FR EE

Issue 65

October 2011

www.theliberty.ie
NEWS Election coverage

Part of the Community since 1998

Page 6 Page 3

Diageo job cuts

Bicycle thefts Page 5

FEATURES Out & About

Bollywood in Dublin Page 8 ARTS One Liberties,One Book Page 20 NCAD Grad Show Page 16 Annie Ryan Interview Page 20 SPORT St Pats Big Cup Win Page 24 KIDS Pages 14 & 15
Owner Elsie Kenny stands in her flood damaged toddlers playroom at Connolly Childrens Centre in the Coombe. The crche was seriously flooded after heavy rainfall in the Dublin region earlier this week. The drainage system for the crche in Ashgrove backed up severely, flooding many of the rooms. I knew yesterday evening it was flooding but I was stuck on the Long Mile Road, my car was a boat and I couldnt get back to the crche until seven oclock this morning, said Kelly, who has managed the centre for the last twelve years. We contacted all the parents as soon as we could and told them not to come in. We dont know when we can re-open. The crche was one of several buildings to be flood damaged in the Liberties area. - Andy Nally & Oisin Gregorian

Page 12 & 13

100m proposal for Guinness site

Dan Cochrane
DRINKS GIANT Diageo is considering a 100m redevelopment of its historic St. Jamess Gate site. The company has begun preliminary discussions with Dublin City Council with the aim of consolidating the factorys European brewing operations. If the project gets underway, it will cover the area between Jamess Street and Victoria Quay. Diageo will have to submit a planning application to Dublin City Council for approval before going ahead with the proposed works. If the application succeeds, the company must decide whether to drop its earlier plans to consolidate brewing at a greenfield site in Leixlip, Co. Kildare, which would have meant closing the city centre site. The company is the worlds largest producer of premium liquor. Annual sales across 180 countries amount to 11 billion. A total of 24,000 employees work for the group, whose top brands include Smirnoff, Baileys and Johnnie Walker whiskey, as well as Guinness. Profit growth has been slow since 2007. Most of it has come outside of Europe and the US which currently accounts for nearly 75% of operating profit. Diageo generated around $3 billion in cash in its 2010 financial year. However, a report prepared for the drinks giant by DCU academic Tony Foley showed that bar sales took a volume hit of 25% in 2007 and fell by over 10% in 2010 alone. Employment in Irish pubs has plunged from 65,000 in 2008 to 47,000 last year, with another plummet of 3,000 this year. The blame game is ongoing with publicans arguing that Diageo has tried to encourage more aggressive price cuts while taking too much profit themselves. Cynics would suggest that the shift to alcohol consumption at home and then in clubs actually suits the spirits conglomerate quite nicely. Diageo have said that the aim of the cuts was to create a more competitive, efficient and sustainable business for the company in both Europe and Ireland.

Halloween Special

REGULARS
Local History
Welcome to the autumn issue of The Liberty, the free local community newspaper for the Liberties area. The newspaper is produced by journalism students at Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) in Aungier Street, not far from the heart of the Liberties. We produce around five issues every year during term time - from January to May and September to December. Our goal is to inform and entertain the community about local issues and events, and only you can judge how well we do this so we welcome all feedback from you.

EdiTOR

Stephen Bourke
thelibertyeditor @gmail.com

NEWS

The Camden St ambush -1921

Present day Camden Street, ninety years on from the bloody IRA ambush which resulted in multiple casualties.

Photos: Stephen Bourke

Orlaith Grehan
thelibertynewsteam @gmail.com

Stephen Bourke looks back on a bloody ambush in the streets of Dublin at the height of Irelands independence struggle.

the city centre was attacked at Camden Row. The ambushers threw bombs at the vehicle. Lance-Corporal Henry Charles Jarvis and Private George

FEATURES

Jenny Dunne
thelibertyfeaturesteam @gmail.com

ARTS

Ellen Cooney
thelibertyartsteam @gmail.com

SPORT

Niall McCague
thelibertysportsteam @gmail.com

PHOTOS

Sarah Reilly

Sub Editor

Whats the storymap, bud?

Orlaith Grehan
DUBLINERS ARE famous the world over for their wit and charm so it comes as no surprise that this has made for some brilliant stories over the years. Have you heard the one about boxer Dan Donnelly, whose rowdy reputation around the Liberties was said to be as powerful as his punch? Or what about local man Bang Bang Thomas Dudley, who spent his life pretending to shoot at passers-by in a never-ending game of Cowboys and Indians? These and other stories from across the city have been brought to life by two local film-makers and their multimedia website, Storymap.ie. Tom Rowley and Andrew Flaherty film Dubliners telling their favourite yarns, posting the videos on a map of Dublin so that visitors can take a virtual storytelling tour of the capital. As Tom explains, myself and Andy came up with the idea about a year ago and launched the site in February. We started with about 20 stories; weve now branched out to around 40, and were expanding by about a story a week . Were trying to capture the whole citys personality through stories. Its about giving the city a bit of vision and giving people a way to see it a bit differently. The website gives a new way that you can see the city and were also hoping its something that can travel to other cities eventually. The pair, who live on Cork Street, are constantly on the look-out for the best of the weird and wonderful stories the city has to offer. We usually end up approaching people for the stories. We might walk around and pop into places to see whats there, or we might do a bit of research if its something with a bit of a historic background. Very occasionally, wed get people coming to us; that is something wed like to see a bit more of.

AN IRA ambush on a military convoy during one of the bloodiest months of the War of Independence left three British soldiers dead and eight wounded. In March 1921, the Irish War of Independence was at its height. The IRA was routinely attacking British forces throughout the country, and Dublin was no exception. Aungier Street and Camden Street connected the army barracks at Portobello to Dublin Castle, making it a target for the guerrillas. British troops dubbed the route The Dardanelles after the site of the First World War Gallipoli campaign and the regular ambushes there. On the evening of Saturday 19 March, a lorry carrying troops from the South Lancashire Regiment into

How dozens were not killed seems a miracle to me

Thomas were killed instantly and another six were wounded, including an officer. The troops returned fire, but no rebel casualties were recorded. The Freemans Journal reported the area was filled with people making Saturday night purchases in the

busy shopping district. One witness counted 50 shots but thought more had been fired. John Stanford, a 35-year-old labourer from Upper Mercer Street was seriously wounded in the abdomen and was brought to the Meath Hospital in a precarious condition. Accompanied by his young nephew, he had just left the Cinema de Luxe now the Palace Bar and walked into a hail of bullets. Mary Bryan of the Iveagh Buildings and her daughter Margaret suffered minor injuries. I was out shopping about 6:30, she told the Freemans Journal, I heard a tremendous, deafening explosion. How dozens were not killed seems a miracle to me. She retreated into a shop, and feeling queer, noticed that her right foot was bleeding. I then saw to my horror that my little girl was bleeding from both legs. But happily she was even less injured than I. Her wounds were the merest little

scratches, but they bled a lot. One of the soldiers wounded in the attack, Private Benjamin Whiting, died of his wounds two days later, bringing the death toll of the ambush to three. The British administration imposed an earlier curfew in response to the attack. The Camden Street ambush was just one incident in a week of violence throughout the country. Earlier that day, Tom Barrys flying column carried out one of the largest ambushes of the war at Crossbarry in Co. Cork. Two days later, the IRA in Co. Kerry attacked a train at Headford, with, twenty British Royal Fusiliers. Three civilian bystanders were killed in this attack. The period between January 1921 and the Truce in July that year saw a death toll of about 1000 between the IRA, the British military and paramilitary forces and civilians, making it the bloodiest time in Irelands struggle for independence.

Dan Cochrane

ASSiSTANT SUbEdiTORS Oisin Gregorian, Lynne Swan, Caroline Ewins, Declan Marron, Gillian Stedman, Brendan Kelly, Jenny McGovern. PROdUcTiON Kevin Donnellan Colin Higgins David Hogan Blaithin Henehan Cassie Delaney WEb EdiTOR Aidan Knowles WEb STAFF Casey Fitzgerald Cormac OConnor

Storymap Logo: Trying to capture the citys personality through stories.

The Liberties doesnt disappoint, with a total of eight short films from the area already posted online. The Brothers ONeill shows Johnny and Tommy ONeill meeting in Fallons Bar to talk about their wonderful, wonderful life growing up in the area, which they describe as a little piece of heaven on earth. The bell-ringer at Christchurch

Cathedral tells of the surprising dangers of his job, while theatre actor Laurence Foster narrates articles written by Charles Dickens about the Coombe. Log onto Storymap.ie if you want to see a different side to your area and if you have a story you want to share, contact the guys at storymapdublin@gmail.com.

NEWS

3
News IN BrIef

Hanover St roadworks completed

Fionnuala Holohan
ROADWORKS HAVE finally been completed on Hanover Lane, with no less than four different utilities carrying out different maintenance work over the summer. Cable-carriers UPC, ESB Electric Ireland, the city council drainage team and the road maintenance team all spent several weeks working on the lane from March through to August this year. The lane, which links Francis Street and Patrick Street, is an access point for many utilities, making maintenance work here common. Contractors have now completed the work and the councils road maintenance team have re-surfaced the working area.

John Lonergan at the CAP launch in Carmellite Community Centre. Inset; Cllr Mannix Flynn and SICCDA Mediation & Service Manager Taragh OKelly.

CAP service launches

Sarah Reilly
were Deputy Lord Mayor Maria Parodi and independent councillor Mannix Flynn. Its good to get good care for prisoners out of jail, get them back into society and back on the straight and narrow to avoid them falling into isolation, said Mr. Flynn. A main objective of the new project is to invite prisoners back into the community while maintaining their motivation. CAP Director of Services Stephen Doyle said this is crucial in preventing re-offences. He is adamant that prisoners should not be dictated to and instead should decide for themselves which areas they require support. What theyre looking for, we help them with, he said. Harcourt Terrace garda Eoin Carroll and Mick McHugh were present at the launch. It is very good for offenders to be integrated back into the community to avoid them falling back into crime, they agreed. CAP chairman Paul Mackey said there are many organisations which the new pilot project will liaise with, while Carmelite Parish priest Fr. Charlie Hoey agreed that linking with these other agencies will be crucial: We must give people back their self esteem and help them back into society. The project is being undertaken in partnership with the City of Dublin YMCA and the Carmelite Community Centre. It began running officially on October 3 2011, although trials began back in November 2010. Director of services in CAP, Stephen Doyle said the two key objectives of the programme are information referral and support. Our key aim is to reduce reoffending between the Dublin 2 and Dublin 8 areas...Prisoners self identify issues after which our aim is to refer them to suitable agencies such as those dealing with education or accommodation. While reducing the number of reoffenders is the main aim of the service, Mr. Doyle says it also offers

Photos: Sarah Reilly

Online video competition

THE EX govenor of Mountjoy prison John Lonergan was a guest of honour at the recent launch of new pilotm Care After Prison (CAP) project in the Carmelite Community Centre. Throughout his speech on the evening, Mr. Lonergan discussed excerpts of his book The Governor in which he described the prison as a hell hole. I did write it, say it and mean it. It was a hellhole, nothing to do with the staff, but the buildings themselves, he said. Mr. Lonergan insisted that prison can be damaging and is a negative experience for the majority of prisoners. He praised the new pilot project saying, Going to prison is traumatic, getting out is more traumatic. In a nutshell, Ive never met an all bad person in prison, nor have I ever met an all good person outside of prison. Maybe we should remember that when we condemn people. Among the guests at the launch

Diageo considers job cuts

Dan Cochrane
cut in an effort to slash 8m off the wage bill in its Irish operation. John Kennedy, managing director of Diageo Ireland, said the cuts were about making the company more efficient. Diageo is fully committed to Ireland, and has very significant operations here that are an essential element of our companys operations globally, he said. However we do need to make changes and deliver greater efficiencies in some of the support functions of the business. These changes, which are being carried out across Europe, follow months of careful analysis and consideration. We will work closely with our employees and offer them every practical support through what will be a difficult period. However, the changes are absolutely essential to ensure that Diageo has a competi-

family support. We see the importance of staying in touch with family members throughout time in prison and promote family unit support through mediation. He insisted that the Care After Prison programme does not duplicate other similar services and focuses on encouraging ex -prisoners towards independent futures. Prior to this new programme, there was no centralised support for prisoners. According to Mr. Doyle, a core intention of the project is to catch prisoners at a key stage and link with them prior to their release. While awaiting security clearance, we communicate with other agencies to offer a support mechanism in relation to things like the organisation of social welfare payments...A lot of the time prisoners are so excited prior to their release and are then faced with the downer of organising social welfare and accommodation, he said.

Opening of SWICN Clubhouse. Photo: Sarah Reilly

Orlaith Grehan
TWO LOCAL youth projects hope to secure the publics support to win a 3,000 reward as part of the nationwide Better Together campaign. Young people from the SWICN Computer Clubhouse on Rainsford Street and the South Area Youth Service (SAYS) are taking part in the campaigns online video competition. Better Together aims to raise awareness of community groups across the country, inviting them to submit short films on their work to the national website. The public have until 11 November to vote for the video and cause they find most inspiring with three prizes of 3,000 up for grabs for the most popular. SWICNs National Day of Volunteering 2011 and SAYSs Better Get Her Into The ras are both competing with over a hundred other entrants. To vote for the videos or for more information on the Better Together campaign, visit www.bettertogether.ie

GUINNESS PARENT company Diageo is considering job cuts among its Irish workforce of 1,800 as part of an efficiency drive. Workers were told that it would seek redundancies in support functions and marketing as a result of a reorganisation of Diageo in Europe as a whole. The drinks giant has revealed that it is the marketing wing that will take the hit. Scores of jobs will be

tive and sustainable business in Ireland. The speculation is that 70 jobs will go. This follows a similar cost reduction on the administration wing in 2009. The company said that these cuts were part of a new strategy of its European business and do not affect manufacturing.

Old?

Were not that old...

pg 10

4 NEWS St Jamess Hospital Olympic torch struggles with budget will light up D8
Katriona Quinn Oisin Gregorian
ST JAMESS Hospital is running significantly over-budget after facing the biggest budget cut of all Dublin hospitals in 2011. The budgets of Dublins five main hospitals have been cut by 73m this year. St. Jamess allowance was slashed by 20.4m. According to the HSE Healthstat Dashboard, St Jamess was already 2.2% over-budget by July 2011. There are now fears that the 2012 budget, due on 6 December, could spell further bad news for the hospital. However, Michael Maloney, press officer for the hospital, said, The hospital doesnt discuss budget cuts or budget issues with the media as it is currently under discussion with the HSE. tion and health. The Health Service Executive was allocated a budget of 13.4bn for 2011, compared to 14.2bn in 2010. This reduction in the HSE budget has meant that hospital budgets have had to be slashed this year. The HSEs 2010 Annual Report was published this summer and showed that areas such as jobs, the cost of According to HSE Board chairman, Dr. Frank Dolphin: In order to protect frontline services, areas such as the cost of supplies, drugs and other non-frontline areas have been targeted to achieve maximum savings. We are engaged in a relentless cost reduction programme across all non-pay areas, maximising procurement opportunities and eliminating all discretionary spending. Demand for services continues to grow year on year...creating an absolute necessity for reform and change not only in how we provide services but in peoples behaviours and expectations, he added. This years budget is expected to be one of the most austere budgets our country has ever had to face. Increasing national debt and the worsening banking crisis meant that the government expenditure faced huge cuts in the 2011 budget. The Government is to spend 3bn less this year than in 2010, according to government figures. This 5 per cent decrease means that an estimated 57.5 billion is available to the Government this year. GET READY for a once in a lifetime experience the Olympic torch is coming to the Liberties. A tradition of games gone by, the Olympic torch relay will be making its appearance in Dublin for the first time in history after a brief stay in Belfast the previous day. The flame will land in Dublin on 6 June 2012, just over six weeks from the opening ceremony itself. Starting in the Garden of Remembrance early in the day, the flame will make its way down OConnell Street and into the IFSC via Sheriff Street. It will cross the Samuel Beckett Bridge before heading west along the Grand Canal and into Harolds Cross From there the torch will slowly head back towards the City Centre, visiting the heart of the Liberties before heading down Dame Street to its final destination in Merrion Square. Local Sinn Fein TD Aengus OSnodaigh told the Liberty: The Olympic torch symbolises the Olympic spirit of athletes competing with determination, endurance and courage and as such its carrying through our local streets is a unique opportunity to showcase our area. We should also use this to remember Irelands many Olympic and sporting heroes who have made us proud and have given us a lift when needed, he added.

Its a unique opportunity to showcase our area

Labours Michael Conaghan was equally delighted at the prospect of the torch coming to Dublin next June. The Olympic Games are the biggest sporting event in the world, and the torch is one of the worlds most recognisable and inspirational symbols. The Olympic flames appearance in the Liberties will be one of the rare occasions the torch will be outside the United Kingdom in the run-up to the games, making this opportunity see this historic flame all the more unique.

Photo: Martha Gberevbie

Budgets have been cut by 73m

As indicated in last years budget, huge cuts were made across all areas, including social welfare, educa-

supplies and drugs were all reduced to achieve maximum savings. The Annual Report showed that the number of people employed by the HSE had fallen by 3,533 since 2007. This is in line with Government policy to reduce the number of people working in the public sector.

Innovation Dublin festival highlights creativity in the Liberties area

THE ORIGINALITY and diversity of local initiatives come under the spotlight with the arrival of the Innovation Dublin Festival 2011. Now in its third year, the festival showcases Dublin's creative potential through a month-long series of performances, exhibitions, debates and other unique events taking place across the city. This years programme kicked off on 17 October, with highlights including the Unused And Unloved exhibition being staged in a previously deserted space at Fumbally Court, just off Clanbrassil Street. Curated by arts group Prettyvacant Dublin, photographs, paintings, drawings and sound installations from eight artists all dealing with the theme of neglect are on display at the show, which runs until 11 November. Director of Prettyvacant, Louise Marlborough, believes that the empty Fumbally Court property is a wasted opportunity, typical of many others across town which have been abandoned during the recession. The exhibition is about bringing life to these buildings as well as giving the artists an outlet for their work, and it's about thinking of the possibilities for the future. Fumbally is a large-scale space; we want people to look at it in a different way and draw attention to its potential. Meanwhile, first class pupils of St. Audeons and St. Brigids National Schools are preparing to take cen-

Orlaith Grehan

tre-stage at the It's My Business showcase event at Wood Quay on 14 November. Lord Mayor of Dublin, Andrew Montague, will be guest of honour as the two classes present a product and company they have specially designed and marketed for the event. Damien Henehan of Junior Achievement Ireland is working with the classes, along with students in two north inner-city schools, to develop their new businesses. We've organised volunteers from Dublin City Council to go into each school and assist the classes in selecting their product. The volunteers have a background in the area, so they'll teach them about advertising and marketing, and give the children a bit of business training. It should be something fun and maybe a bit different for them. Organised by the Creative Dublin Alliance in conjunction with Dublin City Council, this years Innovation Dublin is the biggest yet, with hundreds of other events to look forward to as well. John Tierney, chair of the Creative Dublin Alliance, believes the festival embodies creativity, entrepreneurship, sustainability and a distinctly Dublin vibe.

New allotments for green fingered Liberty residents

The allotments in the Liberties (above) and before (below)

Photos: Cassie Delaney & Andy Nally

Andy Nally

More information on the Innovation Dublin programme can be found at www.innovationdublin.ie.

DUBLIN CITY Council has launched new allotments in the Liberties for local residents and community groups. Weavers Square, off Cork Street, in Dublin 8, was recently converted into 27 allotments with 22 plots for residents and five plots to be used by local community groups. The site has been vacant since 2008 but a recent joint initiative between

Dublin City Councils Liberties Area Office, Parks Department and Community section helped create new land suitable for locals to use. Rubble was stripped back and removed to make way for new topsoil and a water point and storage container for equipment were also installed on site. The allotments are offered on an annual lease, sized 50m2. However, due to the limited number of allotments there is a waiting list.

To apply for an allotment for January 2012, contact Dublin City Council Liberties Area Office on 01 222 5200.

NEWS Creative recovery

THE SOUTH inner city is among the top five areas of Dublin for bicycle theft every year, CSO statistics show. Bicycle sales have soared since the launch of the Cycle to Work scheme over two years ago. But with the rise in sales bicycle theft has risen dramatically too.

5 Bicyle thefts rise with sales

Katriona Quinn

stations keep bicycles that have been recovered for a short period before forwarding them to central stores. From there they are auctioned off if not claimed by their owners. The Garda website, www.garda.ie, currently has pictures of recovered bicycles from stations across the city in a bid to return them to their right-

Michael D. Higgins, Janine Murphy, Geraldine Murphy and Mick Egan at the RADE event

Kevin Donnellan

Photo: courtesy of RADE

MICHAEL D. HIGGINS was on hand to launch Birthday, a short film, and Frontier Folk, a book of stories and artwork, as part of the Liberties based RADE programme. The RADE (Recovery through Art, Drama and Education) programme is designed to engage drug users and recovering drug users with the arts and to provide a platform for their artistic expression. Their mission statement that creativity is open to everyone was echoed by Michael D Higgins in his speech following the screening of Birthday at the Irish Film Institute. Mr Higgins spoke of the value of creativity and the arts in society and how it was vital to win the argu-

Its fun to play at the YMCA

Brendan Kelly

ment about their importance. He quoted author Raymond Williams when saying that everybody should strive to be the arrow, not the target. The film screening was preceded by readings from Frontier Folk by many of the RADE programmes participants. The writing was developed under the guidance of writers Malcolm MacClancy and Dominique Cleary. Highlights included Dog by Brian, Cold by Jenna and My First Fish by David. The book can be viewed in full on the RADE website and hard copies can be requested through the RADE office. The film itself was a Western, of sorts, set in a tent in Blanchardstown.

Creativity is open to everyone

Written by director Pom Boyd in collaboration with the RADE participants, it depicts a birthday party with an unexpected birth happening in the midst of the revelry. The film was the final of a trilogy of films produced by the RADE team, and the screening was accompanied by a making-of documentary produced by the participants showcasing their editing prowess.

Photo: Stephan Bourke

A breakdown of statistics from Garda stations across the city shows that over the past four years there has been a dramatic increase in bicycle theft across Dublin. Last year, Kevin Street Garda Station recorded 132 reports of bicycle theft - the fifth highest rate of theft in the capital. By comparison, Malahide Garda Station recorded only 19 reports of theft in the same period. But if your bike is swiped, all is not lost. Tony Connaughton, from the Garda Press Office, says: All Garda

ful owners. These bicycles stay in Garda possession until such time as they are returned to their owner or they are auctioned off if left unclaimed. Ken MacDonald, owner of MacDonalds Cycles on Wexford Street, shared some tips on bike security. The best lock brands are ABUS and Kryptonite. And a good rule of thumb is to buy a lock that costs at least 10% of the price of your bike. So if you have a 500 bike, get a lock that costs at least 50, he says.

Historians get with the times

Gillian Stedman

The YMCAs YPOD project has been shortlisted for the Outstanding Contribution to Dublin Life category in the Dublin Living Awards 2011. The City of Dublin YMCA started a new youth project in the Carmelite Community Centre called the YPOD for children and young teens in the Liberties earlier this year. The Carmelite Community Centre on Aungier Street, Dublin 2, began after renovations were completed to what was formally known as the old Cross Care building. The YPOD project is focused on kids and young teens in the area, while the YMCA is aimed at older teens. After-school homework clubs have proven to be popular for all age groups in both facilities.

City of Dublin YMCA

Photo: courtesy of Jackace

The homework clubs are always full. The kids will come in, be given something to eat and then get down to their homework, says Stephen Doyle, a coordinator for the YPOD. The Girls Club has also grown in numbers since it has started. Its one of the programmes weve worked on and has become really successful, said Bernadette Grogan, a coordinator for the YPOD. The YPOD also runs social awareness classes with a new one starting mid-October named the Choices Programme. The class aims to give members information on the consequences of committing a crime. What we hope to do with these classes is give the right information, show them the consequences and

effects of anti-social behavior and hopefully theyll make the right decisions, said Stephen. Minister for Youth and Children Francis Fitzgerald officially launched the YPOD project earlier this summer. She was presented with flowers and apple tarts that members of the popular Girls Club programme had baked for her that day. The YMCA and YPOD have classes running Monday to Friday including the Homework Club, the Girls Club, nutrition and exercise classes, cooking classes and Mixed Teens Clubs. All classes are free of charge and offer a relaxing and friendly atmosphere.

The Dublin Bus Community Support Programme has awarded the Dublin 8 Community Education Centre (D8CEC) a 5,000 grant. Director of D8CEC, Marie Mulvihill, says the money will be used to fund a new social media course for the centres History Group. The members of our History Group are older people, who are not very familiar with social media tools like Facebook, Twitter and blogs, she said. The aim of the training course is to document the members individual memories of what it was like growing up in inner-city Dublin during the first half of the 20th century. This grant from Dublin Bus will allow us to give them training in how to use social media tools, both to research different topics and to share information, says Mulvihill. What we are hoping to do is explore, through the personal recollections of our learners, what life was like in Dublin 8 and the surrounding areas during the 1930s, 40s and 50s. Well use social media tools to record and showcase interviews Digital Hub Photo: courtesy of extraface with project participants, and well focus in particular on occupations For more information about and customs that have been on the the courses on offer you can wane, or have died out altogether in visit www.d8cec.com. more recent years.

The D8CEC, which offers secondchance education to over 300 adults every year, has been operating since 1996. The centre recently received the award at a special ceremony held in Croke Park. After receiving the award Marie Mulvihill said she was thrilled. Due to rising unemployment levels, demand for our services is increasing but at the same time we are faced with severe funding cutbacks. So we need to constantly try new ways of fundraising, and we were absolutely thrilled to receive an award from Dublin Bus today. Without it, this new social media training course and local history project simply could not go ahead. The D8CEC is based in The Digital Hub, in the Thomas Court building off Rainsford Street.

Oisn Gregorian & Stephen Bourke

Liberty Opinion
Is it worthwhile having an elected President?

NEWS
Showbiz election doesnt impress

Special Report

6
Campaigning in the Liberties
Orlaith Grehan
THE LIBERTIES has played host to a number of the presidential candidates in the run-up to the election. Sen Gallagher called into the City of Dublin YMCA on Aungier Street at the beginning of the month, speaking to manager Alan Carroll about the wide variety of services available. Senator David Norris made a trip to Meath Streets Liberty Market on the same day. He told local shoppers that were going to have a wonderful Ireland before stocking up on the special offers. Local Oscar-winner Brenda Fricker attended The Arts for Michael D event in the Royal Hibernian Academy on 15 October, celebrating the contribution Michael D. Higgins has made to the industry. Meanwhile, independent candidate Mary Davis closed her canvassing campaign with a visit to the Sophia Housing Project on Cork Street.

I do think its worthwhile to have an election for the presidency. Because if we dont, we may as well not be living in a democracy. I will definitely be voting for the sake of it Ross Doyle, Harolds Cross.

If the successor to Mary (McAleese) is just as good as she was, then Ill have no problem with it at all Terrence Kelly, Oxfam Francis Street.

THE 2011 race to ras an Uachtarin has become one of the dirtiest election campaigns in Irish history, leaving many local people unimpressed. Since the close of nominations on 28 September, the past mistakes and personal lives of all seven candidates have rarely left the headlines. Sen Gallagher, Mary Davis and Gay Mitchell have all been forced to defend themselves against allegations over previous payments and expenses. Meanwhile, Martin McGuinness, David Norris and Dana Rosemary Scallon have also faced serious questions regarding IRA membership, clemency letters and family abuse accusations respectively. Even Michael D. Higgins couldnt escape the intense public scrutiny after he admitted to having smoked cannabis as a younger man. This endless focus on controversy has led to some critics dubbing this a showbiz election, with many Liberties residents seeming to agree. Its a disgrace. Does it really make any difference to how well the person could do the job? When you think about it, thats the most important thing, said Tommy Byrne of Pimlico. Its almost like theyre all trying to catch each other out, and thats a stupid way to go about winning people over at the end of the day. Jenny Masterson, a student living on Thomas Street, shares a similar view. I dont think the media should

Orlaith Grehan

Dana canvassing in Larkin Bros. butchers on Meath Street. Photo: Orlaith Grehan

be dragging peoples personal lives into it the way they have been. I dont know a single person who hasnt got a story they wouldnt want people knowing or who hasnt made a mistake they wish had never happened, and I dont think its fair that these things are coming out. While Mary Davis has argued that there is no room for secrecy in this campaign, few could imagine the amount of mud-slinging and controversy that has arisen over the past number of weeks. Several candidates have been left upset and frustrated with what they see as undeserved personal attacks coming from both amongst themselves and the media. Martin McGuinnness, for example, has accused Gay Mitchell and his Fine Gael colleagues of using black propaganda and dirty tricks to smear his campaign. The Inchicore man announced his disbelief that McGuinness had left the IRA in 1974 as claimed, leading to a war of words between the pair. Dana, too, has come out against the most despicable and malicious campaign of hatred she sees being targeted towards herself and her family. Ms Scallon briefly left the campaign trail earlier this month after sexual abuse allegations involving members of her family came to the

surface. Labour hopeful Higgins has called for more concentration on the actual role of the President and the abilities of the seven contenders to fulfil it. Higgins said that some of the debate on the Presidency so far has tended to diminish the stature of that Office and even question its substance. Mary Ryan of Meath Street agrees. The way I see it, the President still has an important job. Theres no need to be bringing up all these scandals; there needs to be a bit more dignity about it all. They dont change the way the person could handle being our President. With just days to go before the new President is elected, the seven candidates can only hope that these negative reports havent affected their chances. Although recent polls suggest that Sen Gallagher and Michael D. Higgins rest ahead of the competition, the results remain uncertain and lie open to change until the very last minute. Each candidate is urging the public to ignore the headlines and to vote for the person they believe most suitable for the office. As David Norris pointed out, if youre waiting for a perfect president, youll be waiting a long time.

McGuinness praises patriotism

Orlaith Grehan
MARTIN McGUINNESS used his presidential rally at the Mansion House to address the neglect of disadvantaged communities in the Liberties. The Sinn Fin candidate expressed disappointment that over the Celtic Tiger years, the regeneration of communities like St Michaels Estate [in Inchicore] were never completed. He also praised the patriotism that in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s drove these communities to campaign for decent housing and tenant rights and to face down the drug dealers. The event, hosted by Hollywood star Colm Meaney on 13 October, saw a number of celebrity guests joining hundreds of fans to support McGuinness bid to reach the ras. Outlining his future plans for the country, the presidential hopeful described how he wants to help bring the marginalised and those struggling into the centre of Irish society.

I think its very important. They may not have as much influence as say a TD, but they do have a fairly important role in making sure everything in the country runs smoothly. So for that reason I will be voting Vernon Kennedy, Rialto. I dont have much to say to be honest. I dont really know much about the people running for it. Think its a waste of time and very boring to hear about Nicola Callaghan, Rialto.

Referendums raise concerns

Orlaith Grehan
A GROWING number of legal bodies and politicians have expressed concerns over the two referenda due to be held on 27 October. The Bar Council of Ireland, the Law Society and the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) are opposed to the constitutional changes put forward by the Referendum Commission. Twelve independent TDs and senators also object to the amendments, calling for the public to register a No vote on the day. If voted through, the proposed changes would allow the government to reduce judges pay in line with other public service cuts. The two houses of the Oireachtas would also be given the power to conduct inquiries into issues of public importance. It is now feared that these measures could have worrying implications for the separation of powers in Ireland into the future. Those opposing the referendums believe they have been rushed through and would give too much power to the government of the day. They argue that the authority of

Photo: courtesy of Paula Funnell

For the money those people get...its a joke but I will be voting for Gay (Mitchell) because he lives nearby. Suzanne Connaughton, Chamber Street

the Irish courts would be restricted by the changes, and that the vague wording of the documents could allow further manipulation by future governments. In particular, the Bar Council is worried that Oireachtas inquiries would remove the chance for those found to have acted unlawfully to defend themselves in court. Speaking on the Pat Kenny Show, Minister for Communications, Pat Rabbitte, played down this view. The right of the parliament to inquire into matters of public interest and to make findings on fact is an essential element in the armoury of the parliament. He argued that the changes would allow the government to investigate important issues, such as the banking crisis, without paying for the

money-making rackets of tribunals. In relation to judges pay, the Law Society warned that interference with judicial pay is a classic means of interfering with judicial independence. However, Taoiseach Enda Kenny, encouraging a Yes vote to both proposals, said this provision in no way impinges on the independence of the judiciary. The other strong protections in the Constitution remain untouched. The Referendum Commission, headed by retired High Court judge Dr Byran McMahon, was appointed to draft and publicise the proposals in early September. The opposing groups believe the Commission should have been given more time, leaving the proposals to be voted on in 2012 along with the upcoming referendum on childrens rights. With time now running out, Dr McMahon has urged the public to fully inform themselves before making a decision. Others will seek to persuade you to vote yes or no to each of the proposals. You should listen to the debate and then make up your own mind.

Mitchell sticks to roots

Orlaith Grehan

PRESIDENTIAL CONTENDER Gay Mitchell is keeping his Dublin 8 roots close to heart throughout the race to Phoenix Park. Announcing his candidacy earlier this summer, the Inchicore-born MEP explained that from the Presidents study in the ras, the floodlights of the CIE Works in Inchicore are visible as a clear landmark. If I am elected President, this landmark shall be a daily reminder of where I came from and that my sworn duty is to serve the welfare of the people. Throughout the campaign, Mitchell has made constant reference to his life growing up as one of nine children in a single-parent family within the inner-city community. Although drawing criticism from some quarters, Mitchell remains one of the most successful politicians from the area, representing the Dublin South Central constituency for over 26 years.

IN A radio interview this month Presidential candidate Gay Mitchell said he would throw himself off OConnell Bridge if he was asked to smile once more. The remark by the former Dublin 8 TD and current Dublin MEP was unfortunate, given that all through his campaign Mitchell has been committed to raising awareness about suicide. In fact on the day he made the throwaway comment he had called suicide a horror that stalks the land, claiming 600 people a year. Peter Moroney of Save Our Sons and Daughters criticised Mitchells remark as flippant and disgraceful. But suicide campaigner Joan Freeman of Pieta House said it was clear Mitchells remark was not intended to cause hurt. And she agreed that Mitchell is right when he put the tragic figure at 600 for those who take their own lives each year. Official CSO figures show that 486 people committed suicide in 2010 down from the official number and a record high of 527 in 2009 Ms Freeman believes that the real numbers are actually higher. She told the Liberty: Unfortunately they are not accurate at all. They do not include undetermined deaths, of which there were over 200 in 2010. In the Leinster region, there were a recorded 239 suicide deaths last year. Dublin city had the highest number of suicide fatalities with 57 deaths recorded. There are no official figures available specifically for Dublin 8, but Ms Freeman revealed over 50 had attended Pieta House from the Dublin 8 area for suicide counseling in recent times. Alarmingly, self-harm figures are on the rise throughout the country. Earlier this year, Minister of State, Kathleen Lynch, launched the 2010 Annual Report of the National Registry of Deliberate Self Harm..

NEWS Suicide stats not accurate

Brendan Kelly
The report identified an ongoing increase in deliberate self-harm. In 2010, there were a recorded 11,966 incidents, with a four per cent increase from 2009. The most startling figures from

Dublin house prices drop 53%

rose due to the economic recession, with high rates of both unemployment and emigration among 20-24 year-olds in Ireland in 2010. But the government and corporations seem to be taking the problem of suicide and self-harm seriously. Last year the Arthur Guinness Fund based in Dublin 8 - presented Pieta House with a financial gift of 50,000. Ms Freeman said: Part of the prize was for us to have access to the cream of their workforce in areas such as marketing, development and communications. Their help has brought Pieta House to the next level. There are many organisations like Pieta House dedicated to helping people in need. If you are feeling suicidal, inflicting self harm, or know of anyone suffering from suicidal tendencies, please contact one of the following organisations below.

Photo: Fionnuala Holohan

Fionnuala Holohan
HOUSE PRICES in Dublin city centre have dropped by 16.5% since September last year, according to a new report from the property website Daft.ie. This continues the downward direction which has seen Dublins prices drop by 53% since their peak in 2006. In the last 3 months alone, prices have dropped 1.8%. The good news is that it tends to take only four months to sell property here compared to Northern Irelands 13 months. The report from Daft.ie states that the average price of a one-bedroom property in Dublin city is 111k. A two-bedroom property averages at 200k, rising to just 225k for a three-bedroom property. A similar recent report from MyHome.ie echoes these results and also notes that the margin between asking prices in Dublin and across the Republic declined to just 14% in Q3 2011 compared with 30% at the peak. Daft.ie will publish its companion report on rental prices in November.

Pieta House, Lucan

01 601 0000

Pieta House, Ballyfermot

01 620 0020

Samaritans helpline
1850 60 90 90 1890 303 302

Aware helpline Barnardos helpline

Joan Freeman of Pieta House. Photo: Courtesy of Pieta House

1850 222 300

Retirement to affect services

The changes being introduced in February will mean that public sector pensions will be based on the individuals average career salary rather than just the final year. On average 400 garda retire every year. However there was a spike in 2008, when a record 700 members left, prior to pay cuts introduced by the then government. Definitive figures for expected preFebruary retirements will be available at the end of next month which will be the cut off point for the three months notice required.

deliberate self harm incidents involving 9,630 individuals. And, according to the report, 2010 was the fourth year in a row to show an increase in the national rate of hospital treated deliberate self harm

the report were among 20-24 yearolds. The rate among men in this age group increased by 19% and there was a 30% increase among women. The National Suicide Research Foundation believes the numbers

Web:

www.metanoia.org/suicide www.samaritans.org

Local Fine Gael TD Catherine Byrne believes only a quarter of the 1,200 eligible will actually retire. Minister Shatter has said that there will be about 400 retiring before February. Ms Byrne does not expect the retirements to have a huge effect on the frontline as, most of the eligible members would not be community garda. However the South Central TD admitted that there could be a braindrain at the top with the force losing out on experience.

Fatima to host annual Social Inclusion Forum

Andy Nally
THE 9TH annual Social Inclusion Forum will take place on November 9th in the F2 Centre, Fatima, Dublin 8. A theme of this years forum will be the ongoing review of the national poverty target. An input on the review will be given and participants will have the opportunity to express their views on the subject. The Social Inclusion Forum is an annual event which represents a key element of the governments commitments to consult with all relevant stakeholders in the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion 2007 2016. It provides an opportunity for individuals and organisations to input their views on key policies and implementation issues. Childrens Rights Alliance is one of the many organisations taking part in the forum. Carys Thomas, a spokesperson for the organisation, said that children are the most vulnerable in our society and with the recession more children will find themselves in the poverty trap, therefore Childrens Rights Alliance will be calling for the child poverty target to be implemented.

Photo: courtesy of Workers Solidarity Movement Ireland

Cormac OConnor

1200 GARDA are eligible for retirement prior to the change in the public sector pension scheme coming into effect this February. The measure could impact on the number of garda working from Kevin Street station. This figure has already fallen from 230 in June 2009 to 153 by May 2011. Austin Kenny of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) say those with the option of retirement are supervising a young police force. The AGSI has 2300 members, 400 of whom can retire by the end of

February. With a moratorium on recruitment which also affects promotions, Mr Kenny says that any senior member who retires will not be replaced: Essentially if a sergeant retires, the force will lose a sergeant. The AGSI warns that accelerated retirements could have serious consequences for the force. We are extremely worried about the capacity of the garda organisation to provide a service to the public if this situation is allowed to continue, said the AGSI president, Aidan ODonnell.

Overview of the pension scheme

In February 2012, changes will be introduced to the Public Sector pensions scheme which could affect the numbers of garda, teachers, and health care workers in The Liberties. Previously, public sector employees had a pension based on their final years salary. From February 2012 pensions will be based on employees average career salary. The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Brendan Howlin says that this is a fairer approach to pensions.

The changes will result in a significantly lower pension for many public servants which could lead to record retirement figures. Tainaiste Eamon Gilmore says, We have to wait until we see on the closing date what the take-up rate is actually going to be. The exact figures for the numbers of public servants who will retire in the scheme will be known at the end of November as this is the deadline for the required three months notice. The three months notice rule was brought in to protect services by giving management information about the number of staff retiring.

8 FEATURES High rents 99c goes a long way force Liberties S shops to close
Caroline Ewins
hopping in the Liberties has just gotten cheaper with the opening of the 99c Store on Patrick Street, Dublin 8. Just like the numerous 2 Euro shops scattered around town, the 99c store offers low priced daily necessities - but at less than half the price. The 99c store offers a new approach to shopping. Manager Sean Kelly told The Liberty that business has been flying since they first opened a couple of weeks ago. He said: The first week we had queues out the door of the shop.

Plans are in place to open up 14 more 99c stores throughout the Dublin area,

Katriona Quinn
Francis Street. Just Off Francis received rave reviews from both critics and customers and looked to be a thriving business. However, the high rents just werent being covered and the owners were forced to shut up shop early this summer. Unfortunately this is just one such story in a long line of businesses that have been forced to close recently due to the downturn.

he Liberties is renowned for the vibrant, bustling markets, stalls and long estabished businesses in the area. However, trade on Meath Street has been on the decrease in recent years and many of the small markets and stalls have been affected by the downturn. Pat Armstrong, owner of Christies market on Meath Street, says that, people just arent spending their money at the minute and I think its because they are saving for Christmas. And before that they were saving for the summer holidays, everyone is saving for something. The Liberty Market has seen many stalls close recently as they, just werent getting the same kind of business as they used to, says Armstrong. Money just isnt there for people to spend anymore. In recent years business owners in the area have watched helplessly as Meath Street becomes a shell of its former vibrant self. Thomas Street is one of the busiest streets in Dublin but has also seen a decrease in business. Many business owners on the street are blaming the high rents and the supermarkets that have set up in the area as the main factors. Tom Walsh, owner of Walsh Newsagents on Thomas Street, says that, The rents are too high here and its affecting small shops and new businesses especially. Leonard Fagan, owner of Jas Fagan Communion Shop agrees and says, Luckily we own the shop now and we dont have to pay rent because it is increasingly high on Thomas Street. New businesses are feeling the pressure from high rents and with the decrease in business they are finding it hard to stay open at all. Mr Fagan went on to say, A new shop near here closed down just a few months ago because he just couldnt pay his 2000 a week rent. Many shops have recently closed both on Meath and Thomas streets due to the high rents and lack of consumer expenditure. An example of a young business forced to closed is the small restaurant Just Off Francis, aptly named as it was on the corner connecting to

A visit to the busy premises can be overwhelming when you see the huge variety of items available to purchase for just 99c. From fresh eggs to toiletries, stationary and even household appliances, this store has it all. In a country where everything seems to have become overpriced,

its comforting for the people of the Liberties to know there is a place in town that is helping the average person save a penny or two. The 99c store boasts fresh produce, fresh milk in its fridges and Irishmade eggs on its shelves. The shop also supports selling Irish branded items. The future is looking bright for this shop. Aim Group (commonly known for being a cash and carry business and the company behind the 99 cent store) is confident that the stores will be a success and has future plans to branch out around Dublin. Plans are in place to open up 14

more 99c stores throughout the Dublin area, says Sean. As many will agree, its nice to see a company giving good value in tough times. Its open all day all week, including Sunday. Youll find yourself amazed at how many good things you can find without breaking the bank, let alone the piggy bank. There is something in there for everyone, be it a giant pencil or a cute Disney tea cup. Shopping has never been easy or so cheap!

In Bolly tha Cliath

A new shop near here closed down just a few months ago because he just couldnt pay his 2000 a week rent.
Another factor that business owners in the area suggested has contributed to the downturn is the opening of new franchises and chain stores such as Centra, Tesco Express and Lidl on Thomas Street. These larger stores offer bargains and savings that the smaller shops simply cant match which is diverting business away. Mr. Armstrong, from Christies on Meath Street, says that, A lot of the shops just cant compete with the prices in Lidls. People want to hold on to their money so of course theyre going to go wheres cheapest but small shops just cant compete. Mr. Fagan, from Jas Fagan Communion Shop, agrees and says that, Were a specialised business so were lucky that we have an established customer base but small newsagents and green-grocers cant compete with the likes of Lidl. The prices just dont compare and customer loyalty isnt such an important thing any more. Hopefully things can change in the future and Meath and Thomas Street will, once again, be the lively heart and soul of the Liberties.

Khamar Naseen, owner of Libaas boutique

Photo: Martha Gberevbie

Casey Fitzgerald and Martha Gberevbie

With Bollywood film Ek Tha Tiger currently filming on location in Dublin, Indian dress has never been in greater demand. We spoke to Khamar Naseer, the owner of Libaas Indian boutique who has been living in Ireland for the past 17 years. Libaas is in good company on Clanbrassil Street. Many Indian restaurants, take-aways and grocery stores have also chosen to make the Liberties their home-from-home. Libaas in the Liberties has a nice ring to it and I wonder did Khamar draw any inspiration from the place name? When she arrived in Dublin from Hyderabad, India she was shocked by how little the Irish people knew about Indian culture. Fast forward to present day, Khamar now caters for weddings, parties and has built up a steady loyal customer base from all over Ireland. No surprises there, as Libaas is Dublins first ladies Asian fabric shop to stock a variety of traditional ready-made dresses. Along with stocking clothes, henna tattoos are another of Khamars specialities. Henna tattoos are temporary designs that are traditional in India.

Khamar fulfilled her dream and opened Libaas seven years ago during the boom of the Celtic tiger.She relocated after her husband was offered a position in Ireland working in IT. The couple have four children; three boys and one girl. Khamars four-year-old daughter loves playing dress-up in her mothers shop and takes full advantage of all the colourful treasures to be found. Khamar returns to India with her family every year and directly imports all the garments from her home country. India has a population of 1.2 billion and is the second most populous country in the world. So naturally there are huge differences between her homeland and Ireland. Kharam has overcome these differences and has made sure her boutique is a labour of love, something that is evident when you speak to her. Like everyone, Khamar has been affected by the recession and unfortunately her plans to expand Libaas across Dublin were thwarted. Khamar remains upbeat as she is still supported by her loyal clientele. The filming of this Bollywood film Ek Tha Tiger will bring in about 1.5 million to the Irish economy and create just over 1,000 short term jobs. It will also boost Irelands profile as a visitors destination as the film portrays Dublin as a vibrant and culturally rich capital city. Once released, the film will be broadcast to 24 countries all around the world. Financially this Indian film couldnt come at a better time for the country and the Irish will even have a small stake in it, with many Irish people starring in cameo roles. Listen out for the call of lights, camera, action or the tiger(grrrrr) when you are roaming the streets of our fair city this month, as you may just be featured in the background!

FEATURES

Have a Spooktacular Halloween!

the graveyard famous for bodysnatching in the 19th century. at the time, bodies would fetch a high price and were frequently sold to medical students. Famous body snatchers include the infamous Burke and Hare (the subject of the 2010 movie of the same name). It was later discovered that the bodies they sold on were not actually snatched but their own murder victims. miss the 40 steps to Hell outside St. audoens Church; the oldest parish church in dublin. at night you can almost hear the ghost of darky Kelly looking for her baby. Legend has it she was pregnant with Sheriff of dublin Simon Lutrells baby. Fearing for his job, the Sheriff denounced darky as a witch. at the time darky was a well known brothel owner and lady of the night and so no one disagreed with the Sheriffs accusation. She was burnt on the stake nearby and her ghost is said to wander here amongst the lepers and the criminals looking for her child amongst all the abandoned babies. The 40 steps are actually only 39, if you count them, climb them for yourself and see!
5. dont 1 .Start at St Kevins park on Camden Row, where youll find

Blaithin Henehan takes you on a tour of the most terrifying spots in the capital

comes to an end at the Brazen Head, on Lower Bridge street for a well deserved drink. The oldest pub in dublin was once the haunt of Robert emmet, the rebellious leader who was hanged and beheaded. Legend has it he still appears in ghostly form, sitting in the corner looking for his executioner.

6. Finally your tour

Beside Marshs Library you will find St. patricks Cathedral, where the tale exists of a young woman who was almost buried alive. Only when the funeral attendants tried to steal her wedding ring was she revived. The woman ran screaming from the church and it is said that her screams can be heard every year around the time of her misktaken burial.
3.

Map Legend 1. St Kevins park and cemetery 2.Marshs Library 3.St patricks Cathedral 4.Bull and Castle 5.St audeons Church 6.THe Brazen Head

Make sure to pop into The Bull and Castle (previously the Castle Inn) on Lord edward Street. The poet James Clarence Mangan was born in this very building. His life was short but eventful. He died in 1849 but is said to still float into the inn now and again, dropping the temperature and creating depression in the premises. Better just stay for one pint then!
4.

next, Marshs Library, set up by Bishop narcissus Marsh in the 19th century. The ghost of Marsh is still said to haunt the buliding to this day. It is said the Bishops ghost is searching for a letter left for him by his niece. The story goes that his niece, which he raised alone, eloped with a sailor. Knowing she would break his heart saying goodbye she left a letter rather than having to face saying goodbye to his face. The letter is said to be hidden in her favourite book inside the library which Marsh is damned to find.
2.

10 FEATURES Liberties ladies meet Lose your the local little ones spare tyre at Basecamp

Working out with tyres

Photo:Courtesy of Basecamp Fitness Co.

In the first of a two part series, Liberty reporters Cormac OConnor and Jenny Dunne start their six week bootcamp Jenny Dunne
The night before my first class at the Basecamp Fitness Company I was reading their website and worrying about what Id let myself in for. Terrifying concepts like suspension training, swiss balls, power bags, resistance bands and kettle bells were all mentioned. Earlier in the week I had spoken to Jonathan, Basecamps friendly owner, and the phrase disguised fitness had stood out to me from our conversation. Considering my hatred of exercise, disguised fitness was really my only chance. It soon became clear that basecamp is also no - frills fitness. The class takes place in a big graffiti decorated warehouse near St.James Gate. There are no extras like showers or vending machines. The class gives you a full body workout including aerobic and strength training. Tyres were a major part of my first class as we lifted them, passed them back and forth and did squats while balancing on them. This type of exercise is great because it keeps costs down, and a tyre is a fairly simple piece of equipment to use. The friendliness of everyone there is what really stands out compared to other exercise classes I have been to. The fact that basketball, chasing and one-on-one fights with foam sticks are all part of a standard class helps to build a group spirit that is very different to the everyone for themselves feel of something like an aerobics class or a normal gym workout. The class was tough but not so tough that I felt like I had to stop, although there were a few of the core exercises that I had to take a rest during. Afterwards I felt energised and I will definitely be going back.

Cormac OConnor
Its Saturday morning 9:50am and Im waiting for my first class to begin, already sweating due to the unseasonal warmth, the thought of whats to come is a tad nerve racking. The chatty atmosphere amongst the members and the realization that Im not the only newbie goes some way to easing my nerves. In the warehouse, there is a whiteboard with nutritional tips and advice on how best to prepare for your class food wise.This is not a generic list, its not just a list of facts that nobody actually understands. The advice given here is short to the point and written by a resident expert. The owner Jonathan tells me that if I really want to see changes to my fitness levels I should aim to be at three classes a week for six weeks. The class begins with a brief warm up followed by a series of games and exercise routines punctuated by brief water breaks. The games vary from class to class; one I particularly enjoyed involved hitting (or trying to hit) your partner with a lightweight polystyrene stick while trying to avoid being hit by theirs.Dont worry: you barely feel it. What you do feel is a workout of arms and legs as you swing and try to jump out of the way. Think of it as sword fighting, without the obvious dangers! We played hockey and basketball activities that are both fun and extremely effective workouts. This is the main advantage Basecamp has over your regular gym. Its fun and sociable, you dont feel like youre actually working out and, most importantly, you will want to return. For more information on the Basecamp Fitness Co. Phone:087 689 1784 or e-mail info@basecampfitness.ie

Sheila O Reilly, Ethna O Gorman, Josie Sheehan, Agnes Mc Sherry, Maureen O Farrell, Eileen Burns and Ena Mc Cormack with the children. Photo by Sarah Reilly.

Sarah Reilly
iberties kids were thrilled with tales of yore from local ladies at a recent evening of storytelling in Scoil San Seamus. Throughout the evening, Sheila OReilly (74), Ethna O Gorman (70s) Josie Sheehan (73), Agnes Mc Sherry (70s), Maureen O Farrell (80), Eileen Burns (78) and Ena Mc Cormack (68) shared tales of their youth and being brought up in the Liberties. Reminiscing on technology or lack thereof when she was young Josie Sheehan said; We didnt have television, our thing was reading, to which the childrens response was utter shock. One young lad asked the ladies if they used the internet when they were kids to which Sheehan replied; The only net I ever seen was the one on my mothers head. She went on to share fond memories of favourite pastimes. Songs we sang while playing ball included pounds, shillings and pence. Another was You called me this, you called me that, you called me a big fat pussycat and When Im dead Id be happy if I had that crust of bread. It was only when Ms. Sheehan rhymed off her rendition of Sticks and stones will break my bones but names will never hurt me, that the kids uncertain faces became more accustomed. At tea time everyone sat around the table and got bread and jam.... there was no such thing as being brought to Mc Donalds, Sheehan explained having been enthusiastically questioned by the children about meal times. Eileen added that her childhood supper usually consisted of bread and dripping, to which the kids uncertain expressions again became apparent. Maureen O Farrell was asked by one young boy if she walked to school as a young girl. I walked four and a half miles to school and four and a half miles home so thats nine miles day, she replied, to which the schoolboys solemnly responded in harmony saying why why why. The lot of us had to leave school at fourteen, added Agnes Mc Sherry. One pupil enquired about the ladies childhood hobbies and was a little taken aback by Josie Sheehans reply; We sold jam jars to get the price of a cinema ticket. Reece Gibbons asked the women if they used a washing board in the olden days. The ladies, shocked by the young boys enquiry, asked him how he knew about washing boards. Reece confidently replied; Well I live in the tenements. How do you feel about getting old? added a young lad soon after, to which the women replied again in unison; Were not that old! After the ladies shared stories of dancing in their day, three of the children confidently performed the modern shuffle dance to the ladies delight. The hour flew and was enjoyed by all. Then it was time for the students to get back to their desks and work on their homework in the afterschool club. Following the fun filled discussion on the contrasting events of Liberties youth today and the ladies childhoods, refreshments were laid out for the ladies courtesy of the Afterschool Program team leader Phyllis Fitzgerald who said, I thought it was very informative for the children...They really seemed to enjoy it and the ladies were lovely. With a cup of tea in hand, Agnes Mc Sherry said; I found the kids very attentive and thought they asked really good questions...When I showed them the book on what we used to play when we were kids they loved it. Sheila O Reilly said she thoroughly enjoyed the visit. Some of the questions knocked me for six, she said. She highlighted one question in particular from one of the youngest boys who asked if the ladies had known their grandparents growing up. I just thought maybe he has no granny or granddad! She felt she could relate to him as Sheila had only ever known one of her grandmothers.

Q. How do you feel about getting old? A. Were not that old.

Laughter broke out among the Scoil San Samus guests when a young pupil asked whether the ladies had any close relations in the famine. Giggling amongst themselves the women cried out We are not that old.

11 FEATURES Golden opportunities in the Liberties

The U.S. salvage company who recently located a sunken WWII British cargo ship off the Irish coast with seven million ounces of silver on board had 21 million wiped off the value of their find during that week. Three weeks previously, gold in particular had been trading at a record price of $1,900 per ounce and the sharp four-day fall was raising more questions on the value of gold as an investment. Big name investors worldwide continue to contradict each other on the topic. John Paulson, who made 2.7 billion by foreseeing the subprime collapse in the U.S., continues to buy. Others such as George Soros, have sold out of the market in fear of a new bubble. quickly retired behind his counter and grill and waited resignedly for me to show him what I had for sale - his expression weary and preoccupied. I handed over the ring, making it clear I was only looking for a quote. His expression fell further. He took it though, peered at it through his magnifying glass, weighed it and said, Eighty-five euro. Its 18 carat you know. He went on to say if Id come a week earlier I would have been given a better price. This was true - the last week in September had seen a 20% drop in the price of gold and other precious metals on the world markets. Its the oil versus gold balance, said the cashier, going on to claim that developments in Libya were influencing the commodities market in favor of oil. Whatever the reason, the drop in gold prices has precipitated a sizable buying frenzy, and gold prices are predicted to rise again, above the record highs of late August and early September. My next stop was the CashGold shop on Wexford Street. The cashier buzzed me in to the waiting room, a clean, white-washed antiseptic foyer lined with flyers and information on gold weights and measures. There was one other customer, who chatand salvation through faith in Jesus Christ lie at the root of its belief, the church is steeped in a long history of community involvement and activism in the Liberties. As church elder Rob Duff explains, For us, what the church is about is loving God and loving people. That was Jesuss message when he was asked whats it all about: love the Lord your God and love your neighbours as well. I think those two things come hand-in-hand. We live in a community where we try to show that in real and practical ways. Although active in the area for the past decade, the church is still relatively new to this address. Noel planted the church after a series of meetings he hosted in his Dolphins Barn flat grew in popularity. After St. Andrews Hall in Rialto gave Noel free use of their facilities, the venue on Ardee Street became available just six years ago, with the church members jumping on the opportunity. It was like an open shell at the time; we even had to put the floor in. It took us about a year to raise the finances to do it up, but its worth it when you see the place filling up on a Sunday. Theres about 200 people coming in, obviously a lot from the local area but we draw people in from all over the place. Liberty doesnt exist just as a place for Christians to come. Our measure of how effective we are is what people do during the week because theyve been here on a Sunday morning. Obviously, the more people we have in the more effective well be, but its not just about attracting people into the place. ted breezily with the cashier, casting occasional sidelong glances at me. Ive got my holiday money now. she said as she left with her payment. The assessment technique was different at CashGold. The cashier took my ring, and applied several drops from an array of small bottles in front of her. She then rubbed the ring vigorously on a black pad, and repeated this several times. Im told this is a scratch test to determine the gold karat - the percentage of pure gold. She then weighed it and offered 89.66. CashGold claim to be 100% Irish and also to be the No. 1 Gold Broker in Europe. After tramping around in vain for a promised gold exchange shop on Crampton Quay, I decide to tackle a few of the more prominent online gold traders. Goldparty.ie claims to be a 100% Irish-owned business and operates through postal services, agents and by hosting gold parties. A handy calculator on the top righthand corner of the website allows me to calculate their price offering - 67.52. GoldtoCash.ie operate a similar model and their online price was 44.10. Goldrush.ie are part of the Jack & Jill Foundation who also buy via post. Their online calculator offered a price of 58.38. Of this, 16.95 goes to the charity, which freely admits it We are 100% committed to being in this community. Obviously, you go through a time where youre growing and consolidating and putting a lot of time into what goes on on Sunday mornings; thats only an aspect of what we do and the majority of what we do as a church doesnt happen in an hour on a Sunday morning. What does happen outside of Sunday mornings is the community work that the church prides itself on. Having lived in the area throughout his life, Noel has known the difficulties and problems that people can face, and believes that the church can help. In the business world, youd probably call Noel a visionary leader, says Rob. Hed use the language of the city helping the city. Before he planted the church, he was involved in kids clubs, youth clubs and all, so the church was really birthed in social action. That came first, and getting together on a Sunday morning came after. Liberty is a place where things can happen: if you have a heart to do something, or a desire to do something, theres a lot of like-minded people wholl get alongside you. Its not just social action for the sake of social action; its social action out of a belief system, out of a love, youd probably say, from God. Wednesday and Thursday evenings, for example, see a group of members meet at the church for their weekly homeless outreach programme, Stew Crew. The crew offer help to homeless people in the area and throughout the wider city, and while Rob acknowledges there are similar services in Dublin, he insists

does not have access to the global gold markets but sells to intermediaries who melt down the gold for trading - an implied explanation for the much lower price. Scrap-gold-buyers.ie surprise me by offering 102.55 for the ring. Theirs is also a postal service. A similar survey on cash-for-gold prices performed by the Consumer Association of Ireland in April this year found similar variations in the price comparisons, with online traders usually offering less. The UK magazine Which? found last year that television advertisers offered the worst prices of all when compared to pawnbrokers and jewelers. So - do you sell or hold on? As the trend in gold prices has been rising upwards for a long time - from 255 in October 2001, 450 in October 2006 and currently around 1600 and climbing - cash-for-gold outlets are likely to be with us for some time. However, you are paying for the service - my ring would have been worth 188 based on the gold spotrate for that day. The best advice is to keep an eye on the market prices for gold, shop around when the price is good and not to be afraid to ask questions.

Fionnuala Holohan

pressed the doorbell of the half shuttered Dublin Gold Exchange on Jamess Street and waited for the cashier to open the door. I was there to check how much I could get for my mothers gold wedding ring from the cashfor-gold sellers in the Liberties area and he was my first port of call. I chose that piece of jewellery for my survey as I was less likely to get carried away by either patter or poverty to sell it - shes a formidable woman, my mother. After letting me in, the cashier

Committed to helping the community

they take a different approach. The Stew Crews real aim is to be going out to see friends. Its not just handing someone a Pot Noodle or a blanket although they do that too but its making friends with people, being there for them, and chasing up on them to see how theyre getting on. Liberty is currently gearing up for its third annual Great Big Giveaway in December. A whole-day event, members donate and distribute hundreds of Christmas hampers to those struggling around the holidays, with the church decked out in a Winter Wonderland theme for the children. Last Christmas, we handed out 300 hampers here, all donations from people who are in the church. I think were hoping to get more local businesses involved in it this year in terms of supporting it. Wed love if it was the whole community involved. Its growing from year to year and were experimenting with it, and the hope is that people who really need it will come and avail of it. Wed love if it was the whole community supporting it. As a church, its not just us loving people; we hope that that becomes contagious. Although some may suspect a hidden agenda, Rob insists these events arent organised to raise the profile of the church or anything, but more for a community connection and for people to be together and have fun. The hope for these events is that they trigger other stuff . Liberty Church is open 10am 3pm, Tuesday Friday. Telephone +353 (0)1 454 6294 Email: info@libertychurch.ie

The Liberty Community Church on Ardee St

Photo:Jenny Dunne

Orlaith Grehan
spicuous setting is home to the Liberty Community Church. Established by its current pastor, Noel Kenny, just over ten years ago, Liberty is a Christian Pentecostal church, a member of the umbrella group Assemblies of God Ireland. While a strong trust in the Bible

ts early on a Sunday morning, and while most of the city snatches the last remnants of a lazy lie-in, an old warehouse building on Ardee Street is buzzing with activity. It may seem an odd place to be so lively, but this modest and incon-

FEATURES

OUT AND
CAP Launch

12

Ek Tha T

Eric Doyle, Stephen Doyle, Tara Fitzgerald and Paul Mackay (top left) Jerry Williams and John Mc Loughlin (top right) Noel Creedy and Maeve Halpin(bottom left) Noel Alwright, Noel Grady, Martin Quigley and Conor Boksberger (bottom right). All photos by Sarah Reilly.

Bollywood Actor Salman Khan in G

Carmelite Food Festival

Scoil San Sa

Massimo Zarucco, Cristina Di Fino, and Floriana Mancuso enjoying a night out at the Carmelite Food Festival. Photo by Brendan Kelly.

D ABOUT
Titanic Filming

FEATURES

13

Tiger Filming in Dublin

Grafton Street. Photo by Martha Gberevbie.

amus C.B.S. (Primary)

Filming of italian production Titanic: Untold Story of How it All Began on Crane Street. Photo by Stephen Bourke Agnes Mc Sherry shares a book on games she used to play (top left) Jason Thompson and Darragh Cullen at after school club (top right) Jack Moore and Ciaran Mooney (bottom left) Matthew Kenny (bottom right). All photos by Sarah Reilly

Rade Film Premier

Michael D. Higgins and Mick Egan. Photo courtesy of Rade.

Just For kids

y ys Spook Jenn ! een Buns Hallow

Hallowe en Search p words are hidde n in this uzzle. T hey can Word forward go in any s, backw directio ards, up A T D n , down a G E S nd diago s D C R E N C nally. T B I O R O F H A S G R I M E A Y R M A E M E Y K S O K A S T K E C O E T A E E B N P B S T C E N I E I A V L T D M O U T I F WB L WL A E E A U N K 190C S R R I G B the oven to I T R T B H P F C thod: u pre-heat Me O T K help yo A G D ult to : O R P Ask an ad I I N witch l also need 1. You wil tray. B D N Mark 5 skeleton owl into a bun (375F) Gas P R B web A mixing b bun cases trick dd to e 12 or 16 n l oo pumpkin Plac s an a ) g bow graveyard A silver sp small piece hand-held 2. into mixin blackgar lectric or treat rgarine into 3. Pour su bonfire A whisk (E butter/ma moon ut up your r the but- cat 4. C night n cases togethe Bu k, mix ing) ghost sugar ctric whis lt for help ay (for bak u bat the or ele spooky A bun tr Ask an ad hand held nd nozzle and fluffy. 5. Using a spider Icing bag a til it is pale toys r un m. r and suga Halloween y beat the hisk.
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a: er or Marg Ingredients unces) of Irish Butt (4 o 100 grams r Sugar rine s) of Caste r s (4 ounce raising flou 100 gram es) of Self ms (4 ounc 100 gra 2 Eggs te: To decora Butter (4 ounces) gar 100 grams s) Icing Su ounce r 0 grams (4 10 /wate ons of milk 2 tablespo louring Yellow od Co uring and Orange Fo f Red colo range) ps o r makes O (A few dro ed togethe mix colouring

Wicked

14
Word S earch

Did You Know?

apples with their teeth only they have to keep their hands behind their back. Whoever gets the apple first wins.

Halloween started off in Ireland as a pagan festival called Samhain, which means the end of summer in Irish. The ancient Celts believed that on the night before Samhain - Halloween - the dead would come back to the mortal world, and they lit huge fires to keep these spirits away. These became the bonfires we have today on the 31st October - All Souls Day. The Halloween pumpkin, with its scary face and candle, is said to come from an old folk tale about a blacksmith called Jack who had a row with the Devil and couldnt get in to either Heaven or Hell. He was and is doomed to wander the earth forever, with a hot ember from the fires of hell, placed in a turnip, lighting his way. When the Irish emigrated to America, the turnip was replaced by the pumpkin which was more common.

ion Competit n Hallowee Winner!!

Snap Apple was a popular game during Halloween as apples were plentiful in Autumn. Hang and apple from the ceiling with string, and the first person to take a bite wins.

Ingred ie 270g p nts: lain wh ite flo 80g so ur ft 350g m brown suga r ixed ra isins & (demerara) 1 teasp sultan oon of as 1 teasp m oon br ixed spice ( allspic ead so 1 egg e) da 330ml of cold str A little butter ong tea ing. for gre as-

Batty

Barm

Brack

competition is drawing/writing ur s at the The winner of o ju is in 3rd clas e 8. San Sanju Thapa, ag Warrenrimary School in Presentation P site mount. are on the oppo
ul entries n The other colourf w them online o you can also vie page and .theliberty.ie r website at www ou

Page compiled by Fionnuala Holohan Recipes and photos by Jenny McGovern

You w ill Mixing need: b 7 rou owl nd tin (w A Fin ne (rin ell greased) g) Metho 1. Mix d: t with a he tea suga r and d cloth and le 2. Preh ave ov ried fruit in eat th ernigh a bowl. 3. Gre e oven t. Cover t 4. Beatase the tin witho 180C/350F /Gas m butte mixtur the egg and ark 4 mix it r e thorou 5. Sieve ghly in to the into th in the flour fruit , bread e mixt ure soda a 6. Drop nd spic es and 7. Put t the Finne in mix we ll 8. Place he batter into, and mix well! 9. Wait into oven an the tin evenly d until t . 10. he bra bake for 90 ck is c minute Enjoy o slathe of tea red wit mpletely co s !! ol h butt er and before eatin jam, an g d a cu . p

Just For kids

15

(L) and Al3rd class ) n, age 8, R Alex Moyla age 8, 3rd class ( chi, lexia Anto

Alex Moylan, age 8, 3rd class (L) and Casey Malone, age 8, 3rd class (R)

Alix Lee, a

ge 8, 3rd

class

c age 8, 3rd xia Antahi, Alle R) Unknown (

lass (L) an

Amna Sajid, age 8, 3rd class (L) and Nicole OReilly, age 8, 3rd class (R)

Amna Sajid , ag Sanju Thap e 8, 3rd class (L) an a, age 8, 3 d rd class (R )

y, age 8, 3 ahab Sharab

rd class

Iqra Zahid Hussain, age 8, 3rd class (L) and Megan, age 8, 3rd class (R)

Lara Dolan, a ge 8, 3rd cla ss (L) and Dahab Shara by, age 8, 3 rd class (R)

Lara Dolan, age 8,

3rd class

Michelle Kuzmicheva, age 8, 3rd class

Nicole OReilly, Age

8, 3rd Class

Molly Heatley, age 8, 3rd Class,

Shannon OConnell, age 8, 3rd class (L) and Carly Donnelly, age 8, 3rd class (R)

Unknown (L) and Iqra Zahid Hussain, age 8, 3rd class (R)

All competition entries are from talented schoolchildren attending Presentation Primary, Warrenmount. Photos by Fionnuala Holohan

ARTS

NCAD exhibition turns heads

Lynne Swan takes a look at the work of some up and coming artists, designers and entrepreneurs in an NCAD exhibition.
THE NCAD best of graduate design exhibition is once again in full swing. The exhibition, which showcases designs from graduates of colleges all over Ireland, has been turning heads with its unique, wonderful and practical designs. This years event showcases the work of over twenty-two Irish third-level design course graduates. The exhibition consists of everything from clothing designs, mobile phone applications and even Lego based-creations. The Lego creation is by former NCAD student, Oisin Miliano. Miliano describes the work as being a play mat for Lego which also transforms into a stackable storage unit for the bricks. Another NCAD graduate, Ben Millet, managed to design what will no doubt become an essential tool for any and all photographers looking for the perfect still shot without carrying a bulky tripod. Millet describes the Mount Kestral Duopod as an adaptable camera rig for new video DSLR cameras. The product promises to allow photographers to attempt any kind of photography situation by simply adjusting its shape. Millets rig has been shortlisted for the Institute of Designers Ireland award. Its impossible to miss NCAD student, Honor Scanlons quirky Its a hoot brown owl backpack design as you pass by the windows of the gallery. Scanlon has said that her design, which has been shortlisted for an Institute of Designers in Ireland award, was very much inspired by tribal body painting.

16

NCAD graduate Mary Fallon has designed a phone app that will definitely be essential for those of us who still havent quite grasped the many windy streets of Dublin city. Fallon said that, The maps function to show the compact nature of the city and to encourage walking by indicating clearly how the city connects. The NCAD exhibition aims to showcase the best of Irish graduate design and provide a platform for emerging talent. The college has described the designs as displaying; ...the most innovative thinking and highest quality making skill in seven design disciplines. The Institute of Designers in Ireland graduate awards winners will be announced at the annual awards night in late October. The free exhibition will run until the 5th November in the National College of Art and Designs main gallery.

Photos: Lynne Swan

Lego creation by former NCAD student Oisin Milano

Fade Street returns for

Lynne Swan

second season
FADE STREET fans and critics will have let out a collective sigh of relief as news of its return was announced. However, the former will have let out a sigh of relief and the latter a sigh of desperation. RT has made the decision to air a second season of the controversial reality TV show despite receiving poor reviews from critics throughout the first season. Season two will once again focus on the lives of Louise Johnston, Dani Robinson, Cici Kavanaugh and Vogue Williams. Questions about the central loca-

The cast are not actors and do not deliver lines from a script nor provide emotions on demand. (RTE)

tion of the show arose when it was revealed that the apartment on Fade Street, where most of the filming took place, was up for rent several months ago. However, theres no doubt that the show will mainly focus itself in the Dublin 2 city centre location. Viewers of the shows can expect much of last seasons dilemmas to be re-visited. The show is scheduled to hit our television screens in next few weeks. Despite criticism from many that the dialogue and scenes are being acted out, the RT website states that: The cast are not actors and do not deliver lines from a script nor provide emotions on demand. Questions about the return of the show arose when RT decided to move it the from the 9pm primetime slot to an aftermidnight one halfway through the first season. Keep your eyes peeled to the TV listings for more information.

Dublin contemporary exhibition takes to the rooftops

Taking place from September 6th until October 31st, Dublin Contemporary 2011 showcases the work of more than 114 Irish and international artists. Jenny McGovern takes a look at whats on offer.
NOTICED anything strange around Georges Street? Look to skies and you may spot something very unusual indeed. Perched on a rooftop with blonde hair swaying is a life-sized tape sculpture of a lady poised to step off the edge of a building. This reporter observed four different people glancing at the sculpture with a look of surprise. At first glance, it really does appear as though the lady is stepping off the roof to her death. The realistic sculpture, entitled Blond Series, 2011, is the creation of American artist Mark Jenkins. Jenkins hyper realistic sculptures are made by encasing an object or a person in plastic wrap and then tape, which allows him to create extremely life like art pieces.

NCAD graduate Ben Millet creation- The Mount Kestrel Duopod.

Jenkins method of art is to use the street as a stage and to allow pedestrians to become actors. His work is placed in an urban setting and brings the city to life in a new way, allowing the ordinary, such as a regular rooftop, to become unexpected. The sculpture is part of the City as

a Gallery exhibit and is one of the many artistic installations dotted around the city, all of which are part of the inaugural Dublin Contemporary visual art exhibition. For more information about Dublin Contemporary log on to dublincontemporary.ie.

ARTS

Francis

Street

Rocks

17

BIMM - new music school on Francis Street.

Photo: Sarah O Reilly

Sarah Reilly
FRANCIS STREET recently welcomed the opening of a brand new state of the art BIMM Music College. The college is running in direct conjunction with the British branches of BIMM (the Brighton Institute of Modern Music), whose success stories include indie rock band The Kooks. Music modules include guitar, bass, drums, vocals and song writing, which are being taught by an exciting line up of Irish musicians and songwriters. The Frames Drummer, Graham Hopkins will be giving tuition to hopeful drummers. Teaching bass guitar will be accomplished bass and double bass player, Keith Farrell who has been playing bass, singing backing vocals, producing and engineering for well known performer Mundy since

1996. Paul Moore will also teach bass. His professional accomplishments include working alongside Van Morrison. Moore also worked exclusively with Riverdance for 4 years between 1998 and 2001. Alternative rock band JJ72 front man, Mark Greaney will teach the song writing module. Also teaching song writing in the college is Brewing Up A Storm writer Steve Wall from one of the most successful 90s bands in Ireland The Stunning. Styles which are covered on the courses range from jazz, blues, rock, reggae, pop, acoustic music to singer songwriter, said Dublin manager Dara Kilkenny. BIMM accepts applicants of a wide age range, from school leavers to mature students. Dara Kilkenny said hopefuls should have a semi professional level of performance. We encourage individuality and personality in a musician. We welcome self taught musicians. The

ability to read music is not essential and we expect a decent level of gigging experience. The college offers two programmes. The four year Bachelor of Arts honours degree in Commercial Modern Music is validated by Dublin Institute of Technology and is the first programme of its kind to be offered in Ireland at degree level. They also offer an Advanced Diploma in Professional Musicianship which is a part time one year programme running one day per week.

2000 and the rest is covered by the scheme. The Advanced Diploma is a private one year course and costs 1100. While a number of BIMM students have attained success as performers and writers at the highest level (30 UK Top 40 singles), the underlying success of BIMM as described by management is its output in the field of professional playing capability, music business development, song writing, live performance and particularly in the field of music teaching. The BIMM ethos is not directed

towards short term celebrity and courses are clearly designed for those with the long term goal of having an enduring and sustainable career in the music industry and in the broad spectrum of opportunity which the industry provides. Senior management in BIMM said they were very attracted to the location on Francis Street because it is a fantastic area and because it is so vibrant We knew this was the perfect place for creative and talented people to come to the first music college of its kind in the country. We also wanted to be close to the DIT campuses in the area as all BA students are registered DIT students and can avail of the great range of services DIT provides. There will be gigs showcasing the BIMM Dublin musicians at the end of each term. These gigs will be held in some of the best venues in the city and will be open to the public. The events will be publicised closer to the date at the end of each term.

Styles which are covered on the courses range from jazz, blues, rock, reggae, pop, acoustic music to singer songwriter

The BA is covered by the Free Fees Scheme. Therefore eligible applicants have to pay the normal registration fee which is currently

Review

Comedy gem Dylan Moran at Vicar Street

Katriona Quinn
VICAR STREET was the perfect venue to host a big personality like Dylan Moran. A word of warning though; it is impossible to review a Dylan Moran routine and do it justice as to fully appreciate this Irish gem, you have to see him in the flesh. Veering from one topic to the next, Moran uses his caustic wit to show his yeah yeah attitude. Eloquent and irritable; this grumpy comic has a unique way of looking at life and shares his annoyance of everything from heavy metal music to vegans and all the bits of daily life in between. He jumps casually between these topics and yet still manages to weave a narrative throughout the show. But even more impressive is the way that nothing Moran says on stage sounds planned or rehearsed. He has a way with words that would rival even the best writers. Simplicity and unbelievable imagery are his speciality; he described heavy metal musicians as, bald people with too much facial hair who get together to try and kill air. This was met with much laughter, especially from the bald man sitting in front of me wearing a Metallica tshirt and leather jacket. The audience sits on the edge of their seats just waiting for the words to tumble out of his mouth and send them into peals of laughter. Moran takes this pressure in his stride and seems to think that its all a chore that takes him away from his glass of red wine, which he, of course, had on stage with him. Glancing at his watch he says, I think Ive done enough here, youve got your moneys worth now, and finishes up with no encore, but leaving no-one disappointed. Moran will play three more gigs at Vicar street for his current tour before moving on to trill audiences at the Galway Comedy festival. Anybody looking for more information about the gigs visit his website, www.dylanmoran.com. Alternatively you can also visit ticketmaster.ie for ticket information.
Dylan Moran: Photo courtesy of Tom Horton

Miss FancyD le ress tt L

Cheeky Charlie Chaplin

rick or Treat? Its halloween time for the Liberty, so our team got together for this months fashion shoot to give you a spooky treat of different Halloween costume ideas. Halloween is always a fun time to dress up as your favourite scary character from a comic book or be that Disney princess you always wanted to be. This year dont feel you have to break the bank to go all out with your costume - all of the costumes for this shoot were either made by student Caroline Ewins or bought in budget stores for under 30 euro. Dare to be different, its as easy as going to your wardrobe, finding an old hat, blazer and shirt, drawing on a moustashe and bang: youre Charlie Chaplin.

A red dress and hood makes for a simpl e and versatile Littl e Red Riding Hood

A simple gingham mini paired with shiny red heels makes the perfect Dorothy costume

This sto re Antoin bought Mari ett e that can e costume is a c be recy cled yea lassic year r after

Poison Ivy

Theres no place like home - and no accessory like a great pair of heels

Styling and coordination: Blaithin Henehan and Caroline Ewins. Photographer: Cassie Delaney Model: Leah Murray Moran

ARTS
The launch was held in St. Catherines Church, Thomas Street and was attended by children from participating schools as well as their parents. The church was colourfully decorated with posters drawn by two pupils of Presentation Warrenmount Secondary School and each student present wore a badge which was also designed by a pupil. Audience members were greeted by traditional Jewish soul music from The North Strand Klezmer band. Terry Keogh, who organised the project opened the event by welcoming all of the participating schools and the special guest speaker - author Marilyn Taylor. He expressed his delight that all of the schools in the Liberties community are working together on a reading project. The initiative will run for six weeks and each class will devote ten minutes a day to reading the book. An event will be held each week focusing on different aspects of the book. Such events include a walking tour of the areas mentioned in the book, a Jewish cookery demonstration and a visit to the Jewish museum. These events are intended to enhance the childrens understanding and enjoyment of 17 Martin Street. The highlight of the launch was a speech given by the author Marilyn Taylor. Taylor informed the crowd that she has been to numerous literacy events and to her delight this was the first time she had encountered a traditional Klezmer band at a book launch. When asked how she felt about her book being chosen for this initiative Ms Taylor said she was honoured and that it was a great morale

boost. She is proud to be part of a project which helps to cultivate the joy of reading.

20

In her speech she told the children about the research she did to write the book including finding information about food rationing, the transport during that time and the role of the Nazis. Because the book is a factual account of life during the Emergency she interviewed many Jewish people who lived in Portobellos Little Jerusalem during World War Two. Holly, Taylor, Molly and Courtney are pupils of St.Brigids primary school and are very excited about the project. We cant wait to read the books at school; its cool that well all be reading the same thing so we can talk to each other about it. Its going to be interesting to go on the tour and see the places that we read about in the book and itll be fun to learn how to cook Jewish food! One parent who attended the launch told this reporter that she cant wait for her son to bring home the book so that she can read it too! He loves reading and this initiative is great because its giving him that extra push to keep going. Its great how interactive the project is, hes excited about the tour of the Jewish museum and the cookery demonstration. 17 Martin Street is published by OBriens Press. They have generously donated a copy of the book for our lucky Halloween competition winner on 14.

Jenny McGovern

One Liberties, one book

Author Marilyn Taylor with children from St. Brigids Primary Schoool. Photo by Jenny McGovern

THE MUCH anticipated One Liberties, One Book literary initiative was successfully launched on September 27. This project aims to get as many people as possible reading and discussing the same book. Several sixth class primary school and first year secondary school

pupils in the Liberties area will be reading the book 17 Martin Street which is written by Marilyn Taylor. 17 Martin Street is set in Portobello, Dublin during The Emergency. It deals with the darkest period of European history, World War Two. The book follows the story of Ben

Byrne and Hetty Golden who despite problems between their families (Catholic and Jewish) set out to rescue a teenage Jewish refugee who is on the run from immigration authorities. It is an engaging tale which is set only a few streets away from the Liberties.

Men of Valour say the show will go on

Patrick Gormley
One of the many highlights of the recent Absolut Fringe festival was the Corn Exchange Theatre Companys production Man of Valour. Wowing both audiences and critics alike, it was seen as a real triumph for the Liberties based company. The plays director and founder of the Corn Exchange, Annie Ryan, spoke to the Liberty about its success and how the theatre company has had to cope with the Governments sweeping cuts throughout the arts. A Chicago native, Ryan spent her teenage years studying physical theatre and improvisation in her hometown. When I came to Ireland twenty years ago, Ryan explains, there were only the very beginnings of training here in Dublin, so recognising a gap in actors training I started teaching and the response was phenomenal.

sector and this has made us learn to adapt and look at working in different ways. One of the different ways that Ryan feels her company can adapt is by looking at partnerships as a way of moving forward. We are currently in talks with the Abbey Theatre about the possibility of some kind of partnership. This would be wonderful if it worked out but we are also in meetings with various institutions in England to try and produce different adaptations and of course our own original work.

Paul Reid in the acclaimed original production of Man of Valour by the Corn Exchange. hoto courtesy of Corn Exchange

It is a crazy time in the arts sector and this has made us learn to adapt and look at working in different ways
In every sector of Irish society at present people are having to reinvent themselves, look at how they work, and become more efficient. We at the Corn Exchange are certainly no exception. It is clear, while understanding the difficulties that may lie ahead for all involved in the arts, Ryan is eternally optimistic that the show will go on.

It was fantastic to see the audience react with standing ovations every night

In 1995, with the creation of the Dublin Fringe Festival a natural platform was provided for the work Ryan had been doing. From there the Corn Exchange Theatre Company was conceived. The companys latest production, Man of Valour, was staged in the Samuel Beckett Theatre for a sold out run during the Absolut Fringe festival. It received lavish critical acclaim with some critics calling it

both daring and gratifying. Clearly pleased with the response to the play Ryan says, We are very proud of the work that went into Man of Valour. We see it very much as a Dublin play and it was fantastic to see the audience react with standing ovations every night. We are hoping now to tour it both nationally and internationally. However with widespread govern-

ment cuts in this sector, Ryan says it may be difficult for the company to continue producing the high quality work the Corn Exchange has become renowned for. In 2009 we were doing a play called Freefall which became very successful, winning many different awards but at the same time as all this success we were also being cut by nearly fifty per cent by the Arts Council. It is a crazy time in the arts

An idiots guide to Estonia

PUZZLED as to who are our play-off opponents this November? Sean Duffy is here to help you out.

SPORT

ROVeRS euROPeAn ODySSey

21

Q: Who are we talking about?

A: Estonia.

A: Well you dont really have to, but they are Irelands opponents in the playoff for the European championships, and in the way of a first major championship appearance in ten years.

Q: Why should we care about them?

A: No. It appears they are not. They dont have any recognisable players and have never qualified for a major tournament. But were not too great either. So it should make for a dreadful match.

Q: Are they any good?

A: Yes we have become specialists at dreadful matches. And we may even qualify for next summers championship which will make it all ok even if it may give Eamon Dunphy a stroke in the process

Q: But arent we quite good at dreadful matches?

With Shamrock Rovers Europa League adventure well underway, Colin Higgins looks back on their form and hopes for progression.

Karl Sheppard scoring for Shamrock rovers against PAOK Salonika.

Photo courtesy of Bobby Crawford

Q: Anything else we should know about Estonia?

A: Well the capital city is Tallinn and they have a population of just 1.34 million people. They have the highest per capita GDP of any former Soviet Republic

Shamrock Rovers have made history this year by becoming the first Irish team to qualify for the group stages of a European competition. The men from Tallaght ensured qualification after a magnificent 2-1 away victory over Serbian outfit Partizan Belgrade.

Reward
Rovers reward for the historic achievement - a place in Group A alongside English heavyweights Tottenham Hotspur. It was the team every fan was hoping to get, meaning a bumper payday for the club. Rovers would have to wait a while to take on Tottenham as they had to contend with Russian outfit Rubin Kazan in their first group match. The game gave a stark reminder to fans of the quality of the competition they would be facing as they went down 3-0. The game couldnt have started

Q: So theyre like posh communists?

A: Well no....Not really

worse for Rovers in front of their diehard fans as former Newcastle man Obafemi Martins connecting with a low flying cross from Partizan winger Kardeniz with only three minutes on the clock. Rovers had a couple of chances in the first half, the first coming after some fine individual play from Enda Stevens while Gary Twigg met a cross from the right and his header went over the bar from close range. The second half didnt start well for Rovers as they conceded yet another early goal on the 50th minute. Kazan attacker Noboa fired an unstoppable shot past Rovers keeper Thompson from the edge of the box. It was the goal that effectively killed off the tie.

After a strong opening first half which saw both teams carving out good goal scoring opportunities, it was Rovers who took a deserved lead in the 50th minute trough a goal from Stephen Rice. The goal was sadly the last bright piece of play from Rovers as Spurs quickly equalised in the 60th minute trough Roman Pavlyuchenko. Two more quick goals followed in the space of three minutes through Jermaine Defoe and Giovanni dos Santos which made Rices goal seem it never happened. Tottenham deservedly finished the match as 3-1 winners to leave Rovers bottom of Group A without a point leading into match day three.

The visiting team made a promising start to the game but were undone by another early goal in the 12th minute from PAOK player Lazar. Rovers looked outclassed for the remainder of the first half and struggled to keep the deficit to one goal going into the break. The men from Tallaght emerged after half time with a sense of urgency and hit back trough an early Karl Sheppard goal on the 47 minutes. The Hoops could not maintain their momentum and fell behind again on 60 minutes when Vierinha unleashed an unstoppable effort from just outside the box.

Deserved defeat
A further goal from Partizan player Karadenez on 60th minutes put a slightly distorted look on the result. Rovers put up a good fight but the difference in quality was evident as Kazan ran out 3-0 victors. Rovers next match saw them travel to London to take on Tottenham Hotspur. The match saw a strong travelling support and the Hoops players didnt disappoint.

Greek Tragedy

Defeat
Rovers failed to put their Greek hosts under pressure for the remainder of the game and a 2-1 defeat was a fair result overall. Rovers have three more matches in the group to make an impression but already things look bleak. Hoops fans will look forward to December 15th with great excitement when they welcome Tottenham to The Tallaght Stadium. absolutely thrilled. Moore stated. Next up for Taylor will be the

A: Well they won independence from Russia in 1918 and the country suffered greatly during the Second World War.

Q: Right. Anything else?

A: Again not really. Two completely different situations were talking about here.

Q: Right, so a bit like us with the Brits and the famine

The Irish Champions would travel to Greece for their next encounter of the group stages to face PAOK Salonika. Rovers fans encountered trouble on the way to the match as a two day country wide strike in Greece shut down public transport links. Those who did eventually make their way to the stadium witnessed Rovers sthird defeat of the campaign. venge after being defeated by the Russian in controversial circumstances last year. While Taylor managed to put the record straight in Rotterdam, she still maintains a huge respect for Ochigava. Obviously we are rivals inside the

A: Well the whole country is likely to go football mad for at the least the duration of the group stages next June.

Q: What will happen if we qualify?

A: Poland and the Ukraine. But with infrastructure problems expect majority to be played in Poland.

Q: Where are the championships on again?

TAyLOR WInS FIFTH SuCCeSSIVe euROPeAn TITLe

Sean Duffy
Katie Taylor won her fifth successive European title on Saturday night after an impressive 10-5 win over two time world champion Russian Sofya Ochigava in Rotterdam on Saturday. Despite her success, Taylor has managed to maintain the hunger which has seen her rise to the pin nacle of the lightweight division. Its always a great feeling to win. In fact it gets better every time. There was a lot of pressure on me going into this tournament and that pressure was there again this week. Taylor said. Saturdays bout against Ochigava was a chance for Taylor to gain re-

Olympic Qualification
World Championships in China next May. Those championships will act as a qualifying tournament for next summers Olympics in London, where she will surely represent Irelands best chance of a medal. Taylor, 25, is keen to get some rest

rivals
ring, but we get on very well outside the ring. Sofya is one of the best opponents I have met and Im absolutely thrilled with the win. I cant believe it really. Irish team manger Anna Moore

rest
in the short term after what has been a gruelling week. I am going to take a few weeks off now and then well prepare for the World Championship and Olympic Qualifiers. That is going to be the biggest tournament of my life, Taylor added. Next years Olympic Games will be the first time women will allowed to compete inside the Boxing Ring.

Improvement
believes there has been a notable improvement in Taylor this year. Katie is boxing at a completely different level than was the case at last years event and she was absolutely exceptional. The entire squad are on a high after this win and were

Q: Where is Ukraine exactly?

A: Dont start that again.

Guinness make perfect start to Division

Niall McCague

SPORT

3 League campaign with four wins

Guinness Rugby Football Club has gotten their Leinster League Division 3 campaign off to a tonic start. They are sitting at the top of the table after four victories from their first four outings with 19 points from a possible 20. They have overcome Rathdrum 29-10, Birr 18-0 as well as comfortable victories Midland Warriors and north Meath respectively. They have set up a crucial game this sunday away to 2nd placed Arklow, who are currently eight points adrift of Guinness. The 2nd team is also going well with two wins from their first three games with wins over Monkstown and swords. The solitary loss came last saturday away to navan 30-20, mainly due to a severely depleted squad. senior training (including 17's, 19's and 21's) takes place in iveagh Grounds on Tuesdays and Thursdays @ 7.30pm, and minis training (u'8-u'14) on sunday morning @ 10.30am *If you are interested in playing for any of Guinnesss rugby teams, please visit www.guinnessrugby.ie

Niall McCague

Gaels bow out in semifinals

22

Ciaran OFiachain looks back on the Irish rugby teams world cup campaign in New Zealand, which provided highs but ultimately desperate lows.

Irelands golden generation come up short against Wales at The World Cup
World Cup exit

J4 League (2nd team) take on Swords RFC. Guinness won 35-5.

Photo courtesy of Anthony Keogh

sT. JAMes GAeLs bowed out at the semi-final stage of the Dublin Junior B football Championship this month. The game was every bit as engaging as the score line suggests, with two evenly matched sides pitting it out for the right to play in the final. Despite looking the better side for long periods of this game, st. James couldnt convert their chances. After soaking up some early pressure, they went into a 1-4 to 0-4 lead at the break and looked the most solid side going forward. But Ballyboden rallied back, and a goal five minutes into the second half allowed them to gain a foothold in the contest. Despite some impressive periods of attacking, st. James were guilty of squandering a number of chances and their opponents duly took the initiative to close out the contest and qualify for the final.

DespiTe entertaining and thrilling the nation throughout the month of september, irelands Rugby World Cup fantasy is over for another four years. sadly, this was also the last attempt at a World Cup for many the current squad, six nations Grand slam heroes back in 2009. However, there were plenty of high points to look back on over the course of the campaign. ireland topped a pool for the first time, set a new team record for consecutive tournament wins (four) and secured their first victory over Australia on southern Hemisphere soil since 1979. Adding to this, talismanic captain Brian ODriscoll became only the third player to score at four World Cup tournaments.

pose themselves and even though they played with more possession and territory, they failed to convert pressure into points and lost a number of battles in key areas of the pitch. Throwing anything they could find at Wales in the last quarter to find that one sliver of light, poor decisions and several handling errors cost the team dear. in the end, ireland could not break down the red wall and suffered a deflating finish to their World Cup campaign. To summarise is simple Wales took their chances, ireland did not. Following on from their impressive presence at all of irelands matches, the fans were out in force at Dublin Airport as they gave the players a very warm reception on their return from new Zealand. Three times World Cup veteran Ronan OGara revealed that: the team are hurting. its disappointing but there have been some great highlights along the way, and you dont forget them either. Rory Best, who plays as hooker for ireland, believed that the team missed a fantastic opportunity to win the World Cup while head coach Declan Kidney - it will be a hard one to take, but theyre good men. Theyll rise again and thats all that you can ever do in life. ireland will now look to build to the future ahead of next years 6 nations Tournament and they have a favourable draw next as they take on France and england at home.

Ireland were unable to overcome a powerful Welsh team.

Opening match
ireland kicked off their campaign with a hazy start with a 22-10 win over usA in new plymouth on september 11. With the match played in rainy conditions, ireland struggled to maintain the upper hand. irelands forwards illustrated their dominance on numerous occasions during the match but the wet conditions and their opponents solid defensive effort made it difficult for them to reach the try line. Having only scored three tries, they failed to secure what would have been a helpful bonus point.

The following week, the tables were turned as they produced the first major shock of the tournament overcoming giants Australia with a memorable 15-6 victory in Auckland. ireland silenced the critics once again with loose head prop Cian Healy spearheading the fantastic team performance. Healy was the heartbeat of an irish scrum that was so crucial to the victory, claiming the majority of their points. There is no hiding the fact that a shaken Wallabies side left the field second best as their key players were superbly boxed up by an irish side who, in skipper Brian ODriscolls words, dug deep into the well. if there was any fear the Australia performance was a simple flash in the pan, the nine-try 62-12 win over

Russia in Rotorua quelled that. Aided by a mass of irish fans decked out in green, the match may as well have been played at home.

Photo courtesy of Sortsfile

OGara reinstated
Reinstated fly-half Ronan OGara was at the centre of the irish attacks and his goal-kicking and general kicking was immaculate. The irish put on a first-class show and finished the game in storming fashion. ireland cemented their place in the quarter-finals after a convincing thumping of italy 36-6 in Dunedin as the tournament entered October. italy made their presence felt, virtue of their defensive line as the irish front row found themselves in the midst of a blue wave of Azzurri tackles. The boys in green were certainly

not having things their own way, and italy opened up a sudden wealth of possession. This seemed to send a message to the irish, who searched desperately for a foothold. They were soon rewarded for their efforts and began to dominate the game. But in terms of possession, there was

Welsh Heartbreak
little to separate the two teams. six days later, the nations hearts were to be broken as the impressive winning streak came to an untimely end at the hands of Wales. in what was a breathless encounter, an outstanding defence from the Welsh proved just too strong. Caught napping from as early as the second minute, Wales capitalised and took the early lead. The jolted irish struggled to com-

SPORT

IReLAnD DeFeAT ARMenIA

23

Rovers European adventure continues

Ireland fans celebrate victory over Armenia in The Clock Pub on Thomas Street Photo by Sean Duffy

Liam Keegan
After grafting a victory against Armenia to secure their place in the play-offs, the republic of Ireland have been handed a favourable playoff draw against estonia. Despite being considered the weakest team in the play-off draw estonia finished second to Italy in Group C, topping teams such as Serbia and Slovenia, as well as beat ing Northern Ireland twice. Ireland reached the playoffs despite a nervy 2-1 victory against Armenia on 11 October, which included a sending off for both sides. Armenia were dealt an early blow, with keeper roman Berezovsky judged to have handled the ball outside his box on the half hour. The Armenians further com pounded their own demise with Valeri Aleksanyan turning Damien Duff s cross into his own net. well despite being a man down, and Ireland were left hanging on for a tense finish after Kevin Doyle was sent off for second bookable offence with ten minutes left on the clock, ruling him out of the 1st leg of the playoff through suspension. The boys in green travel to tallinn on 11 November for the first leg. Ireland were 2-0 winners in their previous visit to the citywith the return leg being played at the Aviva Stadium on 15 November. With a first appearance in a major tournament in ten years up for grabs, expect the nation to come to a standstill. For information on tickets visit the FAI website or alternatively log onto www.ticketmaster.ie. onship, and played every game until the Dubs were unravelled by a determined Kerry outfit at the quarter final stage. As Michael Dara McAuley has slowly evolved into one of the best midfielders of the last two seasons, Bastick continued to underline

Dunne deal
richard Dunne bundled in Irelands second goal on 59 minutes, but Armenia hit three minutes laterthrough Mkhitaryans strike. The vistors retained possession

Niall McCague

Blues boy Bastick

It IS a credit to templeogue Synge Street player Denis Bastick that he has established himself as a key player in the Dublin set up over the past two seasons. Suspensions and bans may have drawn negative attention in the past, but this season he has been a model of composure. He was outstanding in the quarter final against tyrone in August. He made a series of tremendous aerial catches and covered a phenomenal amount of ground exploiting his marker Sean Cavanagh in the process.

Contrasting qualities
his presence as the best man able to keep up with him. Both players have contrasting qualities necessary for the big stage. McAuley has the ability to make powerful aerial fetches, and also has a massive on field presence to link with his half back line and set up vital attacks. Bastick, on the other hand, is more consistent at holding the midfield area, and when he contests the high ball he scatters all before him. His jumping style is more natural than McAuleys and his shooting is accurate and clinical. Basticks ability to opt as an outlet for the short kick out and man mark players is graceful and riveting; cutting off Sean Kavanaghs impact in the game against tyrone was one of the turning points in Dublins championship journey.

home, with the words unfinished business emblazoned across the top in handwriting. Its the words that carry the most significance for him. His office in Drumcondra is a short walk from the cathedral of Croke Park, and every day staring up at the quiet stadium is a reminder of busier times.

romance
The story of his success carries a trail of romance. The tuesday before the All-Ireland final Bastick fell awkwardly on his ankle in a practice game resulting in heavy strapping, pain killers, icing and a bout of injections all week. The pain refused to ease, making his participation in the All-Ireland final a major doubt. That friday, he met Paul flynn in the physio room at DCU. They spoke about the game, and listening to flynns positivity allowed Bastick to believe he was ready for the job in hand. It is amazing he kept going through the barren years with Dublin as he struggled to sustain a place in the squad with the occasional point and stints sitting on the bench count-

Physicality
He may not be a marquee scorer, but his physicality around the middle third of the field adds a cutting edge that the team has lacked since Ciaran Whelan retired in 2009. He is 31 now, has four Leinster medals, a junior and Senior All-Ireland and a reputable All-Star nominee to his name, and the possibility of more big days ahead. There is a spectacular picture from the All-Ireland final in 2003 at Croke Park hung on his wall at

satisfaction
The championship curtains are well drawn at this stage and with club games ongoing, he can sit back and take satisfaction from what he has achieved this season. While he is hardly the most recognisable face or voice in the modern game of Gaelic football, The templeogue Synge Street man has established himself as one of the best midfield players in the country.

Denis Bastick holds Sam Maguire aloft.

Picture courtesy of Sportsfile

ing the water bottles. Pillar Caffrey drafted him into the panel in 2005 and featured briefly that season, making his League debut the following february against tyrone. Bastick didnt make his senior championship debut for another

three seasons until 2009 against Meath, instead plying his trade with the junior team where he earned valuable exposure captaining the team to an All-Ireland success in 2008. He cemented the full-back position for the 2009 senior champi-

SPORT LeInSTeR SenIOR CuP TRIuMPH FOR ST. PATS

St. Pats players celebrate winning the Leinster Senior Cup with fans.
Niall McCague
AFTER a stunning 1-0 win against Sligo recently, St. Pats have only crashed to one defeat in their last nine games, and have taken 16 points. Sadly for the Inchicore outfit, sitting in fourth place in the League game with only one game remaining means it will be at least another year until the league title returns to Richmond Park. Recent performances havent raised too many eyebrows or made people leap off their seats with enthusiasm, but between the Leinster Senior Cup triumph and progressing to the semi-finals of the FAI Cup, confidence is visibly high amongst the supporters. and release McMillan, but he pulled his effort wide. McMillan redeemed himself two minutes later with a delivery from the right flank that was met by the unmarked midfielder Paul Crowley at the far post to head past Bohs keeper Sexton to make it 1-0. With the goal advantage, the Saints continued to put their opponents under relentless pressure and began to capitalise on their errors. Their lead was duly doubled when McMillan tucked away after Norths powerful drive was blocked by Sexton from a tight angle. With the game getting increasingly beyond their reach, Bohs continued to battle to the very end but were guilty of squandering possession and poor finishing should have been more effectively dealt with. Thankfully for the ever-vocal home crowd, Pats kept their line intact holding off prove though, with the most notable slip up being the 2-1 defeat to UCD at Belfield, after leading for most of the contest. There was a distinctive drop in the intensity of the game in the second half and UCD capitalised on St. Pats errors, clawing back a superb goal, before netting a last minute winner. The UCD defeat was followed by two 1-1 draws with Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers respectively. They moved the ball with pace and purpose but couldnt string together that killer pass to threaten their oppositions defence. The next game against Dundalk poor decision making went against St. Pats in the 1-1 against Shamrock Rovers again. Shamrock Rovers convincing form sees them as the most likely team to capture the L:eague

Photo courtesy of Pat McCabe

title. Fourth place is an encouraging finish for Pats, and confidence can be taken as they have a promising young team to contest for silverware in the next few seasons.

Improved discipline
showed a level of organisation and discipline that had been absent in the previous two games. Sean OConnell lifted the siege with a remarkable double, the goals coming on either side of the interval, to earn St. Pats the crucial points and leave them in contention for the title race. St. Pats consigned bottom of the table Galway United to further woes with a 6-1 at Richmond Park, Danny North weighing in with two superb goals which capped off an all round solid team performance. The biggest result of the last few weeks was the 1-0 win over Sligo, which battered the Westerners title aspirations. Despite Sligos dominance, Conor Kennas goal in the second half was enough for the Saints to capture all three points. Squandered possession and some

Leinster success
Despite failing to land the league title, Pats secured their seventh Leinster Senior Cup triumph following a 2-0 win against Bohemians at Dalymount Park earlier this month with goals from Paul Crowley and David McMillan securing an impressive win for the Saints. Pats, making a raft of changes from the team that beat Sligo 1-0 two days previous, showed the greater creativity and sharpness in the first half with Danny North and Ian Daly prominent. North has proved an inspirational presence for the Richmond Parkmen this season, and on 24 minutes he showed tremendous skill and composure to cut in from the right

fixture pile-up

for a deserved victory. Despite the victory, Pats manager Pete Mahon voiced his anger in the lead up to this game about the unfortunate timing of the fixture schedule. The timing is unfortunate as its the week of the FAI Cup semifinals as well. Well be playing three games in seven days and theres no way you can use the same players in all three games, said Mahon. Mahons fear was to be realised. Pats drew 1-1 with opponents Shelbourne, but were beaten 3-1 in the replay. Defensive alignments need to im-

Issue 63

1 March 201

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December 2011