daugh- Midsommar co-star Will Poulter, is event and extend our congratula-
follows a lonely driving instructor, tival included American writer/ ter, played by Lola Petticrew. Pet- a black and white, Irish-language tions to the local companies and
played by Higgins, who has super- director Alison Anders, known for ticrew also went home with the drama set during the famine. It talent who enjoyed success at this
natural abilities. films such as Gas Food Lodging, prestigious Bingham Ray New played to warm reviews and landed year’s festival.
The film will be released by who also provided a masterclass. Talent award. The film will be re- the much coveted Best First Irish
Wildcard across the country in Sep- Wildcard will also distribute two leased by Element on August 30th. Short Drama award. Picture of Will Forte courtesy Wiki
tember. It is an Irish-Belgian co- other acclaimed Irish films that There is also an Element con- Another highlight of the shorts Commons.

Holy Show: New printed So will Holy Show go in search

of that kind of controversy?
No, not at all. But it will look
morning. With added fire.
Holy Show is a cross-arts pub-
lication and production company.

arts magazine is launched for life, energy. It’ll give printed

space to artists to say or show
Over the next year it will produce
and tour a live audio-visual ver-
us something true, trusting them sion of Ian Maleney’s Minor

H
n Peter McNamara Has something not consciously or to tell the stories of who we are Monuments in collaboration with
oly Show is a new print sub-consciously been revealed? with honesty and insight. Nor is film-maker Jamie Goldrick, to
arts magazine, that was Is it so awful that you danced or the title Holy Show intended as a venues and festivals north and
launched at the end of sang as badly as you did? Isn’t it nod to the idea of art as a replace- south of the border. See the inside
July at the Project in Temple Bar. more important that you danced ment for religion. The gallery is back cover for more on this.
For sale in Eason’s, and most and sang? You took a risk. You a secular temple. The growing In print or in person, you will
bookshops around Dublin, Holy ignored propriety and broke with reverence for self-expression, an not be bored. What follows
Show is being pitched as an arts convention. Weren’t you glad to occasion for meaning. That said, should feel like something be-
magazine for everyone, some- get it off your chest? Well... may- reading Issue one from cover to tween an entrancingly esoteric
thing the regular passer-by might be not! cover will take about as long as lecture and the best pub conver-
pick up off the shelf. In the run- unfolding, our beliefs, struggles, Fr Clippit takes to say mass – “a sation you’ve ever had. Enjoy ir-
up to the launch, I sat down with How does being a ‘holy show’ pains and joys. Artists in Ireland good, long mass” since his stroke. responsibly.
its editor and creator, the Dublin relate to being an artist? have a history of doing this in the
writer Brendan Mac Evilly. For artists, making a spectacle face of censorship and censure. Put simply, what can we expect Holy Show is available to
and breaking with convention are from this new magazine? buy at holyshow.ie, in Eason’s,
Why do you decide to call the arguably the modi operandi, to Why do you think there was so These stories come in a variety and in most book shops around
magazine Holy Show? draw attention to their work, to much censorship? of forms, from a range of incred- Dublin. Tickets for Ian Male-
A holy show is someone who create a show, an exhibition, but To reveal what is both new and ibly talented artists working in ney’s Minor Monuments tour,
makes a spectacle of themselves. with purpose, deploying skill and true can be a dangerous business. diverse media. Issue one includes and the full list of tour dates,
Is that such a bad thing? That craft, aiming to reveal something Our old friends shame and judge- critical musings on TV archival are available at holyshow.ie.
wild rant you went on last night; true about the world, from a sur- ment are never too far away, the footage, hybrid essays, theatre
the pang of dread that courses prising viewpoint, about people checks and balances of public show extracts and poetry adapta- Above: A cheeky swimmer adorns
through your mind when you re- and places, where we live or pass opinion. Edna O’Brien, a holy tions, film footage, conversation, the cover of the first issue of Holy
call everything you let slip. But through; a commentary or ob- show. John McGahern, a holy audio extracts and a gonzo jaunt Show.
didn’t it hold a grain of truth? servation on our collective lives show. Panti Bliss, a holy show. to Mass of an Easter Sunday Picture courtesy of Holy Show.
 www.newsfour.ie August / September 2019 FAMILY Page 29

Roll up, roll up! boy was undoubtedly one of

the highlights of the festival,
head and shoulders above the

The Laya City Spectacular

rest, literally and figuratively.
Even with the high octane
elements from some perform-
ers, acts such as B-Xtreme, a

J
n Geneva Pattison New York based breakdancing
uly 12th to 14th saw the group and wacky visual come-
much-loved Laya City dy from Cartoonette the living
Spectacular return to Mer- statue, made for a very family-
rion Square for yet another friendly day out.
successful year. The free jam- An interesting thing about
packed festival is in its 14th the festival is that they en-
year of running and had enter- courage the audiences to tip
tainment galore, food aplenty the performers, giving the au-
and sunshine to boot. dience the power to exercise
This year saw many perform- their judgement on the worth
ers from overseas delight and of each performance. The
amuse onlookers, with some idea of the tipping format re-
acts standing out in particular. ally plays an active role in
Orbax and Pepper do Sci- re-invigorating our love, inter-
ence are a Canadian duo spe- est and appreciation of street
cialising in kooky sideshow art in all its glorious forms.
science for kids. The pair edu- Street theatre truly is a form
cated the crowd on the speed of of whimsical escapism for the
sound using a bullwhip, created public and we should relish in
homemade smoke guns and for it when available.
the finale, propelled a large bin
into the sky using the explosive Images: Laya logo courtesy of
power of liquid nitrogen. Laya City Spectacular press
In short, they started with a world performance. For start- world record holder amped it office.
whip and ended with a BANG, ers, he warmed up with a bit up a notch by trying to break Other photos by Geneva
it was fantastic. When they’re of sword swallowing and knife his own world record for jug- Pattison.
not nourishing minds or break- juggling. A few minutes later gling a functioning chainsaw
ing Guinness World Records, he climbed onto a nine-foot on the towering unicycle.
they also operate under the unicycle juggling knives and Spoilers, he broke it – the
name Monsters of Schlock machetes blindfolded. world record, not any of his
performing classic and fantas- Again, the 55-time Guinness appendages.
tical sideshow feats and very He engaged with the audi-
recently, they guest starred on ence throughout all of his
one of Blindboy Boatclub’s death-defying acts, even con-
live shows. vincing one brave audience
Aussie sideshow and street member to throw the knives up
theatre artist, The Space Cow- to him while he sat in skyward
boy provided a truly out of this confidence. The Space Cow-
 Page 30 www.newsfour.ie August / September 2019

Refurbishment of
Ringsend & Irishtown
Community Centre
vice (MABS), Citizens Infor-
mation Service (CIS), Free
Legal Advice Centre (FLAC),
Senior Services and activities
and Youth Services.

T
The refurbishment allows
he refurbishment better use of the current lay-
of the Centre com- out and will also provide ad-
menced in Early ditional space to cater for our
February 2019 and is on expanding services.
schedule to be completed in The Board, management
September 2019. and staff of the RICC would
This refurbishment/devel- like to sincerely thank our
opment of the Community service users, neighbours
Centre is fundamental to im- and the Community for their
prove the area of Ringsend continued support during the
and Irishtown. Our plan will works and business will con-
bring the Community Centre tinue as usual at the rear of
up to date by providing a ful- the Centre until the works are
ly functioning up to standard complete.
place of work and access.
The local Community will Pictured above are, left to
have access to a modernised right: Dylan Clayton, Bar-
building with an improved bara Doyle CSP Manager and
environment for Centre users Assistant Manager at RICC,
and Centre staff. Marie Murphy RICC, John
We will upgrade spaces for Lynch Chairman of RICC,
these valuable services such Marian Finn and Lorraine
as; Ringsend & Irishtown Barry Manager of RICC.
Community Crèche, Money Below: Builders on the job at
Advice and Budgeting Ser- RICC.
 www.newsfour.ie August / September 2019 Page 31

The Challenge of Co Parenting

and suffering the stress of pa-
rental conflict. A co-operative
environment will help the child
learn effective communication
and conflict-resolution skills. It
gives the child the best chance
of keeping two active parents in
their lives.
For the parents, a healthy
co-operative parenting pro-
gramme also offers benefits. It
allows the parents to rebuild
and develop their lives as sepa-
rate individuals. It allows both
parents to focus on current

C
child-rearing issues instead
o-parenting is a chal- goal of co-parenting: to offer of dwelling on past marital
lenge that is facing an the children the opportunity to issues.
increasing number of grow in a home environment Relationships begin and re-
parents in Ireland. Many cou- free from being caught in the lationships often end. Some-
ples no longer stay together middle of the parents’ hostil- times, children are involved.
‘for the sake of the children’, ity. Parents need to switch their As a society we would do well
instead seeking a more appro- role from spouses to co-par- to acknowledge the difficul-
priate and healthier situation in ents. This is a substantial chal- ties faced, and to deal with the
which to live and parent. With lenge but absolutely necessary challenge of co-parenting in
the stigma associated with di- to lessen the impact of conflict a responsible and supportive
vorce and separation dissipat- on the child’s development. manner. The benefits will last a
ing slowly, parents are now life-time, not just for the chil-
much more likely to find an Cooperative Parenting dren but for the parents also.
alternative to living together in The benefits to the child of
what may well be an acrimoni- a co-operative parenting pro- Valerie Kilkenny Counsel-
ous and unhealthy atmosphere. gramme will last for their lives. lor and Psychotherapist BA,
The challenges that co-par- One of the hardest parts is en- MA, MIACP.
enting presents and how ‘you suring that the children do not Eamonn Boland Counsellor
try for the children always get caught in a Loyalty Bind. and Psychotherapist A, MA,
to just remain calm and get
through it’. This touches upon
This can be very unsettling for
a child; the sense of being in an
MIACP.
Directors at Bath Avenue
Parenting After
what is probably the ultimate environment that is not relaxed Counselling Centre. Are you separated from your
partner and open to gaining sup-
port with adjusting to the chang-

Tips on Parenting Wednesday 25th September

2019.
es in your relationship in regards
to co-parenting your children?
We are offering a limited number
This is a consultation for par-
ents and carers only. Please of spaces for you to join a weekly,
do not bring your children to two hour co-operative parenting
the appointment as this con- group for the duration of 5 weeks.
sultation is to be a space for
you to speak freely. The programme content includes but is not limited to:
• The importance of developing a parental relationship that is sensi-
We offer support in relation to a tive to your child’s needs.
child’s: • Shifting the relationship from former partner or spouse to co-par-
Development; behaviour; re- ent.
lationships and Adjustments • Effective communication.
to life changes. • Negotiation skills and planning for the future.
Booking is essential.
Prior booking is essential.
By teaching you the various
A complimentary 30 minute consultation is included prior to
skills you will need to support
signing up to take part in the group please use our contact in-
your child/children in the above
formation above to book your session.
aspects of their lives, you will
be relieved of a lot of the stress We have additional information about the method and content of
that goes with being a parent. this programme. If required please do not hesitate to contact us and
we will forward this to you.
Are you a parent or carer We will offer you individual 30 Bath Avenue Counselling Cen- Cost: €40 per session. Starting date for this group: Tuesday
who would value some sup- minute parenting consultations tre 24th September 2019.
port on any aspect of par- at €20. Contact us to book on: 01 678
enting (from toddler right These sessions will take place 8864 or Bath Avenue Counselling Centre
through to the teenage every Wednesday morning be- Email info@bathavenuecoun- Contact us on: 01 678 8864
years)? tween 10-12am, starting on selling.ie E-mail info@bathavenuecounselling.ie
 Page 32 COMMUNITY www.newsfour.ie August / September 2019

The destruction of
Community Development
R
n Peter McNamara might be reversed. city and helped to reverse the de-
emarkable new research, struction of the city.
undertaken by Patricia A century of active Irish Com- These groups, among many oth-
Kelleher (PhD) and Cath- munities ers, helped lay the foundation for
leen O’Neill (MA), traces the rise Social movements and commu- the remarkable growth that was to
and dramatic fall of the once- nity development in Ireland have come in the 1980s and 1990s.
thriving community development long played a significant role in
sector in Ireland. moderating how power is distrib- The Community Development
Their paper, The Destruction uted in society. Such movements Programme: A golden era
of the Community Development challenged the status quo and The late 1980s and early 1990s
Sector (2002-2015), was launched brought about change by assist- in Ireland was a time of high emi-
earlier this year at the Irish Con- ing marginalised groups, working gration, income deprivation and
gress of Trade Unions. The focus class communities and poorer ru- social marginalisation. The unem-
of the paper is to ascertain how, ral societies. ployment rate rose to 17%, with
when, and why so many progres- In the late 1800s a period of consistent poverty levels at 16%.
sive forces within the state were renewal and upheaval began in Inside Dáil Éireann many mem-
silenced. Ireland. Many remember the Irish bers of the Labour Party were
A vibrant community sector had literary revival, led by William committed to eliminating pov-
been developing in Ireland since Butler Yeats. When it comes to erty. In addition, sympathetic civil
the mid-1980s, with a state-sup- political agitation and grassroots servants (some of whom were di-
ported framework that actively activism, most people might think rectly involved in EU initiatives)
encouraged people to have their of the violent revolutionary poli- were in key positions, enabling
say in official decisions. By the tics of that time, which culminat- them to support anti-poverty and
early 2000s, however, instability, ed in the Easter Rising of 1916. community empowerment initia- structures that affected their com- Targets and quotas: Neo-liberal
disbelief, and demoralisation was However, there was during tives. munities. It emphasised critical managerialism
rife. these decades a related but dif- Up until the mid-1980s, com- social analysis. It developed local The sector developed through
Although the recession even- ferent kind of revolution taking munity activism and the newer social infrastructure – including the 1990s, bringing relief, as-
tually decimated the community place, in the sphere of civic de- forms of community develop- local neighbourhood networks sistance, and hope, to countless
development sector, it might sur- bate and civic action. Countless ment mostly originated and grew and coalition-building between people. Then, on June 6th 2002,
prise some to learn it was being ordinary Irish men and women outside of official state structures. organisations. Fianna Fáil and the Progressive
undermined as far back as 2002. banded together to agitate for po- Organisations were generally Using these principles, commu- Democrats entered a coalition
During the boom years the state litical change. They campaigned funded by member subscriptions nity-led, locally-tailored models government. They established
had huge money to spend on com- for sovereignty, women’s suf- or voluntary contributions and op- of service provision were devel- a new Department of Commu-
munity development, but, accord- frage, land reform and working erated on a purely voluntary basis. oped in a range of areas across nity, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
ing to Kelleher and O’Neill, it set class rights. The Gaelic Athletic Gradually funding arrange- the country. Workers in the sec- Between 2002 and 2010 a major
about destroying the sector, for Association was one early exam- ments were put in place, and the tor gave life-changing assistance paradigm shift occurred in how
reasons of ideology, and not aus- ple, as was the rural co-operative sector accessed significant sup- with employment, training, child the Community Development sec-
terity. movement. port from the state, the European care, and adult education and tor was governed: a top-down ap-
In the absence of a strong com- With the founding of the Irish Union and philanthropic organisa- eased problems around drug use proach of target-based “manageri-
munity development sector, issues State, community activism spread tions. Improved funding gave rise and violence against women. alism” began.
around drugs, housing, healthcare even further. Muintir na Tire to the increased professionalisa- The publication of the White This managerialism was part
and migrant rights have worsened emerged in the 1930s, as did the tion as many volunteer activists Paper on the Relationship between of the international movement to-
to an extreme degree in Ireland. United Irishwomen (now the Irish of the 1970s became paid com- the Community and Voluntary wards Neo-liberal globalisation.
Community workers were delib- Countrywomen’s Association), munity workers. It was, ironically, Sector and the State (Department Neo-liberalism is an economic
erately put out of touch with the and the Irish Housewives Asso- this recognition and empower- of Social, Community and Family model that gives maximum con-
movements in their community. ciation. ment of the Community Develop- Affairs 2000) was a milestone, in trol to private commercial inter-
At its height in the 1990s, the Through the 1960s and 1970s, ment sector that eventually led to that it gave formal recognition to ests, with minimal state interven-
community development sector vibrant social movements con- its downfall – by becoming tied to the community and voluntary sec- tions, founded on the belief that
fostered an inclusive, participa- tinued to emerge in Ireland. One state structures, the sector entered tor. The paper articulated a vision consumer demand will cause soci-
tory kind of democracy, with de- notable example was the “second into a paradoxical relationship, of Participatory Democracy to ety to regulate itself.
cision-makers and civil servants wave” of the women’s liberation that gave it strength while eroding govern local community and vol- The theory is that, based on their
keeping strong ties to local groups movement – which questioned the its autonomy. untary activities. It outlined the personal needs, people will seek
and local needs. As the sector was role of women in society. Added The Department of Social Wel- values of social justice, and a be- the goods/services that they want,
eroded, the participatory approach to this was the student movement; fare (DSW) was the lead govern- lief that citizens had a right to par- which will lead the private entities
came to be replaced by a distant the anti- nuclear campaign which ment department with a brief for ticipate in decisions that affected to provide such services, and at the
and authoritarian representative helped to make Ireland a nuclear- community development in the their lives. It affirmed the value most competitive price possible. It
democracy, where official deci- free zone; the National Farmers’ 1990s. The Community Develop- of empowering working class and promises commercial efficiency,
sions were made from atop a rigid Association which demanded that ment Programme (CDP) was for- rural communities, as well as the and greater personal freedom.
hierarchy, behind many layers of the voice of farmers be heard; mally established in 1990. rights of Travellers and migrants. The neo-liberal economic
bureaucracy. Save Wood Quay which opposed Under this emerging model, According to Kelleher and model came to prominence in the
Kelleher and O’Neill’s ground- the building of civic offices on a community development came O’Neill, the vibrancy of the com- 1980s, with the privatisation and
breaking research can help us Viking settlement site; and the into its own. It built relation- munity, anti-poverty and equality anti-welfare policies of Margaret
understand how things have got- Living City Group which resisted ships and empowered people to sector during this period led many Thatcher and Ronald Reagan, in
ten to this point, and how trends the de-tenanting of Dublin’s inner participate in decision-making to describe it as a “golden era”. Britain and America. With the col-
 www.newsfour.ie August / September 2019 COMMUNITY Page 33

lapse of the Soviet Union in 1989, ground. Social interventions were were ordered to desist from all social solidarity and the building
and the effective end of the com- calculated in terms of cost and campaigning and advocacy. Local of social capital were given little
munist alternative, neo-liberalism benefit, to give a shallow numeri- project structures, project workers attention. Community was com-
gained a supreme position in cal value. and the language of community modified. Worse still, according
global politics: indeed, it became development were taken over and to Kelleher and O’Neill, the trau-
an unchallenged fact that the only Recession annihilates the sector a centrally-driven, repressive, and ma, shame, hopelessness, anger
way to organise a free democracy, When workers challenged these bureaucratic procedure was put in and demoralisation experienced,
was on free-market economics. policies, they faced great hostil- place. The autonomy of the sector resulted in a silence around the
Neo-liberalism became the “ide- ity. Official warnings were given was finally done away with. State- destruction of the community de-
ology with no name”, such was its to those in community and local funded community development velopment sector. It’s a story that
dominance. It is only since the development projects that they work was an at end. has largely gone untold.
economic crash of 2008 – which were not to engage in any activism Local Development Companies Notwithstanding this, much of
was caused by a lack of state in- or campaigning work, and that no (LDCs) that managed the pro- the community and local activism
tervention and market regulation – employee should undermine or gramme were accountable to cen- which was built up under state-
that people have come to question be in conflict with representative tral government through Pobal. funded programmes in the 1980s
this model, and seek out alterna- democracy. Faced with reduced These companies were responsi- and 1990s has moved onto street
tives. funding, and mounting disregard, ble for achieving targets set by the protests. Examples include the
By 2002 neo-liberalism had the sector began to wane. It grass- centre and adhering to budgetary anti-austerity marches concerned initiatives based on those prin-
come to Ireland. Based on its free- roots, bottom-up values had been obligations. Local projects in turn with water charges, as well as ciples of social value that were
market assumptions, Fianna Fáil outlawed. Demoralisation set in. were answerable to the LDCs. The protests about cut-backs in com- once central to the community
and the Progressive Democrats Then, with the economic down- result was a complex relationship munity and social services, the development sector, such as co-
went about fragmenting and effec- turn of 2008, came annihilation. between the state and community bank bail-out, homelessness and operative housing.
tively destroying the Participatory Although funding cuts had com- organisations as control was exer- affordable housing. Furthermore, they advocate for
Democracy framework. menced prior to the financial crisis, cised through devolved structures Aside from this, some key fig- an increased role for credit unions
Aside from ideological reasons as part of the government’s policy with stifling levels of bureaucracy. ures in the movement to repeal which, unlike exclusively profit-
of cost-cutting, and minimal state of austerity cutbacks were exacer- Administrative and reporting re- the eight amendment had been driven banks, are owned and pro-
intervention, Kelleher and O’Neill bated. Between 2008 and 2011 the sponsibilities in the Local and fighting for the cause since the vide mutual benefit and support
also report a feeling among politi- community and voluntary sector Community Development Pro- introduction of the amendment, for members. Likewise, approved
cians that the sector had gone be- was cut by 35%, in contrast to the gramme (LCDP) were excessive in 1983. housing associations could ad-
yond its brief in its campaigning 7% faced by other sectors. Some and time consuming. Kelleher and O’Neill argue dress mortgage default needs, and
and public education role. Com- estimations put the decrease in The high-point of the 2000 that when it comes to fighting for avoid the outsourcing of mortgag-
munity organisations became ri- funding as high as 41%. White Paper on the Relation- the interests of the community es and loans to so-called “vulture
vals to local government and poli- In 2009, nineteen of the 180 ship between the Community and development sector, and for so- funds”.
ticians. The political system was Community Development Pro- Voluntary Sector and the State cial solidarity, a huge part of the Based on their wide-ranging
sceptical – they saw such groups jects were closed with two weeks’ was a distant memory. The state problem still lies in the dominant interviews with former partici-
and activists as alternative forms notice. Workers were made re- had once official endorsed values and invisible position enjoyed by pants in the sector, Kelleher and
of local democracy. dundant without full entitlements, of bottom-up development, had neo-liberalism in modern political O’Neill argue for building a new
As effective as the sector was something that SIPTU is still pur- recognised the capacity for com- discourse. Seldom was it named bottom-up, autonomous, inde-
in solving community problems, suing to this day in the Labour munities to identify and create in- in the crises to which it gave rise pendent movement. Such a move-
officials became cagey of autono- Court. Worse still, communication novative solutions, and enshrined such as: the financial meltdown ment would suffer from a lack
mous forms of community devel- of redundancies came not by per- the importance of advocacy and of 2007/2008; or the offshoring of official funding – but would
opment. And it was a catch-22 sonal contact but by way of email campaigning. Today, workers in of wealth by the super-rich, docu- by the same token enjoy a much
situation: the sector could not take or text. Coming two weeks before the sector report being engaged in mented in the Panama Papers in greater level of autonomy.
on the state and expect to be fund- Christmas, the devastation was to- endless red-tape, being confined to December 2016. Funding, they suggest, might
ed by it at the same time. tal. One worker said “it was as if offices and metrics, instead of tak- They stress that neo-liberalism be sourced from the trade un-
Many inter-related develop- my life’s work was erased, it was ing an active role outside their of- needs to be named, challenged, ion movement or philanthropic
ments were split. This structural like a bereavement.” fice, amongst community groups. and market economics needs to foundations such as the Carnegie
change caused much confusion With no redundancy payments be put under greater regulatory Foundation. By forging closer
and inefficiency, and gave a core and no entitlements to a work Naming neo-liberalism and restraint, with some sectors taken networks with Irish trade unions,
group of civil servants in the De- pension, the economic realities of forging new alliances under state control entirely. as well as other international en-
partment of Community Rural and the closures hit hard. Many work- According to Kelleher and The marketisation of the hous- tities in the global justice sector,
Gaeltacht Affairs the opportunity ers ended up unemployed, while O’Neill, the shift that took place ing sector in the 1990s, and the a new community development-
to impose a new model for man- some workers ended up on tem- in the community development, gradual withdrawal of the state type movement could begin to
aging the community and local porary employment and training anti-poverty and equality sector from direct local authority house find its feet.
development sectors. schemes. Unable to pay the rent between 2002 and 2015 was a building contributed to the cur- If you are interested in the re-
This model focused on external- in her private sector housing, one shift from participatory democ- rent crisis in homelessness, and search outlined in this article,
ly-set and often arbitrary targets. woman interviewed by Kelleher racy to a more controlling repre- the unaffordability of houses to and would like to request a copy
“Value for money” became the and O’Neill ended up homeless. sentative structure based on neo- buy or to rent. The persistence of of Kelleher and O’Neill’s entire
central theme, and on-the-ground Project budgets of the remain- liberal values. Ordinary people the crisis was in part due to the research paper, email peternews-
social good receded into the back- ing projects were cut and projects were no longer encouraged to reluctance of the Irish state to un- four@gmail.com.
take a role in the decisions that dertake the robust interventions
affected them; and community that were needed, as the political Pictured page 32: Pauline Con-
workers were distanced from elite waited for the re-balancing lon MA who provided assistance
individuals and groups in their of a self-regulating housing mar- with the research, and was pre-
locality, tasked more often with ket. sent at the official launch.
filling out lengthly reports and In the concluding sections of This page: Patricia Kelleher
satisfying arbitrary targets. their report, the academics ar- who co-authored the report. She
Under the new model social gue for the state to re-engage in has a PhD from UCD, and was
problems were individualised a substantial housing building previously a research fellow at
and de-contextualised from their programme, with the retention of Harvard University.
social and economic context. public land in public ownership. Pictures courtesy of Patricia
The principles of social value, They also outline the need to fund Kelleher and Cathleen O’Neill.
 Page 34 POOLBEG PARK RUN 100 www.newsfour.ie August / September 2019

A Running together
n Kathrin Kobus they need a shuttle bus to bring
Saturday morning at the them to the city centre and back
beach, and the runners for meal times, etc.”
line up at Blackberry The Saturday morning run of-
Lane, nearly 250 this time be- fers a chance for them to join in
cause it is the 100th event. a community and become a part
That’s a steady climb from the of it. There is a small chance for
beginning almost two years ago a return of the Hatch Hall group
with about 75-80. “On average to our shore, according to Ronan
we have 130-150 runners, some Waide. “The group from Hatch
regulars, and always someone Hall have grown fond of the
just here for the weekend in Poolbeg run so we the sanctuary
Dublin and tagging along,” said runners not in DP [Direct Provi-
one of the organising volun- sion] might think about finding
teers. a way to collect them and offer a
A whole new group of runners lift here to Poolbeg.”
turned up for the first time at the Maybe once a month or every
beginning of the year, with their six weeks the blue top runners
light blue tops and the word will be joining the others on a
“Sanctuary” on the front instead Saturday morning, come rain or
of a team name. On the back the sunshine, running, walking and
top says “Solidarity, Friendship, volunteering as well.
Respect” – that is the short sum- For further details check out
mary for the aims of the group info@sanctuaryrunners.ie
which sees asylum seekers,
refugees and Irish citizens come
together.
Ronan Waide is one of the lat-
ter who shows in this way his One important point is that the the 100th run on July 20th was
solidarity with those who come sanctuary run is an event with their last show at Sandymount
to the country looking for asy- participants running together beach for a while. “They moved
lum, and he knows first-hand for solidarity and for mutual re- from Hatch Hall out to Balse-
how difficult and challenging spect. It is not a fundraiser or a skin near the airport. That’s too
this is. “My wife came from Sri charity. The light blue tops are far away a journey every Satur-
Lanka with a work permit, and printed and provided via the lo- day morning.”
an invitation by an employer cal councils, in this case Dublin Maria Long, another Irish
and still she had to wait and City Council. sanctuary runner told N4. “The
wait for the forms to go through Currently there are two sanc- move out there is a big change
the levels. Asylum seekers now tuary running groups in Dublin, for them anyway. In Hatch Hall
who live in Direct Provision are one in Clondalkin the other came they could walk out the door
even further down the ladder.” regularly to Poolbeg. However, and were in the city centre. Now

Ringsend Active Retirement Association joins the Gardaí

T
he Ringsend Active Re-
tirement Association re-
cently spent a very enjoy-
able day at the Garda Training
College in Templemore. They
were accompanied by Garda
Paddy Collins and Garda Ka-
tie Sammon and were greeted
on arrival by Sergeant Michael
Reynolds who was their guide
for the day.
After enjoying a three-course
lunch in the dining hall they
visited the museum and even
got to try on various hats from
the past and take photos. Later
there was a talk in the lecture
hall followed by a film about the
history of the State and how the
An Garda Síochána came to be
formed, and about their current
training methods.
The group had a wonderful
time and found Sergeant Reyn-
olds a most informative guide.
The trip was sponsored by the
Aviva Community Fund.
 www.newsfour.ie August / September 2019 SPORTING HISTORY Page 35

Salute to the great

Ringsend Eagles
S
n Eoin Meegan ing them up Ticknock Hill,
ome thirty years ago, a which is extremely steep and
group of Ringsend youths tortuous, and they rose to the
made history by being challenge.
part of a unique and very special It’s clear that Derek Murphy
athletic club. And even if they feels they were very special
are not recorded in the official individuals. “These kids didn’t
sporting records, one man re- know how good they were at the
calls their true heroism and grit. time,” he reminisces.
Way back in 1988, when Dub- Ger Mooney was one of the
lin was celebrating its millen- original Eagles and at 16 was
nium, the idea was mooted to an outstanding athlete, whom
hold a triathlon at the Ringsend Derek describes as the guiding
Community Games. To pull off light behind the club, and an
this feat, the man they turned to inspiration to the younger kids.
was Derek Murphy. Unfortunately, around this time
Not only was Derek Lord Ger developed cancer, which he The trophy has been award- who is now a coach at Stella However, all went well and
Mayor of Ringsend at the time, fought bravely. After a period of ed only to the most outstand- Maris, and Colm Reynolds who the Ringsend contingent got to
but he had been involved in tri- remission the cancer returned ing athletes in the Eagles, and trains the hurlers in Clanna Gael see Ireland play Mexico at the
athlon clubs since the sport’s in- and sadly, in 1993 Ger passed will be posthumously awarded Fontenoy. Citrus Bowl. Derek followed
ception in Ireland. The triathlon away at only 21 years of age. this August to another original Another outstanding member this success by hiring eight
consisted of a 200-metre swim, Because of his inspiration member who also sadly passed was Mark Doyle. Mark went stretch limos to take them on
an 8-mile cycle, and a 2.8-mile to the others, his outstanding away, James Byrne, or ‘Jay’ as on to win the prestigious Wa- a trip to see the city after the
run for the under-16s, while the athleticism, and the wonderful he was affectionately called. terhouse Byrne Baird Shield game. A lot of memories there.
seniors faced a 2.5-mile swim, a bravery he showed, Derek in- Jay died in June of last year in trophy two years in succession, Originally, Derek worked on
112-mile cycle, and a marathon stigated the Ger Mooney Tro- a tragic accident at Dublin Port in 1996 and 1997. The Water- the coal docks in his late teens
distance run. phy in his honour. Only weeks where he worked. Originally house Byrne Baird Shield is a and early twenties, which was
Initially, some thirty young before he died, Ger completed from Ringsend, he was loved ten-mile, cross-country, handi- really hard work. All his life he
people aged between 10 and a cycle for rehab on a tandem and held in very high esteem by cap which takes place every has been involved in sporting
15 turned up and Derek an- along with Derek. everyone who knew him. year on St Stephen’s Day. It is activities of one kind or another.
ticipated the event would be a Music was another great pas- He was barely ten in the first so tough it’s been described as a During those years he has raised
one-off. However, the kids had sion of Ger’s and for a time he triathlon and holds the record for two-legged version of the Grand thousands for good causes, one
a different idea. So enthusiastic played drums in a local band. being the fastest to run around National. particularly dear to his heart be-
were they, that after the event One time, at a Bon Jovi concert the Nature Park, including the Former winners were Eamonn ing the Irish Hospice Founda-
they went on Radio Snowflake Derek approached drummer hill which Derek says he did in 2 Coghlan and Frank Cahill. tion.
(Ringsend station of yesteryear Tico Torres and told him Ger’s minutes and 53 seconds. Derek Started by the Donore Harri- Now, in his 70s, Derek is still
that prided itself on being a story, and asked could he have speaks of those youngsters with ers in 1896, the race has taken very active. He recently did a
community, not a pirate radio), his drum sticks. Tico didn’t hes- deep respect. The word he uses place every year since, with the skydive, and he has acquired a
and appealed to Derek to con- itate and graciously gave them to describe them is ‘indomita- exception of 1916 when it was new kayak, which he intends to
tinue with the project. to the youth. ble’. postponed due to the war. It is paddle from Cahir Point in Wex-
Derek was only too happy to The Eagle Youth Triathlon The Club lasted for about the oldest continually run race ford to the Mendicity Institute on
oblige, and so the Eagle Youth Club never received official twelve years. Then, as members in Ireland, and some say the the Liffey. He claims his youth
Triathlon Club was born. After recognition, as in order to be began to grow up they natural- world. and vigour is down to a secret
three months, 35-40 youngsters, recognised by the triathlon asso- ly went their individual ways. An interesting thing happened recipe he has that involves gin-
both girls and boys, with an av- ciation members need to be over Among the former members during the 1994 World Cup. ger and turmeric, although no
erage age of 10-16 had signed 16, so the Ger Mooney Cup is were Collis Moran, Mark Saun- Through contacts of Derek’s in amount of inducements could
up. Such was the demand that their official prize. ders, Ruth Berry, David Doyle Holland, the Ringsend Eagles compel him to share its exact
Derek had to create a second were invited to go to one of Ire- ingredients! Let’s hope it con-
team, the ‘Mascots’, to accom- land’s games. Derek rounded tinues to work its magic.
modate under-10s, who desper- up over 250 kids in total, plus His parting words are: “I want
ately wanted to be with the older minders, and brought them all people to know that these were
group. to the US. the greatest kids ever.” Derek
The training was tough. They He recalls chaotic scenes in gave up a lot of his time to help
trained four nights a week for Dublin airport at the time, try- the kids of Ringsend thirty years
nearly two hours each night. ing to get them all boarded and ago. They all hold him in high
Then at weekends they would through security, with so many regard too.
set out from Ringsend to the excited youngsters everyone
Dublin / Wicklow Mountains, a who worked in Dublin airport Above: members of the Ring-
15-20 mile round trip, and once earned their money that day! send Eagles Triathlon Club.
there, run another 3-4 miles in But eventually they got on the Left: Derek with Robyn Han-
the mountains. plane and arrived in Orlando, rahan and Leonie Richardson
That was tough going, but Florida, where more chaos en- from Barrow Street Post Office.
the kids never faltered. Derek sued in getting them all checked Images: Derek Murphy / Eoin
pushed them to their limit, tak- into the hotel. Meegan.
 Page 36 SPORTING HISTORY www.newsfour.ie August / September 2019

B Bill McCracken:
n Gavan Bergin noon as the last of the many
ill McCracken was born thousands of fans arrived by rail,
in the Falls Road area of and a local brass band played a
Belfast in 1883. As a boy, choice selection of English and
Bill was very good at football,
and by the time he left secondary
school he had gained a reputation
A master of defence Irish airs to accompany the two
teams as they took the field, Eng-
land wearing their strip of white
as one of the best young players shirts and dark shorts, while Ire-
in Belfast. land were in their traditional St
In 1899, when he was sixteen, Patrick’s blue jerseys and white
Bill was signed by Belfast Dis- shorts. Then, promptly at three
tillery FC and began playing for o’clock, it was down to business
their second team, but by putting when England, having won the
in consistently excellent defen- toss, kicked off the match.”
sive performances he quickly The English players were su-
earned promotion to the first perb from the start. Within the
team. first couple of minutes they
He made his Irish League de- moved forward, getting close
but for Distillery against Clift- enough for a good long shot in on
onville on December 25th 1900. the Irish goalkeeper. Next, after a
He did so well in that first game neat midfield move, an English
that Linfield, the biggest club in attacker got a clear run on goal
the country, immediately tried and raced free, looking certain
to buy him. Distillery refused to to score, “when all of a sudden
sell Bill and instead they signed he was deprived by McCracken
him to a professional contract. who got in a perfect interception
That was a deal that worked and clearance”.
out extremely well. Bill an- Ireland tried to counter, but
chored their defence for years to could make no headway as
come and, in the 1900/01 season, England kept coming on strong
his defensive brilliance was a tillery, it wasn’t to any of the trap which caught forwards like compressed into a narrow sliver time and time again, allowing
major factor in the team’s suc- clubs that had been after him for flies in a spider’s web. A couple either side of the halfway line. no breathing room. They were
cess. They conceded only ten so long. In May 1904, he signed of steps forward by McCracken, When Newcastle drew 0-0 at relentless in streaming forward
goals on their way to winning the for Newcastle United. They were and all those attacking moves, Bury in February 1925, it was the in attack, “but every time they
Irish League championship. rumoured to have made under- so carefully thought out and ex- final straw. The football was bor- looked certain to make the break-
In the next few seasons, the the-table payments to get Bill ecuted by soccer’s artists, were ing, attendances were falling and through, Bill McCracken stood
team became a major force in to join them and there was quite simply reduced to nought.” the FA, for once, not only recog- firm and he succeeded in keeping
Irish football and Bill matured a fuss made about the matter. It Bill became the key man in nised that something needed to the Irish goal intact “
into one of the best players in was big news in Belfast, and the the team with the most effective be done, but set about doing it. At half-time the score was 0-0,
the country. After the 1902/03 Irish Football Association made defence in England, a defence They changed the offside rule.” giving Ireland grounds for opti-
season, when Distillery won the enquiries about it, even checking which provided the rock-solid Bill was not playing for New- mism. And after two goals in the
Irish League and the Irish Cup, Bill’s bank account for any sus- foundation for Newcastle as they castle by then, but his con- first five minutes of the second
several big clubs from England picious lodgements. They found went on to further success. They tribution to the situation was half the score was 1-1 and the
and Scotland were taking a seri- no evidence of wrongdoing, but won the League again in 1907 recognised as being partially Irish side had a good opportunity
ous interest in signing Bill. the affair was the start of an un- and 1909, and then there was responsible for the change in to slay the ghosts of humiliations
By the summer of 1903, he did easy relationship between Bill the FA Cup in 1910, which they the offside rule. He had retired past. But there was still plenty of
indeed look ready to leave Irish and the IFA. won with an astonishing defen- after the 1923/24 season, having hard work to be done before the
football. At the age of twenty, Bill made his Newcastle de- sive record of a mere three goals played 432 matches for New- game was safe.
he was already a masterful de- but against Woolwich Arsenal, conceded in the six matches they castle in his 20 seasons with the Luckily for Ireland, they had
fender. He was big and strong, on the 3rd of September 1904 played on their way to the Final. club. the very man for the job, as Bill
fast on the ground, dominant and he played a storming first Newcastle’s style of play was Bill had a long and event- marshalled the backline with a
in the air and his reading of the game, preventing the opposi- not popular with everyone. Bill ful international career for Ire- display of resolve and defensive
game was superb. As well as all tion from getting any chances in copped plenty of abuse. He was land, which started when he was skill that repeatedly prevented
that, Bill was a fierce competitor Newcastle’s 3-0 victory. He kept booed, spat on and attacked by nineteen. In his debut match he England from getting through.
with a reputation for never back- doing well for Newcastle, and away supporters throughout the gave a flawless defensive per- And, although time passed but
ing down from a confrontation. their defence showed a marked country. But the startling effec- formance to help Ireland to a 3-0 slowly, inevitably it did pass, and
He had the knack of aggravating improvement with him in the tiveness of the tactic was unde- victory over Wales, on February as the ninetieth minute eventual-
opposition players, officials and side, conceding thirty fewer niable and it wasn’t long before 22nd 1902. He played regularly ly got nearer the scores remained
supporters. He was involved in goals than they had the previous other teams began to copy it, for the Irish team over the next level and, as the final seconds
plenty of incidents such as on- season. That turned out to be a and eventually the offside ploy few years, winning his seventh ticked down, Ireland held their
field fights, pitch invasions and significant contributing factor to became widespread, the number cap in the match against England nerve as the end came at last.
abandoned games. the team’s success, as Newcastle of goals scored in the League at Middlesbrough, on February And when the final whistle
But none of that put off clubs went on to win the League. They dropped and the spectacle of the 25th 1905. blew on a draw as sweet as any
who wanted Bill, and Distill- became champions of England in game was said to have been ru- Ireland’s record against Eng- victory, there they stood: an
ery received persistent enquir- Bill’s first season with them. ined. land was appalling, eleven Irish team undefeated on Eng-
ies about his availability from Bill built on his good start According to a report in the matches lost, conceding 71 goals lish soil. The next day’s edition
Liverpool, Aston Villa, Rangers in the black and white shirt, he Manchester Guardian, “by the and scoring only 5. The Free- of the Irish Times reported on “a
and Arsenal. However, Bill was improved his tactical play and mid 1920s several clubs, most man’s Journal reported on “driz- fine performance by Ireland, and
a man who knew his own mind became famous as an expert in notably Newcastle United with zling rain and patches of snow” particularly by McCracken, the
and was well aware of his worth the use of the offside trap. The their full-back Bill McCracken, before the game. But the weath- outstanding man in defence, who
as a player. Evening Herald said he was “the had become so obsessed with er, at least, took a positive turn was cool, resourceful and clean-
When he eventually left Dis- offside king, who perfected a offside that games would be when the skies cleared around playing. Nothing got past him.”
 www.newsfour.ie August / September 2019 SPORT Page 37

After that outstanding per- IFA banned him from the Ireland way to a quarter-final tie against
formance Bill continued put in team . Newcastle United at St James’s
superb defensive displays for It wasn’t until October 1919 that Park.
Ireland. In February 1907 he Bill played his long-delayed elev- Hull scrapped to a 1-0 win
won his tenth international cap enth international, and, although against Newcastle and in the re-
and, at the age of 24 he was all he was 36 years old, he was ma- play they defended just like the
set to be the mainstay of the Irish jestic in defence, helping Ireland boss when he was in his heyday,
defence for years to come. But to another superb draw with Eng- and got the one goal needed to
money matters were again to land. He stayed in the team for an- send Newcastle packing from the
cause problems between the IFA other four years before making his competition.
and Bill. last international appearance for In the semi-final, against Ar-
In February 1908, after he was Ireland at the age of 40, against senal at Elland Road, Hull did
selected for Ireland’s next match, Scotland in March 1923. well but only managed a 2–2 He was hired by Newcastle as a damning him as the dastardly de-
against England in Belfast, Bill Bill retired from playing that draw, and the replay turned out scout, doing that job for them un- stroyer of the beautiful game.
was talking with some Newcastle same year and went straight into to be a game too far. Arsenal got til 1958, when he began scouting Yes, in his day they all knew
teammates who were also Eng- a management job with Hull an extremely fortunate 1–0 win, for Watford. He finally did retire Bill McCracken. Some called
land internationals, and he found City, and over the next six years and Hull’s Cup dream was over. after his 88th birthday, in 1971. him ‘football’s arch-obstruction-
out from them that England paid he made them one of the best de- A year later, Bill left to manage Bill lived a long life. He died, ist’ and ‘the game’s Irish Me-
their players £10 each to play, fensive teams in the Second Di- Gateshead for the 1932/33 sea- at the age of 95, in 1979, inspir- phistopheles’.
while Irish players only got two vision. The 1929/30 season was son. After that he managed Mill- ing many a reverent obituary- Here, we call him ‘Ireland’s
guineas. When he learned this, the most eventful during Bill’s wall from 1933 to 1936, then even though it had been over greatest defender’.
Bill told the IFA that he would be spell in charge of Hull, as they joined Aldershot, with whom seventy years since he was show-
happy to play for Ireland if he was had their best-ever run in the FA he spent thirteen seasons before ing the brilliance on the field that Pages 36 and 37:
paid the same amount as England Cup, knocking out the champi- he finished with management in had stirred the senses of every- Bill McCracken.
paid their players. Bill didn’t play ons of the Second and Third Di- 1950. one who saw him play, whether Above: The measure of a foot-
in that match, in fact he didn’t visions, Blackpool and Plymouth Although he was 67 when they were on his side and hailing baller’s fame could be gauged by
play international football again Argyle then eliminating First Di- he left the Aldershot job, Bill his defensive genius and tactical the number of cigarette cards he
for more than ten years, after the vision Manchester City on the wasn’t ready to be pensioned off. cunning, or in opposition and appeared on.

FAI soap opera rumbles on and on

T
n David Prendeville
he FAI has taken one
small step, it would seem,
to having their funding
reinstated by ratifying the 78
recommendations put forward
by the FAI Governance Review,
at their EGM held in Dunboyne
on the 20th of July.
These recommendations, is-
sued as part of a report that was
a joint effort of Sport Ireland and
the Football Association of Ire-
land, alters the make-up of the
FAI board, amongst other things.
These changes were passed by a
close to unanimous vote of 116
of the 120 members.
However, while that has been
seen as a step in the right direc-
tion by some, there is still an un-
mistakable taste of the old guard by RTE, Ross had written a let- dent adheres to the recommenda- day Independent: “Account- the 9th of August.
left by the fact that subsequent to ter to Conway asking him to tions in the report. They stated: ability can go out the window. Ireland play their next Euro
the meeting Donal Conway con- withdraw his nomination for re- “in accordance with the report, Vigilance can disappear. Pals 2020 qualifier on September
firmed he will stand unopposed election. In the letter, Ross sug- endorsed by the FAI and Sport keep pals on boards. Expenses 5th, when they will be taking on
for re-election as president. gested that Conway was reneg- Ireland, two members of the cur- become lax. Annual accounts Switzerland in the Aviva. Some
The Minister for Sport Shane ing on an earlier commitment to rent board have been nominated are not produced in time for good news for the Irish team re-
Ross has been a vocal critic of step aside as part of the major re- by AGM members to stand for scheduled meetings. Numer- cently was 17-year-old Dubliner
the FAI of late and has contin- form necessary. Ross stated that: the positions of president and ous inquiries or forensic audits Troy Parrott starting and im-
ued to be so in light of Con- “Together with your decision to vice president. Only one nomi- are required. All familiar sins in pressing for Spurs in their recent
way’s decision to run once appoint former FAI employee nation for the position of presi- the FAI. Conway’s decision to friendly with Juventus. Hope-
more. Ross, speaking on the To- and loyalist, Noel Mooney to dent has been forthcoming from stay on – even if unopposed – is fully he’s set for a bright future
day with Miriam show, said that the post of General Manager, AGM members whereas three mind-boggling.” in the green shirt and hopefully
the FAI’s funding should not be this development means that the nominations have been received It looks like this sad soap op- may break into the Ireland senior
reissued until all the people who new regime has a very old look for the role of vice president.” era will go on and on. Football squad sooner rather than later.
oversaw their recent problems about it.” Subsequent to the EGM, Ross fans can hopefully find some
were gone. The FAI’s response to this was added further to his criticism, welcome distraction in the re- Above: The Aviva Stadium.
Prior to the EGM, as reported that keeping Conway as presi- stating in a column in the Sun- turn of the Premier League on Photo: Eugene Carolan.
 Page 38 www.newsfour.ie August / September 2019

Clanna Gael Fontenoy

Summer comes
early to Clanna Gael
n Felix O’Regan All Ireland Final’ between the Cuala in Shanganagh Park. some fine points, including a U-13 hurlers top their league
U12 girls blitz opposition top two teams in that group. The latter game was on bal- long-range effort from Ross What a great finish to the
There was no shortage of Apart from the exciting ac- ance the more significant re- Wherity. pre-summer part of the season
class on display in the U12 tion on the pitch, there was sult, as gaining a point away A well-worked goal fol- for our U13 hurlers. They re-
girls’ blitz hosted by the club. a carnival atmosphere off it, from home can prove really lowed some typically strong main unbeaten to date and, as
Visiting teams from Cuala with food and refreshments valuable, particularly when running by Dave Meenan to a result, sit atop of the Divi-
and St Judes certainly added aplenty. “The quality of the it’s a key fixture between the give them further impetus. sion 4 league table. This fol-
to that class and colour. But skills on display was a fantas- second and third-placed teams Still, there was nothing be- lows their most recent victory,
it was the manner in which tic reflection on the practice in the league. tween the sides at half-time.  where they got the better of St
Clanns won all six of their put in by our young players The second half also started Kevins by two points with a
matches that really stood out and the support and input of well for Clanns, with a goal score line of 2-13 to 4-5.
on the day. their coaches”, stated Eoghan direct from a free giving them Both teams played fabulous
Our two U12 girls’ teams Heneghan who, along with the edge. David Lyons and hurling in a sunny Dolphin
finished their pre-summer Christina Deevy, headed up Austin Dodd worked tireless- Park, but Clanns had the ad-
season in style by hosting the club’s organising group.   ly in midfield to stem a come- vantage come the final whis-
Naomh Mearnóg from Port- Traditionally a football-only back; but in fairness to Cuala tle. Great credit is due to the
narnock. Both teams played event, this year saw the intro- they kept up the pressure and, players themselves and to
very well. And while one lost duction of a hurling/camogie with the game heading for their coaches, Oran Burke and
narrowly the other won com- competition and this attracted injury time, they had taken a Eamon Horan.
fortably. an additional 160 young par- one-point lead.
ticipants. The quality of play When the going gets tough, Photos, clockwise from top:
Mini All-Irelands was a real standout and augurs the tough get going and Ed Clanns, St Judes and Cuala
Over 300 boys and girls, well for the future of hurling O’Sullivan stood up to score teams relax ahead of the U12
aged 7 to 13, participated in in Dublin. the point of the game with a girls’ blitz.
this year’s ‘Mini All-Ireland’ terrific long-range shot to Girls show their skills in the
football competition at the Adult footballers perform- bring the teams level. Cuala Mini All-Ireland.
club. Each team was assigned ing well had a long-range free at the U11/U12/U13 Boys & Girls
a county, assigned to a group Our Intermediate football- death which, if converted, mixed winners – Waterford –
and kitted out with t-shirts in ers have certainly helped would have given them both in the Mini All-Ireland.
that county’s colours – kind- their promotion prospects by On a sunny evening with lit- points; but the ball veered to High performing U-13 hurl-
ly sponsored by Dublin City achieving good results in their tle breeze, Clanns fought for the right and was gathered by ers.
Council, Bennetts Auction- most recent games played every ball and never let up and played out of danger by Clanns player Austin Dodd
eers and FT consulting. during July: a comprehensive to the final whistle.  The first relieved Clanns defenders. gets the better of his Cuala
The teams were mixed as victory over Na Fianna played half started well for them with The final score of 0-14 to 2-8 marker.
between boys and girls at the in an unseasonal- represented a well-
older age levels. The winning ly-wet Sean Moore earned draw for a (Photos: Michele O’Briain,
team in each age group was Park; preceded by good Clanns per- Brian Moran and Roger
ultimately decided by a ‘Mini a draw away to formance. McGrath).
www.newsfour.ie August / September 2019SMALL ADS / NOTICES Page 39

REMEMBRANCES
Page 40 www.newsfour.ie August / September 2019