FREE

April / May 2023

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

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

A Garden of Tranquillity
New Sensory Garden and Dementia Café in Ringsend
n Louise Whelan after diagnosis.

A
new dementia café and The objectives and expect-
sensory garden with ed outcomes of RICC and
a tranquillity space is ASI would be to benefit the
the latest community-based, proposed service users by
and service-providing facility tackling the isolation faced
to open at the Ringsend and by older people, particularly
Irishtown Community Centre.  people with dementia and
RICC, in partnership with the their carers/families.
Alzheimer’s Society of Ire-
land (ASI) aims to provide a The dementia café and sen-
much needed social outlet, sory garden was launched
not only for local residents by the Minister for Special
with dementia, but also pro- Education and Inclusion, Jo-
viding a social outlet for their sepha Madigan TD in Ring-
relatives/carers, while facili- send and Irishtown Commu-
tating access to information nity Centre on February 15th
and emphatic support. last. The event was attended
by local councillors, resi-
This café is an important dents, representatives from
community resource for any- the Active Retirement Group,
one affected by dementia and youth service and the lovely
is a key part of the dementia Sheila Flitton from Banshees
post-diagnostic pathway. It is of Inisherin who is 90 years
hugely important that people young, also Age Friendly Am-
with this condition receive bassador and actress, Ger-
regular interaction with oth- aldine Plunkett.  Music was
ers as this will help with their Photo by Bryan McCarthy provided by local lads, The
confidence and talking with Pullovers. 
like-minded people can trig-
ger mental stimulation which community engagement to and encouraged to remain ible amount to offer in their The RICC Dementia Café,
keeps the mind active.  improve the lives of people part of the community.  They own neighbourhoods, and if Tranquillity and Sensory Gar-
living with dementia and their are vital in helping people live appropriately supported can dens will incorporate activities
Dementia friendly commu- family supporters, where they well, as people affected by continue to play an active into the service specific to the
nities offer an approach to are understood, respected dementia still have an incred- and valuable role even years Continued on page 2

I N T H I S I S S UE …
Pg 5: Eurovision Pg 12: Emilie Conway Pg 18-19: The Oscars Pg 36 : Railway Union win Silver

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Page 2 www.newsfour.ie April / May 2023
Continued from front page additional needs. 
needs of people with demen-
tia at its various stages.  The This sensory garden and
activities programme would tranquillity space has been
NewsFour Newspaper be developed in consultation designed by the staff and vol-
is part of a DEASP with the services users and/ unteers in such a way as to
Community Employment or their chosen representa- be accessible and enjoyable
Programme tives.  The sensory gardens for both disabled and non-
are currently open to every- disabled users with carefully

NewsFour one from the wider commu-

nity and are well utilised by
the creche, the after school
chosen plants, objects, sur-
faces, a water feature with
soothing sounds, and colour-
Editor programme, youth services, ful flowers to enhance touch
Eoin Meegan play therapists, groups and and sight. It’s peaceful, se-
families that have children rene environment can help
Online Editor with special needs. mental health, introducing
Monika Hrda an element of mindfulness Lorraine Barry, Manager of RICC, Minister for Special
Sensory or therapeutic gar- where you can spend some Education and Inclusion Josepha Madigan, Age Friendly
dens can be used to help time listening to the birds Ambassador Geraldine Plunkett and Ken Jordan Acting
Journalists
reduce the symptoms of de- singing, the leaves blowing in Chairman of RICC.
Brian Quinn
Louise Whelan mentia as a form of horticul- the breeze, the river flowing the building of the space is ple in Ireland currently liv-
Niamh Byrne tural therapy through stimula- or just admire the wonderful remarkable.  ing with dementia, with that
tion of the senses, exercising greenery of the allotments as number predicted to rise
various parts of the brain, you walk through the beauti- For family members, access to 150,000 by 2050.  Over
and also have a wide range ful garden. It makes you stop to advice from professionals 180,000 people in Ireland are
Contributors
of educational and recrea- and breathe it all in.  Other in an informal setting is ap- currently, or have been car-
Gavan Bergin
tional applications for people potential benefits include a preciated and this informa- ers for a family member or
Teresa Weafer
and children with special and calming and relaxing place tion can help them support partner with dementia with
Elaine Corcoran
providing an easy and their loved ones and provide many more providing support
Ken Richardson
safe way to sit with the best possible quality of and other care.  1 in 10 peo-
Dermot Carmody feelings of independ- life.  As caring for a loved one ple diagnosed with dementia
Ronan O’ Donnell ence, eliciting positive with dementia can be chal- in Ireland are under 65.
Helen Johnson emotions in people lenging, the ability to create
living with dementia.  bonds and build that support For more information con-
Crossword The team in RICC are network of others doing the tact Ringsend and Irish-
Gemma Byrne very proud of what same thing offers comfort town Community Centre
has been achieved and reassurance.  on 01 6604789 or you can
Design and Layout here and the amount find them on social media
Kieron Stynes of work that went into There are over 64,000 peo- & on the website.

Ad Design
Ian Davis
The Editor’s Corner

S
Photography
Keith Brennan eeing people be- the housing crisis, of course, lent landlords out there who accommodation that is digni-
ing evicted from their is to build more homes. But are providing a valuable and fied and respectful. We have
Sandymount homes was some- in the short term there are a much needed service. Fur- spoken about this here be-
Community Services, thing we thought we had left number of things we can do, ther, this emergency mustn’t fore, how the Vienna model
13A Fitzwilliam Street, behind in the dark days of like providing housing sup- be used to deprive refugees is working in cities many
Ringsend, Dublin 4. famine-torn Ireland. Yet the ports, social rental, afford- and migrants of the right to a times the size of Dublin, and
spectre of homelessness able rental, a government home too. The problem is the how the right to a home must
Telephone: (01)6673317 and the ugly face of evictions funded rent to buy would be mismanagement of the hous- be written into the Constitu-
are once again a reality in an improvement on the gov- ing sector over the years, and tion. What’s happening now
the affluent and fast-growing ernment’s current Help to the failure to adequately plan cannot be tolerated by any
E-mail:
economy that is Ireland of the Buy and Shared Equity, as it ahead for the future. Ireland, civilised advanced society.
newsfour@gmail.com
21st century. The decision to doesn’t put the same upward unlike other countries, did not Ireland is a country we love
remove the ban on no-fault pressure on house prices. have sufficient checks and dearly. We were so proud of
Website:
evictions was a monumen- We need creative thinking balances in place to prevent our boys bringing home the
www.newsfour.ie
tal mistake and should be here, for example, a cost vulture funds, whose sole Grand Slam recently, and
reversed immediately. True, rental scheme whereby the concern was profit, from set- of our wonderful artists, en-
Opinions expressed in NewsFour the eviction ban was always rent is based on the cost and ting the agenda. trepreneurs, and university
do not necessarily represent a short-term measure to al- maintenance of the build- graduates. But it’s shame
the views of Sandymount low the government to put vi- ing, and not profit, would be Many families are now fac- not pride that comes to mind
Community Services. able solutions in place. How- a start. A rent cap needs to ing imminent eviction and the when we see the absolute
ever, this has not happened; be put in place with some prospect of living in poor ac- fiasco unfolding before our
Printed by indeed one would be hard kind of top-up compensation commodation, or worse still eyes now. Urgent action
Webprint, pressed to see what the gov- paid to landlords, perhaps in a tent by the canal. In a needs to be taken immedi-
Mahon, Co. Cork ernment has done since last in the way of a tax rebate. country where the economy ately. This is simply not good
December to address this Let’s be clear, landlords are is by and large healthy it beg- enough.
problem. not the problem here, and gars belief that this sort of
it’s too easy to scapegoat thing can still happen in 2023.
The only long-term solution to them. There are many excel- Every person has the right to
 www.newsfour.ie April / May 2023 Page 3

Grief can feel like an empty space

3 Tips in Helping Cope with Grief
Veronica Smith, Lead Mod- should expect. While I found 2. Feeling alone is natural does not take the pain of
erator at Turn2Men speaks the steps of grief a help to loss away but it does make
about the importance of self- read about, I also discovered “The reality of grief is that you it easier to bear. There were
care when processing grief. that grief is an extremely per- may feel alone.” Veronica days when I would feel numb
  sonal journey. More impor- said, “Opening up and shar- and removed from daily life.
“Loss is a reality we all face tantly, it doesn’t have to be a ing your feelings is without The feeling of guilt if I caught
in life, that’s the dark side of lonely one.” a doubt the best healing. It myself enjoying a moment.
love and connections.  I lost This is when I realised talk-
my Mam two years ago.” Ve- ing things through with a place in my life.   And while
ronica said, “That is when I friend or family member or in we can’t control the process,
truly understood the impact a support group has so many talking to others can help with
of loss and grieving. Initially benefits. It can help ease that the processing of all the emo-
I was in shock, although my feeling that you’re in this on tions we experience through
Mam hadn’t been well for your own. Even if the person grief.” Veronica said, “If you
many years, this was some- can’t relate to what you’re go- need to talk about your feel-
thing I learned to cope with. ing through, it can feel reas- ings of loss and find tips to
The news of her death was suring to just know the sup- help you through your grief,
not something I expected. I port is there.” Turn2Me is here to support
don’t think you can ever be you every step of the way.
prepared for those words.” 3. Forever feel the empty Turn2Me offers a free Grief
space left Support Group, which runs
1. Understand that grief is “The pain of a loss does every Friday at 6pm.” 
a Personal Journey get easier to manage as time  
passes but we will forever Turn2Me, a National Mental
“After about a month of tears feel the empty space our Health Charity. For more in-
I started reading about grief loved ones once filled up. An formation, go to Turn2Me.
online,” Veronica said, “in an emptiness that I now know ie
effort to understand what I is there as a reminder of her
 Page 4 COMMENTARY www.newsfour.ie April / May 2023

Mothers: Appreciated or Taken for Granted?

and having them look after
n Niamh Byrne

T
you anyway. The list goes on
he annual occasion that of how much they care for us
is Mother’s Day, which and how little credit they re-
came around again last ceive for it.
month got me thinking. Every
year we celebrate Mother’s Who are the real
day and every year people Superheroes?
rush to post a selfie of them-
selves with their mother on As a society we hear a lot of
social media. They talk about talk about Superheroes and
how much they love and ap- Role Models. But this can
preciate their mothers, but I be a fused minefield which
wonder if this is the only day our mothers help steer us
people recognise how much through. Superheroes or
our mothers do for us, or if Role Models usually refer to
they’re just posting on social such luminaries as ‘Spider-
media for so-called “likes”. As man’ or ‘Justin Bieber’, and
a society we have changed can travel the spectrum from
the way women can live their the light and trivial (the above
lives. We can vote, work at mentioned) to the downright
whatever job we choose, but dangerous. In my eyes it
I can’t help but wonder if it’s is our mothers who are our
only the law that has changed true superheroes. However,
and not the mindsets. were you to admit that open- sions, even when they’re do- they feel they will lose their with her daughter, Mia Threa-
ly you might get laughed at ing the same job. In this day identity. pleton, on Dominic Savage’s
As a mother, you are still ex- - depending on your age! I and age we shouldn’t have brilliant ‘I am Ruth.’ The moth-
pected to act a certain way by couldn’t imagine saying “my to fight for more money be- Speaking about role models, er of three talks about how
society, or risk being judged mother is my superhero” in cause of our gender. When I can’t think of a more appro- mothers find it difficult raising
if you don’t, usually in a subtle school without a laugh in- becoming a mother some- priate one than Mary Robin- teenagers in this generation,
and perhaps non verbal way. terrupting or a punch in the times unexpectedly, women son, elected in 1990 as Ire- especially since the onset of
The vast majority of mothers shoulder. also have huge problems, land’s first female president. social media. She told Lor-
still cook for the whole fam- and often can find it very hard She spent her entire life cam- raine how she spoke with
ily, don’t say anything out of to get help, not helped by the paigning for women’s rights the director, Dominic Sav-
turn, mind the kids while the fact many men shirk their re- and demanding the right to age, before filming the show
men go to work (generally sponsibility here too. contraception (as far back as about ideas they had around
speaking). And while it’s true the early 70s before it was being a parent to teenagers,
we have more choices today, As a society, in my opinion, trendy!), as well as calling for which inevitably led to the
does our biology still curtail we put too much pressure on the legalisation of divorce, topic of mental health. They
many of these? In this arti- being or becoming a mother. allowing women to sit on ju- discussed how mental health
cle I will talk more about how It’s assumed it’s the natu- ries and the right to legal aid is impacted so much by so-
little mothers are appreciated ral choice every girl has to in civil legal cases in Ireland. cial media and the unrealis-
for all they do and how they make. And if they find them- She is, over time, Ireland’s tic view it offers to teenagers
are viewed by society. selves pregnant it’s implied most popular president, at often resulting in them feel-
they have to give up what one point winning 93% rating ing alienated from their fam-
Mothers? Where to start? they wanted to do just to rear among the electorate. She ily. The show covers difficult
Some people compare theirs the baby. Rarely is the fa- then went on to be the United yet truthful topics, lifting the
to angels while others appre- ther’s role in this scrutinised. Nations High Commissioner lid on the fractured relation-
ciate them but never truly un- for Human Rights where she ship many young girls have
derstand how much they do In the past women were put continued to do great human- with their mother today. This
for them, until it’s their turn to Mary Robinson on a pedestal for their role of itarian work. Robinson was breakdown, and the dynamic
be a mother. Little things al- (courtesy of Conor Horgan) being a stay-at-home mother. succeeded as president by played out between mother
ways seem to go unnoticed; The system changed over Mary Mac Aleese (legal advi- and daughter on Channel 4’s
an outing they were looking Still to the present day time as we now have more sor to the Campaign for Ho- ‘I am Ruth’ makes it compel-
forward to for ages but can- women find difficulty finding choices. However, as I said mosexual Law Reform from ling viewing. You can still
not attend because you hap- equality in certain situations. in the opening paragraph, 1975 to 1979) and someone catch up with it on demand
pened to be sick and they For example, when trying to I wonder if it’s just systems who has stood up fearlessly which I would highly recom-
chose to look after and com- find a new job companies changing and not mindsets. against discrimination. Both mend.
fort you instead, their judge are reluctant to hire women Society refers to women who admiral role models.
of character when it comes of a certain age as they don’t are ‘old fashioned’ in the To finish off I would like to
to your friends (as opposed want to have to grant mater- present day as ‘wifey.’ This From the entertainment busi- say a big thank you to all the
to our lack of same!), inform- nity leave. This is illegal in mindset puts more pressure ness another role model is women who have changed
ing the principal someone is Ireland at present, however it on mothers to act this way Hollywood actor Kate Wins- our futures for the better. Also
picking on you at school to still happens. And despite all and makes them feel like let, famously known for her to all the mammies out there
insure it won’t happen again. the campaigning and recent they can’t be themselves role as Rose in James Cam- who raised us, without whom
Or when you’re older coming uproar there’s still a big pay anymore, which is why they eron’s Titanic. In a recent in- we wouldn’t be here. Your
in from the pub not remem- gap between what men and sometimes don’t want to be terview with ITV’s Lorraine, good deeds will never go un-
bering how you got home women earn in many profes- a mother in the first place as she talked about working noticed.
 www.newsfour.ie April / May 2023 Page 5

Ireland’s hopes riding on Wild Youth in Liverpool in May

back in February Wild Youth
n Eoin Meegan

I
look like serious contend-
reland’s entry to this year’s ers this time around. One
Eurovision Song Contest thing we can look forward to
is from an exciting Dub- again, now that Covid has
lin band called Wild Youth, finally gone, is the return
whose upbeat rocky song of the Eurovision party; an
‘We Are One’ will, we believe, event that will either make
finally break the jinx and get you giddy with excitement
Ireland out of the dreaded or want to cringe in a corner
semis. Not since 2018 when while vehemently claim-
Ryan O’Shaughnessy did the ing you’ve never watched
honours have we managed Eurovision or even heard of
to make it past the semi finals it. The Eurovision party, for
and into the contest proper, those who don’t know (or
which at one time we practi- pretend they don’t join in)
cally owned. Ireland hasn’t is where people meet up,
won Eurovision since 1996 crack open a bottle or two,
when Eimear Quinn melted consume high calorie gunge
hearts with the haunting ‘The and dream of the glory days
Voice’, following a spate of of ‘My Lovely Horse’, as
wins in the 80s. However, they watch the four hour
despite the 27-year dearth marathon, and scream at the
we still hold the record as the telly as the votes come in.
country with the most wins, vourites to lift the trophy this the best songs ever to come it’s all up for grabs. Anyway, whatever happens
having chalked up an impres- time. Their entry is a song out of Eurovision. Loreen is a come May 13th, NewsFour
sive seven in total. But all called ‘Tattoo’ performed by massive star in Sweden and But let’s not give up hope will be fully behind Wild
that could change come May Loreen who won the contest is hoping to do a Johnny Lo- yet, for with a really catchy Youth. Knock them bandy
as Sweden, who are on our back in 2012 with ‘Euphoria’, gan and pick up the prize for song and a stunning per- lads!
tails with six, are strong fa- by anyone’s reckoning one of the second time this year. So formance on the Late Late
 Page 6 SCULPTURE www.newsfour.ie April / May 2023

The Door is Always Open…

n Louise Whelan with gatherings and parties.  and was unveiled for Interna-

I
Whatever choices are made, tional Women’s Day of that
nternational Women’s Day all choices matter and all same year.
(IWD) took place on March choices are valid.  IWD is a
8th and is a global day cele- truly inclusive, diverse and The lecture was introduced
brating the social, economic, eclectic moment of impact by Louise Tobin, Senior Li-
cultural and political achieve- worldwide. brarian for the Community
ments of women.  Significant Section of Dublin City Librar-
activity is witnessed world- According to the National ies, with Dr James Curry,
wide as groups come to- and International statistics Historian in Residence with
gether to celebrate women’s one in four women in Ireland Dublin City Council leading
equality. who have been in a relation- the talk which incorporated
ship have been abused by a slides, photographs and a
current or former partner, vast breadth of knowledge.
and an EU-wide study
by the European Un- Joe Moran, who is a well
ion Fundamental Rights known artist both nationally Lesley Nannery (RICC) Joe Moran
Agency (FRA) reported and internationally, and a na- and Jennifer Betts (RICC)
that in 50% of the cases tive of Eastwall, designed the to seek sanctuary from physi- in it. It is something to be ap-
the stalker was a partner, sculpture in accordance with cal, sexual, financial and preciated and valued and it
and 41% of Irish women the ideas and views of both mental abuse. It has no let- compliments the beautiful
know someone in their groups.  terbox, no keyhole or handle Ringsend Library, its symbol
circle of family or friends so you just push through.  On of love and comfort has been
who have experienced For the last couple of years one side of the door there are respected all these years so
intimate partner violence.  Dr James Curry has been written words, Fear, Shame the next time you are walk-
And that is just a brief de- researching Joe’s work, as and Broken Promises, and ing by, take a few moments
scription. both are from Eastwall and on the other side it’s Hope, to have a look at it and how
share the same affinity for Freedom and Support, so the amazing it is and understand
We all have a part to play history and the arts. idea is to find the courage to the story behind it. 
in putting a stop to it.  leave behind the bad life and
We must work together Joe worked as a welder be- enter into the good. Joe is so And remember, when one
to end violence against fore he became an artist, proud of this sculpture and door closes, another door
women.  It starts with all and in 1971 he worked in the vision he brought to life opens.
of us.  Turlough Hill Power Station in Ringsend; there is nothing
The campaign for this year in Co. Wicklow, but always quite like it anywhere else in This is one of the many works
was #EmbraceEquity which In the local CYWMS, there nurturing his creative side he the world. of Joe Moran.  To find out
means we can all challenge was a free public lecture on made sculptures as a hob- more information, Dr James
gender stereotypes, call out ‘The Door’ sculpture and its by.  Joe made crucifixes out It is also very personal to Curry has compiled videos
discrimination, draw atten- designer Joe Moran. The of washers, pieces of steel Joe’s heart as he decided to and footage of other sculp-
tion to bias, and seek out in- event was organised in part- and welding rods and he use a bust that he made in tures Joe has made and you
clusion.  We can all embrace nership with Dublin City Li- used to give them to people his workplace of his late wife can find them on Stories of
equity. braries Outreach Team and he worked with.  Since then, Anne.  A mould was taken of Dublin on Youtube.
Ringsend & Irishtown Com- he went on to become a full the bust and was added in, so
IWD was started in 1911, and munity Centre.  time artist, using everyday she would be immortalised in Women’s Aid is a free 24-
remains an important mo- material like scrap metal.  His this public sculpture with her hour helpline and you can
ment for working to advance Located at the back of Ring- work has tended to become face in the door panels.  get in touch with them on
women’s equality with the send Library Plaza, the more abstract over time, di- 1800 341 900.  You never
day belonging to everyone, sculpture was commissioned versifying into materials such Ringsend is very lucky to know who might need it.
everywhere. For some, it is by the Ringsend Action Pro- as bronze, steel, wax, clay, have this unique sculpture
about fighting for women’s ject and Domestic Violence stone and polystyrene. with all the wonderful details Images by Louise Whelan
rights, reinforcing key com- Working Group, back in
mitments, while for others it 2008.  The sculpture deals The idea behind the commis-
is about celebrating success with violence against women sion of The Door symbolises
a permanent bronze struc-
ture with a woman’s face
showing through on every
second panel, signifying that
this could be anyone’s hall
door with victims of domes-
tic abuse feeling trapped.
However, the door is left
ajar, meaning there is always
help for those suffering, liter-
ally on the other side of the
door and all you have to do
is walk through.  There is al-
ways a way out and women
must never feel alone. It is a Lorraine Barry Ricc Manager, Joe Moran
Louise Tobin, Dr James Curry and Joe Moran beacon for those who choose and Barbara Doyle (CYWMS)
 www.newsfour.ie April / May 2023 Page 7

Books written and illustrated by Dublin schoolchildren

join Book of Kells Exhibition in Trinity’s Old Library
A
n exhibition of 61 Their books will be on dis- evening and for future gen-
handmade books writ- play in the Long Room, home erations who will continue to
ten and illustrated by to 200,000 of Trinity’s oldest interpret and reinterpret the
Dublin primary school stu- books until the end of April, Book of Kells and the Library
dents was unveiled in the and will then become part of collections into the Library’s
Long Room of Trinity’s Old Trinity’s permanent collec- fourth century.”
Library on March 30th. tion of over six million printed
volumes including the world- Dr Becky Long, Primary Out-
The exhibition marks the cul- renowned Book of Kells.  reach Coordinator in TAP
mination of the Trinity Access added: “Bookmarks  is very
Programmes (TAP)  Book- The exhibition was launched special to TAP. The opportu-
marks programme which by Librarian and College Ar- nity it offers to children from
sees Dublin primary school chivist Helen Shenton and our linked primary schools to
children write and illustrate award-winning poet and chil- see their books come to life
their own books over a two- dren’s author, Catherine Ann on the shelves of the Old Li-
month period with the help of Cullen.  Scoil Chaitriona, Baggot Street’s Anita Maia Orru brary is unique and inspiring.
authors, illustrators, and chil- and Marta Kmiec (Photo: Paul Sharp) Stories live in Trinity, and the
dren’s book specialists from This year, the Bookmarks stories of our primary school
Trinity.  programme focused on the vist, Helen Shenton com- Dublin schools later this students are vital to the fu-
theme of ‘Celebrating Free- mented: “This exhibition has evening to enjoy the beauti- ture of the university. Our
The project aims to inspire dom and Adventure’ to mark been a longstanding col- ful heritage of the Old Library outreach programmes en-
the children to become the TAP’s 30th Birthday. Writing laboration with Trinity Access before it closes later this year gage over 10,000 students
next generation of storytell- and illustration workshops Programmes’ Bookmarks for major conservation, as annually, and with contin-
ers, artists, and creatives. were delivered by editor Sine initiative. It is especially sig- part of the Old Library Rede- ued involvement and sup-
Bookmarks is organised by Quinn, author Erika McGann, nificant as TAP turns 30 this velopment Project. We are port, these students and their
TAP which supports students and illustrator Angela Mc- year and we celebrate its im- embarking on this project in peers will successfully make
from under-represented Donagh.  pact on young people’s lives. order to safeguard the Old Li- the transition to both second
backgrounds to progress to I am delighted to be joining brary for school children who and third level.”
further education. Librarian and College Archi- school children from three will gather in the library this
 Page 8 PROFILE www.newsfour.ie April / May 2023

Katie Comes Home

Katie Taylor’s homecoming fight against Chantelle Cameron confirmed
n BJ Quinn body says, ‘Just pay it, just

F
pay it, it’s great business.’
ight fans can breathe a Well that isn’t a great busi-
sigh of relief: the home- ness because imagine mak-
coming that we’ve been ing a fight like that and losing
waiting for is finally happen- £1 million. Fantastic, what a
ing. Katie Taylor finally looks great business.”
destined to fulfil her dream of
fighting on home soil follow- With the Aviva Stadium una-
ing confirmation that she will vailable due to Champions
face undisputed World Super Cup rugby being played on
Lightweight champion Ch- the same date, the only sen-
antelle Cameron in Dublin’s sible option was the smaller
3Arena on May 20.  3Arena (8,000 - 10,000 seat-
ing capacity). And so it was
It’s been a bumpy road to set, Taylor vs Serrano 2 was
reach this destination, to say on! The good feeling didn’t
the least. Fans were begin- last long, however, as it was
ning to wonder if they’d ever announced on March 1st that
get to see the Bray boxer fight the planned rematch had
on home turf. First, it was an- been called off, supposedly
Katie Taylor at the London Olympic Games 2012
nounced that Taylor would because of an injury sus-
face Amanda Serrano for a tained by the Puerto Rican. puted lightweight champion words got the deal done. It professional career has been
highly-anticipated rematch in While the specific nature of when she took a decisive vic- was announced on March 11, based around this fight and I
Croke Park, May 20 – Taylor Serrano’s injury has not been tory over Delfine Persoon to at Matchroom and DAZN’s never imagined it would actu-
won a stunning first bout with disclosed at this time, sourc- win all four of the major belts Liverpool show, headlined ally happen for one reason
Serrano last April, at a sold- es close to the fighter’s camp in 2019.  by Diego Pacheco and Jack or another. I know what I will
out Madison Square Garden, say that she is dealing with Cullen, that Katie Taylor’s be up against and that I am
on a split decision to remain a nagging hand injury dating British boxer Natasha Jo- long-awaited homecoming the underdog but I relish that.
undisputed lightweight world back to her win over Miriam nas, the unified super-wel- fight would be against Cam- To successfully defend my
champion. Fighting in the Gutierrez in December 2021. terweight champion, pushed eron (17-0, 8KOs). The con- belts against Taylor will be
iconic stadium has been a hard to fill in for Serrano, tell- test is for the Northampton the icing on the cake for me.
life-long dream of Taylor’s. Thankfully, Taylor wasn’t ing Sky Sports: “You can’t put boxer’s undisputed junior To become undisputed and
Then suddenly, Croker was short on potential alternative Katie up against a nobody. welterweight titles, meaning then defend them against
off the cards. Taylor’s pro- challengers coming forward. I’m maybe not the highest on Taylor will step up in weight.  the pound-for-pound best in
her list but it’s a conversation women’s boxing will really
that I’d like both managers “Once Serrano pulled out mark my place in women’s
to have and if the fight can this was the natural fight to boxing and create my own
be made I’d love to come to make,” Taylor said. “It’s two legacy.”
Dublin, and if she wants to undefeated, reigning undis-
come to Anfield for the return puted world champions going May’s fight at the 3Arena will
she’s welcome.”  up against each other and I not be the first time the pair
believe that’s the first time have met in the squared cir-
Whilst Jonas was in consid- that’s ever happened in the cle, with Taylor enjoying an
eration, Hearn was initially modern era of the sport. Peo- easy victory in the amateur
hoping that they would wait ple have been talking about ranks at the European Cham-
and see the extent of the this fight for a long time now pionships back in 2011. So
Puerto Rican’s recovery, Tay- so I’m delighted it’s happen- Irish fans can go into this re-
lor, however, had other ideas. ing and I’m looking forward match feeling confident that
She called out the undisputed to becoming a two-weight un- Taylor can come out victori-
junior welterweight champion disputed champion in Dublin ous. She looks set to sit on
Chantelle Cameron. “Let’s on May 20.” her throne for years to come.
get it done Eddie Hearn, this Let’s hope her first fight on
Katie Taylor’s pomoter, Eddie Hearn, 2015 homecoming has waited long Cameron, who will hold a home soil is the first of many.
enough!” she posted on her height and reach advan- Croke Park is still high on the
moter, Eddie Hearn, who has The Irishwoman is one of instagram. “3Arena Dublin tage over Taylor come fight agenda, with preparations
been campaigning to stage the biggest stars of the sport is available, so let’s give Ire- night, became an undisputed in place to renegotiate with
the fight in the national sta- and, ever since turning pro- land a night to remember on champion at 140lbs with a GAA once Serrano is back
dium, conceded that the op- fessional back in 2016, the May 20th. Let’s go Chantelle unanimous decision victory fully fit.
eration would work out more Olympic gold medallist has Cameron, happy to move up over American boxer Jessica
expensive than Wembley been heavily targeted by oth- in weight for the opportunity McCaskill last November in Although ticketing informa-
stadium and it wouldn’t make er fighters who seek to knock to become a two weight Un- her most recent contest. “It tion has yet to be confirmed,
business sense. Speaking to the Queen off her throne. disputed champ.” feels surreal that the fight is streaming giant DAZN have
Betfred’s Lightweight Boxing Taylor won her first title in actually happening,” Camer- been announced as the
Show, Hearn said: “Every- 2017 and became undis- To her credit, Taylor’s stern on said. “It feels like my whole broadcasters of the bout.
 www.newsfour.ie April / May 2023 Page 9

Tea Day for Alzheimers

Fair City Star Bryan Murray calls on everyone to have the
Most Powerful Cup of Tea of the Year on May 4th
TV Stars Bryan Murray Care, Dementia Advis-
and Una Crawford O’Brien ers and training for family
team up with The Alzhei- carers; supports Tea Day
mer Society of Ireland helps to provide.
for Alzheimer’s Tea Day,
over 18 months since the “Whether your Tea Day
couple first spoke publicly party is big or small, it
about Bryan’s Alzheimer’s doesn’t matter; it’s all
diagnosis. about coming together for
this wonderful celebration
Bryan was diagnosed with of care, hope, and good
Alzheimer’s Disease three company. Every cup of tea
years ago. Bryan and his you share will help make
partner Una have teamed a difference in your local
up with The Alzheimer So- community and across the
ciety of Ireland (The ASI) to country. And the best part
invite everyone to come to- is, you’ll have so much fun
gether for a cuppa, a chat, doing it! Sign up on teaday.
and maybe a treat or two ie today, and let’s prepare
on May 4th to help raise vi- for the greatest Tea Day
tal funds for families living Party in the world!” 
with dementia nationwide.
The Alzheimer Society of
Dubliners Bryan and Una Ireland Ambassador, Una
ask  everyone  to get in- Crawford O’Brien, said: 
volved with local Tea Day
events in their homes, gar- “I’m thrilled to support Alz-
dens, workplaces, schools, heimer’s Tea Day. Since 2. HOST  – Few friends
local community centres or Bryan was diagnosed with round for a cuppa? Per-
somewhere special. Alzheimer’s disease, The fect. Community hall,
Alzheimer Society of Ire- cakes, music, the works?
Alzheimer’s Tea Day is The land has been a bedrock It’s all great!  Every cup,
ASI’s  biggest and most of support for us, and the every person, and every
­important fundraiser.  64,000 people living with euro raised makes a dif-
dementia in the country. ference.  Busy on May
The Alzheimer Society But they can’t provide this 4th? No problem – you
of Ireland Ambassador support without raising vi- can hold your Tea Day
Bryan Murray, said:  tal funds through events anytime you like.
like Tea Day. 
“I was diagnosed with Alz- 3. REMEMBER  – It’s a
heimer’s three years ago. “Dementia doesn’t discrim- cup of tea that will raise
That’s why my Partner Una inate;  it reaches across awareness and funds for
and I are proud and excited generations, and genders people with dementia. 
to join The Alzheimer Soci- and affects people of all
ety of Ireland as Tea Day backgrounds. As the num- 4. SHARE your Tea Day
ambassadors - and we ber of people living with event on social media.
really hope you’ll get the the condition continues Post your photos and
kettle on too and host your to grow in the country, so videos, and don’t for-
very own Tea Day party on does the pressure on the get to use our hashtag 
Thursday, May 4th!  vital supports and servic- #TeaDay2023 
es  The Alzheimer Society
“Did you know at least 30 of Ireland provides -   they Tea Day is held on Thurs-
people develop dementia need our help - yours and day, May 4th
every day?  It’s a fright- ours. For more informa-
ening statistic; and one I tion, go to teaday.ie.” Register for your free
wasn’t aware of until I was Tea Day pack on 
diagnosed with Alzhei- RAISING AN IMPORTANT www.teaday.ie  or con-
mer’s Disease. Thousands CUPPA ON MAY 4TH - tact The ASI’s Fun-
of families across Ireland FOUR EASY STEPS: draising Team at 
are affected by Alzheimer’s   fundraising@alzheimer.
and dementia - it cannot 1. SIGN UP  – on  ­teaday. ie or (01) 207 3800.
be understated how much ie or call (01) 207 3800, and
they rely on supports like we’ll send your Tea Day
Day Care centres, Home pack!
 Page 10 COMMUNITY www.newsfour.ie April / May 2023

Come Walk With Me for Neurodiversity!

n Louise Whelan noon and spoke about the impact

R
of Neurodiversity in the community.
ingsend Park was the perfect Representatives from local councils
venue for the local group NIRP were also in attendance to show their
(Neurodiversity in Irishtown support. Guest speakers included
Ringsend and Pearse St) who host- TD Jim O’Callaghan, (FF) Teresa
ed a very special themed afternoon Weafer, (Google) and Adam Harris,
called ‘Come Walk With Me’, on April (CEO of ASIAM).
2nd, where the whole community
came out in enthusiastic support by NIRP are a group of parents who
walking 2 laps around the park. NIRP came together to create a support
also launched Autism Friendly Towns group for families who have children
and unveiled the new communica- that are neurodivergent living in Irish-
tions board in the playground. town, Ringsend and Pearse Street.
NIRP works with the local community,
This family friendly event was to cel- NGOs and businesses to create local
ebrate World Autism Awareness Day services for neurodiverse children.
which highlights the need to help im- They promote self care for parents
prove the quality of life of those with through various supports linking in
autism and special needs so they can with the local community such as Ho-
lead full and meaningful lives as an listic, Mindfulness and Training and
integral part of society. NIRP aims to Development.
spread awareness and put a spotlight
on the hurdles that these children Inclusion is the key word here and
face every day. every child and adult who is neu-
rodiverse has the right to not only
Entertainment included DJ Pierce be i­ncluded, but to feel included.
Rooney and the crew from RMS giv-
ing us all the good vibes with the mu- Inclusion goes further than telling
sic, while the Danspire kids showed someone that they are appreciated,
off their wonderful dancing skills. it ensures that they are also valued,
There was a petting farm, a stilt respected and involved in their own
walker, face painting, balloon mak- communities.
ers, activities for the younger kids, a
cake sale, tea, coffee and ice-cream. No one should ever be excluded.
A separate sensory area was also
in place for the children & adults to For more information, NIRP can be
unwind if they felt overwhelmed. The found on social media platforms. Or
sun even made an appearance which call 0851207006
made the whole atmosphere even
more cheery, friendly and fun. Proudly supported by Dublin Port
Co, Google, RCSF and Dublin City
Louise Weafer, chairperson of NIRP ­Council.
introduced the line up of the after-
www.newsfour.ie April / May 2023 COMMUNITY Page 11
 Page 12 COMMUNITY www.newsfour.ie April / May 2023

A Little ‘Spring’ in Your Step… A Little Jazz in Your Heart

n Louise Whelan art tours for the National about the centre delivering on

S
Gallery of Ireland and the its mission statement, “being
andymount Community Centre Royal Hibernian Academy.  a vibrant community centre
(SCC) was the place to be on bringing people together.” 
March 3rd where the audience Alongside Emilie was
was treated to a wonderful uplifting Johnny Taylor on piano So if there’s any budding art-
jazz concert by the very talented, and Barry Donohue on ists or up and coming musi-
pure rawness of vocal jazz artist Emi- double bass.  Johnny is cians who wish to hone their
lie Conway.   one of the finest pianists skills, then please get in
on the Irish music scene, touch with SCC on their so-
‘You must believe in Spring’, a rep- regularly performing in cial media and website to get
ertoire of beautiful music to cele- Dublin and around Ireland. involved.  You can also keep
brate new beginnings in life and love He has performed at ma- up to date with all the goings
captured Emilie’s distinct lilty tones jor festivals in the US, the on from the thriving centre by
which enveloped the Joyce room Caribbean, and other Eu- following their Facebook and
with songs and rhymes like a breath ropean countries and in Instagram page. 
of fresh air on a chilly March evening. the Middle East.
The next planned perfor-
Dublin based Emilie Conway, an Barry Donohue is a Dublin mance will be on Friday April
Emilie with Barry Donohue and
award winning jazz artist, composer based composer and elec- 21st at 7.30pm (doors open at
Johnny Taylor at the SCC
and lyricist, who blends her own tric and double bassist.  7pm) and will be an hour-long
compositions, the work of other com- He has worked with many different organised in partnership with Sand- poetry collection followed by tea and
posers, spoken word/poetry, and im- singers and musicians including Nils ymount Tidy Towns (STTCA) and coffee. 
provised music to her performances, Wogram, Mary Coughlan, Loah, and Dublin City Council. The programme
is also a passionate activist for the Michael Buckley, to name but a few.  features a broad range of events for Poetry is good for the soul and a
equal and equitable participation of Barry is supported by Music Network the full year, including drama, music, wonderful way to switch off and en-
disabled people in arts and culture, and The Arts Council of Ireland.  rock and dance, all for the enjoyment gage the senses, so come along and
and is the founder of DADA (Disa- of residents of Sandymount and support the arts. It’ll be a night to re-
bled Arts Disabled Academics). Emi- This is the second event from the the surrounding areas. Ros Moran, member.
lie also creates audio and sensory Cultural Programme that SCC have Chairperson of the Committee spoke

It’s A Dog’s Life

with dogs, he trained and quali-
fied with Dog Training Ireland
(now known as AniED) Alan has
20 dogs in the daycare, all dif-
n Louise Whelan dogs and after she was made redun- ferent breeds, different person-

F
dant from her job decided to carve alities, but they all get the same
luffy Mutts Grooming and D4 out a career that was both rewarding level of love and comfort.  Big
Doggy Daycare are run by two and also one that would make a real spacious rooms for large and
local dog lovers, Fiona Bran- difference to the welfare of pets.  small dogs have black non-slip
nock and Alan Pullen.  flooring so it’s perfect for them
She studied and trained at Mutt Ugly to run around in. They have
Situated in Cambridge Road in Ring- in Ranelagh to a very high standard an outdoor area also which is
send, Fluffy Mutts has been in busi- and she’s never looked back.  Part of great for when the sun comes
ness since 2011, and in 2013 Doggy Fiona’s skillset as a dog groomer is out. It’s a fast paced environ-
Daycare was introduced.  her attention to detail, her patience ment and extremely busy but he
and her 100% commitment to every loves minding the dogs, teach-
Fiona was always going to work with dog in her care. Fiona is friendly, pro- ing them, training them, walking
animals in some way as she adores fessional and gets so much joy and them in the local park.  He helps
satisfaction from helping dogs.  the dogs socialise, and keeps
An expertise in all areas of dog them grounded. They have a
grooming, Fiona keeps pets routine with food, sleep and do lots ers. Both come highly recommended
calm and comfortable due to of activities for their mental stimula- by word of mouth and are sought af-
her compassionate nature.  tion, always ensuring their health and ter by owners because they are the
safety.  Alan has so much energy and best in the business at what they do.
Fluffy Mutts offer bathing, pre- motivation himself and that’s definite-
cut, clipping, brushing, demat- ly needed in this type of workplace.  There’s never a dull moment here
ting and detangling, nail clipping and Fiona and Alan are always laugh-
and ear care.  Fiona knows ex- Together, Fiona and Alan combine ing and joking with customers, so it’s
actly what the dog needs by just their skills and that’s what makes no wonder the dogs are so happy. 
looking at it and is very hands them a powerhouse and why Fluffy
on with physical stamina due to Mutts and Doggy Daycare are so Fluffy Mutts & Doggy DayCare are
the demands that grooming re- popular. It’s the love they show to continuing to work with dogs for the
quires to enhance their appear- every dog, it’s what they do day in foreseeable future so if you want to
ance.  day out, which explains why Alan has get in contact with them, check out
a waiting list of people who want him their social media and website for
Doggy Daycare is run by Alan to care for their pets.  They have a bookings, times and prices. Your pet
and he has years of experience huge client base with regular custom- will be in very good hands.
www.newsfour.ie April / May 2023 Page 13
 Page 14 BOOKS www.newsfour.ie April / May 2023

Web of Lies: The Lure and Danger of Conspiracy Theories

- by Aoife Gallagher
Exposing the nasty world of conspiracy theories
n Eoin Meegan pretty much all of us!) saw groups the target of their porate science’ coverup. dled better. However, there is

W
their message gain traction. vitriol. Blaming everything a big difference in intelligent-
e’ve all heard them, What was once of interest on what they call ‘wokeism’, So how do we protect our- ly questioning information
the moon landings only to disgruntled groups they offer simplistic solutions selves, and more importantly from whatever source, be it
were a fake, the Ti- on the margins now became that promise a return to some our children from this kind government or media, and
tanic never sank, Elvis is still mainstream. Even when the mythical ‘Golden Age’ which of misinformation which is believing widely unsubstanti-
alive, the kind of thing you vaccines came along, which only serves to distract from rampant online? Gallagher ated theories.
might joke about with your proved to be so success- real pressing problems, such recommends some kind of
mates over a few glasses of ful, new lies were fabricated as lack of equality, poverty, internet control, but admits But the greatest method she
lemonade. However, in her about how unsafe they were and appalling Third World this is a minefield to navi- advocates is to educate peo-
2022 book – Web of Lies – in an effort to discourage famines. Their latest target gate through. As the social ple to see through this mias-
Aoife Gallagher exposes a people from taking them. of attack is climate change, platforms themselves are ma of misinformation, to help
different side to conspiracy which they claim is another unable, or unwilling, to self- people feel good about them-
theories, revealing how mis- hoax; and that the war in regulate it will have to be up selves, feel safe and secure,
information, disinformation, Ukraine is orchestrated by to governments. The EU pro- and to feel accepted in social
and downright lies have infil- the West and Putin is really posed legislation Digital Ser- groups. Remember, it’s often
trated and shaped the entire the good guy (yes?) vices Act (DSA), which takes to fill a psychological need
modern political and social the co-regulatory approach, that drives people to these
discourse. How do intelligent people described by Gallagher as sites where hate and dis-
fall for this? There are many “the most comprehensive cord are weaponised in the
Starting with the myths reasons and they are com- piece of legislation on inter- first place. By being kinder to
around 9/11, the book drills plex. According to professor net safety and accountability each other we can help stem
down into the mind boggling Aoife Gallagher of Social Psychology Karen to date,” may provide a glim- the flow of misinformation.
amount of groups peddling One of the hallmarks of the Douglas people have a need mer of hope. This may be one of the most
misinformation online, culmi- conspiracy theorists is the for knowledge and certainty, important books you will ever
nating with QAnon. QAnon, inherent contradiction in their especially in times of panic, Nowhere in the book does read. Do yourself a favour
for anyone who doesn’t arguments. For example, and when these psychologi- the author suggest we don’t and get it.
know, is a conspiracy theory they say the virus was a hoax cal needs are not met they question and scrutinise all
that has consumed all the to shut down society, while at can fall prey to the conspira- news information. Indeed, Web of Lies: The Lure and
smaller, discrete conspiracy the same time arguing that cy theorists. prior to writing Web of Lies Danger of Conspiracy The-
theories: its basic message 5G technology is causing the Gallagher worked with Sto- ories, by Aoife Gallagher,
is that the world is run by a “virus”, unaware of the cogni- A very interesting study car- ryful, a news agency that published by Gill Books
Satanic cabal which wants to tive dissonance in these two ried out in Denmark which is verifies news sources and (2022) is available in all
establish a one-world social- statements. Juxtaposing a discussed in the book, saw internet content, and she is good bookshops.
ist government, run funnily falsehood beside a real story data from over 560,000 chil- currently a research analyst
enough by capitalists, which so that the lie by-passes our dren born between 1999 and at the Institute for Strategic
they call the New World Or- critical faculty is one of the 2010 analysed to establish if Dialogue (ISD), who police
der, and they see Donald clever tactics they use, an- there was a link between au- the internet against extremist
Trump as their saviour. The other is to accuse their ob- tism and the MMR jab. The content, so she may be bet-
movement, fomented largely ject of attack of the very thing results unequivocally proved ter positioned than most to
by elements of the extreme they themselves are doing, there was no link. The vac- spot inaccurate reporting. It
right, spread in the four years al la Trump accusing main- cine was safe. Yet, some is generally agreed that the
Trump was in office, radicalis- stream media of ‘fake news’. people who had been brain- pandemic was badly han-
ing thousands of Americans, Notably anti feminist, antise- washed by the anti vaxxers dled, mistakes were made,
and could have indirectly im- mitic, they habitually make refused to believe the find- and the dynamics of lock-
pacted on the storming of the immigrants and LGBTQ+ ings, putting it down to a ‘cor- down could have been han-
Capitol on January 6th 2021.

The pandemic was grist to The Big Busk

the mill to these conspira-
cy theorists. Here was the Well done to Focus Ireland
proof, they loudly acclaimed, and all who participated
that governments around the in this year’s Big Busk to
world were doing precisely raise vitally needed money
what they said they would for Homelessness. Here is
do, shutting society down, NewsFour’s own Rose Sun-
forcing people to stay at derland at Connolly Station
home, and curtailing freedom entertaining the commuters.
in the pretext of establishing As well as Connolly the event
this new world order, which is took place in Heuston Sta-
sometimes called the Great tion, Stephen’s Green Shop-
Reset. Finding willing follow- ping Centre, and in locations
ers at the time among those outside Dublin.
experiencing fear, confusion Big thank you to Tesco for their donation to
and isolation (and that was Harold’s Cross Hospice. Well done Mr. Tilly.
 www.newsfour.ie April / May 2023 SUPERHERO MOVIES Page 15

DC versus Marvel
Can James Gunn’s new DCU topple Kevin Feige’s Goliath MCU?
n Kieron Stynes to fit an overarching narrative the return of the ‘Snyder- ‘The Authority’ but its legacy was a new version of the
and gave each of their main verse’. It is understandable has reverberated through classic Avengers team, but

M arvel movies, under the

supervision of Kevin
Feige, have dominated cin-
characters their own stand
alone movies before bring-
ing them together in ‘The
that the loss of Cavill and
Gadot have disappointed
many fans, as these actors
comics and their movies in
the last 20 years. It was cre-
ated in the late 1990’s by
now it looked like a big budg-
et blockbuster movie. When
Marvel set out to make their
ema over the last few years. Avengers’ in 2012. DC how- were popular and well suited writer Warren Ellis and art- MCU movies they used ‘The
Since the release of ‘Iron ever rushed into their DCEU, to their roles. However, fans ist Bryan Hitch for Wildstorm Ultimates’ as a template, with
Man’ in 2008, Marvel have fast-tracking their own super- also seem to have forgotten comics, which was later the style and tone taken di-
released multiple movies hero team in ‘Justice League’ the disappointments and an- bought by DC comics. It fea- rectly from the comics. They
over a number of phases in a in 2017, without introducing noyance they felt at many of tured a superhero team out even went as far as casting
connected/shared universe, many of their characters in the elements of the Snyder- to save the world but who Samuel L Jackson as Nick
called the ‘Marvel Cinematic their own solo movies first. verse. are unconcerned with the Fury, after Hitch used his
Universe’ or the MCU. Start- The overarching plotting of amount of death and destruc- likeness for the character in
ing with origin stories these this shared universe became Back in the MCU, however, tion they caused along the the comic.
movies culminated in the a mess, with films being an- they were having their own way or the moral boundaries
epic two-part movie story in nounced, then delayed, re- issues, losing direction and or world governments they It is not a stretch to say that
‘Avengers: Infinity War’ in shot, or in the case of ‘Bat- focus, since ‘Avengers: End- crossed. Hitch pioneered a without the subliminal influ-
2018 and ‘Avengers; End- girl’ scrapped entirely when game’. With Disney making style of drawing that made it ence of ‘The Authority’ the
game’ in 2019. These two principal photography was more and more MCU con- look like it was a big screen MCU would look very dif-
movies alone grossed an almost finished. tent, including TV shows for action movie. After 12 issues, ferent today – regardless of
estimated worldwide box of- its streaming service, the crit- writer Mark Millar and a va- how good or bad that is. Now
fice of $4.8 billion. Disney The two most critically icism that they are going for riety of artists took over and that James Gunn is planning
bought Marvel for $4 billion praised movies based on quantity over quality seems continued this tone. to revamp the DC movies,
in 2009 and this partnership DC comics at this time were justified, with stories, charac- and including ‘The Authority’,
continues to expand and cre- the Joaquin Phoenix starrer ters and plotting suffering as Hitch and Millar moved to he may finally give DC and
ate more movies, introducing ‘Joker’ in 2019 and ‘The Bat- a result. Marvel comics and, using Warner Brothers what they
new characters. man’ in 2022 starring Robert the lessons and skills they want – supremacy over the
Pattinson. Both these mov- Maybe now is DC’s opportu- developed on ‘The Authority’ Marvel Juggernaut.
ies were ‘stand-alone’ mov- nity to take the crown from created ‘The Ultimates’. This
ies, completely outside the Marvel. James Gunn has a
DCEU’s continuity and the tough battle ahead of him to
Shared Universe. The DCEU, win over the comic book and
or the ‘Snyder-verse’ as it movie fans who love these
became known, was failing. types of movies.
Something had to be done.
Gunn’s plans include TV
In 2022, DC decided to hire shows (live action and
their own version of Kevin animated),video and mov-
Feige in the shape of James ies to be interconnected with
Gunn. James Gunn is a di- actors playing their respec-
James Gunn rector who won critical praise tive roles across all media.
(Image: dc.fandom.com) for taking a little known Mar- Stories and plotting will be
DC comics are owned by vel super-hero team and giv- overseen by Gunn to ensure
Warner Brothers. They had ing them their own success- consistency and continu-
great success with director ful MCU movie in ‘Guardians ity. Gunn has planned five
Christopher Nolan’s excel- of the Galaxy’ in 2014 and movies and five TV shows in
lent Batman trilogy from 2005 its sequel three years later. his first phase, naming this
to 2012. Since then they Gunn then made a superior phase ‘Gods and Monsters’.
have not fared so well. Start- sequel to the very disappoint- The first of the movies will be
ing with director Zack Sny- ing DCEU movie ‘Suicide ‘Superman: Legacy’ (sched-
der’s Superman movie ‘Man Squad’ in 2016, called ‘The uled release July 11, 2025)
of Steel’ in 2013, DC tried Suicide Squad’ in 2021 (Yes, which will feature a younger
to play catch-up with Marvel they just added a ‘The’ in- Superman. No actors have
and started their own shared stead of a number ‘2’). been cast yet. The movies to
universe, the ‘DC Extended follow include ‘The Brave and
Universe’ or DCEU. This very Gunn took a big brush to the the Bold’ which will feature
quickly brought Superman, existing DCEU strategy and, Batman and his extended
Batman and Wonder Woman rebranding it simply DCU, cast of characters, ‘Supergirl:
together in the 2016 movie swept away much of what Woman of Tomorrow’ featur-
‘Batman v Superman: Dawn was planned. The biggest ing Superman’s cousin, Kara
of Justice’. More movies with casualties were the second Zor-El and ‘Swamp Thing’
DC characters followed. Superman movie, starring based on DC’s popular horror
Henry Cavill and the third comic. But the most interest-
But these DCEU movies Wonder Woman movie star- ing movie to be announced in
were not as well received, by ring Gal Gadot. When Gunn this phase is ‘The Authority’.
critics or fans, as their MCU announced his plans on the
counterparts. Marvel meticu- internet, loyal fans were out- Non-comic book readers will
lously planned their movies raged and started to demand probably never have heard of
 Page 16 FILM www.newsfour.ie April / May 2023

Dublin International Film Festival 2023

n BJ Quinn

T
he Dublin International always feels like an incredi- movie of all-time. This year,
Film Festival (DIFF), bly creative experience being My Sailor, My Love, direct-
operating without a ti- here,” she said. “I think this ed by Klaus Härö, took home
tle sponsor for the first time team represents something the award. Starring James
since its re-establishment that’s very exciting about a Cosmo, Brid Brennan and
in 2003, came to town last very bold, wild, free genera- Catherine Walker, the film
month to the delight of movie tion of Irish storytellers. I felt follows a retired sea captain
fans across the country. From so enlivened and invigorated and his daughter who must
February 23 to March 4, au- to be part of it.”  reassess their strained re-
diences were treated to an lationship after he begins a
array of exciting events, in- Watson was also this year’s new romance with a widowed
cluding red carpet premieres, recipient of The Volta Award, housekeeper.
a strong short film and fea- the highest accolade in Irish
ture film lineup, workshops, film. This award champions Elsewhere, the Irish docu-
and an online programme, individuals who have made a mentary 406 Days by Joe
so you can enjoy the festival significant contribution to the Lee and Fergus Dowd won
from the comfort of your own world of film; previous recipi- both the Award for Best
home. ents have included Al Pacino, Irish Documentary and the
Daniel Day-Lewis, Vanessa ICCL Human Rights Award.
Opening this year’s festival Redgrave, Martin Sheen, Their film tells the coura-
was God’s Creatures, di- Paolo Sorrentino, and Julie geous story of the workers
rected by Saela Davis and Andrews.  involved in the strike follow-
Anna Rose Holmer, written ing the closure of the Deben-
by Shane Crowley, and shot It’s hard to believe that it was hams retail chain that be-
in Donegal. Fans flocked to at last year’s festival when came a major news story of
the Lighthouse Cinema to the Dublin Film Critics’ Circle, 2020, at the height of Covid.
catch a glimpse of the film’s presided over by Tara Brady, Of course, one is reminded Bond Girl Jane Seymour
stars Emily Watson and the awarded a prize for Best Irish of Dunnes Stores workers
ever-present Paul Mescal Film to a little film called An who, decades earlier, during – already known for her im- 5 Lamps Discovery Awards,
strutting the red carpet. Wat- Cailín Ciúin. Time flies! Since the apartheid era, protested pressive stage performances honours which aim to cham-
son, speaking ahead of the then, that little film has gone against the selling of South in The Glass Menagerie and pion, support and encour-
screening, expressed what a on to become an historic African goods; but 406 Days Piaf, at The Gate Theatre – age new and emerging tal-
privilege it was for her to be achievement in Irish filmmak- is very much a 21st-century received the Michael Dwyer ent from both in front and
part of the film — set in a ru- ing as the most commercially story. The ICCL jury called Discovery Award for her per- behind the camera. The jury
ral Irish fishing community. “It successful Irish language the documentary “an incred- formance as Ann Lovett, the selected Laura O’Shea, Greg
ible testimony to the strength Longford teenager who died Burrowes, and Rory Kerr
and resilience of a group of giving birth in 1984, in Ciaran as recipients of the awards.
mostly female workers in the Creagh’s feature film Ann.  Commenting on the winners,
face of the might of an in- the judges said: “It was a real
ternational company. Their 5 Lamps teamed up with privilege to spend time watch-
voices are so rarely heard in DIFF this year to present the ing and carefully considering
our society and our media.
This film gives them and their
voices a platform and for that
the filmmakers deserve con-
gratulation and celebration.”

Commenting on the award,

Joe Lee said: “We feel this
is a great achievement as it
comes from the people who
have watched our film, and it
shows how it resonated with
audiences at the Dublin In-
ternational Film Festival. The
audience was composed of
all different spectators, some
who did not know the full
story [of the strike], and who
commented afterwards how
deeply shocked they were.”

Also honoured at the festi-

val was actor Zara Devlin
– a name, I believe, we’ll be
hearing a lot in future years.
Volta Award Winner Emily Watson The young Tyrone woman Irish star and Oscar nominee Paul Mescal
 www.newsfour.ie April / May 2023 FILM Page 17

the submitted work. Although fully shot (courtesy of Burschi

our conversation started off Wojnar) with excellent story-
discussing how challenging it telling, encapsulating the hu-
was to compare the different mour and sadness that goes
disciplines, it was clear very hand in hand with grief.”
quickly that there were in fact
three nominees we felt stood As ever, the festival also wel-
out.”  comed an array of strong in-
ternational titles. The winner
I was glad that Rory Kerr of Best Film from the Irish
was chosen among the win- Critics’ Circle was Rodrigo
ners; his animated short, Sorogoyen’s gripping The
Red Rabbit, was one of my Beasts. A Franco-Spanish
personal highlights of the fes- drama, The Beasts, which
tival. The film is a wonderful recently took best foreign film
blend of deceptively low-fi at the César Awards, stars
animation and a strong im- Denis Ménochet and Marina
agination. However, in terms Foïs as a middle-aged cou-
of live action shorts, Sinead ple who move to a remote
O’Loughlin’s Lamb stood village and face hostility and
out from the pack. Like Red violence from the locals. 
Rabbit, Lamb was funded
by Screen Ireland’s Focus Finally, the gongs for Best
Shorts scheme. Lamb sees Director and Best Screen-
Writer Neil Gaiman
an ordinary day take a sin- play went to France’s Léa
ister turn when a stranger Mysius, the helmer of The Another familiar face zoomed was a real pleasure to see the support for our 2023 pro-
walks into the isolated home Five ­Devils (France), and during the festival week was the packed cinemas for this gramme across both the Irish
of a woman and her child. Romania’s Cristian Mungiu, that of bestselling author and year’s festival,” said Festival and international titles. We
While narrow in scope, the for R.M.N. (Romania/France/ prolific creator Neil Gaiman. Director Gráinne Humphreys. are also delighted to see the
film’s direction is precise and Belgium/Sweden), respec- Irish filmmaker Paul Duane “Although Irish cinema is fly- number of new audiences
sharp, able to make uncom- tively. R.M.N. was one of the had the pleasure of inter- ing high at the minute – we who attended this year and
fortable moments unbear- most highly-anticipated ti- viewing Gaiman in an online are very aware that audienc- by the success of our Dublin
ably tense. You could sense tles coming into the festival, masterclass, which audienc- es are not fully back to pre- On Screen cross-city initia-
the whole audience squirm having wowed audiences at es got to tune into. Gaiman pandemic numbers so it’s tive.”
in their seats during its tight Cannes last year. The film broke down his craft, dis- hugely encouraging to see
runtime. It’s no surprise that explores themes of racism, cussed key films which have
the judges for The Short xenophobia, and the dan- influenced his work, and hint-
Film awards named it Best gers of the current political ed at what the future holds
Irish Short. “It stayed with us climate, and while the burn is for Netflix’s smash TV series
long after viewing.” They also slow, the cumulative impact Sandman, which is based
complimented the “strong is immense.  on Gaiman’s groundbreak-
performances from Aoife ing comic book of the same
Duffin and Éanna Hardwicke” Appearing via video to accept name. Remote viewers were
and the “brilliant suspense the George Byrne Maverick seemingly spoiled for choice
and atmospheric tension” of Award was a delighted Mark as award-winning filmmaker
the film. Judges gave a spe- Cousins, the Belfast-born Nancy Buirski, whose docu-
cial shout-out to Janna Kem- film-maker and writer, whose mentary Desperate Souls,
perman‘s moving Shadow, March on Rome played at Dark City & The Legend of
which they said was “beauti- the festival to great applause. Midnight Cowboy had its
Irish premiere at the festival,
sat down with programmer
Here is the full list of this year’s Conor Ryan to discuss her
Dublin Film Critics Circle award winners: career in full. Lastly (and in
person!), Jane Seymour took
• Best film: The Beasts time out of her busy shooting
schedule for a public talk with
• Best director: Léa Mysius, The Five Devils
Rick O’Shea at the Hibernia
• Best screenplay: Cristian Mungiu, RMN Conference Centre in Dublin
• Best actress: Kristine Kujath Thorp, Sick of Myself Castle. As well as starring
• Best actor: Eden Dambrine, Close in the likes of Live And Let
• Best debut feature: Michal Blasko, Victim Die, Doctor Quinn, Medicine
• Best editor: Nico Leunen, Eight Mountains Woman and more recent se-
• Best cinematography: Marine Altan, Thunder ries like Harry Wild (which
• Best score: Nadah El Shazly, The Damned Don’t Cry shoots in Ireland), Seymour
• Best ensemble: How to Blow Up a Pipeline has also been a producer
on a number of projects and
• Best documentary: Kanaval: A People’s History of Haiti
discussed her varied and cel-
• Best Irish film: My Sailor, My Love ebrated career.
• Best Irish documentary: 406 Days
• George Byrne Maverick Award: Mark Cousins And just like that, the 2022
• Michael Dwyer Discovery Award: Zara Devlin Dublin International Film
Festival came to a close. “It
 Page 18 THE OSCARS www.newsfour.ie April / May 2023

Everything Everywhere All at the Oscars

A round-up of Ireland’s success at the 95th Academy Awards
n BJ Quinn
bad for Farrell. The Irish- encouraging the Dolby The-
man worked his magic during atre audience to serenade
award season, coming away the film’s star on his 31st
with a Golden Globe for his birthday, giving us one of the
efforts. The BAFTAs seemed most memorable moments of
his best chance for another the ceremony – a bonafide
prize, but Elvis’ Austin But- #OscarMoment.
ler came out on top on that
occasion. In the end, come Irish animation supervisor
Oscar night, bookies had it Richard Baneham, along
as a two horse race between with his colleagues, scooped
Butler and Fraser.  the Oscar for Best Special
Visual Effects for blockbuster
However, by that stage of the film Avatar: The Way of Wa-
ceremony we were buoyed ter. Baneham even managed
up by the fact that we already to slip a bit of Gaeilge into his
had two wins in the bag. acceptance speech, opening
An Irish Goodbye, directed with: “Go raibh míle maith
by Tom Berkeley and Ross agat to James Cameron,
White, won the Academy whose artistic thumbprint is
Award for Best Live Action on every frame of this mov-
Short Film. The heartwarm- ie. We accept these awards
ing film, which follows the on behalf of a very large
reunion of estranged siblings crew. The effects stand on
Turlough and Lorcan after the the shoulders of our actors,
untimely death of their moth- their performances are eve-
er, was made with the help rything.” The Irishman is now
of Northern Ireland Screen, a two-time Academy award

T
hat’s all, folks! An his- Four out of the five acting side Yeoh was the comeback and features a strong perfor- winner, after previously win-
toric year in Irish cine- nominations Ireland racked kid himself, Ky Huy Quan, mance from James Martin, ning the same award for the
ma wrapped up in style up were thanks to McDon- who completed his return to who has Down syndrome. first Avatar film in 2010.
at the 95th Academy Awards agh’s black comedy: Colin Hollywood by snagging the “Thank you to everybody
this past March. Though Farrell for Best Actor, Kerry Oscar for Best Supporting back home in Northern Ire- Colm Bairéad’s An Cailín
we only managed to take Condon for Best Supporting Actor. Better known for his land who helped us make Ciúin found itself in a very
home two awards out of the Actress, and Barry Keoghan 1980’s performances in In- this film,” said White, before tough category this year, with
staggering 14 nominations, and Brendan Gleeson went diana Jones and the Temple
there’s no overstating our film head-to-head for Best Sup- of Doom and The Goonies,
industry’s seismic achieve- porting Actor. And although Quan simultaneously melted
ment. Not since 1990, when Keoghan and Condon came and broke Irish hearts by
My Left Foot racked up an away with a BAFTA in the lead beating out Dublin’s own Bar-
unprecedented five nomina- up to the Oscars, Banshees ry Keoghan. “Mom, I just won
tions, has Ireland found itself failed to win any of their nine an Oscar!” said Quan, whose
the talk of Tinseltown. nominations. Most surpris- family fled Vietnam in the war
ingly, McDonagh lost out on when he was a child. “They
Even Jimmy Kimmel, playing the Best Original Screenplay say stories like this only hap-
Oscar host for the third time, award to the big winner of pen in the movies. I can’t be-
noted the large number of the night, Everything Eve- lieve it’s happening. This is
Irish contenders this year in rywhere All at Once, written the American dream.” 
his opening monologue. “It’s and directed by Daniel Kwan
been some year for diversity and Daniel Scheinert, collec- Quan’s wasn’t the only Holly-
and inclusion,” he said, “we tively known as The Daniels.  wood comeback of the night,
have nominees from every Brendan Fraser’s willingness
corner of Dublin.” Though Their film, a trippy sci-fi ad- to gain 200 pounds in pros-
he was only kidding, Kim- venture packed with martial thetic make-up finally paid
mel wasn’t too far off. Our 14 arts, boulders and bagels, off. Fraser, a popular leading
nominations included Colm won in all the big categories man of the millennial years,
Bairéad’s An Cailín Ciúin including Best Picture, Best was awarded Best Lead Ac-
(The Quiet Girl), the first film Directing, Lead Actress, Sup- tor for his full-hearted perfor-
in Irish to be nominated for porting Actor and Actress, mance in Darren Aronofsky’s
Best International Feature at Original Screenplay and Best The Whale. Fraser’s return
the Academy Awards. Martin Editing. Michelle Yeoh made is a welcome sight for those
McDonagh’s The Banshees history as the first Asian per- of us reared on 90’s clas-
of Inisherin performed be- son to win an Academy Award sics like The Mummy and
yond people’s expectations in the lead actress or actor George of the Jungle, but I’d
with nine nominations.  category. Co-starring along- be lying if I said I didn’t feel Banshees of Inisherin star Colin Farrell
 www.newsfour.ie April / May 2023 THE OSCARS Page 19

Live! “Maybe you noticed the

lip fillers and the implants,”
he joked. It has been report-
ed that the real Jenny has
retired from show business,
finally earning the chance to
put her hooves up after hit-
ting the big time.

Following last year’s “slap

heard around the world”, this
year the Academy of Motion
Picture Arts and Sciences,
who are behind the cer-
emony, implemented a cri-
sis team who were on hand
should anything unexpected
happen. Nothing did happen;
It was four-plus hours of noth-
ing happening. This year’s
ceremony felt very safe, for
better or worse. Thankfully,
live television always throws
up a few gaffes for our enjoy-
ment. The best one came at
the end of the night. Accept-
ing the Best Picture Oscar,
Jonathan Wang, one of the
producers of Everything Eve-
rywhere All at Once, teared
up as he repeated advice his
father gave him as a child:
Best Actor Brendan Fraser
“no person is more impor-
tant than profits.” He meant
Best Actress Michelle Yeoh (Image: www.vogue.fr) the opposite, clearly, but his
hilarious Freudian slip could
many high-profile pictures his role in Charlotte Wells’ ter- stand as a Hollywood man-
gunning for Best Interna- rific coming-of-age film After- tra. 
tional Feature. The Quiet Girl sun. “It’s all a bit overwhelm-
put up a good fight against ing, especially for my family, Funny blunders aside, The
the likes of BAFTA winner All because I don’t think anybody 95th Academy Awards will be
Quiet on the Western Front or even I was expecting this,” most remembered as a mar-
and Ruben Östlund’s Trian- he told BBC Radio 4’s Today vellous moment for the Irish
gle of Sadness, which won show. “I always knew that I film industry. Speaking on the
the Palme d’Or at Cannes was willing to work hard, but nation’s Hollywood success,
last year. In the end, however, when the nominations came President Michael D Higgins
Bairéad came up short, but out, something felt slightly said: “May I congratulate An
in no way does that sour the absurd about it at all.” For Irish Goodbye and Richard
incredible journey the film’s many, just seeing Mescal at Baneham for their fantas-
been on since its premiere the ceremony, dressed in a tic achievements in winning
at the Berlin Film Festival in bold white tux, was a victory the Best Live-Action Short
2022. For an Irish language in itself. Film and Best Visual Effects
film to secure a nomina- Awards respectively at last
tion at the Academy Awards A better sight, still, was the night’s Oscars ceremony.
is an astonishing achieve- real star of the show. Yes,
ment. “This is a historic day of course, I’m talking about “May I further extend my con-
for Irish film,” Bairéad said Colin Farrell’s favourite co- gratulations to Colin Farrell,
on the “champagne carpet” star, Jenny the donkey… or Paul Mescal, Kerry Condon,
(don’t ask). “It’s the first time at least that’s what we were Brendan Gleeson, Barry Ke-
an Irish-language feature film told. At one point during the oghan, Jonathan Redmond
has ever been nominated for ceremony, Kimmel walked and all involved with An Cailin
the Academy Awards. We a donkey out onstage, intro- Ciúin and The Banshees Of
are all Irish speakers our- ducing her as Jenny – yes, Inisherin for the exceptional
selves. It means a great deal the Jenny, from Banshees of recognition of their work
to us that we’re here making Inisherin. However, it turns which being nominated for an
history today.” out that the donkey was not Academy Award constitutes.
the real Jenny. “We didn’t This has been a remarkable
Paul Mescal, too, was de- think it was a good idea to fly year for the Irish film indus-
lighted just to get the nod. a donkey over from Ireland, try and is a testament to the
The Kildare actor beat Tom so we hired an LA donkey,” hard work of so many people
Cruise to be among the nom- the US talk show host later over recent decades.”
inees for Best Lead Actor for explained on Jimmy Kimmel
 Page 20 GOOGLE www.newsfour.ie April / May 2023

Google Community News Update

Google.org announces next phase of grant funding
to support local employment opportunities in Dublin
Announcement made by Minister Stephen Donnelly
TD at inaugural SNA scholarship programme gradu-
ation event

Dublin, 29 March 2023: Minister for Health Ste-

phen Donnelly TD announced funding support of
€300,000 by Google.org, the philanthropic arm of
Google, to fund nonprofits supporting local employ-
ment opportunities through the Local Employment
Task Force.

Launched in 2021 with support from Google, the

Employment Task Force aims to find sustainable
employment solutions for long-term unemployed
people from the south inner city and provide training
and development opportunities. These latest grants
by Google.org will fund skills programmes by two
nonprofits in the local area:

1. The Anchorage Project – a community-based

training programme partnered with Dreway
Academy in the Ringsend and Irishtown area.
The new skills based training will support 70 stu-
dents to obtain an ITEC certified level qualifica-
tion and soft skills to enable them to gain sustain-
able employment in the beauty and hospitality Minister Stephen Donnelly, Teresa Weafer & David Sneddon Google Ireland,
skills industries. Andrea Kirwan (Dreway & Anchorage) Jimmy Murray (Irish Nautical Trust)
2. The Irish Nautical Trust – Google.org will con-
tinue its support of this hugely successful schol-
arship programme for students to access marine
skills and technology. Launched in October 2021,
this community-based environment maritime
training programme educates local unemployed
people and school leavers on the environment.
Of 30 recent graduates, 28 have gained employ-
ment with ongoing support being provided to the
remaining two. The funding supports access for
students to obtain a certified level of maritime
skills and enable them to gain sustainable em-
ployment in the marine industry.

At the event, Minister Donnelly also presented

graduation certificates to 10 parents of children with
special needs. Each recipient completed Google’s
inaugural Special Needs Assistants scholarship pro-
gramme. A further 10 scholarships were announced
by Google covering the Docklands community.

Welcoming the partnership work of the Employment

task force made up of St Andrews Resource Centre,
Fair Play Cafe, Irish Nautical Trust, Ringsend Com-
munity Services, Ringsend & District Response to
Drugs, Dublin City Council, Department of Social Congratulations to all the amazing Neurodiversity, Irishtown, Ringsend &
Protection and members of Google it was noted that Pearse Street celebrating their qualifications in SNA.
this collaboration is vital to help identify gaps on the
 www.newsfour.ie April / May 2023 GOOGLE Page 21

ground. Google.org’s funding will support the An-

chorage Project and the Irish Nautical Trust, Minister
Donnelly said: “The employment opportunities both
these programmes provide to the students will play
a key role in not only their own futures but that of the
wider community.”

He added, “I would also like to sincerely congratu-

late today’s SNA certificate recipients and commend
them on their passion and commitment to facilitating
inclusive education in our community. SNAs play an
invaluable role in supporting the education and well-
being of students with additional needs in schools
and these parents commitment to not just the educa-
tion of their own children but those of the wider com-
munity is especially commendable.”

Jimmy Murray, Irish Nautical Trust, said, “The Irish

Nautical Trust’s mission is to create a marine training
apprenticeship programme to train and certify young
people in maritime skills to allow them to secure and
maintain long term sustainable employment. How-
ever, our work is only possible through support from
the government and organisations committed to con-
tinuing the nautical skills tradition in Dublin. We are Class 2023! Congratulations to the new
thrilled that this grant from Google.org will support a scholarship students coming through the NIRP
further 30 graduates through the training scheme.”

The special event hosted in Google Ireland Barrow

Street also witnessed the presentation of the certifi-
cates to the first 10 parents of children with special
needs who completed the Special Needs Assistants
(SNA) qualification with support from Google. This
programme was established by Google’s Educa-
tion Taskforce, a group consisting of the seven lo-
cal schools in the area, who identified the need for
SNA support. At the same time the local Neurodiver-
sity network in the community made up of over 60
families from Irishtown, Ringsend and Pearse Street
(NIRP) approached Google seeking training support
in the field of SNA and digital support.

Google supported 10 scholarships for the NIRP

group. 10 parents successfully achieved level 5 and
6 qualifications in the field of SNA. They carried out
their work experience in the local schools supported
by the Education Task Force.

Following the initial success of the programme,

Google has now announced its intention to
fund a further 10 scholarships in the Docklands
­community.

Google Teresa Weafer (Google Community Affairs) Deputy Chris Andrews,

Cllr Danny Ceitinn, Rachael Bleakley (Google) Deputy Jim O Callaghan,
Community News Update Andrea Kirwan (Dreway & Anchorage), Jimmy Murray (INT) Deputy Ivana Bacik.
 Page 22 www.newsfour.ie April / May 2023

SIÚCRA SEA SALT CHOCOLATE TART - that Perfect Easter Treat

Treat yourself or that special someone to 1. Preheat oven to 180˚C/160˚C fan/
­Siúcra’s delicious Sea Salt Chocolate Tart. gas mark 4. Roll out the pastry and use
The combination of the butter pasty and the it to line a 20cm loose-bottomed tart tin.
rich creamy filling is a match made in heaven Cover with parchment paper and fill with
baking beans. Bake for 10-15 minutes.
Serves 8
2. Remove the beans and paper and
bake for another 10 minutes until golden
Ingredients brown.

• 375g sheet of shortcrust pastry, 3. Combine the cream, sugar and salt in
• Thawed 300ml double cream a saucepan over a medium heat, stirring
• 2 tsp Siúcra Caster Sugar frequently. As soon as it comes to a boil,
• ¼ tsp sea salt, plus extra to serve remove from the heat and stir in the but-
• 50g butter, at room temperature ter and chocolate until melted.
• 200g dark chocolate, chopped
4. Leave to sit for one minute, then stir
• 50ml fresh milk
in the milk until the mixture is shiny.
 
To serve: 5. Pour into the tart shell and leave at
room temperature for about two hours
• Whipped cream until set.

6. Sprinkle sea salt flakes over the top Visit https://www.nordzuckerireland.ie/ for more recipes,
and serve with whipped cream. inspiration and top tips for cooking and baking.

Clues Crossword Clues April May 2023 Prize of €25 book token.

ACROSS: Post entries to:

1) Abandon by hopping off the boat (4, 4) NewsFour,
5) More stoned at a greater altitude? (6) 13A Fitzwilliam Street,
8) Ability, talent (8) Ringsend,
9) Roman goddess of the dawn (6) Dublin 4
10) Harangue, pester (6)
11) Iron, in short (2) by the 19th May 2023.
12) The first lady? (3)
13) A thin covering for furniture or teeth (6) The winner of our Feb/March
14) Flourish (6) 2023 crossword competition
15) Take an action against (3) is Pauline Brooks, Stillorgan.
16) Placed in order of merit (6)
17) Treatment for menopause symptoms
(1.1.1) Solutions to the February/
18) Is this designer a devout Christian? (4) March 2023 Crossword
19) Removes a branch/limb of a tree (4)
20) Wastewater pipe (5) ACROSS:
22) Peaceful (6) 1) Gone With The Wind,
24) High male singing voice (4) 8) Legislation, 10) Tulip,
25) Reveals (7) 11) Labelling, 12) Orb,
26) City in north India (5) 13) Enough, 15) Owl,
27) Resist, hold up against (9) 16) Tram, 19) Saw,
20) Cheesecake,
21) Fronds, 22) Fullness,
DOWN: 23) Shave, 24) Artichoke
1) Famine ship for historic tours in Dublin
docklands (6, 8) DOWN:
2) Cork town famous for cheese Name:......................................................................................
production (12) 1) Gelatinous,
3) Drenched (9) 2) Nigella Lawson,
Address:.................................................................................. 3) Westport, 4) Trailblazer,
4) Busy and productive (11)
5) A dramatic way to fall in love (4, 4, 5) 5) Thimble, 6) Inkling,
6) Time off for some pruning before you ................................................................................................ 7) Dredge, 9) Nelson,
start a new job (9, 5) 14) Haversack, 17) Bellini,
7) One that works on the harvest but Telephone:.............................................................................. 18) Tarnish, 20) Coddle,
can be quite grim? (6) 21) Fuss, 22) Four
11) A state of extreme excitement (5, 5)
21) A farm or salad dressing in the U.S. (5)
23) Musical about an Argentinian activist (5)
 www.newsfour.ie April / May 2023 POETRY Page 23

Coats of Colour 2019 ECHOES

By Mary Guckian By Margaret Boles

After five days at the hospital It’s the echoes

having had a successful The poignancy
operation, it was a very rainy We thought we were civilized
evening when I stepped into (Apart from the Balkans,
the front seat of the taxi for Thirty years ago),
comfort, the driver having We thought that we had lived through
a lot of bother to get onto The hungry times, some of us remember
the main road as people were There were children in our childhoods
on their way home from work. We knew had no shoes, we were thankful
Early November, he left me We were better off than that,
to my door, the street covered But those times were the leftovers
in a carpet of lemon and orange. Of the last great world conflict
Barely a generation after
Flowers in the window box The one that went before....
and pots on the footpath well We have watched the movies
watered due to the constant rain, “Carve her name with Pride”
all smiling, welcoming me home. “Sink the Bismark”
I had to take short walks and the “Mrs. Miniver”, on this island, too
little park, footsteps away, ideal We had Troubles, man’s inhumanity,
for me to be nearby. This park Cold blooded murders committed, but
a bit grim when I came to live We’d put all that behind us
here in nineteen ninety four, Generally accepted the futility
now it is full of spaces for young Of war, we told ourselves
children, playing and learning All that Patriotism
movements on the swings. That’s sending young, young men
Off to die – it had to be
As proper footpaths laid all A bloody good cause to merit it
around, every morning starting To send your young men (or women)
to circle the park, allowed me Into danger, perhaps to die.
a good walk, while coats of colour Photo: Keith Brennan But watershed moments
fell gently from the overhead Have come again, people affected
branches of the trees, planted Are not so far from us,
near Joy Street, a cosy comfort. RAOK Our industries, our tourism
I had not visited much before, By Jonathan Roth Peopled by people from those places
but now it was a delight, always I saw them there today
one pigeon picking in the grass, My favourite one anyday It was not a game, they had family there
becoming my regular friend, later Is couples from abroad on holiday. In Kiev, in Odessa, in Dnieper,
young men and boys will gather It’s either a photo of him or of her In Kharkiev....
and play sport in the football space. Would you like one together?

Most Raoks only take a minute

But their effects can be infinite.
People unused to unrequited kindness
Helen Always thinking of their own life’s mess.
By Margaret Boles
The open door for ladies is no more
If she heard a bird sing Most pass on with eyes to the floor.
in a hedge or a tree But it only takes a single second
She knew by its song To most ladies it will not offend.
What bird she would see.
She knew all the calls A more difficult one to call
Robin, Blackbird, and Thrush A begger on his knees making small.
Sparrow, Blue Tit or Wren It is difficult to pass and refuse
She knew the calls, enjoyed them, But for some is it merely a ruse?
As our mother had, in her day
Watched Rooks and Crows A small flick of the finger
Return to roosts by evening, And then you go slow.
Listened to their chattering A smile, nod and a wave
They were her friends. Indicator on and off they go.

My most favourite Raok

Is one I get to receive.
The one that will remind all of us
Do a Random Act Of Kindness.
 Page 24 www.newsfour.ie April / May 2023

Dublin Waste to Energy Community

Gain Projects Grant Scheme 2023
The Community Gain Liaison Committee is delighted to ­announce that
the Dublin Waste to Energy Community Gain Projects Grant Scheme
2023 is open for applications from the 7th April 2023 to the 19th May
2023 ­inclusive.

The amount of grant funding available for disbursement is based on

an annual contribution by Dublin Waste to Energy Limited which itself
is d
­ etermined by the amount of waste accepted for thermal treatment
at the facility. On this occasion a total amount of €1 million will
be available for disbursement to e
­ ligible ­projects within the Irishtown,
Ringsend and Sandymount catchment area.

Full details, catchment area map and application forms

are a­vailable by e ­-mail at cglc@dublincity.ie or online at
www.dublincity.ie/dwte

Refurbishment of Ringsend and Irishtown Community Centre

Who are The Dublin Waste to Energy Community Gain Liaison
Committee?
Sandymount as outlined on the map. ­facilitated by Dublin City Council.
The current membership of the Dublin Waste to Energy Community Gain What is The Dublin Waste to En-
­Liaison Committee is: ergy Community Gain Projects The Scheme supports projects that:
Grant Scheme?
• Will enhance the local area of Irish-
Peter McLoone Chairperson
The Dublin Waste to Energy Commu- town, Ringsend and Sandymount
Eimear McCormack Community Representative nity Gain Projects Grant Scheme is and directly benefit the people within
Anthony McDonald Community Representative an agreed mechanism to assess and those areas.
David Turner Community Representative fund proposals from local commu-
nity groups, voluntary organisations, • Will have a positive effect on the
Cllr. James Geoghegan Elected Representative
environmental, arts and educational available community facilities and
Cllr. Dermot Lacey Elected Representative groups, sports clubs, and individuals services.
Cllr. Paddy McCartan Elected Representative for the development of community,
Kieran Mullins, Project Director, Contractor Representative recreational, educational, cultural • Will enhance the physical appear-
Dublin Waste to Energy Ltd. and environmental projects and initi- ance of the local area, thereby pro-
atives within the Irishtown, Ringsend moting community pride.
Brian Hanney, South East Area Manager DCC Official
and Sandymount catchment area.
James Nolan, Executive Manager DCC Official • Seek to fulfil a genuine need within
The Projects Grant Scheme is fund- the community i.e. where there is
What is The Dublin Waste to by Dublin Waste to Energy Ltd. to the ed by Dublin Waste to Energy Limit- lack of facilities and/or services of the
Energy Community Gain Fund? Community Gain Fund. ed through its Community Gain Fund type proposed.
and the disbursement of grants is
A Community Gain Fund was estab- The purpose of the Dublin Waste to
lished for the catchment area of Irish- Energy Community Gain Fund is to
town, Ringsend, and Sandymount, provide financial assistance to a di-
in accordance with Planning Permis- verse range of local community, vol-
sion, reference 29S.EF2022 and In- untary and charitable groups, arts
dustrial Emissions Directive Licence, and educational institutions, sports
reference W0232-01, granted by An clubs, environmental groups and
Bord Pleanála and the Environmen- individuals for the development of
tal Protection Agency respectively, community, educational, recreation-
for the Dublin Waste to Energy Pro- al, cultural, environmental and local
ject. heritage projects and works which
will be of longstanding benefit to the
The Community Gain Fund com- communities in the Irishtown, Ring-
prises a once-off capital contribution send and Sandymount catchment
and an annual contribution of €1 per area.
tonne of waste accepted for thermal
treatment at the facility. The annual What is The Dublin Waste to
contribution of €1 per tonne is updat- Energy Community Gain Catch-
­
ed in accordance with the consumer ment Area?
price index and equates to about
€600K per annum. Since 2014, The Catchment area comprises the
around €13.09m has been credited areas of Irishtown, Ringsend and
 www.newsfour.ie April / May 2023 Page 25

‘Sea Adventure’ playground in Sean Moore Park

Harry Clarke Studios and Earley’s clubhouse. Our energy costs have
Studios and are magnificent pieces reduced due to the solar panels and
of Irish heritage. new diesel generator we’ve installed.
Finally, the new LED floodlights pro-
• Ringsend Irishtown Tidy Towns vide a safer environment, lower run-
Irishtown Stadium Extension Environment Group used the €2K ning costs, and increased playing
provided by the Community Gain time for our members.”
• Are socially inclusive and accessi- The funding has assisted many re- Fund to completely transform Ben’s
ble without discrimination to all mem- cipients create and provide new Lane in Irishtown. They turned what Clanna Gael Fontenoy GAA Club,
bers of the local community. services or activities and reach new was once a public eyesore into a Irishtown.
members. clean, accessible area that the com-
• Are viable and sustainable in the munity of Irishtown can be proud of. “The impact has been great. We
long-term. Grant recipients have also used the have had cleaner air in our school,
grant funding to improve places and Some Feedback from Grant Re- which was highly reassuring to staff,
• Are supported by the local commu- spaces within their community and in cipients on the Positive Impacts of pupils and parents during the pan-
nity. doing so cultivate a stronger sense of the Dublin Waste to Energy Grant demic. We have an upgraded boiler
community pride, identity and social Funding: system, which has resulted in effi-
• Are possibly based on a co-opera- connectedness. ciencies at a time of rising fuel costs.
tive proposal from several groups so “The Grant supported us with the Our infant playground has resulted
as to create a more sustainable use Some of the Completed Grant-Aid- much needed renovation works to our in greater movement, fun and happi-
of resources by sharing facilities. ed Projects: hydrotherapy pool in Sandymount, ness for our youngest pupils.”
and also allowed us to purchase spe-
Applications are invited to submit • The renovation of Ringsend and cialised equipment which supports Star of the Sea BNS, Sandymount.
proposals to the Scheme for assess- Irishtown Community Centre to people with disability/support needs
ment by the Committee. The Com- which the Dublin Waste to Energy to access the pool.” “The impact of the funding received
mittee carefully evaluates each ap- Community Gain Fund contributed from the Dublin Waste to Energy
plication against the Projects Grant €1.4m. Enable Ireland, Sandymount. Grant has meant that we have been
Scheme’s general conditions and able to keep our programme open to
criteria and only selects those that • The extension to Irishtown Stadi- “The impact of the grant funding has all young girls in our area who want
will provide the maximum community um. This project was undertaken by been huge. The clubs members to be members of our Girl Guide
benefit. Crusaders Athletic Club and St. Pat- have benefitted greatly from the im- Unit. The cost to parents have been
rick’s CYFC. The overall cost of the proved facilities such as the new As- greatly reduced so we have been in
How has the Local Areas of Irish- project amounted to circa €2.75m to troturf and netting, the superb gym a position to reach out to more young
town, Ringsend and Sandymount which the Dublin Waste to Energy facility and the state-of-the art dress- girls and keep our members involved
Benefitted from the Dublin Waste Community Gain Fund contributed ing rooms. We’ve added a coaches at a reasonable cost.”
to Energy Grant Funding? €2.02m, with the remaining funding and teams gear room which is now
being provided by the two clubs and among the most used rooms in the Ringsend Girl Guides.
There has been four Projects Grant a contribution from Dublin City Coun-
Schemes to date, one in 2016, 2017, cil.
2019 and 2021. So far, a total of 133
community groups, schools, religious • Ringsend College built a science
and sporting organisations in the laboratory with their €120K grant
Irishtown, Ringsend and Sandymount funding.
catchment area have received grant
funding of around €11.29m. • In collaboration with Dublin City
Council, Sandymount Tidy Towns
The grant funding has had positive Community Association construct-
impacts both for individuals and the ed a new playground in Seán Moore
local community. Grant recipients Park with the €227K received from
have used their grant funding to in- the Community Gain Fund.
crease their capacity and develop
and improve their services and ac- • The restoration of St. Patrick’s
tivities. The funding has enabled re- Church, Ringsend stained glass
cipients to reach more people in their windows was made possible by the
local community, thereby increasing €188K granted by the Community
their accessibility and inclusivity and Gain Fund. These windows were
enhancing community engagement. originally created and installed by New Science Laboratory in Ringsend College
 Page 26 DCC NOTES www.newsfour.ie April / May 2023

n Dermot Carmody
DCC Notes
directly instruct them to carry out based on the priorities of Image: Keith Brennan
Councillors Frustrated By out the work. Utilities compa- the utilities companies which
Proliferation Of Tarmac nies schedule the work on re- are not the same.
“Blobs” instatement to footpaths and
roads and the council merely Cllr Byrne (GP) called it a
Ms. Deri Flood, Senior Exec- instructs them to carry out “classic symptom of decen-
utive Engineer DCC, spoke those works to the required tralisation of our services”
to the Southeast Area Com- standard. They are required and said she didn’t under-
mittee (SEAC) Meeting held to return the openings to their stand how “dumping tarmac”
on March 13th, in answer previous condition within 90 is accepted even as an in-
to widespread concern with days. If they don’t do that terim solution. She charac-
the unsightly and hazardous they remain responsible for terised it as a “crazy situa- deposit scheme limiting the is coming is unconscionable
states of roads and pave- the openings, so any acci- tion” where utility companies amount of openings annually and claimed that thousands
ments in many places as a dents that take place are their seem to be able to do what by utilities. That deposit in- of families will be put on the
result of works carried out by responsibility and the utilities they want.  creases if there are too many streets without measures to
utilities companies. are aware of this. They are openings caused by a utility. help being in place when the
also aware of all complaints Other councillors expressed DCC does not pay claims on ban ends.
Councillors including Cllr that come in. frustration as well, including temporary replacement of
Deacy (Soc Dem), Cllr Claire Cllr James Geoghan (FG), pavement, she said. Claims Cllr James Geoghan (FG)
Byrne (Green Party) and Cllr Ms Flood said that in eve- who gave an example where are “triaged” to decide who said nobody in government
Mary Freehill (Labour) ex- ry case where a complaint he chased up Irish Water for is responsible and the utility wanted to make a decision
pressed great dissatisfaction comes in to the Council about 10 months or more to get a will take it on unless there is that might exacerbate the
with the state of pavements these openings she goes to particular pavement rein- a dispute and a subsequent homeless crisis. He ques-
in a number of areas in the the utilities and asks what statement done properly. He court battle as to who is li- tioned the policies of Sinn
Southeast Area and through- they are going to do about it. said Irish Water are the main able. In cases like that, DCC Féin and the Social Demo-
out the city, where openings In some cases they can rein- culprits and wondered if they might have to pay some of crats, asking when did they
in the road or pavement for state the paths straight away do not have any pride in their the claim. plan to let evictions take
works have been closed but in some cases they can’t work, pointing out that devel- place again. He pointed
with the use of rough tarmac - for example where works opers don’t leave the place Cllr Lacely suggested that out measures that could be
“blobs”. are large scale and not yet “in an absolute tip.”  Flood might do a written re- taken by local authorities in-
finished, such as the replace- port on these issues which cluding DCC to help provide
Ms. Flood told councillors that ment of lead water pipes in Cllr Daniel Céitinn (SF) said he felt merited deeper con- housing and said that coun-
tarmac blobs are temporarily a street. Ms Flood admitted that the council doesn’t seem sideration by SEAC.  cillors from all parties should
done by individual works by that “it is a mess” with “holes to have enforcement powers work together at a local level
utilities. She said she has a being dug all over the place,” to fine companies. “We have SEAC Divided On Party to achieve that.
team of nine people for the but insisted that DCC is mon- to have a stick so we can en- Lines Over Motion Calling
council “inspecting all such itoring it.  force these standards,” he For Extension Of Ban On Cllr Mannix Flynn (Independ-
works constantly” and noted said. Evictions ent) said that the only meth-
that it’s not feasible for the 40% of openings are Irish od we have to keep people
utilities to permanently fix the Water (now Uisce Eireann), Cllr Tara Deas (Soc Dem) Cllr Pat Dunne (Independ- in a home is to challenge
openings at the same time as 20% are ESB and 12% are said that the perception is ents4Change) proposed a evictions in court. He said
they fix the service. gas networks. The remain- that DCC should be fixing motion calling for the exten- he wants to “flood the courts
der are divided between “in- paths and people come to sion of the ban on no fault with challenges to the evic-
Ms. Flood said the majority ternal” DCC utilities and the councillors trying to get them evictions. He noted the in- tions” and says that then you
of these road openings were telecommunications compa- fixed. She also called for crease in homelessness in will see change. Cllr Flynn
the result of “reactive calls” nies (telcos). There’s a mas- DCC to be able to fine utili- the area and said that hous- said that it was a “humanitari-
to emergencies such as gas ter plan in place between the ties who don’t fix openings in ing solutions should have an issue” and that councillors
leaks or water mains leaks Department of Heritage and a timely fashion. been put in place a long time “need to support those who
and telecommunications Local Government and Uisce ago. He appealed for council- are terrified of being thrown
blackouts or disconnections. Eireann to carry out openings Responding to councillors, lors from government parties onto the streets or into emer-
Utilities companies have stat- in a more timely fashion in Ms. Flood said tarmacadam to support the motion. Saying gency accommodation.”
utory rights to carry out nec- line with everybody else. This is an unsightly but accept- he would not support the mo-
essary works and must apply is due to start in June 2023 able form of reinstatement, tion, Cllr Pat McCartan (FG) Cllr Lacey (Lab) criticised of-
for licences online to do so. and be fully in place by June but that it’s not supposed to said the eviction ban was a ficials in the Department of
The licences are issued on 2024, and should, Ms. Flood be there for as long as is the short term measure but that Housing and Department of
the condition that the utilities said, “bring an improvement case sometimes. She said the short term benefit of ex- Expenditure and said they
restore the openings to their in what you see out in the DCC does constantly patrol tending the ban would drive have deliberately sought to
original condition and to the ground.” openings, but doesn’t get out small landlords and wors- dismantle the effectiveness
standards required.  sight of them unless it gets en the situation. of local government.
Responding to Ms Flood’s complaints about them. She
Ms Flood said DCC does not remarks, Cllr Lacey (Lab) pointed out there are 30000 Responding in support of Cllr Dunne (I4C), concluded
accept the temporary tarmac- called it “quite depressing” such openings a year and the motion, Cllr Daniel Cé- debate on his motion saying
adam covering and chases because it seems that “All of only nine staff patrolling.  iteann (SF) said that ending it was interesting to hear Fine
up the utility companies until the balls are in the hands of the ban is cruel and is putting Gael councillors support the
they reinstate the paths and the utilities.” He said it seems Ms Flood said there’s no people out on the street. He small landlords and suggest-
roads to their original condi- that while the priority of DCC specific fines for not finishing said the suggestion that it’s ing that they don’t support
tion. However, DCC does is the safety of the roads and work early enough or proper- okay now to put people on the tenants involved.
not have the jurisdiction to pathways, the work is carried ly, but there is an aggregate the street because summer
 www.newsfour.ie April / May 2023 Page 27

Q & A with Elaine Corcoran Railway Union Bowling Club

As the new summer lawn bowling season of 2023 gets underway at Rail-
way Union Sports Club in Park Avenue, Sandymount, NewsFour went
along to find out what was happening and spoke with some of the Club
members:

“As always there will be a warm welcome for new members to Park Av-
enue who wish to become part of a friendly and inclusive Club. We wel-
come new players of all ages and abilities. If you wish to play at a com-
petitive level or simply want to stay fit and active, there is a place for you
at Railway Union.

Beginners find that hand-eye coordination skills that they have learned in
other sports stand them in good stead when it comes to learning to play
lawn bowls. Beginners are welcome to join us on Wednesday evenings,
from the beginning of April, in Park Avenue throughout the summer and
there will be members available to teach them how to play and master the
skills of this very enjoyable sport. Lawn Bowls is a sport that all members
of the family can play together. The Club will provide all the equipment
that you will need to play for the first time. All that we request is that you
wear flat-soled footwear.

We also welcome inquiries from other local sports clubs, business houses
and associations in our community who wish to book our facilities for staff
or group outings. These proved to be highly successful and enjoyable
social events in 2022 and we look forward to hosting them again in 2023.

Elaine Corcoran is a Solicitor work- You should review your Will to en- A warm welcome is extended to everyone in our community to come and
ing in Ringsend, she is mum of two sure that your intentions are clearly join us in 2023 at Park Avenue. There is a Place for Everyone in Our
boys and lives locally. She is here set out. Club.”
to answer readers’ questions and
to give some guidance on current Dear Elaine Further details from Philip at 083 899 8972.
legal trends / developments. Elaine
can be contacted on 01 5617900 I live in an apartment and my man-
or by email: elaine@corcoransolici- agement company has written to
tors.com me to say that I cannot have my dog
in the apartment. My landlord didn’t
Please email any questions that advise me that I could not keep my
you have for Elaine to newsfour@ dog in my apartment. I have been
gmail.com. here for two years without any is-
sue. What is the position?
Dear Elaine
Daniel
I have two adult children who in
turn have children of their own. Can Hi Daniel,
I enquire as to what would happen
if one of my children were to prede- When a person purchases a prop-
cease me. Would my grandchildren erty in a managed development
be entitled to their parents’ share of such as an apartment they typically
my estate? sign a deed that contains a number
of covenants or promises. I am as-
Sheila suming that there is a covenant in
your landlord’s deed/lease which
Hi Sheila, states that they are not allowed to
keep animals. These covenants
There are two scenarios here. First- are put in place for the wellbeing of
ly if you were to die without a Will, the development as a whole. Cov-
you would die intestate and under enants extend not only to the pur-
the rules of intestacy, the share of chaser of the property but to their
the predeceased child would fall assignees, tenants etc. I would ad-
down to the pre-decedent’s’ sur- vise speaking to your landlord and
viving children (i.e. your grandchil- asking them to get a copy of the
dren). If however you die with a Will deed of covenants and examine the
in place, the Will needs to explicitly exact wording in relation to animals
state that you want the share of in the development.
any pre-deceased child to go the
children of such predeceased child
upon your death. If this is not clearly Elaine.
stated in the Will, the estate would
fall to the surviving child and your
grandchildren would not inherit.
Page 28 1993 www.newsfour.ie April / May 2023

Compiled by Louise Whelan

Woop! End of year prizes at the Tech lol~ lots of locals in this one

Lollipop ladies are the best!

Summer Project kids

Ringsend Youth Group was the place to be in ‘93

The Special Olympics squad for the Lenister Games

 www.newsfour.ie April / May 2023 1993 Page 29

Left - We are family!

All the cousins who attend
St Patrick’s GNS

Right - New jewellers in

Sandymount Green

Left - Bath Avenue

Ladies group raised
nearly 4,000 for GOAL

Right - Photo Exhibition

featuring Mrs Maureen
Siggins and Mrs
Iris Charles

Carla Daly & Ciara McGovern created Trevor Delany of Pearse St, Having fun at the Summer Project
Martian Clothing with cool tee shirts brave soldier & diplomat
 Page 30 COMMUNITY MATTERS www.newsfour.ie April / May 2023

Dublin City Council’s Community Team

n Ronan O’Donnell place and there’s lots more in Morning every Thursday

I
the pipeline for April and May. for over 65s, offering a The South East Area’s Older
t’s undoubtedly been the warm cuppa, newspa- Persons’ Council has also
busiest ever start to a year Donnybrook Active Retire- pers, cards and games as recently been relaunched.
for our Team in providing ment Association are con- well as lots of chat every The OPC, a recognised
support to events, activi- tinuing to organise events week. This is currently ‘voice’ for older people in the
ties and projects in the area. every second Tuesday af- being run on a pilot basis area and going forward, will
It’s impossible to capture all ternoon at the new Donny- so be sure to pop along be involved in local decision
within a couple of pages but brook Parish Centre, located and lend your support! making and national consul-
hopefully the following gives next to the Church of the Sa- tation on relevant issues.
a good snapshot of some of cred Heart. In recent times, Moving on to Pearse Street, Set of Cloud Spotters
that inspirational work being they’ve hosted a Going Wild St Andrew’s Resource
carried out in the community in Your Garden Talk from Centre Senior Care has Two hugely valuable new ad- Arts in the Community
by volunteers, groups and lo- RTÉ & Virgin TV wildlife ex- some really exciting perfor- ditions to facilities in the area
cal centres/organisations. pert, Eanna Ní Lamhna, Sin- mances coming up including are the Ringsend & Irishtown The committee of the all new
. galongs Afternoons and The Songs from the Silver Screen Dementia Café and Sensory Sandymount Community
Importance of Being Oscar with vocal harmony trio The Garden at Ringsend & Irish- Centre on Newbridge Av-
Age Friendly one-man play. Charming Soubrettes, a Sin- town Community Centre enue have been doing tro-
galong Afternoon with Pas- which were both launched jan work in bringing together
A host of Age Friendly events Sandymount Community times, and pre-Bloomsday in February. The Dementia the local community through
ranging from musical tea Centre on Newbridge Av- musical bonanza with Songs Café and Sensory Garden a range of activities and
dances to talks to bingo enue is now hosting a weekly of Joyce. aim to provide a much need- events. With support from our
nights have been taking Home from Home Drop-in ed social outlet, not only for Community Team and Sand-
local residents with demen- ymount Tidy Towns Commu-
tia, but also for their relatives nity Association, the Centre
and carers whilst facilitating has been presenting a Sand-
access to information and ymount Culture Programme
support. The Cloud Spot- on a near monthly basis, of-
ter play formed part of the fering theatre, poetry, music
launch week’s programme and more. Admission is free
and was performed daily to to all events with a donation
sell out audiences with key box at the door for support
stakeholders such as MABS, for future events. In Febru-
Clanwilliam Counselling and ary there was a compelling
Dementia Advisors from the tapestry of theatre with The
Alzheimer’s Society also in Importance of Being Oscar,
attendance to provide in- whilst March saw a wonder-
formation of services avail- fully intimate You  Must  Be-
able. Warming up the audi- lieve  in  Spring concert from
ence each day were local the Emilie Conway Jazz Trio.
balladeers, The Pullovers, Be sure to keep an eye out
who went down a storm. on the Centre’s website for
The Centre will also be host- future events.
ing an Easter Tea Dance on https://sandymountcommuni-
Wednesday, 5th April. tycentre.ie/current-activities-
and-events/
As part of our Community
Roses Project, over 200 pot- There will be more communi-
ted roses were distributed to ty theatre at the Ringsend &
older and vulnerable people Irishtown Community Cen-
in the community during Val- tre throughout April and May,
entine’s Week in partnership starting with a double header
with local centres and groups of Beezie and A Galway Girl
in Ringsend, Irishtown, on the evening of Thursday,
Pearse Street and Donny- 6th April. Beezie is written
brook. The idea behind this and performed by Sheila Flit-
initiative was to remind older ton (Mrs. McCormack/The
and vulnerable people that Banshee in The Banshees
there is care in the local com- of Inisherin) and tells the true
munity and that neighbours story of a woman from Sligo
are on hand to help. Follow- who decided to live her life
ing its success, this initia- alone on an island off the
tive is being extended to St west coast. A Galway Girl,
Patrick’s Week and Easter to be performed by Michael
with 1200 tri-colour roses be- Judd and Sinéad Colreavy,
ing distributed by residents is an absorbing play, mix-
groups and our Sheltered ing humour and tragedy that
Housing Liaison Officers dur- charts the ups and downs of
ing March and April. a couple who leave small-
 www.newsfour.ie April / May 2023 COMMUNITY MATTERS Page 31

The annual licences for our ies also provided a Pop Up

allotments at Herbert Park Library featuring a variety of
and Ringsend Park have books from Irish female au-
now been renewed. Due to thors.
the huge demand for plots,
the waiting list unfortunately
remains closed. St Patrick’s Week Celebra-
tions
International & Inclusion
Day At time of writing, a number
of events and activities for
The Talk About Youth Project all ages were due to take
will be hosting its inaugural place in the area including a
International & Inclusion Day parade through the villages
event on 13th April at St An- of Sandymount, Ringsend
drew’s Resource Centre on and Irishtown, organised by
Pearse Street. On the menu Clanna Gael Fontenoy GAA
will be Art Workshops, Music Club which was to be fol-
and a Kahoot Quiz, all based lowed by a family day at their
on diversity and inclusion. In clubhouse.  We continue to
addition there’ll be Sporting support the distribution of
Activities, Carnival Games, care packs to those who are
a Virtual Reality Zone, Mind- vulnerable in the community
fulness and an Adult Space over holiday periods and for
where people can chat and that week, Dublin City Li-
have a cuppa. braries provided us with 100
Quick-Read books for the
The Pullovers care packs being distributed
International Women’s Day within Dublin 2, 4 and 6 by
town Ireland for London in 4 and they will be marking packed youth programmes Ranelagh Meals on Wheels.
the 1950s. An evening not to World Autism Awareness organised by Pearse Area In conjunction with our Li-
be missed! Looking ahead to Day with a Family Day on Recreation Centre, Ringsend braries Outreach Team and To conclude, we’d just like to
May, the Centre will also be the grounds of Monkstown & Irishtown Community Cen- Ringsend & Irishtown Com- say a huge thanks to all vol-
hosting the May Day Festival Rugby Club on Park Avenue, tre and the Talk About Youth munity Centre, we organised unteers, groups, centres and
and the very first Ringsend with lots of family fun to be on Project. a Talk at the Catholic Men & organisations for their efforts
Rock Festival! offer there too. Women’s Society of Ireland and invaluable work in the
Meanwhile Tea Dances, Bin- on Joe Moran’s Ringsend community. Thank you also
Finally, Merrion Square Art- Our most helpful Dublin City go Bonanzas, Bridge, Musi- Plaza sculpture “The Door” to all of our local Councillors
ists Association will com- Libraries Outreach Team cal Singalongs and Theatre which highlights the issue for their ongoing support to
plement their weekly Open are arranging to have 100 Evenings will be taking place of domestic abuse against all of the above events and
Art Gallery on 23rd April with books available on a long- to cater for our older resi- women. This talk was given projects.
an Art for All Day. Taking term loan basis at Ringsend dents. by one of our Historians in
place will be Art Demonstra- Library for Neurodiversity Residence, James Curry and Community Development
tions, Face Painting and a Irishtown Ringsend & Pearse was absolutely engrossing, Team (Pembroke & South
Family Creative Space to en- Street. These 50+ titles re- Friends of Green Spaces with valuable input from both East Inner City) Contact:
courage young and old to get lating to Autism, Asperger’s Joe Moran himself and other South East Area Office,
involved in art. syndrome and other disor- With Spring in the air, Tidy members of the audience. Dublin City Council, Civic
ders will cater for both chil- Towns and numerous envi- To complement activities Offices, Wood Quay, Dub-
dren and adults on the spec- ronmental groups have been taking place at Ringsend & lin 8. Email: southeast@
Autism Awareness Week trum. out in force again cleaning, Irishtown Community Centre dublincity.ie Phone: (01)
planting and making their ar- that day, Dublin City Librar- 2222243
Neurodiversity Irishtown eas extra colourful. In 2022,
Ringsend & Pearse Street Easter our Team supported over 65
will be launching their Au- environmental projects in our
tism Friendly Towns at Ring- A packed Easter programme work catchment area which
send Park with special guest has been planned throughout demonstrates just how much
Adam Harris, CEO of AsIAm the South East Area with a great work is being done out
invited along to unveil their strong focus on our flat com- there. With regards Planter
new Communication Board plexes where local residents Projects, the focus over the
at the playground. Also tak- continue to make such big Spring period is on the re-
ing place will be a ‘Walk with efforts for the good of all in furbishment of many boxes
Me’ lap of the park and a their community. Activities already in our villages and
family day featuring Wooly ranging from the PAW Pa- along our streets, with a
Farm’s Bunny Zone, a Cake trol DJ Dance Party to Car- painting and planting pro-
Sale, Street Performers and nival Games to Easter Egg gramme underway since
lots more fun entertainment. Hunts will be taking place in February. A Hanging basket
many of our complexes in- project is now also in place
Neurodiversity Sand- cluding City Quay, Conway in Sandymount Village in
ymount are another group Court, Glovers Court, Leo partnership with the local
driving education, awareness Fitzgerald House, Markievicz Tidy Towns group and busi-
and inclusivity for neurodi- House and Pearse House. nesses. Emilie Conway at SCC
vergent individuals in Dublin In addition, there’ll be fun-
 Page 32 COMMUNITY MATTERS www.newsfour.ie April / May 2023

Community Event Listings - April 2023

Pembroke & South East Inner City wards
Below is a list of events and projects munity Centre, Newbridge Avenue Thursday, 6th April at 2pm – Songs Thursday, 13th April – P.A.R.C East-
organised by local groups/centres, all (weekly) from the Silver Screen with the er Day Trip to Lullymore Pet Farm in
supported by Dublin City Council’s Charming Soubrettes vocal trio at Kildare as part Pearse Area Recrea-
South East Area Community Team. Monday, 3rd April at 7pm – CY East- Main Hall, St. Andrew’s Resource tion Centre’s two week Easter Camp 
er Bingo Bonanza at the Catholic Centre, 114-116 Pearse Street for St.  
Saturday, 1st April from 2-4pm – Men & Women’s Society of Ireland, Andrew’s Senior Care  Thursday, 13th April from 10-2pm –
Glovers Court Pre-Easter Party opposite Ringsend Library  International & Inclusion Day with
with Wooly Farm’s Bunny Zone, Thursday, 6th April at 3pm - Char- Live Music, Carnival Games and lots
Magic Show, Balloon Modelling, an Tuesday, 4th April at 2.30pm – His- lemont Community Resource Cen- of family fun at St Andrew’s Resource
appearance by the Easter Bunny and tory Talk at Donnybrook Parish Cen- tre Nature Day featuring the Bunny Centre, Pearse Street.  Organised by
more. tre for Donnybrook Active Retirement Zone Mobile Farm at Charlemont Talk About Youth Project 
Association. New members welcome. Community Resource Centre, Char-
Saturday, 1st April from 3-6pm – lemont Street  Tuesday, 18th April at 2.30pm – His-
Pearse House Pre-Easter Party Tuesday, 4th April at 8pm – Theatri- torical Talk on Donnybrook by Be-
with Carnival Games, the DJ Anna & cal Double Bill (‘Beezie’ & ‘A Gal- Thursday, 6th April from 3-5pm atrice Doran at Donnybrook Parish
PAW Patrol Dance Party, Stilt Walker, way Girl’) at St Kevin’s Community – Beech Hill Knitting Club at Centre for Donnybrook Active Retire-
Face Painting, an appearance by the Centre, Bloomfield Avenue, Portobel- Beech Hill Court Community Room, ment Association
Easter Bunny & lots more.  lo. Organised in partnership with St Beech Hill Court Sheltered Housing
Kevin’s Community Council Scheme, Donnybrook (weekly) Tuesday, 18th April at 8pm – ‘Rath-
Sunday, 2nd April from 1-3pm – mines: an Architectural and Social
Launch of Autism Friendly Towns 4-6 April – Easter Tricolour Rose Thursday, 6th April at 7.30pm – The- History’ Talk by Arran Henderson
by Neurodiversity Irishtown, Ring- Project in partnership with various atrical Double Bill (‘Beezie’ & ‘A at St. Kevin’s Community Centre,
send & Pearse Street for World Au- Residents Groups and DCC Shel- Galway Girl’) at Ringsend & Irish- Bloomfield Avenue, Portobello. Or-
tism Awareness Day at Ringsend tered Housing Liaison Officers town Community Centre, Thorncastle ganised by Portobello Tidy Towns
Park .  Street.  Organised in partnership with
4-14 April - Charlemont R.I.C.C. Friday, 21st April at 7.30pm – Sand-
Community Resource ymount Culture Programme Poet-
Centre Easter Pro- 7-10 April – Boyne Street Commu- ry Evening at Sandymount Commu-
gramme for young peo- nity Care with distribution of Care nity Centre, Newbridge Avenue
ple, Charlemont Street Packs & Easter Eggs to older and
Area  vulnerable residents by Boyne Street Friday, 21st April at 8pm – The Im-
Residents Association portance of Being Oscar performed
Wednesday, 5th April at by Michael Judd at St. Kevin’s Com-
11am – Ringsend Com- 7-10 April – Fairview Avenue & munity Centre, Bloomfield Avenue,
munity Services Fo- Square Community Care with distri- Portobello. Organised in partnership
rum & Spellman Cen- bution of Care Packs & Easter Eggs with St. Kevin’s Community Council
tre Easter Party at The to older and vulnerable residents by
Spellman Centre, 17 Fairview Avenue & Square Residents Sunday, 23rd April from 11-2pm –
Irishtown Road Art for All Day at Merrion Square;
Saturday, 8th April –  City Quay organised by Merrion Square Artists
Wednesday, 5th April at Easter Egg Hunt at City Quay Area Association as part of their weekly
2pm - Ringsend & Irish- Open-Air Art Gallery
town Easter Tea Dance 8-10 April –  Ringsend & Irishtown
at Ringsend & Irishtown Tidy Towns and Environment Chil- Please note that for various reasons,
Sunday, 2nd April from 1-4pm – Neu- Community Centre with live music dren’s Easter Art Competition & events can be subject to change.
rodiversity Sandymount Family from Pastimes and special guest ap- Clean Up in Ringsend and Irish-
Day for World Autism Awareness pearances from Waffles the Wonder- town 
Day at Monkstown Rugby Club, Park ful & the Easter Bunny.  Spot prizes
Avenue, Sandymount and refreshments also on offer! Saturday, 8th April from 2-4pm –
Leo Fitzgerald House Easter Par-
Sunday, 2nd April from 2-4pm – Lans- Wednesday, 5th April at 3pm - Char- ty with Wooly Farm’s Bunny Zone,
downe and District Residents’ As- lemont Community Resource a guest appearance by the Easter
sociation (LADRA) Easter Treas- Centre Easter Party with Waffles Bunny and more, Hogan Place. 
ure Hunt starting outside Ryan’s the Wonderful Magic Show, Balloon
Beggars Bush, 115 Haddington Road Modeller, Stilt Walker and guest ap- Saturday, 8th April from 2-4pm –
pearance from the Easter Bunny at Markievicz House Easter Party
Sunday, 2nd April from 3-6pm – Con- Charlemont Community Resource with Danspire Dance & Games
way Court Pre-Easter Party at Unit Centre Party, Carnival Games, a guest ap-
18, Trinity Enterprise Centre, Macken pearance by the Easter Bunny and
Street with the DJ Anna Dance Party, Thursday, 6th April from 10-12pm – more, Townsend Street
Balloon Modelling, Face Painting and Home from Home Drop-in Morning
more.  at Sandymount Community Centre 8-9 April –  Hanover Reach Easter
for over 65s, offering a warm cuppa, Egg Giveaway to children at Han-
Monday, 3rd April at 2.15pm – Iris newspapers, cards and games as over Reach Apts, Forbes Street,
Charles Bridge Club Easter Spe- well as lots of chat (pilot project – Grand Canal Dock 
cial with raffle at Sandymount Com- weekly)
Page 34 PHOTO DIARY www.newsfour.ie April / May 2023

Ballsbridge and Donnybrook Pictorial by Keith Brennan

www.newsfour.ie April / May 2023 PHOTO DIARY Page 35
 Page 36 SPORT www.newsfour.ie April / May 2023

Railway Union Win Silver at Eurohockey

Indoor Club Trophy in France
by coaches Gareth Wyburgh were caught on the counter-
and Michael Fulham, Railway attack to go 3-0 down. Orla
played a very tactical game. Patton got a goal back but
The first half was a cagey Railway were unable to add
affair with little between the to the score, with the game
teams, but Jenny Long put ending 3-1 to East Grinstead.
Railway ahead to lead 1-0 at
half time. Railway extended With a squad of 10 Railway
their lead by 2 goals in the did exceptionally well to fin-
3rd quarter through Lily Lloyd ish 2nd in such a competitive
and Sarah Patton. WAC European tournament. This
scored in the final quarter but gains them promotion to the
Railway were 3-1 winners. top Eurohockey Indoor Club
Cup competition in 2024, only
In their final game of the tour- the 2nd Irish team to play at
nament (their 5th game in 3 this elevated level in the last
days) Railway took on Eng- 30 years. We look forward to
lish champions East Grin- representing Ireland in this
stead knowing that they were prestigious tournament next
assured of at least a silver year. All financial and in-per-
medal. East Grinstead played son support welcome!
an attacking fast game and
Back Row L to R: Holly Jenkinson (Vice Captain), Kate O’Hogan (GK), scored twice to lead 2-0 at Helen Johnston is manager
Sarah Patton, Becky McMullen, Orla Fox (Captain) half time. Railway pressed of the Railway Union Indoor
Front Row L to R: Orla Patton, Lily Lloyd, Alish Long, forward in the 2nd half but Hockey Team.
Kate Woods, Jenny Long (courtesy Railway Union)
n Helen Johnson half through Lily Lloyd and through Becky McMullan and

F
Orla Fox. Goalkeeper Kate Sarah Patton. Clydesdale
resh from retaining their O’Hogan rebuffed Raca at- did manage to get on the
all-Ireland indoor cham- tacks with Railway getting scoresheet before the final
pionship title the Rail- further goals from Orla Pat- hooter but Railway ran out
way Union women’s indoor ton, Sarah Patton and Becky 4-1 winners.
team travelled to Cambrai in McMullen. Raca did get
northern France to compete on the scoresheet with the On the second day of the
in the Eurohockey Indoor match ending Railway Union tournament Railway’s 3rd
Club Trophy from 17th to 19th 5 Raca 1. game was against Zelina
February. This is the 2nd tier from Croatia. Goals from
of the European competition. Railway’s 2nd game was Becky McMullan, Orla Fox Sarah Patton mounting a
against Scottish champions and Sarah Patton put Rail- Railway attack against WAC
In the first match of the tour- Clydesdale. Railway went way 3-0 ahead at half time. In
nament Railway played the ahead in the 1st half with Ail- the 2nd half one of the Croa-
Slovakian champions Raca.
Railway got off to a strong
ish Long and Orla Fox get-
ting the scores. Railway dou-
tian players was red carded
for dangerous play. Despite
Ringsend Sea Scouts Compete
start going 2-0 up in the first bled their lead in the 2nd half being down to 5 players Zeli-
na did manage to get a goal,
in Major Mariner Competition

F
but Railway added further
scores through Ailish Long our Sea Scouts from haven. The following day
and debutant Kate Woods for 1st Port Sea Scouts in they competed with young
Railway to win 5-1. Ringsend attended the people from across Ireland,
annual Sea Scouting Master being tested on topics such
At the end of the pool stages Mariner competition in Cork as seamanship, navigation
Railway had maximum points recently. This took place at and sea survival. The exam-
and topped their pool. They the National Maritime Col- iners included professional
would now play the top 2 in lege of Ireland in Ringaskid- merchant mariners and per-
the other pool (plus carrying dy. This event which has sonnel with experience in the
the points from the Clydes- taken place since 1995,  is Navy, Coast Guard and RNLI
dale game, who finished 2nd for young people between 15 Lifeboats. They got a chance
in their pool). and 26 and is sponsored an- to discuss these experts’ ex-
nually by the Irish Institute of perience and hear about the
The first of the crossover Master Mariners. On the first potential of careers at sea
matches was against Aus- day they got an opportunity to and in connected industries.
trian champions WAC who tour the sea survival facilities While the Ringsend Sea
had a number of Austrian at the National Maritime Col- Scouts didn’t win, they per-
internationals just back from lege as well as visit the Na- formed very well in a tough
the Indoor World Cup in val Base at Haulbowline and field and look forward to next
Lily Lloyd takes on the WAC defence South Africa. Well prepared the lifeboat station at Cross- year’s competition.
 www.newsfour.ie April / May 2023 SPORT Page 37

All Ireland League – Malone 17 Old Wesley 17

n Ken Richardson

O
ld Wesley travelled Wesley eventually got the ing, and the score remained Wesley responded and af- leaving the sides level at full
to Belfast in the hope break after 22 minutes. 10 nil at half time. ter being awarded a penalty time.
of claiming a bonus Awarded a penalty under the kicked to find touch inside the
point win against Malone, posts they refused the goal Despite being down a player, opposition 22. They attacked Old Wesley remains in 5th
who were propping up the kick attempt and instead opt- Malone started the second well off the line-out but once place in the league, but with
table. However the opposi- ed for a scrum. The gamble half a different side, aided again the ball was held up just five matches remaining
tion had not read the script paid off and after some good by the slope of the pitch and and Malone escaped. With in the competition they will
and the match ended up as a carries, scrum half Keith Ka- a stiffening breeze. Wes- just five minutes remaining need a few wins if they are to
game of two halves. vanagh crossed to score un- ley conceded an early pen- Wesley were awarded a pen- challenge for a top four play-
der the posts. Ian Cassidy alty and Malone kicked for alty under the posts. With off spot.
Old Wesley had the better of converted to take a 7-nil lead. a 15-metre line out. They 3 points of no great benefit,
the opening exchanges and Malone had their first scor- failed to score but had clearly they opted for a tap penalty, Scorers: Keith Kavanagh,
indeed went on to dominate ing opportunity just before laid down a marker. The Ul- a brave gamble. There were try; Dom Maclean, try; Ian
territory and possession for the half hour mark, indeed ster side then received a sec- strong carries by a number of Cassidy, 2cons, pen.
all of the first half. Wesley on only their first visit to the ond yellow card but despite players but the Malone de-
had Malone pinned in their Wesley half. But the 40-me- being down to 13 players a fence looked to be in control. Team: Tommy O’Callaghan,
own half for the entire first tre penalty goal attempt was quickly taken penalty led to Just when it looked like the Nathan Randles, Eoin Mo-
quarter. Indeed, much of that wide. Two minutes later Wes- their first try by Dave Shana- attack would come to nought nahan, Eoin Deegan, Ian
time was spent deep in the ley were awarded a penalty han, which he converted him- Dom Maclean found a gap Cassidy, Keith Kavanagh,
Malone 22. However despite from a similar distance and self. Shortly after Shanahan in the defence to crash over Harry Noonan, Howard Noo-
this, after 20 minutes the Cassidy struck the kick per- kicked a penalty goal to level for a try. The conversion was nan, Cronan Gleeson, David
score remained nil all. Wes- fectly to extend the lead to the sides. easy but big pressure. None- Motyer, Iain McGann (capt),
ley got over the line twice but 10 nil. Wesley were awarded theless Cassidy again did the Sam Pim, Will Fay, Reuben
on both occasions were held another close-range penalty Suddenly Malone were call- needful to level the sides. Pim.
up, allowing the opposition to just before half time after a ing the shots and winning
escape with a goal line drop Malone player was shown penalties, and on the hour Malone responded imme- Replacements: Dom Ma-
out. To be fair the Malone a yellow card. This time mark Declan Moore crossed diately from the kick off and clean, Sam Kenny, Brian
defence was solid and they they opted to kick for touch. for another try. Shanahan looked like they might cross Short, Josh O’Hare, Niall
tackled everything that came Again they crossed the line again converted, giving the for a late try however the Finn, David Poff.
their way. but could not get the ground- home side a 7-point lead. Wesley defence held firm

Old Wesley’s David Poff passes inside to Sam Pim in support (Image: Ken Richardson)
 Page 38 SPORTING HISTORY www.newsfour.ie April / May 2023

Harry Duggan: The one

and only right winger
n Gavan Bergin
Part 4 It was a shame that he missed it looked like his days in high

H
out on so much international level football were over for
arry Duggan made his football in his prime. It was club and country.
Republic of Ireland football association politics.
debut against Italy at It wasn’t until the mid-1930s But he wasn’t finished. He
Lansdowne Road on April that things changed some- flourished in his new role as
23rd 1927. And, although he what, when the FA in London captain of Newport. His suc-
was on the losing side in that began to be more accommo- cess there earned him an-
game, he played well and dating to the FAI in Dublin. other international recall to
got a good report in the Irish play for the Republic of Ire- er break into the area, again came and went, as did the
Independent, which praised It was six years before Harry land against Norway at Daly- timing his run to catch a left 87th and 88th minute, with no
his “hard work, splendid played again for the Republic mount Park in Dublin on No- wing cross with a snap-shot goal. Then, in the 89th min-
combination play and clever of Ireland, against Hungary in vember 7th 1937. This wasn’t that was only just kept out, ute, with defeat and despair
tricking.” With Ireland, he Budapest on May 3rd 1936. just any old game; it was the thanks to a top drawer save approaching, Harry ploughed
usually played on the right He was 33 years old at the second leg of a qualification from Norway’s goalkeeper. forward, hurtled into the box,
wing, passing and crossing time but he played like he playoff for the1938 World A minute later, Harry burst got onto the ball and lashed it
and setting up goals for leg- was ten years younger, whiz- Cup finals. Norway had won into the box again and fired into the goal. The equaliser!
endary players such as Joe zing up the wing, leaving de- the first leg in Oslo by 3-2, another fierce strike which Seconds later the final whis-
Bambrick, Billy Gillespie, fenders standing, whipping which meant that Ireland flew just wide of the post. At tle went: Ireland 3, Norway 3.
Bob Fullam and John Joe in crosses for Jimmy Dunne needed to win by at least two that stage, a second score The Republic had missed out
Flood. to knock in. His outstanding goals to go through. It was seemed imminent for Ireland, on the World Cup but they
play was integral to Ireland’s probably the most important they were running the show had refused to be beaten
Jimmy Dunne, the supreme impressive 3-3 draw in that match they had ever played. and the crowd was loving it. and they fought to the end.
Irish goalscorer, thrived on game. And three days later It was also the first time Harry The Evening Herald: said
Harry’s presence in the Ire- against Luxembourg in Lux- had played an international Norway held on and they “Goals are the pearls of foot-
land team and the pair of embourg he was dynamite match in Dublin since 1927. equalised in the 17th minute, ball, and with six for a shilling
them made a great attacking again, helping Dunne score making the score in the tie at Dalymount Park the major-
partnership. Over the years another couple of goals in a From the start Harry seemed 4-3 overall. Ireland needed ity of the crowd went home
Harry and Jimmy linked up 5-1 win which was the Re- unstoppable, breaking down to score two goals to quali- satisfied, though a little sad
brilliantly for the Republic public’s first away win in the right wing, getting to the fy. And then just before the at heart that there will be no
of Ireland, who never lost a more than four years. by-line and sending cross half hour mark, Ireland were World Cup for our boys next
game when they played to- after cross into the box. caught out and in a mat- year. Harry Duggan played
gether. That didn’t happen He had been selected by Ire- He didn’t always stay out ter of seconds Norway had a grand game; he did some
as many times as it should land again when he was in wide, he made Ireland’s first scored again and they were fine shooting and was the
have, because Leeds United the First Division with Leeds chance when he broke from ahead in the tie by 5-3. Ire- most purposeful of the Irish
too often refused to release United. Then he left them to inside-right to hit a shot from land now needed three un- forwards. He made the first
Harry for international duty join Newport County of the the edge of the box that was answered goals, yet still their goal in the 10th minute, went
with the Republic of Ireland. Third Division. At that stage blocked by a defender. Then, heads didn’t drop. But four near equalising with a great
in the 10th minute, he made minutes into the second half drive just after Norway went
a lightning fast run down the the Irish defence slipped up ahead and scored a grand
right wing and into the pen- and Norway scored again, third goal to equalise in the
alty area, where he met an making the match score 3-1. 89th minute.”
incoming cross from the left That goal left Ireland’s quali-
and, with a leap and a flick fication hopes hanging by a That was a good review for
of his head, he sent the ball thread. They were down but Harry. And the match turned
back into the box for Jimmy not out - the tie might be lost out to be the last of his inter-
Dunne, who headed it into but the match was not. national appearances.
the goal. Goal for Ireland!
That made the score 3-3 on Harry and the other forwards A couple of years later, Harry
aggregate. kept hammering away at retired from playing. He fin-
Norway, and just after the ished his career at Newport,
The crowd exploded with hour they forced the door and then he moved back to
cheering and they roared the open a little with a goal by his adopted home of Leeds
Irish team to the heavens. O’Flanagan to make it 3-2! and spent the rest of his life
And there was no easing up For the next thirty minutes there. He was often wel-
now from Harry. He went on they were relentless in attack comed back to Elland Road,
leading his marker a merry as they searched for goals to where generations of Leeds
When United won promotion in 1931/32 each player dance by moving from the save the day. But with each United supporters remem-
was awarded a watch by the club. This one was wing to inside-right and back second defeat loomed larger bered him as ‘the one and
given to Harry Duggan. (The Duggan Family) again. Then he made anoth- and closer. The 86th minute only right winger.’
www.newsfour.ie April / May 2023 Page 39

Photos by Rose Sunderland

DUNNE, ANNIE
2nd Anniversary
IN LOVING MEMORY OF ANNIE

The curious nut-hunter

End of a day’s rowing

“In Life, we loved you dearly

In death, we love you still.
In our hearts you hold a place
That no one else can fill.”

Sadly missed by loving sons Alan and

Karl, loving daughter Karen, son-in-law,
daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and
special friend Pat.

Liffey Life
Planting for the future

“I’m a councillor get me out of here!”

Cllr Dermot Lacey on set of ‘I’m a Celebrity’ in Wales